U.S. patent application number 13/612751 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-10 for log look log.
Invention is credited to Dina Herman.
Application Number | 20130008107 13/612751 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47437804 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130008107 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herman; Dina |
January 10, 2013 |
LOG LOOK LOG
Abstract
A simulated log structure is provided. The simulated log
structure is made up of a plurality of structural elements wherein
each structural element is composed of a plurality of exterior
simulated log elements and a plurality of interior log elements.
The exterior simulated log elements simulate the appearance of
wooden logs and are made from composite materials such as but not
limited to concrete, plastic, wood fiber, resin, composite of
fiberglass, polyurethane, polymer and/or polymer concrete, and so
on, to withstand the natural elements. The interior log elements
are made of real wood to provide owners the authentic feel of
living in a real log structure.
Inventors: |
Herman; Dina; (Surrey,
CA) |
Family ID: |
47437804 |
Appl. No.: |
13/612751 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12851080 |
Aug 5, 2010 |
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13612751 |
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61272551 |
Oct 6, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/233 ;
52/481.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2/708 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/233 ;
52/481.1 |
International
Class: |
E04C 3/29 20060101
E04C003/29; E04B 2/56 20060101 E04B002/56 |
Claims
1. A semi-cylindrical half log made of a fire-resistant composite
material, and comprising a central cavity, which makes the half log
hollow, and, simulating the appearance of a real wooden log by its
shape, and by having at least its curved exterior face and its two
longitudinal exterior ends with a look and feel of wooden grain and
wooden knots.
2. The semi-cylindrical half log of claim 1, further comprising a
fastening portion in the form of a flange at both of its
longitudinal edges.
3. The semi-cylindrical half log of claim 1, further comprising a
receiving portion configured to receive a fastening portion of an
adjacent simulated log.
4. The semi-cylindrical half log of claim 2, wherein said fastening
portion comprises at least one aperture, wherein said at least one
aperture is adapted to receive fastening means for securing said
simulated log onto a structure.
5. The semi-cylindrical half log of claim 3, wherein said receiving
portion is adapted to allow the engagement of a first arm of at
least one angled member.
6. A structural element comprising: a frame; a plurality of
semi-cylindrical half logs made of a fire-resistant composite
material, each of said logs comprising a central cavity, which
makes the logs hollow, and, each of said logs simulating the
appearance of a real wooden log by their shape, and, by having at
least their curved exterior face and their two longitudinal
exterior ends with a look and feel of real wood texture comprising
wooden grain and wooden knots; and, means for securing said logs
onto said frame, said means comprising U-shaped members and angled
members, each U-shaped member being connected to an angled
member.
7. The structural element of claim 6, wherein said frame comprises
a plurality of support members and a plurality of strapping
members.
8. The structural element of claim 7, wherein said plurality of
strapping members is mounted perpendicular to said plurality of
support members.
9. The structural element of claim 6, wherein said plurality of
semi-cylindrical half logs made of a fire-resistant composite
material is mounted on a first side of said frame and a plurality
of wooden logs is mounted on a second side of said frame, opposite
the first side, in an aligned configuration.
10. The structural element of claim 6, wherein said plurality of
semi-cylindrical half logs made of a fire-resistant composite
material is mounted on a first side of said frame and a plurality
of wooden logs is mounted on a second side of said frame, opposite
the first side, in a staggered configuration.
