Storm shutter bracket and attachment system

Abstract

A storm shutter attachment system that provides for the temporary installation of a storm shutter against a window or a door during a period of extreme weather conditions, such as a hurricane or a tornado. The storm shutter utilizes an anchor pin and a retention pin to securely install within a building and exert a force against a storm shutter. A plurality of anchor pins and retention pins may be used to displace the pressure across the storm shutter, further protecting the window or door. A multipurpose tool is also provided that is couplable to the retention pin of the attachment system, allowing for a simple installation of the attachment system without requiring a professional.

Claims

1. A method of securing a storm shutter adjacent to a building, the method comprising the steps of: disposing an elongated shaft of a first pin within a pre-drilled hole in a building wall or a window jamb, the pre-drilled hole having a center longitudinal axis parallel with respect to a surface of a window, the first pin including an aperture having a center axis perpendicular to the elongated shaft; inserting a second pin within the aperture, such that the second pin axially translates along the center axis of the aperture; and engaging a storm shutter with the second pin, such that the second pin secures the storm shutter over the window.

2. The method of securing the storm shutter of claim 1, further comprising the step of: rotating the second pin with respect to the first pin, such that a second ridge disposed on an outer surface of the second pin engages with a first ridge disposed on an inner surface of the aperture, thereby securing the second pin against the first pin; wherein the retention pin is adjustably disposed within the through-hole, with the outer surface of the retention pin mating with the inner surface of the through-hole, allowing the retention pin to move linearly within the through-hole along the second center axis.

3. The storm shutter attachment system of claim 1, further comprising the step of: adjusting the orientation of the second pin by rotating the first pin within the pre-drilled hole, such that a center axis of the second pin is oriented substantially perpendicular with respect to the storm shutter over the window.

4. The storm shutter attachment system of claim 3, further comprising the step of: coupling a multipurpose tool with the second pin to linearly translate the second pin along the center axis of the second pin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a storm shutter attachment system, including a plurality of storm shutter brackets employed on an exterior of a building, to secure at least one of an inner storm shutter and an outer storm shutter adjacent to a window.

(3) FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a storm shutter bracket, showing the coupling relationship between the anchor pin and the retention pin.

(4) FIG. 2B is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the retention pin.

(5) FIG. 2C is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the anchor pin.

(6) FIG. 3A is a top view of a storm shutter bracket used to retain an inner storm shutter and an outer storm shutter against a window and a building, respectively.

(7) FIG. 3B is a top view of a storm shutter bracket used to retain an inner storm shutter against a window.

(8) FIG. 3C is a top view of a storm shutter bracket used to retain an outer storm shutter against a building.

(9) FIG. 4 is a section view of a multipurpose tool operably configured for use with a storm shutter bracket.

(10) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a kit including a plurality of storm shutter brackets and a multipurpose tool, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

(12) As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(13) The present invention includes a storm shutter bracket used to secure a storm shutter against a window, door, or other building opening, particularly during periods of extreme weather conditions, such as a hurricane or a tornado. Rather than installing a permanent storm shutter system, the storm shutter bracket of the present invention is detachably coupled to the building, such that it can be removed during periods of non-use. Moreover, rather than using clips that are difficult to install and remove, and that often dislodge during a storm, the storm shutter bracket is anchored into the building, providing sufficient stability to apply pressure against a storm shutter. The storm shutter bracket may be used on storm shutters made from a variety of materials, such as plywood, corrugated steel, aluminum, rubber, polyurethane, vinyl, fabric, hybrids, and other materials that may form a barrier between a window and extreme weather conditions.

(14) As shown in FIG. 1, storm shutter bracket 100 includes anchor pin 110, which includes elongated shaft 105. Anchor pin 110 is installed into a pre-drilled hole within building wall 150 or window jamb 155 by inserting elongated shaft 105 within building wall 150, either on the exterior or the interior of a building. For example, in one embodiment, anchor pin 110 is installed into window jamb 155 on the exterior of building wall 150. However, anchor pin 110 may be installed elsewhere on the exterior of building wall 150. Alternatively, anchor pin 110 may be installed on the interior of building wall 150 into concrete, brick, wood, drywall, or other material, particularly when an exterior surface is unreachable, such as in a high-rise apartment building.

(15) In order to facilitate the installation of elongated shaft 105 within building wall 150, anchor pin 110 includes head portion 115 coupled to elongated shaft 105. Head portion 115 couples to elongated shaft 105 via welding, threading, or other retention means. Head portion 115 may be hexagonal in shape to allow for the attachment of a wrench or other tool. Alternatively, head portion 115 may include a tool attachment point that may be a slot, cross, Phillips, square, hex, star, knob, or other shape that allows for the attachment of a tool to install anchor pin 110 in building wall 150. By providing for a fitting for a tool, head portion 115 allows for elongated shaft 105 to be anchored in building wall 150 with a tight fit, substantially preventing moisture, dirt, and insects from entering building wall 150. To further facilitate installation, an embodiment of elongated shaft 105 is threaded to allow for a tight connection with building wall 150. In an alternative embodiment, elongated shaft 105 is smooth, allowing elongated shaft 105 to be securely, retained within building wall 150 without screwing into building wall 150. Moreover, if elongated shaft 105 is smooth, a user can easily rotate elongated shaft 105 to remove storm shutter bracket 100 from building wall 150. As such, if elongated shaft 105 is smooth, anchor pin 110 rotationally resides within a pre-drilled hole within building wall 150 or window jamb 155. An embodiment of elongated shaft 105 is installed into a sleeve disposed within building wall 150, such as a metal or plastic wall anchor. The sleeve may be permanently installed within a drilled hole in building wall 150 to further prevent moisture and debris from entering building wall 150. A plug may be used to further protect the drilled holes in building wall 150 when the elongated shaft 105 is not in use.

