U.S. patent application number 12/056731 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-01 for siding panel assembly with splicing member and insulating panel.
Invention is credited to Ko Das.
Application Number | 20090241458 12/056731 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40802100 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090241458 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Das; Ko |
October 1, 2009 |
Siding Panel Assembly With Splicing Member and Insulating Panel
Abstract
A siding panel assembly comprising includes a siding panel
having a substantially planar member having an upper portion angled
outwardly and a pair of first apertures proximate a lateral edge of
the substantially planar member. A flange with a pair of notches
extends from the substantially planar member and terminates in a
lip extending downwardly from a rear edge of the flange. A recess
is formed in a rear surface of the substantially planar member. A
first insulating panel is secured to the siding panel. A splicing
member includes a first substantially planar member, a pair of
flanges, a shoulder extending inwardly from the first substantially
planar member, a second substantially planar member extending
downwardly, and a pair of projections. A second insulating panel is
secured to a rear surface of the splicing member.
Inventors: |
Das; Ko; (Scottsdale,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.
28 STATE STREET, 28th FLOOR
BOSTON
MA
02109-9601
US
|
Family ID: |
40802100 |
Appl. No.: |
12/056731 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/519 ; 52/543;
52/796.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 13/0876 20130101;
E04F 13/0864 20130101; E04F 13/0832 20130101; E04F 2201/0517
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/519 ;
52/796.1; 52/543 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/38 20060101
E04C002/38; E04C 2/26 20060101 E04C002/26; E04B 1/38 20060101
E04B001/38 |
Claims
1. A siding panel assembly comprising, in combination: a siding
panel comprising: a substantially planar member having an upper
portion angled outwardly and a pair of first apertures, each
aperture formed proximate a lateral edge of the substantially
planar member; a flange extending rearwardly from the substantially
planar member proximate a lower edge thereof and terminating in a
lip extending downwardly from a rear edge of the flange; a pair of
notches formed in the flange; a recess formed in a rear surface of
the substantially planar member beneath the flange and being angled
upwardly and outwardly; a first insulating panel secured to a rear
surface of the siding panel; a splicing member comprising: a first
substantially planar member having an upper edge and a lower edge;
a pair of flanges extending outwardly from opposed sides of the
first substantially planar member along the upper edge; a shoulder
extending inwardly from the entire lower edge of the first
substantially planar member; a second substantially planar member
extending downwardly from an inner edge of the shoulder; and a pair
of projections extending downwardly from the shoulder and inwardly
from the second substantially planar member; and a second
insulating panel secured to a rear surface of the splicing
member.
2. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, further comprising a clip
having an aperture formed therein, and a flange configured to
receive a portion of the upper portion of the siding panel.
3. The siding panel assembly of claim 2, wherein the clip further
comprises at least one rib.
4. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein a width of the
first insulating panel is less than a width of the siding by panel
by an amount approximately equal to a width of the splicing
member.
5. The siding assembly of claim 1, wherein the first insulating
panel is secured to the siding panel and the second insulating
panel is secured to the splicing member by adhesive.
6. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the splicing
member includes at least one recess formed in a front surface
thereof, each recess defining a corresponding projection on a rear
surface of the splicing member.
7. The siding panel assembly of claim 6, wherein the second
insulating panel includes at least one recess formed in a front
surface thereof and receiving one of the projections of the
splicing member.
8. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein a front surface of
the second insulating panel includes a notch to receive the
shoulder and second substantially planar member of the splicing
member.
9. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein a front surface of
the first insulating panel includes a notch at a lower edge thereof
that receives the flange of the siding panel.
10. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, further comprising a lip
extending outwardly from a lower edge of the second substantially
planar member of the splicing member.
11. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein each lateral edge
of the first insulating panel is spaced from a corresponding
lateral edge of the siding panel by a distance approximately equal
to half of a width of the splicing member.
12. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the substantially
planar member is formed of a mixture including a polymer and wood
flour.
13. The siding panel assembly of claim 12, wherein the polymer is
PVC.
14. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein each projection
has a width slightly larger than a width of one of the notches.
15. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cap
encapsulating the siding panel.
16. A siding panel assembly comprising, in combination: a siding
panel comprising: a substantially planar member having an upper
portion angled outwardly and a pair of apertures, each aperture
formed proximate a lateral edge of the substantially planar member;
a flange extending rearwardly from the substantially planar member
proximate a lower edge thereof and terminating in a lip extending
downwardly from a rear edge of the flange; a pair of notches formed
in the flange; a recess formed in a rear surface of the
substantially planar member beneath the flange and being angled
upwardly and outwardly; a first insulating panel secured to a rear
surface of the siding panel; a splicing member comprising: a first
substantially planar member having an upper edge and a lower edge;
a pair of flanges extending outwardly from opposed sides of the
first substantially planar member along the upper edge; a shoulder
extending inwardly from the entire lower edge of the first
substantially planar member; a second substantially planar member
extending downwardly from an inner edge of the shoulder; and a pair
of projections extending downwardly from the shoulder and inwardly
from the second substantially planar member; a second insulating
panel secured to a rear surface of the splicing member; and a clip
having an aperture formed therein, a curved flange configured to
receive a portion of the upper portion of the siding panel, and at
least one rib formed thereon.
17. The siding panel assembly of claim 16, wherein a width of the
first insulating panel is less than a width of the siding by panel
by an amount approximately equal to a width of the splicing
member.
18. The siding assembly of claim 16, wherein the first insulating
panel is secured to the siding panel and the second insulating
panel is secured to the splicing member by adhesive.
19. A siding panel assembly comprising, in combination: a pair of
horizontally adjacent siding panels, each panel comprising: a
substantially planar member formed of a mixture of a polymer and
wood flour, having a top lock and a bottom lock, an upper portion
angled outwardly, and a pair of apertures, each aperture being
positioned proximate a lateral edge of the substantially planar
member; and a pair of notches formed in the bottom lock; a cap
formed of a polymer and encapsulating the siding panel; a first
insulating panel secured to a rear surface of the siding panel; a
splicing member comprising: a first substantially planar member
having an upper edge and a lower edge; a pair of flanges extending
outwardly from opposed sides of the first substantially planar
member along the upper edge; a shoulder extending inwardly from the
lower edge of the first substantially planar member; a second
substantially planar member extending downwardly from an inner edge
of the shoulder; and a pair of projections extending downwardly
from the shoulder and inwardly from the second substantially planar
member, each projection having a width slightly larger than a width
of one of the notches; a second insulating panel secured to a rear
surface of the splicing member; and a clip having an aperture
formed therein and a curved flange configured to receive a portion
of the upper portion of the siding panel.
20. The siding panel assembly of claim 19, wherein the bottom lock
comprises a flange extending rearwardly from the substantially
planar member proximate a lower edge thereof and terminating in a
lip extending downwardly from a rear edge of the flange, a recess
being formed in a rear surface of the substantially planar member
beneath the flange and the notches being formed in the flange.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to a siding panel assembly,
and, in particular, to a siding panel assembly having a splicing
member and an insulating panel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Siding, or wall siding, is commonly used to cover the
exterior surfaces, e.g. walls, of structures. Such siding is often
formed of metal, such as aluminum, or thermoplastic materials, such
as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Siding panels of such thin material
are typically overlapped with horizontally adjacent panels to allow
for thermal contraction and expansion. Other siding may be formed
of thicker materials, for example, reinforced cement, or blends of
polymer and wood fibers. Such siding panels cannot be overlapped
due to their increased thickness. The vertical lateral edges
between horizontally adjacent are butted together, but may tend to
separate, forming unsightly gaps between horizontally adjacent
panels.
[0003] Such siding is typically installed in multiple rows of
panels, with each row overlapping the panels to which it is
vertically adjacent. Adjoining panels are overlapped in this manner
to provide protection for the structure from the elements.
