U.S. patent application number 10/548905 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for siding and overhang attachment and alignment system.
Invention is credited to Gregory P. Albracht.
Application Number | 20060213142 10/548905 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32990734 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060213142 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Albracht; Gregory P. |
September 28, 2006 |
Siding and overhang attachment and alignment system
Abstract
A siding attachment strip and method are provided for retaining
a plurality of siding panels to a building structure. The siding
attachment strip includes an elongate body, a plurality of mounting
holes, and a plurality of siding top edge clips that are spaced
along the elongate body. A siding top edge clip includes a
plurality of prongs extending therefrom and is capable of engaging
a nailing slot in a siding panel. The siding attachment strip
further includes a plurality of prong slots that are spaced from
and correspond to the plurality of siding top edge clips. A prong
slot is positioned to correspond to the siding top edge clip and is
capable of receiving one or more of the plurality of prongs of the
siding top edge clip. The siding attachment strip further includes
a plurality of siding fold clips that are spaced from and
correspond to the plurality of siding top edge clips. A siding fold
clip includes a substantially orthogonal first portion extending
from the elongate body and a substantially parallel second portion
that is substantially orthogonal to the first portion. The siding
fold clip is capable of engaging a siding fold of the siding
panel.
Inventors: |
Albracht; Gregory P.;
(Omaha, NE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NOVAK DRUCE & QUIGG, LLP
1300 EYE STREET NW
400 EAST TOWER
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
32990734 |
Appl. No.: |
10/548905 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 11, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/07518 |
371 Date: |
May 2, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60453195 |
Mar 11, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/543 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/158 20130101;
E04F 13/0803 20130101; E04F 13/0864 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/543 |
International
Class: |
E04D 1/34 20060101
E04D001/34 |
Claims
1. An insulation sheet adapted for use beneath a plurality of
siding panels installed on an exterior of a building structure,
comprising: a wall face adapted to be installed adjacent to said
exterior of said building structure, and a siding face adapted to
receive at least one siding attachment strip for attaching said
siding panels to said exterior of said building structure, said
siding face having at least one elongated channel formed therein,
said elongated channel being sized to accommodate therein said at
least one siding attachment strip; a plurality of tabs formed on a
first edge of said insulation sheet; and a plurality of slots
formed on an opposite second edge of said insulation sheet; wherein
said plurality of tabs are capable of interlocking with a plurality
of slots of an adjacent insulation sheet when said adjacent
insulation sheet is brought into abutment with said insulation
sheet.
2. The insulation sheet of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of contours formed in said siding face, with a contour of said
plurality of contours being substantially horizontal and
substantially matching a contour of an inner surface of a
predetermined siding panel.
3. The insulation sheet of claim 1, wherein said insulation sheet
comprises a fan-fold insulation sheet.
4. The insulation sheet of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of horizontal, substantially parallel lines printed on said siding
face of said insulation sheet for use in alignment.
5. The insulation sheet of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of vertical, substantially parallel lines printed on said siding
face of said insulation sheet for use in alignment.
6. The insulation sheet of claim 1, further comprising at least one
secondary channel formed in said elongated channel, for enabling
moisture trapped behind said siding panels to escape through
corresponding ventilation slots in a starter strip and/or in a top
trim piece.
7. A starter siding strip for use with a plurality of siding
attachment strips each having at least two clips for retaining a
plurality of siding panels on a building structure, said starter
siding strip comprising: an elongate body having a flange along one
end thereof, said flange having a plurality of slots, wherein at
least one clip of each of a plurality of adjacent siding attachment
strips mounted on an exterior of said building structure engages
with a corresponding slot of said starter siding strip; a siding
fold formed on said elongate body adjacent to said flange; and an
insulation sheet channel formed at an end of said siding fold which
accommodates an insulation sheet installed between said building
structure and said plurality of siding panels.
8. The starter siding strip of claim 7, further comprising an
extended flange portion extending from said insulation sheet
channel, and at least one ventilation aperture formed in said
extended flange portion.
9. A starter siding strip for use with a plurality of siding
attachment strips each having at least two clips for retaining a
plurality of siding panels on a building structure, said starter
siding strip comprising: an elongate body having a flange along one
end thereof, said flange having a plurality of slots, wherein at
least one clip of each of a plurality of adjacent siding attachment
strips mounted on an exterior of said building structure engages
with a corresponding slot of said starter siding strip; a siding
fold formed on said elongate body adjacent to said flange; an
extended flange portion extending from said insulation sheet
channel, and a plurality of score lines in said extended flange
portion, which allow the length of said extended flange portion to
be modified to accommodate various foundation wall spacings of
buildings on which said starter siding strip is used.
10. The starter siding strip of claim 9, further comprising at
least one ventilation aperture formed in said extended flange
portion.
11. The starter siding strip of claim 9, further comprising a flex
section in said extended flange portion, that allows said extended
flange portion to bend against a foundation wall.
12. A siding attachment strip adapted to retain a plurality of
siding panels on a building structure, comprising: an elongate
body; a plurality of siding top edge clips spaced along said
elongate body according to a predetermined siding panel size, each
siding top edge clip of said plurality of siding top edge clips
having a main surface and having a prong section extending from
said main surface at a predefined angle to said main surface, said
prong section engaging a nailing slot in a siding panel; and a
plurality of prong slots formed in said elongate body and spaced
from and corresponding to said plurality of siding top edge clips,
each of said prong slots receiving a corresponding prong section
when said corresponding prong section engages said nailing slot in
a siding panel.
