Hurricane panel

Abstract

A hurricane panel configured to cover a building opening that is made of a geocomposite having an impermeable core and surrounded by both sides with batting, and anchoring means for attachment to a building.

Description

PRIOR RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to 60 / 954,567 (incorporated by reference in its entirety) filed Aug. 7, 2007.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH STATEMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0004]The invention relates to flexible panels that can be used to protect structures from hurricane and wind damage.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]During hurricanes and other high wind storms, windows are often damaged, and the breach can cause great damage to the structure. Hurricane shutters are often used to protect building openings from the hazards of wind-blown debris and pressure changes. These are usually made from a rigid material, such as aluminum, wood and sometimes plastic. However, shutters are expensive, cumbersome and heavy. Plywood is inexpensive and is often used as a window covering during storms. But, although inexpensive, plywood is not durable, is awkward to store, difficult to put up, an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]The panel can be mounted directly to the building using readily available hardware, such as nails, bolts, hooks, screws, tapons, washers, clamps and the like, and as appropriate for the building construction. Alternatively, the panel can be attached with an attachment strip that allows fewer direct attachments to the building and spreads the load. A deflection limiter can be attached under the panel to limit the deflection caused by a hurricane-blown missile. The attachment strip and deflection limiter are preferably aluminum for lightweight strength and resistance to corrosion, however, other materials can be used, including sufficiently strong plastic or resin, iron, wood, metals, and the like. In one embodiment, the attachment strip can be affixed to the geocomposite membrane, and if so it is preferred that the strips be of shorter length with some space between strips so as to allow for easy folding of the panel during storage.

[0018]The panel is light, can be rolled up or folded, stored easily, and used multiple times. If desired, permanent yet discreet fasteners can be added to the house, allowing quick set up after the first use. For example, a hook or eye bolt is added to the house, and short stretchy cords (such as a bungy cord) can be used to hold the panel. Alternatively, a bolt can be added to the house, and the panel fitted over the bolt and a nut used to fasten the panel. In yet another alternative, a releasable clamp can be added to the house, that in the open position allows easy mounting of the panel, but when closed tightens the panel across the opening.

[0019]Our testing shows that the panel can take multiple hits from hurricane-blown missiles with no damage. Another benefit is that the panel is impermeable to wind and water.

Problems solved by technology

During hurricanes and other high wind storms, windows are often damaged, and the breach can cause great damage to the structure.

However, shutters are expensive, cumbersome and heavy.

But, although inexpensive, plywood is not durable, is awkward to store, difficult to put up, and does not provide optimal protection.

However, the roller bar is difficult to fabricate and subject to jamming.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,039, U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,639, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,250 by WAYNE DALTON™ describe a curtain system covering an opening in a building, but again the window attachment mechanism is cumbersome.

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