U.S. patent application number 14/516572 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-26 for building veneer system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Talus Systems, LLC. Invention is credited to Harold C. Attebery, II, Neal Sugarman.
Application Number | 20170022718 14/516572 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55748613 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170022718 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Attebery, II; Harold C. ; et
al. |
January 26, 2017 |
Building Veneer System
Abstract
A veneer product and system includes a body having an aesthetic
front surface and a back surface for installation adjacent the
building. The body has a top side and a bottom side and a bracket
attached to body and projecting away from the back surface of the
body, the bracket further comprising a first end adjacent the top
side for attachment to the building and a first protrusion for
positioning the back surface a predetermined distance from the
building and a second end having a second protrusion for
positioning the bottom of the back surface a predetermined distance
from the building and a bottom projection adjacent the bottom side
for engagement with a second body to retain the bottom end of the
veneer product.
Inventors: |
Attebery, II; Harold C.;
(Granville, OH) ; Sugarman; Neal; (Denver,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Talus Systems, LLC |
Centennial |
CO |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160108623 A1 |
April 21, 2016 |
|
|
Family ID: |
55748613 |
Appl. No.: |
14/516572 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13420143 |
Mar 14, 2012 |
|
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|
14516572 |
|
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|
61453498 |
Mar 16, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 13/22 20130101;
E04B 2001/5887 20130101; E04F 13/147 20130101; E04F 13/0871
20130101; E04F 13/24 20130101; E04B 1/5837 20130101; E04F 13/007
20130101; E04F 13/0835 20130101; E04F 13/141 20130101; E04F 13/14
20130101; E04B 1/625 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04F 13/00 20060101
E04F013/00; E04F 13/08 20060101 E04F013/08; E04B 1/62 20060101
E04B001/62; E04F 13/22 20060101 E04F013/22; E04F 13/24 20060101
E04F013/24; E04B 1/58 20060101 E04B001/58; E04F 13/14 20060101
E04F013/14 |
Claims
1. A veneer product for attachment to a building, comprising: a
body having an aesthetic front surface and a back surface for
installation adjacent the building, a top side and a bottom side; a
bracket attached to body and projecting away from the back surface
of the body, the bracket further comprising: a pair of first ends
adjacent the top side for attachment to the building and a pair of
first protrusions for positioning the back surface a predetermined
distance from the building, a pair of second ends each having a
second protrusion for positioning a second portion of the back
surface a predetermined distance from the building and a lower
projection adjacent the bottom side for engagement with a second
body to retain the bottom end of the veneer product, and a
connector for connecting one of the two pairs of ends.
2. The veneer product of claim 1, wherein said bracket is formed as
a unitary piece, and wherein each of the first ends includes an eye
for receiving a fastener.
3. The veneer product of claim 2, wherein each of the first ends
extends above the top side at least approximately 3/4 inch and each
of the second ends extends below the bottom side at least
approximately 11/4 inch.
4. The veneer product of claim 1, further comprising a lip provided
on one of the top side and the bottom side of the body.
5. The veneer product of claim 4, wherein the product further
comprises a left end and a right end, and wherein the product
further comprises a lip provided on one of the left end and the
right end.
6. The veneer product of claim 1, wherein the building comprises a
weather resistant barrier attached to an exterior surface thereof
and the veneer product is installed over the weather resistant
barrier to form an air gap between the weather resistant barrier
and the back surface of the body.
7. The veneer product of claim 1, wherein the first and second
protrusions form an air gap meeting MVMA recommendations.
8. The veneer product of claim 7, wherein the first and second
protrusions form an air gap of approximately 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch,
respectively, prior to the product being attached to the
building.
9. The veneer product of claim 2, further comprising an
intermediate portion formed between each of the first and second
ends, wherein each intermediate portion includes a projection
embedded in the body to a depth of at least approximately 1/2
inch.
