Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal decorative covering case and method for modifying or altering existing horizontal or vertical blinds, louvers and the like. The universal covering case particularly is designed to conform to any preexisting vertical or horizontal louver assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the universal covering case of the present invention comprises a transparent case which is designed to individually enclose a slat of an existing vertical blind assembly, thereby creating a three-layer "sandwich" effect. On either one or both sides of the slat and between the slat and transparent covering case, a decorative insert is positioned. The decorative insert may be any web material that provides the desired decorative intent, such as paper, fabric, plastic film, and the like. The universal covering case can be easily and quickly installed onto any existing louver assembly without the use of any special tools or exceptional skills.

Abstract: A slat for a vertical blind is disclosed. The slat comprises a backing, an end piece, and a decorative insert. The side flange is disposed along each side edge of the backing, and extends inwardly over a front side of the backing. An end flange is similarly integrally connected to the end piece and extends inwardly over an end edge of the backing. An opaque strip is disposed along each side flange, and an opaque strip is disposed along the end flange. A decorative insert is held against the backing by the flanges.

Abstract: A shutter curtain for an opening such as a window or door of a building comprising: slats each of which is made of materials having different rigidity values, wherein the shutter curtain is formed by arranging the slats in series. Furthermore, the shutter curtain for a building opening comprising: main slats made of a rigid material; and sub-slats made of a material having elasticity, wherein two end portions of the main and sub-slats are connected in series so that the shutter curtain is constituted.

Abstract: A decorative decal system for louvered devices such as venetian blinds dr mini-blinds which uses a series of easily removable adhesive backed decal strips for application to louvered blinds or windows. Each decal strip contains a segment of a decorative design or other indicia and when all segments are applied to series of louvers in a blind the group of decal strips forms a unitary pattern on the blind.

Abstract: An improvement in rolling shutters that includes a slat end retainer attached to the ends of individual shutter slats contoured and configured for securing a slat end to the side track which allows the shutters to endure high velocity winds, substantial impact, or attempted forced entry without conventional storm braces. The retainer end includes a pair of contoured inner and outer flanges formed from a unitary body which has a predetermined sized slot that is keyed to fins in each vertical side track to prevent disengagement of the slat from the track.

Abstract: An articulated door and door guiding track covers storage bays of a beverage body. An articulated door is formed by engaging a plurality of polymeric panel sections into a sequence such that each panel section can be positioned at varying angles with respect to an adjacent engaged panel section. The articulated door is guided between an open position and a closed position by a door guiding track comprised of a left channel facing a right channel across a door opening. The sequence of panel sections is slidably positioned in the door guiding track by having a left end of each panel section extending into the left channel and a right end of each panel section extending into the right channel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a blind slat to be used particularly for vertical blinds wherein at least the outer surface is formed with regularly distributed successive corrugations. In practice, the inner face is also corrugated. The slat is extruded from a plastic material of one basic color and preselected opposite surfaces forming the corrugations are of a color which is different from the basic color. Some or all of the remaining opposite surfaces have the basic color or a color which different from the basic color and from the color of the preselected opposite surfaces. Such blind slat is particularly useful to create special effects for example by vertical blinds. The method and the apparatus for producing these blind slats are also disclosed.

Abstract: The triangular shape of the louvers allow light to pass through the first and second color-tinted adjacent sides to add a soft color hue to a room. The third side of the triangular louver is opaque and acts much the same as does a common blind when used to block the light from entering a room. The third side may, however have a decorative scene or pattern on one it to present a pleasant scene to the onlooker. The third side has a rotation restriction and alignment tab on it to align the third sides of the louvers so that the decorative pattern or scene is clearly illustrated and that the louver is positioned to properly block the light. Each louver is removably attached to a support system in such a manner that the louvers may be rotated to allow light to pass through two of the adjacent sides and then be rotated so that the opaque third side is parallel to the window or door and restricts the passage of the light.

