U.S. patent application number 14/247858 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for building siding systems and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Top Down Siding, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Top Down Siding, LLC. Invention is credited to Lief Eric Swanson.
Application Number | 20140215945 14/247858 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40220362 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140215945 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Swanson; Lief Eric |
August 7, 2014 |
BUILDING SIDING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
Exterior building siding for aesthetic and protection of the
building against wind, rain and solar energy by attaching each
horizontal plank from the top of the wall downwardly that includes
a starting strip where each plank is interlocked to the plank above
it. Each of the horizontal planks includes a top wall portion that
fits snuggly into an "L-shaped" groove above it so that the panels
can be firmly locked together vertically in a downwardly fashion to
prevent any wind uplift against the siding or moisture intrusion.
In the preferred embodiment, an adaptor strip is bonded to a
conventional siding plank for trap lock engagement. Each adaptor
strip has a longitudinal recess to reduce mass and volume and a mid
panel support for strength.
Inventors: |
Swanson; Lief Eric; (Vero
Beach, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Top Down Siding, LLC |
Vero Beach |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Top Down Siding, LLC
Vero Beach
FL
|
Family ID: |
40220362 |
Appl. No.: |
14/247858 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12194979 |
Aug 20, 2008 |
8695303 |
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14247858 |
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12018416 |
Jan 23, 2008 |
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12194979 |
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11774247 |
Jul 6, 2007 |
7712277 |
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12018416 |
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60828674 |
Oct 9, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/302.1 ;
52/539; 52/748.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/64 20130101; E04F
13/0805 20130101; E04D 2001/3447 20130101; E04D 3/24 20130101; E04D
2001/3482 20130101; E04F 13/0894 20130101; E04D 2001/3458 20130101;
E04D 13/158 20130101; E04F 13/0864 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/302.1 ;
52/539; 52/748.1 |
International
Class: |
E04F 13/08 20060101
E04F013/08; E04B 1/64 20060101 E04B001/64 |
Claims
1. A siding system comprising: a plurality of siding planks, each
siding plank extending along a long axis and having a
building-contacting side and a second side opposite the
building-contacting side, the building-contacting side having at
least one section adapted to mate with a wall of a building, and
the second side being bounded by first and second ends, each of the
siding planks comprising: a first flange extending upwardly from
and offset with respect to the building-contacting side, the first
flange being tapered; a second flange extending downwardly below
the second end of the second side of the siding plank to form a
fixation-member-receiving section adapted to receive a fixation
member for securing the siding plank to the wall of the building;
and a tapered groove formed between the second side of the siding
plank and the second flange, the tapered groove extending upwardly
above the second end of the second side of the siding plank, such
that a section of the first flange of a first of the plurality of
siding planks is adapted to mate with the tapered groove of a
second of the plurality of planks to interlock the first siding
plank with the second siding plank via the tapered
groove/first-flange interface; and a starter strip comprising a
building-contacting side and a second side opposite the
building-contacting side, the building-contacting side of the
starter strip having at least one section adapted to mate with the
wall of the building, wherein the second side is bounded by first
and second ends, the starter strip including: a flange extending
downwardly below the second end of the second side of the starter
strip, the flange forming a fixation-member-receiving section
adapted to receive a fixation member for securing the starter strip
to the wall of the building; and a tapered groove formed between
the second side of the starter strip and the flange, the tapered
groove extending upwardly above the second end of the second side
of the starter strip and having a profile that is substantially
identical to the profile of the tapered groove formed in each of
the plurality of siding planks, such that a section of the first
flange of the second siding plank is adapted to mate with the
tapered groove of the starter strip to interlock the second siding
plank with the starter strip, wherein the starter strip does not
include an upwardly extending flange for mating with a siding plank
arranged above the starter strip.
2. A siding system according to claim 1, wherein a top section of
the starter strip includes a substantially flat surface extending
transverse to the second side of the starter strip.
3. A siding system according to claim 1, wherein the second side of
the starter strip presents a front wall that is viewable to a user
once the starter strip is secured to the wall of the building.
4. A siding system according to claim 1, wherein when the first
flange of the first siding plank is mated with the tapered groove
of the second siding plank, it overlies the
fixation-member-receiving section of the second flange of the
second siding plank, such that a fixation member inserted through
the fixation-member-receiving section of the second flange of the
second siding plank is hidden by the first flange of the first
siding plank.
5. A siding system according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the
first flange of the first siding plank and the tapered groove of
the second siding plank are complementary so that the first flange
of the first siding plank interlocks substantially identically with
the tapered groove of the second siding plank.
6. A siding system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of
channels are formed in the building-contacting side of each of the
plurality of siding planks to allow for drainage of moisture or
fluid.
7. A method of installing the siding system according to claim 1 in
a top down fashion, the method comprising: providing the siding
system according to claim 1; positioning the starter strip at a top
section of the wall of the building; inserting at least one
fixation member through the fixation-member-receiving section of
the flange of the starter strip to secure the starter strip to the
top section of the wall; positioning the first flange of the second
siding plank into the tapered groove of the starter strip so that
the first flange of the second siding plank overlies the at least
one fixation member inserted through the fixation-member-receiving
section of the flange of the starter strip; inserting at least one
fixation member through the fixation-member-receiving section of
the second flange of the second siding plank to secure the second
siding plank to the wall of the building at a position below the
starter strip; positioning the first flange of the first siding
plank into the tapered groove of the second siding plank so that
the first flange of the first siding plank overlies the at least
one fixation member inserted through the fixation-member-receiving
section of the second flange of the second siding plank; and
inserting at least one fixation member through the
fixation-member-receiving section of the second flange of the first
siding plank to secure the first siding plank to the wall of the
building at a position below the second siding plank.
