Abstract: A horizontal Venetian blind slat structure includes a plurality of horizontal rods and binding cords wherein the horizontal rods are made of elongated natural materials such as bamboo or wooden sticks, and the binding cords are of different colors and patterns. The horizontal rods arranged in parallel are bound into a large piece via the binding cords weaving up and down the horizontal rods for combination thereof. Fastening glue is applied onto the binding cords to strengthen the combination thereof, and fissures are formed at the space between every two horizontal rods with no binding cords attached thereto. The large piece of horizontal rods bound via the binding cords is then cut into a blind slat of proper length with two cord-passage holes disposed at both ends thereof; whereby, via the binding cords of different colors and patterns, the blind slat is variably changed in beautiful display.

Abstract: A fabric blind assembly. The assembly includes a headrail, a bottom rail suspended below the headrail, fabric blind slats arranged in parallel between the headrail and the bottom rail. Each fabric blind slat includes two opposite long sides and two rigid rod members respectively mounted in the long sides. Each rod member includes coupling portions. Braided ladders are connected between the headrail and the bottom rail at two sides of the fabric blind slats. Each braided ladder includes retaining members spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance and respectively fastened to the coupling potions of the rod members to keep the fabric blind slats positioned between the headrail and the bottom rail and spaced apart from one another at the predetermined distance.

Abstract: The flight guiding blinds of this invention are characterized in that the tooth sides showing towards sun incidence have an angle of inclination ? essentially smaller in the area of the irradiation portion and larger at a larger distance from the irradiation portion, and the angles of inclination ? increase following a concave curve path increasingly ascending from the irradiation area towards the reflection area, and at the upper side of light guiding blinds retro-reflected reaction is concentrated and a concentration zone is formed near irradiation portion and the concentration zone is disposed either in front of blind in the irradiation portion and/or on the underside of upper blind behind the irradiation portion, and on the upper side of a light guiding blind light radiation may be reflected at the individual teeth at and angle ?R<?S.

Abstract: A blind coated with photo catalyst consists of slats and a protective layer of photo catalyst coating on the surface of the slats. The protective layer receives projection of a light source (such as ultraviolet light) and is agitated to release free radicals to decompose and absorb organic substances in the air to eliminate toxic chemical substances in the air.

Abstract: A louver for a louver blind curtain comprising two parts which can be moved in a telescope-like manner with respect to each other. By means of a rubber traction device, the louver parts are subjected to pre-tension in the direction toward the shortened position of the louver. The louver curtain comprises a multitude of louvers whose length can be automatically changed and which are guided at both ends on guide tracks. The connection between the louver and each guide track is achieved by a respective slider, where the slider is provided at one end of the louvers with a drive, to change the angular position of the louvers. In addition, those sliders which travel the longest distance during the opening and the closing of the curtain are provided with screwed spindle drives.

Abstract: A horizontal Venetian blind slat structure includes a plurality of horizontal rods and binding cords wherein the horizontal rods are made of elongated natural materials such as bamboo or wooden sticks, and the binding cords are of different colors and patterns. The horizontal rods arranged in parallel are bound into a large piece via the binding cords weaving up and down the horizontal rods for combination thereof. Fastening glue is applied onto the binding cords to strengthen the combination thereof, and fissures are formed at the space between every two horizontal rods with no binding cords attached thereto. The large piece of horizontal rods bound via the binding cords is then cut into a blind slat of proper length with two cord-passage holes disposed at both ends thereof; whereby, via the binding cords of different colors and patterns, the blind slat is variably changed in beautiful display.

Abstract: A partition for open building space and the like having a frame including at least one substantially horizontal surface. A cover member is configured to enclose at least a portion of the frame. The cover member includes attachment members configured to connect the cover member to the frame. A seal is attached to the cover member and includes a resilient flap which engages the substantially horizontal surface of the frame to inhibit the passage of acoustical and/or optical energy through the partition.

