U.S. patent application number 12/018416 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-08 for building exterior panels and method.
Invention is credited to Lief Eric Swanson.
Application Number | 20090007516 12/018416 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40220361 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090007516 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Swanson; Lief Eric |
January 8, 2009 |
BUILDING EXTERIOR PANELS AND METHOD
Abstract
Exterior building siding for aesthetic and protection of the
building against wind, rain and solar energy that includes
attaching each horizontal plank from the top of the wall downwardly
that includes a starting strip where each plank is interlocked to
the plank above it. Each of the horizontal planks includes a top
wall portion that fits snuggly into an "L-shaped" groove above it
so that the panels can be firmly locked together vertically in a
downwardly fashion to prevent any wind uplift against the siding or
moisture intrusion.
Inventors: |
Swanson; Lief Eric; (Vero
Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MALIN HALEY AND DIMAGGIO, PA
1936 S ANDREWS AVENUE
FORT LAUDERDALE
FL
33316
US
|
Family ID: |
40220361 |
Appl. No.: |
12/018416 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11774247 |
Jul 6, 2007 |
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12018416 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/524 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 1/2956 20190801;
E04D 2001/3473 20130101; E04D 1/2918 20190801; E04D 1/34 20130101;
E04D 1/12 20130101; E04D 2001/3423 20130101; E04D 2001/3458
20130101; E04F 13/0864 20130101; E04D 2001/3467 20130101; E04D
2001/3494 20130101; E04D 13/158 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/524 |
International
Class: |
E04F 13/08 20060101
E04F013/08 |
Claims
1. A building envelope component for protecting the exterior of a
building from the elements comprising: a plank including an
elongated body having a front surface and a flat back surface; said
plank having a top edge and a bottom edge; said plank top edge
having a male connector including a raised projection of a
predetermined height and thickness that includes a portion of said
plank front surface; said top edge including an L-shaped recess
formed between said male connector and said flat back surface; said
plank bottom edge including a back wall male projection, a front
wall raised projection and a recessed channel formed between said
back wall male projection and said front wall projection; said
plank bottom edge back wall male projection extending below said
plank bottom edge front wall projection a sufficient distance to
provide a bottom area projecting along said plank beyond said
bottom edge front wall projection to receive one or more fasteners
for connecting said plank to a building exterior surface; and said
top edge male projection sized to fit snuggly into the bottom edge
recessed channel of a corresponding plank having the same top edge
and bottom edge configuration for trapping and locking a lower
plank to an upper plank.
2. A building siding having a plurality of vertically trapped and
locked planks fastened to the exterior of a building to protect the
building from the elements, each plank comprising: an elongated
plank body having a front surface and a flat back surface for
engagement to the exterior of a building; said plank body having a
top edge that includes a male projection formed with a portion of
said plank body front surface along the plank body length; said
plank body top edge including an L-shaped lip formed above said
plank body back surface; said plank body having a bottom edge
having a central recess formed between said plank body front
surface and said rear surface, said bottom plank body edge recess
configuration being sized and shaped to trap and lock a lower plank
having the same top edge configuration receiving said top edge male
projection in a snug fit into said bottom edge recess of an
adjoining plank; and said plank bottom edge having a plank bottom
edge back wall projection that extends beyond the plank body edge
front wall projection a sufficient distance to provide a back wall
area for receiving one or more fasteners to fasten the plank to a
building exterior.
3. Building exterior assembly for protecting the exterior of a
building from the elements having a plurality of plank-shaped
similarly configured building components, said components to be
installed in a configuration trapped and locked to each other
vertically on a building exterior from the top down, each component
comprising: a first plait having a top edge and a bottom edge and a
front face and a back face; a male locking member protruding from
the plank top edge; said bottom edge having a trapping recess for
receiving, trapping and locking the plank top edge male locking
member of a lower positioned similarly configured plank to be
trapped and locked to said upper plank; and said first bottom edge
protruding along the plank back side extending sufficiently below
the plank bottom front surface edge and sized in area to permit the
receipt of one or more fasteners for fastening said plank to the
exterior of a building.
