Abstract: A hard plastic tambour slat commonly used in roll-up doors is made silent when contact is made with neighboring slats by the addition of some soft plastic at one or more of the contact points of the slat with adjacent slats.

Abstract: Laminates particularly useful in vertical blind slat assemblies, and vertical blind slat assemblies utilizing the laminates are disclosed. The laminates comprise strand material which is not free hanging and in which there are substantial spaces between the strands to allow light to pass through the material, and a sheet-like layer to which the strand material is secured so that the strands of the laminate are fixed. The laminates allow the color or other characteristics of a slat member or insert to be seen. The laminates can have differing surface characteristics, (e.g. texture) and strand colors, sizes and patterns. The sheet-like layer can be transparent or translucent. A laminate can be secured directly, for example by adhesive, to a slat member having light-transmitting properties (e.g. opaque or translucent), surface characteristics (e.g. texture) and/or color which affect the overall appearance of the slat.

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.

Abstract: An overhead blind in which not only the slats can be tilted, but also all of the slats can be shifted to open and close the blind which further includes a tilting control means and opening-and-closing control means for permitting tilting and opening-and-closing operations to be automatically controlled.

Abstract: A blind having an interior side and an exterior side and having a plurality of elongated slats is disclosed. The slats are made of a flexible and generally resilient polycarbonate material having selected light-transmitting qualities and superior optical clarity. Each slat has a generally V-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration in which a first portion and a second portion of the slat correspond to the two sides of the V, intersecting at an angle of 90.degree. to 160.degree.. The slats are suspended in parallel relation, the slats being rotatable about their longitudinal axes between an inwardly facing position, in which the upper surfaces of the slats are presented at the interior side of the blind with the first portions of the slats substantially co-planar, and an outwardly facing portion, in which the upper surfaces are presented at the exterior side of the blind and the second portions of the slats are substantially co-planar.

Abstract: A sectional overhead door which, in its longitudinal rims pointing in the direction of movement, is inwardly angled in a C-shape and stabilized at marginal zones, by reinforcing struts extending in the direction of movement of the door, with the reinforcing struts contacting the sheet-metal panel of the door leaf member extending in the plane of the door leaf member, and being in shape-mating connection in their two end zones at the front face C-shaped angled portions extending in parallel to the plane of the door leaf member.

Abstract: A venetian blind having prismatic reflective slatted panels permits the passage of indirect rays of sunlight into a space to be illuminated while reflecting direct rays of sunlight away from the space to be illuminated. The prismatic reflective slats are supported for rotation in unison to follow elevational movements of the sun. Each of the prismatic panels is made from a light transmissive material having a front face directed at the sun and an opposing rear face upon which reflective prisms are formed for internally reflecting rays of sunlight that strike the front face of each slatted panel at approximately a 30.degree. angle from a line normal to the front face thereof. The orientation of the reflecting prisms in this manner maximizes overall visibility between adjacent slatted panels. A diffusion panel is secured to the rear face of each prismatic reflective slat for diffusing indirect rays of sunlight transmitted through the prismatic reflective slats.

Abstract: A roller shutter slat comprises a hollow chamber profile of the so-called mini-size cut from a plastic-foamed aluminium strip to the width of the roller shutter. The said hollow chamber profile includes two unidirectionally curved main sections being of an outer-sided convex and outer-sided concave configuration, respectively, which, at the one end thereof, are bent with respect to one another first inwardly and then, in abutting relationship, outwardly by subsequently forming a double-walled hook, and at the other ends thereof are interconnected by forming a pocket open toward the profiled end and semi-circularly rounded at the bottom for receiving the hook of the next roller shutter bar. According to the invention, particular dimensions are provided for the thickness of the aluminium strip and the characteristic measures of the profile to allow substantially lower cost of production and reduced winding diameter with no substantial loss in strength and rigidity.