Abstract: A door panel device includes a door panel having two posts, and one or more plates secured between the inner side portions of the posts with catches. Two further door panels each includes a post coupled to the respective posts of the door panel with a flexible hinge member. The flexible hinge member may be solidly secured between the posts of the door panels with such as mold injection processes, to prevent the flexible hinge member from being moved relative to the posts of the door panels. One or more boards may further be secured between the posts with catches and secured to the plate with couplers.

Abstract: A sectional garage door panel includes a skin part formed of a rolled metal sheet forming an outer wall and opposed top and bottom edges which may form a pinch resistant joint when adjacent panels are interconnected. Elongated prefabricated insulation parts are inserted in cavities formed by the top and bottom edges and a generally rectangular planar insulation part is insertable in a cavity formed between the top and bottom edges and between the first mentioned insulation parts. Channel shaped brackets are insertable in cavities formed by the top and bottom edges for reinforcing the skin part at a point of attachment of end stiles and hinge parts. A metal backer sheet forms an inner wall to protect the insulation parts. The brackets and one or more of the insulation parts may be secured to the skin part by an adhesive.

Abstract: The structures and process for producing the structures of the invention enable extensive and efficient use of block scrap for slat manufacturing. The techniques employed advantageously accomplish two goals simultaneously, enabling scrap, such as block scrap, to be formed into longer effective lengths. Such longer effective lengths can then be cutably formed into slats of various sizes. The joinder of the block scrap is by deeply extending, finite interlock length finger joints which, once the material is cutably formed into slats, remain as relatively shallow (the thickness of the slat) and finite interlock length finger joints. The joints have the added benefit that they statistically “break up” any grain differences which would otherwise create warp, and enable long lengths of slat to be employed from several shorter lengths of scrap. An applied covering layer may be applied by wrapping or insertion.

Abstract: The structures and process for producing the structures of the invention enable extensive and efficient use of block scrap for slat manufacturing. The techniques employed advantageously accomplish two goals simultaneously, enabling scrap, such as block scrap, to be formed into longer effective lengths. Such longer effective lengths can then be cutably formed into slats of various sizes. The joinder of the block scrap is by deeply extending, finite interlock length finger joints which, once the material is cutably formed into slats, remain as relatively shallow and finite interlock length finger joints. The joints have the added benefit that they statistically “break up” any grain differences which would otherwise create warp, and enable long lengths of slat to be employed from several shorter lengths of scrap. An applied covering layer may be applied by wrapping or insertion. An ultraviolet resistant lacquer may be applied to the covering layer for long window life and attractive finish.

Abstract: A sectional garage door panel includes a skin part formed of a rolled metal sheet forming an outer wall and opposed top and bottom edges which may form a pinch resistant joint when adjacent panels are interconnected. Elongated prefabricated insulation parts are inserted in cavities formed by the top and bottom edges and a generally rectangular planar insulation part is insertable in a cavity formed between the top and bottom edges and between the first mentioned insulation parts. Channel shaped brackets are insertable in cavities formed by the top and bottom edges for reinforcing the skin part at a point of attachment of end stiles and hinge parts. A metal backer sheet forms an inner wall to protect the insulation parts. The brackets and one or more of the insulation parts may be secured to the skin part by an adhesive.

Abstract: A blind slat is constructed having a center core of wooden slat, a layer of water based colorant coated on the surface of the center core of wooden slat and dried by means of the radiation of infrared rays, a layer of water based base paint coated on the surface of the layer of water based colorant and dried by means of the radiation of infrared rays, and a layer of water based face paint coated on the surface of the layer of base paint and dried by means of the radiation of infrared rays.

Abstract: An architectural covering, such as a blind, for use primarily over windows and doorways, includes of a plurality of separate composite vanes made of an opaque rigid material and a sheer material, if desired. Each composite vane can be manufactured as a flat, rollable laminated assembly of strips and joined or bonded at least substantially on a line along the length of the strip and substantially along one edge of one strip. Several different embodiments of the composite vane are disclosed. In one embodiment, the composite vane comprises a generally flat, unexpanded opaque material with individual pieces of sheer material attached to an edge of the vane. In another embodiment, a laminated composite vane comprises a pair of strips with the transverse width of one strip greater than the other strip to form a torque tube when edge-joining the strips.

