Patent Publication Number: US-6219970-B1

Title: Window shutter having recessed side actuating louver member

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to window coverings, and more particularly to a window shutter assembly having a recessed side actuating louver 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     Window shutters are used to shield a room or area from the elements, as well as to provide privacy and security to persons therein. In addition, window shutters preferably also add to the aesthetic appeal to the decor of both the room when viewed internally, and the structure or building when viewed externally. 
     Window shutters having adjustable louvers serve the foregoing purposes while allowing for air to circulate or pass through the window when the window shutter is closed. The louvers, which are typically disposed horizontally and parallel to each other, are movable angularly between a closed position wherein it serves as a barrier to the elements, to an open position wherein air may flow therethrough. Positioning the louvers at any point between the fully closed position and the fully open position not only allows for restricting or controlling air flow therethrough, but also directing the air flow. 
     In order to adjust a plurality of louvers simultaneously, an adjustment arm or member is attached to the louvers, which essentially chains them together so that moving any one of the louvers to any position causes a corresponding movement of the remaining louvers that are correspondingly attached by the adjustment arm or member. This obviously facilitates louver adjustment. The problem that arose with the employment of the adjustment arm or member is that it was somewhat obtrusive and when disposed along the middle section of the louvers, it partially obstructed the view through the louvers when they are open. There are some designs that place the adjustment arm or member on the side edge of the louver so as to prevent obstruction of the view therethrough when the louvers are open, however, these adjustment arms or members, regardless of whether they are disposed in the center or side edge of the louvers, generally detract aesthetically from the overall appearance of the window shutter. 
     To solve the problems of obstruction and aesthetics caused by the adjustment arm or member, internal mechanisms were incorporated within the window shutter to allow for simultaneous adjustment of the louvers. These internal adjustment mechanisms proved to be complicated, requiring an excessive number of components and thus are very expensive to manufacture. 
     For a window shutter to open and closed within a window opening, a hanging strip is used in conjunction with each window shutter. The hanging strip includes hinges for the attachment of the window shutter thereto thereby allowing the window shutter to swing between a closed and an open position. The hanging strip basically serves as an interface between the window shutter and the side wall surfaces of the window opening. 
     Due to variations in tolerances, the side wall surfaces of the opening in most windows typically do not form a straight line, nor are they perfectly perpendicular to the bottom or top surfaces of the window openings. As such, crevices exist between the side wall surfaces and hanging strips when window shutters are installed in the window opening. These crevices allow for the passage of the weather elements therethrough, as well as reduce the privacy enjoyed by the occupants within the room or area enclosed thereby, thereby defeating the purpose of closing the window shutters in the first place. Inherent in the configuration and function of window shutters, gaps are also formed between the hanging strip and the window shutter, as well as between a pair of window shutters placed adjacent one another, when the window shutter is in the closed position. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an adjustable window shutter having a louver adjustment that is relatively inconspicuous, yet simple in design and inexpensive to manufacture. There is also a need for a window shutter that effective conceals gaps formed between the window opening and the hanging strip, between the hanging strip and the window shutter, and also between two window shutters, when the window shutters are closed. The present invention satisfies these needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the background art. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to an adjustable window shutter apparatus having a simple and reliable side mounted louver adjustment member that is relatively inconspicuous, while providing for a means to conceal gaps that form between closed window shutters and between window shutters and hanging strips, as well as a means to account for dimensional variations between the hanging strip and the side wall surface of the window opening. 
     By way of example and not of limitation, the adjustable window shutter apparatus of the present invention generally comprises a frame member having a centrally disposed opening, a plurality of louvers pivotally disposed within the opening of the frame member, a relief notch on the lateral edge of the louver, and a louver adjusting member attached to the plurality of louvers. The louver adjusting member is completely disposed within the relief notch of the louvers, thereby maintaining at least a flush profile on either the inner surface or outer surface of the window shutter when the louvers are in the closed position. 
     The window shutter apparatus further comprises a hanging strip that includes a means for pivotally attaching the frame member thereto, a compliance strip for attachment to the hanging strip, and a concealment strip attached to either the hanging strip or frame member. The compliance strip is fabricated from a generally compressible material which adjusts for dimensional variations in the side surfaces of the window opening that leave a gap when the hanging strip is placed adjacent thereto. The concealment strip, which preferably has a T-shaped cross section, is attached to either the hanging strip or the frame member to conceal a gap formed between the frame member and the hanging strip when the window shutter is in the closed position. The concealment strip may also be attached to the frame member to conceal a gap formed between a pair of frame members placed adjacent one another, when the window shutter is in the closed position. 
     An object of the invention is to provide an adjustable window shutter apparatus. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable window shutter apparatus having a louver adjustment member that is relatively inconspicuous and that maintains a flush profile on either the inner surface or outer surface of the window shutter when the louvers are in the closed position. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable window shutter apparatus having a means for adjusting for dimensional variations existing in the side surfaces of window openings. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable window shutter apparatus having a means for concealing gaps that form between the frames of window shutters positioned adjacent one another when the window shutter is in a closed position. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable window shutter apparatus having a means for concealing gaps that form between the frame of the window shutter and a hanging strip when the window shutter is in a closed position. 
     Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only: 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded view, in perspective, of a window shutter apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view, in perspective, of a shutter frame and louvers shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is an elevational view of an inner side of the apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, mounted within a window opening shown in phantom. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in FIG.  1  through FIG.  4 . It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein. 
     Referring first to FIG.  1  through FIG. 4, an adjustable window shutter apparatus  10  in accordance with the present invention is generally shown. Apparatus  10  generally comprises a frame member  12 , a plurality of louvers  14 , and at least one louver adjusting member  16 . 