10. A system for providing a weather resistant veneer cladded
building, the system comprising: a building having an exterior
surface; a weather resistant barrier applied to the exterior
surface of the building; a starter strip secured to the exterior
surface of the building and lapped by the weather resistant
barrier; at least two veneer products provided over the weather
resistant barrier and attached to the exterior surface of the
building, each veneer product comprising a body with an aesthetic
front surface and a back surface, a top side and a bottom side; a
bracket attached to body and projecting away from the back surface
of the body, the bracket further comprising a first end adjacent
the top side for attachment to the building and a first protrusion
for positioning the back surface a predetermined distance from the
exterior surface of the building and a second end having a second
protrusion for positioning a second portion of the back surface a
predetermined distance from the exterior surface of the building
and a bottom projection adjacent the bottom side for engagement
with an adjacent veneer product to retain the bottom end.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said bracket is formed from a
wire, and wherein the first end includes an eye for receiving a
fastener.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the bracket further comprises:
a pair of first ends adjacent the top side for attachment to the
building and a pair of first protrusions for positioning the back
surface a predetermined distance from the building, a pair of
second ends each having a second protrusion for positioning a
second portion of the back surface a predetermined distance from
the building and a lower projection adjacent the bottom side for
engagement with a second body to retain the bottom end of the
veneer product, and a connector for connecting one of the two pairs
of ends.
13. The system of claim 12, further comprising each bracket
comprising a unitary bracket having an intermediate portion
embedded in the body.
14. The system of claim 12, further comprising each veneer product
having a lip provided on one of the top side and the bottom
side.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising each veneer
producing having a left end and a right end, and wherein each
veneer product further comprises a lip provided on one of the left
end and the right end.
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a seal provided
between each said veneer product.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the seal comprises a caulk
product.
18. The veneer product of claim 10, wherein the first and second
projections form an air gap meeting MVMA recommendations.
19. The system of claim 14, wherein the lip sets a gap between
adjacent products and the lip substantially blocks the direct
passage of wind driven rain between adjacent products.
20. The system of claim 10, wherein the starter strip includes a
recess to retain the second end of the bracket.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. application
Ser. No. 13/420,142, filed Mar. 14, 2012.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
TECHNICAL FIELD AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is in the technical field of masonry
veneer products, and includes a system using such products. More
particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of
masonry veneer products installed without a scratch coat and lath
system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] As described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/420,142, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety, Masonry veneer systems are commonly used for exterior
cladding, as architectural or aesthetic features on residential and
commercial buildings.
[0006] As described in detail by the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers
Association (MVMA), proper installation of stone on a framed
building requires the installation of a weather resistant barrier
(WRB), then application of a lath secured to the framing with
corrosion resistant fasteners and a nominal 1/2 inch scratch coat.
The lath must be properly applied to the wall in order to avoid
intrusion of water, and to provide an acceptable structure to which
the cladding will be adhered. The lath must be corrosion resistant,
applied in an overlapping fashion, and with a corrosion resistant
nail that penetrates the studding according to the MVMA
recommendations. Additionally, the scratch coat must be applied
using a correct mortar at the proper moisture content and
thickness, embedded properly in the lath, allowed to cure to "thumb
dry", the scratched to provide grooves, and allowed to cure. These
additional products and steps add cost, additional labor and
provide opportunities for human error, which can result in a poor
installation and future problems. The installation of the WRB, lath
and scratch coat must be performed up to 48 hours or more before
the installation of the veneer product, allowing the scratch coat
to properly cure. Further details are set forth by the MVMA.
[0007] Once the scratch coat is properly applied and cured, adhered
concrete masonry veneer (ACMV) products are then adhered to the
scratch coat using a mortar applied to the ACMV. The MVMA
guidelines recommend that the scratch coat should be moist cured to
prevent cracking, and that both the scratch coat and the ACMV
should be "dampened" when applying the ACMV, adding additional
requirements on the installer. The installer typically will take
individual ACMV products, "butter" the back of each individual
product with mortar, and apply the "buttered" product to the
scratch coat, forcing the mortar into the scratch coat to adhere
the ACMV to the wall. The consistency of the scratch coat, mortar
and skill of the installer each play a role in the reliability of
the installation. Additionally, the installation should not be
performed during rain or cold weather, thus limiting the time
available (and time delay) for completion of the building. These
all add to cost and customer dissatisfaction during the
construction process.