Abstract: A sectional strip 5 with an outward-facing outside 10 and an inside 11 for roll-up, fold-up, and similar gates exhibits at its top 6 and bottom 7 a point of articulation 8 that extends over the total width of the gate for pivoting the adjacent upper and lower, identically shaped sectional strip in relation to the plane of the gate, which consists of the sectional strips that are not rolled up, when rolled up onto the armor of rolled-up sectional strips. The point 8 of articulation at top 6 is in the form of at least one perpendicular cylindrical sector 12 with an outward-facing surface 13 and the point 8 of articulation at bottom 7 is in the form of at least one cylindrical sector 14 with an inward-facing surface 15. The surface at top 6 and the surface at bottom 7 have radii 16 and 17 of curvature that are practically equal in length.

Abstract: A rolling shutter characterized by an array of edge-adjacent, parallel shutter slats and full shutter width, clear shutter segments or links articulately interconnecting respective pairs of adjacent shutter slats. The links are telescopically movable in the slats to permit relative movement of the slats between spaced-apart and juxtaposed positions. When spaced apart, the slats form therebetween a gap which exposes the clear link which permits passage of light over substantially the full extent of the gap. The clear links also provide a double hinge-like joint between adjacent slats. The shutter slats are also uniquely reinforced and have an improved exterior appearance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sliding shutter door sectional wardrobe, particulary for floor-to-ceiling building wardrobes and for built-in wardrobes, comprising:a guide floor frame with an attached upward disposed sliding shutter door track-way;a guide ceiling frame with an attached downward disposed sliding shutter door track-way;a guide frame supporting means to connect and support rigidly said guide floor and ceiling frames;at least one but preferably two opposed, sliding shutter doors comprising a plurality of rolling hinged lath means, said sliding shutter doors disposed between said opposed guide floor and ceiling frames in sliding condition, to close the composite wardrobe at least frontally and laterally.

Abstract: A roll-up door formed of a plurality of elongated adjoining slats connected together by continuous hinges so as to permit the roll-up door to maintain a vertical planar arrangement to provide a closed position, and to roll up along an arcuate track arrangement for storage of the door to provide an opened position. Elongated insulating sleeves are coextensively insertable along each slat for receiving insulation material therein. At opposing sides of the insulating sleeves are suitable connecting arms for engagement with an associated one of the continuous hinges to retain the insulating sleeves in position along the slats without interferring with the hinged movements of the slats between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A louver having clear transparent C-shaped holding flanges for holding decorative panels. The transparent holding flange on each longitudinal edge of each louver in a vertical louver system is held vertical by a louver track system. The louvers are moveable from an overlapped closed position to an open position. Each louver has a main body portion of opaque material. The C-shaped holding flanges or edge portions include two transparent longitudinal edge portions, one on each longitudinal edge of the long louver. The transparent edge portion is equal in width to a transparent inwardly facing flange portion positioned over each longitudinal edge portion. The transparent edge portion and transparent inwardly facing portion are connected together and separated by a transparent mid portion of a width generally equal to the thickness of a decorative member. The transparent material allows the edges of an inserted piece of decorative material to be viewed through the transparent, inwardly facing portions.

Abstract: In a hollow plastic rolling shutter slat coated on the weather side with a metal layer for reducing the heat transfer while retaining the resistance to bending the inner side of the building-side profile wall is also coated with a metal layer, a minimum spacing always being provided between the two metal layers to insure the thermal insulation. The metal layers have at least one surface reflecting thermal radiation or reducing thermal irradiation. For obtaining the necessary resistance to bending the inner transverse webs of the hollow plastic rolling shutter bar are formed in such a manner that they transmit the shear stresses occurring on bending.

Abstract: A vertical window blind slat with an upper hanger and a lower stress imparting weight has the hanger and/or weight element arranged on the slat so that the tension produced by the weight occurs at least primarily along the edge.

