Wind blocking device for buildings

Abstract

The present invention includes a device and method of manufacture of the device. The device includes frame system and a rigid panel adapted to selectively cover an opening of a walled structure. The frame system includes a top rail and two side rails that couple to the walled structure. Each rail consists of a pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped bends and an intermediate flat panel body method. An L-shaped member couples to the flat panel, cooperating with one L-shaped bend to form a U-shaped channel, which adapts to slideably receive a rigid panel member consisting of plexiglass. A bottom rail releasably couples to the two side-rails to hold the rigid panel in place and allows for rapid installation and removal as needed.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . An improved rigid panel system adapted for use on walled structure having an opening, the improved rigid panel system comprising:
 a three-sided frame structure coupled to the walled structure;   a selectively removable bottom panel adapted to selectively couple to the three-sided frame structure; and   at least one rigid panel member adapted to slideably fit within an area defined by the three-sided frame structure and being releasably secured therein by means of selectively coupling the bottom panel to the three-sided frame structure.   
   
   
       20 . The improved rigid panel system of  claim 19  wherein:
 the three-sided frame structure comprises a top frame rail, a left-side frame rail, and a right side frame rail wherein the top respective frame rail comprises a flat sheet body member;   the top frame rail further having a first end formed at an about 90-degree downward angle to the flat sheet and a second, oppositely positioned end formed at about a 90-degree downward angle to the flat sheet wherein the first end and second end are substantially parallel to each other; and   the left-side and right side frame rails each further comprising a first end formed at approximately 90-degrees inward bend from the flat sheet and a second end formed at about a 90-degree inward angle to the flat sheet wherein the first end and second end are substantially parallel to each other.   
   
   
       21 . The improved rigid panel system of  claim 20  wherein:
 at least one frame rail further comprises an L-shaped member arranged on an interior side of the flat sheet and substantially parallel to a long end of the frame rail to form a generally U-shaped channel defined by the L-shaped member, the flat sheet body member and the first end.   
   
   
       22 . The improved rigid panel system of  claim 20  wherein the left side and right side frame rails each further comprise an L-shaped member arranged on an interior side of the flat sheet and substantially parallel to a long end of the frame rail to form a generally U-shaped channel defined by the L-shaped member, the flat sheet body member and the first end, respectively. 
   
   
       23 . The improved rigid panel system of  claim 19  wherein:
 the bottom frame rail comprises a flat sheet body member, a first end formed at an about 90-degree upward angle to the flat sheet and a second, oppositely positioned end formed at about a 90-degree upward angle to the flat sheet wherein the first end and second end are substantially parallel to each other.   
   
   
       24 . The improved rigid panel system of  claim 23  wherein the bottom rail further comprises:
 an L-shaped member arranged on an interior side of the flat sheet and substantially parallel to a long end of the frame rail to form a generally U-shaped channel defined by the L-shaped member, the flat sheet body member and the first end.   
   
   
       25 . The improved rigid panel system of  claim 19  wherein:
 the panel member comprises at least one transparent acrylic panel material.   
   
   
       26 . A method for protecting an opening of a walled structure, the method comprising:
 providing a first flat sheet of metal having a flat body and a first length that is longer than the width of the opening on the walled structure;   removing at least one corner segment of the flat sheet;   bending at least one edge of the flat sheet downward to form a 90-degree angle from the flat body;   providing an L-shaped member;   coupling the L-shaped member to the flat sheet to form a channel with the downward bent edge;   bending a second edge of the flat sheet downward to form a second 90 degree angle from the flat body;   coupling the second edge to the walled structure;   providing a second and third flat sheet of metal and forming the second and third flat sheets into side rails, each side rail having an associated channel;   providing a bottom rail;   providing a panel member;   coupling the side rails to the walled structure;   sliding the panel member between the side rails using the respective channels to locate panel member and inserting a top edge of the panel member into the corresponding channel on the top rail form from the first flat sheet; and   coupling the bottom rail to each side rail to retain the panel member in place relative to the opening.   
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 26  further comprising:
 forming a 3-member frame structure comprising a top rail and a left side rail and a right side rail for slideably receiving a rigid panel and locating the rigid panel sufficiently distant from the opening of the walled structure so that any deflection of the panel will not cause the panel to contact the walled structure or cross the plane of the opening.