8. A siding system comprising: a plurality of siding planks, each
siding plank extending along a long axis and having a
building-contacting side and a second side opposite the
building-contacting side, the building-contacting side having at
least one section adapted to mate with a wall of a building, and
the second side being bounded by first and second ends, each of the
siding planks comprising: a first flange extending upwardly from
the building-contacting side; a second flange extending downwardly
below the second end of the second side of the siding plank to form
a fixation-member-receiving section adapted to receive a fixation
member for securing the siding plank to the wall of the building;
and a groove formed between the second side of the siding plank and
the second flange, the groove extending upwardly above the second
end of the second side of the siding plank, such that a section of
the first flange of a first of the plurality of siding planks is
adapted to mate with the groove of a second of the plurality of
planks to interlock the first siding plank with the second siding
plank via the groove/first-flange interface; and a starter strip
comprising a building-contacting side and a second side opposite
the building-contacting side, the building-contacting side of the
starter strip having a first section adapted to mate with the wall
of the building at a top end of the building-contacting side and a
second section adapted to mate with the wall of the building at a
bottom end of the building-contacting side, the second side being
bounded by first and second ends, the starter strip including: a
flange extending downwardly below the second end of the second side
of the starter strip, the flange forming a
fixation-member-receiving section adapted to receive a fixation
member for securing the starter strip to the wall of the building;
and a groove formed between the second side of the starter strip
and the flange, the groove extending upwardly above the second end
of the second side of the starter strip and having a profile that
is substantially identical to at least a portion of a profile of
the first flange of the second siding plank, such that the first
flange of the second siding plank is adapted to mate with the
groove of the starter strip to interlock the second siding plank
with the starter strip.
9. A siding system according to claim 8, wherein the shape of the
first flange of the first siding plank and the groove of the second
siding plank are complementary so that the first flange of the
first siding plank interlocks substantially identically with the
groove of the second siding plank.
10. A siding system according to claim 8, wherein the groove of
each of the plurality of siding planks is tapered, each groove
having an opening defined by a first distance and first and second
opposing walls arranged above the opening, the first and second
walls being separated by a second distance that is less than the
first distance.
11. A siding system according to claim 10, wherein the first flange
of each of the plurality of siding planks is tapered, the first
flange including an end insertable into the opening of at least one
of the plurality of siding planks.
12. A siding system according to claim 8, wherein the second side
of the starter strip presents a front wall that is viewable to a
user once the starter strip is secured to the wall of the
building.
13. A siding system according to claim 12, wherein the starter
strip is formed of a unitary piece of material.
14. A method of installing a siding system according to claim 8,
the method comprising: providing the siding system according to
claim 8; positioning the starter strip at a top section of the wall
of the building; inserting at least one fixation member through the
fixation-member-receiving section of the flange of the starter
strip to secure the starter strip to the top section of the wall;
positioning the first flange of the second siding plank into the
groove of the starter strip so that the first flange of the second
siding plank overlies the at least one fixation member inserted
through the fixation-member-receiving section of the flange of the
starter strip; inserting at least one fixation member through the
fixation-member-receiving section of the second flange of the
second siding plank to secure the second siding plank to the wall
of the building at a position below the starter strip; positioning
the first flange of the first siding plank into the groove of the
second siding plank so that the first flange of the first siding
plank overlies the at least one fixation member inserted through
the fixation-member-receiving section of the second flange of the
second siding plank; and inserting at least one fixation member
through the fixation-member-receiving section of the second flange
of the first siding plank to secure the first siding plank to the
wall of the building at a position below the second siding
plank.
15. A siding system comprising: a plurality of siding planks, each
siding plank extending along a long axis and having a
building-contacting side and a second side opposite the
building-contacting side, the building-contacting side having at
least one section adapted to mate with a wall of a building, and
the second side being bounded by first and second ends, each of the
siding planks comprising: a first flange extending upwardly from
the building-contacting side, the first flange having a profile
with a convex portion; a second flange extending downwardly below
the second end of the second side of the siding plank to form a
fixation-member-receiving section adapted to receive a fixation
member for securing the siding plank to the wall of the building;
and a groove formed between the second side of the siding plank and
the second flange, the groove extending upwardly above the second
end of the second side of the siding plank and having a profile
with a concave portion that is complementary to the convex portion
of the profile of the first flange, such that a section of the
first flange of a first of the plurality of siding planks is
adapted to mate with the groove of a second of the plurality of
planks to interlock the first siding plank with the second siding
plank via the groove/first-flange interface; and a starter strip
comprising a building-contacting side and a second side opposite
the building-contacting side, the building-contacting side of the
starter strip having at least one section adapted to mate with the
wall of the building, wherein the second side is bounded by first
and second ends, the starter strip including: a flange extending
downwardly below the second end of the second side of the starter
strip, the flange forming a fixation-member-receiving section
adapted to receive a fixation member for securing the starter strip
to the wall of the building; and a groove formed between the second
side of the starter strip and the flange, the groove extending
upwardly above the second end of the second side of the starter
strip and having a profile that is substantially identical to the
profile of the groove formed in each of the plurality of siding
planks, such that a section of the first flange of the second
siding plank is adapted to mate with the groove of the starter
strip to interlock the second siding plank with the starter
strip.
16. A siding system according to claim 15, wherein the groove of
each of the plurality of siding planks is tapered, each groove
having an opening defined by a first distance and first and second
opposing walls arranged above the opening, the first and second
walls being separated by a second distance that is less than the
first distance.
