U.S. patent application number 10/095955 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-18 for asphalt shingle.
Invention is credited to Coco, Steven J., Dinwiddie, Sidney I., Lancaster, Gary W., Newman, Rebecca, Vandenberg, J. Russell, Williams, Andrew M., Williams, Dennis A..
Application Number | 20030172611 10/095955 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28038957 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030172611 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coco, Steven J. ; et
al. |
September 18, 2003 |
Asphalt shingle
Abstract
An asphalt roof shingle assembled into a roof covering,
presenting repetitive and uniform, geometric patterns. The shingle
has an upper headlap portion and a lower visual feature region. The
visual feature region includes a first visual feature and first and
second transition portions of a second visual feature. The
transition portions may be either identical or different in size
and configuration. In another embodiment, a plurality of
alternating, identically sized and shaped visual features, such as
teeth and cutout spaces, is arranged in lineal fashion along the
visual feature region. Transition portions of teeth or cutout
spaces are located on opposing lateral edges of the tooth portion.
When adjacent shingles are installed on a roof structure in
abutting relation, laterally adjacent transition portions form a
full-size visual feature, such as a tooth or a cutout space. A
backing shim may also be provided beneath and substantially
co-extensive with the tooth portion, exposing a portion of the
backing shim within each cutout space.
Inventors: |
Coco, Steven J.; (Gig
Harbor, WA) ; Dinwiddie, Sidney I.; (Wilmore, KY)
; Lancaster, Gary W.; (University Place, WA) ;
Newman, Rebecca; (Tacoma, WA) ; Vandenberg, J.
Russell; (Auburn, WA) ; Williams, Andrew M.;
(University Place, WA) ; Williams, Dennis A.;
(University Place, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
R. Michael West
Boutin, Dentino, Gibson, Di Giusto, Hodell & West
Suite 1500
555 Capitol Mall
Sacramento
CA
95814-4603
US
|
Family ID: |
28038957 |
Appl. No.: |
10/095955 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/554 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 1/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/554 |
International
Class: |
E04D 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An asphalt shingle, comprising: a. an elongated cover piece,
said cover piece having an upper headlap portion and a lower visual
feature region, said visual feature region including at least two
substantially identically sized and configured teeth, said teeth
being arranged in lineal relation with an inner cutout space
between adjacent said teeth, said cover piece having a median,
transverse axis about which said visual feature region on either
side of said transverse axis is symmetrical in appearance.
2. A shingle as in claim 1, in which said teeth are trapezoidal in
configuration, having downwardly and inwardly converging side
edges.
3. A shingle as in claim 2, in which said inner cutout space
between two said teeth is trapezoidal in configuration, having
downwardly and outwardly diverging side edges.
4. A shingle as in claim 1, in which said teeth are trapezoidal in
configuration, having downwardly and outwardly diverging side
edges.
5. A shingle as in claim 4, in which said inner cutout space
between said teeth is trapezoidal in configuration, having
downwardly and inwardly converging side edges.
6. A shingle as in claim 1, in which said teeth are triangular in
configuration, having downwardly and inwardly converging side
edges.
7. A shingle as in claim 6, in which said inner cutout space
between said teeth is triangular in configuration, having
downwardly and outwardly diverging side edges.
8. A shingle as in claim 1, in which each of said teeth has an
inner side and an outer side, and further including an outer cutout
space adjacent each of said outer sides of said teeth, each of said
outer cutout spaces being mirror images of each other and
respectively approximately one-half the size of said inner cutout
space.
9. A shingle as in claim 1 further including a backing shim beneath
and substantially co-extensive with said visual feature region, and
in which said backing shim includes an exposed portion within said
inner cutout space.
10. A shingle as in claim 9 in which said exposed portion is coated
with a textured material.
11. A shingle as in claim 9 in which said visual feature region is
a first color, and said exposed portion is a second color.
12. An asphalt shingle, comprising: a. an elongated cover piece,
said cover piece having an upper headlap portion and a lower visual
feature region, said visual feature region including at least one
tooth and two halfteeth, said tooth and said half teeth being
arranged in lineal relation with substantially identical cutout
spaces on either side of said tooth, each of said half teeth being
on opposing sides of said tooth between an outer edge of each of
said cutout spaces and a lateral edge of said cover piece, said
cover piece having a median, transverse axis about which said lower
visual feature region on either side of said transverse axis is
symmetrical in appearance.