11. A system for simulating a log structure comprising: a plurality
of semi-cylindrical half logs made from a fire-resistant composite
material, wherein each of the logs comprises a central cavity,
which makes the logs hollow, wherein, each of the logs simulates
the appearance of a real wooden log by their shape, and, by having
at least their curved exterior face with a look and feel of real
wood texture comprising wooden grain and wooden knots; and, a
plurality of corner members made from the same material and having
the same real wood appearance, each corner member having a portion
of substantially forty-five degree angle at their inner end such
that they are capable of forming a simulated staggered and
perpendicular configuration at the outer corners of the structure
such that to simulate the appearance of staggered and perpendicular
ends of real wooden logs; wherein, the ends of the semi-cylindrical
half logs that are joining the corner members are cut so that they
fit closely the substantially circular shape of two adjacent corner
members; and wherein, each semi-cylindrical half log is aligned
with a corner member such that together they simulate a real wooden
log.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of
quarter logs and a plurality of half corner members to be used at
the bottom of one of the two adjoining walls of the structure, such
that the staggered real wooden log appearance may be obtained.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein each quarter log has a central
cavity, a vertically oriented flange and a bottom portion, which is
substantially horizontal, and thus, perpendicular to the direction
of the flange, wherein the bottom portion has a length
substantially equal to the depth of the quarter log such that the
central cavity is closed after the quarter log is installed.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein each corner member has an arm
associated with it, wherein the arm is used to secure the corner
member to a strapping member of the structure.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein each semi-cylindrical half log
has a flange at the upper edge for securing the half log to a
strapping member of the structure, and a reinforced bottom portion
of substantially the same height as the flange, such that the
reinforced bottom portion fits onto the flange.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application
of now pending U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/851,080
filed Aug. 5, 2010, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/272,551, filed Oct. 6, 2009. Both priority
applications are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent
that they are not conflicting with the present application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to structures
composed of wooden log elements, and more particularly, it relates
to structures composed of simulated log components that visually
appear like wooden logs.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Log structures such as log homes and cabins are steeped in
tradition and have come to symbolize warmth, comfort, and
craftsmanship. The rustic appeal and natural beauty of wooden log
homes and the time honored heritage and art of constructing quality
log structures are only a few reasons why log homes continue to be
desired as a popular housing choice. With modern techniques and
advanced machinery, the construction of traditional log homes and
cabins can range from being elaborate and luxurious dream home to
simple do-it-yourself, pre-manufactured log home kits for a starter
home.
[0006] Society is becoming more and more environmentally conscious
and aware of the ecological consequences of excessive consumption
of natural resources. As a result, the cutting down of trees,
especially old growth trees, to obtain quality lumber to construct
log structures are increasingly socially frowned upon and
considered environmentally irresponsible.
[0007] In addition to the social criticism associated with
obtaining the requisite lumber for constructing log structures,
traditional log structures are not particularly well suited in
certain environments. For example, logs constantly shrink and swell
due to changes in moisture content brought on by varying weather
patterns. Although log components may be protected and sealed to
minimize the effects of moisture change, depending on the
environment, seasonal fluctuations in relative humidity may test
any finish and/or sealant designed to protect and maintain the log.
Over a period of time, high humidity may lead to wood rot and low
humidity may lead to cracking of the wood.
[0008] High moisture content is also associated with other problems
that may compromise the integrity of a log structure. For example,
wood destroying fungi and pests such as termites, carpenter ants,
and various beetles consume material in the wood cell wall
structure, thereby causing decay. Resident insect larvae can live
dormant within a log for many years prior to becoming active, and
fungi can similarly remain dormant until proper conditions cause
the fungi to start or resume its decay activity.
[0009] As such, routine and regular maintenance of log structure is
essential in order to preserve its natural beauty and to ensure its
integrity and lifespan. For example, log homes need to be
refinished every couple of years, they need to be regularly
inspected for cracks, seals need to be maintained to prevent rot
and decay, and the grounds surrounding the log home may need to be
treated to discourage pests. Hence, maintenance of log home can be
labor intensive and costly.
[0010] It is also difficult to incorporate modern building
standards and preferences in log homes. Energy efficiency may vary
depending on the design and construction method. Windows, doors,
and skylights may raise utility bills if sealing is not properly
done. Log homes with many corners, joints, and roof angles can
consume more energy than log homes with simpler designs.
Installation of plumbing, electricity, and heating may pose some
challenges, and the insulative properties of log structures are
also debatable.
[0011] Simulated log construction material is known in the art to
overcome the disadvantages generally associated with a log
structure. For example, applicant is aware of U.S. Pat. No.
6,851,233 issued on Feb. 8, 2005 to Morgenstern which describes a
structural system having a plurality of structural elements
including an interior layer, an exterior layer, and an insulating
layer between the interior and exterior layer. The exterior layers
of the structural elements can be fabricated from cast concrete
material and can be provided with simulative exterior surfaces
simulating the appearance of structural logs.
