CA2226066C - Plastic louver body and end cap assembly - Google Patents
Plastic louver body and end cap assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2226066C CA2226066C CA 2226066 CA2226066A CA2226066C CA 2226066 C CA2226066 C CA 2226066C CA 2226066 CA2226066 CA 2226066 CA 2226066 A CA2226066 A CA 2226066A CA 2226066 C CA2226066 C CA 2226066C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- louver
- end caps
- end cap
- plastic
- louver body
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B7/00—Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows
- E06B7/02—Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows for providing ventilation, e.g. through double windows; Arrangement of ventilation roses
- E06B7/08—Louvre doors, windows or grilles
- E06B7/084—Louvre doors, windows or grilles with rotatable lamellae
- E06B7/086—Louvre doors, windows or grilles with rotatable lamellae interconnected for concurrent movement
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Specific Sealing Or Ventilating Devices For Doors And Windows (AREA)
Abstract
A plastic louver for a shutter comprises a main louver body with end caps which are made separately from the louver body. The louver body before receiving the end caps has open ends, each of which is defined by a surrounding mouth wall and each end cap has an end face which is bordered by an outside edge wall of the end cap.
The end caps are fitted into the louver ends such that the outside edge walls of the end caps are positioned interiorly of the louver end mouth walls. This construction gives the plastic louver a one piece wooden look.
The end caps are fitted into the louver ends such that the outside edge walls of the end caps are positioned interiorly of the louver end mouth walls. This construction gives the plastic louver a one piece wooden look.
Description
SJ-999lCA/US 1 -TITLE: PLASTIC LO W ER BODY AND END CAP ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the construction of a plastic shutter louver.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Louvered shutters are becoming more and more popular as window coverings When these shutters were first introduced to the marketplace, they were generally made from wood. The main body of the louvers had a solid one piece construction. This construction presented a very neat appearance.
More recently, plastics material has been used to make louvered shutters. When working with plastics, the main body of the louver is cut from a longer generally hollow extrusion leaving the opposite ends of the louver body open. The open ends are then closed with end caps.
In accordance with conventional practice, the outside edge of the end cap rests against the end edge of the main body of the louver leaving end seams which are visible from the front and back faces of the louver. These end seams can be quite noticeable and without extremely accurate quality control can in fact be seen as gaps between the end of the louver and the end caps. These conventional plastic louvers do not therefore leave the neat appearance of the older wooden louvers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a plastic louver assembly which eliminates visible seams along the front and back faces of the louver. More particularly, a plastic louver made in accordance with the present invention SJ-999lCA/~S - 2 -comprises a main louver body and end caps which are made separately from the louver body. The louver body, before receiving the end caps has open ends, each of which is defined by a surrounding mouth wall and each end cap has an end face which is bordered by an outside edge wall. The end caps are fitted into the louver ends such that the outside edge walls of the end caps are positioned interiorly of the louver end mouth walls.
In a preferred construction, the end face of the cap is flat and flush with the end of the louver body giving the louver a wooden construction appearance while still having the beneficial plastic properties.
With the above assembly, there are no seams or gaps presented from either the back or the front face of the louver between the main louver body and the louver caps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above as well as other advantages and features of the present invention will be described in greater detail according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention in which;
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plastic shutter having movable louvers made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a front view of the end region of a prior art plastic louver;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an end region of one of the louvers from the shutter of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a front view of the louver end of Figure 3 when assembled;
Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the louver end of Figure 4.
. CA 02226066 1997-12-30 .
SJ-999lCA/US - 3 -DETAILED DESCRIPTION ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Figure 1 shows a shutter generally indicated at 1.
This shutter comprises a frame 10 with a plurality of louvers 11 secured within the frame. These louvers are pivotal between a closed position as seen in the upper half of the shutter and an open position as seen in the lower half of the shutter.
Figure 2 shows the end region of a prior art plastic louver. This louver comprises a main louver body 2 which is fitted with an end cap generally indicated at 3.