13. A shingle as in claim 12, in which said tooth is trapezoidal in
configuration, having downwardly and inwardly converging side
edges.
14. A shingle as in claim 13, in which said cutout spaces on either
side of said tooth are trapezoidal in configuration, having
downwardly and outwardly diverging side edges.
15. A shingle as in claim 12, in which said tooth is trapezoidal in
configuration, having downwardly and outwardly diverging side
edges.
16. A shingle as in claim 15, in which said cutout spaces on either
side of said tooth are trapezoidal in configuration, having
downwardly and inwardly converging side edges.
17. A shingle as in claim 12, in which said half teeth are mirror
images of each other and respectively approximately one-half the
size of said tooth.
18. A shingle as in claim 12 further including a backing shim
beneath and substantially co-extensive with said visual feature
region, and in which said backing shim includes an exposed portion
within said space.
19. A shingle as in claim 18 in which said exposed portion is
coated with a textured material
20. A shingle as in claim 18 in which said visual feature region is
a first color, and said exposed portion is a second color.
21. An asphalt shingle, comprising: a. an elongated cover piece,
said cover piece having an upper headlap portion and a lower visual
feature region, said visual feature region including: (i) a first
visual feature; (ii) a first transition portion of a second visual
feature; and, (iii) a second transition portion of a second visual
feature; said first visual feature and said first and second
transition portions being arranged in lineal relation along said
visual feature region with said first visual feature being between,
said first and second transition portions, said first and second
transition portions having respective outer edges and being
complementary in size and configuration, so that when said outer
edges are placed in contingent relation, said first and second
transition portions form a second visual feature which is
substantially identical in size and configuration to said first
visual feature, and vertically inverted in orientation with respect
thereto.
22. A shingle as in claim 21, in which said first visual feature is
a tooth, trapezoidal in configuration, having downwardly and
inwardly converging outer side edges.
23. A shingle as in claim 22, in which said first and second
transition portions are cutout spaces, trapezoidal in
configuration, having downwardly and outwardly diverging inner side
edges and parallel outer side edges.
24. A shingle as in claim 21, in which said first visual feature is
a cutout space, trapezoidal in configuration, having downwardly and
outwardly diverging side edges.
25. A shingle as in claim 24, in which said first and second
transition portions are teeth, trapezoidal in configuration, having
downwardly and inwardly converging side edges and parallel outer
side edges.
26. A shingle as in claim 24 further including a backing shim
beneath and substantially co-extensive with said visual feature
region, and in which said backing shim includes an exposed portion
within said cutout space.
27. A shingle as in claim 26 in which said exposed portion is
coated with a textured material.
28. A shingle as in claim 27 in which said visual feature region is
a first color, and said exposed portion is a second color.
29. A shingle as in claim 21, in which said first and second
transition portions are mirror images of each other and
respectively approximately one-half the size of said first visual
feature.
30. A shingle as in claim 29, in which said first visual feature is
a tooth, trapezoidal in configuration, having downwardly and
inwardly converging outer side edges.
31. A shingle as in claim 30, in which said first and second
transition portions are cutout spaces, trapezoidal in
configuration, having downwardly and outwardly diverging inner side
edges and parallel outer side edges.
32. A shingle as in claim 29, in which said first visual feature is
a cutout space, trapezoidal in configuration, having downwardly and
outwardly diverging side edges.
33. A shingle as in claim 32, in which said first and second
transition portions are teeth, trapezoidal in configuration, having
downwardly and inwardly converging side edges and parallel outer
side edges.
34. A shingle as in claim 21, in which said first and second
transition portions are asymmetrical in size and shape.
35. A shingle as in claim 34, in which said first visual feature is
a tooth, trapezoidal in configuration, having downwardly and
inwardly converging outer side edges.
36. A shingle as in claim 35, in which said first and second
transition portions are cutout spaces, trapezoidal in
configuration, having downwardly and outwardly diverging inner side
edges and parallel outer side edges.
37. A shingle as in claim 34, in which said first visual feature is
a cutout space, trapezoidal in configuration, having downwardly and
outwardly diverging side edges.
