U.S. patent application number 12/369897 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-12 for home saver storm shield.
Invention is credited to Stanley J. Checketts.
Application Number | 20100199578 12/369897 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42539204 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100199578 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Checketts; Stanley J. |
August 12, 2010 |
HOME SAVER STORM SHIELD
Abstract
The storm shield relates to a deck or platform adjacent to a
structure that can be elevated up to a vertical position that will
resist high winds and air-borne debris that occur during severe
storm events, particularly hurricanes and tornados. The storm
shield will protect structures, including but not limited to
residential dwellings garages, commercial, and industrial
structures. This storm shield additionally provides a means whereby
occupants can enclose the most vulnerable, full side of a structure
for extended periods of time when it has to be left vacant.
Inventors: |
Checketts; Stanley J.;
(Providence, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RICHARD D. CLARKE;LAW OFFICE OF RICHARD D. CLARKE
3755 AVOCADO BLVD., #1000
LA MESA
CA
91941-7301
US
|
Family ID: |
42539204 |
Appl. No.: |
12/369897 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/202 ;
52/741.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 9/14 20130101; Y02A
50/00 20180101; Y02A 50/14 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/202 ;
52/741.3 |
International
Class: |
E04H 9/14 20060101
E04H009/14 |
Claims
1. A storm shield assembly for a structure with a lower edge and an
upper edge comprising: (a) a platform including at least a first
edge parallel to the structure and a second edge parallel to the
structure, a first edge perpendicular to the structure and a second
edge perpendicular to the structure and at least one or more joists
wherein the at least one or more joists join the first parallel
edge to the second parallel edge across the width of the platform;
(b) a side wall extension perpendicular to the first perpendicular
edge of the platform, the second perpendicular edge of the platform
and the second parallel edge of the platform wherein the sidewall
extension encloses the side of the structure when the platform is
in the vertical position; (c) an axle assembly hingedly connecting
the first parallel edge to lower edge of the structure; (d) at
least one winch and cable assembly connecting the second parallel
edge of the platform to the upper edge of the structure; (e) a
control mechanism to operate the winch and cable assemblies;
whereby a user may operate the control mechanism to raise and lower
the storm shield from a horizontal to a vertical position.
2. The storm shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one winch and cable assemblies comprises two winch and cable
assemblies.
3. The storm shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
winch and cable assemblies are mounted on the ground.
4. The storm shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
winch and cable assemblies are mounted on the platform.
5. The storm shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
winch and cable assemblies are mounted on the structure.
6. The storm shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the axle
assembly is a hinge.
7. The storm shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the axle
assembly is a geared axle.
8. The storm shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
platform rests on the ground in the horizontal position.
9. The storm shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
platform rests on at least one pilings in the horizontal
position.
10. The storm shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
platform joists are constructed of natural materials including
wood.
11. The storm shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
platform joists are constructed of synthetic materials including
metal.
12. The storm shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
sidewall extensions include openings to allow access to a
stair.
13. The storm shield assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
sidewall extensions on the perpendicular edges further comprise a
location mating with a correspondingly shaped location in the
structure wherein a locking pin could further secure the platform
in the vertical position.
14. A method of making a storm shield assembly for a structure
comprising of: providing (a) a platform including at least a first
edge parallel to the structure and a second edge parallel to the
structure, a first edge perpendicular to the structure and a second
edge perpendicular to the structure and at least one or more joists
wherein the at least one or more joists join the first parallel
edge to the second parallel edge across the width of the platform;
(b) a side wall extension perpendicular to the first perpendicular
edge of the platform, the second perpendicular edge of the platform
and the second parallel edge of the platform wherein the sidewall
extension encloses the side of the structure when the platform is
in the vertical position; (c) an axle assembly hingedly connecting
the first parallel edge to lower edge of the structure; (d) at
least one winch and cable assembly connecting the second parallel
edge of the platform to the upper edge of the structure; (e) a
control mechanism to operate the winch and cable assemblies.