[0004] Siding panels installed on vertical surfaces may be formed
with one or more sections or courses. The courses are often
combined with horizontal shoulders to form a siding profile. The
courses may be declinations, that is, downwardly extending flat
portions, which combine with the horizontal shoulders to form a
clapboard profile. The courses may have a dutch lap construction,
which includes an upper portion that angles downwardly and
outwardly to an upper edge of a downwardly extending lower
portion.
[0005] It would be desirable to provide a siding panel assembly
having a splicing member and an insulating panel that reduces or
overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known
devices. Particular objects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are
knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view
of the following disclosure of the invention and detailed
description of certain preferred embodiments.
SUMMARY
[0006] The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to
provide a siding panel assembly with a splicing member and an
insulating panel. In accordance with a first preferred embodiment,
a siding panel assembly comprising includes a siding panel having a
substantially planar member having an upper portion angled
outwardly and a pair of first apertures proximate a lateral edge of
the substantially planar member. A flange with a pair of notches
extends from the substantially planar member and terminates in a
lip extending downwardly from a rear edge of the flange. A recess
is formed in a rear surface of the substantially planar member. A
first insulating panel is secured to the siding panel. A splicing
member includes a first substantially planar member, a pair of
flanges, a shoulder extending inwardly from the first substantially
planar member, a second substantially planar member extending
downwardly, and a pair of projections. A second insulating panel is
secured to a rear surface of the splicing member.
[0007] In accordance with another preferred embodiment, a siding
panel assembly includes a siding panel with a substantially planar
member having an upper portion angled outwardly and a pair of
apertures, each aperture being formed proximate a lateral edge of
the substantially planar member. A flange extends rearwardly from
the substantially planar member proximate a lower edge thereof and
terminates in a lip extending downwardly from a rear edge of the
flange. A pair of notches is formed in the flange. A recess is
formed in a rear surface of the substantially planar member beneath
the flange and is angled upwardly and outwardly. A first insulating
panel is secured to a rear surface of the siding panel. A splicing
member includes a first substantially planar member having an upper
edge and a lower edge. A pair of flanges extends outwardly from
opposed sides of the first substantially planar member along the
upper edge. A shoulder extends inwardly from the entire lower edge
of the first substantially planar member. A second substantially
planar member extends downwardly from an inner edge of the
shoulder. A pair of projections extends downwardly from the
shoulder and inwardly from the second substantially planar member.
A second insulating panel is secured to a rear surface of the
splicing member. A clip has an aperture formed therein, a curved
flange configured to receive a portion of the upper portion of the
siding panel, and at least one rib formed thereon.
[0008] In accordance with a further embodiment, a siding panel
assembly includes a pair of horizontally adjacent siding panels.
Each panel has a substantially planar member formed of a mixture of
a polymer and wood flour, a top lock and a bottom lock, an upper
portion angled outwardly, and a pair of apertures, with each
aperture being positioned proximate a lateral edge of the
substantially planar member. A pair of notches is formed in the
bottom lock. A cap formed of a polymer encapsulates the siding
panel. A first insulating panel is secured to a rear surface of the
siding panel. A splicing member includes a first substantially
planar member having an upper edge and a lower edge. A pair of
flanges extends outwardly from opposed sides of the first
substantially planar member along the upper edge. A shoulder
extends inwardly from the lower edge of the first substantially
planar member. A second substantially planar member extends
downwardly from an inner edge of the shoulder. A pair of
projections extends downwardly from the shoulder and inwardly from
the second substantially planar member, with each projection having
a width slightly larger than a width of one of the notches. A
second insulating panel is secured to a rear surface of the
splicing member. A clip has an aperture formed therein and a curved
flange configured to receive a portion of the upper portion of the
siding panel.
[0009] Substantial advantage is achieved by providing a siding
panel assembly having a splicing member and an insulating panel. In
particular, certain embodiments of such a siding panel assembly
having a splicing member and an insulating panel allow horizontally
adjacent siding panels to be secured to one another in tight
fitting fashion, providing a tight seal between them with no
discernible gap and reducing the chance of moisture getting behind
the siding panels, and providing improved insulating
capabilities.