Abstract: The invention refers to a roller shutter rod of stable shape, consisting of an aluminum strip plastic-coated on one side at least in part, and roll-formed into a hollow section 18 with the coated side inwards, the hollow section featuring upper and lower connecting areas with double-layer aluminum strip and an inside wall 14 as well as an outside wall 13, said hollow section featuring for the increase of the longitudinal stiffness and durability of the roller shutter rod at least one contact point 15, at which at least two aluminum strip layers are bonded with one another.

Abstract: A biologically resolvable blind slat and the manufacturing method therefor, wherein PVC powders serve as a basic material and are added with stabilizer, lubricant, calcium carbonate and surface-treated starch to mix therewith, the mixture being processed by a granulating machine into granules which are further heated and pressed by a press machine into strips, the strips being then cut into blind slats in a certain pattern and at a certain length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support assembly to which outdoor games equipment (net, elastic or rope) and folding panels used in shelters, exhibition stands, for decorative or advertising purposes or as general notice boards, can be attached. The assembly is made up of a container (1) and a shaft (5), the container being filled with water, sand or gravel and including a handle (2) and a hole (4) through which the shaft is housed; and the shaft comprising elements nesting into each other which can be placed one on top of the other. The support assembly can be made of plastic or of a light alloy.

Abstract: Each panel of a garage door of the articulated type comprises a rigid metallic, rectangular frame including a pair of horizontal longer members and a pair of vertical shorter members rigidly interconnected. A casing surrounds the longer members and is made of two extruded sections, of synthetic material, which protrude laterally from the metallic frame and are interconnected to each other. The outer casing section carries weather strips for sealingly engaging the outer section of an adjacent panel. The outer casing section also carries retaining strips of J-shaped cross-section, which retain sheathing panes forming the main panel faces. These sheathing panes may be translucent or transparent, or may be opaque to conceal heat-insulating material which fills the panel inner space. Spaced upright mullions are disposed within the door panel and fixed to the horizontal frame members to provide anchors for the hinges which interconnect the panels.

Abstract: An articulated door and door guiding track covers storage bays of a beverage body. An articulated door is formed by engaging a plurality of polymeric panel sections into a sequence such that each panel section can be positioned at varying angles with respect to an adjacent engaged panel section. The articulated door is guided between an open position and a closed position by a door guiding track comprised of a left channel facing a right channel across a door opening. The sequence of panel sections is slidably positioned in the door guiding track by having a left end of each panel section extending into the left channel and a right end of each panel section extending into the right channel.

Abstract: Disclosed in a window covering having a headrail and a plurality of slats suspended therefrom, the slats are adapted to pivot and thereby contact contiguous slats to form dead air cells for improved appearance and insulating properties.

Abstract: The vertical Venetian blinds described herein comprise a series of louvers each of which comprises a series of strips, preferably of wood which are arranged parallel to and spaced from each other and adhered to a flexible sheet of backing material, such as cloth with the strips arranged horizontally when the louvers are held in a vertical position. Each of the louvers is held by the upper edge of the backing material and is affixed to a swivel, supporting arrangement capable of rotating the louver approximately 90.degree. on its linear axis from a "closed" position in which one vertical edge of a louver overlaps by a small dimension a vertical edge of an adjacent louver to an "open position" in which the respective backing sheets of the louvers are arranged in positions substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A goods-handling door constituted by rigid panels connected to reinforcing bars, at least some of which extend into slideways, wherein each panel is constituted by two parallel rails disposed in the vicinity of its longitudinally-extending sides, each rail having fixing means on two opposite longitudinal edges thereof enabling it to be fixed on one edge to connection means for connection with a reinforcing bar and on the opposite edge to at least two spacers for interconnecting the two rails of the panel, with the area between the rails being filled by rigid filler plates.