[0008] ACMV products are typically installed as discrete individual
stones or brick adhered to a scratch coat on the exterior of a
building as described above. Stones are typically installed from
the top of the building, and the wall is covered in a downward
direction. If the wall is struck (e.g. if drywall is installed on
the interior of the building) before the mortar is cured, the stone
may be dislodged from the wall. This creates re-work for the
installer, or partially dislodged stones may become loose at a
later date.
[0009] An optional installation technique described in the MVMA
guidelines includes a rainscreen drainage plane system, which
provides a space to permit incidental water to escape. The
recommended ways to provide this space include a drainage mat,
formed polymer sheeting (such as Delta.RTM.-Dry Stucco and Stone,
available from Cosella-Dorken, ref. http://www.cosella-dorken.com),
strapping or furring to provide the recommended MVMA air gap of
3/16 to 3/4 inch. These systems allow moisture to escape from
behind the veneer, but add additional material and labor cost, time
and complexity during installation of the ACMV product, and are not
used in many installations.
[0010] A panelized veneer product, Versetta Stone, is sold by Boral
Stone, LLC. (http://masonry.owenscorning.com/versettastone). These
panelized veneer products are secured to the exterior of a building
using mechanical fasteners driven through a flange embedded in the
top of the veneer product. These systems reduce some of the issues
with the adhered ACMV products, because the lath, scratch coat and
adhesive mortar can be eliminated in many installations of these
panelized veneer products. However, these panelized veneer products
are relatively large (typically about 8-10 inches high and
approximately 32-36 inches wide) and have a limited drainage plane
gap. While this enables fast installation on structures where
penetrations are not present (such as windows or outlets) or
corners, the presence of these penetrations on most buildings
results in a large number of panels being trimmed and a fairly
large amount of waste (Boral's installation instructions instructs
an installer to initially estimate 10% scrap). The large number of
cuts takes time and produces excess waste. Additionally, these
products are more expensive to manufacture, and the designs present
challenges in manufacturing.
[0011] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved
product and system for installing veneer products and to eliminate
the lath and scratch coat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In accordance with the purposes of the present invention as
described herein, an improved masonry veneer product ("MVP") and
system ("MVS") are provided. Such a product and system includes a
bracket embedded in the product, the bracket having a first end for
securing the upper end of the product to a building. In one
embodiment, the bracket also creates an integral air gap behind the
product for the escape of moisture. The bracket may include a
second end for retaining the bottom end of the product to the
building through an interference fit to an adjacent MVP. The system
further includes a projection between adjacent MVP to impede
moisture from passing between MVP's, and a WRB installed adjacent
the structure and air gap to keep moisture from entering the
structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 provides a front view of a pair of masonry veneer
products according to the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 provides a front view of a corner masonry veneer
product according to the present invention;
[0015] FIGS. 2A and 2B provide isometric views of a drip ledge
corner product according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 provides an isometric view of a masonry veneer
product according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 provides an isometric view of a first wire retainer
according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 provides an isometric view of a second wire retainer
according to the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 provides an isometric view of a masonry veneer
product according to the present invention having a long width
dimension;
[0020] FIG. 7 provides an isometric view of a masonry veneer
product according to the present invention useful as an
accessory;
[0021] FIG. 8 provides an isometric view of a masonry veneer
product installed into a starter strip over a WRB according to the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 provides an end view of a starter strip profile
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1 there are shown a pair of masonry
veneer products 10, 10' illustrated schematically and described
herein typically as a dry stack stone product body 12, similar to a
typical box material in appearance. However, the new MVP and MVS
have additional inventive features as described herein. The present
invention could be applied to nearly any texture of manufactured
stone or brick, but is primarily illustrated with a dry stack
installation for the sake of simplicity (and as a representative
installation). Although not illustrated, one skilled in the art
appreciates that an embodiment of the present invention may be used
with a grouted texture, and would preferably include a flange on
one of the top and bottom of the stone and a second flange on
either the left or right end, the flanges each serving as a ledge
for a grouted joint. One skilled in the art could modify the
current design to utilize the present invention with other textures
and configurations.
