Abstract: A cover construction (10) for windows, including a generally rectangular housing member (20) which is affixed to, and projects outwardly from, a window frame (101) via a mounting flange (26) and further includes an angled roof panel (21), a floor panel (25), a pair of opposed side panels (22), (23) and a generally open front panel (24). The cover construction (10) also includes a pair of lower assemblies (30), (30′) operatively associated with the front panel (24) as well as a vertical screen member (40) rearwardly offset from the lower assemblies (30), (30′) and a horizontal screen member (41) associated with the floor panel (25) for allowing fresh air to enter through the window (100) even when the lower assemblies (30), (30′) are in their closed position.

Abstract: Shutter for windows, and relative method to fit said shutter, comprising a rim (12) consisting of vertical uprights (14) and horizontal cross-pieces (13), an outer assembly box (11) suitable to be anchored at the sides (20) of a window opening, and a plurality of blades (15) attached transversely between the vertical uprights (14) and suitable to selectively obstruct the light filtering through the rim (12), wherein the assembly box (11) consists of a plurality of profiles (17) of equal section and substantially quadrangular comprising, on one side, a coupling tooth (16) defining substantially plane supporting surfaces (19a, 19b) able to cooperate with mating surfaces of the sides (20) defining the window opening and/or with mating surfaces of the profiles (13, 14) defining the rim (12) of the shutter (10).

Abstract: An improved louver is comprised of a plastic louver frame and plastic chevrons, wherein slots having the profile of the chevrons are cut into the frame, the chevrons are disposed in the slots and bonded to the frame, and a resin impregnated in glass tape is wrapped around the frame to provide further support for the frame. The louver frame is fabricated using resin infused or resin transfer-molding process and the chevrons are fabricated utilizing a pultrusion process.

Abstract: A sunshade for shading window exteriors includes at least one connecting bracket for attachment to a window mullion, a blade support strut attached to the connecting bracket at a first joint, and a plurality of louvered blades supported by the blade support strut at a second joint. The pivot angle at the first joint may be varied to extend the louvered blades a desired distance from the window mullion. The louvered blades are positioned at a preselected fixed profile angle on the second joint in order to optimize shading at the latitude where the sunshade is installed. In a preferred embodiment, the louvered blades have top walls supporting photovoltaic cells and the sunshade includes electric cables for connecting the photovoltaic cells to an electric circuit.

Abstract: A door and method for fabrication of unitary six panel steel doors wherein frames members (stiles and rails or headers) are fabricated by forming metal stock into a cross-sectional channel configuration, cutting and swaging the channels into predetermined lengths. The stiles and rails of the frame members are swaged to provide frictional interconnection at the corners thereof upon assembly of the frame members (stiles and rails) into a rectangular frame configuration. Assembly of the frame is accomplished in a shuttle having two assembly jigs. Upon assembly, each frame is moved by the shuttle into a molding press wherein a panel of foam is molded within the frame. The shuttle moves back and forth through the molding press in a manner which provides for removal of a completed panel and assembly of an additional frame from one jig of the shuttle while the molding operation is accomplished within the molding press upon a frame retained within the other jig of the shuttle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exterior window shutter that is made of PVC, has functional louvers, but is still hurricane resistant. The shutter includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a transparent impact resistant member. This impact resistant member is permanently affixed to the perimeter framework to increase structural stability. Additionally, this invention provides a method to make a high strength and structurally stable hurricane resistant louvered shutter.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a louvered window insert comprising two louvered frame sections 39, 50 each having one vertical member 44, 60 with an upper and lower horizontal member 40, 42, 56, 58 extending from each end thereof and a plurality of louver blades 46, 52 extending horizontally therebetween. The distal ends of the horizontal members and louver blades of the first section have recesses 48, 54 to receive and slidably secure the horizontal members 56, 58 and louver blades 52 of the second section as they travel therethrough allowing a user to size the insert to a window 12 simply by placing the fully overlapped assembly inside an open window 12 and separating the two frame sections 39, 50 thereby reducing the overlap of the horizontal members and the louvers and effectively elongating the insert until the two vertical members 44, 60 are flush to their respective side jambs and then lowering the window 12 until it sits atop the present invention.

Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly includes a plurality of slats arranged in a row presenting a decorative surface with side flanges projecting rearwardly. At least one cross member overlays each of the slats and presents a decorative cross surface with side cross flanges projecting rearwardly. Each cross slat includes at least one mating member affixed behind the cross slat decorative surface having a mating wall affixed to each of the decorative surfaces for affixing the plurality batten slats to the cross slat. Alternatively, a plurality of primary slats are arranged to present a decorative surface having side flanges projecting rearwardly and at least one end piece is attached to the primary slats the ends of the primary slats are received in the end piece for adjoining and aligning said primary slats, said end piece including a cross member traversing said the primary and having slats and slat ends integrated into the end piece, each of said slats and slat ends aligning with one of the primary slats.

Abstract: A modular louver system is disclosed which utilizes a series of joined frames having the same basic cross section, a series of spacers, and a series of louver vanes having the same v shaped cross section. The frames have a t-shaped channel, with inwardly facing channel lips defining the narrow portion of the t-shaped channel. The louver vanes have a dovetail at each end, where the dovetail neck will fit in the area defined by the inwardly facing channel lips. In addition, the spacers are shaped so that they will rest in the t-shaped channel and will either separate the louver vanes from each other or from an adjacent frame. The louver vane dovetails are inserted in the t-shaped channels of opposing frames, with at least one spacer inserted in the t-shaped channels to separate the louver vanes from each other and from an adjacent frame. Where rectangular connection is desired, the frames are connected either using a clip joint arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a track concealment system for use with a movable wall system having movable walls, a track and a trolley. The invention includes a pair of panels, each sized to conceal a portion of the track, and a pair of brackets each having a first portion attachable to the track and a second portion configured to support an edge of a corresponding panel. When supported by the second portion, the panels are arranged such that the edge of said panel is adjacent the connecting member thereby concealing the track.

Abstract: A connector frame for use as a support member for mounting grilles at ventilation openings in a building structure. The connector frame allows the grills to be mounted in slightly different locations to hide imperfections at the edges of the ventilation openings. The connector frame may include a pair of single connector frames that may be separated into two singly usable frames.

Abstract: An adjustable shutter includes a substantially rectangular shutter frame having first and second pairs of opposed spaced apart frame members 3a, 3b defining a substantially rectangular opening between the frame members. A plurality of substantially parallel louvers 5 are operatively mounted within the shutter opening and extend between the opposed pair of first frame members. The louvers are capable of at least partially occluding the rectangular opening of the shutter frame. A respective frame cover 6a, 6b is operatively affixed to each one of the frame members. An adjustment mechanism is disposed between at least one frame member and its respective frame cover, and is operable to adjust a separation between the frame member and its respective same cover, such that a first overall dimension of the shutter can be adjusted. Finally, a respective corner cover member 7 is disposed in operative relation to each of the frame covers to visually occlude a gap between each adjacent frame cover.

Abstract: A prefabricated fence post assembly comprising a slotted fence post which slideably receives an adjoining prefabricated modular panel, picket fence, lattice or ornamental section for the construction of fences, walls and other structures incorporating panels.

Abstract: A louver and frame body assembly structure including an upper beam, a lower beam, two lateral columns, two side columns, several slats, a linking bar and several pivot nails. The outer peripheries of the main bodies of the upper beam, lower beam and lateral columns are all coated with an opaque layer on which decorative articles are placed. The outermost faces is further wrapped by a transparent plastic layer by cold rolling or injection so as to enclose and fix the decorative articles therein. The upper and lower end sections of the left and right sides are formed with locking holes. The inner side between the upper and lower end sections are formed with several pivot holes. Each slat includes an elongated opaque sheet. Decorative articles are placed on two faces of the sheet. A transparent layer is integrally overlaid on the opaque sheet and the outer sides of the decorative articles to form the slat witha flat arch cross-section.

Abstract: A shielding canopy includes a fixture base mounted to a wall. A plurality of swiveling devices mounted to and equally-spaced along the fixture base. Each swiveling device rotatably supports a rotating shaft to which a panel of a predetermined width is fixed. The width of the panels substantially corresponds to a distance between adjacent swiveling devices whereby when the panels are rotated from a collapsed position where the panels substantially overlap each other to an expanded position, edges of the panels engage with each other whereby the panels together form a continuous canopy. A driving rod, actuated manually or by power, is movably supported in the fixture base. A plurality of connecting arms are pivoted to the driving rod and have free ends fixed to the rotating shafts thereby when the driving rod is moved, the panels are rotated.