Abstract: A carriage house replica garage door (20) is formed from first, second, and third door sections (22, 24, 26). Each of the door sections (22, 24, 26) includes a sheet metal layer (30). A trim board system (150) includes a first channel section (152), configured for attachment to the sheet metal layer (30), and a second channel section (154). The second channel section (154) includes a first closed end (202) and a second closed end (204). The second channel section (154) interlocks with the first channel section (152) to form the trim board system (150). Brace means (-,-) may be juxtaposed between the first and second channel sections (152, 154) for resisting compression force.

Abstract: For overhead folding doors which are molded from plastic, the panels have a front wall formed at its upper edge in a slightly recessed arcuate tenon and providing at the bottom a recessed area behind a bottom edge. The panels are adapted to be hingedly connected with the bottom edge of an upper panel following a path in close proximity to the tenon of a lower panel to provide a pinch proof hinging arrangement.

Abstract: A storm shutter slat includes an extruded body of a substantially rigid plastics material, and the body has opposite inner and outer side walls integrally connected by longitudinally extending transverse walls including spaced internal webs and opposite edge walls forming longitudinally extending hook portions and an undercut recess. The hook portions and recess provide for pivotally connecting the slat with adjacent slats and for rolling the connected slats into a coil. The extruded plastic body has a co-extruded core of substantially rigid plastics foam material which adheres or bonds to the walls of the body to provide the slat with a high bending strength, high durability against an impact, light weight and thermal insulation.

Abstract: A covering kit for blinds includes a series of covers that attach over the slats of a blind. The covers are attached over the slats to convey a photograph, text or decorative image when the slats on the blind are closed. The covering kit may feature an image divided into a series of sections, with each section produced onto a template. In one embodiment of the present invention, the templates may be cut to form strips that are clipped over the slats on a Venetian blind. The strips may include one or more tabs configured to fold around a slat to support each strip on the blind. The strips may also include margins so that the image sections form a substantially continuous and uninterrupted image when the slats are closed.

Abstract: A raised panel door section (22, 54, 64) for an overhead garage door (20, 50, 60) includes a sheet metal layer (32, 56, 66) formed from sheet metal stock (74) that is embossed to produce a raised panel design by an automated method that selects one of a first die set (84) and a second die set (90) in response to a predetermined embossment style, installs the selected one of the first and second die sets (84, 90) into an embossing press (36) and embosses the sheet metal stock (74) with the predetermined embossment style. The predetermined embossment style includes one of a vertical raised panel design (30), a horizontal raised panel design (52), and a horizontal long raised panel design (62).

Abstract: A slat or vane (30) for use in a covering for an architectural opening is suitable for use in either a horizontal or vertical orientation and in a horizontal orientation will not sag or droop, and in a vertical orientation will rotate uniformly along its length when rotated from end thereof. The slat (30) is formed in a tubular configuration and has a base material of glass fibers bonded together in a thermoformable resin so as to maintain the arcuate curvature desired for the tubular slat or vane (30). The slat (30) can be repeatedly deformed and will always return to its original configuration.

Abstract: Door sections for an overhead folding garage door formed by assemblying rows of panels with transverse styles with elongated top and bottom rails cut or selected to the length of the door opening, the panels and the styles and the rails having interengaging means whereby the panels and styles are connected to the rails.

Abstract: A method of making a fabric Venetian blind comprises helical winding of a narrow, elongated strip, which, when properly overlapped and bonded along longitudinal glue lines, will form the vanes and front and rear facings of the blind. The strips may be formed of a single, uniform material, or of adjacent, longitudinally extending portions of relatively opaque and relatively translucent fabric. An alternative embodiment uses the same winding technique to similarly form a structure of only translucent fabric, but with pockets for subsequent insertion of opaque vanes. Several alternative strip configurations and assembly arrangements are disclosed. The disclosed method and structure may also be used to form products for other applications.