13. The siding attachment strip of claim 12, wherein at least one
of said prong sections contains at least five prong fingers, which
enables said siding top edge clip to accommodate siding panels of
varying nail slot horizontal widths.
14. The siding attachment strip of claim 12, wherein at least one
of said plurality of prong slots contains a chamfered edge.
15. The siding attachment strip of claim 12, wherein at least one
of said siding top edge clips contains a gusset at a bending
section thereof.
16. The siding attachment strip of claim 12, further comprising at
least one siding fold clip spaced apart from a siding top edge clip
and being engageable in a siding fold of a siding panel, said
siding fold clip containing at least one gusset formed therein to
provide increased bending resistance strength.
17. A trim adaptor for use with a siding attachment strip system
for installing siding panels on a building, comprising: an
elongated main body containing a plurality of nailing slots at one
section thereof; an elongated channel provided on said main body,
for accommodating a siding utility trim piece as well as J-channel
pieces for installation around windows and doors; and at least one
elongated slot provided in a second section thereof different from
said one section, said at least one elongated slot providing a
ventilation aperture, and also being usable as a fastener slot for
attachment of said adaptor to a roof overhang or sides of openings
in a wall.
18. The trim adaptor of claim 17, further comprising a soffit
return channel provided on said main body, said soffit return
channel accommodating a roof overhang soffit piece for covering a
roof overhang.
19. The trim adaptor of claim 17, wherein said elongated channel is
provided with a plurality of stop guides for accommodating utility
trim pieces and/or J-channel pieces of varying widths.
20. An insulation sheet system adapted for use beneath a plurality
of siding panels installed on an exterior of a building structure,
comprising: an insulation sheet having a wall face adapted to be
installed adjacent to said exterior of said building structure, a
siding face adapted to receive at least one siding attachment strip
for attaching said siding panels to said exterior of said building
structure, said siding face having at least one elongated channel
formed therein, said elongated channel being sized to accommodate
therein said at least one siding attachment strip, and a secondary
ventilation channel formed in said elongated channel; and at least
one of a starter siding strip containing at least one ventilation
aperture, mounted at a bottom portion of said insulation sheet, and
a trim adaptor containing at least one ventilation aperture,
mounted at a top portion of said insulation sheet; wherein said
secondary ventilation channel and at least one of said trim adaptor
and said starter siding strip forming a ventilation air space
between said insulation sheet and an exterior wall of a building on
which said system is installed, to provide a ventilation channel
for escape of moisture present between said insulation sheet and
said exterior wall.
21. A siding attachment strip adapted to retain a plurality of
siding panels on a building structure, comprising: an elongate
body; a plurality of slots formed in said elongate body; a
plurality of siding top edge clips, each siding top edge clip of
said plurality of siding top edge clips having a main surface being
engageable in a respective slot, and having a finger section
extending from said main surface through said slot, said prong
section extending upward to engage a nailing slot in a siding
panel; wherein said plurality of top edge clips is capable of
lateral motion to enable lateral motion of a siding panel to
achieve proper alignment thereof with other siding panels.
22. A fascia board and roof overhang soffit attachment system,
comprising: an adaptor for retaining a fascia board against a roof
overhang of a building; said adaptor including a first section for
coupling to at least one spacer mounted to said roof overhang, and
a second section for retaining a soffit piece for covering said
roof overhang, such that a ventilation channel is formed between
said roof overhang and said soffit piece.
23. The siding attachment strip of claim 12, further comprising a
thermal barrier coating applied to said elongate body to provide a
thermal barrier between said siding attachment strip and said
siding panels.
24. The siding attachment strip of claim 21, further comprising a
thermal barrier coating applied to said elongate body to provide a
thermal barrier between said siding attachment strip and said
siding panels.
25. The siding attachment strip of claim 12, wherein said elongate
body includes at least one chamfered screwhole for attachment of
said strip to a wall.
26. The siding attachment strip of claim 21, wherein said elongate
body includes at least one chamfered screwhole for attachment of
said strip to a wall.
27. The trim adaptor of claim 17, wherein said elongated channel
contains an upwardly extending leg that provides an additional
locking point for a siding panel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 120 of application Ser. No. 09/877,060 filed Jun. 11, 2001,
now U.S. Pat. No. ______. This application also claims priority
from, and the benefit of the filing date of, U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 60/453,195, filed on Mar. 11, 2003,
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to siding for a
building structure, and more specifically to siding attachment and
alignment devices and systems for a building structure.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] Many types of buildings include some form of siding. Siding
is generally used as an exterior surface to keep out moisture and
prevent decay of structural members, protect the building, and also
to provide an attractive or durable appearance to the building
structure.
[0006] In the prior art the siding is generally supplied as
elongated panels that are successively applied to exterior walls
starting from the bottom of the building structure and moving
upward to the top of the building. The panels are generally nailed
onto studs of the building, with one nail usually being used per
stud.
[0007] However, there are several problems in the siding
application according to the prior art. First, the siding must be
applied in a manner that is substantially level. This is done to
ensure that the siding is installed evenly. It is also important
from an appearance aspect. Ensuring level and parallel installation
is difficult because of the freehand nature of nailing the panels
to the studs. In addition, the prior art siding process is
relatively slow and cumbersome, and some carpentry expertise is
needed.
