Importance

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Abstract

A window covering includes a plurality of slats, each slat including a slat base derived from a felt batt and, in one preferred embodiment, a fabric layer. The slat base is thermally treated to form a polymer matrix and can be molded into any desired shape. The starting felt batt includes at least two types of thermoplastic fibers, one having a lower melting point than the other. The thermal forming includes heating the felt batt to a temperature sufficient to melt the lower melting fibers to form a polymer matrix which at least partially envelops the fibers of the higher melting component. A method of fabricating a slat for a window covering is also disclosed. In its most basic form the method includes the steps of thermally forming the slat base and molding it into the desired shape. The optional step of securing a layer of fabric to the slat base is also disclosed.

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First Claim