US 8,851,144 B2 · Modular panels for protecting a structure

Abstract

An innovative, low-density, highly-insulating modular panel for use in many applications and industries. The panel consists of a frame that may be preformed or bent and may be made of rigid or flexible material, and a panel covering comprising at least one pocket of thin, low-density shade fabric that has the capability of sufficiently stretching to surround the frame when the pocket is pulled onto it. The pocket may be then secured, along any previously open end where the frame was inserted, by various fastening devices. The panel covering pocket may have additional features added, as described herein. The panel is durable and cost-effective, and has good solar-control and insulating qualities. It is also a windbreak panel, a noise-reduction panel, an impact protection panel, a water-resistant panel, a fall protection panel, and a pollution-control panel. Two or more panels can be joined to create a structure-protecting panel assembly or system.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A system of modular panels for protecting a structure, comprising:

at least one preformed or bent frame;
at least one covering into which the frame is receivable, where the covering is made from shade fabric and is stretchy and pocket-shaped, such that the covering has at least one first layer, at least one second layer, a plurality of closed sides adjoining the first layer and the second layer, and at least one open side, such that the covering may be pulled onto the frame via the open side to form a self-tensioning modular panel;
and
at least one connecting plate assembly, each connecting plate assembly comprising two connecting plates and a plurality of fasteners, such that a connecting plate assembly may be used to join two or more modular panels into a larger unit by sandwiching one corner of each of the two or more modular panels between two connecting dates and joining the connecting plates together with the fasteners.

1 more element

A system of modular panels for protecting a structure, comprising:

at least one preformed or bent frame, where the frame is comprised of two u-shaped components and two side segments, where the two side segments connect to the two u-shaped components to form a rectangular frame;
at least one covering into which the frame is receivable, where the covering is made from shade fabric, such that the covering is stretchy and has at least one first layer, at least one second layer, a plurality of closed sides adjoining the first layer and the second layer, and at least one open side, such that the covering may be pulled onto the frame via the open side to form a self-tensioning modular panel, and where the covering further comprises at least one of the following features:
the covering is tube-shaped;
the covering further comprises photovoltaic material whereby sunlight striking the modular panel can be converted into electricity;
the covering is made from shade fabric that is water resistant;
the covering is made from shade fabric that is polyethylene combined with shade fabric that is polypropylene;
the covering is made from shade fabric used in combination with commercially-available hail-netting;
the covering further comprises strips or sections of non-stretchy material attached thereto;
and
at least one connecting plate assembly, each connecting plate assembly comprising two connecting plates and a plurality of fasteners, such that a connecting plate assembly may be used to join two or more modular panels into a larger unit by sandwiching one corner of each of the two or more modular panels between two connecting plates and joining the connecting plates together with the fasteners.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Modular panels for protecting a structure

Life of this patent

Modular panels for protecting a structure

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13