Storm panel apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storm panel apparatus for double-hung style windows and a method for installing the same. In particular, the invention is a reusable, unbreakable, temporary replacement window panel apparatus that installs into the existing window frame from the inside of the dwelling. The present invention is resistant to shock and wind load, such as during hurricanes and tropical storms. Furthermore, the invention provides an economical replacement panel that completely removes the hazards of broken glass and provides superior protection from windborne debris and unauthorized entry from outside the window.

1 . A double-hung window replacement, comprising: 
 substantially parallel horizontal sash members and substantially parallel vertical sash members that define a substantially rectangular window sash having an interior, said vertical sash members comprising sash guide engagement means; and    a window panel positioned within the interior of and bordered by said window sash, said window panel comprising a multi-layer construction of break-resistant materials and shock-absorbing materials.    
   
   
       2 . A double-hung window replacement according to  claim 1 , wherein said horizontal and vertical sash members are constructed of metal.  
   
   
       3 . A double-hung window replacement according to  claim 1 , further comprising a lock on at least one said horizontal sash member.  
   
   
       4 . A double-hung window replacement according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one bracket attached to at least one said vertical window sash, said bracket being useful for mounting a wind-resistant panel.  
   
   
       5 . A double-hung window replacement according to  claim 1 , wherein said multi-layer construction of break-resistant materials and shock-absorbing materials comprises an inner layer of shock-absorbing material positioned between two break-resistant outer layers.  
   
   
       6 . A double-hung window replacement according to  claim 5 , wherein said multi-layer construction of break-resistant materials and shock-absorbing materials further comprises an internal reinforcement layer for increasing energy efficiency and impact resistance, said internal reinforcement layer positioned within said break-resistant outer layers.  
   
   
       7 . A double-hung window replacement according to  claim 6 , wherein said additional layer comprises metal.  
   
   
       8 . A double-hung window replacement according to  claim 6 , wherein said additional layer comprises plastic.  
   
   
       9 . A double-hung window replacement according to  claim 1 , wherein said multi-layer construction of break-resistant materials and shock-absorbing materials comprises a break-resistant metal skin surrounding shock-absorbing foam materials.  
   
   
       10 . A double-hung window replacement system, comprising: 
 glass pane windows; and    temporary replacement window panels comprising a multi-layer construction of break-resistant materials and shock-absorbing materials;    wherein said glass pane windows and said temporary replacement window panels are interchangeable within a window frame.    
   
   
       11 . A double-hung window replacement system according to  claim 10 , wherein said multi-layer construction of break-resistant materials and shock-absorbing materials comprises break-resistant metal skin surrounding shock-absorbing foam materials.  
   
   
       12 . A double-hung window replacement system according to  claim 10 , wherein said multi-layer construction of break-resistant materials and shock-absorbing materials comprises a break-resistant plastic skin surrounding shock-absorbing foam materials.  
   
   
       13 . A method for providing a temporary double-hung window replacement within a building structure, comprising the steps of: 
 removing a glass-pane window from a window frame; and    installing a temporary replacement window panel apparatus into the window frame by sliding the panel into the frame and tilting the panel upward into the frame;    wherein the steps of removing the primary window sash and installing the temporary replacement window panel are performed from the inside of the building structure.    
   
   
       14 . A method for providing a temporary double-hung window replacement within a building structure according to  claim 13 , wherein the step of installing the temporary replacement window panel apparatus into the window frame comprises locking the temporary replacement window panel apparatus to the frame.