38. A shingle as in claim 37, in which said first and second
transition portions are teeth, trapezoidal in configuration, having
downwardly and inwardly converging side edges and parallel outer
side edges.
39. A asphalt roof covering, comprising: a. a first elongated cover
piece, said cover piece having an upper headlap portion and a
visual feature region, said visual feature region including: (i) a
first visual feature; (ii) a first transition portion of a second
visual feature; and, (iii) a second transition portion of a second
visual feature; said first visual feature and said first and second
transition portions being arranged in lineal relation along said
visual feature region with said first and second transition
portions being located on either side of said first visual feature
and having respective outer lateral edges, said first and second
transition portions being complementary in size and configuration;
and, b. a second elongated cover piece, identically configured as
said first elongated cover piece, in which said first and second
cover pieces are installed on a roof structure in longitudinal
alignment with adjacent lateral edges in abutting relation, so that
said first transition portion for said first cover piece and said
second transition portion from said second cover piece, form a
second visual feature which is substantially identical in size and
configuration to said first visual feature, and vertically inverted
in orientation with respect thereto.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to improvements in roofing
shingles. More specifically, the invention pertains to an asphalt
shingle construction featuring both symmetrical and asymmetrical
arrangements of visual features in the form of tooth-like tabs and
cutout spaces. The tabs and cutout spaces are sized and configured
so that when the shingles are assembled to form a roof covering,
the covering has a unique visual appearance, comprised of a
plurality of identically sized and shaped geometric features.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The roofing industry has manufactured shingles from
asphalt-based material for many years. These shingles fall into
three general categories: (1) single shape and piece type, usually
configured into a geometric pattern, such as a rectangle or a
diamond; (2) tab shingles, formed from a row of horizontally
oriented rectangular tabs, aligned along the lower butt portion of
a shingle, each tab being separated from an adjacent tab by a
narrow vertical slot; and, (3) alternating tooth and backing shim
laminated shingles, displaying random configuration and order, in
the tooth and shim features.
[0005] For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,929, issued to Weaver et
al., a laminated roof shingle is taught featuring colored tabs or
teeth. Some of the tabs are identical in geometric configuration,
but different in width. Other tabs are fragments of full size tabs.
Spaces are provided between the tabs to reveal a backing shim,
having a different color than the tabs. In this reference, varying
the color of the components creates an illusion of depth or
thickness to the shingle panel, and varying the size and
configuration of the tabs is calculated to simulate a plurality of
randomly sized wooden shingles within the panel. This reference is
typical of the aforementioned alternating tooth and backing shim
laminated shingle.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,243, issued to Corbin, et al. shows an
asphalt shingle for simulating a tiled roof. In this reference, a
plurality of substantially identically shaped tabs, with spaces
therebetween, is arranged along a lower edge of the shingles. An
underlay member, or shim, attached to the lower surface of the
tabs, is revealed in the spaces between the tabs. The tabs have
inwardly converging, straight side edges and a convex lower edge,
to resemble an arcuate tile piece. The shingles are arranged on a
roof so that the tabs and the spaces between the tabs in all rows
are aligned vertically. This reference is generally of the tooth
and shim category of shingles, but represents an attempt to
simulate tile, rather than wooden shingles. This is done by making
the tabs and the spaces respectively identical in shape and size
and aligning them vertically from row to row.
[0007] However, the need exists for asphalt shingles which present
dramatic and different visual patterns, not resembling either
wooden shingles or tiled roof. Such patterns may vary from
trapezoidal shapes to triangular shapes, and the shingles may be
either single layer or laminated, depending upon the desired
effect. By avoiding any attempt to simulate other roofing products,
an overall look is achieved in the roof, which is both unique and
aesthetically pleasing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Each of the various embodiments of the asphalt-based shingle
of the present invention includes one or more tooth-like
projections, or one or more cutout spaces, or combinations thereof,
arranged in alternating, lineal fashion along a lower edge of the
cover sheet of each shingle. The teeth and the adjacent cutout
spaces are vertically inverted in orientation, with respect to each
other. For example, if the tooth in a shingle is a downwardly
pointing triangle, then an adjacent cutout space is an upwardly
pointing triangle.