Abstract: A venetian blind utilizing a first elongated slat which is suspended by a pair of lines connected to opposite end portions of the slat along the elongation dimension. A second slat is placed atop first slat and is connected to a third line which moves one end portion of the elongated second slat along the top of the first slat.

Abstract: A venetian blind which may have a conventional head rail, tilt rod, ladder tapes and slats, wherein a framework is mounted in the head rail and rotatably passes the tilt rod, an arm extends generally radially from the tilt rod for rotation with the latter, and a pair of stop members are selectively positionable relative to the framework in the path of arm movement for limiting arm rotation in opposite directions. The slats may be provided with reflective and absorptive surfaces to cooperate with the limiting positions of tilt for reflecting and absorbing heat in accordance with the seasons or other desiderata.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sectional door for a capped pickup truck in which the sections comprise panel members framed by frame members made of hollow extrusions having front-panel-receiving channels on the front inner corners thereof and rear-panel-receiving chamfers on the rear inner corners thereof, beading receiving channels in the surface opposite the front-panel-receiving channels, complementary hinge-forming elements on the outer rear corners of the inner panels or inner sections, and screw-receiving channels on the inner surface of the side of the end members which is opposite the side having the panel receptors therein.

Abstract: A thermally efficient window shade that folds into attractive pleats in the raised position. The shade is fabricated from a laminated insulating material composed of encapsulated air bubbles in combination with one or more skins. The shade folding properties are obtained by slitting the laminate partially through the laminate at predetermined locations. The disclosure includes modified versions of the laminated insulating material as well as shade configurations wherein numerous three-sided pockets are formed by the shade to provide small regions of stagnant air. The disclosure further includes apparatus for efficiently slitting a continuous web of the laminated insulating material.

Abstract: A vertical venetian blind construction has slats comprised of strips of textile material comprising a backing and facing, the edges of the facing being rearwardly inturned, and the edges of the backing being forwardly inturned, the backing and the facing being secured to each other by securing means that extend beyond the inturned edges of the backing, and which terminate within the confines of the inturned edges of said backing, the facing or backing optionally being transversely or longitudinally pleated and the folds of the pleats secured to the other of the facing and the backing, the facing and the backing optionally being heat formable and pinch pleated or embossed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a wall unit of the type to which shelves and other article supports can be fitted and which can be used, for example, as part of a store display structure. In a preferred embodiment, the unit is made up of an assembly of identical plastic extrusions stacked one on top of the other, in which each extrusion defines a number of laterally directed channels so that the assembly defines an array of parallel channels in the outer surface of the unit. Each channel is designed so that an article supporting element can be engaged therein.

Abstract: A metal slat for use in a venetian-type blind including an embossed rib formed at each narrowed slat material region adjacent the cord receiving slots. The slat also includes a decorative weave pattern comprising a plurality of separated longitudinal rows of embossed ribs formed on the slat in a continuous in-and-out pattern.Also disclosed is apparatus for forming the embossment weave pattern concurrent with forming the crown configuration of the slat. The apparatus includes a first rotary die arrangement for prestretching of at least one localized region of a continuous flat metal strip passing therethrough, a second rotary die arrangement for simultaneously forming the strip into a crown configuration and forming the embossment pattern therein, and a third die arrangement for compensating out of the strip any bow, side curve or twist.

Abstract: Radiant energy reflecting structures are described which are elongate and which have a plurality of reflecting elements on or in their surface. Each reflecting element has a "major axis" of reflection (the term "major axis" is defined in this specification), and a feature of the reflecting structures is that the direction of the "major axis" varies progressively with the transverse position of a reflecting element on the structure. The reflecting surfaces of the reflecting elements may be formed as corrugated, elongate, planar reflectors. Alternatively they may be formed as a known form of retro-reflective surface construction. Preferably, the reflecting surfaces are overlaid with a transparent medium. The structures may be used to construct louvred radiant energy screens.