[0008] Therefore, a need remains in the art for improvements in
siding attachment devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A siding attachment strip is provided according to one
embodiment of the invention. The siding attachment strip is adapted
to retain a plurality of siding panels to a building structure. The
siding attachment strip comprises an elongate body and one or more
mounting holes spaced along the elongate body. The siding
attachment strip further comprises a plurality of siding top edge
clips spaced along the elongate body according to a predetermined
siding panel size. A siding top edge clip of the plurality of
siding top edge clips is capable of engaging a nailing slot in a
siding panel. The siding top edge clip includes a plurality of
prongs extending therefrom. A prong of the plurality of prongs
includes a substantially right-angled bend in a middle region of
the prong. The siding attachment strip further comprises a
plurality of prong slots formed in the elongate body and spaced
from and corresponding to the plurality of siding top edge clips. A
prong slot is positioned to correspond to the plurality of prongs
of the siding top edge clip when the siding top edge clip is in a
normal position with respect to the elongate body and one or more
of the plurality of prongs is received in the prong slot.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, the siding
attachment strip comprises an elongate body and one or more
mounting holes spaced along the elongate body. The siding
attachment strip further comprises a plurality of siding fold clips
formed in the elongate body and spaced from and corresponding to
the plurality of siding top edge clips. A siding fold clip of the
plurality of siding fold clips includes a substantially orthogonal
first portion extending from the elongate body and a substantially
parallel second portion that is substantially parallel with the
elongate body and is substantially orthogonal to the first portion.
The siding fold clip is capable of engaging in a siding fold of the
siding panel.
[0011] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
siding attachment strip comprises an elongate body and one or more
mounting holes spaced along the elongate body. The siding
attachment strip further comprises a plurality of siding top edge
clips spaced along the elongate body according to a predetermined
siding panel size. A siding top edge clip of the plurality of
siding top edge clips is deformable toward the elongate body and is
capable of engaging a nailing slot in a siding panel. The siding
top edge clip includes a plurality of prongs extending therefrom,
with a prong of the plurality of prongs including a substantially
right-angled bend in a middle region of the prong. The siding
attachment strip further comprises a plurality of prong slots
formed in the elongate body and spaced from and corresponding to
the plurality of siding top edge clips. A prong slot is positioned
to correspond to the plurality of prongs of the siding top edge
clip when the siding top edge clip is in a normal position with
respect to the elongate body and one or more of the plurality of
prongs is received in the prong slot. The siding attachment strip
further comprises a plurality of siding fold clips formed in the
elongate body and spaced from and corresponding to the plurality of
siding top edge clips. A siding fold clip of the plurality of
siding fold clips includes a substantially orthogonal first portion
extending from the elongate body and a substantially parallel
second portion that is substantially parallel with the elongate
body and is substantially orthogonal to the first portion. The
siding fold clip is capable of engaging in a siding fold of the
siding panel.
[0012] A method of forming a siding attachment strip for retaining
a plurality of siding panels to a building structure is provided
according to another embodiment of the invention. The method
comprises the step of forming an elongate body of the siding
attachment strip. The method further comprises the step of forming
one or more mounting holes on the elongate body. The plurality of
mounting holes are spaced along the elongate body. The method
further comprises the step of forming a plurality of siding top
edge clips on the elongate body. The plurality of siding top edge
clips are regularly spaced along the elongate body according to a
predetermined siding panel size. The method further comprises the
step of forming a plurality of prong slots in the elongate body,
spaced from and corresponding to the plurality of siding top edge
clips. A prong slot of the plurality of prong slots corresponds to
a siding top edge clip and is capable of receiving the siding top
edge clip. The method further comprises the step of forming a
plurality of siding fold clips on the elongate body spaced from and
corresponding to the plurality of siding top edge clips. A siding
fold clip of the plurality of siding fold clips includes a
substantially orthogonal first portion extending from the elongate
body and a substantially parallel second portion that is
substantially parallel with the elongate body and is substantially
orthogonal to the first portion. The siding fold clip is capable of
engaging a siding fold of the siding panel.
[0013] A contoured insulation sheet is provided according to
another embodiment of the invention. The insulation sheet is
adapted for use beneath a plurality of siding panels installed on a
wall of a building structure. The insulation sheet comprises an
insulation sheet possessing a thickness, a wall face, and a siding
face. The insulation sheet further comprises a plurality of
parallel channels formed in the siding face. A channel of the
plurality of channels is substantially vertical and of a size to
accommodate a siding attachment strip. The insulation sheet further
comprises a plurality of contours formed in the siding face. A
contour of the plurality of contours is substantially horizontal
and substantially matches a contour of an inner surface of a
predetermined siding panel.
[0014] A method of forming a contoured insulation sheet for use
beneath a plurality of siding panels is provided according to
another embodiment of the invention. The method comprises the step
of providing an insulation sheet possessing a thickness, a wall
face, and a siding face. The method further comprises the step of
forming a plurality of parallel channels in the siding face. A
channel of the plurality of channels is substantially vertical and
of a size to accommodate a siding attachment strip. The method
further comprises the step of forming a plurality of contours in
the siding face. A contour of the plurality of contours is
substantially horizontal and substantially matches a contour of an
inner surface of a predetermined siding panel.
