Exterior Trim System With Corner Trim Piece

Abstract

An exterior trim system is described. The exterior trim system comprises a pair of J-channel members for mounting to an exterior surface of a building. The exterior trim system includes a number of different corner trim pieces for securing to the J-channel members. The corner trim pieces include an outside corner trim piece, an inside corner trim piece, and a universal corner trim piece capable of being used for both outside and inside corners of a building. The corner trim pieces provide an aesthetically appealing appearance to the corners of the building.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/969,366, filed Aug. 31, 2007, the entire specification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an exterior trim system with corner trim pieces used in decorating exteriors of buildings. More specifically, the present invention relates to an exterior trim system comprising corner trim pieces, including those formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that are configured for concealing siding and providing an aesthetically pleasing finished appearance to an exterior of a building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Exterior trim pieces are well known in the art for finishing exteriors of buildings to provide an aesthetically pleasing finished appearance. Traditionally, wood has been used to form these trim pieces. One particular example of this is seen in older clapboard houses in which wood trim provides a finished appearance to wood clapboards. Unfortunately, wood is subject to degradation from insects, wind, rain, sun, and other environmental elements. PVC or "vinyl" siding was eventually developed as a substitute for wood. Vinyl siding was found to be durable and weather resistant. To compliment the use of vinyl siding, exterior trim pieces were also developed that were similarly durable and weather resistant. Often such pieces are used to finish inside and outside wall corners of a building that has been covered in vinyl siding. Examples of such trim pieces are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,174 to Fragale.

[0004] Fragale appears to disclose exterior trim pieces that are preferably formed of metal of about 0.013 gauge with a foam substrate laminated to the metal. The foam substrate provides insulation to the trim pieces. Each of the trim pieces has an integral J-channel that receives siding to conceal ends of the siding and provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to an exterior of a building. Installation of the trim pieces comprises simply applying an adhesive to the foam substrate and adhering the trim pieces to the exterior. An outer surface of the metal layer can be embossed with a wood grain, painted in any color, or striated with a colored PVC coating.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,222 to Wilson et al. appears to show similar exterior trim pieces to those of Fragale. The trim pieces of Wilson et al., however, can be formed of PVC with an inner support member adhered to the PVC for strengthening the trim pieces. These PVC trim pieces also include integral J-channels for receiving and concealing siding ends. The J-channels include flanges that abut the exterior of the building. Wilson et al. suggests using fasteners such as nails to secure the flanges to the exterior thereby securing the trim pieces to the building.

[0006] Accordingly, there exists a need for new and improved exterior trim systems, including those comprising corner trim pieces, that are configured for concealing siding and providing an aesthetically pleasing finished appearance to an exterior of a building, that overcome at least one of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

[0007] In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, there is provided an exterior trim system comprising corner trim pieces.

[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system comprises a pair of elongated J-channel members for receiving siding. Each of the J-channel members includes a hook-shaped lip. Each of the J-channel members is configured for mounting to an outer surface of a building adjacent to a corner of the building. By "corner," as that term is used herein, it is meant any location where two wall members, such as but not limited to exterior wall members) abut against, join to, or are in proximity to one another. Preferably, the J-channel members are mounted on opposite sides of the corner of the building. A corner trim piece is secured to the J-channel members. The corner trim piece includes a pair of complimentary interlocking lips for locking to the hook-shaped lips of the J-channel members thereby securing the corner trim piece to the J-channel members.

[0009] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, an exterior trim system for use on an exterior of a building is provided, comprising: (1) a channel member, wherein the channel member defines a J-channel operable to receive an end of a siding panel, wherein one end of the channel member includes a flange member operable to fasten the channel member to the exterior of the building, wherein a second end of the channel member includes a hook-shaped lip portion; and (2) a corner trim member, wherein the corner trim member includes an interlocking lip portion, wherein the interlocking lip portion at least partially envelopes and is secured to the hook-shaped lip portion of the channel member.

[0010] In accordance with a first alternative embodiment of the invention, an exterior trim system for use on an exterior of a building is provided, comprising: (1) a pair of channel members, wherein each of the channel members define a J-channel operable to receive an end of a siding panel, wherein one end of each of the channel members include a flange member operable to fasten the channel member to the exterior of the building, wherein a second end of each of the channel members include a hook-shaped lip portion; and (2) a corner trim member, wherein the corner trim member includes a pair of interlocking lip portions, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions at least partially envelop and are secured to each of the hook-shaped lip portions of the channel members.

