Patent Publication Number: US-8973305-B2

Title: Mitered shutter

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application for Patent Ser. No. 61/034,590 filed Mar. 7, 2008. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to shutters for architectural openings and the manner in which such shutters are installed in the openings; and, more particularly, the invention pertains to the shutter structure, hinge, installation and fit. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Interior shutters on windows, doors and other architectural openings are used for purposes that are both functional and aesthetic. A shutter can provide effective, adjustable light control and a pleasing appearance that enhances room decor. 
     A known shutter panel construction includes a pair of opposed stiles connected to a pair of opposed rails, the stiles and rails together defining an interior region in which adjustable louvers are mounted. The stiles are vertical components along opposite sides of the shutter panel, and the rails are horizontal components along the top and bottom of the shutter panel. It is known to butt-end join the horizontal rails to the interior edges of the vertical stiles. For a strong connection, mortise and tenon joints can be used. A disadvantage of known stile and rail constructions for window shutters is that a raw end surface of each vertical stile is exposed along the top edge surface and the bottom edge surface of the shutter panel. Frequently, the open end grain of the stiles exposed along the top and bottom edges of the shutter panel will not stain or otherwise surface finish in the same way as other areas of the stiles or rails. The exposed end grain can be unappealing aesthetically. Further, because cut ends or other machined surfaces are exposed in the completed shutter panel, it is necessary to stain and finish wood shutters or paint MDF shutters after the shutter panel is assembled. This often requires manually intensive processes rather than automated processes for finish application. 
     It is known to use a given number of louvers overlapping one another by fixed dimensions for a range of shutter sizes, and to adjust the height of a shutter panel by reducing the width of the rail pieces at the top and bottom of the shutter. With known panel frame construction, an unbalanced appearance can be a problem. Vertical frame members are not as wide as horizontal members, and the top and bottom members can vary in width from panel to panel. 
     To install a shutter, it is known further to mount one or more shutter panel in a mounting structure, such as a frame completely surrounding the shutter, or at least an edge mounting board. The panel or panels are connected to the mounting structure by hinges. The mounting structure is connected in a fixed position to the window jamb or other structure of the architectural opening in which the shutter is installed. The mounting structure is relatively immovably positioned, and the shutter panels secured thereto by hinges can be pivoted on the hinges toward and away from the architectural opening over which the shutter is positioned. 
     Procedures for mounting a shutter as described above have been used extensively and provide acceptable results in many situations; however, the design is not optimal for several reasons. For inexperienced individuals, measuring for the proper size of shutter can be difficult, allowing for tolerances of the separate independent structures, including the mounting frame and shutter panels. Assembling the complete shutter structure can be difficult, to maintain squareness of the frame, the panel and the panel within the frame. The completed assembly can be difficult to install correctly. Even when properly sized and installed, the mounting structure of a frame or board along at least the hinged side of the shutter effectively reduces the size of the window or other opening due to the fixed components secured to the opening. The fixed components block a portion of the opening, whether the shutter is opened or closed. Accordingly, the operation of a tilt in window may be compromised due to the mounting board or mounting frame obstructing window operation. Further, the known mounting arrangement can result in an installation incapable of opening through an angle greater than 90 degrees. For these reasons and more, the usefulness of known shutters is less than optimal. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an improved shutter construction, to improve appearance and/or functionality while facilitating efficient manufacture, assembly and/or installation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a shutter for windows, doors and other architectural openings having with mitered corners and variably overlapped louvers. The shutter is mounted directly by hinges, without the need for a separate mounting structure such as a mounting board or mounting frame. Extendable hinges can be used to move the shutter panel outwardly as the shutter is opened, to clear window trim surrounding the window opening. 
     In one aspect of one form thereof, the present invention provides a shutter panel with a top piece, a bottom piece and two side pieces connected to one another to define a space; a plurality of louvers disposed in the space, the louvers being rotatable between a closed position in which adjacent louvers overlap, and an open positioning in which spaces are provided between adjacent louvers. The top, bottom and side pieces are connected at mitered joints without exposed end grain. 
     In another aspect of another form thereof, the present invention provides a shutter installation for an architectural opening defined by a head structure above the architectural opening, a bottom structure below the architectural opening and jamb structures at the sides of the architectural opening. The shutter installation has a shutter panel having a top piece, a bottom piece and side pieces defining a panel opening there between and angularly adjustable louvers disposed in the panel opening between the top piece, the bottom piece and the side pieces. The top piece, the bottom piece and the side pieces having mitered surfaces connected one to another without exposed end grain. A hinge having releasable first and second components has one of the components connected to one of the side pieces and the other of the components connected to one of the jamb structures. 