17. A siding system according to claim 16, wherein the first flange
of each of the plurality of siding planks is tapered, the first
flange including an end insertable into the opening of at least one
of the plurality of siding planks.
18. A siding system according to claim 15, wherein the second side
of the starter strip presents a front wall that is viewable to a
user once the starter strip is secured to the wall of the
building.
19. A siding system according to claim 18, wherein the starter
strip is formed of a unitary piece of material.
20. A method of installing a siding system according to claim 15,
the method comprising: providing the siding system according to
claim 15; positioning the starter strip at a top section of the
wall of the building; inserting at least one fixation member
through the fixation-member-receiving section of the flange of the
starter strip to secure the starter strip to the top section of the
wall; positioning the first flange of the second siding plank into
the groove of the starter strip so that the first flange of the
second siding plank overlies the at least one fixation member
inserted through the fixation-member-receiving section of the
flange of the starter strip; inserting at least one fixation member
through the fixation-member-receiving section of the second flange
of the second siding plank to secure the second siding plank to the
wall of the building at a position below the starter strip;
positioning the first flange of the first siding plank into the
groove of the second siding plank so that the first flange of the
first siding plank overlies the at least one fixation member
inserted through the fixation-member-receiving section of the
second flange of the second siding plank; and inserting at least
one fixation member through the fixation-member-receiving section
of the second flange of the first siding plank to secure the first
siding plank to the wall of the building at a position below the
second siding plank.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/194,979, filed on Aug. 20, 2008, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/018,416, filed Jan. 23, 2008 and now abandoned, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/774,247, filed on Jul. 6, 2007 and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,277,
which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/828,674, filed on Oct. 9, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to a building protective
and aesthetic siding that is used to cover the exterior of a
building and, specifically, to a building siding that includes
horizontal planks that are interlocked together on top and bottom
and that are installed from the top of a building wall in a
downward direction. The invention includes the use of an adaptor
strip that can be adhesively affixed to existing fiber cement
siding planks or comparable material while providing for top down
interlocking of the planks for durability and protection from wind
and rain.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Many buildings, residential dwellings and office buildings,
use building siding on the exterior of the building for protecting
the building from the elements and for aesthetic purposes. Typical
building siding is constructed of a plurality of elongated,
horizontal panels, planks, or strips that are typically overlapped
from the wall bottom upwardly, with each next piece added that
overlaps the piece below it. Such overlapping panels are used to
protect the building from rain, solar and wind damage. The siding
used on many residential and commercial buildings for the exterior
is typically made of wooden planks that are overlapped, typically
from the wall bottom upwardly. Plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
and aluminum sheets have also been used. Many of these materials
are also sloped to aesthetically look like wood planks that are
overlapped, one on top of the other giving each plank a slight
incline instead of a substantially flat surface.
[0006] One of the problems with conventional siding that is
constructed with panels or planks from the wall bottom up, i.e.
each horizontal plank being covered by one on top of it, is that
high winds can lift a plank reducing the siding durability.
[0007] The siding described herein adds durability and protection
from wind and rain because the siding planks are placed on the
building from the top down. Each of the individual horizontal
planks are more securely held in place because of the top and
bottom interlock connections.
[0008] The present invention can be used with existing planks such
as fiber cement siding by utilization of an adaptor strip that is
adhesively affixed to each existing fiber cement siding plank that
allows the fiber cement siding plank to be interlocked from the top
down for greatly improving durability and protection from wind and
rain. Each plank and adaptor strip is fastened to the building
exterior wall along the base area of the adaptor strip.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Exterior building siding which may be constructed of several
types of materials including aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
wood, steel, concrete, hard foam or other synthetic materials
having essentially two components which include: (1) a top starting
strip that is affixed to the building at a selected upper beginning
point of a building wall or structure and (2) a plurality of planks
of the same or variable lengths that are affixed to the starting
strip and to the building itself, usually to vertical studs forming
the building exterior wall.
[0010] The starting strip is the uppermost horizontal strip and has
an inverted "J-shaped" cross section. The strip body inverted
"J-shaped" cross sectional configuration provides for a
substantially upside down deep recess or groove that is disposed
vertically and is tapered to receive the upper "L-shaped" lip
portion of the first horizontal mounting plank. The starting strip
may have a plurality of small circular recessed dimples that
provide visual alignment for fasteners such as screws, nails or
staples to be driven through the strip in such a manner that the
head of the screw or nail is flush or countersunk below the level
of the exterior surface. The strip can also be attached by glue.
After the top starting strip has been fastened to the selected
upper position on the building exterior wall, the horizontal siding
planks are attached sequentially downwardly from the starting
strip. The planks may be rectangular in shape of the same or
different lengths that can be cut to make each horizontal row equal
to the building wall width. Each plank has a cross section that
includes a top tapered "L-shaped" area that is upright and a bottom
"J-shaped" area that is inverted forming a groove. In one
embodiment, the upper length of the "L-shaped" area leg of each
plank is longer that the bottom portion of the "J-shaped" leg as
described below.
[0011] The planks used in the siding are joined and interlocked
vertically on top and bottom in horizontal rows, and are arranged
in end to end abutments. The planks can be manufactured in various
dimensions in terms of width or height and thickness and can be of
different lengths depending on the nature of the building to be
covered with siding. Each plank can be cut in length and width to
fit any wall size.
[0012] The starting strip inverted "J-shaped" cross section area
has a continuous groove from end to end that may be tapered and is
sized to snuggly fit with the upper "L-shaped" projection of the
top edge of the siding plank. Thus, when the first plank is
inserted snuggly into the starting strip, there is a tight fit
between both the starting strip groove and the first plank
projection.