     Frame member  12  includes an inner side edge  18 , an outer side edge  20 , and an opening  22  disposed therebetween. Opening  22  is typically rectangular, as shown, and is bordered by includes a pair of side surfaces  24   a  and  24   b . Side surfaces  24   a  and  24   b  incorporate a plurality of evenly spaced holes  26 . 
     Louvers  14  include a pair of lateral edges  28   a  and  28   b  and a relief notch  30  on at least one of said lateral edges  28   a  and  28   b . Lateral edges  28   a  and  28   b  each incorporate a pin (not shown) adapted to be pivotally disposed within holes  26  on side surfaces  24   a  and  24   b  of frame member  12 . Louvers  14  are therein disposed in a generally parallel orientation and are pivotally adjustable between a closed position and an open position. 
     Louver adjusting member  16  is preferably an elongated strip or wire that preferably has a small cross section. Louver adjusting member  16  is typically attached to each louver  14  by any means that allow for pivotal movement of louvers  14  relative to louver adjusting member  16 . Such attachment means may include, but is not limited to, a nail  32  (as shown), a pin, a screw, a rivet, or the like. It can be seen that louver adjustment member  16  provides for adjustment of a plurality of louvers  14  so attached by moving any single louver  14 . Louver adjusting member  16  is disposed within relief notch  30  of louver  14  such that louver adjusting member  16  resides between the inner plane  32  and the outer plane  34  of frame member  12  when louvers  14  are in the closed position, as shown in FIG.  3 . This provides for a flush appearance for apparatus  10  relative to inner plane  32  and the outer plane  34  of frame member  12  when louvers  14  are in the closed position. 
     It is contemplated that a plurality of louver adjustment members  16  may also be used in apparatus  10 . Each louver adjusting member is pivotally attached to a separate plurality of louvers  14  in consecutive fashion, thereby forming individual sections of louvers that are independently adjustable relative to another section of louvers. This independent adjustability of sections of louvers allows for a greater variance of the amount of light or air passing through apparatus  10 . For example, two sections of louvers may be open while the remaining sections may be closed, as shown in FIG.  1 . Additionally, one section of louvers may be positioned independently from the other sections, perhaps to direct air flow therethrough in a specific direction. 
     Apparatus  10  further comprises a hanging strip  38 , a compliance strip  40 , and concealment strips  42  and  42 ′. Hanging strip  38  includes an inner edge  44 , an outer edge  46  and a hinge means  48   a  and  48   b  for pivotally attaching frame member  12  thereto. Hanging strip  38  is juxtaposed frame member  12 , wherein inner side edge  18  of frame member  12  is adjacent outer edge  46  of hanging strip  38 . Hinge means  48   a  and  48   b  allow for movement of frame member  12  between a closed position, as shown in FIG. 4, and an open position (not shown). 
     In addition to hingeably receiving frame member  12 , hanging strip  38  also serves the purpose of adapting and fitting apparatus  10  within a window opening  50 . To accomplish this, hanging strip  38  is inserted within window opening  50  whereby outer edge  46  of hanging strip  38  is placed adjacent the lateral surface  52  of window opening  50 . Those skilled in the art will attest that although lateral surface  52  of window opening  50  is perpendicular to level ground, lateral surface  52  of window opening  50  is often not perfectly linear and consists of slight dimensional variations, as shown in FIG.  4 . As a result of the aforementioned dimensional variations, crevices exist between inner edge  44  of hanging strip  34  and lateral surface  52  of window opening  50 . Said crevices are obviously undesirable as they may reduce privacy and protection from atmospheric elements for the occupants within the room enclosed thereby. 
     Compliance strip  40  is employed as a means for adjusting for dimensional variations that exist along lateral surface  52  of window opening  50 . Compliance strip  40  is composed of a compressible material that is affixed onto inner edge  44  of hanging strip  38  and extends along the entire length thereof. Compliance strip  40  is preferably fabricated of plastic, although other materials possessing like compressible characteristics may be employed. Compliance strip  40  is affixed to hanging strip  38  preferably by a plurality of screws  54 , although those skilled in the art will appreciate that other like means of affixing compliance strip  40  onto hanging strip  38  may also be used, such as but not limited to, nails, glue, rivets, adhesive tape, or hook and loop fastener. Screws  54  may be tightened as required to match the dimensional variations along lateral surface  52  of window opening  50 , thereby elimination any crevices that may otherwise exist when hanging strip  38  is mounted therein. 
     In practical applications, apparatus  10  is generally installed in pairs wherein each functions as a mirror image of the other. As such, outer side edges  20  of frame members  12  reside adjacent one another when both frame members  18  are in the closed position. In this closed position, a first gap  56  exists between hanging strip  38  and frame member  12  and a second gap (not shown) exists between the pair of frame members  18 . As is the case with crevices, gaps also reduce privacy and protection from atmospheric elements. Concealment strip  42  is disposed between hanging strip  38  and frame member  12  as a means for concealing first gap  56 . Shorter sections  42 ′ of  42  may be inserted in first gap  56 ′ above hinge means  44   a  and also in first gap  56 ″ below hinge means  44   b . Similarly, concealment strip  42  is also disposed between the pair of frame members  18  as a means for concealing the second gap that may exist when both frame members  18  are in the closed position. Concealment strip  42  and  42 ′ are preferably flexible and has a T-shaped cross-section whereby the center edge of the “T” is inserted into first gaps  52 ,  52 ′ and  52 ″ as well as the second gap. Concealment strips  42  and  42 ′ are held in place by any known or available means, such as but not limited to, surface compression, glue, screws, nails, or rivets. Concealment strips  42  and  42 ′ may be inserted between first gaps  52 ,  52 ′ and  52 ″ and the second gap from either the inner plane  34  or outer plane  36  of frame member  12 . 
     Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.