Abstract: A wind resistant rolling shutter assembly having a flexible barrier made of a plurality of interconnected slats. Each individual slat is hollow, has inner and outer surfaces, two opposing ends and one or more support ribs. Two brackets each having two opposing ends, run internally from one opposing end of each slat to the other. Four slat end retainers, each having a head and a point, are disposed point first one in each bracket end. The flexible barrier rides in two track assemblies positioned vertically on the frame of a door or window. The track assemblies have track channels and retention arms located therein. When the slats are flexed the slat retainers interact with retention arms and prevent the dislodgement of the flexible barrier.

Abstract: A vane for an architectural covering, such as of the type used in a window opening, is designed for vertical suspension so as to resist twisting along its length. The vane is constructed in a tubular configuration and may have one or more internal hollow cells. The external configuration of the vane may simulate an air foil or have other related configurations. The vanes are preferably made of a material having diagonal, dimensional stability or memory, i.e. the ability to resist stretching in a direction diagonal to the length or width of the material. A reinforcing strip can be inserted into an open end of the vane to provide a positive and durable attachment for suspending the vane from an operating system.

Abstract: A sectional upward acting door includes interconnected door panels which are formed with generally planar outer and inner wall parts and upper and lower edges which cooperate to provide a pinch resistant joint between door panels when they are pivoted relative to each other. Spaced apart snap together hinge assemblies and snap in place guide roller support brackets may be used to assemble the door by moving the panels into assembly with each other between the door guide tracks. The panel edge profiles are formed by a convex surface on an upper edge of one panel and a cooperating concave multiple planar segment surface on the lower edge of the adjacent panel. An elongated seal strip may be secured in a groove in the lower edge of one panel and engageable with the apex of the upper edge of the adjacent panel.

Abstract: An accordion fire door is provided including an accordion member having interlocking panels formed of a fire retardant or fire proof material, a guide member positioned on at least one side of the accordion member for guiding the accordion member during movement between an opened position and a closed position, end locks arranged at interconnected ends of adjacent panels for maintaining panel contact and alignment, and a releasing member connected to the accordion member for releasing the accordion member in response to a predetermined condition of at least one of heat, fire, smoke, manual initiation and a drive. The panels are self hinged along the entire interlocking sides.

Abstract: A window cover apparatus that includes a window cover substrate and a mechanism for adjusting the configuration of the substrate relative to a window. Illuminating material such as phosphorescent or luminescent material is provided on or in the substrate to provide illumination in darkness. The illuminating material may contain color pigment and be configured to provide a colorful design in both daylight and darkness.

Abstract: A rigid hollow vane for door or window coverings includes a vane shell and an optional fabric covering. The shell is thermally formed and results in a polymer matrix at least partially enveloping fibers. In its most preferred form, the polymer matrix results from heating a batt of two types of fibers, the one type having a lower melting point than the remaining fibers, so that a rigid polymer matrix can be formed about other fibers in the batt.

Abstract: A sun blind leaf has two bamboo pieces, and at least one connecting piece alternately and securely arranged between the two bamboo pieces. Due to the heat and moisture resistance characteristic of the connecting plate, the sun blind leaf is durable and cheap.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for varying a wall skin to alter airflow over the skin. The apparatus has a first and second end-plates, a plurality of flexible rods are arranged substantially parallel to substantially define a plane, each flexible rod has a mid-point and first and second ends secured to the first and second end-plates respectively. Each mounting structure is slidingly attached to the flexible rods between the mid-point and each end-plate, proximate to the end. An elastomer envelops the rods to form a flexible skin. A plurality of shape memory alloy rods are arranged parallel to and define a plane and having each end secured to an end-plate, the plurality of shape memory alloy rods being contractible when heated such that upon contraction the plurality of shape memory allow rods will buckle the plurality of flexible rods and the flexible skin to alter airflow over the skin.

Abstract: A bamboo venetian blind panel is made without restrictions of bamboo types.

