Shutter Mounting Bracket Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/666,713, which was filed on Jul. 2, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of shutter mounting systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a weather-resistant method for installing outdoor shutters without damaging siding by using a bracket that anchors to the sheathing beneath the siding and extends through the siding joint. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Installing and mounting shutters on the exterior of a home or building presents several challenges that can affect both the efficiency of installation and the long-term durability of the shutters. Traditional installation methods often require drilling directly into the siding, which can result in damage such as cracks or holes that may lead to water infiltration and structural deterioration over time. Additionally, incorrect measurements or misalignment during installation can lead to shutters that do not fit properly, causing gaps or excessive tightness that affects both functionality and aesthetics. The use of improper or inadequate mounting hardware can also result in shutters becoming loose, misaligned, or even detaching completely due to strong winds or other environmental factors. Many existing solutions lack sufficient weather resistance, leading to corrosion and deterioration of fasteners, which further compromises the integrity of the installation. Moreover, the need for multiple tools and precise alignment makes the process time-consuming and labor-intensive, often requiring professional assistance. Homeowners and contractors require a solution that provides a secure, weather-resistant, and easy-to-install mounting system while minimizing the risk of damage to siding materials. Given these challenges, an improved shutter mounting solution is needed to simplify installation and enhance long-term performance.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a shutter mounting bracket device that allows users to install outdoor shutters securely without damaging vinyl or other siding materials. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a shutter mounting bracket device that ensures long-term stability and prevents shutters from loosening or detaching due to environmental conditions. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a shutter mounting bracket device that provides corrosion-resistant and weatherproof mounting hardware to enhance durability and longevity.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a shutter mounting bracket device. The device is comprised of a secure and weather-resistant method for installing outdoor shutters without damaging siding. The device comprises a bracket with a flat mounting portion that anchors to the sheathing beneath the siding, a curved attachment portion that extends through the siding joint, a fastening screw for stability, a threaded shutter fastener for securing the shutter, and a protective grommet to prevent moisture infiltration. The bracket is constructed from corrosion-resistant materials such as galvanized steel or aluminum, while the grommet is made from neoprene or silicone for durability. The design eliminates the need to drill into siding for shutter installation, making it suitable for vinyl, aluminum, or fiber cement siding, where direct drilling could cause long-term damage. The installation method involves securing the bracket to the sheathing, positioning the shutter, inserting and tightening the shutter fastener, and applying the grommet for added protection and visual appeal.

In this manner, the shutter mounting bracket device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a secure, non-invasive, and weather-resistant method for mounting outdoor shutters. Because the device anchors directly to the sheathing beneath the siding, the device ensures a stable connection without requiring direct drilling into the siding material. By incorporating a metal bracket with at least two screw holes, the device distributes weight evenly and prevents movement or loosening over time. The included rubber grommet serves as a protective covering for the shutter fastener, shielding the fastener from moisture and environmental wear, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion. Additionally, the design simplifies installation by eliminating the need for specialized tools or extensive measuring, making it accessible for both professional installers and homeowners. By preventing structural damage to the siding and offering a reliable, long-lasting mounting solution, the shutter mounting bracket device effectively improves the process of shutter installation while ensuring durability and weather resistance, and preventing damage to existing siding during installation.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a shutter mounting bracket device. The shutter mounting bracket device provides a secure and weather-resistant solution for installing outdoor shutters without damaging siding. More specifically, the device anchors directly to the sheathing beneath the siding to ensure a stable connection, preventing loosening or misalignment over time, even under strong winds. As a result, the device design eliminates the need to drill into the siding, making it suitable for homes with vinyl, aluminum, or fiber cement siding where direct drilling could cause long-term damage or water infiltration.

The device is comprised of at least one bracket, at least one fastening screw, and at least one protective grommet cap. The bracket includes a flat mounting portion and a curved attachment portion. The flat mounting portion is secured to the sheathing with at least one mounting hole to ensure stability and weight distribution. The curved attachment portion extends through the siding joint and serves as the attachment point for the shutter. The curvature of the portion allows for secure positioning between siding panels without causing damage. At least one threaded hole in the curved portion accommodates a threaded shutter fastener, such as a bolt or screw, to secure the shutter in place. The grommet is positioned over the shutter screw, to form a protective seal to prevent moisture infiltration while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing finish. A simulative texture on the grommet allows it to blend with or contrast against the shutter, mimicking materials such as wood grain, matte finishes, or high-gloss coatings.

A method of installation includes positioning the flat mounting portion against the sheathing, securing it with a fastening screw through the mounting hole, and extending the curved attachment portion from under the siding. The shutter is then positioned in front of the curved portion, and a shutter screw is inserted through the shutter and into the threaded opening in the curved portion to secure it. A rubber grommet is applied over the screw for additional weather resistance.