[0015] The above and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be further understood from the following description
of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings wherein like parts are designated by
reference numerals having the same last two digits.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a siding
attachment strip according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows various cross-sectional shapes of the body of
the siding attachment strip;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an end view of a siding top edge clip;
[0019] FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment wherein the body of the
siding attachment strip includes one or more top edge clip
slots;
[0020] FIG. 5A is a fragmentary perspective view showing the siding
attachment strip of FIG. 1 in use;
[0021] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5A;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, broken plan view showing how the
prongs of siding top edge clips advantageously pass through nailing
slots of a siding panel;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an insulation sheet
including channels according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a front view of an insulation sheet according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary section or side view of the
insulation sheet, showing how horizontal contours of the insulation
sheet substantially match a contour of a standard siding panel;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of a siding
starter strip according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of a siding
starter strip according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a section view of an upper wall, eve, and roof
region of a building structure, including a siding/soffit corner
piece according to one embodiment of the invention and a facia
board cover according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 13 shows detail of the siding/soffit corner piece in a
profile view;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side view of the siding/soffit
corner piece, illustrating the plurality of soffit clips;
[0031] FIGS. 15A and 15B are respective elevational and isometric
views of a siding attachment strip according to an additional
preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 16 shows detail of the hook of FIGS. 15A and 15B;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the clip of FIGS. 15A
and 15B;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a bottom elevational view of an insulation sheet
according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, having
channel cuts;
[0035] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a trim adaptor according to
another preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a combination soffit
channel and trim adaptor channel member according to another
preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the combination channel
member of FIG. 20, showing the orientation of a siding trim
member;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the combination channel
member of FIG. 20, with a siding trim member inserted into the
adaptor;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the combination channel
member of FIG. 20, with a vinyl soffit panel inserted into the
soffit return channel;
[0040] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of an overhang attachment
system according to another preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0041] FIGS. 25A-25C are cross-sectional views of a utility trim
adaptor according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIGS. 26A and 26B are cross-sectional views of a siding
starter strip according to another preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0043] FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a siding attachment strip
with a snap-on clip allowing lateral movement, according to another
preferred embodiment of the invention; and
[0044] FIG. 28 is a view of a snap-on fascia board adaptor
according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a siding
attachment strip 100 according to one embodiment of the invention.
The portion of the siding attachment strip 100 shown in FIG. 1
includes an elongate body 101, one or more mounting holes 108
formed in the body, a siding top edge clip 112 disposed on the
body, a siding fold clip 140 disposed on the body in spaced
relation to the top edge clip, and one or more lateral scoring
marks 152. Also shown is an optional slot 117 formed in the body
between the top edge clip and the siding fold clip. The strip 100
preferably includes a plurality of siding top edge clips 112 and a
plurality of siding fold clips 140 disposed in a regular pattern on
the body to accommodate one or more standard siding panels thereon.
In one embodiment, the engaging portions of the two clips may be
about three-quarter inch to about one and a half inches apart, and
repeat every 8, 9, or 10 inches along the siding attachment strip
100, for example. Other spacings may be used, according to the type
and size of siding panel desired to be attached to a building
structure.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows various cross-sectional shapes of the body 101
of the siding attachment strip 100. The siding attachment strip 100
may include hems, flanges, and/or ribs in order to provide rigidity
and strength. The body of the siding strip 100 is preferably
U-shaped in cross-section including a front face 105 and two side
portions 106, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0047] The siding attachment strip 100 is preferably made of a
sheet material such as aluminum or steel sheet metal, for example,
but also may be made of vinyl, fiberglass, etc. In one embodiment,
the siding attachment strip 100 is formed of a 22 gauge sheet
metal. In addition, the siding attachment strip 100 may include a
weather-protecting coating, such as a galvanized sheet metal, for
example. The siding attachment strip 100 may further include one or
more lateral scoring marks 152 (optional) that may be used by an
installer to snap or break off the siding attachment strip 100 at
predetermined locations.
[0048] Each siding top edge clip 112 is configured to engage a top
edge region of a siding panel (see FIG. 5). The siding top edge
clip 112 may be punched out of the body 101 of the siding
attachment strip 100 and therefore formed of the material of the
body 101 such that the strip can be formed as an integral one-piece
unit. Alternatively, the siding top edge clip 112 may snap onto the
body 101, or the siding top edge clip 112 may be partially punched
out, and a non-punched connecting portion may retain the siding top
edge clip 112 to the elongate body of the siding attachment strip
100.
[0049] The illustrated siding top edge clip 112 includes a
generally flat planar member or flap with a plurality of prongs 114
extending therefrom. Each prong 114 has a length and preferably
includes a substantially right-angled bend in a middle region of
the prong 114, as shown. The prongs 114 of the top edge clip 112
are preferably formed by cutting slots into one edge of the flap
and bending the prongs out of the plane of the flap.
[0050] FIG. 3 is an end view of a siding top edge clip 112. The
prongs 114 may include tapered portions 115 that aid in passing the
prongs through a prong slot 117.
[0051] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the siding top edge clip
112 is formed of a bendable material and may be deformed with
respect to the body of the siding attachment strip 100 (i.e., the
siding top edge clip 112 may be deformed or pressed toward the
siding attachment strip 100 when engaging a siding panel).
Alternatively, if the siding attachment strip 100 is formed of a
resilient material, the siding top edge clip 112 may return to a
normal position with the prongs 114 received in and extending
through the prong slot 117. Therefore, during installation of a
siding panel, the resilient siding top edge clip 112 may be pulled
upward and outward, momentarily displacing the siding top edge clip
112 and allowing a siding panel to be slipped underneath.