4. A building envelope component as in claim 1, whereby the plank
front surface is beveled.
5. A building envelope component as in claim 1, including an
elongated starter strip substantially rectangular in shape and
having generally a J-shaped body in cross section and including an
inverted recess sized to receive the plank top edge male connector
snuggly formed by the J-shaped section, said body having a flat
back wall for attachment to a building exterior wall.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to a building protective
and aesthetic siding that is used to cover the exterior of a
building and, specifically, to a building siding that includes
horizontal planks that are interlocked together on top and bottom
and that are installed from the top of a building wall in a
downward direction.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Many buildings, residential dwellings and office buildings,
use building siding on the exterior of the building for protecting
the building from the elements and for aesthetic purposes. Typical
building siding is constructed of a plurality of elongated,
horizontal panels, planks, or strips that are typically overlapped
from the wall bottom upwardly, with each next piece added that
overlaps the piece below it. Such overlapping panels are used to
protect the building from rain, solar and wind damage. The siding
used on many residential and commercial buildings for the exterior
is typically made of wooden planks that are overlapped, typically
from the wall bottom upwardly. Plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
and aluminum sheets have also been used. Many of these materials
are also sloped to aesthetically look like wood planks that are
overlapped, one on top of the other giving each plank a slight
incline instead of a substantially flat surface.
[0005] One of the problems with conventional siding that is
constructed with panels or planks from the wall bottom up, i.e.
each horizontal plank being covered by one on top of it, is that
high winds can lift a plank reducing the siding durability.
[0006] The siding described herein adds durability and protection
from wind and rain because the siding planks are placed on the
building from the top down. Each of the individual horizontal
planks are more securely held in place because of the top and
bottom interlock connections.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Exterior building siding which may be constructed of several
types of materials including aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
wood, steel, concrete, hard foam or other synthetic materials
having essentially two components which include: (1) a top starting
strip that is affixed to the building at a selected upper beginning
point of a building wall or structure and (2) a plurality of planks
of the same or variable lengths that are affixed to the starting
strip and to the building itself, usually to vertical studs forming
the building exterior wall.
[0008] The starting strip is the uppermost horizontal strip and has
an inverted "J-shaped" cross section. The strip body inverted
"J-shaped" cross sectional configuration provides for a
substantially upside down deep recess or groove that is disposed
vertically and is tapered to receive the upper "L-shaped" lip
portion of the first horizontal mounting plank. The starting strip
may have a plurality of small circular recessed dimples that
provide visual alignment for fasteners such as screws, nails or
staples to be driven through the strip in such a manner that the
head of the screw or nail is flush or countersunk below the level
of the exterior surface. The strip can also be attached by glue.
After the top starting strip has been fastened to the selected
upper position on the building exterior wall, the horizontal siding
planks are attached sequentially downwardly from the starting
strip. The planks may be rectangular in shape of the same or
different lengths that can be cut to make each horizontal row equal
to the building wall width. Each plank has a cross section that
includes a top tapered "L-shaped" area that is upright and a bottom
"J-shaped" area that is inverted forming a groove. In one
embodiment, the upper length of the "L-shaped" area leg of each
plank is longer that the bottom portion of the "J-shaped" leg as
described below.
[0009] The planks used in the siding are joined and interlocked
vertically on top and bottom in horizontal rows, and are arranged
in end to end abutments. The planks can be manufactured in various
dimensions in terms of width or height and thickness and can be of
different lengths depending on the nature of the building to be
covered with siding. Each plank can be cut in length and width to
fit any wall size.
[0010] The starting strip inverted "J-shaped" cross section area
has a continuous groove from end to end that may be tapered and is
sized to snuggly fit with the upper "L-shaped" projection of the
top edge of the siding plank. Thus, when the first plank is
inserted snuggly into the starting strip. There is a tight fit
between both the starting strip groove and the first plank
projection.