     In still another aspect of still another form thereof, the present invention provides a shutter installation with an architectural opening having a head structure, a bottom structure and jamb structures defining the architectural opening, and a shutter panel covering at least a portion of the architectural opening, the shutter panel having a top piece, a bottom piece and side pieces defining a panel opening there between, and angularly adjustable louvers disposed in the panel opening between the top piece, the bottom piece and the side pieces. The top piece, the bottom piece and the side pieces have mitered end surfaces connected one to another without exposed end grain. A hinge has releasable first and second components, one of the components being connected to one of the side pieces and the other of the components being connected to one of the jamb structures. 
     An advantage of the present invention, in at least one form thereof, is providing a shutter for windows, doors and other architectural openings that is unique in appearance and aesthetically pleasing. 
     Another advantage of the present invention, in at least one form thereof, is providing a shutter that is uniform in appearance with top, bottom and side margin pieces of equal width, size and shape. 
     A further advantage of the present invention, in at least one form thereof, is providing a shutter having top, bottom and side pieces that are without exposed end grain or machined surfaces, to improve consistency of finishing characteristics and allow pre-finishing of component pieces. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention, in at least one form thereof, is providing a shutter for windows, doors and other architectural openings that includes appropriate light blocks so that cracks or openings are not visible from light infiltration above and below rotatable louvers of the shutter when the louvers are in a closed position. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention, in at least one form thereof, is providing a shutter that does not permanently block a significant portion of a window, but instead can be opened to expose substantially the entire window. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention, in at least one form thereof, is providing a shutter for windows, doors and other architectural openings that is easy to install, and that can be mounted directly as an inset in the window or as an overlay of the window without a separate mounting frame. 
     Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective illustration of a single shutter installation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective illustration of the single shutter illustrated in  FIG. 1 , but showing the shutter in an opened condition relative to a window on which is installed; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a shutter in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational view of a shutter installation in accordance with the present invention, illustrating first and second shutter panels installed on a window having decorative trim; 
         FIG. 5  is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the shutter installation shown in  FIG. 4 , taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the shutter installation shown in  FIG. 4 , taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an elevational view of a shutter installation in accordance with the present invention, illustrating first and second panels installed on a window having decorative trim and a sill; 
         FIG. 8  is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the shutter installation shown in  FIG. 7 , taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the shutter installation shown in  FIG. 7 , taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an elevational view of a shutter installation in accordance with the present invention, illustrating first and second shutter panels installed on a window having no trim; 
         FIG. 11  is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the shutter installation shown in  FIG. 10 , taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the shutter installation shown in  FIG. 10 , taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an elevational view of yet another shutter installation in accordance with the present invention, illustrating shutter panels installed on a window having a sill and no trim; 
         FIG. 14  is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the shutter installation shown in  FIG. 13 , taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an elevational view of still another shutter installation in accordance with the present invention, illustrating shutter panels installed on a window having a sill and no trim; and 
         FIG. 16  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the shutter installation shown in  FIG. 15 , taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now more specifically to the drawings and to  FIGS. 1 and 2  in particular, a shutter panel  100  in accordance with the present invention is shown installed on an architectural opening  102 . Shutter  100  includes opposed top and bottom pieces  104 ,  106  and opposed side pieces  108  and  110 . Top piece  104 , bottom pieces  106  and side pieces  108  and  110  are connected to each other at mitered corner joints  112 ,  114 ,  116  and  118 . Thus, an outer frame defined by top and bottom pieces  104 ,  106  and side pieces  108 ,  110  defines a central open area  120 . Closely adjacent, adjustable slats or louvers  122  are rotatably mounted in open area  120 , rotatably secured in side pieces  108 ,  110 . Top and bottom pieces  104 ,  106  include light block extensions  124 ,  126  respectively, which will be described in greater detail hereinafter. A tilt control rod  128  is connected to each louver  122  for adjusting the angular orientation of all louvers  122  simultaneously. 