[0013] At the bottom of the every plank, there is an inverted
"J-shaped" area with a groove similar to the groove inverted
"J-shaped" groove in the starting strip. This plank lower groove is
interlocked with the top edge of the next horizontal plank added
downwardly.
[0014] The starting strip and each plank are attached to the
building exterior wall surface or studs by nails, screws, staples
or glue. The heads of the nail and screw fasteners may be
countersunk in pre-formed recessed areas. Assembly of an exterior
wall of siding begins with the attachment of the starting strip at
a location that denotes the horizontal upper starting line of the
siding. The starting strip is nailed, screwed, stapled or glued to
the building horizontally.
[0015] A first series of planks are horizontally pushed into firm
engagement in the starting strip groove and each plank is nailed,
screwed, stapled or glued into place along the bottom area of each
plank forming the first row of planks.
[0016] Each additional row of planks is engaged to the fastened
planks downwardly, one row at a time. The fasteners securing the
previous planks are covered by the next row of planks.
[0017] The planks forming the very bottom row may have to be cut
longitudinally for a perfect fit to reduce their height to conform
to the remaining space to be covered. These planks may be glued to
the building exterior wall or studs.
[0018] In one embodiment, the inside (back) surfaces of the
starting strip and all planks are flat and form a flat plane flush
with the building wall or studs.
[0019] In an alternate embodiment, the back wall surface of each
plank and the starting strip can include one or more vertical
recessed channels (curved or rectangular in shape) that form
vertical moisture or fluid conduits that allow drainage of moisture
that accumulates on the outside exterior surface of the building
but on the inside of the planks to dissipate moisture in the
vertical channels by gravity.
[0020] Also in an alternate embodiment, the plank end faces that
are placed side by side for each plank, instead of being flush,
could include a groove flange overlap such that the outer surface
edge of one plank overlaps the inner side edge of the adjacent
planks. Between each overlap structure a small vertical space can
be made as a moisture channel.
[0021] In a further alternate embodiment, the starting strip and
planks can be installed onto the roof of a building as well as the
soffits of a building. In this alternate embodiment, the starting
strip and planks are installed in the same top-down manner as
described when used for siding.
[0022] Using the present invention as described, it is noted how
secure each of the individual planks are, both at the top and at
the bottom, which greatly increases its durability against harsh
weather elements such as wind and rain for greater strength and
longer preservation.
[0023] In the preferred embodiment, the siding is comprised of a
conventional elongated plank made of fiber cement or other
material, that is adhesively attached or bonded to an elongated
adaptor strip which allows fiber cement conventional planks of
siding to be securely trap locked above and below against a
building horizontally from the top of the building wall
downwardly.
[0024] The adaptor strip is an elongated strip, which may be
extruded, milled or molded from various materials, that includes a
front flat face in its upper portion, a mid panel support on its
rear face to prevent or reduce the cement board damage due to
flying debris, extra material for increase strength near a recessed
area that runs the entire length of the adaptor strip to reduce the
volume of material used and a lower extended nailing or fastener
flange.
[0025] The adaptor strip can be affixed with adhesive to the fiber
cement board at the factory. The siding unit is comprised of the
conventional fiber cement board or other material and is bonded to
the adaptor strip that provides horizontal planks attached
vertically for interlocking at top and bottom of each fiber cement
panel or plank. The siding unit has a bottom or base groove that is
large enough to receive the top flat edge of a fiber cement board
that is trap locked between the adaptor strip and the base of an
above fiber cement board that is already attached to a building
exterior along its base area.
[0026] Optionally, within the base groove, a resilient elongated
moisture barrier member is placed at the top surface of the
inverted groove. The moisture stop could be longitudinally disposed
throughout the base groove of the entire plank and adaptor strip.
As each cement fiber board is interlocked below to the previously
attached groove plank, the top edge engages and self-aligns at the
stopping point in the inverted groove with or without the moisture
stop. The moisture stop reduces moisture from reaching the exterior
building wall being covered or the siding fasteners from the front
surface.
[0027] Also in the preferred embodiment with the adaptor strip, the
back face surfaces of the adaptor strip include narrow moisture
transmission grooves that are substantially diagonally and
vertically positioned but can be angled. The adaptor strip back
surface moisture grooves are used in conjunction with an adaptor
strip horizontal recess in the adaptor strip that reduces the
volume of material used in the device. The adaptor strip mid panel
support back face also includes a series of moisture transmission
grooves substantially positioned diagonally and vertically.
[0028] The longitudinal recess in the adaptor strip may be
trapezoidally shaped in cross section (as opposed to rectangular)
so that moisture will not accumulate due to gravity allowing
moisture to run down the recess wall surface between moisture
transmission grooves.
[0029] Thus, each siding panel horizontally attached to an exterior
building wall is mounted from the top down, interlocking each lower
panel is comprised of a fiber cement board or other material that
can be made in a conventional rectangular shape with an adaptor
strip adhesively bonded to the back side of the fiber board. The
siding unit can be interlocked and fastened along its extended base
area with the adaptor back wall face extending below the front of
the fiber board to allow for fasteners such as nails, screws or
staples to be fastened along the base to a building wall. The
adaptor strip can have a large longitudinal recess specifically to
reduce the volume of material used in the entire siding unit while,
at the same time, not sacrificing strength.
[0030] It is an object of this invention to provide a building
exterior siding that is affixed from the top down with an interlock
cross sectional pattern between adjacent horizontal panels to give
the siding more strength and durability in use.
