Abstract: A window shutter assembly having flexible light blocking seals molded in the frame or on the edges of the stop surface of the frame. The invention also includes fasteners for securing the louver frame of shutters and also for applying tension to the louvers to resist undesired louver tilt due to wear and the effects of gravity. Additional light blocking features include T-shaped strips of a fibrous material which is secured to a suitable location such as in a groove along the side of the louver panel stile and louvers having edges which inter-engage in the closed position to efficiently block light.

Abstract: A concealed louver drive mechanism for a shutter assembly having multiple louvers. A gear rack is disposed in a channel in one of the stiles. One-piece pinions each having a gear engaging the rack and a pin end received in the end of the associated louver. The rack and pinion have relieved areas to reduce frictional resistance to movement. When one of the louvers is manually adjusted, simultaneous coordinated movement is imparted to the rack and to the other louvers.

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 window shutter having vertical stiles and horizontal rails formed of extruded polymeric material. The corners where the rails and stiles are joined are reinforced by interconnected rigid load-transferring member. Louvers are moveable relative to the stiles and pivot on molded pins which may be provided with individual gears engageable with an elongate rack for synchronized movement. The invention comprehends a fabrication and assembly process.