Abstract: A sectional door installation comprises a series of horizontal door panels mounted on opposite ends on scissors linkages to move between a deployed generally vertical position closing the doorway to a withdrawn position wherein the panels are arranged generally horizontally at the upper end of the doorway. The panels are transparent and are detachably connected to the scissors mechanism at their opposite ends so that they can readily disengage therefrom when impacted by an object such as an automobile, without damaging the object or themselves being damaged.

Abstract: An articulated door covers storage bays of a beverage body. The articulated door is formed by engaging a plurality of polymeric panel sections into a sequence such that a hinge is formed between adjoining panel sections. Each hinge allows adjacent panel section to be positioned at varying angles with respect each other. A resilient sealant bond between adjacent panel sections is made at spaced locations along each hinge. The articulated door is guided between an open position and a closed position by a door guiding track comprised of a left channel facing a right channel across a door opening. The sequence of panel sections is slidably positioned in the door guiding track by having a left end of each panel section extending into the left channel and a right end of each panel section extending into the right channel.

Abstract: An elongate substantially rectangular louver or assembly of louvers each comprising an elongate conformable web sleeve or web envelope which substantially or completely surrounds and conforms generally to the periphery of a slat inserted therein and the louver has a depending means for removable attachment to a louver assembly support and the slat is removably attached to the web sleeve or web envelope.

Abstract: An adjustable hanger is slightly wider than the vertical vane and includes a horizontal slot through which the vane is pulled as it is installed in the hanger. To shorten the length of the vane between the hanger and the floor, additional vane material is pulled through the slot. The excess material that has been pulled through the slot hangs down on the opposite side of the vane and is invisible from the front of the blind. Each vane has its own adjustable hanger and can be adjusted individually.

Abstract: A slat for blinds such as Venetian blinds made up of a core plate made of metal, FRP or wood and a pair of surface layers laminated on both faces of the core plate via intermediates. The laminated construction well suppresses generation of harsh noises otherwise caused by slat colliding and dewing even when used in wet environments.

Abstract: A desk structure provided with parallel walls formed with a front wall defining a central cavity, with the central cavity positioned between a right series of storage drawers, and a left storage door positioned hingedly in front of a printer cavity, wherein the printer cavity includes a medially positioned slide-out drawer, the slide-out drawer defining a gap between a rear portion of the slide-out drawer and a rear wall of the structure. Extending upwardly from a lower desk plate are right and left storage shelves, with a medial upper cavity mounted therebetween, with the upper cavity including a roll-top member directed over the cavity to provide protection for the organization when not in use. A modification of the invention includes a further roll-top member formed of transparent polarized slats minimizing glare relative to a computer monitor positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: An elongate louver or assembly of louvers each comprising an improved multi-layer louver configuration comprising an opacified pearlescent outer layer having a claimed range of opacity which substantially or completely occludes an base layer, said increased opacity substantially reduces or eliminates perceptible non-uniformity in coloration, shade change and thickness of the outer layer, while improving resistance to yellowing, processing characteristics, and raw material cost economics.

Abstract: A blind slat is disclosed, especially for use in blinds of the vertical type, comprising two thin transparent parts designed to be fixable one against the other by a system of the snapping type provided along their longitudinally opposed edges so as to thus form the forward and rearward faces of the slat. The system of the snapping type is designed to allow the insertion of a decorative strip of paper or web between the two thin parts prior to their being secured together. The thus obtained slat is of great interest in as much as the two parts, which are preferably made of extruded plastic, greatly facilitate the maintenance of the slat while preserving the natural esthetic of the web or the wallpaper. Besides, this structure makes it possible for the user to substitute, at will, any other decorative web or paper and, hence, make the structure extremely versatile.