[0012] Applicant is further aware of U.S. Pat. No. 5,271878 issued
on Dec. 21, 1993 to Mizia et al. which describes a simulated half
log having a generally semi-cylindrical foam core and a decorative
layer on the curved surface. Complementary nailable spines are
inset in the flat surface, permitting adjacent half logs to
interlock. One spline which extends beyond the edge provides a
surface for nailing to a vertical substrate and is concealed when
the next adjacent half log is mounted thereover.
[0013] Applicant is also aware of U.S. Pat. No. 4,305,238 issued on
Dec. 15, 1981 to Harward et al. which describes a simulated log for
construction and indoor or outdoor decorative use wherein the log
is comprised of at least two semi-circular imitation log siding
sections comprising an outer covering with a simulated grain wood
containing an insulated filler.
[0014] The problem with existing prior art is that none of the
simulated logs describe a construction that allows the user to
enjoy the natural beauty and comforts of a traditional log home.
The prior art describes the use of building materials that simulate
the appearance of log structures but fail to describe a structure
that provides the warmth, comfort, and craftsmanship associated
with tog structures. Owners of log structures desire the rustic
appeal and natural beauty of wooden log homes. Wholly simulated log
structures fail to connote the sense of nostalgia and fall short of
honoring the heritage, history, and culture associated with a
genuine log structure. Therefore, an unaddressed need for an
improved simulated log structure exists to overcome the
inadequacies and deficiencies in the prior art.
[0015] The problems and the associated solutions presented in this
section could be or could have been pursued, but they are not
necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or
pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be
assumed that any of the approaches presented in this section
qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their presence in this
section of the application.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
simulated log structure without the maintenance requirements
typically associated with a log structure.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
simulated log structure that allows user to enjoy the natural
beauty of a real log structure.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
simulated log structure that is durable and easy to construct and
incorporates advantages of modern day construction elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] For exemplification purposes, and not for limitation
purposes, embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the
figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a structure made in
accordance with the invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a front view of a structural element;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective interior view of an exterior
simulated log;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective exterior view of the exterior
simulated log as seen in FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a structural
element having the exterior simulated log, as seen in FIG. 2,
mounted with a first side and an interior simulated log mounted
with a second side opposite the first side in an aligned
configuration;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a
structural element having the exterior simulated log, as seen in
FIG. 2, mounted with a first side and an interior wooden log
mounted with a second side opposite the first side in a staggered
configuration;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a
structural element having the exterior simulated log, as seen in
FIG. 2, mounted with a first side and an interior wooden log
mounted with a second side opposite the first side in an aligned
configuration;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
securing exterior simulated log onto a frame; and
[0028] FIG. 9 is a rear sectional view of the embodiment of
securing exterior simulated log onto a frame, as seen in FIG.
8.
[0029] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a configuration of
corner members and correspondent exterior simulated logs, according
to another embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 11 depicts an exterior perspective view of installed
exemplary corner members, according to another embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 12 depicts a top perspective view of the corner members
from FIG. 11.
[0032] FIG. 13 depicts a top perspective view of the corner members
from FIG. 11, as viewed from inside of the frame on which they are
installed.
[0033] FIGS. 14a-e depict a sectional, front-perspective,
back-perspective, front and side view, respectively, of a corner
member.
[0034] FIG. 15a depicts a partial sectional view of a structure
using exterior simulated logs.
[0035] FIG. 15b depicts a cross-sectional view of an exterior
simulated log (half log) from FIG. 15a, according to another
embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 15c depicts a cross-sectional view of another exterior
simulated log (half of half (quarter) log), according to another
embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 16 depicts a partial exterior perspective view of a
structure using exterior simulated logs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] What follows is a detailed description of specific
embodiments of the invention in which the invention may be
practiced. Reference will be made to the attached drawings, and the
information included in the drawings is part of this detailed
description. The specific embodiments of the invention, which will
be described herein, are presented for exemplification purposes,
and not for limitation purposes. It should be understood that
structural and/or logical modifications could be made by someone of
ordinary skills in the art without departing from the scope of the
present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is
defined only by the accompanying claims and their equivalents.
