Abstract
A pressure-sensitive relief panel for screened enclosures of swimming pools, spas or patios is disclosed. By securing the panels with a pressure release system the structure and panels can remain intact year round. If a weather event occurs either with or without warning the panels will automatically provide relief from loads or forces imposed by the event that could cause damage or even collapse of the structure.
Claims
1. A structure comprising: a truss structure carrying a roof panel; said roof panel pivotally coupled to said truss structure; a load sensitive coupling mechanism to couple said roof panel and said truss structure, said load sensitive coupling mechanism responsively allowing said roof panel to pivot from a first, panel closed position, downwardly to a second, panel open position. in response to a predetermined load applied against an upper surface of said roof panel.
2. A structure according to claim 1, said structure further comprising a plurality of roof panels coupled across a length and a width of said truss system.
3. A structure according to claim 1, said load sensitive coupling mechanism comprising a magnet releasably coupling said roof panel and said truss structure.
4. A structure according to claim 3, said predetermined load comprising at least 3 pounds per square foot.
5. A structure according to claim 3, said predetermined load comprising at least 5 pounds per square foot.
6. A structure according to claim 1, said load sensitive coupling mechanism comprising a hook and loop system releasably coupling said roof panel and said truss structure.
7. A structure according to claim 1, said load sensitive coupling mechanism comprising a spring releasably coupling said roof panel and said truss structure.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the roof panels of the present invention;
(2) FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of roof panels of the present invention carried by a truss structure;
(3) FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
(4) FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 carrying a snow load;
(5) FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4, the roof panel pivoting under the weight of the carried load;
(6) FIG. 6 is a close-up view of a gimbal mount structure for opening and closing the roof panel;
(7) FIG. 7 is a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of a closure mechanism for the roof panel;
(8) FIG. 8 is a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of a closure mechanism for the roof panel
(9) FIG. 9 is an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a pressure release against a wind uplift force.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
(10) Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
(11) Referring now to FIG. 1, a top perspective view of a roof panel system 10 of the present invention is shown. A roof panel system 10 cart be free-standing or coupled to a house for instance to be a three-season room or a swimming pool enclosure, as is known in the art. A truss structure 1 comprising horizontal members 40, rafters 42, ridge beams 44, second horizontal members 46 and vertical members 52 are installed to create a screen room structure skeleton. Panels 50, comprising a screen 48 and screen frame 2, are fabricated to closely fit between the rafters 42 but have adequate clearance not to contact the rafters 42. Angles 3 are attached to the second horizontal members 46 to limit the panel from extending past the plane of the truss structure 1.
(12) Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of roof panel system 10 of the present invention carried by a truss structure 1 is shown. Panels 50, comprising a screen 48 and screen frame 2, are attached to the truss structure 1 by hinge or hinges 4. Magnetic pads or strips 5 are attached to the face of the limiting angle 3 and to the matching face of the panels 50. Magnetic pads or strips 5 can be eliminated on one face of the panels 50 or limiting angle 3 by substituting a ferrous surface opposite the magnet 5 for bond. Weather stripping 6 is attached to reduce infiltration of insects and debris in areas where there is not a seal between the magnet 5 and the limiting angle 3.
(13) In a preferred embodiment, a latch or handle 12 can be provided coupled to a convenient location such as an underside of panels 50. Latch 12 can be used to manipulate panels 50 open or closed as desired.
(14) In a preferred embodiment, panels 50 are sized to fit in length and width between the main rafters 42. The area of individual panels 50 are used to calculate the strength of magnetic bond required of magnets 5 for the applied load. The magnetic, bond is preferably designed to adequately restrain the panels 50 in the secured position during periods of normal weather conditions and allow the panels 50 to release from the secured position when applied loads due to weather conditions exceed design capacity (see, e.g., FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). For example, in a preferred embodiment, the panels 50 may be designed to have the panels 50 release once the applied load reaches 3 psf (pounds per square foot), but cart be in excess of 5 psf if desired. For exemplary purposes, at a 5 psf design capacity, if a panel measures 78 (56 sq. ft.) the total design load is 280 lbs. with of the weight supported by the hinges and the weight supported by the magnets. The panel in this example would preferably require 140 lbs. of magnetic resistance force from the sum of magnets 5 for a particular panel 50 to meet the design parameters. If the applied load should exceed the design parameters, the panel 50 is allowed to pivot open (see, FIG. 5).
(15) The panels 50 are attached by hinge(s) 4 to the truss structure 1 and are swung into position in plane with the truss structure 1 engaging the magnets 5 to retain the panels 50 in place. Panels 50 may remain in place year-round, only disengaging from their magnetic bond when loading exceeds designed release pressure.
(16) Referring now to FIG. 6 a close-up view of an alternate embodiment, a gimbal mount structure for opening and closing the panels 50. The magnetic catch system 5 can be augmented by mounting the magnet 5 to the panels 50 or limiting angle 3 utilizing a spring 14 to allow the magnet 5 to gimbal in making contact with the opposing magnet or ferrous surface 5 of panel 50. A. machine bolt or pin 16 carries a spring 14 (preferably conical) which allows magnet 5 to gimbal. In a preferred embodiment, a hole for the machine bolt 16 is oversized (which allows for conical spring 14) allowing the magnet 5 to pivot in any direction to maintain flat contact with the opposing (magnet or ferrous) surface of panel 50. Spring 14 is preferably attached to angle 3 with a ferrous plate 18 removably coupled with attached an upper surface of panel 50.
(17) Referring now to FIG. 7 a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of a closure mechanism for the roof panel is shown. In this embodiment, a hook and loop type fastener 30 is used in place of or in addition to magnet 5.
(18) Referring now to FIG. 8 a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of a closure mechanism for the panel 50 is shown. In this embodiment, a mechanical fastener comprising a spring 34 carried by angle 3, and catch 32 carried by panel 50 is supplied, with frictional forces maintaining the panel 50 in open or closed condition, again configured to sustain a predetermined load.
(19) Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown, with the system 10 designed to swing open upwardly, for instance to release against a wind uplift force. An uplift design for hurricane or tornado prone areas could be employed.
(20) The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