Abstract: A double divisible connector frame for use as a support member for mounting return grilles and louvers in a building structure which is rectangular in shape and having a planar surface on one side and a pair of precisely-similar spaced-apart continuous rectangular flanged frames on the other side, and a lineal line of severance equidistant between said smaller flanged frames for dividing said double frame into a pair of similar smaller frames for mounting said grilles and louvers.

Abstract: Vent apparatus for a building includes a frame within which are positioned two spaced sets of louvers. The louvers of each set of louvers have openings therebetween and the openings of each set of louvers are covered by the louvers of the other set of louvers.

Abstract: A window/light shelf system enhances the daylight illumination with no glare. The air space between the double panes of the window is enlarged, and a mini blind-like, light reflective or absorbing, low transparent glass plates unit is integrated in the middle to control the daylighting and to eliminate the glare. With the light reflective unit open and closed per solar/climate conditions, the system serves as a window, a light shelf with no glare, a solar heating source in the winter, and a solar heat reflector in the summer.

Abstract: The shading system includes a plurality of shading elements forming groups of elements for each window of a building. The elements generally have non-horizontal and non-vertical slope and tilt angles. The slope and tilt angles are determined by the latitude of the building and compass bearing of a plane through the window. All of the elements for each window lie parallel to one another and are nonmovable. By calculating slope and tilt angles for each compass bearing and building latitude, the solar heat gain in the summer can be minimized and solar heat gain in the winter can be maintained.

Abstract: A ceiling panel is provided which employs a systems approach involving ducting for ventilation, lighting and optionally sprinklers. The ceiling panel is made from a thermoplastic deposit material containing inorganic fibers which are held in compression by thermoplastic matrix material. The thermoplastic composite exhibits the desired electrical insulative, fire resistant, reduced weight, and economic properties for the ceiling panel. The ceiling panel provides a systems approach combining the desired features associated with ceilings, namely, ventilation, lighting and sprinkler systems, while employing a material that exhibits the desired properties of electrical insulation, fire resistance and low weight.

Abstract: A flat-mount louver assembly (9) includes a plurality of slats (10) mounted in a louver jamb subassembly (40). The subassembly includes C-shaped jamb segments (20') joined together at a mitered joint (44) with their open faces facing one another and holding the slats between them. The louver jamb subassembly is mounted in a jamb slot (25) of a louver mounting band (15). The louver mounting band has a planar mounting base (75), a planar jamb wrap connector (52) perpendicular to the base and having a connecting-member edge spaced apart from the base, and a flange (53) substantially perpendicular to one side of the connecting member edge. The flange and jamb wrap connector, with a portion of the base, make up the jamb slot. The slats are preferably configured with raised edges to resist the flow of water.

Abstract: A grille bar for a radiator grille of a vehicle includes a grille bar section having a leading profile defining flange portion and a forward or frontal air deflecting surface. The grille bar section also has a rear leg flange portion projecting downwardly from the upper end portion of the leading profile defining flange portion. In addition, the grille bar section has a return flange portion projecting generally rearwardly from the lower end portion of the leading profile defining flange portion. The return flange portion projects preferably rearwardly and upwardly from the lower end portion of the leading profile defining flange portion and extends generally toward the bottom edge of the rear leg flange. The return flange extends in one form to no more than about one-half of the distance between the front of the leading profile defining flange portion and the rear surface of the rear leg.

Abstract: An air vent insert for mounting to the perimeter of a vent opening in a building structure to provide threaded mounting holes for an air vent cover. The insert includes an open frame having front and back faces, generally rectangular inner and outer perimeter edges, a spaced apart pair of elongate end members and a spaced apart pair of elongate side members extending between the end members. The inner perimeter edge of the frame defines a central opening. The frame is designed for mounting to a building structure around the periphery of an air vent opening in the building structure such that the center opening of the frame extends around the outer periphery of the air vent opening in the building structure. The frame is also designed for mounting an air vent cover thereto such that the air vent cover substantially covers the central opening.