[0039] As seen in FIGS. 1 to 9, a simulated log structure 1
comprises a plurality of structural elements 100 wherein each
structural element 100 is comprised of a plurality of exterior logs
20 mounted on a first side of structural element 100 and a
plurality of interior logs 40 mounted on a second side of
structural element 100 opposite the first side.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, exterior
logs 20 simulate the character, texture, appearance and appeal of
wooden logs and is made from composite materials such as but not
limited to reinforced precast concrete, resin, composite of
fiberglass, polyurethane, polymer and/or polymer concrete. Concrete
as a construction material for structures is known to be a
relatively good insulator as it absorbs heat during the day and
releases it slowly as temperatures cool, providing even indoor
temperature. Other composite materials such as but not limited to
plastic, wood fiber, resin, composite of fiberglass, polyurethane,
polymer and/or polymer concrete composites are contemplated and
within the scope of the present invention. Advantageously, exterior
logs 20 made from concrete virtually eliminate the typical problems
associated with a real wood log structure, such as environmental
concerns, instability due to shrinking and swelling, costly and
regular maintenance, and susceptibility to the fire, fungi, and
wood-boring insects. In addition to the benefit of greater
structural stability, concrete eliminates the need to re-stain and
reseal wood logs to retain protection from weather and insects.
Furthermore, concrete is fire-resistant and resistant to
deterioration, insect infestation, and mold growth. However, some
of the other materials given as examples above are also
fire-resistant and in addition are light-weight materials which
simplifies the installation technique and process, as it will be
explained later herein, and thus, these materials are more
economical to use.
[0041] As seen in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, each exterior log 20 is a
semi-cylindrical half log having a flat side 22 and a curved face
24 with flat side 22 and curved face 24 meeting at top edge 26 and
bottom edge 28, as described in greater detail below. Curved face
24 and the visible ends of exterior logs 20 are molded to resemble
wooden log surfaces. Advantageously and unlike prior art composite
log structures, in an embodiment of the present invention, exterior
logs 20 define a central cavity 30. Cavity 30 reduces the weight of
exterior logs 20 and may be adapted to receive insulation material
32 so as to provide insulative properties to structural element 100
and any structure constructed of a plurality of structural elements
100. Insulation material 32 may be any known suitable insulation
material such as but not limited to polystyrene foam.
[0042] In an embodiment of the invention, semi-cylindrical molds
defining central cavity 30 may be made from actual wooden logs to
create a mold for exterior logs 20 such that exterior logs 20
substantially look and feel like an actual wooden log, including
grain detail and knots. Molds for exterior simulated logs 20 may be
made to measure any length and/or diameter. For example, and
without intending to be limiting, molds may be made to produce
exterior logs 20 measuring eight inches to sixteen inches in
diameter and eight feet to twelve feet in length or up to sixty
feet.
[0043] As seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5a, top edge 26 of each exterior
log 20 is further comprised of a fastening portion. In an
embodiment of the invention, the fastening portion of the top edge
takes the form of a flange 26 projecting outwards from the top edge
away from the center of exterior log 20. Flange 26 is configured to
receive at least one fastening means 27 such as but not limited to
nails or screws. As seen in FIGS. 5a, 3 and 4, preferably, flange
26 is integrally formed with the first top edge and defines at
least one aperture wherein such at least one aperture is adapted to
receive fastening means 27 for securing exterior log 20 onto a
structure, such as but not limited to a frame described in greater
detail below. Flat side 22 of flange 26 enables flange 26 to abut
the structure in substantially parallel engagement as described in
greater detail below.
[0044] As seen In FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 5a, bottom edge 28 of each
exterior log 20 is further comprised of a receiving portion
configured to receive the fastening portion or flange 26 of an
adjacent exterior log 20. In an embodiment of the invention, the
receiving portion of bottom edge 28 defines a channel wherein the
channel is configured to receive flange 26 such that exterior logs
20 may be mounted adjacent to one another in an abutting or
overlapping function onto a structure as described in greater
detail below.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein each
structural element 100 is comprised of a plurality of exterior logs
20 mounted on a first side of structural element 100 and a
plurality of interior logs 40 mounted on a second side of
structural element 100 opposite the first side as seen in FIGS. 5,
6 and 7, to mount exterior log 20 onto a structure, a frame 80
(FIG. 2) may be provided. In an embodiment of the invention, frame
80 may be comprised of a plurality of support members 82 and a
plurality of strapping members 84 (FIGS. 8 and 9) mounted
perpendicular to the plurality of support members 82. Preferably,
the plurality of support members 82 are comprised of dimensional
lumber such as two-by-four and the plurality of strapping members
84 are metal strapping members mounted perpendicular with the
plurality of support members 82 in a parallel and spaced apart
configuration wherein each adjacent strapping member 84 is
virtually equidistant apart from each other.