Abstract: A louver assembly is provided which includes a frame having vertical side jambs, a head, a sill, and a central opening. A plurality of vertically-spaced, substantially-straight horizontal louver members extend across the opening between the side jambs, with each of the louver members including a closing section and an actuating section. Actuating means are attached to the actuating section of each of the louver members for actuating them between open and closed positions. In addition, sealing fins extend from the jambs, head, and sill to cover the peripheral portion of the central opening. Each of the louver members is pivotally mounted on the side jambs, so that when the louver members are in their closed positions, the louver members overlap the peripheral sealing fins, and the closing section of adjacent louver members overlap each other to tightly seal the louver assembly against inclement weather.

Abstract: A venetian blind assembly having slats of flexible material which are removably mounted in brackets. The brackets have grooves into which opposite side edges of the slats are received. There are stops which limit the insertion of the ends of the slats into the brackets. The brackets and slats also have detents which connect the brackets and slats, to each other and which may be released by deflecting the slats causing the portion of the detent therein to clear the bracket. The slat then can be pulled out of the bracket for cleaning or replacement. The brackets are also assembled in vertically stacked relationship by cords which are threaded through apertures of adjacent brackets and run around the edge of and over a side of the brackets. Hooks are provided for retaining the cords on the sides of the brackets.

Abstract: A slat for positioning between opposing frame or support members to define at least one surface when a plurality of such slats are thereby positioned comprises a surface defining portion having resilient, substantially closed cavity defining attachment members on each end thereof, the attachment members being biased to the substantially closed position yet capable of being resiliently opened to provide access to the cavity defined thereby. A plurality of slats positioned between opposing frame members of an article of furniture to define at least one load-bearing surface and a plurality of slats positioned between opposing support members to define a protecting surface are also disclosed.

Abstract: One or more side by side cylinders of light transmitting material are mounted for rotation about their axes within a building structure wall opening or the like. The cylinders each bear internally a narrow panel of thermal insulation material such as polystyrene which extends diametrically across the cylinder from one side to the other. The cylinders are mounted for rotation about their axes such that the thermal insulation panels may be aligned and in the plane of the opening to prevent both light and heat transmission from the exterior of the wall of the interior of the building structure. A half cylinder of slightly larger size may surround each cylinder, is fixedly mounted to the building wall to provide at least exteriorly a double glazed wall for increased protection against thermal loss, particularly when the cylinders are rotated such that the insulation panels are at some angle to the plane of the wall opening.

Abstract: A slat assembly for a door includes a steel slat for the outside of the door and an extrusion of polyvinylchloride (PVC) serving as an insulation cover. A cavity in between the slat and the insulation cover is filled with insulation, the insulation and insulation cover providing a thermal break between the outside steel slats and the inside. The insulation cover is uniquely shaped to maximize strength and to secure it indirectly by way of a steel clip to the steel slat such that stress is minimized by accomodating differing coefficients of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A vertical louver system comprising a vertical louver support system and a plurality of vertical louvers mounted on the vertical louver support system. Each of the louvers includes a channel having first and second in-turned flanges and a web joining the flanges. An insert is received within the flanges and has reusable adhesive on its outer face to permit a decorative sheet to be attached to the insert. The insert and channel are resiliently bendable but are constructed to provide a strong composite structure which resists warping due to thermal conditions.

Abstract: A shutter for a skylight or a window comprises a transparent housing and a shutter assembly within the housing. The shutter is formed of louvres comprising light weight S-shaped reinforced foil members pivoted at their ends with light weight pivot pin bearings. A counterbalanced crank arm rotates the louvres by way of one of the pivot bearings.

Abstract: Radiant energy screens are constructed as louvred screens, with the louvre elements each having second-surface retro-reflective elements on or in their outwardly facing surfaces. The inwardly facing surfaces of the louvre elements may be highly reflective to reduce their emissivity. The reflecting surfaces of the retro-reflective elements may be, inter alia, inclined elongate reflectors, cube-corner reflectors, or lens and mirror combinations.