Abstract: An adjustable, fastenerless modular shutter includes a pair of side rails, at least one shutter panel and a pair of end rails. A center rail can be provided. The side rails and end rails are mutually connected to form a frame for holding one or more shutter panels and center rails. Each end rails and the center rail has a front wall and a pair of runner portions having locking portions. The locking portions are slidably receivable in the pair of side rails and include interferingly, frictionally engaging projections for engaging the side rails to resist separation of the end rails from the side rails during assembly of the shutter. The side rails include front inwardly directed lips which assist in retaining the shutter panelis), the center rail and the end rails, particularly the runner portions. The end rails and the center rail include front surfaces raised from their respective runner portions to be planar with front surfaces of the side rails when the shutter is assembled.

Abstract: A louver assembly and a method for installing the louver assembly into an opening in a wall of a structure are provided wherein the louver includes a frame which and a separate louver section which may be mounted within the frame after the frame has been mounted in the opening in the wall. The frame defines a central channel which extends from an interior opening to an exterior opening. The frame includes a frame flange extending from an exterior edge of the central channel so that, when the frame is in a desired position within the hole in the wall, the frame flange extends around the entire perimeter of the hole to seal the perimeter of the hole. The louver section is selectively mountable within the central channel so that it is prevented from passing through the exterior opening. When the louver section is in a desired position within the central channel, the frame is sealed so that air is prevented from passing between the frame and an outer surface of the louver section.

Abstract: A sheet metal ventilation louver is fabricated out of two types of blades, a center and a top/bottom blade, that are shaped in a manner that permits their slidable engagement with an outer support frame. The side panels making up the outer frame are fabricated out of sheet metal rectangles that have been bent, with slots formed in the bent areas at locations enabling the slidable receipt of the blades within the side panel slots. An outer frame then fits around the side panels, retaining both the side panels and their received blades in position, completing the ventilation louver.

Abstract: An improved roof edge ventilation strip serving as a starter strip to underlay the first course of shingling along a roof line. The roof edge ventilation strip comprises a roofing panel which is, in use, at substantially the same angle to the vertical as the roof to which it is attached. The material of the ventilation strip is wavy or corrugated for providing added strength. A horizontal soffit section of the ventilation strip has louvers which add strength to the ventilation strip and permit a ladder to be leaned against the strip outer edge. A vertical fascia section provides for fastening the ventilation strip in abutment to a vertical side of a house or a building. An alternate embodiment comprises a protruding drip edge to insure water run-off away from the house.

Abstract: A shutter frame member is comprised of an elongated plastic extruded body element having opposed parallel longitudinal side edges in which is formed a connector for removable connection thereto of an elongated edge adaptor. The connecting cavity is provided with a plurality of elongated connecting channels on opposed side surfaces thereof. The edge adaptor is provided with a flange which has ribs for selective engagement with the channels provided in the elongated edge cavity of the body whereby to provide an adjustment of the width of the shutter frame member.

Abstract: A shutter assembly which includes separate top and bottom portions and intermediate slatted portions. The top and bottom portions both include right and left side flanges which include inner and outer channels. Likewise the slatted portion includes a right and left sides which include right and left channels which align with the inner channels on the top and bottom members. Right and left side rails snap fit into the three sections holding them together. The inner wall of the rails snap into the inner channels and the channel in the slatted portion. The inner walls of the side rails include upper arcuate lips that extend over the top edges of the side walls of the top, bottom and slatted sections. The outer wall of each rail includes an L-shaped projection which fits within the outer channels in the flanges. The shutter can be adjusted by removing sections of the slatted portions along pre-formed score lines and then cutting rails to the desired size.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.

Abstract: A modular louver assembly comprises a peripheral frame having a sill, a header and jambs defining a rectangular primary opening, a plurality of intermediate frame members joined to the peripheral frame and dividing the primary opening into a plurality of rectangular modular unit openings, and either louver modules or blank-off panels received in the unit openings. A sight screen mounted on the framework overlies substantially the entire primary opening.

Abstract: A storm louver (10, 12) having a plurality of spaced blades (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) for removing water particles from air flowing into a building or air handling equipment is disclosed. Each louver (10, 12) has an improved blade support frame (18) that permits the blades (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) to be more quickly and easily installed in the support frame (18) and that more firmly supports the blades. A modular louver system including at least two individual louvers that can be easily connected for installation in openings of any size is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable, fastenerless modular shutter includes end rails having an end wall and a pair of locking portions extending therefrom. The locking portions are slidably receivable in a pair of side rails and engage the side rails to resist separation of the end rails from the side rails during assembly of the shutter. An adjusting member located on the end rail permits adjustable engagement of a shutter panel to the end rail to permit positioning and retention of the shutter panel relative to one of the end rails.

