Embodiments of a panel-less shutter assembly comprise a series of parallel louvers mounted within a closed rectangular rail frame. Spring-loaded guides may be mounted between the rail frame and the window frame to self-center the assembly within the opening of the window frame. Carriers mounted on the ends of the louvers glide up and down within channels of the side rails to allow raising and lowering of the louvers. Spring-loaded channel slides may be coupled to the carriers. The channel slides have tabs that extend through slots in the side rails to maintain the positions of the louvers relative to the side rails. The tabs have a diagonal surface that engages the top edge of the slot to disengage the tab from the slot when a user raises the louvers. A method of using a panel-less shutter assembly is also disclosed.

Embodiments of a panel-less shutter assembly comprise a series of parallel louvers mounted within a closed rectangular rail frame. Spring-loaded guides may be mounted between the rail frame and the window frame to self-center the assembly within the opening of the window frame. Carriers mounted on the ends of the louvers glide up and down within channels of the side rails to allow raising and lowering of the louvers. Spring-loaded channel slides may be coupled to the carriers. The channel slides have tabs that extend through slots in the side rails to maintain the positions of the louvers relative to the side rails. The tabs have a diagonal surface that engages the top edge of the slot to disengage the tab from the slot when a user raises the louvers. A method of using a panel-less shutter assembly is also disclosed.

A thermal insulating apparatus for insulating a building envelope is provided. The thermal insulating apparatus may comprise at least one panel comprising one or more layers of insulating material, and at least one attachment site for joining the thermal insulating apparatus to at least one position of said building envelope. The thermal insulating apparatus may be operable between an open position allowing access to a wall opening, and a closed position in which at least one panel of the thermal insulating apparatus substantially covers and thermally insulates said wall opening. The thermal insulating apparatus may further comprise at least one solar thermal energy collector unit for collecting heat from solar thermal energy from sunlight, and the collected heat may be used for heating a structure such as a home or garage.

A thermal insulating apparatus for insulating a building envelope is provided. The thermal insulating apparatus may comprise at least one panel comprising one or more layers of insulating material, and at least one attachment site for joining the thermal insulating apparatus to at least one position of said building envelope. The thermal insulating apparatus may be operable between an open position allowing access to a wall opening, and a closed position in which at least one panel of the thermal insulating apparatus substantially covers and thermally insulates said wall opening. The thermal insulating apparatus may further comprise at least one solar thermal energy collector unit for collecting heat from solar thermal energy from sunlight, and the collected heat may be used for heating a structure such as a home or garage.

A louver, the louver comprising an elongate body having opposed ends, the body having an outer surface, a slot extending between the opposed ends; and a wrapping disposed about the outer surface of the body, wherein at least part of the wrapping is retained in the slot. The louver may further comprise a retaining member disposed in the slot. The invention also provides a window, door, shutter or blind comprising a louver according to the present invention, and a method of wrapping a louver.

A window covering slat includes a core material and a covering layer covering thereon. The core material is substantially long, and a surface thereof could be divided into two side surfaces and a continuous surface, wherein one of the side surfaces is on one side of the core material in a longitudinal direction, and the other one of the side surfaces is on the other side of the core material in the longitudinal direction. The continuous surface connects the peripheries of the side surfaces. The continuous surface has a flat segment provided in the longitudinal direction. The covering layer covers the continuous surface, wherein the covering layer has a greater thickness on the flat segment than on any other parts of the continuous surface.

A window replacement panel including an air conditioning vent incorporated into it. A window assembly may be attached to a decorative panel with a vent disposed on a first side, and a coupling for an AC duct on an opposite side. The window may be a single, double pane, insulated, uninsulated or the like. The panel may be clad with material to harmonize with the building exterior, and the exterior vent presents a pleasing appearance. The combination of window and panel may be sized to replace an existing window, or may be used in new construction.

A window replacement panel including an air conditioning vent incorporated into it. A window assembly may be attached to a decorative panel with a vent disposed on a first side, and a coupling for an AC duct on an opposite side. The window may be a single, double pane, insulated, uninsulated or the like. The panel may be clad with material to harmonize with the building exterior, and the exterior vent presents a pleasing appearance. The combination of window and panel may be sized to replace an existing window, or may be used in new construction.

A device for forming a jalousie includes at least first and second louvres pivoting about a common axis between a position in which the two louvres overlap and a position of angular separation of the louvres about the common axis. Preferably, the first louvre is at least partly translucent and the second louvre is opaque.

A daylighting device of the present invention includes: a daylighting member including: a first light-transmitting base member; and a plurality of protruding, light-transmitting daylighting sections provided on a first face or a second face of the first light-transmitting base member; and a ventilation hole configured to enable a space on the first face to communicate with a space on the second face opposite from the first face.