Reconstituted wood veneer covered structural elements

Abstract

A structural element made up of a suitable substrate having at least one surface to which is bonded, by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive, a decorative veneer of a fiber backed reconstituted wood. The physical properties of the structural element are dictated by the substrate. The fiber backed reconstituted wood veneer contributes primarily decorative properties. The substrate can have any desired configuration but is particularly adapted for use in the formation of slats or louvers for horizontal or vertical venetian type blinds. The substrates are preferably appropriately contoured semi-rigid or rigid aluminum strips. Expanded plastic foams, plastics, softwood or hardwood or other solid substrates may also be used. Suitable fiber backed reconstituted wood veneers are any fiber backed veneers made by a process which utilizes wood, but which does not have the cellular structure of wood. The substrate and fiber backed veneer are bonded by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive such as an acrylic or rubber adhesive which does not require the presence or application of heat.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.