Abstract: A cover for vertical louver blinds is disclosed. The louver cover consists of an oblong piece of material which is folded lengthwise into front and back panels of sufficient length and width to cover a vertical louver, for example. The panels are joined along their two outer edges to form a sleeve to substantially enclose the vertical louver. The junction along the outer side edge has an unjoined zone near the bottom edge through which a louver or weight is inserted and chains can pass. The top edges of the front and back panels have joined portions and an unjoined portion. The joined top portions support the cover on the louver and the unjoined top portion permits passage of the means for hanging the vertical louver. The bottom edges of the front and back panels are also joined. This cover alone can also serve as a louver by inserting a slotted cross-bar in the top of the cover and a weight in the bottom of the cover.

Abstract: A door includes two door panels pivotally coupled together so that the door panels are rotatable relative to each other. A roller is disposed on an upper end of two distal posts and is guided to slide along a guide rail. A cylinder is fixed on each end of one of the distal posts. A rod is fixed to the roller and extends through an upper cylinder. The lower portion of lower cylinder is rotatably received in a hole and can be easily disengaged from the hole when the distal post is pulled upward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shutter which is capable of ventilating air in a building. There is provided a slat, which has a through-hole covered with a net, in the upper section of the shutter; there is provided a slat, which is capable of adjusting the amount of ventilating air, in the lower section of the shutter. With this combination, fresh air is able to enter the building from the lower slat and air inside is able to flow out from the upper slat when the lower slat makes possible to ventilate.

Abstract: The louvers of vertical louver system are provided with strengthened and color changing resistant clear transparent holding means that is secured to each louver as a clear transparent unitary assembly on a back, that may be clear and transparent or opaque, over the entire mating surfaces of the holding means and the back.

Abstract: A novel one-piece louver having a flat or substantially arcuate cross-section defining thereof first and second longitudinal edges, there being no other structure depending from the first and the second longitudinal edges, suitable for use in a louvered covering system carrying on at least one face thereof and along the periphery thereof an adhesive carrying a removable protection covering.

Abstract: A modular door panel structure includes extruded metal upper and lower horizontally aligned rail members maintained in a generally parallel spaced apart relationship by vertically aligned end stiles and one or more intermediate mullions to define an open structural framework. A multi-component plastic-clad insulation pane is assembled into the framework with locking strips that fix each pane in position within the framework to provide a dimensionally stable, light-weight modular panel having a maintenance free exterior surface and a very high thermal insulation value relative to the traditional door. The modules are assembled by mating the end stiles and the intermediate mullions to one of the upper or lower rails, inserting the plastic-clad insulation panes between the upstanding stiles and mullions, and mating the other of the rails to the end stiles and mullions.

Abstract: Two substantially symmetrical half-slats are joined by an integral flexible joint to form a one-piece articulated slat. Adjacent slats rigidly interlock by cooperation of a projecting rib on one slat and a correspondingly shaped groove on the other slat to form an articulated curtain. The flexible joints are bendable in two directions and coextruded with the half-slats.

Abstract: A louver system consisting a plurality of slats depending from a mounting to form a screen, the slats being collectively displacable and rotatable, individual slats being multi-layered over at least a part of their length, said multi-layered slats being coordinated with other multi-layered slats to permit the formation of designs in the face of the screen.

Abstract: A fabric covered metal rail suitable for use as a top or bottom rail in a fabric Venetian blind and method for producing such a rail by first laminating a fabric strip to a metal strip and then roll forming the laminated strip into the rail.

Abstract: An improved window blind is formed of a plurality of vertical vanes each of which is formed of a transparent material. The vanes are pivotably mounted to a horizontal header and may be pivoted around their individual vertical axes. A design is affixed to the vanes by the incorporation of a multitude of individual colored glass-like elements, the overall arrangement of the elements creating a pre-selected design or pattern.

Abstract: In a shutter assembly (10) for buildings and the like, an array of parallel louvers (11) are preferably made of wood or wood product or of plastics material. Each louver is located by a pair of mounting arms (15) pivoted to parallel upright mullions (12). Each mounting arm has a tongue (18) protruding therefrom and engaged in a slot formed in the end of the louver. Thus, the tongue is invisible.