Abstract: The instant invention is a water resistant louver characterized by an aesthetically pleasing two piece front louver frame affixed to a posteriorally positioned aluminum mesh screen in turn affixed to a spacer frame behind it that encompasses a plurality of horizontally parallel deflector slats affixed to a face plate affixed to the frontal portion of a rear louver frame attached to the screen and front frame via a plurality of fastening screws with all frames and the screen affixed to a positively sloped bottom sill plate, the top side of which is metallically lined to accept water deflected from the slots and a drip cap within the rear louver frame located just behind the lowest of such slats and thereby permit deflected water to run through two identical notches cut into the rear portion of the frontal frame to the outside of the frontal portion of the front frame via two slits in the frontal portion contiguous each with each notch and each of which slits is positioned laterally to a centrally positioned be

Abstract: A shutter assembly is provided which includes an integral shutter body portion having side rails and either slats or raised panels there between. The shutter assembly also includes separately molded end caps and one or more mullions. The shutter body is adjusted to its desired length by cutting the shutter at one or both ends. The end caps are snapped onto the shutter body and/or welded into place. The mullion is then snapped onto the body to produce a finished, balanced appearance for the overall shutter assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air-flow-directing grille assembly of the type having two frame members and a grille bar supported by such frame members for pivoting movement about a grille bar axis. In the improvement, each frame member has a hole, the bar has an axle extending through the holes and each hole and the axle are cooperatively sized to provide a friction fit between such hole and axle. The grille bar is thereby frictionally retained in a position. A new method for making a grille assembly includes providing a pair of frame members, each having a hole therethrough of a first diameter. A grille bar is provided to have an axle with a second diameter at least equal to the first diameter. The axle and the frame member holes are urged into frictional engagement with one another and the grille bars will thereby hold a selected air-flow-directing position.

Abstract: A component shutter assembly and method of forming same. The assembly comprises a one-piece molded plastic, integrally formed shutter panel. The shutter panel may be molded in a small plurality of standard lengths and then one or both ends thereof cut to shorten the shutter panel to a specific, desired length once it is determined what-specific length of shutter is needed for a particular application. An independent, integrally formed end panel may then be secured to one or both ends of the cut shutter panel and ultrasonically welded thereto to form a finished component shutter assembly having a particular desired length and the appearance of a one-piece, integrally formed shutter. Embodiments directed to raised panel and louvered shutters are disclosed, as is a removable center panel section which may be used in connection with the louvered shutter panels if it is desired to provide a mid-panel section which is offset from the mid-point of the overall length of the shutter panel.

Abstract: A louver assembly and a method for installing the louver assembly into an opening in a wall of a structure are provided wherein the louver includes a frame which and a separate louver section which may be mounted within the frame after the frame has been mounted in the opening in the wall. The frame defines a central channel which extends from an interior opening to an exterior opening. The frame includes a frame flange extending from an exterior edge of the central channel so that, when the frame is in a desired position within the hole in the wall, the frame flange extends around the entire perimeter of the hole to seal the perimeter of the hole. The louver section is selectively mountable within the central channel so that it is prevented from passing through the exterior opening. When the louver section is in a desired position within the central channel, the frame is sealed so that air is prevented from passing between the frame and an outer surface of the louver section.

Abstract: A gable vent assembly comprising a mounting ring and a cover member. The mounting ring includes a plurality of distinct lengths, one of which is formed in two parts to enable easy manipulation of portions thereof when the mounting ring is positioned over an opening in a wall having siding thereon. The cover member includes a plurality of shoulder portions which engage with securing grooves in the mounting ring such that the gable vent member may be secured to the mounting ring without the need for fastening elements such as threaded screws, staples or the like. The cover member and mounting ring are also adjustably positionable relative to each other to accommodate different thicknesses of siding.

Abstract: A modular plastic shutter assembly that includes an injection molded panel that has been cut to length to accommodate the particular shutter assembly. A die cutter having an appropriately shaped cutting blade cuts an end of the panel to the desirable length. A separate injection molded panel end piece is secured to the cut end of the panel to form a complete panel.

Abstract: A building vent assembly comprising a plurality of individually extruded plastic vent components that have been cut to a desirable length and pitch for a particular size and shape vent.

