Enclosure System with Perforated Patterned Panels

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods useful for keeping embers and other sources of heat away from building and utility structures, such as elevated decks and propane tanks, are described. An enclosure is formed from a plurality of perforated patterned panels positioned around the building or utility structure. The perforated patterned panels may include a plurality of openings disposed in variety of configurations, including in perforated block segments along a set of surfaces on the panel. The openings also may form continuous perforated strip sections along the panel. The panels may be joined using trim and other component to provide protection against wildfire events, while allowing for ventilation during everyday use.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising: a substantially rectangular panel comprising alternating raised and lower surfaces extending along a length of the panel, wherein the lower surfaces each comprise a plurality of perforations. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lower surfaces each comprise a plurality of perforations disposed in a series of repeating perforation segments to form a lattice pattern on the panel. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lower surfaces each comprise a plurality of perforations disposed along a length of the lower surface to form a slat pattern on the panel. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a flashing skirt attached to a bottom portion of the panel. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the panel is connected to a trim component along a top edge of the panel. 
     
     
         6 . A deck enclosure system comprising: a plurality of substantially rectangular panels, each panel comprising alternating raised and lower surfaces extending along a length of the panel, wherein the lower surfaces each comprise a plurality of perforations, and further wherein the plurality of panels are disposed around an elevated deck. 
     
     
         7 . The deck enclosure system of  claim 6 , wherein the lower surfaces each comprise a plurality of perforations disposed in a series of repeating perforation segments to form a lattice pattern on each panel. 
     
     
         8 . The deck enclosure system of  claim 6 , wherein the lower surfaces each comprise a plurality of perforations disposed along a length of the lower surface to form a slat pattern on each panel. 
     
     
         9 . The deck enclosure system of  claim 6 , further comprising a flashing skirt attached to a bottom portion of at least one panel. 
     
     
         10 . The deck enclosure system of  claim 6 , wherein at least one panel is connected to a trim component along a top edge of the panel. 
     
     
         11 . A method for enclosing an elevated deck comprising the step of: joining a plurality of substantially rectangular panels around an elevated deck, each panel comprising a plurality of alternating raised and lower surfaces extending along a length of the panel, wherein lower surfaces each comprise a plurality of perforations. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the lower surfaces each comprise a plurality of perforations disposed in a series of repeating perforation segments to form a lattice pattern on the panel. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the lower surfaces each comprise a plurality of perforations disposed along a length of the lower surface to form a slat pattern on the panel. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of attaching a flashing skirt to a bottom portion of at least one panel. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of connecting a top edge of at least one panel to a trim component. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus comprising:
 (a) an elongated enclosure dimensioned to fit around a propane tank;   (b) a side panel positioned on a side of the elongated enclosure, the side panel comprising a plurality of side openings;   (c) a perforated covering positioned along a top of the elongated enclosure; and   (d) a track rail dimensioned to engage with the elongated enclosure and permit access to the propane tank.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the elongated enclosure comprises two adjacent enclosure body frames. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the elongated enclosure comprises a plurality of roller wheels attached to a bottom portion of the elongated enclosure, and the track rail is dimensioned to engage with the roller wheels and permit movement of at least one portion of the elongated enclosure along the track rail. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the track rail comprises a plurality of hinges dimensioned to permit movement of at least one portion of the elongated enclosure away from the track rail. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a U-shaped heat curtain suspended from an inside top of the elongated enclosure. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a blow-off relief port positioned along a top portion of the elongated enclosure. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the side panel comprises alternating raised and lower surfaces extending along a length of the side panel, and further wherein the lower surfaces each comprise a plurality of perforations positioned in a series of square patterns to form a lattice pattern. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the side panel comprises alternating raised and lower surfaces extending along a length of the panel, and further wherein the lower surfaces each comprise a plurality of perforations positioned along a length of the lower surface to form a slat pattern.