[0010] These and additional features and advantages of the
invention disclosed here will be further understood from the
following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view, shown partially broken
away, of a siding assembly having a pair of horizontally adjacent
siding panels secured to one another with a splicing member and
having insulating panels positioned behind the siding assembly.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the splicing member of the
siding assembly of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view, shown partially broken
away, of a portion of a siding panel of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of one of the siding panels of
FIG. 1, shown installed on a wall of a structure between two
vertically adjacent siding panels, each of which is shown partially
broken away.
[0015] FIG. 5 is rear elevation view of the siding assembly of FIG.
1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective front view, shown partially broken
away, of an alternative embodiment of a siding assembly having a
pair of horizontally adjacent siding panels secured to one another
with a splicing member and having insulating panels positioned
behind the siding assembly.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the splicing member of the
siding assembly of FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the splicing member of
the siding assembly of FIG. 6, shown with an insulating panel
secured to its rear surface.
[0019] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of one of the siding panels of
FIG. 6, shown installed with a clip on a wall of a structure
beneath a vertically adjacent siding panel.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 9.
[0021] The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to
scale and should be understood to provide a representation of
particular embodiments, and are merely conceptual in nature and
illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the
siding panel assembly having a splicing member and an insulating
panel depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted
relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The
same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or
identical components and features shown in various alternative
embodiments. Siding panel assemblies having a splicing member and
an insulating panel as disclosed herein would have configurations
and components determined, in part, by the intended application and
environment in which they are used.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Unless otherwise stated, or otherwise clear from the context
below, directional references used here are based on the
orientation of components and assemblies shown in the appended
drawings. These directional references assume wall siding attached
to the walls of a structure such as a house. These directional
references are given in reference to the surface plane, such as the
ground, upon which the structure sits, and the plane of the wall of
the structure itself. Horizontal, therefore, refers to a direction
which is substantially parallel to the surface plane. Vertical
refers to a direction which is substantially parallel to the wall
of the structure and substantially perpendicular to the surface
plane. Outwardly refers to a direction moving substantially
horizontally away from the structure upon which the siding is
attached while inwardly refers to a direction moving substantially
horizontally toward the structure. Downwardly refers to a direction
moving substantially vertically toward the surface plane and
upwardly refers to a direction moving substantially vertically away
from the surface plane. Lower and upper refer to vertical
directions with lower being closer to the surface plane than upper.
Left and right are in reference to directions given when one is
looking at the structure.
[0023] The present invention may be embodied in various forms. A
preferred embodiment of a siding assembly 2 is shown in FIG. 1. As
seen here, a portion of two siding panels 4 are shown secured to
one another with a splicing member or splicer 10. Splicer 10 is
seen in more detail in FIG. 2, and in certain preferred embodiments
may be formed of metal, e.g., aluminum. Splicer 10 includes a first
substantially planar member 12 having an upper edge 14 and a lower
edge 16. Each of a pair of flanges 18 extends outwardly from an
opposed side of planar member 12 proximate or along upper edge 14.
In a preferred embodiment, each flange 18 is formed by cutting
planar member 12 and folding a portion of planar member 12
outwardly. A shoulder 20 extends inwardly from lower edge 16. A
second substantially planar member 22 extends downwardly from an
inner edge 24 of shoulder 20. A pair of projections 26 extends
downwardly from shoulder 26 and outwardly from second substantially
planar member 22. In a preferred embodiment, splicer 10 and,
naturally, projections 26 are formed by stamping a sheet of metal,
e.g., aluminum.
[0024] As seen in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, splicer 10 can be seen in use
with a pair of horizontally adjacent siding panels 4. Siding panels
4 can have a wide variety of configurations, but preferably include
a substantially planar member 30 having a top edge 32, a bottom
edge 34, a left lateral edge 36 and a right lateral edge 38. A top
lock 40 extends along substantially planar member 30 proximate top
edge 32, and a bottom lock 42 extends along substantially planar
member 30 proximate bottom edge 34. The top and bottom locks 40, 42
can have a wide range of shapes, and are configured to have
complimentary shapes so that vertically adjacent siding panels can
be interlocked together.