15. The method of making a storm shield assembly according to claim
14, further comprising the step of providing a wooden joist.
16. The method of making a storm shield assembly according to claim
14, further comprising the step of providing a metal joist.
17. The method of making a storm shield assembly according to claim
14, further comprising the step of providing the sidewall
extensions on the perpendicular edges with a location mating with a
correspondingly shaped location in the structure wherein a locking
pin could further secure the platform in the vertical position.
18. The method of making a storm shield assembly according to claim
14, further comprising the step of providing pilings for the
platform to rest on when in the horizontal position.
19. The method of making a storm shield assembly according to claim
14, further comprising the step of providing openings in the
sidewall extensions to allow access to a stair.
20. The method of making a storm shield assembly according to claim
14, further comprising the step of providing openings in the
sidewall extensions to allow access to a lower platform.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The storm shield relates to a deck or platform adjacent to a
structure that can be elevated up to a vertical position that will
resist high winds and air-borne debris that occur during severe
storm events, particularly hurricanes and tornados. The storm
shield will protect structures, including but not limited to
residential dwellings, garages, commercial, and industrial
structures. This storm shield additionally provides a means whereby
occupants can enclose the most vulnerable, full side of a structure
for extended periods of time when it has to be left vacant.
Vandalism often occurs to vacant beachfront homes especially when
they are in remote areas or in areas where many of the houses or
apartments are rented to those young people on spring break.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Storms such as hurricanes and tornados occur in the United
States and throughout the world on a regular basis, destroying all
types of buildings, vehicles and boats. Wind speed in hurricanes
can exceed 180 miles per hour and wind speed in tornadoes can
exceed 300 miles per hour. Most structures are not constructed to
withstand such wind speeds indicated by the mass destruction on the
east and gulf coasts of the United States occurring yearly. It has
become increasingly desirable to have a beach house with glass
windows and doors facing the ocean where people can enjoy the
outstanding view, but ignoring the impending dangers. When storms
are predicted there is a mass surge for people to purchase plywood
to cover their vulnerable windows and doors. These endeavors are
often futile due to the limited areas covered and the flat sheets
of plywood are generally just nailed to the existing structure.
This procedure damages the exterior and does not give the
structural framework required to adequately resist a severe
windstorm. Often the plywood can come off during the windstorm, and
do additional damage to the structure. Many times the occupants
have left the area during that time of year and cannot get back to
protect their dwelling due to the mandatory evacuation of the storm
affected areas. The effect of winterizing or effectively protecting
structures has generally been accomplished by purchasing heavy
storm windows and doors, this practice is somewhat effective but it
limits the size and amount of glass areas that can be used facing
the desirable views in the beachfront areas and does not protect
the rest of the structure.
[0003] The storm shield can be used on a variety of different
designs of structures but most effectively on one and two story
structures with large areas of glass windows and doors on one side.
In temperate climates, it is very popular to have multiple sliding
doors that open up the entire wall areas. With a great span of
glass on single walls of a structure, additional windows on the
remaining walls can be minimized. This document does not endeavor
to design specific structures, but dwells on the unique capability
of having one or more extended decks or platforms that can be
elevated to a position to enclose the sidewalls of structures,
thereby protecting a side or all sides of a structure.
[0004] Numerous innovations for weather protection have been
provided in the prior art described as follows. Even though these
innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to
which they address, they differ from the present application as
hereinafter contrasted. The following is a summary of those prior
art patents most relevant to the storm shield, as well a
description outlining the difference between the features of the
present design and those of the prior art.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,018 of Henry S. Szwartz describes an
awning that extends from a wall of a garage over the top of the
doorway to the garage. A plurality of storm door sections are
hingedly affixed to each other vertically and slidably mounted in
guide tracks beneath the awning for positioning in a plane parallel
to the wall of the garage. A plurality of screen sections are
hingedly affixed to each other horizontally and slidably mounted in
additional guide tracks beneath the awning for positioning in a
plane parallel to the wall of the garage.