[0046] As seen if FIGS. 3,4, 8 and 9, in an embodiment of the
invention at least one angled member 86 may be attached with the
channel defined by bottom edge 28 such that a first arm 86a of
angled member 86 engages a first side 21 of the channel defined by
bottom edge 28 and a second arm 86b of angled member 86 engages
flat side 22 and extends upwards from bottom edge 28 inwards the
center of exterior log 20. Preferably, angled member 86 is made
from a strong and durable material such as metal and may engage the
entire length of exterior log 20 or may engage portions of exterior
log 20 to reduce weight. Preferably, a plurality of angled members
86 made of iron are attached with exterior log by way of securing
members such as screws in spaced apart configuration along the
entire length of exterior log 20.
[0047] As seen if FIGS. 8 and 9 a plurality of U-shaped members 88
configured to engage strapping members 84 may be attached with
second arm 86b such that U-shaped member 88 may hook onto a first
strapping member 84a to secure bottom edge 28 of exterior log 20
onto frame 80 (FIG. 2). Flange 26 of exterior log 20 (FIGS. 3 and
4) may then be secured onto frame 80 by inserting a fastening means
into the at least one aperture of flange 26 such that flat side 22
of flange 26 abuts a second strapping member 84b (FIG. 8)
immediately adjacent to first strapping member 84a which edge 28 is
attached with. Preferably, U-shaped members 88 are made from a
strong and durable material such as metal and may engage the entire
length of angle member 86 or may engage portions of angle member 86
or engage each of the plurality of angle member 86. Preferably, a
plurality of U-shaped members 88 engage each of the plurality of
angled members 86 attached in spaced apart configuration along the
entire length of exterior log 20. In a preferred embodiment,
U-shaped members 88 are welded on to each of the plurality of
angled members 86. By successively mounting exterior logs 20 on
frame 80 in the above described manner, a first side of structural
element 100 may be constructed entirely of logs made from composite
materials that substantially looks and feel like an actual wooden
log.
[0048] As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, mounted on a second side of
structural element 100 opposite the first side is a plurality of
interior logs 40 wherein interior logs 40 may be made of real
wooden logs. When constructing a structure such as a log cabin
using the above described structural element 100, interior logs 40
mounted with the second side of structural element 100 forms the
interior of the log cabin and exterior logs 20 mounted with the
first side of structural element 100 forms the exterior of the log
cabin. Advantageously and unlike the prior art, one may enjoy the
rustic appeal and natural beauty of living in a log cabin without
the worry of typical problems associated with a real wooden log
structure. More particularly, when inside the log cabin constructed
from the preferred embodiment of structural element 100, because
interior logs 40 are real wooden logs, one may enjoy the benefits
of living in a real log home and because exterior logs 20 are
mounted on the exterior side of structural element 100, the
composite material from which exterior logs 20 are made, virtually
eliminates the environmental concerns, maintenance, susceptibility
to fire, fungi, and wood-boring insects and other concerns
associated with a real wooden log structure.
[0049] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a first
exterior log 20 may be mounted on a first side of frame 80 by way
of fastening means such as nails. Fastening means may be received
in the at least one aperture defined by flange 26 so as to secure
first exterior log 20 to frame 80 such that flat side 22 of flange
26 engages strapping member 84 in substantially parallel
engagement. A second exterior log 20 may be mounted on frame 80 on
a first side adjacent a first exterior simulated log 20 in a
similar fashion such that flange 26 of first exterior log 20 is
received within channel 28 of second exterior log 20. By mounting
subsequent exterior logs 20 in such a manner wherein flange 26 of a
previously mounted exterior log 20 is received within channel 28 of
a subsequently mounted exterior log 20, a plurality of exterior
logs 20 may be mounted adjacent to one another in an abutting or
overlapping function onto frame 80 to simulate the appearance of a
wooden structural element 100 that may be used to construct, for
example, a log cabin that appears to be a wooden log cabin on the
exterior.