[0025] In certain embodiments, top lock 40 comprises a reduced
thickness portion 44 of substantially planar member 30 that is
angled slightly outwardly and defines a groove 46 along a front
surface 48 of substantially planar member 30. A pair of first
apertures 50 are located in groove 46, one first aperture 50
positioned proximate left lateral edge 36 of siding panel 4 and the
other first aperture 50 positioned proximate right lateral edge 38
of siding panel 4. A plurality of second apertures 52 is located in
groove 38 between the pair of first apertures 50. As described in
greater detail below, second apertures 52 serve to receive
fasteners, such as nails, to retain siding panel 4 to a structure.
Thus second apertures 52 are spaced apart from one another a
distance sufficient to retain siding panel 4 on the structure. In
certain preferred embodiments, second apertures 52 are spaced 16
inches from one another along groove 46. However, it is to be
appreciated that second apertures 52 may be spaced from one another
at any desired distance. In a preferred embodiment, first apertures
40 and second apertures 46 are slots.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, bottom lock 42 comprises a
flange 54 extending rearwardly from substantially planar member 30
proximate bottom edge 34 and terminating in a lip 56 extending
downwardly from a rear edge of flange 54. A recess 58 is formed in
a rear surface 60 of siding panel 4 beneath flange 54. In a
preferred embodiment, recess 58 curves inwardly and upwardly and is
configured to mate with and receive the angled reduced thickness
portion 44 of a vertically adjacent siding panel 4 as described in
greater detail below in connection with FIG. 4. As seen in FIG. 3,
a pair of notches 62 are formed in flange 54 proximate each of left
lateral edge 36 and right lateral edge 38 (the notch 62 proximate
right lateral edge 38 is shown here from a back side of siding
panel 4). Notches 62 are configured to receive corresponding
projections 26 of splicers 10 when adjoining siding panels 4 are
connected together as described in greater detail below. In a
preferred embodiment, notches 62 have a width that is slightly
smaller than a width of projections 26 so that projections 26 fit
tightly into notches 62.
[0027] Siding panels 4 are secured to wall 64 of a building by way
of nails 66 installed through second apertures 52. As noted above,
apertures 52 have the form of slots in a preferred embodiment. As
those skilled in the art can appreciate, nails 66 are driven into
wall 64 only to the extent that they capture top lock 40 while
allowing siding panel 4 to float, or move, longitudinally along
wall 64, thereby accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of
siding panel 4. It is to be noted that when successive rows of
siding panels 4 are installed vertically above lower rows, the
seams between horizontally adjacent siding panels 4 are offset from
one another, both for aesthetic reasons and to reduce the chance of
moisture getting behind siding panels 4.
[0028] Horizontally adjacent siding panels 4 are secured to one
another by splicer 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5. A
splicer 10 is first slid into position behind an installed siding
panel 4 (seen in FIG. 4 as the lowermost siding panel 4, shown
partially broken away) by slipping second substantially planar
member 22 down behind the upper edge 32 of the installed siding
panel 4.
[0029] A first siding panel 4 is then positioned above the
previously installed siding panel 4 with its right or left lateral
edge 36, 38 positioned approximately in the middle of splicer 10,
and its bottom lock 42 of the first siding panel 4 engaged with the
top lock 40 of the previously installed siding panel 4. As the
first siding panel 4 engages the previously installed panel, its
notch 62 is engaged with a corresponding projection 26 of splicer
10. As noted above, the engagement of projection 26 in notch 62 is
preferably a tight fit. The flange 18 of splicer 10 above the
corresponding projection 26 is extended through the corresponding
first aperture 50 of the first siding panel 4 and then folded
upwardly along a front surface of groove 46.