[0006] This invention describes a storm door and screen combination
for a garage but does not do with anything that could be used to
cover the entire side of a structure and also used as a deck or
platform.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,198 of Thomas J. Netti describes a storm
unit for installation in an existing window system to provide for
greater insulation and weather protection. The unit includes a pair
of side rails for replacing the existing inside stops of the
window. The rails have a pair of parallel, vertically extended
grooves formed therein into which are buckled deformable,
transparent panels whereby the panels can be raised and lowered.
The top and bottom edge of each panel has a horizontally extended
cap secured thereto. When the panels are closed against the window
frame, the bottom cap of the upper panel is horizontally aligned
with the upper cap of the lower panel. A weather tight seal is
provided that is capable of sealing the region between the adjacent
faces of the two aligned caps when the panels are placed in a
closed position.
[0008] This patent describes a storm unit for existing windows only
and does not cover the full side of the structure. It could not be
used as a single unit to enclose the structure when it was left
vacant.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,238 of Randall M. Fenkell describes a
storm shutter for protecting glass windows and doors that employs
one or more transparent unbreakable panels having edges effectively
increased in thickness to be retained in respective tracks in the
shutter frame, the track having openings narrower than the
thickened panel edges. To accommodate different coefficients of
thermal expansion for the panel and frame, the track
cross-sectional area is considerably larger than the thickened
panel edge, yet the narrowed track opening retains the thickened
edges, even if the panel is bowed by applied forces. Edge
thickening may be affected by securing strips of the panel material
along the panel edges. The shutter frame is pivotably mounted on a
casing, and a retainer is slidable on the casing to lock or release
the frame for pivoting relative to the casing. If the panel is
movable along its tracks, a motor has a drive shaft fixed to the
casing and about which support strips are wound to pull on the
panel. The panel is biased away from the drive shaft to move the
panel when the support strips are slack. Pivot pins, each having a
ring at one end journaled about the drive shaft, are secured in the
frame tracks to permit the frame to be selectively pivoted. For
protecting a fixed pane door or window, the shutter casing is
secured directly to the window or doorframe.
[0010] This patent describes a storm shutter for protecting glass
windows and doors but does not cover the full side of the
structure.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,666 of Harold Flack II et al. describes
a window storm shield and guard assembly installable to fit within
the jamb of a building window, or to fit onto the face of the
building surrounding the jamb, the assembly, functioning both as a
storm barrier to protect the window from strong winds and
wind-borne debris, and as a security barrier to deter an intruder
from entering the building through the window. The main components
of the assembly are a main frame defining a rectangular socket, and
a barrier frame that is normally nested in the socket and supports
a perforated metal barrier panel that reduces, but does not block
the passage of light and the flow of air through the panel. The
barrier frame is hinged at its upper end to the corresponding end
of the main frame, and at its lower end, the barrier frame is
latched internally to the corresponding end of the main frame. In
the closed mode of the assembly in which the barrier frame is
nested in the main frame and is latched thereto, the window is then
fully protected. In the open mode of the assembly in which the
barrier frame is unlatched and swung up to assume a horizontal
position affording emergency access to the window, the barrier
frame is then maintained in this position by a pair of cylindrical
gas springs, each spring extending between one side of the barrier
frame and the corresponding side of the main frame.
[0012] This patent describes another window shield and guard
assembly that protects only specific areas of the structure, but
does not protect the entire side of the structure.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,449 of Robert J. Alderman describes a
method for providing a roof structure of the type having a
plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel
arrangement is disclosed. A first section of the roof structure,
which includes purlins, a support sheet, insulation material, and
hard roofing material, is completed. A carriage is then moved in a
first direction along the length of the purlins and away from the
first section of the roof structure to define a gap between the
completed first section and the carriage. The movement of the
carriage pays out a support sheet from the carriage so that the
support sheet depends from adjacent purlins in the gap. A wind
barrier, which is in a generally horizontal position to prevent
wind from blowing vertically through the gap, is provided, thereby
hindering wind disturbance of the support sheet.