[0052] In an alternate embodiment, the siding top edge clip 112 may
be fastened to the siding attachment strip 100 by one or more
spot-welds, by adhesive, or by a fastener such as a nail, screw,
rivet, or snap-in fastener attachment that engages a hole (not
shown) in the siding attachment strip 100. In one embodiment, the
top edge clip 112 may rotate on the siding attachment strip
100.
[0053] FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment wherein the body 101 of
the siding attachment strip 100 includes one or more top edge clip
slots 134. The one or more top edge clip slots 134 may be formed in
the side portions 106, as shown, or may be formed in the front face
105. The siding top edge clip 112 may include one or more
corresponding Z-bend projections (not shown) that pass through one
or more top edge clip slots 134 in the siding attachment strip
100.
[0054] Referring again to FIG. 1, the siding fold clip 140 is
formed to achieve a rounded and substantially right-angled bend,
and engages a correspondingly shaped siding fold 506 in a siding
panel 502 (see also FIG. 5, discussed below). The siding fold clip
140 includes a curved lip edge 145 that curves away from the body
101 of the siding attachment strip 100 and eases entry of the
siding fold clip 140 into a siding fold 506 of a siding panel. Like
the siding top edge clip 112, the siding fold clip 140 may be also
punched out of and formed of the material of the siding attachment
strip 100. The siding fold clip 140 may be partially punched out,
and a non-punched connecting portion may retain the siding fold
clip 140 to the elongate body of the siding attachment strip
100.
[0055] The plurality of mounting holes 108 pass through the siding
attachment strip 100 and may be used to mount the siding attachment
strip 100 to a building structure (not shown). The plurality of
mounting holes 108 may receive a nail, screw, rivet, staple, bolt,
or other fastener that may be used to attach the siding attachment
strip 100 to the building structure. The plurality of mounting
holes 108 may be countersunk or otherwise recessed, and may even be
threaded for receiving any manner of threaded fastener.
Alternately, fasteners can be formed as part of the strip.
[0056] In use, a plurality of siding attachment strips 100 may be
mounted to a plurality of studs, to an underlying sheeting, or to
other support members of the building structure. The siding
attachment strips 100 are preferably mounted in a substantially
vertical orientation, but can also be oriented horizontally. When
the plurality of siding attachment strips 100 are mounted so as to
be substantially parallel and level, a plurality of siding panels
may then be installed without concern for leveling and aligning
each individual siding panel.
[0057] FIG. 5 shows the siding attachment strip 100 in use.
Attachment strip 100 is preferably placed against the building
structure with the side portions 106 facing toward the structure so
that the front face 105 is spaced away from the building structure
so as to define a space there between for receiving the prongs 114
of the siding top edge clips 112. A siding panel 502 is placed
against the siding attachment strip 100. The siding fold clip 140
snaps into and engages the siding fold 506 of the siding panel 502.
The siding fold clip 140 holds the siding panel 502 from moving
vertically or horizontally with respect to the siding attachment
strip 100 (i.e., it substantially prevents the siding panel 502
from moving toward or away from the siding attachment strip 100).
The siding fold clip 140 does not, however, restrain the siding
panel 502 from moving in a lengthwise fashion, as the siding top
edge clip 112 performs this function.
[0058] As a second part of installing the siding panel 502, the
siding top edge clip 112 may be bent down with respect to the
siding attachment strip 100. As a result, one or more of the prongs
114 will pass through one or more nailing slots 508 in the siding
panel 502 and will preferably protrude through the underlying prong
slot 117 into the space defined between the front face and the
building structure. Preferably, a single prong 114 is forced
through the nailing slot 508 at approximately the center of the
nailing slot 508. By only forcing one prong 114 through the center
of the nailing slot 508, there is sufficient remaining clearance in
the nailing slot 508 for the siding panel 502 to contract and
expand. However, more than one prong can be forced through a slot
(see FIG. 6 below and the accompanying discussion).
[0059] As is typical in siding installation, a series of siding
panels 502 are assembled starting from the bottom of the building
structure. Therefore, another pair of clips 112 and 140 may exist
above the pair shown, and a bottom edge of a next siding panel will
fit under and engage the siding fold 506, as is commonly done in
siding installation (see FIG. 9).
[0060] FIG. 6 shows how the prongs 114 of the siding top edge clips
112 advantageously pass through nailing slots 508 of the siding
panel 502. Clip A is a first siding top edge clip 112 that through
coincidence happens to be centered in a nailing slot 508. In
contrast, clip B does not fall completely within a nailing slot
508. This is not a problem, however, as at least one prong 114 of
clip B still falls within a nailing slot 508 and furthermore falls
within a center region of the nailing slot 508.
[0061] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an insulation sheet 700
according to one embodiment of the invention. The insulation sheet
700 has a thickness, an outward side, and a wall side (not shown).
The insulation sheet 700 may be made of any suitable home
insulating material including, e.g., foam, STYROFOAM, fiber board,
particle board, gypsum board, etc. The insulation sheet 700
includes a plurality of horizontally spaced, substantially vertical
channels 704 and may optionally include a plurality of
substantially horizontal contours 707 formed between the channels.
The optional contours 707 are preferably shaped to match the
contours of a standard siding panel 502 (see FIG. 9).
