Inflatable barrier
First Claim
1. A flexible barrier system for protecting frangible portions of structures and objects from high winds, rain, and wind bourne debris, said flexible barrier comprising:
- a spindle attachable to the structure;
a fabric material configured to withstand at least 1 inch Hg. over pressure, the fabric material being operable between a stored position in which the fabric material is wrapped onto the spindle and a deployed position in which the fabric material is unrolled from the spindle, wherein the spindle fastens an edge of the fabric material to the structure with strength suitable to protect the frangible portions of structures and objects from high winds, rain, and wind bourne debris; and
at least one inflatable cushion configured to be deployed exclusively between a single planar surface of said fabric material and said frangible portion of a structure,wherein a combination of said fabric material and said at least one inflatable cushion is configured to a size and a shape to cover at least a portion of said frangible portion of a structure.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A flexible hurricane shutter or barrier to protect buildings from over pressure has inflatable cushions held in place by a fabric material capable of withstanding winds in excess of 100 mph. The barrier can be stored on site in a rolled fashion. Retainers are mounted on a building to guide and secure the longitudinal edges of the fabric to permit ease of deployment. The retainers may be spaced apart over one side of a building and the barrier may be deployed over an entire surface of a multi-story building by raising and lowering the fabric. Inflatable cushions are held between the fabric and the building. The inflated cushions reinforce the material and distribute the force of impact throughout the surface of the cushions and act as spacers to both hold the fabric off the structure and focus the forces onto stranger portions of the structure.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A flexible barrier system for protecting frangible portions of structures and objects from high winds, rain, and wind bourne debris, said flexible barrier comprising:
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a spindle attachable to the structure; a fabric material configured to withstand at least 1 inch Hg. over pressure, the fabric material being operable between a stored position in which the fabric material is wrapped onto the spindle and a deployed position in which the fabric material is unrolled from the spindle, wherein the spindle fastens an edge of the fabric material to the structure with strength suitable to protect the frangible portions of structures and objects from high winds, rain, and wind bourne debris; and at least one inflatable cushion configured to be deployed exclusively between a single planar surface of said fabric material and said frangible portion of a structure, wherein a combination of said fabric material and said at least one inflatable cushion is configured to a size and a shape to cover at least a portion of said frangible portion of a structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A hurricane shutter kit for installation on a structure, said kit comprising:
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a spindle attachable to the structure; a fabric material comprising a size and a shape to cover at least one opening of a structure, opposite longitudinal edges, and a connector configured to attach said longitudinal edges, the fabric material being operable between a stored position in which the fabric material is wrapped onto the spindle and a deployed position in which the fabric material is unrolled from the spindle, wherein the spindle fastens a horizontal edge of the fabric material to the structure with strength suitable to protect the frangible portions of structures and objects from high winds, rain, and wind bourne debris; and at least one inflatable cushion configured to be deployed exclusively between a single planar surface of said fabric material and said frangible portion of a structure, said at least one inflatable cushion comprising a size and a shape to span a portion of said at least one opening in said structure. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification