Abstract: A louvered shutter panel, such as for windows and doors, includes a pair of spaced-apart stiles, each stile having a longitudinally extending groove. The groove in each stile includes a first portion having a first cross-sectional shape and an adjacent second portion having a second cross-sectional shape. A pair of spaced-apart rails extends between the stiles, each of the rails having a tabbed portion received within the groove of the stile. The shutter panel also includes elongate inserts received within a portion of the groove of the stile. A plurality of louvers include pins that are rotationally received within spaced-apart holes in the inserts.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a new type of shading device for windows. The shading device comprises two sheets of glass, a blind with a plurality of slates, and an actuating device rotating them. The slats are painted with a low reflectivity coating on one side and a high reflectivity coating on the other side. The blind is installed inside the air tight chamber formed by two sheets of glass. In addition, a low emissivity film can be applied on the wall of the air tight chamber. The shade device employs a control system to adjust the angle of the blind slats in response to various input signals.

Abstract: Wide span louvers including elongated oval bodies with a thickness to width ratio between 0.14 to 0.25, and a pivot/attachment point offset below the horizontal axis, and other improvements to improve resistance to weight and/or thermal sag in long span shutter assemblies and the like.

Abstract: A louver module which has an improved ventilation control structure, operating method, material, and shape for imparting heat-resistance and water-tight properties and prevents a louver from deviating through mutual fixation and reinforcement among a plurality of materials, and a louver system employing the same. The louver module of includes a frame, an opening/closing mechanism, a louver unit and power transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A sealing member for a louvre mounting assembly is described. The louvre mounting assembly is of the type to allow co-rotation of at least first and second louvre panes between open and closed positions. The sealing member located in an end clip for the first louvre pane of the louvre mounting assembly, wherein the sealing member includes a first sealing region for sealing against a portion of the second louvre pane to seal against movement of liquid into the end clip when the louvre mounting assembly is in a closed position.

Abstract: A grille shutter device selectively opening and closing a grille opening in the front grille of a vehicle. The grille shutter device includes a fin, a motor, a transmission mechanism, a first switch, and a second switch. The fin has a support shaft, which is rotatably supported by the front grille. When supplied with electricity, the motor rotates its output shaft in one direction. The transmission mechanism converts the rotation of the output shaft to a swinging motion of the fin, thereby swinging the fin between a closed position, where the fin closes the grille opening, and an open position, where the fin opens the grille opening. When the fin is swung to the closed position, the first switch stops the motor. When the fin is swung to the open position, the second switch stops the motor.

Abstract: An airflow window includes an outer frame, an inner frame located in the outer frame, a plurality of shutters, and a magnet. The plurality of shutters is pivotably mounted on the inner frame. Each shutter includes metal. The magnet includes at least one magnet strip. The at least one magnet strip attracts the plurality of shutters at an open state. In the open state, the plurality of shutters is slanted relative to the outer frame.

Abstract: The invention comprises a transparent/translucent panel system including two spaced flat panels and a series of elongated, abutting, rotatably mounted transparent/translucent light-controlling members disposed between the panels in which the light-controlling members are at least partially tubular or have annular members along their length to facilitate rotation of the light-controlling members and include a light-blocking surface whereby differently sized light-controlling members may be used and the light-controlling members, when rotated by a simple drive mechanism, can vary the light passing through the panel system from clear to opaque and can effectively block light between adjacent light-controlling members.

Abstract: A blind slat (1) has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile extending between a leading end (2) and a trailing end (3). The profile defines an upper face (4) of the slat (1). The upper face (4) has a convex portion (6) extending from adjacent the leading end (2) towards the trailing end (3). The convex portion (6) has an apex (7) at which the upper face (4) is parallel to a reference axis (R) of the profile that extends laterally between the leading end (2) and the trailing end (3). The upper face (4) also has a concave portion (8) located between the convex portion (6) and the trailing end (3). The concave portion (8) has a base (9) at which the upper face (4) is parallel to the reference axis (R). An inflection (10) joins the convex portion (6) and the concave portion (8). The upper face (4) is inclined with respect to the reference axis (R) by at least 11° at the inflection (10). The profile has a depth measured between the leading end (2) and the trailing end (3) of between 105 and 150 mm.