[0062] The plurality of vertical channels 704 are preferably
configured to receive the siding attachment strips 100 according to
the invention. The vertical channels 704 include half-width
channels 704a at the edges, where two insulation sheets 700 may
mate. The plurality of vertical channels 704 are preferably
rectangular in shape but may be other shapes as desired. The
vertical channels 704 are spaced at industry standard stud spacing
dimensions such as, for example, 12 inches on center, 16 inches on
center, 18 inches on center, 24 inches on center, etc. The channels
704 allow the siding attachment strips 100 to be flush with the
siding face. Furthermore, the channels 704 may allow the siding
attachment strips 100 to be recessed into the insulation sheet 700
and not interfere with or displace installed siding panels 502. In
addition, the side portions 106 of a siding attachment strip 100
may be forced into the back surface of the vertical channels 704,
at least partially embedding the siding attachment strip 100 into
the insulation sheet 700.
[0063] FIG. 8 is a front view of an insulation sheet 800 according
to another embodiment of the invention. The insulation sheet 800
includes a plurality of tabs 804 on a first edge of the insulation
sheet 800 and a plurality of slots 808 on an opposite second edge.
The two parts may interlock when two insulation sheets 800 are
brought into abutment.
[0064] In an additional feature, the insulation sheet 800 may
include a plurality of lines 823 that are formed on the siding face
of the insulation sheet 800. The lines 823 may be printed,
embossed, or impressed onto the insulation sheet 800. The lines 823
may be horizontally or vertically arranged, or both. The lines 823
may be used by an installer to visually align the insulation sheet
800 during installation. Furthermore, the installer may use the
lines to visually align siding attachment strips 100 and siding
panels 502, which may be installed over the insulation sheet
800.
[0065] It should be understood that an insulation sheet 700 or 800
according to the invention may incorporate various combinations of
channels 704, contours 707, tabs 804 and slots 808, and lines
823.
[0066] In another additional feature, the insulation sheet 700 or
800 may be a fan-fold type of sheet that can be unfolded before
installation into an insulation sheet of multiple panels and of a
larger area dimension.
[0067] FIG. 9 is a section or side view of the insulation sheet
700, showing how the horizontal contours 707 substantially match a
contour of a standard siding panel 502. When a siding panel 502 is
installed onto the insulation sheet 700, there is substantially no
space between the inner surface of the siding panel 502 and the
insulation sheet 700 (the channels 704 are not shown in this figure
for the purpose of clarity).
[0068] It can be appreciated from this figure that the contoured
insulation sheet 700 according to the invention provides several
benefits. It eliminates a hollow space between the inner surface of
the siding and the insulation, therefore increasing an insulation
rating of an installed insulation/siding combination. The contoured
insulation sheet 700 prevents the siding from rattling and
vibrating due to wind, or at least reduces the likelihood and level
of siding movement. The contoured insulation sheet 700 also
eliminates open space in which insects, leaves, or other dirt may
accumulate.
[0069] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a siding starter strip 1000
according to one embodiment of the invention. The starter strip
includes a flange 1007, a siding fold 1006, a back wall 1009, and
an insulation sheet channel 1014. The siding starter strip 1000 is
a first component installed onto two or more siding attachment
strips 100 during a siding installation process. The siding starter
strip 1000 therefore is a bottom-most component, and preferably
rests on or contacts a foundation or sill of the building
structure.
[0070] When installed, the starter strip 1000 engages and locks
onto the bottom-most pair of clips at the bottom of the siding
attachment strips 100 (i.e., a siding top edge clip 112 and a
siding fold clip 140). The flange 1007 includes a plurality of
nailing slots 1008 that receive the siding top edge clip 112. In
addition, the siding fold 1006 receives the siding fold clip 140 of
the siding attachment strip 100. Furthermore, the insulation sheet
channel 1014 receives a bottom edge of an insulation sheet 700 (or
any type of insulation sheet).
[0071] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a siding starter strip 1100
according to another embodiment of the invention. As before, the
siding starter strip 1100 is a first component installed onto two
or more siding attachment strips 100 during a siding installation
process. In this embodiment, in addition to the flange 1107 and
nailing slot 1108, the siding fold 1106, and the back wall 1109,
the siding starter strip 1100 includes a foundation cap 1117 and an
angled lip 1122 on the foundation cap 1117.
[0072] As in the first embodiment, the siding fold clip 140 engages
the siding fold 1106 and an insulation sheet fits into the
insulation sheet channel 1114. The foundation cap 1117 may cover a
wooden sill at the bottom of the first row of vinyl siding. The
angled lip 1122 ensures that the foundation cap 1117 contacts the
foundation or sill. The foundation cap 1117 and the angled lip 1122
have the ability to flex to accommodate different distances between
the siding starter strip 1100 and the foundation.
[0073] FIG. 12 is a section view of an upper wall, an eve, and a
roof of a building structure, including a siding/soffit corner
piece 1240 according to one embodiment of the invention and a facia
board cover 1205 according to another embodiment of the invention.
The siding/soffit corner piece 1240 and the facia board cover 1205
are designed to be used for a roof overhang, where the building
structure includes at least a wall 1201, an insulation sheet 1202,
a facia board 1292, and a roof 1291.