(16) Storm shutter bracket 100 is formed when retention pin 120 mates with anchor pin 110 at head portion 115, forming a substantially 90° angle (±10°). Since anchor pin 110 rotationally resides within building wall 150 or window jamb 155, the orientation of anchor pin 110 dictates the orientation of retention pin 120. Retention pin 120 is adapted to exert a force in the direction of its center axis on inner storm shutter 170 when storm shutter bracket 100 is formed. Thus, by rotating anchor pin 110, the user can adjust the direction of the force vector being applied by retention pin 120 onto inner storm shutter 170.

(17) An embodiment of retention pin 120 includes attachment head 125 and tool driver coupling portion 130. Attachment head 125 is adapted to exert a force against inner storm shutter 170, thereby immobilizing inner storm shutter 170. In an embodiment, attachment head 125 is planar and is disposed adjacent to inner storm shutter 170 while in use, without being inserted within inner storm shutter 170. Tool driver coupling portion 130 is adapted to translate retention pin 120 with respect to anchor pin 110 by allowing for a tool to mate with retention pin 120.

(18) In one embodiment, storm shutter bracket 100 may be used to secure outer storm shutter 180 against an exterior surface of building wall 150. In this embodiment, outer storm shutter 180 includes a hole having a diameter larger than a diameter of retention pin 120. Outer storm shutter 180 is immobilized with respect to retention pin 120 when retention pin 120 passes through the hole. The tight seal that is created a prevents moisture, debris, and insects from penetrating through outer storm shutter 180.

(19) As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of storm shutter brackets 100 may be used to secure inner storm shutter 170 against window 160. To remove the force applied normal to window 160, an embodiment utilizes at least four storm shutter brackets 100. Other multiples of storm shutter brackets 100 may be used, so long as inner storm shutter 170 is secured against window 160. In an alternative embodiment, storm shutter brackets 100 secure outer storm shutter 180 against an exterior surface of building wall 150. Storm shutter brackets 100 may also be used to secure both inner storm shutter 170 and outer storm shutter 180 against building wall 150.

(20) FIG. 2A depicts an embodiment of storm shutter bracket 200 in detail, including anchor pin 210 and retention pin 220. Elongated shaft 205, which may be installed within building wall 250, is shown as coupled to head portion 215 via threading. Elongated shaft 205 and head portion 215 may alternatively be welded together, or may form a solid and continuous body. Anchor pin 210 includes through-hole 240, which is disposed within head portion 215. Through-hole 240 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2C. In alternative embodiments, through-hole 240 may be disposed within elongated shaft 205, or multiple through-holes 240 may be disposed within anchor pin 210. Through-hole 240 includes an inner surface and a center axis. A first ridge is disposed on the inner surface of through-hole 240. The first ridge may be a first thread.

(21) Retention pin 220 mates with anchor pin 210 by inserting retention pin 220 through through-hole 240, as shown in FIG. 2A. The outer surface of retention pin 220 includes a second ridge. The second ridge engages the first ridge of through-hole 240. If the first ridge is a first thread, the second ridge is a second thread that is complementary. When the second ridge engages the first ridge, retention pin 220 is immobilized against axial movement along the center axis of through-hole 240 in at least a first axial direction. Retention pin 220 is configured to be rotated about its center axis. When the center axis of retention pin 220 aligns with the center axis of through-hole 240, retention pin 220 moves axially along the axes. As such, retention pin 220 may be rotated and translated to engage a storm shutter, applying a force onto the surface of the storm shutter that has sufficient magnitude to immobilize the storm shutter. Attachment head 225 of retention pin 220 may include male component 245, as shown in FIG. 2B, to be inserted within the storm shutter, further immobilizing the storm shutter. The orientation of through-hole 240 dictates the orientation of retention pin 220, because anchor pin 210 rotationally resides within a pre-drilled hole in a building wall or window jamb. By rotating anchor pin 210, a user can change the orientation of through-hole 240, thereby adjusting the direction of the force vector being applied by retention pin 220 a storm shutter.

(22) To facilitate the translation of retention pin 220 with respect to anchor pin 210, retention pin 220 includes driver attachment 235 on tool driver coupling portion 230. By connecting a corresponding tool to driver attachment 235, attachment head 225 may be translated toward and away from inner storm shutter 170, as depicted in FIG. 1. Driver attachment 235 is shown as a slot which can receive a flat screwdriver bit. Driver attachment 235 may alternatively be a cross, Phillips, hex, star, knob, combination, or other drive attachment that allows for a tool to translate retention pin 220.