Abstract: An airflow window includes an outer frame, an inner frame, and shutters. The outer frame defines a first opening and a plurality of guiding slots. The inner frame defines a second opening. The first opening communicates with the second opening. Each shutter includes an interfering tab. The shutters cooperatively block the first opening and the second opening in a closed state. A surface in each guiding slot retards a moving speed of the shutters on the interfering tab when the shutters rotate from an open state to the closed state.

Abstract: A shutter system for controlling a flow of fluid through an entryway includes a plurality of louvers, wherein each louver includes a pivot axis and an actuating portion. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the system between and inclusive of fully opened and fully closed by rotating each of the plurality of louvers about the respective pivot axis. The mechanism is configured to engage each actuating portion and rotate each louver at a variable rate. A vehicle employing the shutter system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A metal shutter with improved air and light transmission is provided. The shutter comprises a metal top, a metal bottom, and two metal sides, which can be collectively assembled into a frame. The frame can have a metal support column that can be affixed to the top and bottom. A number of metal slats can be affixed between the sides of the shutter, and can either pass through the center column or can be affixed to the center column. A hinge can be affixed to the top of the frame, and can also be affixed to a structure. The top, bottom, sides, support column, slats, hinge, and a lock all comprise the shutter. The hinge allows the shutter to rotate between a first, substantially vertical, position, and a second, non-vertical position. The lock holds the shutter to a structure when the shutter is in the first position.

Abstract: A shutter assembly having a shutter with louvres, and a border frame for surrounding the shutter which is attachable to a building and having a plurality of frame side sections each formed of sections of extruded plastic, a plurality of hollow tubes, separated by thin walls, defined in the sections, a fastener channel formed integrally in the frame side sections for receiving fasteners for holding the shutter assembly in place, and, an extruded plastic removable cover plug channel having flexible side walls for fitting in the fastener channel and closing the channel and thereby concealing heads of the fasteners.

Abstract: A louvre blade retention system for use in a louvre windows system, the retention system including a louvre end clip mounted relative to a louvre channel, the louvre end clip having at least one longitudinal recess therein to receive an end portion of a louvre blade and at least one transverse opening, a louvre blade having at least one opening therethrough in the end portion and a retaining member adapted to be received through the aligned at least one transverse opening in the louvre end clip and the at least one opening through the louvre blade in order to fix the louvre blade to the end clip.

Abstract: A shutter panel having multiple louvers that may be opened or closed in unison and which provide a flat, non-overlapping surface when placed in the closed position. Each louver is provided with a pivot post and a drive post, and the drive posts of each louver are interconnected to one or more control rods hidden within the stiles of the shutter panel. Each louver is beveled to encourage movement between the open and closed positions, and to assist with the formation of a substantially flat surface when the louvers are placed in the closed positions. The substantially flat surface formed when the louvers are closed may include an aesthetic design applied thereon or engraved therein.

Abstract: A light-control assembly including a modular beam with a plurality of adjacent circular bores separated by web portions, at least two bearing members each having an annular ring dimensioned to fit within the bores with non-interfering flanges extending radially outwardly from the rings mounted in the bores, and a series of light-controlling members mounted in the bearing members.

Abstract: The invention comprises improvements to transparent/translucent panel systems including two spaced flat panels and a series of elongated, abutting, rotatably mounted transparent/translucent light-controlling members disposed between the panels in which the light-controlling members are at least partially tubular or have annular members along their length to facilitate rotation of the light-controlling members and include a light-blocking surface including improvements to ensure continued efficient operation when the panel systems are subjected to flexure or deflection and possible permanent deformation.