[0030] The second horizontally adjacent siding panel 4 is installed
in similar fashion, with its bottom lock 42 engaging the top lock
40 of the previously installed siding panel 4, its notch 62
engaging the other projection 26 of splicer 10, and the other
flange 18 of splicer 10 extending through the first aperture 50 of
the second siding panel 4 and bent upwardly along a front surface
of groove 46. The horizontally adjacent first and second siding
panels 4 are secured to wall 64 by way of nails 66, which are
driven through second apertures 52 in known fashion.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the distance from notches 62 to
the respective lateral edges of siding panel 4 and the spacing
between projections 26 are sized such that when horizontally
adjacent siding panels 4 are installed, a tight seal is formed
between the siding panels with no discernible gap visible between
them. This serves to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the siding and
helps to prevent moisture from passing behind the siding panels 4.
The expansion and contraction of siding panels 4 is accommodated at
the ends of the rows of siding panels, where the corresponding left
and right lateral edges 36, 38, respectively, are hidden behind
trim pieces.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, siding panels 4 are formed of a
blend of polymer and wood fiber, along with other constituent
elements. In certain preferred embodiments, the polymer is PVC and
the wood fiber is wood flour. As illustrated in FIG. 4, siding
panel 4 may be encased within a cap 68. Cap 68 is preferably formed
of a polymer, e.g., PVC, and serves to protect siding panel 68 from
the elements and provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. It
is to be appreciated that in other embodiments siding panels 4 can
be formed of other materials, e.g., reinforced concrete.
[0033] Siding assembly 2 includes a first insulating panel 70
positioned behind siding panel 4 and secured thereto with a
suitable fastener. In certain embodiments, first insulating panel
70 is secured to siding panel 4 with adhesive 72. In certain
embodiments, adhesive 72 may extend across substantially the entire
front surface of first insulating panel 70. It is to be appreciated
that adhesive 72 can first be applied directly to siding panel 4 or
to first insulating panel 70, or to both siding panel 4 and first
insulating panel 70.
[0034] In certain embodiments, first insulating panel 70 extends a
point just below lip 56 of bottom lock 42 upwardly to a point
between above apertures 52 and below top edge 32 of siding panel 4,
thereby exposing the top portion of siding panel 4, which allows a
vertically adjacent siding panel to be positioned above siding
panel 4, as seen in FIG. 4. A notch 71 is provided at a lower edge
of a front surface of first insulating panel 70, and serves to
receive flange 54 of siding panel 4.
[0035] As seen in FIG. 5, first insulating panel 70 has a width W
that is less than a width S of siding panel 4, thereby exposing
notches 62 at left and right lateral edges 36, 38 of siding panel 4
in order to provide clearance to allow splicers 10 to engage
notches 62. In certain embodiments, the left and right lateral
edges 73, 75 of first insulating panel 70 are offset from the
respective left and right lateral edges 36, 38 of siding panel 70
by a distance L, which is approximately equal to half of the width
T of splicer 10. Thus, when first insulating panel 70 is secured to
siding panel 4, lateral edges 36, 38 of siding panel 4 are exposed
beyond first insulating panel 70 by an amount equal to about 1/2 of
width T. This allows one half of each splicer 10 to be positioned
behind each of the two adjacent siding panels 4 to which it is
engaged, and which it connects together.
[0036] A second insulating panel 74 is positioned behind and is
secured to splicer 10 with a suitable fastener, such as an
adhesive. Second insulating panel 74 has a front surface 74 that is
contoured to mate with a rear surface 76 of splicer 10 so that
second insulating panel 74 nests tightly against splicer 10. In
certain embodiments, second insulating panel 74 is secured to
splicer 10 with adhesive. In certain embodiments, the adhesive may
extend across substantially the entire front surface of second
insulating panel 74. It is to be appreciated that the adhesive can
first be applied directly to splicer 10 or to second insulating
panel 74, or to both splicer 10 and second insulating panel 74.
[0037] In other embodiments, the adhesive may be applied to various
portions of either or both of siding panel 4 and first insulating
panel 70, and to portions of either or both of splicer 10 and
second insulating panel 74, but not across the entire area of
contact between siding panel 4 and first insulating panel 70, nor
across the entire area of contact between splicer 10 and second
insulating panel 74.