(23) FIG. 3A depicts an embodiment of a storm shutter attachment system utilizing storm shutter bracket 300 to install inner storm shutter 370 and outer storm shutter 380. Storm shutter bracket 300 includes anchor pin 310, with elongated shaft 305 of anchor pin 310 rotationally residing within building wall 350. Anchor pin 310 includes head portion 315 disposed to receive retention pin 320 through a though-hole. Retention pin 320 is shown having a first thread disposed between attachment head 325 and driver attachment 335.

(24) To facilitate the installation of outer storm shutter 380, an embodiment of storm shutter bracket 300 includes nut 345 disposed on retention pin 320. Nut 345 includes a second thread disposed on an inner surface thereof, which is configured to screw-threadedly mate with a first thread on retention pin 320. In FIG. 3A, nut 345 is depicted as a wingnut; however, it is appreciated that other types of nuts may be used, alone or in combination with washers, to secure against outer storm shutter 380. While FIG. 3A depicts the use of a singular nut 345 disposed against an exterior surface of outer storm shutter 380, multiple nuts 345 may be used to secure outer storm shutter 380 against an exterior surface of building 350. Alternatively, nut 345 may be disposed against an interior surface of outer storm shutter 380. FIG. 3B shows the installation of just inner storm shutter 370. Similarly, FIG. 3C shows the installation of just outer storm shutter 380.

(25) An embodiment of a storm shutter attachment system includes multipurpose tool 400, as depicted in FIG. 4. Multipurpose tool 400 is adapted to perform at least two functions. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, multipurpose tool 400 includes threading 410. As such, multipurpose tool 400 may function as a nut, coupling to a threaded bolt to translate the bolt. FIG. 4 also depicts multipurpose tool 400 including driver 420, which is shown as a flathead driver bit. In an embodiment, handles 430 are disposed between threading 410 and driver 420. Handles 430 provide torque to utilize multipurpose tool 400 to manipulate a storm shutter bracket in a shutter attachment system.

(26) Multipurpose tool 400 is operably configured to couple to a storm shutter bracket, such as storm shutter bracket 300 (as shown in FIG. 3). As such, multipurpose tool 400 is adapted to couple to driver attachment 335 of retention pin 320 to translate retention pin 320 with respect to anchor pin 310. Because driver attachment 335 is depicted as being a slot, multipurpose tool 400 includes flathead driver 420. Similarly, because retention pin 320 is depicted as being threaded, multipurpose tool 400 includes threading 410. Multipurpose tool 400 can be used as a nut by engaging threading 410 with retention pin 320. As such, multipurpose tool 400 can replace nut 345 to secure retention pin 320 against outer storm shutter 380. Conversely, the side of multipurpose tool 400 including flathead driver 420 is substantially smooth and is not threaded. Accordingly, flathead driver 420 can couple with driver attachment 335 without engaging with the threading on retention pin 320. Depending on the shape of driver attachment 335 and the configuration of retention pin 310, embodiments of multipurpose tool 400 include a variety of drivers and configurations, such as a cross, Phillips, square, hex, star, knob, or a combination driver bit.

(27) FIG. 5 depicts storm shutter attachment kit 500, which includes at least one storm shutter bracket 505a, having anchor pin 510a and retention pin 520a. Kit 500 also includes multipurpose tool 550 adapted to retention pin 520a with respect to anchor pin 510a. As shown in FIG. 5, an embodiment of storm shutter attachment kit 500 includes a plurality of storm shutter brackets 505a, 505b, 505c, 505d, each of which includes an anchor pin and a retention pin. Accordingly, storm shutter bracket kit 500 provides all of the component parts necessary to secure a storm shutter against a window or a door of a building, without the need to separately locate the component parts. Further, since multipurpose tool 550 is operably configured to couple to the retention pins of storm shutter brackets 505a, 505b, 505c, 505d, a separate tool is not needed to install storm shutters, thereby preparing a building for a period of extreme weather conditions.

Glossary of Claim Terms

(28) Retention pin: is a pin that may be translated with respect to an anchor pin.

(29) Anchor pin: is a pin that may be installed in a surface, such as a building, door frame, or window jamb.

(30) Through-hole: is an opening or through-bore.

(31) Multipurpose tool: is a tool that is capable of at least two functions via different attachment ends.

(32) Opposite: being on other ends of a structure.

(33) Pin: is a bolt, screw, or other structure having a shaft.

(34) Storm shutter: is a piece of material that may be installed over a window, door, or other opening on a building, particularly during periods of extreme weather conditions.

(35) Storm shutter bracket: is a structure that is adapted to retain a storm shutter adjacent to a building.

(36) All referenced publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

(37) While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate disclosure of the invention, Applicant in no way disclaims these technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the claimed invention may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

(38) The present invention may address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of the prior art discussed above. However, it is contemplated that the invention may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the claimed invention should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein.

(39) In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge, or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

(40) The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

(41) It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.