Abstract: A slat from which door or window shutter may be composed is made of two identically profiled strips, defining between them a concavity.

Abstract: Vertical and non-vertical collapsing panel closures for various applications are disclosed. The closure has reduced stacking height when collapsed and possesses a more energy efficient panel section guide roller system operating with a more economical and versatile upper and lower guide roller track arrangement. An insulated closure having an interior flush surface and an exterior rail and stile facade is achieved. A more simplified variable dynamic closure counterweighting system is provided.

Abstract: A window blind slat having a longitudinal axis includes a number of substantially flat, rigid, vertically extending slat sections, including at least a top slat section and a bottom slat section, each having a vertical, substantially planar face, an upper end and a lower end and means hinging the lower end of one slat section to the adjacent upper end of the next lower slat section, the sections being disposed to one another such that the tendency of the slat to vary so as to distant the longitudinal axis of the slat will be rendered incapable of esthetically or functionally interfering with the performance of the slat.

Abstract: A multiple slat insert adapted to be installed in window fixtures operable when in a closed position to insulate the window and, when in an open position, to expose the window. The insert preferably comprises a pair of elongated, spaced-apart mounting members secured within the window frame, and a plurality of elongated, generally planar slats rotatably coupled between the mounting members. The slats are of parallelogram cross section, so that when rotated to the closed, generally co-planar position, they will abut one another to provide a convective seal.

Abstract: A rolling protective gate for store fronts or the like is formed of a series of horizontally-extending transparent slats interconnected and articulated by a series of horizontally-extending metal rods. The transparent slats and metal rods are elongated, and each extends the full width of the building front access opening in which the rolling gate is mounted. The transparent slats and metal rods are privotally interconnected by means of circular ribs extending along the top and bottom edges of each slat which are received within sockets formed in the metal rods. The entire rolling gate is formed of the connected slats and rods for easy assembly, and the elongated horizontal transparent slats provide ready visibility through the rolling gate when the latter is in its lowered position providing a security closure for the store front.

Abstract: A shutter assembly is made of adjacent interlocked extruded plastic slats having a hollow generally rectangular body with extending tongue and channel interlocking members. Provision is made for locking slats in mated position against longitudinal movement and for a metallic end bearing surface providing long wear under heavy use.The slat structure is ribbed to remove rain water that may tend to pass through a shutter and for adding strength and can receive strengthening rods as desired in a mating internal female cell structure.

Abstract: A Venetian blind is described having slats which have a selected color on one face and a lighter neutral, pastel or substantially white color on the reverse face, with string type ladders, one string of each ladder being colored to blend with the darker colored faces of the slats and the other string thereof being of the lighter color to blend with the lighter colored face of the slats. The cross rungs are also longitudinally colored in part in the same color as the darker colored string and the lift cord is of the same color as the darker colored string, so that when the blind is in the closed or partially closed position with the darker colored faces of the slats on one side of the blind, the strings of the ladders and lift cords blend with the colored surfaces of the slats on that side and are substantially unnoticeable.

Abstract: A sectioned Venetian blind slat and mechanism for joining the sections thereof to permit a broken slat to be replaced without the necessity of taking the entire blind to a repair shop. Fabrication of slats through the use of the joint mechanisms of the invention results in simplification of manufacturing techniques and the realization of economies through being able to use shorter pieces of wood such as were formerly treated as scrap in the manufacture of full length slats. Contrasting shades of wood sections may be employed to develop a contrasting pattern in a blind.

Abstract: A window casement designed to be attached to a window frame outside the window sash operative on the one hand to serve as a storm window and on the other hand to provide supplemental heating during the winter and cooling during the summer.