[0038] In other embodiments, siding panel 4 can be secured to first
second insulating panel 70, and splicer 10 can be secured to second
insulating panel 74 with double-sided tape. Other suitable means of
securing siding panel 4 to first insulating panel 70 and splicer 10
to second insulating panel 74 will become readily apparent to those
skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
[0039] First and second insulating panels 70, 72 may be formed, for
example, of an expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam, or polyurethane.
Other suitable materials for first and second insulating panels 70,
72 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given
the benefit of this disclosure.
[0040] Another embodiment of a siding assembly 82 is illustrated in
FIGS. 6-10. In this embodiment, there is no reduced thickness
portion of siding panel 4; its upper portion 84 is simply angled
outwardly. Upper portion 84 of siding panel 4 is captured in a
recess 86 of a vertically adjacent siding panel 4 that angles
upwardly and outwardly, as seen in FIG. 9. In certain embodiments a
horizontally extending groove 88 may be cut in the rear surface of
siding panel 4 beneath flange 54 and just above bottom edge 34,
which allows siding panel 4 to be produced with less material,
thereby reducing its cost, and its weight.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen most clearly in FIG.
7, splicer 10 includes a horizontally extending lip 90 extending
inwardly from a bottom edge of second substantially planar member
22. When in use with siding panel 4, lip 90 extends beneath lip 56
of flange 54 of siding panel 4. In certain embodiments, one or more
ribs or projections 92 is formed on rear surface 76 of first
substantially planar member 12, by punching corresponding recesses
94 into the front surface 96 of first substantially planar member
12. Projections 92 serve to provide increased strength for splicer
10. In the illustrated embodiment, three substantially horizontally
extending projections 92 are formed on splicer 10, however, it is
to be appreciated that any number of projections 92 may be formed
on splicer 10, and that each of them may be oriented in any
direction.
[0042] As seen in FIG. 8, second insulating panel 74 is secured to
rear surface 76 of splicer 10. The front surface 98 of second
insulating panel 74 is configured to mate with rear surface 76 of
splicer 10. Thus, in order to accommodate shoulder 20 and second
substantially planar member 22 of splicer 10, a notch 100 is formed
on the lower front surface of second insulating panel 74.
Similarly, a plurality of recesses 102 is formed in front surface
98 of second insulating panel 74, with each recess 102 being
configured and positioned to accommodate and receive a
corresponding projection 92 of splicer 10. As discussed above,
second insulating panel 74 may be secured to splicer 10 with a
suitable fastener, such as an adhesive or double-sided tape.
[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, siding panel 4 may be secured
to wall 64 of a building with a clip 104. Clip includes a
substantially planar member 106, which extends substantially
vertically when installed with siding panel 4 on a wall 64 of a
structure. A leg 108 extends substantially horizontally outwardly
from a bottom edge of substantially planar member 106. A flange 110
is positioned at the outer edge of leg 108 and has a curved shape.
In the illustrated embodiment, curved flange 110 is substantially
hemi-spherical in cross-section. As seen in FIG. 9, flange 110 is
configured to receive upper portion 84 of siding panel 4, thereby
capturing siding panel 4 and securing it to wall 64. One or more
apertures 112 extend through substantially planar member 106, and
one or both may receive a nail 66 to secure clip 104 to wall
64.
[0044] In certain embodiments, one or more projections or ribs 114
is formed on front surface 116 of substantially planar member 106
of clip 104 by punching corresponding recesses 118 into the rear
surface 129 of substantially planar member 106. Ribs 114 serve to
provide increased strength for clip 104. In the illustrated
embodiment, two substantially vertically extending ribs 114 are
formed on clip 104, however, it is to be appreciated that any
number of ribs 114 may be formed on clip 104, and that each of them
may be oriented in any direction. Clip 104 may be formed of any
suitable material such as metal, e.g. aluminum.
[0045] Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed
out fundamental novel features of various embodiments, it will be
understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in
the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their
operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example,
it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements
and/or steps which perform substantially the same function, in
substantially the same way, to achieve the same results are within
the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one
described embodiment to another are also fully intended and
contemplated. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as
indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.
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