[0009] There are two basic configurations of the shingles, each
having visual features in the form teeth and cutout spaces, present
in various combinations. Distinctive appearances for the shingles
are provided by each combination of these visual features. The
first configuration includes at least one tooth in combination with
first and second transition portions of cutout spaces, located on
either side of the tooth. The second configuration includes at
least one cutout space in combination with first and second
transition portions of teeth, located on either side of the cutout
space.
[0010] The transition portions of cutout spaces in the first
embodiment, and the transition portions of teeth in the second
embodiment, are located at respective, opposing, lateral edges of
the shingles. The first and second transition portions may be
either identical in size and configuration, or different in size
and configuration. If the transition portions are identical in size
and configuration, then the full-sized tooth or the full-sized
cutout space between the transition portions will be centrally
located. If the transition portions are different in size and
configuration, then the full-sized tooth or the full-sized cutout
space between the transition portions will be accordingly offset
from center. But in either case, the respective transition portions
are always complementary, so that when a first transition portion
of one shingle is placed into contingent relation with a second
transition portion of another shingle, either a full-sized cutout
portion or a full-sized tooth is thereby formed. In that manner, a
lineal array of alternating full-sized visual features is provided
along a course of assembled shingles.
[0011] The number of teeth and the number of cutout spaces may vary
according to the particular capabilities of the manufacturing
facility, or the requirements of the consumer. For example, 2, 3,
4, 5 or more teeth, and associated cutout spaces, may also be
provided in a single shingle panel. If two or more teeth are
present in a shingle, then a full sized cutout space will also be
provided between each adjacent tooth, in addition to the cutout
space transition portions at the opposing lateral edges. Similarly,
if two or more cutout spaces are present in a shingle, then a full
sized tooth will also be provided between each adjacent cutout
space, in addition to the tooth transition portions at the opposing
lateral edges.
[0012] The shapes of the teeth and the cutouts are preferably of a
visually engaging geometric configuration, such as a trapezoid, a
triangle, or another geometric figure. Not insignificantly, all of
the full size teeth and all of the full size cutout spaces in a
particular shingle are also identical in shape and size, with
respect to each other. And, when the lateral edges of adjacent
shingles are butted together, the first and second transition
portions of either cutout spaces or teeth, form full sized cutout
spaces or teeth which are also identically sized and shaped.
[0013] This characteristic feature not only affects the shingles'
ability to mate with each other, but also provides the intended
dramatic and distinctive visual effect displayed by an assembly of
the shingles into a roof covering. This results in a repetitious,
alternating pattern of cutout spaces and teeth, identically sized
and configured, along a course or row of shingles.
[0014] When vertically adjacent courses are assembled, the cutout
spaces and the teeth are preferably arranged in laterally offset
relation, with respect to the cutout spaces and the teeth in the
course or row immediately above or below. Consequently, the
resultant pattern, along a vertical line extending up the shingle
roof alternates between a tooth and a cutout space. An entire roof,
assembled in such a fashion using shingles of the present
invention, displays a strong and impressive visual pattern which
resembles neither a wooden shingled roof nor a tiled roof
[0015] A backing shim may also be attached to the underside of each
tooth, or portion of a tooth, resulting in a laminated shingle. The
surface of the backing shim, which may be coated with texture
material of a different size or color than that on the tooth, can
be seen through each cutout space. However, the invention may be
practiced without a backing shim, resulting in a lower cost roof
covering which nevertheless provides its own distinctive
appearance.
[0016] These and other features of the invention will now be
described in further detail in the drawings and the detailed
description of the preferred embodiment to follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a two-toothed shingle, made in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a plan view of two fragmentary courses using the
shingle shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a shingle displaying two cutout
spaces, and provided with a backing shim;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the shingle shown in
FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a plan view of two fragmentary courses using the
shingle shown in FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a shingle displaying two cutout
spaces and provided with a backing shim, showing reverse angled
trapezoidal designs for the teeth and the cutout spaces;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a four-toothed shingle provided
with a backing shim;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a partially assembled roof
covering, using the shingle shown in FIG. 7;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a partially assembled roof
covering, using the alternating tooth and backing shim laminated
shingle of the prior art;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a plan view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention, showing a six triangular toothed shingle
provided with a backing shim;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a plan view of two fragmentary courses using the
shingle shown in FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 12A is a plan view of a single tooth, symmetrical
shingle;
[0029] FIG. 12B is a plan view of a single cutout space,
symmetrical shingle;
[0030] FIG. 12C is a plan view of a double-toothed, symmetrical
shingle;
[0031] FIG. 13A is a plan view of a single tooth, asymmetrical
shingle;
[0032] FIG. 13B is a plan view of a single cutout space,
asymmetrical shingle; and,
[0033] FIG. 13C is a plan view of a double-toothed, asymmetrical
shingle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] Turning now to FIG. 1, a double-toothed asphalt shingle 11,
made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, is
shown. Shingle 11 includes an elongated cover piece 12, having an
upper, headlap portion 13 and a lower, visual feature region 14.