This end cap has a convex end face 5 bordered by an outside edge wall 7 of the end cap. This outside edge wall aligns with the edge 4 of the main body of the louver. There is a break 9 between the cap and the louver body. In some cases, this break can be a very noticeable gap.
Figure 3 shows one end of one of the louvers 11 from shutter 1 of Figure 1. The louver comprises a main louver body 13. This louver body includes a plurality of internal spaced apart ribs 17. Hollow compartments 18 are provided between the ribs 17.
As is best seen in Figure 5 of the drawings, the open end of the main louver body is defined by a surrounding mouth wall 15. The ends of the ribs 17 are recessed interiorly of the main louver body relative to the mouth wall 15.
When louver 11 is fully assembled an end cap, generally indicated at 19, is fitted at each of the open ends of the louver body. Each end cap has a flat end face 21 bordered by an outside edge wall 23. A plurality of plugs 25 are provided on the end cap opposite the flat end face 21. The end cap is completed with a central pivot SJ-999lCA/US - 4 -mount 27. This pivot mount is fitted into the shutter frame to pivotally secure the louver in place.
As is again best shown in Figure 5, when the end cap is fitted to the louver body, the plugs 25 of the end cap are forced into the hollow compartments 18 in the louver body. The ends of the ribs 17 in the louver body slide into the slots between the end cap plugs. The end cap is now frictionally secured to the louver body. In this fitted or assembled position, the outside edge 23 of the end cap is positioned interiorly of the mouth wall 15 of the louver end. This eliminates any seams which can be seen from either the front or the back face of the louver.
In the preferred embodiment as shown, the end cap is stopped by the louver body ribs in a position where the flat end face 21 of the end cap is level or flush with the end edge of the louver body. This gives the louver a clean wooden look while having the durability and cleanability benefits of a plastic construction.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the construction of a plastic shutter louver.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Louvered shutters are becoming more and more popular as window coverings When these shutters were first introduced to the marketplace, they were generally made from wood. The main body of the louvers had a solid one piece construction. This construction presented a very neat appearance.
More recently, plastics material has been used to make louvered shutters. When working with plastics, the main body of the louver is cut from a longer generally hollow extrusion leaving the opposite ends of the louver body open. The open ends are then closed with end caps.
In accordance with conventional practice, the outside edge of the end cap rests against the end edge of the main body of the louver leaving end seams which are visible from the front and back faces of the louver. These end seams can be quite noticeable and without extremely accurate quality control can in fact be seen as gaps between the end of the louver and the end caps. These conventional plastic louvers do not therefore leave the neat appearance of the older wooden louvers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a plastic louver assembly which eliminates visible seams along the front and back faces of the louver. More particularly, a plastic louver made in accordance with the present invention SJ-999lCA/~S - 2 -comprises a main louver body and end caps which are made separately from the louver body. The louver body, before receiving the end caps has open ends, each of which is defined by a surrounding mouth wall and each end cap has an end face which is bordered by an outside edge wall. The end caps are fitted into the louver ends such that the outside edge walls of the end caps are positioned interiorly of the louver end mouth walls.
In a preferred construction, the end face of the cap is flat and flush with the end of the louver body giving the louver a wooden construction appearance while still having the beneficial plastic properties.
With the above assembly, there are no seams or gaps presented from either the back or the front face of the louver between the main louver body and the louver caps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above as well as other advantages and features of the present invention will be described in greater detail according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention in which;
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plastic shutter having movable louvers made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a front view of the end region of a prior art plastic louver;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an end region of one of the louvers from the shutter of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a front view of the louver end of Figure 3 when assembled;
Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the louver end of Figure 4.
. CA 02226066 1997-12-30 .
SJ-999lCA/US - 3 -DETAILED DESCRIPTION ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Figure 1 shows a shutter generally indicated at 1.
This shutter comprises a frame 10 with a plurality of louvers 11 secured within the frame. These louvers are pivotal between a closed position as seen in the upper half of the shutter and an open position as seen in the lower half of the shutter.