Abstract: The invention comprises a transparent/translucent panel system including two spaced flat panels and a series of elongated, abutting, rotatably mounted transparent/translucent light-controlling members disposed between the panels in which the light-controlling members are at least partially tubular or have annular members along their length to facilitate rotation of the light-controlling members and include a light-blocking surface whereby differently sized light-controlling members may be used and the light-controlling members, when rotated by a simple drive mechanism, can vary the light passing through the panel system from clear to opaque and can effectively block light between adjacent light-controlling members.

Abstract: A shutter blade is provided. The shutter blade includes at least two carbon nanotube composite layers stacked on each other. Each carbon nanotube composite layer includes a polymer and a carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially oriented along a same direction. The carbon nanotube structure also includes a plurality of carbon nanotube wires extending along a same direction. A shutter using the shutter blade is also provided. The shutter includes a shutter blade structure including at least two the above-mentioned shutter blades.

Abstract: A shutter slat assembly for a storm shutter, each slat assembly including an elongated horizontally extending hollow shutter slat having longitudinally extending formed outer edges configured to slidably, interlockingly connect with the next adjacent slat for limited pivotal movement between adjacent connected slats sufficient for rolled-up storage of the storm shutter. Each slat has a central port formed therethrough for viewing and light transmission through the port. An elongated transparent panel is also provided having a cross section slidably fitted into the slat and enlarged edge portions configured and spaced for dependent slidable engagement between and within inwardly facing grooves formed inwardly adjacent to the outer edges. The transparent panel covers the port while allowing a person to obtain a view and permit light transmission therethrough. Sliding opaque covers positioned within the slat and over the transparent panel allow for selective closure of light transmission.

Abstract: A shutter slat assembly for a storm shutter, the slat assembly including an elongated horizontally extending shutter slat having longitudinally extending formed edges configured to slidably, interlockingly connect with the next adjacent slat for limited pivotal movement between adjacent connected slats sufficient for rolled-up storage of the storm shutter. Each slat has a central port formed therethrough for viewing and light transmission through the port. An elongated transparent panel preferably having a cross section similar to that of the slat includes enlarged edge portions configured and spaced for dependent slidable engagement between and within inwardly facing grooves formed inwardly adjacent to the edges. The transparent panel covers the port while allowing a person to obtain a view and permit light transmission therethrough.

Abstract: A window covering louvered blind system for horizontal and vertical orientations has a plurality of structurally sound and aesthetically appealing louvers within the body of the window-covering unit, creating the look of soft fabric roman shades. A primary main body or middle segment of the louver is substantially planar, radiused or curvilinear with at least one fin which may be tapered and that extends from the elongated edge of the main body at a continuous obtuse angle. In some versions two opposed fins extend integrally in the same downward direction from the elongated edges of the main body at an obtuse angle. The preferred embodiments have a matching head-rail and bottom rail designed to neatly nest the louvers above it. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical versions of fins are disclosed. The louvers hereof are shown being used in blinds and shutters.

Abstract: A window covering louvered blind system for horizontal and vertical orientations has a plurality of structurally sound and aesthetically appealing louvers within the body of the window-covering unit. A primary main body or middle segment of the louver is substantially planar with opposed fins that extend integrally in the same downward direction from the elongated edges of the main body at an obtuse angle. The preferred embodiments have a matching head-rail and bottom rail. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical versions of fins are disclosed. The louvers hereof are shown being used in blinds and shutters.

Abstract: A shutter assembly includes a main body having a first side member and a second side member. Each of the first side member and the second side member has a first attachment feature. The shutter assembly also includes at least one cap. The cap has a pair of spaced apart second attachment features. The first attachment features of the first side member and the second side member of the main body and the second attachment features of the cap cooperate with one another to selectively secure the cap to the main body.

Abstract: This invention relates to two devices that are used to let fresh air in or through a window or opening but at the same time keep rain or any other kind of precipitation out. This is a device that will enable people to keep a window or an opening open even in inclement weather or when precipitation of any kind threatens to enter the opening or window. This is a device that will also save energy as it will significantly decrease the use of air conditioning in homes and offices.