[0014] This patent describes wind protection for paying out an
insulation support sheet on a roof structure. It could not be used
for a deck or platform and does not elevate to a vertical position
to protect the side of the structure, and cannot be mounted
vertically along a wall.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,975 of J. Parr Wiegel describes one
system of mobile home (or other structure) wind protection includes
a channel below ground level around the structure, the channel
including a lid around its perimeter adapted to open and close.
Tie-down anchor bolts are spaced along the channel around the
structure. Tie-down cables extend from the roof of the structure
into the channel, each cable being removably connected to one of
the anchor bolts. A storm shield secured to the tie-down cables
likewise extends from the roof of the structure and into the
channel below ground level. Another system includes a storage
channel below ground level on one side of the structure, with
ground anchors spaced along it supporting a ratcheted cable windup
mechanism below ground level, all covered by a housing, and an
anchor channel below ground level along the opposite side of the
structure, with ground anchors spaced along it. A tie-down cable
extends from each of the ground anchors in the storage channel, up
and over the structure to a corresponding one of the ground anchors
in the anchor channel. A storm shield secured to the tie-down
cables likewise extends from below ground in the storage channel to
below ground in the anchor channel.
[0016] This patent describes a hurricane protection for mobile
homes and a small building that consists of a cable tie down system
that anchors into a steel channel on either side of a mobile home
below ground level. This system would be cumbersome to set up, use
a lot of room and be in the way most of the time. Although it uses
cables, it does not provide a useable deck or platform that rises
up to a vertical position to protect and enclose the full side of
the structure.
[0017] Patent Publication No. US 2007/0220917 A1 of Ronald Scott
Bonds describes a storm shield that guides air flow and debris
contained therein over and around the structures that it is
shielding and in so doing takes the force of the air flow and
channels it to the ground by the use of ballistic straps and cloth
that covers trusses that are connected to concrete and steel
foundations. The storm shield also counteracts lift created by high
winds as they flow over the structure, and holds the structure down
in place.
[0018] This patent describes an effective storm shelter that fully
protects structures but permanently encumbers a great deal of area
around the structure with framework and makes this area unusable
and unsightly.
[0019] None of these previous efforts, however, provides the
benefits attendant with the present design. The storm shield
achieves its intended purposes, objects and advantages over the
prior art devices through a new, useful and unobvious combination
of method steps and component elements, with the use of a minimum
number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture,
and by employing readily available materials.
[0020] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the storm shield in detail it is to be understood that the storm
shield is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangement, of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The storm
shield is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and
carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood
that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the
purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As
such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,
upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a
basis for designing of other structures, methods and systems for
carrying out the several purposes of the present design. It is
important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such
equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the present application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The principal advantage of the storm shield is having a deck
or platform adjacent to a structure that can be elevated up to a
vertical position that will resists high winds and air-borne
debris.
[0022] Another advantage of the storm shield is having a deck or
platform adjacent to a structure that can be elevated up to a
position that will enclose a structure when it is vacant.
[0023] Another advantage is to create a useable multipurpose deck
or platform adjacent to the structure or house.
[0024] Another advantage is to create a useable multipurpose deck
or platform that will function on a ground level structure as well
as a structure that is elevated on pilings.
[0025] And still another advantage is to create a deck or platform
that can be raised by the means of two or more conventional cable
winches.
[0026] A further advantage is being able to have the deck or
platform locked in the upright position by the means of two or more
safety locking pins.
[0027] And yet a further advantage of this storm shield is to add a
new and unique addition to structures constructed in areas where
there is a common occurrence of storms with high winds.
[0028] These, together with other advantages of the storm shield,
along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the
design, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to
and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding
of the storm shield, its operating advantages and the specific
advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made to the
accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are
illustrated preferred embodiments of this application. There has
thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of
the storm shield in order that the detailed description thereof
that follows may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the storm shield that will be described
hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto.