[0050] In a further alternative embodiment, as seen in FIG. 5, if
desired, structural element 100 may be comprised of a plurality of
exterior logs 20 mounted on a first side and a second side opposite
the first side of structural element 100. In such alternative
embodiment, a structure such as a log cabin may be constructed
entirely of exterior logs 20 that simulate the character, texture,
appearance and appeal of wooden logs on the interior and the
exterior. Advantageously and unlike the prior art, because the
interior and the exterior are made from composite material that
simulate real wooden logs, one may enjoy the benefits of living in
a log home without having to worry about the typical problems
associated with a real wood log structure, such as environmental
concerns, instability due to shrinking and swelling, costly and
regular maintenance, and susceptibility to fire, fungi, and
wood-boring insects.
[0051] In the further alternative embodiment, as seen in FIG. 6,
exterior simulated logs 20 and interior logs 40 may be mounted as
part of structural element 100 in a staggered formation so as to
provide greater insulation. Despite this description, it should be
appreciated that the type of log mounted on the first side or
second side of structural element 100 may be reversed or changed
without changing the function or advantages provided.
[0052] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, edge 26,
28 of exterior simulated logs 20 may each be comprised of a
fastening portion in the form of flange. Preferably, both flanges
are integrally formed with edge 26, 28, respectively, and define at
least one aperture wherein such at least one aperture is adapted to
receive the fastening means for securing exterior log 20 onto frame
80. A filler such as weather resistant concrete fillers or sealers
known in the art may be used to cover the visible heads of the
fastening means for aesthetic purposes.
[0053] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a configuration of
corner members and correspondent exterior simulated logs, according
to another embodiment. As explained earlier, the exterior simulated
log is typically a half hollow log and is preferably made from
light-weight materials such as plastic, wood fiber, resin,
composite of fiberglass, polyurethane, polymer or polymer concrete
composites. It should be noted that in order to more completely
achieve the look of real log cabin, the corner members 106 may be
provided to be installed in the corners of the cabin (or other
structure). It should be also noted that, preferably, the end 104
of an exterior simulated log (side log) will need to be cut as
shown so that it fits closely the typical, substantially circular,
shape of two adjacent corner members (106a and 106b). Furthermore,
the side log 102 need to substantially align with a staggered
corner member 106c to achieve the log structure look. It should
also be noted that at the bottom of the shown side of the
structure, a half of a side log (i.e., a quarter hollow log; see
also FIG. 15c for a sectional view of the quarter log (half of
half)). As shown, the log 108 will fit with the bottom half of the
corner member 106d and will align with the half corner member 106c.
It should be understood that on the left side (not shown) of the
structure from FIG. 10, the siding may begin from the bottom with a
complete side log 102 such that it will align with the corner
member 106d.
[0054] FIG. 11 depicts an exterior perspective view of installed
exemplary corner members, according to another embodiment. As
shown, each corner member 116 preferably has an arm 117,
substantially at a ninety (90) degrees angle with the straight
portion 116f of corner member's inner end, such that the arm 117
may used to fasten the corner member 116 to a strapping member
1184. The arm 117 may be manufactured as that is integrally part of
the corner member 116 (i.e., one piece) or it may be manufactured
separately and subsequently fasten to the corner member 116 such as
by using glue, nails, screws, etc, or a combination thereof. The
arm 117 may be made from a different material, such as steel, or
from the same materials such as those used for the corner members
and side logs (e.g., plastic, wood fiber, resin, composite of
fiberglass, polyurethane, polymer or polymer concrete composites,
etc). It should be noted that the corner member 116 will typically
have a portion 116e, which is not straight as the 116f portion, but
substantially at forty-five (45) degrees angle with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the corner member 116 (see also FIGS. 14a-e
for more detailed views). It should be apparent that the forty-five
degree portion 116e is needed to obtain the substantially
perpendicular arrangement between corner members (e.g., 106a and
106c in FIG. 10), to work with typical structures which have the
walls joining at ninety degrees angles.
[0055] FIG. 12 depicts a top perspective view of the corner members
126 from FIG. 11. FIG. 13 depicts a top perspective view of the
corner members 136 from FIG. 11, as viewed from inside of the frame
on which they are installed.