[0031] It is another object of this invention to provide an
improved exterior panel that can be easily assembled and mounted on
the exterior of a building in a top down progression for increased
strength and durability of the siding.
[0032] It is a primary objective of this invention to provide
siding that can be made from fiber cement or other conventional
material and bonded to an adaptor strip that allows for rigid
interlock from a top down construction of the siding for fastening
along the base of each siding unit and may provide for moisture
transmission grooves along the interface between the adaptor strip
and the building exterior wall to which it is attached.
[0033] In accordance with these and other objects which will become
apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described
with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a side elevational view of the top starter
strip.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a side elevational view of a typical horizontal
plank.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view partially cut away of the
exterior siding including the starting strip and two planks
installed on the exterior of a building.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a side elevational view partially in cross
section of the building siding attached to a portion of a building
wall.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention in a
perspective view with two planks joined side by side.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows the alternate embodiment of FIG. 5 from a top
plan view.
[0040] FIG. 7A shows a side elevational view of an alternate
embodiment of the bottom starter strip.
[0041] FIG. 7B shows a side elevational view of the alternate
embodiment of the horizontal plank.
[0042] FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view wherein the invention is
used on a roof and as a soffit as well as a vertical exterior wall
covering.
[0043] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a siding unit that
includes a fiber cement board bonded to an adaptor strip.
[0044] FIG. 10 shows a starting strip and a pair of siding units
interlocked in a cross sectional view in elevation displaying the
interlocking of the siding unit shown in FIG. 9.
[0045] FIG. 11 shows a side elevational view in cross section of
the siding unit shown in FIG. 9.
[0046] FIG. 12 is a side cross sectional view of the alternate
embodiment shown in FIG. 13 attached to a conventional plank such
as a fiber cement board.
[0047] FIG. 13 shows a side elevational view of a cross section of
another alternate embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 14 is a side elevational in cross section similar to
FIG. 8 showing other figure enlargements.
[0049] FIG. 15 shows an enlarged view of the soffit "Z" finishing
strip used with the present invention for a soffit.
[0050] FIG. 16 shows an enlarged cross section view partially cut
away of the soffit structure as it is attached to rafter tails.
[0051] FIG. 17 shows a side elevational view in cross section of
the starter strip used for siding where it joins the soffit.
[0052] FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional view of two overlapping
planks prior to being interlocked in a side elevational cross
sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the
invention.
[0053] FIG. 19 shows the cross sectional side elevational view of
FIG. 18 wherein the panels are in an interlocked position that
includes the moisture stop in the alternate embodiment of the
invention.
[0054] FIG. 20 is an enlarged cutaway in cross section of the
moisture stop locked in place.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0055] Referring now to the drawings and, particularly, FIG. 1, the
starting strip 12 is shown in a side elevational view to illustrate
the "J-shaped" groove that is inverted 12b formed between the back
wall of the starting strip 12a and the front wall 12c. The starting
strip 12 also includes a plurality of dimples 12d that are circular
recessed portions sized approximately in diameter to equal to the
head of a nail or a screw. However, the dimples are not required.
This provides a visual indication to a construction worker as to
where to insert fasteners such as nails or screws that will be
countersunk when the starter strip is mounted to a vertical wall
surface or stud 18 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0056] It is further contemplated that each starting strip 12 may
additionally have a plurality of shallow vertical grooves located
on the flat back wall. These grooves will extend from the top of
the flat back wall to the bottom of the flat back wall.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 2, the basic siding plank 14 is shown
that is used to complete the building siding. Each plank 14 is
mounted horizontally starting from the starting strip 12 as shown
in FIG. 3 downwardly in horizontal rows. The plank 14 has a flat
back wall 14d and an upper "L-shaped" wall 14a which is slightly
tapered and fits snuggly within the inverted "J-shaped" groove 12b
of the starting strip shown in FIG. 1. It is contemplated that the
structure 12 may have a "J-shape" with an interior non-parallel,
tapered "V-shaped" groove 12b to provide a tapered exterior
surface. The top "L-shaped" portion 14a also is sized to fit
snuggly in an adjacent horizontal plank into the inverted
"J-shaped" groove 14b as each horizontal plank is attached to the
plank above it in a downward pattern. The front surface of each
plank is flat but tapered to give the effect of overlapping boards
and to allow water run off.
[0058] It is further contemplated that each siding plank 14 may
additionally have a plurality of shallow vertical grooves located
on the side of the plank 14 which will share a planar relationship
with the flat back wall of the starting strip 12. These grooves
will extend from the top edge to the bottom edge of the plank
14.
[0059] Looking at FIG. 3, the starting strip is shown attached to a
vertical stud 18 which is the exterior wall stud for the building.
Also shown in FIG. 3 are two planks 14 connected to each other
vertically. The planks may have dimples 20 and 22 that are also
visual representations of where to place the appropriate fasteners
such as nails, screws, staples or glue when attaching each plank 14
to a vertical wall surface or stud 18.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 4, the siding is shown with the
starting strip 12 mounted at the top of a representative wall
surface or stud 18 and is interlocked with the first horizontal row
14 plank with a fastener 16 that has been attached to the starting
strip 12 at the top. Subsequently, the first horizontal plank 14 is
fastened into the inverted groove in starting strip 12 at the top
and with a fastener 16 at its bottom securely fastening the
horizontal plank to the starting strip and to the wall surface or
stud at its base. Thus, the sequence repeats from the top down of
inserting the next row of horizontal planks and attaching them to
the wall surface or stud with fasteners such as nails, screws,
staples or glue. The fasteners at the base of each plank are
covered by the next plank inserted from below by wall 14a FIG.