Headlap portion 13 further has an outwardly facing side 16 and an
inwardly facing side 17.
[0035] Visual feature region 14 includes a first tooth 18 and a
second tooth 19. This embodiment of the invention includes at least
two such teeth, which are substantially identically sized and
configured. It should be noted that shingle 11 can be
longitudinally extended to include more than two teeth, depending
upon the job requirements and the capabilities of the shingle
manufacturing plant. Tooth 18 and tooth 19 are arranged in lineal
relation, along the bottom half of cover piece 12, with an inner
cutout space 21 between the adjacent teeth.
[0036] Teeth 18 and 19 are generally trapezoidal in configuration,
having respective inner edges 22 and outer edges 23, which are
downwardly and inwardly converging. As is evident in FIG. 1, inner
cutout space 21 is also generally trapezoidal in configuration, but
includes sides which are downwardly and outwardly diverging. Space
21 is substantially identical in size and configuration to teeth 18
and 19, but space 21 is vertically inverted in orientation from the
adjacent teeth.
[0037] Outer half-size cutout spaces 24 and 26 adjoin either outer
edge 23 of teeth 18 and 19. Each cutout space 24 and 26 is
substantially half of the size of inner cutout 21, and each is the
mirror image of the other. As a consequence, as shown in FIG. 1,
both the left and the right hand sides of the cover piece 12 are
symmetrical in appearance, about a median, transverse axis 27.
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 2, a fragmentary assembly of a plurality
of shingles 11 into a roof covering 28 is shown. For the sake of
clarity, only the shingles themselves are shown in FIG. 2, although
in a practical covering, the shingles would be applied over plywood
or other structural underlayment. Also eliminated from this
illustration is a "starter course", extending along the bottom
course or row of the shingles. Sometimes, a double layer of
shingles is used for the starter course In this instance, a sheet
roll of asphalt roofing material could be used underlying the
bottom course of shingles.
[0039] In laying the first course of shingles 11, the shingles are
arranged in longitudinal alignment, with laterally adjacent edges
in abutting relation. The shingles are attached to the underlying
roof structure by means of thermally activated adhesive, staples,
or shingle nails. It will be appreciated that when the shingles are
so arranged, half-sized cutout spaces 24 and 26 of adjacent
shingles form a full-sized cutout space. This cutout space is
identical in shape and size to the full-sized cutout space 21,
located between adjacent teeth 18 and 19 in a single shingle. Thus,
along the entire course, the visual features of a
trapezoidal-shaped tooth and an identically size and configured
cutout space of inverted orientation, repetitiously alternate.
[0040] In forming the second course or row of shingles 11,
individual shingles are secured in identical fashion, with their
visual feature regions 14 and a small segment of their headlap
portions 13, lying over the entire upper headlap portion 13 of a
shingle in the adjacent, lower course. However, it is significant
to note that the second course is laid in laterally offset relation
with respect to the first course of shingles. The offset is such
that the axis of the tooth 19 in the second course is vertically
aligned with an imaginary line between the half-sized cutout spaces
24 and 26. Put another way, tooth 19 in the second course overlies
the conjunction between the adjacent upper headlap portions 13 in
the first course of shingles. In so doing, the tooth 19 in the
second course provides a seal over part of this conjunction, and
provides an inverted mirror image of the design feature provided by
the cutout space below. This visual pattern is repeated, but in
reverse fashion, with the adjacent cutout space 21. It will be
noted that cutout space 21 in the second course is vertically
aligned with a tooth 19 in the first course. The combination of the
two trapezoidal features forms a hexagonal visual feature, evident
in FIG. 2. In subsequent courses of shingles, this assembly process
is repeated until an entire roof covering of the desired vertical
and horizontal extent is formed. Thus, shingles in the third
courses are vertically aligned with corresponding shingles in the
first course, and shingles in the fourth course are vertically
aligned with corresponding shingles in the second course.
