Sealed window louver control mechanisms

Abstract

Existing art sealed windows containing internal blind or louver structures are improved by replacing existing drawstring controls with a slider mechanism. Not only is this improved slider mechanism lower in profile, thereby facilitating a greater use with respect to sliding windows and other applications, the configuration is aesthetically appealing, and eliminates the problems and hazards that might be associated with drawstring-based solutions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to sealed windows of the kind enclosing blinds and louvers and, in particular, to mechanisms to open and close such louvers and blinds. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Sealed windows of the type containing internal louvers and blinds have become quite popular for many reasons. First, some of these products are entirely sealed, and are therefore very energy efficient. Also, by containing the louvers or blinds within a sealed structure, the internal mechanism may be operated without becoming dusty or dirty. [0003]FIG. 1 is a drawing which shows an existing, prior-art mechanism used to control internal louvers or blinds. The product, shown generally at 100, includes two opposing panes of glass 104 sealed along the perimeter by spacer 102. Typically, the panes of glass are spaced apart by ½ inch or more or greater, allowing a set of louvers or blinds 106 to be disposed therein. U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,142, the entire content ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] This invention improves upon the existing art of sealed windows containing internal blind or louver structures, by replacing existing drawstring controls with a slider mechanism. Not only is this improved slider mechanism lower in profile, thereby facilitating a greater use with respect to sliding windows and other applications, the configuration is aesthetically appealing, and eliminates the problems and hazards that might be associated with drawstring-based solutions.

Problems solved by technology

There are certain disadvantages to the configuration just described.

Another disadvantage is that, since the control is located at the upper end of the window, very high windows require very long control strings 130, which may present problems associated with length, entanglement, or other hazards.

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