[0074] The facia board cover 1205 extends over the facia board 1292
and may cover it with a finished external surface, such as a vinyl
surface that may match a siding used on the building structure. The
facia board cover 1205 includes a soffit channel 1208 that receives
and holds one end of a soffit panel 1298. The facia board cover
1205 further includes a plurality of soffit clips 1280 that are
spaced along the length of the facia board cover 1205 and that
retain a plurality of soffit panels 1298. The soffit clips 1280 are
identical to the soffit clips 1280 of the siding/soffit corner
piece 1240 (see FIG. 14 and the accompanying discussion). The facia
board cover 1205 further includes a roof flashing portion 1212 that
extends upward over a portion of the roof 1291. Roofing may be
installed over the roof flashing portion 1212, or the roof flashing
portion 1212 may alternatively be inserted underneath an existing
roofing material. The roof flashing portion 1212 further includes a
fold 1209 that allows the roof flashing portion 1212 to be bent and
adjusted as desired to fit the slope of the roof 1291. The facia
board cover 1205 may be attached to the facia board 1292 by
fasteners (not shown) that pass through one or more mounting holes
1216.
[0075] FIG. 13 shows detail of the siding/soffit corner piece 1240
in a profile view. The siding/soffit corner piece 1240 includes a
top portion 1244, a soffit panel channel 1248, an insulation sheet
channel 1252, a soffit panel support portion 1259, a siding channel
1263, and a siding retaining lip 1265. The siding/soffit corner
piece 1240 may further include one or more mounting holes 1246.
[0076] FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side view of the siding/soffit
corner piece 1240, illustrating the plurality of soffit clips 1280.
The soffit clips 1280 extend from the top surface 1244 and are
spaced to correspond to a size of a standard soffit panel 1298 (See
FIG. 12). The soffit clips 1280 may therefore engage a soffit panel
fold similar to the siding fold 506 of a siding panel 502.
[0077] In use, the siding/soffit corner piece 1240 may be mounted
to the wall 1201 (see FIG. 12) using the one or more mounting holes
1246 and a suitable fastener, such as nails, screws, etc. An end of
the soffit panel 1298 may be fitted into the soffit panel channel
1248 (see FIG. 12). A top end of an insulation sheet 700 or 800 may
be fitted into the insulation sheet channel 1252. A siding panel
502 may be fitted into the siding channel 1263, wherein a top edge
of the siding panel 502 is forced under and retained by the siding
retaining lip 1265. In this manner, the top-most panel of a
plurality of siding panels 502 is securely retained. This is
beneficially achieved without need for nailing in a corner between
the junction of the siding and the soffit panel 1298. Furthermore,
the siding/soffit corner piece 1240 according to the invention
presents a finished exterior appearance, and with no visible
fastener.
[0078] A corresponding method of providing a siding mounting system
includes providing a siding attachment strip 100 adapted to be
attached to a building structure. The method further includes
forming a plurality of siding top edge clips 112 on the siding
attachment strip 100, with a siding top edge clip 112 being spaced
to engage one or more nailing slots 508 along a top edge of a
siding panel 502. The method further includes forming one or more
mounting holes 108 on the siding attachment strip 100. The one or
more mounting holes 108 may optionally be recessed into the siding
attachment strip 100. The method further includes forming a
plurality of siding fold clips 140 on the siding attachment strip
100, with a siding fold clip 140 being spaced below a corresponding
siding top edge clip 112 and spaced to engage a siding panel fold
502. The plurality of top edge clips 112 and the plurality of
siding fold clips 140 may be stamped or punched out of the siding
attachment strip 100. In addition, the method may include forming a
siding attachment strip 100 of a sheet material formed into a
U-shaped channel, and it optionally may include a hem on the side
portions 106 thereof.
[0079] FIGS. 15A, 15B-17 show another preferred embodiment of a
siding attachment strip 1501 according to the invention. In this
embodiment, each siding top edge clip 1503 is provided with five
fingers 1503a. The provision of five fingers enables the siding top
edge clip to compensate for all variations in siding panel
horizontal nail slot widths. Additionally, each finger has rounded
edges 1503b, which allows easier clip-on attachment to siding
panels. The center screw hole 1509 is provided with a chamfer 1510
so that the attachment screw for attaching the siding strip 1501 to
a wall stud may be recessed into the strip, thereby avoiding the
possibility of catching on a siding panel. The top edge clip 1503
includes a half-round gusset 1503d (see also FIG. 17), which
provides extra strength against breakage of the top edge clip when
it is bent downward to engage the nail slot of a siding panel.
Siding fold clip 1505 is also provided with gussets 1601 (see also
FIG. 16), which provide added strength to the bending resistance of
the siding fold clip.
[0080] Additional features include a PVC coating 1510 applied to
the strips 1501, which acts as a vinyl thermal barrier to reduce
condensation that would be caused by contact of the back of the
vinyl siding panel with a metal strip. This will eliminate or
reduce the accumulation of debris on the siding panels along
locations over the attachment strips caused by increased
condensation on the siding panels at those locations due to contact
with metal. Alternatively, the strip 1501 may be manufactured from
fiberglass material, wherein the clips 1503 and 1505 are made of
PVC or metal material, and snap onto the fiberglass strip.
[0081] FIG. 18 shows an alternate embodiment of a foam insulation
sheet 1800, containing additional channels 1802 in addition to the
main channels 1801 that receive siding attachment strips. The
additional channels 1802 function as ventilation channels that
allow moisture under the siding attachment strips to escape through
ventilation slots provided a trim adaptor (discussed below) and
ventilation slots provided in the starter strip (see FIG. 10).