Alternatively, each course may be progressively laterally offset,
in stepped fashion, so that vertically adjacent visual features
alternate, but the joint lines between shingles in the courses are
never in vertical alignment.
[0041] The shingle 11, being a single sheet of asphalt material, is
not laminated. Thus, the shingle is easily and cheaply
manufactured, using a minimum amount of material. Yet the shingle
11, configured and assembled into a roof covering as discussed
above, provides a three-dimensional effect and a powerful and
esthetically pleasing visual pattern, with the repetitious and
inverted features of the teeth and cutout spaces.
[0042] Another version of the invention is represented by the
laminated shingle 29, shown in FIG. 3. Where appropriate, the same
numerical designations as those employed above will be used to
describe shingle 29, as well as additional shingle versions to be
described hereafter. Shingle 29 may be termed a single tooth
shingle, as it only has one, centrally positioned full-sized tooth
31. As will be noted, tooth 31 is also trapezoidal in
configuration, closely resembling teeth 18 and 19 of the prior
embodiment. Straddling either side of tooth 31 are identically
sized and configured cutout spaces 32. The trapezoidal shapes
defined by spaces 32 are vertically inverted in orientation, with
respect to the tooth 31.
[0043] Outer half-size teeth 33 and 34 adjoin respective outer
edges 36 of spaces 32. Each tooth 33 and 34 is substantially half
of the size of full-sized tooth 31, and each is the mirror image of
the other. Thus, as is evident from FIG. 3, both left and right
hand sides of the cover piece 12 are symmetrical in appearance,
about a median, transverse axis 27.
[0044] Making particular reference now to FIG. 4, a backing shim 37
is laminated to the inwardly facing side 17 of cover piece 12.
Backing shim 37 is generally rectangular in configuration, and
comprises a strip extending from one lateral edge of cover piece 12
to the other lateral edge. The upper extent of shim 37 is
represented by a dashed line 40 in FIG. 3. And, the lower extent of
shim 37 is co-extensive with a lower edge of cover piece 12. Owing
to the presence of cutout spaces 32, an exposed portion 38 of shim
37 is evident when viewing the outwardly facing side of the shingle
29.
[0045] Shim 37 may be coated with a textured material to provide a
visual contrast with cover piece 12. To provide further contrast,
tooth 31 may be a first color and shim 37 may be a second color. A
gray shaded stippling for exposed portion 38 is included in the
drawings to represent the visual effect such coating or coloring
may provide.
[0046] In FIG. 5, a roof coating 39 formed from the assembly of a
plurality of shingles 29 is shown. The arrangement of shingles 29
in the first, lower course, is identical to that previously
described. The shingles are mounted to a roof underlayment (not
shown) in butting relation, with adjacent lateral edges touching.
In the first course, a joint 41 is evident, where adjacent shingles
meet. In a typical roof construction, a double course of shingles
will be provided for this starter course, so a weather tight seal
will be provided below the joint 41. Alternatively, a sheet of
asphalt material may be provided below the first course.
[0047] As with the previously described embodiment, the assembly of
the shingles as taught herein creates full-sized visual features
from joining two half-sized visual features. With shingle 11, two
half-sized cutout spaces 24 and 26 were joined to form a visual
feature identical in shape and size to full-sized cutout space 21.
Similarly, with shingle 29, two half-sized teeth 33 and 34 are
joined to form a visual feature identical to full-sized tooth
31.
[0048] In forming the second course of shingles 29, the shingles
are again laterally offset so that each cutout space 32 overlies
either a tooth 31 or the tooth feature formed by joining half-sized
teeth 33 and 34. Thus, the trapezoidal shaped feature of cutout
space 32 is joined in vertical alignment with the trapezoidal
shaped feature of the tooth 31 to create a hexagonal shaped visual
feature.
[0049] Another embodiment of the invention is disclosed in FIG. 6.
Laminated shingle 42 differs from shingle 29, only in the
orientation of certain visual features in the tooth portion 13.
