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: 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: The method starts with bringing the stack of slats to be assembled into a standby position. The slats are then removed from the bottom of the magazine and stepwise provided with connecting elements having hooks which are then engaged with loops provided on carrier strips of the shutter. Thereupon, the hooks are bent to close and the slats are moved downwardly by steps. After suspending the last slat, the carrier strips are cut through above the last slat, so that on a conveyor provided below, the assembled shutter forms a stack to be removed. This process is continuous, so that in immediate succession, the assemblage of a further shutter begins.