Abstract: A substrate primed to receive a coat of paint or other decoration and a method for producing the same. A substrate is primed with a viscous coating material having sixty to ninety-five percent solid material by mass to fill surface pores and cover the substrate surface with a dense layer of coating material such that a single coat of paint provides a consistent rich color and luster throughout.

Abstract: A window covering component comprising a substrate having a modulus of elasticity and a stiffener having a higher modulus of elasticity than the substrate and positioned substantially away from the plane in which the substrate would otherwise tend to deform.

Abstract: An interior window framing system comprising a standardized frame having predetermined dimensions proportionate to a standard window.

Abstract: A hollow, rigid window covering component for use as a slat or otherwise, generally used as an alternative to wood, the component being filled with a foam using a substantially continuous manufacturing process. The apparatus used for this process comprises a die having a substantially toroid-shaped resin chamber and a channel or void through which to inject a core material into the enclosed perimeter of the hollow window covering component.

Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing, slim profile window frame assembly that is capable of retaining a shutter. Specifically, the window frame assembly of the present invention comprises a core substrate coupled to a flange. Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a core substrate having a thickness less than {fraction (5/16)} inch and having, by volume, an elastic modulus greater than wood. A flange comprises a depth sufficient to retain a hinge attached to a window covering, such as a shutter. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a decorative covering to be coupled to the core substrate and/or flange such that a portion of the window frame assembly is thereby concealed. The improved strength per volume of the present invention facilitates shutter installation by a “do-it-yourself” homeowner or handyman as well as by a skilled carpenter.

Abstract: A cellular window covering is made from multiple seamless tubular cells which are preferably extruded, cut to the desired length, stacked and glued together. The method can include extruding a plurality of tubular cells then stacking and bonding the cells together to form the fabric of the window covering. The extrusion step can include continuously extruding the tubular cell material and cutting the material at the desired length of the cells. Additional steps can include applying an adhesive to the outer surface of the cell after or sequentially with the extrusion and subsequently coating the outer surface with chopped fibers or powder after the adhesive is applied. The tubular cells can be extruded as single tubes or multiple tubes having internal ligaments which divide the extrusion into two or more connected tubular cells. Alternatively, each tubular cell can be formed from extruded half-cells which are joined together form the tubular cell.

Abstract: A window covering comprises spaced collapsible cells secured to a pair of control cords which may be actuated to cause the cells to expand or contract their cross-sectional shape. In their collapsed and partially expanded conditions, the cells are spaced from each other to permit a variable amount of light to pass therebetween, while in their fully expanded condition the cells preferably contact and overlap each other to completely block passage of light therebetween. The cells can be arrayed in either vertical or horizontal orientations. Another embodiment employs flexible vanes in place of collapsible cells.