     Architectural opening  102  includes a head  130  at the top of opening  102 , a sill  132  at the bottom of window  102 , and jambs  134 ,  136  on opposite sides of opening  102 . Architectural opening  102  can be the opening of a window, door, access portal or other structure. Shutter panel  100  is mounted to jamb  134  by two hinges  138 ,  140 . Hinges  138 ,  140  are separable, two-part hinges that are adjustable, each having a first component  142 ,  144  secured to shutter panel  100  and second component  146 ,  148  secured to jamb  134 , respectively. 
     The two part hinges useful in the present invention make installation easy in that the assembled hinge on the shutter can be positioned where needed and the jamb marked so that screws can be used to secure the hinge in its proper place. For custom installations, hinge placement with respect to any desired shutter panel overlap of the opening or no overlap can be fixed relative to the opening dimension so that a jig or guide can be used for marking hinge locations on the architectural opening. In this way, it is not necessary to use the hinge itself for marking, and the shutter panel need not be held in position for determining hinge mount location. The hinge components can be separated, facilitating connection of the jamb component without the inconvenience of holding the shutter in place. After the jamb component of the hinge is connected to the jamb, the two hinge components are reconnected, and the hinge is adjusted to align the shutter as desired. Hinges such as that shown and others that can be used advantageously in preferred embodiments of the present invention provide multiple adjustments along three axes such that the shutter can be properly positioned and vertically aligned, particularly when two adjacent moveable panels are used. Different hardware packs, including different style hinges can be used to achieve desired shutter operation as an insert, a partial overlay or a full overlay and the desired arc through which the shutter can be opened. Articulating hinges that move the hinge pivot point outwardly can be used to provide full opening of shutter panels even when decorative trim is provided around the architectural opening and the shutter panel is positioned inwardly of the trim when closed. The method of installation is the same regardless of the installation option selected, be it as an overlay to or as an insert in the architectural opening. With standardization of hinge location and the use of separable two-part hinges, shutter panels of different patterns and appearance can be interchanged on an architectural opening. Accordingly, seasonal panels or other changes in color or appearance can be provided for a single opening and changed when desired simply by disconnecting one panel and connecting the second panel using the two-part hinges. Suitable two-part, multi-axis adjustable hinges are available from various furniture hardware suppliers, including but not limited to Arturo Salice S.p.A., Italy; Grass GmbH Furniture Hardware, Austria; and Julius Blum GmbH, also of Austria. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a shutter in accordance with the present invention. Shutter panel  200  includes top and bottom pieces  202 ,  204  and side pieces  206 ,  208  connected by mitered joint surfaces  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220 ,  222  and  224  at the ends thereof, which can be shaped so as to include mortise and tenon connections for added strength. As illustrated, the angular end surfaces  218 ,  220  and  222 ,  224  of vertical side pieces  206 ,  208 , respectively, form tenons  230 ,  232 ,  234 ,  236  that are received in pockets formed in the angular end surfaces  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216  of top and bottom pieces  202 ,  204 . Only one such pocket  244  formed in mitered joint surface  214  is visible in  FIG. 4 ; however, the locations of pockets  240 ,  242  and  246 , which are not visible in the angular perspective of  FIG. 3 , are shown in dashed lines. 
     Louvers  250  are connected by pins  252  at each end of the louver to vertical side pieces  206 ,  208 ; the pins  252  being received in holes  254  whereby louvers  250  can rotate. Some, but not all pins  252  and holes  254  have been shown and designated with reference numerals in  FIG. 3 . As those skilled in the art will readily understand further that one or more set of pins  252  for one or more louver  250  may be replaced by a tension rod, torque louver or other structure extending through the louver and anchored in side pieces  206 ,  208  to draw side pieces  206 ,  208  toward one another and inhibit bowing or other deformation of the shutter assembly. 
     A divider rail  260  having tenons  262 ,  264  at the ends thereof is positioned between upper and lower groups of louvers  250 . Tenons  262 ,  264  are received in pockets  266 ,  268  formed in the inside surfaces of vertical pieces  206 ,  208 . Pocket  266  is shown for side piece  206 , and the location of pocket  268  in side piece  208  is shown in dashed lines. 
     Light blocks  270 ,  272 ,  274  and  276  are provided on the inner edges of top piece  202  and bottom piece  204 , and on the top and bottom edges of divider rail  260 , respectively. Light blocks  270 ,  272 ,  274  and  276  are elongated, continuous, inwardly projecting protrusions that extend from one side piece  206 ,  208  to the other side piece  206 ,  208 . Each light blocks  270 ,  272 ,  274  and  276  is overlapped by an edge of the louver  250  immediately adjacent thereto, when the louver is in a closed position. Accordingly, in closed positions for the louvers of the shutter panel, with each light block  270 ,  272 ,  274  and  276  overlapped by an immediately adjacent louver  250 , light infiltration is effectively blocked, minimizing light leakage around the edges of the louvers. 