[0082] FIG. 19 shows a trim adaptor 1900 according to another
embodiment of the invention, for allowing installation of a top
siding panel at the top of a wall. The trim adaptor 1900 includes a
number of nailing slots 1904 and ventilation slots 1902, which also
can be used as nailing or screw slots for securing the trim adaptor
to a soffit. A channel 1906 accepts a utility trim piece, which in
turn attaches the top siding panel by a snap-on attachment. As
shown in FIGS. 25A-25C, the trim adaptor 1900 is mounted over the
top of a siding attachment strip 1501. The siding attachment strip
is provided with a cutout 2501 that receives a projecting end 2502
of the trim adaptor to secure the trim adaptor to the top of the
siding attachment strip. Additionally, the trim adaptor 1900 may be
used to install a J-channel piece around windows and doors. It also
can be used to install vinyl siding corner posts, and building out
the corner posts, top panel and J-channel around windows and doors,
and up gables and peaks. The upwardly extending leg of the channel
1906 also is used as an additional locking point for the top siding
panel. By simply reversing the crimp in the siding panel, the crimp
may be inserted into the channel formed by the extending leg, to
provide a second locking point in addition to the conventional
locking point with the utility trim piece.
[0083] FIGS. 20-23 illustrate a combination utility trim/J-channel
adaptor and soffit return channel adaptor 2001 according to another
embodiment of the invention. The combination adaptor is used for
installing utility trim pieces 2100 similar to the adaptor 1900
(see FIGS. 21 and 22), and in addition has a soffit return channel
2003 that receives soffit overhang pieces 2300 (see FIG. 23). A
number of stops 2005 are provided in the channel 1906 to
accommodate different widths of utility trim pieces and J-channel
pieces.
[0084] FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of the invention that provides
ventilation between a roof overhang and a soffit panel. A spacer
channel 2400 is formed between a vinyl soffit panel 2404 and a roof
overhang 2406, through the use of foam pieces 2402 that are mounted
to the roof overhang with screws or nails, in conjunction with a
wood block 2408 attached to the exterior wall. The wood blocks 2408
also can be used to attach siding attachment strips to open-end
tail rafters, without the need to install furring strips.
[0085] FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate another preferred embodiment of
a starter strip 2601 having score lines 2602 that allow the length
of the bottom piece of the starter strip to be adjusted for
different spacings between the foundation wall of a building and
the main level exterior wall. Additionally a flex area 2604 is
provided that allows the end of the starter strip to flex downward
against the foundation wall.
[0086] FIG. 27 shows another preferred embodiment of a siding clip
according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a clip 2702
is provided in place of the clip 112 (see FIG. 1). Clip 2702 snaps
into the finger slot 117, and has a finger 2704 that engages a nail
slot 508 of a siding panel 502 from the rear of the siding panel,
and comes up through the nailing slot. The snap-on clip 2702 will
move side-to-side with the siding panel, to thereby enable the
siding panels to have lateral movement for proper alignment.
[0087] FIG. 28 shows an embodiment of a fascia board adaptor 2800,
which allows a fascia board piece 2802 to be snapped-on to a roof
overhang 2804, without the need for any fasteners.
[0088] The devices and method described above are particularly
applicable to wood frame dwelling structures but may be used for
any building structure using vinyl, steel, wood, fiber cement,
fiberglass, or any other type of siding. The invention differs from
the prior art in that prior art siding installation is typically
done by a single nail through a slot in the top of the siding, with
one nail being used per stud. Therefore, the installer must have
some skill in alignment and nailing and must pay attention to
maintaining a proper alignment for each siding panel that is
installed. In addition, in the prior art insulation has been
provided in flat sheets that leaves hollow regions under the
siding. The prior art insulation sheet results in a lower level of
insulation, a place for dirt and insects to accumulate, and may
allow more room for the siding to rattle or vibrate against the
building structure.
[0089] The invention provides several benefits. The siding
attachment strip 100 provides snap-on installation of siding panels
502. The siding attachment strips 100 are easier to install for
non-experienced siding installers. The siding attachment strips 100
according to the invention advantageously may accommodate standard
siding panels. In addition, when the insulation sheet 700 or 800
and the siding attachment strip 100 are used in conjunction, the
installer does not need to find the stud below the insulation sheet
700 in order to drive a nail (in the prior art, the installer might
miss the stud and therefore damage the insulation sheet). The
siding attachment strips 100 allow lateral expansion and
contraction of the siding, wherein the prongs 114 are engaged in
the nailing slots 508 and may allow the siding panel 502 to expand
and contract due to temperature. Moreover, the siding attachment
strips 100 ensure alignment of siding panels 502. When the siding
attachment strips 100 are installed and aligned, the installation
of the siding panels 502 may be done without concern for alignment
and leveling, as is necessary in siding installation in the prior
art. In addition, no special tools are needed for siding
installation. The siding panels quickly and easily snap into the
pairs of clips. The siding attachment strip 100 according to the
invention virtually ends improper nailing of the siding by guiding
the siding installer and ensuring that the proper spacing is
maintained between siding panels 502.
[0090] While the invention has been described in detail above, the
invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments
as described. It is evident that those skilled in the art may now
make numerous uses and modifications of and departures from the
specific embodiments described herein without departing from the
inventive concepts.
* * * * *