Abstract: In combination with a window or other opening of a building, a pair of vertically elongated shutters are located on each of the vertical side of the opening. Each of the shutters include at least one planter box extending laterally along the shutter and supported by the shutter to form an integral shutter unit.

Abstract: An exterior ventilation device having a main body with an upstanding perimeter wall and an attachment flange extending outwardly from the upstanding perimeter wall. A plurality of louvers extend across the body adjacent to the other end of the perimeter wall each of the louvers being sloped downwardly and outwardly. A trim ring is attachable to the main body and defines a cavity between the attachment flange and the skirt of the trim ring into which siding may be inserted. The body is provided with a water directing rib to direct any water running down the body from the back of the body towards the front of the body and thus outside of any cladding material located in the cavity between the trim ring and the attachment flange. In one embodiment the water directing feature is a rib and in another embodiment the feature is a groove.

Abstract: A fence construction assembly includes a slat engaging plate, preferably constructed from a single elongated board, for attachment to a fence support member, such as a fence post of a section of fence. The board is severed lengthwise to form first and second frame parts which when located adjacent to one another form the slat engaging plate. Each of the first and second frame parts has a substantially lengthwise extending slat-engaging edge formed by the severing of the single board.

Abstract: A shutter apparatus and method of assembling same. The apparatus comprises a pair of elongated, outer support members and a plurality of center component sections which slidably engage channel portions of each of the outer support members. One or more spacer panels are included as well as one or more end members. The shutter apparatus is assembled by ultrasonically welding portions of the outer support members to side portions of each of the center components and the spacer panel, and to securing portions of the end members. By ultrasonically welding the various components of the shutter apparatus together rather than assembling same though the conventional use of staples and other like external fastening elements, the cost of assembly is reduced and the ability to re-use scrap component parts is made significantly easier and less costly.

Abstract: A component shutter having a plurality of end caps for closing off the outermost longitudinal ends of each of a pair of side rails of the shutter and providing a decorative, finished appearance to the outermost longitudinal ends of each of the side rails. The end caps comprise a top portion and a tongue portion, with the tongue portion being sized to fit within a pocket formed between the side rail and either a top or bottom end rail. The tongue portion is slidably inserted into the pocket. The end cap forms a finished appearing edge surface for an end of the side rail of the shutter.

Abstract: A shutter assembly having a main body with slats, vertical stiles and end caps that allow the length of the shutter assembly to be varied. The end caps are attached to the upper and lower ends of the main body by aligning apertures in the end caps with one of a plurality of apertures spaced vertically on the ends of the stiles. The end caps each have a first and a second panel that can be reversibly displayed as an outer surface of the shutter. An inner surface of the stiles has fastener pins protruding therefrom, allowing the shutter assembly to be mounted to a building structure.

Abstract: A louver has vertical blades arranged in a frame alternately in a staggered relation from front to back in a front and a rear row. The blades in at least the front row have a web oriented substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the frame and substantially parallel to the jambs, a pair of front flanges extending in opposite directions generally laterally from a front edge of the web, and a pair of rear flanges extending in opposite directions generally laterally from a rear edge of the web. The webs subdivide the air flow volume within the frame into flow channels, each of which is partially blocked laterally by the front flanges and the rear flanges of the blades of the front row. The blades of the rear row have flanges that block the portions of the channels between the extremities of the flanges of the blades of the front row.

Abstract: A shutter and retention assembly of modular members molded or extruded from a polymeric material includes a pair of side rails, each side rail having a front wall, an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall includes a retaining channel formed therein. The shutter further includes a shutter panel member having a central portion and a pair of runners extending along the sides thereof. Each of the runners includes a projection extending along at least a portion thereof. The projection has a cross-sectional shape complementary to the retaining channel of the side rails for securing the panel member to the side rails. The complementary shapes of the engaged projections and retaining channels resist disengagement of the side rails from the panel member.

Abstract: A low drag tailgate is shown which can be installed within a tailgate opening at the trailing end of the open top cargo compartment of a vehicle. A louver retaining frame is mounted as a portion of the conventional tailgate which has an outer extent mounted generally flush with the exterior sidewall of the tailgate and having an inner extent which provides an opening for the passage of air from the vehicle cargo compartment through the frame. Louvers are pivotally mounted within the louver retaining frame. At least selected ones of the louvers have a counterweight installed thereon which determines the position of the louver as the tailgate is raised and lowered.