     It should be understood that the present invention is capable of many variations and changes. A shutter of the present invention can be provided in various sizes and shapes, and with different appearances. For example, and not for limitation, a shutter of the present invention can be provided with or without a divider rail as shown in  FIG. 3 , or can be provided with multiple divider rails if desired. More or fewer louvers can be provided, with different overlap dimensions for adjacent louvers. The louvers can be provided in a different dimensions and contours, to achieve the desired function and appearance. The top, bottom and a side pieces can be provided in simple shapes as shown, or can be provided in various ornate contours commonly used for moldings and trim. Shutter panels can be provided individually over an opening, or multiple shutter panels can be used separately hinged to the architectural opening. Further, two or more shutter panels can be connected by hinges one to another to provide a bi-fold or overlapping opening arrangement. Still further variations can be incorporated into shutters of the present invention. The simple, basic structures shown and described herein should not be interpreted as limitations of the invention in any way. 
       FIGS. 4-16  illustrate some variations for installations of shutters in accordance with the present invention. The variations shown and described are exemplary and should not be considered exhaustive of the installation variations that can be used. 
       FIGS. 4-6  illustrate a shutter installation  300  having first and second shutter panels  302 ,  304  installed in a window or opening  306 . Window/opening  306  is surrounded by trim or molding pieces  308  on all four sides. A window sill is not provided. Panel  302  includes a top piece  310  a bottom piece  312  and side pieces  314 ,  316  connected at miter joints  320 ,  322 ,  324 ,  326 . Light blocks  330 ,  332  are provided on top piece  310  and bottom piece  312 , respectively. A plurality of louvers  334  connected by a tilt control rod  336  are provided within an opening  338  defined by top piece  310 , bottom piece  312  and side pieces  314 ,  316 . Panel  304  includes a top piece  340 , a bottom piece  342  and side pieces  344 ,  346  connected at miter joints  350 ,  352 ,  354 ,  356 . Light blocks  360 ,  362  are provided on top piece  340  and bottom piece  342 . A plurality of louvers  364  connected by a tilt rod  366  are provided within an opening  368  defined by top piece  340 , bottom piece  342  and side pieces  344 ,  346 . 
     Window opening  306  is defined by a head structure  370 , a bottom structure  372  and side jamb structures  374 ,  376 . A trim or molding piece  308  is connected to each of head structure  370 , bottom structure  372  and jamb structures  374 ,  376 . In the exemplary installation shown, shutter panels  302 ,  304  are installed within the space defined between head structure  370 , bottom structure  372  and jamb structures  374 ,  376 . Accordingly, head the structure  370  extends over shutter panels  302 ,  304 ; bottom structure  372  extends beneath shutter panels  302 ,  304  and jamb structures  374 ,  376  extend alongside shutter panels  302 ,  304 . Light blocks  378 ,  380 ,  382 ,  384  are provided on head structure  370 , bottom structure  372  and jamb structures  374 ,  376 , respectively. Light blocks  378 ,  380 ,  382 ,  384  block light infiltration along the spaces defined between shutter panels  302 ,  304  and window opening  306 . A plurality of hinges connect each shutter panel  302 ,  304  to window opening  306 , one such hinge  386  being shown for shutter panel  302  and another such hinge  388  being shown for shutter panel  304 . Side piece  344  is provided with an astragal  390  to overlap with side piece  316  to block light infiltration between panels  302 ,  304 . 
     In the exemplary installation illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , shutter panels  302 ,  304  are mounted within the architectural opening  306 , a window opening as shown. As can be seen from the cross-sectional views, shutter panels  302 ,  304  do not project outwardly beyond trim pieces  308 . Articulating hinges can be used to move shutter panels  302 ,  304  outwardly of the window opening  306 , to clear trim pieces  308  provided around the opening and to provide substantially complete exposure of window opening  306 . 
       FIGS. 7-9  illustrate a shutter installation  400  similar to installation  300  shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . Shutter panels  402 ,  404  are installed in a window opening  406 ; however, a sill  407  extends inwardly at the bottom of window opening  406 , and trim or molding pieces  408  are provided only on three sides of opening  406 . An apron trim piece  409  is provided beneath sill  407 . 