[0011] At the bottom of the every plank, there is an inverted
"J-shaped" area with a groove similar to the groove inverted
"J-shaped" groove in the starting strip. This plank lower groove is
interlocked with the top edge of the next horizontal plank added
downwardly.
[0012] The starting strip and each plank are attached to the
building exterior wall surface or studs by nails, screws, staples
or glue. The heads of the nail and screw fasteners may be
countersunk in preformed recessed areas. Assembly of an exterior
wall of siding begins with the attachment of the starting strip at
a location that denotes the horizontal tipper starting line of the
siding. The starting strip is nailed, screwed, stapled or glued to
the building horizontally.
[0013] A first series of planks are horizontally pushed into firm
engagement in the starting strip groove and each plank is nailed,
screwed, stapled or glued into place along the bottom area of each
plank forming the first row of planks.
[0014] Each additional row of planks is engaged to the fastened
planks downwardly, one row at a time. The fasteners securing the
previous planks are covered by the next row of planks.
[0015] The planks forming the very bottom row may have to be cut
longitudinally for a perfect fit to reduce their height to conform
to the remaining space to be covered. These planks may be glued to
the building exterior wall or studs.
[0016] In one embodiment, the inside (back) surfaces of the
starting strip and all planks are flat and form a flat plane flush
with the building wall or studs.
[0017] In an alternate embodiment, the back wall surface of each
plank and the starting strip can include one or more vertical
recessed channels (curved or rectangular in shape) that form
vertical moisture or fluid conduits that allow drainage of moisture
that accumulates on the outside exterior surface of the building
but on the inside of the planks to dissipate moisture in the
vertical channels by gravity.
[0018] Also in an alternate embodiment, the plank end faces that
are placed side by side for each plank, instead of being flush,
could include a groove flange overlap such that the outer surface
edge of one plank overlaps the inner side edge of the adjacent
planks. Between each overlap structure a small vertical space can
be made as a moisture channel.
[0019] In a further alternate embodiment, the starting strip and
planks can be installed onto the roof of a building as well as the
soffits of a building. In this alternate embodiment, the starting
strip and planks are installed in the same top-down manner as
described when used for siding.
[0020] Using the present invention as described, it is noted how
secure each of the individual planks are, both at the top and at
the bottom, which greatly increases its durability against harsh
weather elements such as wind and rain for greater strength and
longer preservation.
[0021] It is an object of this invention to provide a building
exterior siding that is affixed from the top down with an interlock
cross sectional pattern between adjacent vertical panels to give
the siding more strength and durability in use.
[0022] It is another object of this invention to provide an
improved exterior panel that can be easily assembled and mounted on
the exterior of a building in a top down progression for increased
strength and durability of the siding.
[0023] In accordance with these and other objects which will become
apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described
with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a side elevational view of the top starter
strip.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a side elevational view of a typical horizontal
plank.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view partially cut away of the
exterior siding including the starting strip and two planks
installed on the exterior of a building.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows a side elevational view partially in cross
section of the building siding attached to a portion of a building
wall.
[0028] FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention in a
perspective view with two planks joined side by side.
[0029] FIG. 6 shows the alternate embodiment of FIG. 5 from a top
plan view.
[0030] FIG. 7A shows a side elevational view of an alternate
embodiment of the bottom starter strip.
[0031] FIG. 7B shows a side elevational view of the alternate
embodiment of the horizontal plank.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of two alternate
embodiments of the building siding installed.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Referring now to the drawings and, particularly, FIG. 1, the
starting strip 12 is shown in a side elevational view to illustrate
the "J-shaped" groove that is inverted 12b formed between the back
wall of the starting strip 12a and the front wall 12c. The starting
strip 12 also includes a plurality of dimples 12d that are circular
recessed portions sized approximately in diameter to equal to the
head of a nail or a screw. However, the dimples are not required.