Abstract: A plate element (2), particularly for garage doors, comprises a frame (10) consisting of wood, in which a filling element (11) is accommodated. The filling element (11) is essentially formed of a foamed material, on both sides a cover layer (13) made of wood being arranged around the filling element (11). The plate-shaped filling element (11) is framed between two pressure distributor plates (12). The plate element (2) according to the invention has a particularly high heat insulation at a low weight and can be used particularly for garage doors and facade coverings. In addition, a method is provided of producing a plate element (2) according to the invention.

Abstract: A covering for window or doors includes a plurality of vanes mounted horizontally or vertically, the vanes being light in weight and longitudinally rigid. The vanes may be foam filled or may include a vane shell made from a polymer matrix, and in either case may optionally include a decorative fabric covering. In the hollow vane embodiment, the vane shell preferably includes a polymer matrix at least partially enveloping fibers, and in the most preferred embodiment is prepared from a fibrous batt including two different thermoplastic resin fibers, one having a lower melting point than the other. The vane shell is formed by thermally treating the batt to at least partially melt the lower melt fibers to at least partially envelope the higher melt fibers.

Abstract: A door leaf for a collapsible door comprises two parallel side plates defining a space therebetween, each of the side plates comprising a mounting groove in an inner side thereof for receiving one of two lateral edges of a decorative panel. A positioning plate is mounted between the side plates and comprises a slide strip on each of two lateral sides thereof, each of the slide strips being configured to be slidable along the mounting groove of an associated one of the side plates. A transverse member is securely attached to an inner end of the positioning plate and comprises an insertion groove for receiving an end of the decorative panel. In another embodiment, the space between the side plates is separated by a transverse member into two subspaces for receiving two decorative panels.

Abstract: Cover strips for slats of a window blind assembly provide a predetermined composite display when disposed in coplanar array. Each strip is adapted to be retained on a slat. Each strip bears a segment of the composite display.

Abstract: A curtain cover attachment for vertical blinds has flexible sheet material portions that fold over opposite sides of each vane of the blinds from a front edge thereof, the panel portions extending also between the vanes. The cover is supported by first tabs that fold over one end (the tops ) of the vanes opposite respective supportive stem portions thereof from the front edges, the tabs being secured by hook-loop fasteners that are hidden between the cover and the vanes. Additional tabs and associated fasteners can also be used between the stem portions and the front edges of the vanes, as well as at opposite ends of the vanes.

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.

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 shutter frame defining a recess in which various selected decorative strips may be inserted. The shutter frame also carries a flexible flap so the frame may be pre-manufactured and installed in window recess or other installation location which are not dimensionally accurate without the necessity of cutting and trimming. Preferably the frame components are extruded from synthetic polymeric material.

Abstract: A window covering includes a plurality of slats, each slat including a slat base derived from a felt batt and, in one preferred embodiment, a fabric layer. The slat base is thermally treated to form a polymer matrix and can be molded into any desired shape. The starting felt batt includes at least two types of thermoplastic fibers, one having a lower melting point than the other. The thermal forming includes heating the felt batt to a temperature sufficient to melt the lower melting fibers to form a polymer matrix which at least partially envelops the fibers of the higher melting component. A method of fabricating a slat for a window covering is also disclosed. In its most basic form the method includes the steps of thermally forming the slat base and molding it into the desired shape. The optional step of securing a layer of fabric to the slat base is also disclosed.

Abstract: A holder for suspending a vertical vane or the like in an architectural covering includes a male component connectible to the control system for the architectural covering and a female component connected to a vane of the architectural covering. The male and female components are releasably connected.

Abstract: The structures and process for producing the structures as shown will enable extensive and efficient use of block scrap for slat manufacturing. The techniques employed advantageously accomplish two goals simultaneously, enabling scrap, such as block scrap, to be formed into longer effective lengths. Such longer effective lengths can then be cutably formed into slats of various sizes. The joinder of the block scrap is by deeply extending, finite interlock length finger joints which, once the material is cutably formed into slats, remain as relatively shallow (the thickness of the slat) and finite interlock length finger joints. The joints have the added benefit that they statistically “break up” any grain differences which would otherwise create warp, and enable long lengths of slat to be employed from several shorter lengths of scrap. Lengths of scrap may be laterally joined before processing and as such the process and product can further salvage scrap wood narrower than the slat being produced.