Figure 2 shows the end region of a prior art plastic louver. This louver comprises a main louver body 2 which is fitted with an end cap generally indicated at 3.
This end cap has a convex end face 5 bordered by an outside edge wall 7 of the end cap. This outside edge wall aligns with the edge 4 of the main body of the louver. There is a break 9 between the cap and the louver body. In some cases, this break can be a very noticeable gap.
Figure 3 shows one end of one of the louvers 11 from shutter 1 of Figure 1. The louver comprises a main louver body 13. This louver body includes a plurality of internal spaced apart ribs 17. Hollow compartments 18 are provided between the ribs 17.
As is best seen in Figure 5 of the drawings, the open end of the main louver body is defined by a surrounding mouth wall 15. The ends of the ribs 17 are recessed interiorly of the main louver body relative to the mouth wall 15.
When louver 11 is fully assembled an end cap, generally indicated at 19, is fitted at each of the open ends of the louver body. Each end cap has a flat end face 21 bordered by an outside edge wall 23. A plurality of plugs 25 are provided on the end cap opposite the flat end face 21. The end cap is completed with a central pivot SJ-999lCA/US - 4 -mount 27. This pivot mount is fitted into the shutter frame to pivotally secure the louver in place.
As is again best shown in Figure 5, when the end cap is fitted to the louver body, the plugs 25 of the end cap are forced into the hollow compartments 18 in the louver body. The ends of the ribs 17 in the louver body slide into the slots between the end cap plugs. The end cap is now frictionally secured to the louver body. In this fitted or assembled position, the outside edge 23 of the end cap is positioned interiorly of the mouth wall 15 of the louver end. This eliminates any seams which can be seen from either the front or the back face of the louver.
In the preferred embodiment as shown, the end cap is stopped by the louver body ribs in a position where the flat end face 21 of the end cap is level or flush with the end edge of the louver body. This gives the louver a clean wooden look while having the durability and cleanability benefits of a plastic construction.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (4)
1. A plastic louver for a shutter, said louver comprising a main louver body with end caps which are made separately from the louver body, the louver body, before receiving the end caps, having open ends, each of which is defined by a surrounding mouthwall, and each end cap having an end face which is bordered by an outside edge wall of the end cap, the end caps being fitted into the louver ends such that the outside edge walls of the end caps are positioned interiorly of the louver end mouthwalls.
2. A plastic louver for a shutter, said louver comprising a main louver body with end caps which are made separately from the louver body, the louver body, before receiving the end caps, having open ends, each of which is defined by a surrounding mouthwall, and each end cap having an end face which is bordered by an outside edge wall of the end cap, the end caps being fitted into the louver ends such that the outside edge walls of the end caps are located interiorly of and covered by the louver end mouthwalls.
3. A plastic louver as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said end faces of said end caps are flat and are level with the ends of the louver body.
4. A plastic louver as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said louver body has thin interior ribs with hollow compartments therebetween, said ribs being recessed inwardly from the louver ends and said end caps having plugs which fit over said ribs into said hollow compartments to frictionally secure said end caps with said louver body.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2226066 CA2226066C (en) | 1997-12-30 | 1997-12-30 | Plastic louver body and end cap assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2226066 CA2226066C (en) | 1997-12-30 | 1997-12-30 | Plastic louver body and end cap assembly |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2226066A1 CA2226066A1 (en) | 1999-06-30 |
| CA2226066C true CA2226066C (en) | 2002-01-22 |
Family
ID=4161967
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2226066 Expired - Lifetime CA2226066C (en) | 1997-12-30 | 1997-12-30 | Plastic louver body and end cap assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2226066C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7363748B2 (en) * | 2004-10-04 | 2008-04-29 | Vinylbilt Shutter Systems Inc. | Flush mounted louver end cap with tolerance flashing |
-
1997
- 1997-12-30 CA CA 2226066 patent/CA2226066C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2226066A1 (en) | 1999-06-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20180102 |