2.
[0061] Looking at FIGS. 3 and 4, one can easily see how strong and
tight the siding is mounted on the building exterior wall. It would
be difficult for the wind or rain to penetrate the siding in the
interlocking configuration as shown.
[0062] Looking at FIG. 4, the top starting strip 12 can also
include a decorative edge chime 12e if desired. Also, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4, the horizontal planks 14 have a front facade that is
visible after installation that includes a beveled or inclined
shape to achieve the lap style look. However, any other facade can
be utilized on the front exterior surface.
[0063] The back surfaces 12a and 14d are flat. The siding planks 14
and starting strip 12 can be made in various widths and thicknesses
and lengths and from many different materials including mixed
fibers, wood, concrete, steel, aluminum, plastics, polymers, foam
or other blended or natural or man-made composite materials. The
siding can function not only as a protective outer layer on a
building protecting the building against wind, moisture, rain and
solar energy, but also acts as an insulation for heat or cold.
Overall, the siding provides greater uplift protection from
stronger than average wind and moisture intrusion that results in a
reduction of costly repairs and replacements to the building.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in an alternate embodiment 100,
two horizontal planks 140 are shown joined together along one edge,
side by side. Each plank 140 has one or more vertical shallow
channels formed in its back surface. The back surface channels can
be of any cross sectional shape and are shown as rectangular. The
channels are used to collect moisture that may accumulate on the
exterior surface of the wall of the building being covered by the
siding. As each horizontal plank row is attached to a vertical
plank row above, the vertical channels 140a can be aligned
vertically so that the plank moisture channels from the top of the
wall to the bottom of the wall are aligned. The starting strip
channels can also be vertically aligned. Condensate and moisture
will be drained downwardly by gravity.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 6, the plank back surface channels 140a are
shallow and rectangular grooves but could be any design or shape.
Also note that in an alternate embodiment, the planks 140 can be
overlapped from side to side such that one plank has an extended
lip 140c along one edge which is sized to engage a comparable
recess 140b in the adjacent panel along each side. Thus, the panels
can be overlapped laterally for moisture prevention. Note that a
small channel can be disposed along the edge that shows the overlap
140c and 140b that itself could be a moisture barrier along the
inside back surface between the planks 140.
Alternate Embodiment
[0066] As an alternative embodiment, referring now to FIG. 7A, the
starting strip 200 is shown in a side elevational view to
illustrate the "J-shaped" groove 200b formed between the back wall
of the starting strip 200a and the front wall 200c. In this
embodiment the starting strip 200 is installed at the bottom area
of the wall to be covered. Subsequent panels 210 are then attached
in an upward direction. The top plank can be attached and cut
longitudinally to fit the top most row. Flashing or a sealant may
be used to seal the top plank. The starting strip 200 also includes
a plurality of dimples 200d that are circular recessed portions
sized approximately in diameter to equal to the head of a nail or a
screw. However, the dimples are not required. This provides a
visual indication to a construction worker as to where to insert
fasteners such as nails or screws that will be countersunk when the
starter strip 200 is mounted to a vertical surface or wall
stud.
[0067] Each starting strip 200 may additionally have a plurality of
shallow vertical grooves located on the flat back wall. These
grooves will extend from the bottom of the flat back wall to the
top of the flat back wall.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 7B, the basic siding plank 210 is
shown that is used to complete the building siding from the bottom
of the wall upwardly. Each plank 210 is mounted horizontally
starting from the starting strip 200 as shown in FIG. 7A upwardly
in horizontal rows. The plank 210 has a flat back wall 210d and an
lower inverted "J-shaped" wall 210a and groove 210e which fit
snuggly within the "J-shaped" groove 200b of the starting strip
shown in FIG. 7A. The back wall 200a of the starter strip 200 fits
into the inverted "J-shaped" groove 210a of the plank 210. The
front wall 200c of the starter strip 200 fits into the second
groove 210e of the plank 210. The top "L-shaped" portion 210b of
the plank 210 is sized to fit snuggly in an adjacent horizontal
plank into the inverted "J-shaped" groove 210a, and second groove
210e as each horizontal plank is attached to the plank above it in
an upwardly pattern. The front surface 210c of each plank is flat
but tapered to give the effect of overlapping boards and to allow
water run off.
[0069] Each siding plank 210 may additionally have a plurality of
shallow vertical grooves located on the back side of the plank 210d
which will share a planar relationship with the flat back wall of
the starting strip 200. These grooves will extend from the top edge
to the bottom edge of the plank 210.
Alternate Embodiment
[0070] As an alternative embodiment, referring now to FIG. 8, the
starting strip and horizontal planks 220 can also be used as
soffits 230 or as roofing material 240. For the roofing material
240, the starting strip will be mounted near the top of the roof
and the horizontal planks will be subsequently mounted below and
downwardly. The soffits 230 are described below.
[0071] The preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.
9, 10 and 11. Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, siding unit 300
includes a fiber cement rectangular panel 302 which is conventional
in shape, thickness and can be of indeterminate length or standard
length from a generally rectangular board shape or plank shape. On
one side of the fiber cement board 302 is attached an adaptor strip
304. The adaptor strip 304 is attached and bonded to one side of
the fiber cement board by adhesive 314 along the front face upper
portion of said adaptor strip 304. The fiber cement plank or board
302 can be bonded to the adaptor strip 304 at the factory or in
situ. The siding 300 includes a resilient water proof strip 306
that is mounted in a groove along the base of the siding unit
between the front board 302 and the lower extended base of the
adaptor strip 304. The purpose of the base groove is to receive the
top edge of board 302 in an interlocking trap lock arrangement for
wind and water protection of the exterior building and wall. The
resilient water resistant strip 306 engages the top edge of fiber
cement board 302 when the siding members are interlocked in a top
down fashion.