Accordingly, the shutter mounting bracket device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a secure, non-invasive, and weather-resistant method for mounting outdoor shutters. Because the device anchors directly to the sheathing beneath the siding, the device ensures a stable connection without requiring direct drilling into the siding material. By incorporating a metal bracket with at least two screw holes, the device distributes weight evenly and prevents movement or loosening over time. The included rubber grommet serves as a protective covering for the shutter fastener, shielding the fastener from moisture and environmental wear, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion. Additionally, the design simplifies installation by eliminating the need for specialized tools or extensive measuring, making it accessible for both professional installers and homeowners. By preventing structural damage to the siding and offering a reliable, long-lasting mounting solution, the shutter mounting bracket device effectively improves the process of shutter installation while ensuring durability and weather resistance, and preventing damage to existing siding during installation. In this manner, the shutter mounting bracket device overcomes the limitations of existing shutter mounting systems known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of a shutter mounting bracket device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of a shutter mounting bracket device of the present invention while attached under siding to a piece of sheathing in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a shutter mounting bracket device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a shutter mounting bracket device of the present invention while attaching to a sheeting and through a piece of siding in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a shutter mounting bracket device that allows users to install outdoor shutters securely without damaging vinyl or other siding materials. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a shutter mounting bracket device that ensures long-term stability and prevents shutters from loosening or detaching due to environmental conditions. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a shutter mounting bracket device that provides corrosion-resistant and weatherproof mounting hardware to enhance durability and longevity.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a shutter mounting bracket device.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of a shutter mounting bracket device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The shutter mounting bracket device 100 provides a secure and weather-resistant solution for installing outdoor shutters 115 without causing damage to siding 130. Because the device 100 anchors directly to the sheathing 125 beneath the siding 130, the device 100 ensures a stable and reliable connection, preventing shutters 115 from becoming loose or misaligned over time, even under strong winds or other environmental stresses. The device 100 also eliminates the structural impact on the siding 130 by eliminating the need to drill into the siding 130, making it particularly suitable for homes with vinyl, aluminum, or fiber cement siding where direct drilling could lead to long-term damage or water infiltration.

The shutter mounting bracket device 100 is comprised of at least one bracket 102, at least one fastening screw 104, and at least one protective grommet cap 106. The bracket 102 is preferably made from galvanized steel, aluminum, or stainless steel to provide rust resistance and long-term durability. The bracket 102 features a flat mounting portion 108 and a curved attachment portion 110. The flat mounting portion 108 is designed to be secured to the sheathing 125 and includes at least one, but preferably two, mounting holes 109 to ensure stability and prevent movement. The mounting holes 109 may be spaced apart at specific intervals to distribute weight more evenly and minimize stress on the sheathing 125. Additionally, a textured or rubberized backing 107 may be incorporated into the flat mounting portion 108 to improve grip against the sheathing 125, reducing the likelihood of unwanted movement after installation.

The curved attachment portion 110 extends through the siding 130 joint and serves as the attachment point for a shutter 115, as seen in FIG. 2. The curvature of the curved attachment portion 110 is designed to fit between the siding 130 panels without warping or damaging the siding 130. At least one threaded hole 111 in the curved attachment portion 110 accommodates a threaded shutter fastener 120, such as, but not limited to, a threaded bolt or a threaded screw, which secures the shutter 115 in place, as seen in FIG. 2.

The fastening screw 104 is preferably made of stainless steel or includes a protective coating 105 to resist corrosion, ensuring long-term durability in outdoor environments. The fastening screw 104 may be any type of screw, including, but not limited to, a self-tapping screw, which simplifies installation by eliminating the need for pre-drilling. Alternative fastener types, such as lag screws or expansion anchors, may also be used depending on the material composition of the sheathing 125.

The grommet 106 is preferably made from neoprene or silicone to ensure flexibility, resistance to UV exposure, and durability against cracking. During use, the grommet 106 is positioned over the shutter screw 120, forming a protective seal that prevents moisture infiltration while maintaining a flush and aesthetically appealing finish. To enhance visual integration with the shutter 115, the grommet 106 may be comprised of a simulative texture 112, allowing it to either blend in with or contrast against the shutter 115 based on design preference. The simulative texture 112 may mimic common shutter materials such as wood grain, matte finishes, or high-gloss coatings, ensuring that the shutter mounting bracket device 100 maintains a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing appearance after installation.

The device 100 is also comprised of a method 200 of using the device 100, as seen in FIG. 3. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a bracket 102 comprised of a flat mounting portion 108 and a curved attachment portion 110, at least one fastening screw 104, at least one shutter screw 120, and at least one grommet 106 [Step 202]. Then, the flat mounting portion 108 is positioned against a sheathing 125 (underneath and through a piece of siding 130 by cutting an opening 131 in the same as seen in FIG. 2) and secured to the sheathing 115 using the screw 104 by drilling the screw through the mounting opening 132 of the siding 130 and through mounting hole 109 of the portion 108 and into the sheathing, as seen in FIG. 4 [Step 204]. Next, a shutter 115 is positioned in front of the curved attachment portion 110, which extends out from under the siding 130 via the curved portion 110 [Step 206]. Once the shutter 115 is in position, the shutter screw 120 is inserted through the shutter 115 and into the threaded opening 111 in the curved portion 110, and is tightened to secure the shutter 115 in place [Step 208]. The rubber grommet 106 is then applied over the screw 120 to provide additional weather resistance and protection against corrosion [Step 210]. By eliminating the need to drill into the siding 130, the shutter mounting bracket device 100 offers an effective, long-lasting, and damage-free solution for securely mounting outdoor shutters 115. The design enhances structural stability, simplifies the installation process, and ensures protection against environmental elements.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “shutter mounting bracket device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the shutter mounting bracket device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the shutter mounting bracket device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the shutter mounting bracket device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the shutter mounting bracket device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the shutter mounting bracket device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the shutter mounting bracket device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.