This provides a visual indication to a construction worker as to
where to insert fasteners such as nails or screws that will be
countersunk when the starter strip is mounted to a vertical wall
stub 18 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0034] It is further contemplated that each starting strip 12 may
additionally have a plurality of shallow vertical grooves located
on the flat back wall. These grooves will extend from the top of
the flat back wall to the bottom of the flat back wall.
[0035] Referring flow to FIG. 2, the basic siding plank 14 is shown
that is used to complete the building siding. Each plank 14 is
mounted horizontally starting from the starting strip 12 as shown
in FIG. 3 downwardly in horizontal rows. The plank 14 has a flat
back wall 14d and all upper "L-shaped" wall 14a which is slightly
tapered and fits snuggly within the inverted "J-shaped" groove 12b
of the starting strip shown in FIG. 1. It is contemplated that the
structure 12 may have a "J-shape" with an interior non-parallel,
tapered "V-shaped" groove 12b to provide a tapered exterior
surface. The top "L-shaped" portion 14a also is sized to fit
snuggly in an adjacent horizontal plank into the inverted
"J-shaped" groove 14b as each horizontal plank is attached to the
plank above it in a downward pattern. The front surface of each
plank is flat but tapered to give the effect of overlapping boards
and to allow water run off.
[0036] It is further contemplated that each siding plank 14 may
additionally have a plurality of shallow vertical grooves located
on the side of the plank 14 which will share a planar relationship
with the flat back wall of the starting strip 12. These grooves
will extend from the top edge to the bottom edge of the plank
14.
[0037] Looking at FIG. 3, the starting strip is shown attached to a
vertical stud 18 which is the exterior wall stud for the building.
Also shown in FIG. 3 are two planks 14 connected to each other
vertically. The planks may have dimples 20 and 22 that are also
visual representations of where to place the appropriate fasteners
such as nails, screws, staples or glue when attaching each plank 14
to a vertical stud 18.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 4, the siding is shown with the
starting strip 12 mounted at the top of a representative wall stud
18 and is interlocked with the first horizontal row 14 plank with a
fastener 16 that has been attached to the starting strip 12 at the
top. Subsequently, the first horizontal plank 14 is fastened into
the inverted groove in starting strip 12 at the top and with a
fastener 16 at its bottom securely fastening the horizontal plait
to the starting strip and to the stud at its base. Thus, the
sequence repeats from the top down of inserting the next row of
horizontal planks and attaching them to the stud with fasteners
such as nails, screws, staples or glue. The fasteners at the base
of each plank are covered by the next plank inserted from below by
wall 14a.
[0039] Looking at FIGS. 3 and 4, one can easily see how strong and
tight the siding is mounted on the building exterior wall. It would
be difficult for the wind or rain to penetrate the siding in the
interlocking configuration as shown.
[0040] Looking at FIG. 4, the top starting strip 12 can also
include a decorative edge chime 12e if desired. Also, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4, the horizontal planks 14 have a front facade that is
visible after installation that includes a beveled or inclined
shape to achieve the lap style look. However, any other facade can
be utilized on the front exterior surface.
[0041] The back surfaces 12a and 14d arc flat. The siding planks 14
and starting strip 12 can be made in various widths and thicknesses
and lengths and from many different materials including mixed
fibers, wood, concrete, steel, aluminum, plastics, polymers, foam
or other blended or natural or man-made composite materials. The
siding can function not only as a protective outer layer on a
building protecting the building against wind, moisture, rain and
solar energy, but also acts as an insulation for heat or cold.