[0029] The storm shield herein disclosed consists of a deck or
platform extending outwardly from the side of a structure equal in
length to the structure with a width equal to the height of the
sidewall of the structure. An extension attached to the sides and
front of the deck or platform will overlap the sides and top of the
structure and also provide a short retaining wall around the
perimeter when the storm shield in the lowered position. By
over-lapping a major portion of the sides and top of the structure
the wind is prevented from getting behind the structure giving it
stability and additionally providing locations where safety-locking
pins may be inserted into the structure relieving the tension on
the lifting cables. Stairs with a platform can be located at
various locations around the sides or front of the deck or platform
with an opening cut in the extension for access. When the storm
shield is lowered, it will rest on pilings or footings in the
ground. The storm shield will work equally as well with structures
that are elevated on pilings which is common in the coastal
regions.
[0030] Two or more winch and cable systems are used to elevate the
storm shield to the vertical position. The preferred embodiment
will have the winches anchored to footings on the ground with the
cables passing over guide rollers in the deck of platform to extend
to the pulleys in the upper section of the structure and then back
to attachments on the deck or platform surface. Conventional stop
balls will be attached to the cables at the appropriate locations
so that when the storm shields are raised to the proper vertical
position the winch motors will be turned off automatically. For
safety sake one of the cable and winch systems will be adequate to
raise or lower the storm shield. The winch motors will be wired so
that they will be activated at the same time.
[0031] An alternate embodiment of the winch and cable system will
have the winch mounted on the back side of the deck or platform
with the cable extending up to the pulley in the upper section of
the structure and back to the attachment on the surface of the deck
or platform.
[0032] A stanchion in a footing on either side of the deck or
platform adjacent to the structure provides the pivot where the
storm shield rotates by the means of an axel attached to the deck
or platform. The storm shield can be manufactured from a wide
variety of materials depending upon the weight and size
requirements. A wood deck or platform with wood floor joists might
be the most economical but a steel or aluminum deck or platform
might offer a greater protection.
[0033] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the storm shield, to include variations in size, materials,
shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use,
are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art,
and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the
drawings and described in the specification are intended to be
encompassed by the present design. Therefore, the foregoing is
considered as illustrative only of the principles of the storm
shield. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will
readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to
limit the design to the exact construction and operation shown and
described accordingly. All suitable modifications and equivalents
may be resorted to falling within the scope of the storm shield and
other additional features of the application will be described
hereinafter, which will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the
storm shield and together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of this application.
[0035] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the storm shield
attached to the side of a structure in the lowered position to be
used as a deck or platform.
[0036] FIG. 2 depicts a side elevation of the storm shield attached
to the side of a structure in the lowered position to be used as a
deck or platform.
[0037] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the storm shield
attached to the side of a structure in the partially elevated
position indicating the winch and cable system.
[0038] FIG. 4 depicts a side elevation of the storm shield attached
to the side of a structure in the partially elevated position
indicating the winch and cable system.
[0039] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the storm shield in the
elevated position covering the full side of the structure.
[0040] FIG. 6 depicts a side elevation of the storm shield in the
elevated position covering the full side of the structure.
[0041] FIG. 7 depicts a side elevation schematic illustrating the
preferred embodiment of the winch and cable system.
[0042] FIG. 8 depicts a side elevation schematic of an alternate
embodiment of the winch and cable system.
[0043] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification,
illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] As required, detailed embodiments of the present storm
shield 10A and 10B are disclosed herein, however, it is to be
understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of
the design that may be embodied in various forms. Therefore,
specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as basic for the claims
and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art
to variously employ the present storm shield 10A and 10B in
virtually any appropriately designed structure.