[0011] In accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the invention, an exterior trim system for use on an exterior of a building is provided, comprising: (1) a unitary channel member, wherein the channel member defines a pair of J-channels each operable to receive an end of a siding panel, wherein a first end and a second end of the channel member each include a flange member operable to fasten the channel member to the exterior of the building, wherein a third end and a fourth end of the channel member each include a hook-shaped lip portion; and (2) a corner trim member, wherein the corner trim member includes a pair of interlocking lip portions, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions at least partially envelop and are secured to each of the hook-shaped lip portions of the channel member.

[0012] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purpose of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a building having a plurality of siding panels covering an exterior of the building with an outside corner trim piece of the present invention covering an outside corner of the building;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior trim system including the outside corner trim piece positioned at a generally square outside corner of the building;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior trim system including the outside corner trim piece positioned at a generally obtuse outside corner of the building;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the outside corner trim piece;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the outside corner trim piece;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the outside corner trim piece including one embodiment of dimensions in inches for the outside corner trim piece, which are exemplary and not to intended to limit the present invention

[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior trim system including a universal corner trim piece positioned at a generally square inside corner of the building;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior trim system including the universal corner trim piece positioned at a generally obtuse outside corner of the building;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior trim system including the universal corner trim piece positioned at a generally square outside corner of the building;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the universal corner trim piece;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the universal corner trim piece;

[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the universal corner trim piece including one embodiment of dimensions in inches for the universal corner trim piece, which are exemplary and not to intended to limit the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior trim system including an inside corner trim piece positioned at a generally square inside corner of the building;

[0027] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the inside corner trim piece;

[0028] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the inside corner trim piece; and

[0029] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the inside corner trim piece including one embodiment of dimensions in inches for the inside corner trim piece, which are exemplary and not to intended to limit the present invention.

[0030] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Referring to the Figures generally, a first exterior trim system secured to a building B is shown generally at 18 in FIGS. 1-3. The building B includes an exterior surface E onto which a plurality of PVC or vinyl siding panels S have been placed. Although the present invention will be described primarily in connection with the use of PVC or vinyl siding panels, it should be appreciated that the present invention can also be practiced with siding panels of various other compositions.

[0032] Referring specifically to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first exterior trim system 18 includes a pair of elongated J-channel members 20. Each of the J-channel members 20 includes a flange portion 22 defining a plurality of holes 24 vertically spaced from one another along the J-channel members 20 for securing the flange portion 22 to the exterior surface E of the building B, e.g., by using a fastener, such as a screw or nail (shown in phantom). Each of the J-channel members 20 further includes a base portion 26 extending from the flange portion 22 and a leg portion 28 extending from the base portion 26 to form a J-shaped channel 30 for receiving the siding panels S once the J-channel members 20 have been secured to the exterior surface E.

[0033] A hook-shaped lip 32 forms an edge of the leg portion 28 of the J-channel members 20. A turned end 34 of the hook-shaped lip 32 is generally oriented to face toward the base portion 26 thereby formed a generally U-shaped channel. In one embodiment, the flange portion 22 and the leg portion 28 are generally parallel to one another. The base portion 26 preferably forms an acute angle with the leg portion 28 and an obtuse angle with the flange portion 22. In other embodiments, however, the base portion 26 is perpendicular to both the leg portion 28 and the flange portion 22.

[0034] An outside corner trim piece 36 secures to each of the J-channel members 20 either before the J-channel members 20 have been mounted to the building B or after they have been mounted to the building B. The siding panels S are installed to fit inside the J-shaped channel 30. The outside corner trim piece 36 conceals the J-channel members 20 and provides an aesthetically appealing appearance to an outside corner of the building B. In FIG. 2, the first exterior trim system 18 is shown used for a generally square outside corner of the building B. In FIG. 3, the first exterior trim system 20 is shown used for a generally obtuse outside corner of the building B.

[0035] The outside corner trim piece 36 includes a pair of generally perpendicular sides 38, 40. Each of the sides 38, 40 includes an interlocking lip 42. The interlocking lip 42 includes a male end 44 having an additional turn relative to the hook-shaped lip 32. After installation, the interlocking lip 42 is disposed between the hook-shaped lip 32 and the siding panels S. At this point, the male end 44 fits into the U-shaped channel thereby interlocking the outside corner trim piece 36 and the J-channel members 20 together.

[0036] Referring specifically to FIGS. 4-6, there is shown one embodiment of the outside corner trim piece 36. In FIG. 6, exemplary dimensions are provided for the outside corner trim piece 36 in inches. However, these dimensions are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0037] Referring specifically to FIGS. 7-9, a second exterior trim system is shown generally at 50. The second exterior trim system 50 utilizes the same J-channel members 20 as the first exterior trim system 20.