     Panel  402  includes a top piece  410  a bottom piece  412  and side pieces  414 ,  416  connected at miter joints  420 ,  422 ,  424 ,  426 . Light blocks  430 ,  432  are provided on top piece  410  and bottom piece  412 , respectively. A plurality of louvers  434  are provided within an opening  438  defined by top piece  410 , bottom piece  412  and side pieces  414 ,  416 . 
     Panel  404  includes a top piece  440 , a bottom piece  442  and side pieces  444 ,  446  connected at miter joints  450 ,  452 ,  454 ,  456 . Light blocks  460 ,  462  are provided on top piece  450  and bottom piece  452 . A plurality of louvers  464  are provided within an opening  468  defined by top piece  440 , bottom piece  442  and side pieces  444 ,  446 . 
     Window opening  406  is defined by a head structure  470 , a bottom or sill structure  472  and side jamb structures  474 ,  476 . A trim or molding piece  408  is connected to each of head structure  470  and jamb structures  474 ,  476 . A plurality of hinges connect each shutter panel  402 ,  404  to window opening  406 , one such hinge  486  being shown for shutter panel  402  and another such hinge  488  being shown for shutter panel  404 . In this embodiment, a center post  490  is connected to head structure  470  and sill structure  472 . Side piece  416  of shutter panel  402  and side piece  444  of shutter panel  404  overlap center post  490 . Center post  490  blocks light infiltration between shutter panels  402 ,  404 . One or the other of shutter panels  402 ,  404  can be, but need not necessarily be, connected by hinges to center post  490 . Alternatively, each of shutter panels  402 ,  404  can be connected by hinges to a jamb structure  474 ,  476 . 
     As shown most clearly in the cross-sectional views of  FIGS. 8 &amp; 9 , shutter panels  402 ,  404  slightly overlap head structure  470  and jamb structures  474 ,  476 . A well used finish carpentry technique is to install trim pieces  408  recessed slightly from the inner edges of underlying structures such as head structure  470  and jamb structures  474 ,  476 . Accordingly, a so-called “reveal” or exposed surface of the underlying structure is provided. A reveal  492  is shown for a head structure  470  and reveals  494  and  496  are shown for jamb structures  474 ,  476  respectively. Top pieces  410 ,  440  of shutter panels  402 ,  404  overlap reveal  492 , and side pieces  414  and  446  of shutter panels  402 ,  404  overlap jamb structure reveals  494 ,  496  respectively. Light infiltration is restricted by the overlapping installation of shutter panels  402 ,  404 . To minimize light infiltration beneath shutter panels  400 ,  402  a light block similar to light block  380  can be used on top of sill  407 , overlapped by bottom pieces  412 ,  442 . 
     It should be understood that the overlapping installation within the reveals of the trim finish, as shown and described for shutter installation  400 , can be used in other types of window structures as well. For example, while shown in an installation having a sill  407 , a similar overlapping installation could be used in an installation for a window not having a sill, such as window opening  306  described for installation  300 . 
       FIGS. 10-12  illustrate another embodiment for an installation  500  in accordance with the present invention in which shutter panels  502 ,  504  are installed on an architectural opening  506  having no trim or molding pieces there around. In exemplary installation  500 , shutter panels  502 ,  504  are mounted on the surface of architectural opening  506 , and not within architectural opening  506 . Shutter panel  502  includes a top piece  510  a bottom piece  512  and side pieces  514 ,  516  connected at miter joints  520 ,  522 ,  524 ,  526 . Light blocks  530 ,  532  are provided on top piece  510  and bottom piece  512 . A plurality of louvers  534  are provided in an opening  538  defined by top piece  510 , bottom piece  512  and side pieces  514 ,  516 . Panel  504  includes a top piece  540 , a bottom piece  542  and side pieces  544 ,  546  connected at miter joints  550 ,  552 ,  554 ,  556 . Light blocks  560 ,  562  are provided on top piece  550  and bottom piece  552 . A plurality of louvers  564  are provided within an opening  568  defined by top piece  540 , bottom piece  542  and side pieces  544 ,  546 . 