[0024] The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a pair of brackets
14, 14' embedded in the product body 12. Each bracket includes a
top end 16 and bottom end 18. The top end 16 is illustrated as
having a looped construction forming an eye for receiving a
fastener 40 as illustrated in FIG. 8. The ends 16, 18 are designed
to extend and nest under an adjacent stone as illustrated in FIG. 1
at 21. Each end preferably includes a curved shape 17, 19 as
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 for holding the body 12 away from the
wall to create an air gap for drainage and to allow for deflection
of the ends 16, 18 when attached to the wall. In a preferred
embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 4, the wire 14 includes two
attachment eyes 25, 26 at the bottom end 18 and two attachment eyes
27, 28 at the top end 16, formed in a unitary bracket 14. A lateral
connector 13 is provided to enable the formation of the bracket
into a single piece, preferably as a unitary construction, to
enable efficient manufacture of the product 10. Although shown
connecting the top ends 16, another embodiment includes a connector
for connecting the bottom ends or intermediate portions 20.
[0025] As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the bracket 14 is embedded
into the stone body 12, with an intermediate portion 20 as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5. The intermediate portion 20 is embedded in the
product body 12 a depth sufficient to ensure adequate engagement to
support the stone body 12 when attached to a building (not shown),
preferably for the life of the building. The depth and shape may
affect the pullout strength, and should be coordinated with the
size, shape and weight of the product. In a preferred embodiment,
the embedded depth is approximately 3/4-1 inch, but may be more or
less depending on the surface area of the bracket, the
characteristics of the body composition, and the size and shape of
the body. In one embodiment the depth is 1/2 inch. In a heavier
product, the depth may be 1.5 inch or more, depending on
requirements. The brackets 14 penetrate the stone body 12 to a
depth that provides sufficient engagement between the bracket and
cured concrete stone, but also which retains a thickness of
concrete that will ensure the face of the stone body 12 does not
expose the wire or fracture during the life of the building. The
brackets 14 are preferably formed from a wire that is corrosion
resistant, such as a stainless steel or galvanized steel, and
having sufficient strength and sufficient stiffness to not deform
and to provide the installation with an interference fit at the
bottom as described below. The bracket 14 should be rigid enough to
withstand handling, packaging, transport and installation without
excessive deformation. In another embodiment, the brackets 14 are
formed from a fiberglass material, or any material known to one
skilled in the art that is not corroded and will support the
masonry product 10. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the
brackets 14 are stamped from sheet metal or formed or molded from
another non-corrosive material in a more flattened cross section.
One skilled in the art appreciates the bracket preferably has
adequate strength and shape retention or memory.
[0026] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the
product may include water shedding feature, which is described
herein to include a flashing lip 22 along the top surface 29 of the
stone body 12. This lip 22 is intended to inhibit the passage of
moisture, such as wind driven rain, between the stone body 12 and
an adjacent stone 10' as illustrated in Fig. In such an embodiment,
each stone body 12 may also include a corresponding recess 24 on
the bottom surface 30 of the stone body 12 to correspond with the
opposing lip 22 of the adjacent stone. This lip 22 and recess 24
also serve to obscure a view of the WRB installed beneath the stone
to create a visually appealing dry stack installation. It also
enables easier leveling during installation.
[0027] Although not illustrated here, the lip 22 may contact the
body within the recess, thereby setting the gap between the
products. In a similar manner, each stone preferably includes a lip
along one end of the stone body, and a corresponding recess along
the opposite end of the stone body, which will inhibit moisture
intrusion, obscure visibility behind the product, and set the side
to side gap.
[0028] While the lip and recess 22, 24 are illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 3 as an angled or chamfered protrusion and recess, one skilled
in the art appreciates that while not illustrated as such, the lips
22, 24 could be simple ridge, a rabbet, shiplap, or other type of
configuration that provides a moisture block and an improved line
of sight.