Abstract: An arch shutter having a frame with an arch frame portion, and often with a linear lower frame portion, and louvres extending from side to side of the arch portion, parallel to the linear lower frame portion, and having a frame section of predetermined width, and bevel portions formed at each end of each louvre, the bevel portions removing a portion at each end of each louvre for providing clearance for rotation of each louvre without interfering with arch frame portion, and pivot pins inserted through drillings in the frame from the exterior.

Abstract: A plantation window shutter, comprises a frame and a plurality of shutter blades pivotably supported by the frame. The frame has a left stile, a right stile, a bottom rail connected to the left and right stiles and a top rail connected to the left and right stiles. The left stile comprises first and second members joined together, and the right stile third and fourth members joined together. The bottom rail includes first and second end portions sandwiched between the first and second members, and the third and fourth members, respectively. The top rail includes first and second end portions sandwiched between the first and second members, and the third and fourth members, respectively. The left and right stiles include top end portions operably attached to each other. The first and second members have opposing sides including a plurality of mirrored left grooves.

Abstract: A louver blade for a louvered window includes: a longitudinal blade body having opposite first and second surfaces that extend along a longitudinal axis of the blade body, two transverse surfaces that extend along a first transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and two pivot holes formed respectively in the transverse surfaces and aligned with the longitudinal axis; and a longitudinal reinforcing plate disposed within the blade body. The reinforcing plate includes an intermediate bent portion, and two end portions extending from the intermediate bent portion. The reinforcing plate has a minimum distance from the longitudinal axis, which is larger than the radii of the pivot holes.

Abstract: One embodiment of a louver for installation in an opening in a wall includes a head; a sill; two opposite iambs wherein one iamb has a longitudinal recess; a plurality of parallel sloping slats disposed in a space defined by the head, the sill, and the iambs, each slat being pivotably secured to the jambs; and a tilt rod pivotably secured to the slats. The tilt rod is received in the recess when the louver is closed.

Abstract: A shutter used, for example, as a sunshade has blades that are pivotally coupled to frame members of the shutter by respective pivot shafts that are split longitudinally into upper and lower halves. The pivot shaft halves can be adjusted radially with respect to one another to take up free movement that might otherwise allow the blades to vibrate when the shutter is in use.

Abstract: A louver assembly for placement in an opening for regulating the inlet of air, comprising a first blade stack and second blade stack arranged in tandem, and a sill for supporting the first and second blade stack. The first and second blade stacks have a plurality of blades arranged in a horizontally-spaced and vertically-extending configuration defining a plurality of horizontally-spaced and vertical extending air passageways for the passage of air therethrough. The sill has a generally planar first portion for supporting the first blade stack and a sloped second portion for supporting the second blade stack, wherein the sloped portion and the second blade stack define therebetween a void for equalizing pressure within the assembly to facilitate the draining of water therefrom.

Abstract: A solar-shading assembly for fastening to a support mullion, comprises an elongate louver member having longitudinal front and rear edges, an elongate cap element for extending along and covering the rear edge, a bracket which is connectable to the support mullion, and a fastening device for connecting the bracket to the rear edge of the louver member. The in use fastening device is coverable by the cap element so as to hide the fastening device from view. Preferably, at least part of the bracket is also coverable by the cap element so as to hide the said part of the bracket from view.

Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly including a plurality of main slats arranged in side-by-side relation, end pieces positioned at each end of the main slats and each including laterally spaced tongues spaced and sized to fit in their respective open ends of the main slats at a respective end of the main slats, and cross slat structures positioned in overlying relationship to seams formed between inboard ends of the end pieces and the respective ends of the main slats. The cross slat structures are removably secured to the end pieces and to the main slats so that, following delivery of the shutter assembly to a building site, the cross slat structures may be removed, the end pieces and main slats may be secured to a building surface utilizing fastener members, and the cross slats may be repositioned over the fastener members to conceal the fastener members.