Abstract: An improved slat assembly and curtain for a rolling door assembly employing the improved slat are provided. The slat assembly has a primary slat with a lower bead having a downwardly facing cavity which is used to retain an elastomeric sealing strip which seals the space between adjacent interlocked slats in the curtain. The slat assembly may be provided with a backer slat and material filling a void between the primary slat and backer slat to improve the thermal insulation and/or acoustical insulation and absorption properties of the slat assembly and curtain.

Abstract: An insulated curtain slat for use in a roller curtain has inner and outer skins. The outer skin is typically made of a metal to protect against weather conditions, and the inner skin is generally made of a plastic material to minimize the transfer of heat between the inside and outside of the curtain. A space between the skins is foamed with an insulating material. The top and bottom of the outer skin are formed with hook-like ridges, so that neighboring slats may engage one another at a joint to form the roller curtain. A sealing edge is fastened to an edge of the inner skin of each slat. The sealing edge spans the joint between the neighboring slats and contacts the inner skin of the adjacent slat, thereby sealing the joint. The sealing edge is made of a rubber or elastic plastic material which, along with an air pocket created by the sealing edge, further reduces the transfer of heat between the inside and the outside of the roller curtain.

Abstract: A sliding shutter intended in particular for longitudinal movement and comprising a plurality of slats articulated to one another and disposed vertically between two slide guides lying one above the other. The slats are driven by at least two pinions having a plurality of teeth and mounted on a common shaft. The pinions mesh with said articulated slats on the one hand at the recessed structure of the slat, and on the other hand at the spaced formed between the articulation structures of two adjoining slats.

Abstract: A venetian blind structure using a slat unit having first and second members adjacent one another. The edge portions of the first and second members are hingedly attached to one another. First and second lines are held to the edge portions of the slat unit and are used to tilt the slat when a first and second line are simultaneously pulled in opposite directions.

Abstract: The present invention is in a swivel shutter that incorporates louvers that are pivotally mounted in a rectangular frame that is formed by joining, at their ends, top and bottom rails with left and right stiles. The louver pivotal mounting includes fixed and retracting conical shaped pivots that are individually fitted as aligned pairs or are arranged as bars of joined pivot sections into appropriate holes or slots in the left and right stiles. The individual pivots are for fitting into conical shaped holes that are formed in louver ends, the pivot of each retracting pivot to retract against a spring biasing into and below the level of the stile side, allowing a louver end hole to be aligned therewith. The invention further includes a tilt rod for mounting across aligned louver ends to simultaneously pivot the louvers between open and closed attitudes and a system for applying, to each louver faces, a section or sections of a flexible material as a veneer.

Abstract: A decorative member is disclosed for attachment to a valance or a vertical slat of a blind structure. The decorative member includes a substrate which fits into the valance or blind slat and a cover member which is attached to the substrate and covers the exposed edges of the valance or blind slat to which the member is attached.

Abstract: A slat for a louver comprising an elongated body portion having a longitudinal axis, a front surface and a back surface, and a left edge and a right edge. The front surface has formed therein at least one channel extending substantially the entire length of the body portion parallel to the longitudinal axis, the channel in transverse cross-section being wider at the bottom than the top. The slat further comprises at least one elongated strip having a cross-section at least a portion of which is identical to the at least one channel for removable sliding engagement with the at least one channel. The color of the at least one strip is different from the color of the body portion.

Abstract: A louver cover is provided for maximizing the decorative value of a louver used in louvered window coverings and the like. The louver cover includes an elongate tubular body 10 having dimensions sufficient to enclose a louver 14 therein. The louver cover is attached to the louver 14 contained therein by snaps 21 provided on one end of the tubular body 10. The louver cover is constructed of a flexible fabric. The flexible fabric is dyed or imprinted with an image. When associated with a plurality of louvers, the plurality of louver covers are positioned and colored to provide a large composite image to viewers on either side of the louvered covering. The louver cover provides for the variation of the color and function of the louvers presently in the consumer home.