Abstract: Energy-conserving window blinds are provided. The blinds are fabricated from coupled and adjustable slats, each slat having an insulation layer and a reflective surface to face outwardly when the blinds are closed. A range of desired light and air transmission may be selected with the reflective surfaces of the slats adapted to direct sunlight upward toward the ceiling when the blinds are open. When the blinds are closed, the insulation of the slats reduces the heat loss or gain produced by the windows. If desired, the reflective surfaces of the slats may be concave. The edges of the slats are designed to seal against adjacent slats when the blinds are closed to ensure minimum air flow between slats.

Abstract: An adjustable light and air-admitting thermal and acoustic barrier has a plurality of sound-attenuating blades pivotally mounted in a frame in a mutually spaced, parallel relationship. When the barrier is mounted at an open window, the blades may be adjusted to various open positions to allow desired amounts of outside light and air into a room, but cooperate in such open positions to form an effective sound trap for annoying outside sounds. Each of the blades functions as both a sound absorber and a sound transmission barrier, and comprises an elongated, relatively thin core of solid, sound-reflective material having longitudinally extending edge and intermediate flanges which define cavities on opposite sides of the core. Secured within the cavities by the flanges are strips of sound-absorbing insulating material, the core and insulating material being laterally enfolded by a cover secured to the flanges.

Abstract: The invention comprises a wedge-shaped element for securing a roller blind assembly to a wind-up roll, wherein it comprises a plurality of single-walled members interconnected by film hinges.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for decorative covering of windows and the like which includes a plurality of colorable louvers in association with a louvered support system. The louvers include means for readily attaching one or more colored transparent sheets thereon in a superimposed relationship to present a covering of a desired color. Provision is made for facile replacement of the colored sheets to allow the presentation of a differently colored cover without the need for louver replacement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for assembling the slats of a blind to the supporting ladders which ladders have pairs of closely spaced cross bars or rung pairs between which pairs of rungs slats are to be inserted. The assembly is accomplished by inserting only a portion of the end of the slat first whereby that portion serves to guide the smooth insertion of the remainder of the width of the end of the slat.

Abstract: A chambered element for use in forming a roller screen has a pair of longitudinally extending chambers separated by a common wall and means are provided by the wall-forming elements of one of the chambers for coupling a co-extending finishing member.

Abstract: A window shade in combination with a slat made easily adjustable in length by the inclusion of regularly spaced transverse lines of weakness in the ends thereof. The window shade slat preferably consists of a flattened, convolutely or spirally wound, thickwalled, small diameter paper tube.

Abstract: A shutter arrangement with profiled plastic strips which have, on their adjacent sides, interlocking complementary elements with adjacent profile strips that are mounted pivotably relative to one another on armored chain links. The profile strips are made of a transparent plastics and have, on their narrow side, at least one projection which is inserted and fastened in a complementary opening of a link of the associated armored chain. The profile strips may be made of acrylic glass or polycarbonate. All surfaces of the profile strips may be polished, and the projection of the profile strips may be substantially trapezoidal. The projections of the profile strips may be fastened in an opening of the chain links by a cross bolt. At the same time, the chain links may be made of substantially light metal, with a guide projection located on both sides of at least part of the chain links.

Abstract: This invention provides a roof in which plurality of louver-type roof plates are designed to be opened and closed by means of a reciprocating connecting rod pivoted to cranks secured to said roof plates. A ratchet gear mechanism is mounted to connect with the said connecting rod through a crank shaft so that the said ratchet gear may rotate tooth by tooth to adjust the roof plates stepwise between a fully open and a fully closed condition. An accommodation for draining rainwater from the roof is disclosed, as are several designs of roof plates.

Abstract: A system for functional and decorative covering of windows and the like providing a plurality of louvers in association with a louvered support system. The louvers include means for attaching wallpaper, reflective materials and other covering materials to each louver in a convenient manner.The covering materials are held on each louver by flanges running along each elongate edge thereof. Further, the covering materials are held from sliding longitudinally along each louver at a single attachment point. A backing material of rigid construction may be employed with thin wallpaper and the like.