Abstract: A security window for shielding a secured space against forceful attacks generally includes a lateral profile, a pane having outer and inner surfaces, a clamping assembly adapted to hold the pane, a column protruding from the lateral profile, and a first seal disposed longitudinally along the column. The clamping assembly is rotatably coupled to the lateral profile. In operation, the pane moves between closed and open positions upon rotation of the clamping assembly. The column spans longitudinally along the pane and the clamping assembly. The first seal is adapted to hinder fluid from passing through the pane and the clamping assembly and abuts the outer surface of the pane when the pane is located in the closed position.

Abstract: A louver blade comprises an elongated body made of extruded plastic having first and second plastic strips disposed within and off-center from the longitudinal axis of the body. A method for making a louver blade comprises extruding plastic in a shape of a louver blade into a die; feeding first and second plastic strips through a cavity of the die; cooling the extruded louver blade; and cutting the extruded louver blade into desired length.

Abstract: A shutter assembly mounts to a building and includes a right stile and a left stile disposed in spaced opposing relationship with one another. A first bar is mounted to the right stile and presents at least one recess facing outwardly away from the right stile for receiving a decorative member. A second bar opposing the first bar is mounted to the left stile and presents at least one recess facing and opposing the recess of the first bar for receiving the decorative member. The first and second bars each have at least one biasing device extending into the respective recesses of the first and second bars and engage the decorative member for biasing the decorative member outwardly away from the respective stiles to prevent movement of the decorative member relative to the stiles.

Abstract: A rotating shaft of a shutter louver is provided, which is inserted into a louver mounting hole and frame mounting hole, so as to connect the louver to the frame. The rotating shaft is formed by a shaft bushing and shaft, wherein a shaft hole is formed through the body of the shaft bushing, a flange is disposed on the body and a gripping portion is protruded from the body. The shaft is accommodated within the shaft hole, and a fin is protruded from the shaft tail. When the rotating shaft is inserted into the frame mounting hole, the gripping portion is used to bear against the inner side of the frame mounting hole and thereby applying a force to grip the rotating shaft, and cooperating with the operation of gripping the louver mounting hole by the fin, the louver is positioned on the frame quickly and firmly.

Abstract: This invention comprises a transparent/translucent panel system including two spaced flat panels and a series of elongated, abutting, rotatably mounted transparent/translucent light-controlling members disposed between the panels in which the light-controlling members are at least partially tubular or have annular members along their length to facilitate rotation of the light-controlling members and include a light-blocking surface whereby differently sized light-controlling members may be used and the light-controlling members, when rotated by a simple drive mechanism, can vary the light passing through the panel system from clear to opaque and can effectively block light between adjacent light-controlling members.

Abstract: Blind slats for door/window Venetian blinds include a door/window frame made up of a plurality of side brackets wherein the left and right side brackets are provided with a plurality of retaining holes disposed at the corresponding inner sides thereon respectively for blind slats to be mounted thereby, and a linkage rod is attached at the same side of the blind slats thereon. Each of the blind slats is formed of a flexible embodiment with a locating member attached at both shorter lateral sides thereon respectively to be registered with the retaining hole of the of the left/right side brackets thereof so as to attach the blind slat onto the door/window frame thereby. Via the flexibility thereof, each blind slat is capable of being pushed at both lateral sides thereof till slightly bent into an arc shape, permitting the locating members thereof to detach from the retaining holes of the left/right side brackets according to the deformation of the blind slat thereof.

Abstract: A blind slat assembly for door/window Venetian blinds includes a door/window frame made up of a plurality of side brackets wherein the left and right side brackets are provided with a plurality of retaining holes disposed at the corresponding inner sides thereon respectively for blind slats to be mounted thereto, and a linkage rod is attached at the same side of the blind slats thereon. A thicker locating rod is disposed at the center of the blind slat thereon, and a protruded coupling section is extending at both ends of the central locating rod thereof respectively to be registered with the retaining holes of the left/right side brackets thereof so as to attach the blind slat onto the door/window frame thereby.