Abstract: A vane for an architectural covering, such as of the type used in a window opening, is designed for vertical suspension so as to resist twisting along its length. The vane is constructed in a tubular configuration and may have one or more internal hollow cells. The external configuration of the vane may simulate an air foil or have other related configurations. The vanes are preferably made of a material having diagonal, dimensional stability or memory, i.e. the ability to resist stretching in a direction diagonal to the length or width of the material. A reinforcing strip can be inserted into an open end of the vane to provide a positive and durable attachment for suspending the vane from an operating system.

Abstract: A roll-up door has a plurality of horizontally extended panels hinged together to permit the door to be moved between a vertical-orientation and a horizontal orientation relative to a doorway. A frame has border side members, a center member, and a top member secured to the outside to the panels exposes portions of the front walls of the panels. The exposed portions of the panels have door facades whereby the garage door has the appearance of two or more doors.

Abstract: The structures and process for producing the structures of the invention enable extensive and efficient use of block scrap for slat manufacturing. The techniques employed advantageously accomplish two goals simultaneously, enabling scrap, such as block scrap, to be formed into longer effective lengths. Such longer effective lengths can then be cutably formed into slats of various sizes. The joinder of the block scrap is by deeply extending, finite interlock length finger joints which, once the material is cutably formed into slats, remain as relatively shallow (the thickness of the slat) and finite interlock length finger joints. The joints have the added benefit that they statistically “break up” any grain differences which would otherwise create warp, and enable long lengths of slat to be employed from several shorter lengths of scrap.

Abstract: A Venetian, horizontal or mini-blind that incorporates a decorative edge treatment for the interior-facing long edge of the blind's slats. The exterior-facing long edge of the blind's slat remains straight, such that the exterior appearance is unchanged.

Abstract: The structures and process for producing the structures of the invention enable extensive and efficient use of block scrap for slat manufacturing. The techniques employed advantageously accomplish two goals simultaneously, enabling scrap, such as block scrap, to be formed into longer effective lengths. Such longer effective lengths can then be cutably formed into slats of various sizes. The joinder of the block scrap is by deeply extending, finite interlock length finger joints which, once the material is cutably formed into slats, remain as relatively shallow (the thickness of the slat) and finite interlock length finger joints. The joints have the added benefit that they statistically “break up” any grain differences which would otherwise create warp, and enable long lengths of slat to be employed from several shorter lengths of scrap. An applied covering layer may be applied by wrapping or insertion.

Abstract: The structures and process for producing the structures of the invention enable extensive and efficient use of block scrap for slat manufacturing. The techniques employed advantageously accomplish two goals simultaneously, enabling scrap, such as block scrap, to be formed into longer effective lengths. Such longer effective lengths can then be cutably formed into slats of various sizes. The joinder of the block scrap is by deeply extending, finite interlock length finger joints which, once the material is cutably formed into slats, remain as relatively shallow and finite interlock length finger joints. The joints have the added benefit that they statistically “break up” any grain differences which would otherwise create warp, and enable long lengths of slat to be employed from several shorter lengths of scrap. An applied covering layer may be applied by wrapping or insertion. An ultraviolet resistant lacquer may be applied to the covering layer for long window life and attractive finish.

Abstract: The product produced from the Patent, would be the only “new” that I know of. It is a “do it yourself” way of bringing beauty into the average home. It eliminates Interior Decorators, that the average person cannot afford.

Abstract: Sectional garage door panels are provided with elongated reinforcing beams secured to the inside surface of the panels by supporting a beam on a panel with spaced apart support brackets secured to the panel and securing the beam to the panels at spaced apart points thereon with mechanical fasteners. The beams are preferably channel shaped and the support brackets each include a beam locating projection for accurately locating the beams on a panel and in engagement with panel reinforcing stiles to facilitate quickly securing the beams to the panel with mechanical fasteners. The panels are erected in a doorway and supported by opposed guide tracks prior to installing the beams on the panel to facilitate handling the panels and the beams during shipment and prior to installation.