Abstract: A sun filter for a glass louver panel is disclosed which filters out the heat, glare and the ultraviolet rays which normally penetrate through the glass. The sun filter is formed of a resilient, plastic material such that it may be easily snapped over the existing louver panel without dismantling the panel from its support structure or in any way interfering with the normal operation of the louver panel. The filter has a resilient filter panel which bears against a face of the louver panel and frictional attaching legs which frictionally engage opposite edges of the louver panel to removably affix the sun filter to the panel.

Abstract: Light admitting window coverings are provided with apertures which are formed in a covering such as a vertical blind louver. The louver is formed of opposed panel portions with a transparent film or sheet sandwiched therebetween to provide for sufficient light transmission and visibility through the louvers in the closed position but without permitting convective heat transmission through the window covering. The blind louvers may be formed with an insulating air space between the opposed louver panel portions and the transparent film or sheet.

Abstract: A slat, suitable for use as a vertical blind louver, having an upper and lower surface, having an opaque central section composed of a first chemical composition having a first melt temperature, and having transparent first and second side edges composed of a second chemical composition having a second melt temperature substantially greater than the first melt temperature, wherein the side edges are integrally fused to the central section, each side edge contains a longitudinal groove open to the central section, and the grooves open to the same surface of the slat. In a preferred embodiment the first composition is a polyvinylchloride and the second composition is a polycarbonate having a melt temperature which is 100.degree. to 150.degree. F. higher than the polyvinylchloride melt temperature. Novel extrusion dies for forming the slat are also disclosed.

Abstract: A slat for use in the assembly of a Venetian blind is provided with a light and sound absorptive coating on at least one of its major surfaces produced by flocking, applique, or textile weaving techniques, a preferred embodiment of the invention providing a strip having enhanced resistance to slippage of a coating appliqued to the strip and of a textile encapsulation of the strip in directions laterally and longitudinally of the strip.

Abstract: A multilayer coextruded slat having upper and lower surfaces has an opaque base layer containing a first thermoplastic polymer, and a thin transparent pearlescent layer containing a a second thermoplastic polymer upon at least one surface of the opaque base layer. In an alternate embodiment a center layer is confined between the opaque base layer and the clear transparent pearlescent surface layer to provide a pearlescent color effect. Such multilayer coextruded slats may be utilized as the louvers for a vertical blind. In an alternate utility the coextruded multilayer slat may be utilized as the color insert for a vertical blind louver which has longitudinally grooved transparent side edges which are adapted to hold a color insert.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a sectional type door formed of a plurality of adjacent hingedly connected sections; each section comprises a core of insulating material and, a pair of spaced elongated metal panel members adhesively bonded to the opposite main surfaces of the core. The top and bottom edges of the panel members define respective tongue and recessed areas with the tongue area being insertable in the recessed area of an adjacent section. One or more U-shaped retaining members are mounted to the top and bottom edges of the core and serve as retaining members for the top and bottom edges of the panel members. The configuration of the top and bottom edges of the panel members is such as to provide minimum air infiltration while allowing relative movement between two adjacent sections. The metal panel members are somewhat larger than the core member thereby defining opposite end cavities in which are received wood stiles.

Abstract: A door for use in a building, which includes a door frame defining an opening, and a louver arranged in the opening of the door frame. The louver includes a plurality of slats aligned parallel to each other. Each of the slats is connected at its opposite ends to the door frame so that the slat is pivoted about an axis generally coincidental with its centerline. The door also includes an adjusting assembly for pivoting the slats, and a connecting member for connecting all the slats. The adjusting assembly includes a rotatable lug member connected to one of the slats so that the slat is pivoted when the lug member is rotated. Due to the connecting member, the slats are simultaneously pivoted in the same direction when one of the slats is pivoted.