[0038] A universal corner trim piece 56 secures to each of the J-channel members 20 either before or after the J-channel members 20 have been mounted to the building B. The siding panels S are installed to fit inside the J-shaped channel 30. The universal corner trim piece 56 conceals the J-channel members 20 and provides an aesthetically appealing appearance to either an outside corner or an inside corner of the building B. By having application in both outside and inside corners of the building B, the second exterior trim system 50 is considered a universal trim system. In FIG. 7, the second exterior trim system 50 is shown used for a generally square inside corner of the building B. In FIG. 8, the second exterior trim system 50 is shown used for a generally obtuse outside corner of the building B. In FIG. 9, the second exterior trim system 50 is shown used for a generally square outside corner of the building.

[0039] The universal corner trim piece 56 includes a base 57 and a pair of generally perpendicular sides 58, 60 extending from the base 57. The base 57 preferably forms a 45-degree angle with the sides 58, 60. Each of the sides 58, 60 includes an interlocking lip 62. The interlocking lip 62 includes a male end 64 having an additional turn relative to the hook-shaped lip 32 so that the male end 64 fits into the U-shaped channel thereby interlocking the universal corner trim piece 56 and the J-channel members 20 together.

[0040] Referring specifically to FIGS. 10-12, there is shown one embodiment of the universal corner trim piece 56. In FIG. 12, exemplary dimensions are provided for the universal corner trim piece 56 in inches. However, these dimensions are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0041] Referring specifically to FIG. 13, a third exterior trim system is shown generally at 70. In this embodiment, the third exterior trim system 70 is formed as a unitary member in that at least one surface of the base and/or leg portions are joined or formed together, as opposed to a pair of separate channel members. The third exterior trim system 70 utilizes the same J-channel members 20 as the first 18 and second 50 exterior trim systems.

[0042] An inside corner trim piece 76 secures to each of the J-channel members 20 either before or after the J-channel members 20 have been mounted to the building B. The siding panels S are installed to fit inside the J-shaped channel 30. The inside corner trim piece 76 conceals the J-channel members 20 and provides an aesthetically appealing appearance to an inside corner of the building B. In FIG. 13 the third exterior trim system 70 is shown used for a generally square inside corner of the building B.

[0043] The inside corner trim piece 76 includes a pair of generally perpendicular sides 78, 80. Each of the sides 78, 80 includes a interlocking lip 82. The interlocking lip 82 includes a male end 84 having an additional turn relative to the hook-shaped lip 32 so that the male end 84 fits into the U-shaped channel thereby interlocking the inside corner trim piece 76 and the J-channel members 20 together.

[0044] Referring specifically to FIGS. 14-16, there is shown one embodiment of the inside corner trim piece 76. In FIG. 16, exemplary dimensions are provided for the inside corner trim piece 76 in inches. These dimensions are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0045] Each of the corner trim pieces 36, 56, 76 may have a decorative outer face. For instance, the outer faces may be embossed to give the appearance of wood grain, stone, brick, and the like. In addition, the corner trim pieces 36, 56, 76 may be available in a variety of lengths or may be cut to fit the particular building to which they are applied. The J-channel members 20 are either provided or generally cut to the same length or close to the same length as the corner trim pieces 36, 56, 76 to securely hold the corner trim pieces 36, 56, 76 onto the building B.

[0046] Installation of the corner trim pieces 36, 56, 76 is preferably carried out by first sliding the pair of J-channel members 20 onto the selected corner trim piece 36, 56, 76. This includes sliding the hook-shaped lip 32 of each J-channel member 20 into one of the interlocking lips 42, 62, 82 of the selected corner trim piece 36, 56, 76. By mating the lips 32 and 42, 62, 82 together, and then sliding them onto one another, the J-channel members 20 interlock with the selected corner trim piece 36, 56, 76. Once assembled, the system 18, 50, 70 is mounted to the building B (using fasteners such as nails or screws in the holes 24). The siding panels S are then installed on the building B with their ends inserted into the J-channels 30.

[0047] In another embodiment, the J-channel members 20 are installed on the building B first, the siding panels S are then inserted into the J-channels 30, and the corner trim piece 36, 56, 76 is snap-fit to the J-channel members 20 by pressing the edges of the corner trim piece 36, 56, 76 to urge the interlocking lips 42, 62, 82 into engagement with the hook-shaped lips 32. More specifically, the male ends 44, 64, 84 are pressed to fit into the U-shaped channels defined by the hook-shaped lips 32.

[0048] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention.

Claims

1. An exterior trim system for use on an exterior of a building, comprising: a channel member, wherein the channel member defines a J-channel operable to receive an end of a siding panel, wherein one end of the channel member includes a flange member operable to fasten the channel member to the exterior of the building, wherein a second end of the channel member includes a hook-shaped lip portion; and a corner trim member, wherein the corner trim member includes an interlocking lip portion, wherein the interlocking lip portion at least partially envelopes and is secured to the hook-shaped lip portion of the channel member.

2. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the channel member includes a base portion angularly extending from the first end of the channel member.

3. The invention according to claim 2, wherein the channel member includes a leg portion angularly extending from the second end of the channel member.

4. The invention according to claim 3, wherein the base portion and the leg portion interconnect the first and second ends of the channel member.

5. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the flange member includes an area defining an aperture operable for receiving a fastening member.

6. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the corner trim member includes a first side member and a second side member oriented to form a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configuration.

7. The invention according to claim 6, wherein the interlocking lip portion is formed at an end portion of either the first or second side member.

8. The invention according to claim 7, wherein the interlocking lip portion comprises a substantially C-shaped member.

9. The invention according to claim 8, wherein the hook-shaped lip portion is operable to be received within at least a portion of the C-shaped member.

10. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the corner trim member includes a substantially planar base portion and first side member and a second side member angularly extending from the base portion.

11. The invention according to claim 10, wherein the interlocking lip portion is formed at an end portion of either the first or second side member.

12. The invention according to claim 11, wherein the interlocking lip portion comprises a substantially C-shaped member.

13. The invention according to claim 12, wherein the hook-shaped lip portion is operable to be received within at least a portion of the C-shaped member.

14. An exterior trim system for use on an exterior of a building, comprising: a pair of channel members, wherein each of the channel members define a J-channel operable to receive an end of a siding panel, wherein one end of each of the channel members include a flange member operable to fasten the channel member to the exterior of the building, wherein a second end of each of the channel members include a hook-shaped lip portion; and a corner trim member, wherein the corner trim member includes a pair of interlocking lip portions, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions at least partially envelop and are secured to each of the hook-shaped lip portions of the channel members.

15. The invention according to claim 14, wherein each of the channel members include a base portion angularly extending from the first ends of the channel members.

16. The invention according to claim 15, wherein each of the channel members include a leg portion angularly extending from the second ends of the channel members.

17. The invention according to claim 16, wherein each of the base portions and the leg portions interconnect the first and second ends of the channel members.

18. The invention according to claim 14, wherein each of the flange members include an area defining an aperture operable for receiving a fastening member.

19. The invention according to claim 14, wherein the corner trim member includes a first side member and a second side member oriented to form a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configuration.

20. The invention according to claim 19, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions are formed at an end portion of the first and second side members.

21. The invention according to claim 20, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions comprise a substantially C-shaped member.

22. The invention according to claim 21, wherein each of the hook-shaped lip portions are operable to be received within at least a portion of each of the C-shaped members.

23. The invention according to claim 14, wherein the corner trim member includes a substantially planar base portion and first side member and a second side member angularly extending from the base portion.

24. The invention according to claim 23, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions are formed at an end portion of the first and second side members.

25. The invention according to claim 24, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions comprise a substantially C-shaped member.

26. The invention according to claim 25, wherein each of the hook-shaped lip portions are operable to be received within at least a portion of each of the C-shaped members.

27. An exterior trim system for use on an exterior of a building, comprising: a unitary channel member, wherein the channel member defines a pair of J-channels each operable to receive an end of a siding panel, wherein a first end and a second end of the channel member each include a flange member operable to fasten the channel member to the exterior of the building, wherein a third end and a fourth end of the channel member each include a hook-shaped lip portion; and a corner trim member, wherein the corner trim member includes a pair of interlocking lip portions, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions at least partially envelop and are secured to each of the hook-shaped lip portions of the channel member.

28. The invention according to claim 27, wherein the channel member includes a pair of base portions angularly extending from the first and second ends of the channel member.

29. The invention according to claim 28, wherein the channel member includes a pair of leg portions angularly extending from the third and fourth ends of the channel member.

30. The invention according to claim 29, wherein the base and leg portions interconnect the first and second ends of the channel member with the third and fourth ends of the channel member.

31. The invention according to claim 27, wherein each of the flange members include an area defining an aperture operable for receiving a fastening member.

32. The invention according to claim 27, wherein the corner trim member includes a first side member and a second side member oriented to form a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configuration.

33. The invention according to claim 32, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions are formed at an end portion of the first and second side members.

34. The invention according to claim 33, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions comprise a substantially C-shaped member.

35. The invention according to claim 34, wherein each of the hook-shaped lip portions are operable to be received within at least a portion of each of the C-shaped members.

36. The invention according to claim 27, wherein the corner trim member includes a substantially planar base portion and first side member and a second side member angularly extending from the base portion.

37. The invention according to claim 36, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions are formed at an end portion of the first and second side members.

38. The invention according to claim 37, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions comprise a substantially C-shaped member.

39. The invention according to claim 38, wherein each of the hook-shaped lip portions are operable to be received within at least a portion of each of the C-shaped members.