Shingle 42 is also a single tooth shingle, but trapezoidal shaped
tooth 43 is reversed, top to bottom, from the orientation of tooth
31 in shingle 29. Also, cutout spaces 44 are reversed in identical
fashion, from the orientation of cutout spaces 32 in shingle 29.
Lastly, half-sized teeth 46 and 47 are vertically flipped in
orientation, from corresponding teeth 33 and 34 in shingle 29. This
also results in a top to bottom reversal of exposed portion 48. In
all other respects, shingle 42 is assembled into courses and into a
roof covering in identical fashion to that already described.
[0050] The shingles of the present invention may be extended in
length, to reduce the amount of labor required to assemble a roof.
Three, four, five, or more teeth can readily be included in a
single shingle. For example, in FIG. 7, shingle 49 includes four
narrow trapezoidal shaped teeth 51, separated by three narrow
trapezoidal shaped, inner cutout spaces 52. Teeth 51 have more
steeply inclined sidewalls than, for example, the tooth 32 in
shingle 29. Cutout spaces 52 are identical in size and
configuration to teeth 51, but are reversed top to bottom, in their
vertical orientation. Exposed portions 53 reflect the more steeply
inclined sidewalls of cutout spaces 52.
[0051] Outer half-size cutout spaces 54 and 56 extend respectively
from outer edge 57 and outer edge 58 of the outermost teeth 51.
Each cutout space 54 and 56 is substantially half of the size of an
inner cutout space 52, and each is the mirror image of the other.
Owing to the combination of these features, both the left and the
right hand sides of the cover piece 12 in shingle 49 are
symmetrical in appearance, about a median, transverse axis 27.
[0052] FIG. 8 shows a partially assembled roof covering 59, using
the shingles 49. A roof frame 61 is covered by plywood sheathing
62, to provide a support for the roof covering. The shingles 49 are
assembled as described above, beginning with the "starter course",
and then installing successive courses in alternating, repetitive
fashion, so that the teeth and the cutout spaces are vertically
aligned in adjacent courses. The resultant pleasing pattern is
evident from FIG. 8. This repetitive, geometric pattern is to be
distinguished from the prior art roof covering 63, shown in FIG. 9.
As with covering 59, the prior art asphalt roof shingles are
installed over plywood sheathing 62, supported by a roof frame 61.
But owing to the design configuration of the prior art shingles,
the visual effect is to present a random pattern of shingles having
variable widths. This conscious design effort is made to simulate
the variable widths of wooden shingles and shakes. This is not the
case with the present invention. All of the shingles disclosed
herein are specifically designed to produce a repetitive geometric
pattern, having no resemblance, either individually or when
assembled into a roof covering, with the shape or size of shingles
or shakes.
[0053] Yet another version of the invention is shown in FIGS. 10
and 11. In this instance, shingle 64 includes six triangularly
shaped teeth 66, with five triangularly shaped, inner cutout spaces
67 therebetween. The teeth 66 have their ends pointed downwardly,
and the cutout spaces 67, identically sized and configured, have
their ends pointed upwardly. Half-sized cutout spaces 68 and 69 are
provided on either lateral extremity of cover piece 12. A backing
shim 37 is attached to the underside of cover piece 12, to provide
triangularly shaped exposed portions 71.
[0054] Shingles 64 are assembled as previously described, to form a
roof covering 72. Joints 73 are evident between adjacent shingles
64, but in each instance, a layer of asphalt sheet or an underlying
shingle, forms a weather tight surface below each joint 73. Again,
the repetitious geometric pattern of the triangle provides a
striking and distinctive visual effect when the shingles 64 are
assembled into a roof covering.
[0055] Yet even more basic constructions of shingles embodying the
principles of the present invention are contemplated. Both
symmetrical and asymmetrical versions of these basic configurations
are illustrated, respectively, in FIGS. 12A-12C, and FIGS. 13A-13B.
Where appropriate, the same numeric designations for identical
common elements are used in these Figures, as those previously
employed for describing other embodiments of the invention. Turning
now to FIG. 12A, a single tooth, symmetrical shingle 74 is shown.
This shingle includes a single tooth 76, a first cutout space
transition portion 77, and a second cutout space transition portion
78. In this instance, the tooth 76 is centrally located in the
visual feature region 14. Transition portions 77 and 78 are
identically sized and configured, and are mirror images with
respect to each other. It will be appreciated that if one
symmetrical shingle 74 were placed in lateral edge abutment with
another shingle 74, the adjacent transition portions would form a
visual feature identical to a full-sized cutout space, linking
together the appearance of the two shingles.
