초록 ▼

The structures and process for producing the structures of the invention enable extensive and efficient use of block scrap for slat manufacturing. The techniques employed advantageously accomplish two goals simultaneously, enabling scrap, such as block scrap, to be formed into longer effective lengt

The structures and process for producing the structures of the invention enable extensive and efficient use of block scrap for slat manufacturing. The techniques employed advantageously accomplish two goals simultaneously, enabling scrap, such as block scrap, to be formed into longer effective lengths. Such longer effective lengths can then be cutably formed into slats of various sizes. The joinder of the block scrap is by deeply extending, finite interlock length finger joints which, once the material is cutably formed into slats, remain as relatively shallow and finite interlock length finger joints. The joints have the added benefit that they statistically “break up” any grain differences which would otherwise create warp, and enable long lengths of slat to be employed from several shorter lengths of scrap. An applied covering layer may be applied by wrapping or insertion. An ultraviolet resistant lacquer may be applied to the covering layer for long window life and attractive finish.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A slat for a window covering comprising:a first structure having a first surface opposing a second surface, a first end extending between said first and second surfaces opposite a second end extending between said first and second surfaces, a first side surface extending between said first and se

1. A slat for a window covering comprising:a first structure having a first surface opposing a second surface, a first end extending between said first and second surfaces opposite a second end extending between said first and second surfaces, a first side surface extending between said first and second surfaces and between said first and second ends, and a second side surface, oppositely disposed with respect to said first side surface, extending between said first and second surfaces and between said first and second ends, said first end having a first alternating series of protrusions and depressions;a fourth structure having a third surface opposing a fourth surface, a third end extending between said third and fourth surfaces opposite a fourth end extending between said third and fourth surfaces, a third side surface extending between said third and fourth surfaces and between said third and fourth ends, and a fourth side surface, oppositely disposed with respect to said third side surface, extending between said third and fourth surfaces and between said third and fourth ends, said third end having a second alternating series of protrusions and depressions, said first alternating series of protrusions and depressions complementary to and interfitted and attached with said second alternating series of protrusions and depressions, and wherein said first and said second set of alternating series of protrusions and depressions has an ideal ratio of a height of said protrusion and depression to a width of said protrusion and depression of about 2.75:1 to about 3.25:1. 2. A slat for a window covering comprising:a first structure having a first surface opposing a second surface, a first end extending between said first and second surfaces opposite a second end extending between said first and second surfaces, a first side surface extending between said first and second surfaces and between said first and second ends, and a second side surface, oppositely disposed with respect to said first side surface, extending between said first and second surfaces and between said first and second ends, said first end having a first alternating series of protrusions and depressions;a fourth structure having a third surface opposing a fourth surface, a third end extending between said third and fourth surfaces opposite a fourth end extending between said third and fourth surfaces, a third side surface extending between said third and fourth surfaces and between said third and fourth ends, and a fourth side surface, oppositely disposed with respect to said third side surface, extending between said third and fourth surfaces and between said third and fourth ends, said third end having a second alternating series of protrusions and depressions, said first alternating series of protrusions and depressions complementary to and interfitted and attached with said second alternating series of protrusions and depressions, and wherein said first and said second set of alternating series of protrusions and depressions have a contact surface area ratio of at least about 6.33:1.0 with respect to a flat contact surface area of said first and said third end were such protrusions and depressions not present. 3. The slat as recited in claim 1 and further comprising a layer of decorative material applied to at least one of said first and said second surfaces. 4. The slat as recited in claim 3 wherein said decorative material is an applied liquid. 5. The slat as recited in claim 3 wherein said decorative material is a thin layer of material applied to at least one of said first, second, third and fourth surfaces of said slat. 6. The slat as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and said second surfaces of said slat are cut surfaces formed by cutting said slat away from at least one board of material. 7. The slat as recited in claim 1, each of said first and said second structures having a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of depression s and wherein at least one of said protrusions of each of said first and said second structures adjacent at least one of said first, second, third and fourth side surfaces is slightly wider than the other of said protrusions of associated one of said first and second structures, ignoring and excluded from said ideal ratio of a height of said protrusion and depression to a width of said protrusion and depression. 8. The slat as recited in claim 3 and further comprising a layer of covering material interposed between said layer of decorative material and said at least one of said first and said second surfaces in order to mask any blemishes which might show through said layer of decorative material. 9. The slat as recited in claim 3 and further comprising a layer of glaze covering said layer of decorative material to effect a surface finish for said slat. 10. The slat as recited in claim 1 wherein said first structure further comprises at least two structures joined together and having at least a first interface boundary extending to at least one of said first and said second surfaces. 11. The slat as recited in claim 10 wherein said second structure further comprises at least two structures joined together and having at least a second interface boundary extending to at least one of said third and said fourth surfaces and wherein said at least a first interface boundary is not collinear with said at least a second interface boundary. 12. A process for constructing a slat comprising:in a first board having a first surface opposing a second surface, a first end extending between said first and second surfaces opposite a second end extending between said first and second surfaces, a first side surface extending between said first and second surfaces and between said first and second ends, and a second side surface, oppositely disposed with respect to said first side surface, extending between said first and second surfaces and between said first and second ends, forming at said first end a first alternating series of protrusions and depressions;in a second board having a third surface opposing a fourth surface, a third end extending between said third and fourth surfaces opposite a fourth end extending between said third and fourth surfaces, a third side surface extending between said third and fourth surfaces and between said third and fourth ends, and a fourth side surface, oppositely disposed with respect to said third side surface, extending between said third and fourth surfaces and between said third and fourth ends, forming at said third end a second alternating series of protrusions and depressions complementary to said first alternating series of protrusions and depressions, and wherein said first and said second set of alternating series of protrusions and depressions has an ideal ratio of a height of said protrusion and depression to a width of said protrusion and depression of about 2.75:1 to about 3.25:1;affixing said third end of said second board and said first end of said first board together with said first and said second alternating series of protrusions and depressions interfitting with one another to form a joined board; andcutting said joined board parallel to at least one of said first and second surfaces to form a slat having at least one of said first and said second surfaces. 13. The process of forming a slat as recited in claim 12 wherein each protrusion of said first alternating series of protrusions and depressions extends from immediately adjacent said first surface to immediately adjacent said second surface, and wherein each protrusion of said second alternating series of protrusions and depressions extends from immediately adjacent said third surface to immediately adjacent said fourth surface. 14. The process of forming a slat as recited in claim 12 wherein each depression of said first alternating series of protrusions and depressions extends from immediately adjacent said first surface to immedia tely adjacent said second surface, and wherein each depression of said second alternating series of protrusions and depressions extends from immediately adjacent said third surface to immediately adjacent said fourth surface. 15. The process of forming a slat as recited in claim 12 and further comprising the step of applying a layer of decorative material to at least one of said first and said second surfaces. 16. The process of forming a slat as recited in claim 15 and further comprising the step of applying a layer of glaze to said decorative material. 17. The process of forming a slat as recited in claim 12 and further comprising the step of applying a layer of paint to at least one of said first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces. 18. The slat as recited in claim 1 wherein said first structure further comprises at least two structures joined together and having at least a first interface boundary extending to at least one of said first and said second side surfaces. 19. The slat as recited in claim 10 wherein said first interface boundary is a glued interface boundary. 20. The slat as recited in claim 9 wherein said glaze covering is an ultraviolet resistant lacquer.