Convertible awning and shutter system

Abstract

The awning and shutter system serves as both a storm shutter when closed and a deck or patio awning when opened, and is designed with a counterweight making for effortless operation. Furthermore, some embodiments of the awning and shutter may feature a third position, substantially reducing the projection of the awning when in the opened position. This unique feature allows the system to sustain high wind conditions while maintaining interior view, shade and daylight.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An awning and shutter system comprising:
 a light-weight frame;   a covering attached to the light-weight frame;   a hinge attached to at least a portion of a back edge of the light-weight frame and to a structure;   a bracket attached to the structure and extending substantially vertically downward from the back edge of the light-weight frame, the bracket having a first end proximate to the back edge of the light-weight frame and a second end at a distance from the back edge of the light-weight frame;   a spring mechanism attached at one end to the second end of the bracket and at another end to a portion of the light-weight frame that is a distance from the back edge of the light-weight frame such that when the spring mechanism is in a first position, the light-weight frame is moved substantially parallel with the structure and when the spring mechanism is in a second position, the light-weight frame moves from a position parallel to the structure towards a position that is approximately 45-90 degrees from the structure.   
     
     
         2 . The awning system of  claim 1 , wherein the spring mechanism is a gas spring. 
     
     
         3 . The awning and shutter system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second light-weight frame;   a second covering attached to the second light-weight frame; and   the second light-weight frame being pivotally mounted to the light-weight frame.   
     
     
         4 . The awning and shutter system of  claim 3 , further comprising a second spring mechanism with one end of the second spring mechanism being pivotally attached to the light-weight frame and a second end of the spring mechanism being pivotally attached to the second light-weight frame such that the second light-weight frame can be moved from a position under the light-weight frame to a position extending from the light-weight frame. 
     
     
         5 . The awning system of  claim 4 , wherein the second spring mechanism is a gas spring.