Abstract: A shutter includes a shutter frame defining an open space, a shutter panel mounted within the open space of the shutter frame, a mounting device and a packing plate. The shutter panel has an open panel frame and a plurality of louvers pivotally mounted inside the open panel frame. The mounting devices is connected between an outer side edge of the shutter panel and an inner side edge of the shutter frame for enabling the shutter panel to be turned in and out of the open space of the shutter frame. The packing plate is mounted in between the mounting device and the shutter frame.

Abstract: A shutter is manufactured by laminating a surface of a substrate material. The substrate material is then cut into boards that are edge-milled and laminated and cut to length so as to create prefinished shutter components. These components are then assembled into a completed shutter. In one embodiment, the substrate is medium density fiberboard (MDF), the surface laminate is a hot roll laminate of decorative paper and the second laminate is a heat transfer foil. The combination prefinished, MDF substrate shutter components and associated construction methods achieve a high-quality shutter at a much reduced cost over conventional shutters constructed entirely of indigenous wood that is spray-painted after assembly.

Abstract: A window shade comprises a lower rail, two upright posts, an upper rail, and a plurality of rail members. The upright posts are connected uprightly with two sides of the lower rail. The upper rail is connected with free ends of the upright posts. Each of the rail members has a main body, a through hole, and a rod. The through hole penetrates two side ends of the main body. The rod is disposed in the through hole such that two ends of the rod are jutted out of the through hole to be connected between the two upright posts. The rail members are parallel to one another and are connected between the two upright posts.

Abstract: The invention provides a panel (2) of controllable radiation transmissivity, including a plurality of tubular cells (4), in at least some of which cells is rotatably mounted at least one radiation-blocking member (6), at least one portion of at least one surface of which is substantially opaque, and means (8) for rotating the radiation-blocking member (6) inside the tubular cells (4), wherein the radiation-blocking member (6), when rotated, is adapted, in at least one angular position, to substantially block the passage of radiation through the panel (2), and in a plurality of other, selectable, angular positions, to provide a plurality of differing radiation transmissivities.

Abstract: A window shade comprises a lower rail, two upright posts, an upper rail, and a plurality of rail members. The upright posts are connected uprightly with two sides of the lower rail. The upper rail is connected with free ends of the upright posts. Each of the rail members has a main body, a through hole, and a rod. The through hole penetrates two side ends of the main body. The rod is disposed in the through hole such that two ends of the rod are jutted out of the through hole to be connected between the two upright posts. The rail members are parallel to one another and are connected between the two upright posts.

Abstract: A method of applying a decorative color to a thermoplastic strip suited for use to produce slats for blinds is characterized by the use of a heat sensitive printing paper of the type normally used to color the fabric material from which valances are generally made. By using that type of color transferring medium to color the thermoplastic slats it becomes possible, for instance, to manufacture blind slats having the same color as the fabric valance to be hung decoratively from the window for which the blind is to be installed. There is also disclosed a blind structure for attenuating the flapping noise produced when the slats enter in contact with each other.

Abstract: A window shutter having a blade assembly which has a non-metallic blade section and an extruded metal mounting section. The metal mounting section is pivotally mounted to the frame and is preferably aluminum or other light materials. In a preferred embodiment, the relative position of the blades to each other and the frame so zero clearance is achieved and in a closed position the blade assemblies overlap to block light. The blade assemblies may be incorporated into a rectangular frame or other style such as a sunburst configuration.

Abstract: A louver laminated with a very thin film (i.e. a transfer film, very thin layer, etc . . . ) for use in the construction of window blinds such as Venetian blinds, and the like, the louver having opposed top and bottom surfaces, as well as opposed first and second side surfaces each laminated with a very thin film. More particularly, the film is so thin, that the boundary edges of the film, once laminated to a surface of the louver, are imperceptible to human touch, i.e. they are tactilely invisible. An apparatus and method for making a louver laminated with a very thin film is further proposed.