APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR WINDLOCKING A BUILDING OPENING

摘要

An apparatus and method for windlocking a curtain (100) over an opening in a building is disclosed and claimed. The windlocking curtain (100) resides to the exterior of the window, door or other opening and protects it from the intrusion of air, water or debris. In its upper position the windlocking curtain (100) permits normal use of the opening and in its lower position it secures the opening. A flexible corrugated curtain (115) has tension rods (123, 124) therethrough and the tension rods (123, 124) run in tracks (111, 112) on each side of the curtain (115) and necessarily on each side of the opening. Interengagement of the tension rods (123, 124) with tracks (111, 112) is accomplished by deformations in the rods that are referred to as interrupts (121). In one embodiment the tension rods (123, 124) are successively longer from top to bottom of the curtain (115) and their interrupts matingly wedge with angled tracks (111, 112) to secure the curtain (115). In another embodiment the interrupts (705, 707, 710) matingly engage parallel tracks (602, 603) upon the application of force due to wind, fluid (usually water or sea water) or debris. In another embodiment a flap on the edges of a flexible curtain (2200) engage the side tracks (2204) absorbing shocking and sealing the opening. A method for securing the opening utilizing the apparatus is also claimed which provides top, bottom and side securement.