[0072] FIG. 10 shows a pair of siding units inserted and engaged to
a starting strip 310.
[0073] The starter strip 310 includes a groove 310a that receives a
fiber cement board 302 upper edge in an interlocking fashion. The
starting strip in FIG. 10 is shown screwed along its extended
bottom surface with a fastener 312. The extended fastening area of
the starter strip is shown as 310b.
[0074] Engaged to the starting strip is a cement board 302 that has
been adhesively bonded to the adaptor strip 304. The adaptor strip
304 has upper and lower flat back surfaces that engage the wall of
the building 316. The exterior wall of the building 316 could also
be a stud or flat surface material. Each of the adaptor strips is
attached to the building wall 316 with fasteners such as screw,
nail, adhesive or staples 312. Each siding unit made up of the
fiber cement board 302 and the adaptor strip 304 is interlocked
from the top down in a trap lock fashion. The bottom front surface
area of each adaptor strip is long enough to overlap beyond the
bottom groove such that the fastener 312 can be attached. To
further explain, the bottom front surface and wall of the adaptor
strip extends beyond the very bottom edge of the fiber cement board
302 which forms the interlocking groove along the base of the
entire siding unit being attached. There is sufficient front
surface area from the adaptor strip to allow fasteners 312 to be
attached along the base of the siding unit. There is also area
within the inverted groove for the sealing member 306 which is
resilient and water resistant such as an artificial or natural
rubber strip or other material that can be sufficiently resilient
to allow the board 302 to be suitably engaged with the above siding
unit groove to prevent moisture and rain from reaching the inside
of the unit.
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 11, specific features of the adaptor
strip and the fiber cement board are shown. Specifically, the
adaptor strip 304 includes an upper mid panel support 304a having a
flat back wall surface. This mid panel support 304a prevents or
reduces lateral board damage to board 302 from flying debris by
providing extra support along the mid panel. The adhesive bond with
adhesive 314 covers the entire front surface of the upper portion
of adaptor strip 304 which is substantially flat and engages a mid
portion of the board 302 firmly and permanently.
[0076] In addition, the adaptor strip 304 includes an extended
lower base 304b that is a rectangular extension extending beyond
the bottom surface 302c of the fiber cement board 302. There is
sufficient front surface area exposed of the adaptor strip 304b to
allow attachment of screws, nails, staples or adhesive 312 along
the bottom area of the adaptor strip thus attaching the entire
siding unit along the bottom edge horizontally across the exterior
building wall being covered. There is also volume in the groove
formed between the adaptor strip 304 and the cement board 302 to
receive a sealing resilient moisture barrier 306 that engages the
very top surface 302b of the fiber cement board 302 when
interlocked.
[0077] A very important feature of the adaptor strip and siding
unit is a large trapezoidal longitudinal recess 304c along the back
wall that extends the entire length of adaptor strip 304. The
purpose of the trapezoidal recess 304c is to reduce mass and
volume. The adaptor strip can be extruded and by having a
substantial recess that runs at least between from top to bottom a
quarter and a half along the entire body length of the adaptor
strip and half the thickness, a large amount of mass of material
and volume is reduced in the extrusion process, reducing material
costs without sacrificing strength. Also having trapezoidal shaped
surfaces allows for moisture to drop by gravity along the passage
walls 304c between moisture transmission grooves 308 which are
grooves on the mid panel support 304a and on surface 304b.
[0078] In FIG. 9, the moisture transmission grooves 308 disposed in
the back walls of the adaptor strip on the flat surfaces both in
the mid panel support area and on the lower area may be small
grooves that allow water and moisture to proceed downwardly. The
surface grooves may be crisscrossed diagonally as shown or a
diamond-shaped pattern or V-shaped pattern or other angled or
vertical shapes that allow transmission downwardly of moisture.
Different patterns and different shapes of the moisture grooves can
be used.
[0079] The relative lengths of the fiber cement board or any other
conventional board, including wood or any other material 302, are
essentially the same lengths as the extruded adaptor strip when the
two elements are joined together. Once permanently joined, the
siding unit 300 can be cut with a saw just like any other type of
board or plank. The height and relative height between the front
board 302, regardless of the material, and its thickness and the
height of the adaptor strip are important to be in the proper
locations for achieving the interlocking and trap lock
characteristics of the siding unit itself. As shown in FIG. 9, the
top edge 304d of the adaptor strip (which is angled for moisture to
fall downward from gravity) is approximately mid range between the
top and bottom of the board 302. The height of the adaptor strip
304 is such that the back lower wall 304b extends sufficiently
beyond the bottom surface 302c (see FIG. 11) to allow sufficient
surface area at the bottom front for the use of fasteners 312 that
are driven through the lower extended surface area of adaptor strip
304b to secure the siding unit to a building wall from the bottom
with fasteners such as nails, staples, glue or screws 312. The
height of the adaptor strip is also sufficient to form a sufficient
passageway or bottom groove along the entire length of the siding
unit between board 302 and adaptor strip 304 to allow the board
thickness top 302b of a lower siding unit to be trap locked into
the bottom passageway of an upper siding unit. This relationship is
shown in FIG. 10 in the interlocked position. The siding units are
mounted from the top down.