[0056] A single cutout space, symmetrical shingle 79, is depicted
in FIG. 12B. This shingle includes a single cutout space 81, a
first tooth transition portion 82, and a second tooth transition
portion 83. Since transition portions 82 and 83 are identically
sized and configured, cutout space 81 is centrally positioned
within the visual feature region 14. When the lateral edges of two
shingles 79 are placed in abutting relation, the tooth transition
portion 82 of one shingle joins the tooth transition portion 83 of
another shingle to form a full-sized tooth. Thus, a course of
symmetrical shingles 79, displays the alternating visual features
of full-sized cutout spaces and full-sized teeth.
[0057] FIG. 12C shows the two-toothed shingle 11, previously
described, for comparison with the shingles shown in FIGS. 12A and
12B. Although shingle 11 has two teeth rather than a single tooth,
it is a symmetrical shingle, and it shares a number of common
aspects with both of the symmetrical shingles 74 and 79. For
instance, cutout space 21 is centrally positioned, as is the cutout
space 81 of shingle 79. And, shingle 11 includes identically sized
and configured outer half-sized cutout portions 24 and 26, which
are identical in location and function to transition portions 77
and 78 of shingle 74.
[0058] An example of a single tooth, asymmetrical shingle 84 is
shown in FIG. 13A. This shingle includes a tooth 86, a first cutout
space transition portion 87, and a second cutout space transition
portion 88. It will be noted that tooth 86 is laterally offset,
residing in the right-hand portion of visual feature region 14.
This is a consequence of the different sizes and shapes for
transition portions 87 and 88. However, even though transition
portion 87 is more elongated than transition portion 88, when two
shingles 84 are arranged in edge-abutting relation, the transition
portion 87 of one shingle will merge with the transition portion 88
of another shingle to form a full-sized cutout space. Thus, even
though the transition portions of an individual shingle are
different in size and shape, when two or more of these asymmetrical
shingles are abutted together at their edges to form a course, the
alternating visual features of identical teeth and identical cutout
spaces are again formed.
[0059] Turning to FIG. 13B, an example of a single cutout space,
asymmetrical shingle 89 is illustrated. The visual feature region
14 of shingle 89 includes a cutout space 91, a first tooth
transition portion 92, and a second tooth transition portion 93. In
this case, cutout space 91 is displaced laterally into the
left-hand portion of visual feature region 14. This a consequence
of the fact that tooth transition portion 92 is smaller and of a
different configuration than tooth transition portion 93. But, when
two shingles 89 are arranged in edge-abutting relation, the lateral
edge of transition portion 92 of one shingle will join with the
lateral edge of transition portion 93 of another shingle, to form a
full-sized tooth. Thus, again, the alternating visual features of
teeth and cutout spaces are formed in a course of such
shingles.
[0060] The last asymmetrical shingle to be disclosed is a
double-toothed asymmetrical shingle 94. This shingle has many
similarities to symmetrical shingle 11, in that it includes a
cutout space 96, a first tooth 97, and a second tooth 98. Shingle
94 also includes a first cutout space transition portion 99 and a
second cutout space transition portion 101. As transition portions
99 and 101 are different in size and configuration, teeth 97 and
98, as well as cutout space 96, are laterally offset to the
left-hand portion of visual feature region 14. As with the
previously described shingles, when two or more shingles 94 are
assembled in abutting edge relation, the adjacent transition
portions 99 and 101 join to form full-size visual features, in this
case, cutout spaces.
[0061] It will be appreciated, then, that we have described an
asphalt shingle construction which uses a plurality of visual
features, in the form of teeth and cutout spaces, identically
shaped and sized in a geometric pattern. Through the use of
transitional portions of cutout spaces or teeth on both lateral
extremities of each shingle, full sized cutout spaces or teeth are
formed when shingles are arranged in edge butting relation. In that
manner, alternating visual features, identical in size and
configuration but vertically inverted in orientation, are displayed
by a course of shingles. In addition, by laterally offsetting
vertically adjacent courses of such shingles, powerful and visually
distinctive geometric patterns are produced in the resultant roof
covering.
* * * * *