[0045] Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts of the
storm shield 10A are identified by like reference numerals, there
is seen in FIG. 1 a perspective view of the storm shield 10A
attached to the windward side 11 of a structure 12 in the lowered
position to be used as a deck or platform 14. An extension 16
attached to the sides 18 and front 20 of the deck or platform 14
will over lap the sides and top of the structure 12 and also
provide a short retaining wall around the perimeter when the storm
shield 10A is in the lowered position. A stanchion 22 in a footing
24 on either side of the deck or platform 14 adjacent to the
structure 12 provides the pivot where the storm shield 10A rotates
about X-Axis by the means of an axel 26 attached to the deck or
platform 14. When the storm shield is raised to the vertical
position covering the exposed windows and doors 28, orifices 30 in
the extensions 16 align with orifices 32 in the structure 12 as a
means to insert safety locking pins 34. Stairs 36 with a platform
38 can be located at various locations around the sides or front of
the deck or platform 14 with an opening 40 cut in the extension 16
for access. When the storm shield 10A is lowered, it will rest on
pilings 42 or footings 24 in the ground 44.
[0046] Two or more of the preferred embodiment of the winch and
cable systems 46A are used to elevate the storm shield 10A to the
vertical position. The preferred embodiment will have the winches
48 anchored to footings 24 on the ground 44. Cables sections 50
from winches 48 pass over guide rollers 52 (not shown in FIG. 1) in
the deck of platform 14 (as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8), to
extend to the pulleys 54 in the upper sections 56 of the structure
12 and then the cable sections 58 go back to cable attachments 60
(as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8), on the deck or platform 14
surface. Conventional stop balls 62 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8
will be attached to the cables sections 58 at the appropriate
locations so that when the storm shield 10A is raised to the proper
vertical position the winch 48 motors will be turned off
automatically.
[0047] FIG. 2 depicts a side elevation of the storm shield 10A
attached to the side of a structure 12 in the lowered position to
be used as a deck or platform 14.
[0048] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the storm shield 10A
attached to the side of a structure 12 in the partially elevated
position illustrating the winch and cable system 46. With the storm
shield 10A partially elevated the floor joists 64 are exposed
illustrating the increased structural strength given to guard
against the severe wind forces, which may be encountered. The stair
platform 38 and stairs 36 remain on the ground 44 when the storm
shield 10A is in the vertical position. It should be understood
that the stairs could also be stored in various ways, such as the
stairs could be foldable, and thereby stored on the external face
of the storm shield.
[0049] FIG. 4 depicts a side elevation of the storm shield 10A
attached to the side of a structure 12 in the partially elevated
position indicating the winch and cable system 46A.
[0050] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the storm shield 10A in
the elevated position covering the full side of the structure 12.
The storm shield 10A has been illustrated being constructed of a
plywood deck or platform 14 and wood floor joists 64 but it can be
manufactured from a wide variety of materials depending upon the
weight and size requirements. A wood deck or platform 14 with wood
floor joists 64 might be the most economical but a steel or
aluminum deck or platform might offer a greater protection from
severe winds.
[0051] FIG. 6 depicts a side elevation of the storm shield 10A in
the elevated position covering the full side of the structure
12.
[0052] FIG. 7 depicts a side elevation schematic illustrating the
preferred embodiment of the winch and cable system 46A elevating
the storm shield 10A.
[0053] FIG. 8 depicts a side elevation schematic illustrating the
alternate embodiment of the winch and cable system 46B elevating
the storm shield 10B.
[0054] The storm shield 10A and 10B shown in the drawings and
described in detail herein disclose arrangements of elements of
particular construction and configuration for illustrating
preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the
present design. It is to be understood, however, that elements of
different construction and configuration and other arrangements
thereof, other than those illustrated and described may be employed
for providing a storm shield 10A and 10B in accordance with the
spirit of this application, and such changes, alternations and
modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are
considered to be within the scope of this application as broadly
defined in the appended claims.
[0055] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is
neither intended to define the storm shield of this application,
which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting
as to the scope of the design in any way.
* * * * *