Abstract: A window shutter frame for attaching window shutters to a wall comprising an elongate frame base having a first length, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a first longitudinal axis, the top surface having a mounting channel with a first width, the mounting channel extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the frame base along the entire first length of the frame base, the mounting channel having a base surface and a first side surface and a second side surface, the base surface of the mounting channel having one or more mounting points through which fasteners may be disposed; and an elongate concealing strip for insertion into the mounting channel having a second width, a second length, and a second longitudinal axis, the second width of the concealing strip being approximately equal to the first width of the mounting channel, the second length of the concealing strip being approximately equal to the first length of the frame base, such that upon insertion of the concealing strip into the mountin

Abstract: A window shutter frame for attaching window shutters to a wall comprising an elongate frame base having a first length, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a first longitudinal axis, the top surface having a mounting channel with a first width, the mounting channel extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the frame base along the entire first length of the frame base, the mounting channel having a base surface and a first side surface and a second side surface, the base surface of the mounting channel having one or more mounting points through which fasteners may be disposed; and an elongate concealing strip for insertion into the mounting channel having a second width, a second length, and a second longitudinal axis, the second width of the concealing strip being approximately equal to the first width of the mounting channel, the second length of the concealing strip being approximately equal to the first length of the frame base, such that upon insertion of the concealing strip into the mountin

Abstract: An extruded product having a foam core is formed by blending powdered cellulose with a base resin and an oxidizer to yield a first mixture. The first mixture is compressed, heated and extruded to form a pelletized compound which is compressed and heated into a homogeneous extrudable mixture. Moisture is extracted from the powdered cellulose at one or more points during the process to achieve a moisture content of less than about two percent. A protective cladding is coaxially extruded around a core of the extrudable mixture to form an elongated product having a foam core at least partially enclosed by the protective cladding.

Abstract: A horizontal window blind for virtually total blocking the passage of light has a plurality of slats formed from first and second portions parallel to each other. The portions are interconnected by a transition portion, and a flange portion is provided projecting at an obtuse angle from the second portion. At least one opening is made in the flange portion to pass a lifting cord therethrough. The slats are supported by horizontal cords which are attached to a set of vertical cords. A spacing between the horizontal cords is fixed to a distance which permits an outer edge of the first portion to cover the flange portion with the cord passage opening and at least a part of the second portion when the slats are tilted into the vertical position. Because of the shape of the slats and the relative positioning of the slats when tilted into the vertical position, the lifting cord does not find its way between the slats and light is fully blocked by the blind.

Abstract: An advanced composite or reinforcing substrate is produced with a decorative surface layer, made of a thin veneer of cloth, fabric, paper, wood, vinyl or other material, which is structurally, integrally bonded to the reinforcing substate by simultaneoulsy forming the decorative surface layer together with the substrate to partially or totally encapsulate the substrate and decorative surface layer together with substrate resins. When the resins are catalyzed and cured, a structurally strong and decorative unit as an integral element, results. The process for making the components is particularly suited to a pultrusion process.

Abstract: A structural element made up of a suitable substrate having at least one surface to which is bonded, by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive, a decorative veneer of a fiber backed reconstituted wood. The physical properties of the structural element are dictated by the substrate. The fiber backed reconstituted wood veneer contributes primarily decorative properties. The substrate can have any desired configuration but is particularly adapted for use in the formation of slats or louvers for horizontal or vertical venetian type blinds. The substrates are preferably appropriately contoured semi-rigid or rigid aluminum strips. Expanded plastic foams, plastics, softwood or hardwood or other solid substrates may also be used. Suitable fiber backed reconstituted wood veneers are any fiber backed veneers made by a process which utilizes wood, but which does not have the cellular structure of wood.

Abstract: A decorative structural element suitable for making venetian type window blinds, room dividers, furniture panels, room and furniture decorations and the like are disclosed. The element comprises a structurally stable, resilient, rigid plastic foam substrate having opposing surfaces having a wood veneer adhering to at least one of the surfaces. The thickness of the substrate is not in excess of 10 mm, and preferably is 5 mm or less. The veneer is sufficiently thin, relative to the substrate, that the structural properties of the substrate, such as resiliency, are not materially affected by the veneer.