[0056] FIGS. 14a-e depict a sectional, front-perspective,
back-perspective, front and side view, respectively, of a corner
member 146. Again, as mentioned earlier, the inner end (i.e, the
end facing the structure to which is attached) of the corner member
146, will typically have a portion 146e (substantially half or
other than half, depending primarily on the look sought) that is
configured such that it has a forty-five (45) degrees angle with
the longitudinal axis of the corner member 146. Again, the other
portion 146f is straight, meaning that it is substantially at
ninety degrees angle with the longitudinal axis of the corner
member 146. The straight portion 146f allows for a closer fit and
stronger attachment of the corner member 146 to a typical structure
which will have generally a flat exterior surface. Once again, the
forty-five degree portion 146e of two opposite corner members
allows for the formation of a ninety degree angle between the
respective corner members, which is desirable when working with a
typical structure having walls joining perpendicularly. It should
be apparent that the angle of the 146e portion may be adjusted if
needed, such as when the structure has walls which do joint each
other at a ninety degree angle.
[0057] FIG. 15a depicts a partial sectional view of a structure
using exterior simulated logs 152. FIG. 15b depicts a
cross-sectional view of an exterior simulated log (half log) 152
from FIG. 15a, according to another embodiment. FIG. 15c depicts a
cross-sectional view of another exterior simulated log (half of
half (or quarter) log) 158, according to another embodiment. As
shown, the exterior simulated log (half log or side log) 152,
similarly as the log described earlier when referring to FIGS. 2-9,
the half log is preferably hollow (see central cavity 1530) and has
a flange 1526 at the upper side, which may be used to fasten the
half log 152 to a strapping member 1584 using, for example, nails
or screws 1527. Preferably, the lower side of the half log 152 has
a reinforced portion 152a such that its inward oriented surface
152b is flat and of a height substantially equal to the height of
the flange 1526, such that the surface 152b of a higher half log
152 fits onto the flange 1526 of an adjacent but lower half log
152. It should be noted that the channel described earlier when
referring to FIGS. 2-9, is not present in this alternative design
of the half log 152. The preferred light-weight materials listed
earlier to manufacture the side log 152 permits securely joining
two adjacent logs by simply using a strong construction adhesive to
bond surface 152b of an upper log to flange 1526 of a lower log
(see FIG. 16).
[0058] Again, a quarter (half of a half) log 158 is typically
needed, as described earlier, to start from the bottom on one of
the two walls of structure, which are joining each other at a
ninety degree angle, in order to obtain the desired staggered log
appearance. Thus, for example, when the simulated logs are mounted
to the sides of a structure, a quarter log is mounted on the bottom
row, giving the outside appearance of a half log. Whereas, in the
front and back of the structure, the half log is used, including as
the bottom row, visibly appearing as though it were a whole log.
Thus, the staggering of the alternating rows, or `rounds` as they
are referred to in log house terminology, is achieved. As shown,
the quarter log 158 may also have a flange 1526, to be used during
installation as described above, and it is also hollow (see its
central cavity 1530q in FIG. 15c). Furthermore, the quarter log 158
has a bottom/horizontal portion 158a, substantially horizontal, and
thus, perpendicular to the direction of the flange 1526, and having
a length substantially equal with the depth of the quarter log 158
such that the central cavity 1530q is closed after the quarter log
158 is installed.
[0059] FIG. 16 depicts a partial exterior perspective view of a
structure using exterior simulated logs 162. Again, as earlier
described, after fastening the flange of a side log 162, using for
example nails 1627, to a strapping member 1684, a bead 169 of epoxy
or other construction adhesive may be used to secure the bottom of
the next higher log to the flange of the lower log.
[0060] From the foregoing description, it may be seen that the
device formed in accordance with the present invention incorporates
many novel features and offers significant advantages over those
currently available.
[0061] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein for the purpose of disclosing the preferred
embodiments, someone of ordinary skills in the art will easily
detect alternate embodiments and /or equivalent variations, which
may be capable of achieving the same results, and which may be
substituted for the specific embodiments illustrated and described
herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Therefore, the scope of this application is intended to cover
alternate embodiments and /or equivalent variations of the specific
embodiments illustrated and/or described herein. Hence, the scope
of the present invention is defined only by the accompanying claims
and their equivalents.
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