Overall, the siding provides greater uplift protection from
stronger than average wind and moisture intrusion that results in a
reduction of costly repairs and replacements to the building.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in an alternate embodiment 100,
two horizontal planks 140 are shown joined together along one edge,
side by side. Each plank 140 has one or more vertical shallow
channels formed in its back surface. The back surface channels can
be of any cross sectional shape and are shown as rectangular. The
channels are used to collect moisture that may accumulate on the
exterior surface of the wall of the building being covered by the
siding. As each horizontal plank row is attached to a vertical
plank row above, the vertical channels 140a can be aligned
vertically so that the plank moisture channels from the top of the
wall to the bottom of the wall are aligned. The starting strip
channels can also be vertically aligned. Condensate and moisture
will be drained downwardly by gravity.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, the plank back surface channels 140a are
shallow and rectangular grooves but could be any design or shape.
Also note that in an alternate embodiment, the planks 140 can be
overlapped from side to side such that one plank has all extended
lip 140c along one edge which is sized to engage a comparable
recess 140b in the adjacent panel along each side. Thus, the panels
can be overlapped laterally for moisture prevention. Note that a
small channel can be disposed along the edge that shows the overlap
140c and 140b that itself could be a moisture barrier along the
inside back surface between the planks 140.
Alternate Embodiment
[0044] As an alternative embodiment, referring now to FIG. 7A, the
starting strip 200 is shown in a side elevational view to
illustrate the "J-shaped" groove 200b formed between the back wall
of the starting strip 200a and the front wall 200c. In this
embodiment the starting strip 200 is installed at the bottom area
of the wall to be covered. Subsequent panels 210 are then attached
in an upward direction. The top plank can be attached and cut
longitudinally to fit the top most row. Flashing or a sealant may
be used to seal the top plank. The starting strip 200 also includes
a plurality of dimples 200d that are circular recessed portions
sized approximately in diameter to equal to the head of a nail or a
screw. However, the dimples are not required. This provides a
visual indication to a construction worker as to where to insert
fasteners such as nails or screws that will be countersunk when the
starter strip 200 is mounted to a vertical wall stub.
[0045] Each starting strip 200 may additionally have a plurality of
shallow vertical grooves located on the flat back wall. These
grooves will extend from the bottom of the flat back wall to the
top of the flat back wall.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 7B, the basic siding plait 210 is
shown that is used to complete the building siding from the bottom
of the wall upwardly. Each plank 210 is mounted horizontally
starting from the starting strip 200 as shown in FIG. 7A upwardly
in horizontal rows. The plank 210 has a flat back wall 210d and an
lower inverted "J-shaped" wall 210a and groove 210e which fit
snuggly within the "J-shaped" groove 200b of the starting strip
shown in FIG. 7A. The back wall 200a of the starter strip 200 fits
into the inverted "J-shaped" groove 210a of the plank 210. The
front wall 200c of the starter strip 200 fits into the second
groove 210e of the plank 210. The top "L-shaped" portion 210b of
the plank 210 is sized to fit snuggly in an adjacent horizontal
plank into the inverted "J-shaped" groove 210a, and second groove
210 has each horizontal plank is attached to the plank above it in
an upwardly pattern. The front surface 210c of each plank is flat
but tapered to give the effect of overlapping boards and to allow
water num off.
[0047] Each siding plank 210 may additionally have a plurality of
shallow vertical grooves located on the side of the plank 210 which
will share a planar relationship with the flat back wall of the
starting strip 200. These grooves will extend from the top edge to
the bottom edge of the plank 210.
Alternate Embodiment
[0048] As an alternative embodiment, referring now to FIG. 8, the
starting strip and horizontal planks 220 can also be used as
soffits 230 or as roofing material 240. In both usages, the
starting strip 220a as well as the horizontal planks 220b will be
mounted in similar fashion to the procedure for the building siding
220. A starting strip will be mounted first. For the roofing
material 240, the starting strip will be mounted near the top of
the roof and the horizontal planks will be subsequently mounted
below and downwardly. For the soffits 230, the starting strip 230a
may be mounted on either side with the horizontal planks 230b
subsequently mounted thereafter.
[0049] The instant invention has been shown arid described herein
in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made
therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious
modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.
* * * * *