     Window opening  506  is defined by a head structure  570 , a bottom structure  572  and side jamb structures  574 ,  576 . In the exemplary installation shown, shutter panels  502 ,  504  are installed on the surface of window opening  506 , not within the space defined between head structure  570 , bottom structure  572  and jamb structures  574 ,  576 . Shutter panels  502 ,  504  overlap head structure  570 , bottom structure  572  and jamb structures  574 ,  576 . Accordingly, like blocks within the window opening are not required. Hinges connect shutter panel  502  to window opening  506 , one such hinge  586  being shown for shutter panel  502 . Another hinge or hinges  588  connect shutter panel  504  to shutter panel  502  in a bi-fold arrangement. Accordingly, as illustrated in the exemplary illustration, both shutter panels  502 ,  504  are opened to the left of the window opening  506 . 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate yet another shutter panel installation  600  in accordance with the present invention. One feature of the invention is that the pieces defining the top, bottom and sides of the shutter panel and the opening thereof in which louvers are installed are similarly configured. Accordingly, unlike known structures in which butt joints are formed leaving raw edges of the stiles at the top and bottom edges of the shutter panel, the present mitered corners can be installed in any orientation. A shutter having horizontal louvers can be installed sideways, with louvers vertically positioned. Installation  600  includes a panel  602  installed in a trim-less window opening  606  having a sill  607 . Panel  602  has a top-now-side piece  610 , a bottom-now-side piece  612 , a side-now-top piece  614  and a side-now-bottom piece  616  connected at miter joints  620 ,  622 ,  624 ,  626 . Light blocks  630 ,  632  are provided. A plurality of louvers  634  are provided in an opening  638 . Unlike previous installations described here in, louvers  634  are vertically arranged rather than horizontally arranged. Window  606  includes jamb structures  674 ,  676  at the sides thereof. Shutter panel  602  is connected to jamb structure  674  by an articulating hinge  686 . Only a single panel is shown for installation  600 ; however it should be understood that two panels separately hinged or hinged in a bi-fold arrangement as described in previous embodiments also can be used. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate yet another shutter installation  700  in accordance with the present invention. Installation  700  includes a panel  702  installed in a trim-less window opening  706  having a sill  707 . Panel  702  has a top piece  710 , a bottom piece  712  and side pieces  714  and  716  connected at miter joints  720 ,  722 ,  724 ,  726 . A vertical divider stile  728  is connected between top piece  710  and bottom piece  712 . Light blocks  730 ,  732  are provided on top piece  710  and bottom piece  712 , respectively, between side piece  714  and divider stile  728 . A first plurality of louvers  734  are provided in an opening defined by top piece  710 , bottom piece  712 , side piece  714  and divider stile  728 . Light blocks  760 ,  762  are provided on top piece  710  and bottom piece  712 , respectively, between side piece  7164  and divider stile  728 . A second plurality of louvers  764  are provided in an opening defined by top piece  710 , bottom piece  712 , side piece  716  and divider stile  728 . Window  706  includes jamb structures  774 ,  776  at the sides thereof. Shutter panel  702  is connected to jamb structure  774  or jamb structure  776  by a hinge (not shown). 
     The shutters described herein and still other variations of the invention can be manufactured by automated equipment in custom sizes, including infinite louver spacing and arrangement while maintaining advantages of mass-production. Through algorithmic control of the manufacturing and assembly processes, the positions and spatial relationships of parts within the assembly can be adjusted and customized for customized overall assemblies. For example, divider rail or divider stile positioning can be customized to a customer&#39;s specifications, and need not be centrally positioned as described herein. The numbers of louvers used and the overlap dimension of adjacent louvers can be changed to accommodate different sizes required for shutter panels. While an embodiment has been shown with an integral astragal formation, for further standardization of parts, and the minimization of different parts of the shutters and add-on astragal can be used, either as a structural insert or as a bonded attachment with adhesive. All of outer pieces of the shutter panels, including the top piece, the bottom piece and both side pieces can then be of the same design. 
     Cut ends of the shutter panel outer components are incorporated in the joint formations, and not exposed. Accordingly, long pieces can be pre-finished in automated processes and subsequently cut to required lengths. This reduces manually intensive hand operated processes often used for prior art constructions. Shutters of the present invention can be shipped ready for installation, without further assembly required. 
     It should be understood also that the concepts disclosed herein are not limited in scope to rectangular window shutters, but can have other applications as well. For example and not limitation, the invention can be applied to arched shutters and shutters for other irregularly shaped applications, French-style doors and the like. 
     Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
     Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.