[0080] The adaptor strip can be used with standard planks
constructed of various materials using known manufacturing process
such as extrusion, molding or milling without compromising the
material or design integrity. The adaptor strip mounts and bonds to
existing materials by the adhesive back which also provides a
method of concealing the fasteners so that they are not exposed to
the elements or visible. Using the adaptor strip in conjunction
with a standard plank of material, the siding planks can then be
engaged continuously at their top and bottom edges beginning with a
starting strip in a top down fashion. This provides a self aligning
installation. By using a foam or rubberized weather strip bead,
water intrusion is reduced or eliminated. The adaptor strip can be
made of any material but is preferably extruded from a polymer type
material.
[0081] Based on studies done, it is believed that the adaptor strip
can provide a design mode that is equal to two and a half times
greater in strength than that of a standard plank before the use of
the adaptor strip.
[0082] The overall siding unit shown allows for much quicker
installation which also may reduce construction costs.
[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, a modified adapter strip
is shown which is adaptor strip 402 that includes an extended male
protrusion 402e formed by a L-shaped recess along sides 402d and
402a. The top 402c of adaptor 402 can be angled to allow moisture
to drip downwardly.
[0084] The modified adaptor strip 402 is shown in its working
position in FIG. 12 where it has been adhesively attached to a
standard plank or board 404 by adhesive 406 and strategic position
near the lower position of one side of board 404 to provide the
L-shaped recessed groove along the combination of board 404 and
adaptor strip 402 which is the same length as the board 404 all the
way along. Note that the lower siding unit 400 as shown in FIG. 12
fits snuggly into the lower recessed groove having wall 402d where
it intersects with the top of the lower board 404a. Thus, as shown
in FIG. 12, the adaptor strip 402 extends the entire length of
board or plank 404 which could be fiber cement board or any other
conventional material, all of which is mounted on the building as
shown in previous examples through the fastening area 402a shown in
the bottom siding unit 400 of FIG. 12.
[0085] The adaptor strip front flat upper wall surface attached to
said cement fiber board is not parallel to said adaptor strip as
shown in FIGS. 10-13 such that when the cement fiber boards are
interlocked and nailed in place, the cement fiber boards are angled
relative to a building wall.
[0086] FIG. 8 and FIGS. 14-17 show the use of the invention to form
a soffit 230. FIG. 15 shows an enlarged view of the soffit
finishing strip 230a at the outside of the soffit on the outside
edge of the building near the facia board 215. The purpose of the
finishing strip 230a is to provide an ending strip for the outside
of the soffit formed with the interlocking strips 230b shown in
FIG. 8 and FIG. 14. The Z-shaped finishing strip 230a has an angled
wall 230c as shown in cross section in FIG. 15 that allows the use
of a screw or nail fastener for nailing the finishing strip to a
structure above the soffit. Note that the finishing strip 230a has
an L-shaped portion that receives a flat end of the interlocking
plank 230b. Thus, the end surface of 230b has been modified so that
it is straight and rectangular so that it fits into the finishing
strip 230a.
[0087] FIG. 16 shows an enlarged view of the soffit pieces that
include an interlocking plank 230b with an adjacent interlocking
plank 230d forming the entire interlock soffit with the fastener
screw or nail mounted in the area of the lower back edge as has
been shown throughout for the invention.
[0088] FIG. 17 shows a top wall mounting soffit starter strip that
can be used for the top down trap lock system for siding. At the
intersection of the most inward soffit plank and the starting strip
220a at the top of a wall, as shown in FIG. 17, the soffit plank
end face that intersects with the siding soffit starting strip 220a
has been modified. The plank 240 includes a flat end portion 240a
that fits into the L-portion 220e formed on the upper surface by
protrusion of the starter strip 220a that includes a back flush
side 220c. The starter strip 220a does include the base interlock
groove 220f and an extended base 220g that extends beyond the front
face of 220a so that the fastener 250 still can be attached to the
starting strip at the top of the exterior building wall where it
meets the soffit. The fastener 250 extends through fastening area
of the extension 220g of starting strip 220a into the building
wall. Thus, in construction jobs where the siding not only is put
on the exterior walls of the building but the soffit also includes
the trap lock system of interlocking adjacent planks the starting
strip 220a is used. The soffit has its own finishing strip 230a for
the outside facia board intersection. Referring now to FIGS. 18-20,
yet another alternate embodiment of the invention is shown with an
integrally formed plank system 500 that includes individual planks
502.
[0089] With the planks 502, which could be extruded, milled or
molded, additional recessed areas 502a, 502c and 502e run parallel
longitudinally along the back wall of each plank to reduce the mass
or volume of material used. In addition, the flat back surfaces
provide for support platforms 502b, 502d and 502aa. These flat
support platforms are disposed on each side of the recesses to
prevent damage to the plank from flying debris if the plank were
not supported properly.
[0090] The optional alternate embodiment of the invention shows the
use of a resilient, artificial or natural rubber moisture stop 504
which is mounted in the base groove of each plank and which,
because of its resilience, can be compressed when the lower plank
is inserted into the bottom groove of the adjacent plank for
interlocking. As shown in FIG. 20, the moisture stop will be
deformed and expand to provide a moisture barrier 504 between each
interlocked plank along its length. Thus, the moisture barrier or
moisture stop 504 will run the entire length of the base groove in
each plank. Different types of materials could be used and it does
not have to be an O-ring in cross section as shown in FIG. 17. It
is important that the material be resilient, however, so that it
can conform when the above and below planks are interlocked
together. The plank fasteners are not shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 but
would be disposed through the back wall portion 502f which is the
extended area for fasteners in attaching the planks 502 to an
exterior wall.
[0091] The instant invention has been shown and described herein in
what is considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made
therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious
modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.
* * * * *