[0029] As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the bracket 14
includes a first protrusion 34 formed in the bracket 14. The
protrusion extends below the back surface 32 of the stone body 12
to bear against the structure 39 illustrated in FIG. 9 and create
an air gap G1 under the product 10 when installed on a structure,
preferably installed over a WRB 38. In the illustrated embodiment,
the bracket 14 includes a bend 36 which holds the top end 16 away
from the structure 39 and WRB 38 to create a second gap G2. When
the bracket 14 is secured through the WRB 38 to the structure 39 as
illustrated in FIG. 8, the top end is urged by the fastener 40
toward the structure 39. This force on the top end 16 acts as a
lever, which urges the opposite second end 18 of the bracket 14
away from the structure 39 and toward the back surface 32' of a
second body, such as an adjacent product 10', or into a channel on
e.g. a starter strip 42. Because the second end 18 is wedged below
the lower product 10', this causes a second protrusion 35 at the
bottom end 18 to be held securely against the structure 39 and
therefore the product is secured both at the top by the nail and at
the bottom by a wedging action against the second product 10'. In a
preferred embodiment, the top end is positioned approximately 1/8
inch further away from the structure to ensure the wedging action
occurs. This dimension can be modified depending on the stiffness
of the wire and the surface against which it bears to provide a gap
greater than the height off the wall to enable a cam locking
action.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment, the gap
under the top GT is approximately 1/2 inch and the gap under the
bottom GB is approximately 3/8 inch. One skilled in the art
appreciates this dimension may be modified based on the air gap
desired, concrete penetration and the deformation of the bracket
14. As illustrated in FIG. 1 the top end 16 preferably extends a
distance B2 above the body 12 and bottom end 18 extends a distance
B1 below the body 12. In a preferred embodiment B1 extends
approximately 1/2 inch further than B2. In one embodiment B1 is
approximately 15/8 inch and B2 is approximately 11/8 inch. In
another embodiment, B1 is approximately 11/4 inch and B2 is
approximately 3/4 inch. One skilled in the art appreciates this
dimension may be changed to increase or decrease overlap depending
on the nature of the wire, the size of the stone, and other
manufacturing and installation factors, and in some embodiments,
the dimensions may be the same or opposite to reflect the overall
design requirements. One skilled in the art appreciates that the
overlap can be lengthened to the height of the stone or more if
designed with no interference, and greater overlap may provide a
more stable wall.
[0031] In another embodiment (not illustrated), the top end of the
bracket 14 does not have a bend 36, and the bottom end 18 of the
bracket is bent to lie in a plane above the back surface 32 of the
stone body 12, so the bottom end 18 is installed under an adjacent
product (not shown) simply using an interference fit. This
interference may be at least 1 mm and could be 2, 3, 4, or 5 mm or
more, depending on the stiffness of the bracket. Accordingly, the
configuration of the bottom bracket illustrated in FIG. 2 may be
used with or without the bent configuration of the top end 16 as
illustrated in FIG. 2. Additionally, the second end 18 may be
wedged against another body, such as a starter strip or an
accessory, such as a ledge. In certain applications, it may be
sufficient to fasten the second end using adhesives, nails, stapes,
screws or the like as a substitute for the second body. While the
protrusions are illustrated herein as bent wires, one skilled in
the art appreciates that a different configuration could include a
molded protrusion, a weldment, or other configurations to provide
the desired gap.
Page 10 Top--The overlap of the wire can be greater or less so I
would broaden the claim dimensions. The overlap can be the entire
length of the stone or more in reality if designed with no
interference. We suggest that it should be a minimum of a half inch
and the longer the better to provide a stable wall. Page 10
bottom--Concerning the word "wedged" as it relates to the bottom
clip to the starter strip, we should say that "bending and wedging"
the bottom legs into a groove of the starter strip provide the
stability for the stone when the top clip eyelets of the stone are
screwed in to the wall
[0032] A system including the product 10 described above preferably
includes a building structure 39 such as a frame and sheathing or
concrete structure, a weather resistant barrier 38 installed over
the structure (similar in nature and installation to that specified
by the MVMA), a plurality of products 10 attached to the structure
over the WRB 38 and attached to the structure 39 using fasteners 40
projecting through the brackets 14. The fasteners 40 are preferably
non-corrosive, such as galvanized roofing nails, screws or staples;
provided however that the fasteners must provide sufficient
strength to secure the product 10 to the structure 39 for the life
of the structure.
[0033] In one embodiment, installation begins from the bottom of
the building. In such an instance, a starter strip 42 is installed
to the building in a level manner. A preferred starter strip is
illustrated in FIG. 9. The starter strip 42 preferably includes a
recess 44 to receive the bottom 18 of the brackets 14. The starter
strip preferably includes weep holes 46 at the bottom of the recess
44 to enable water to drain. The recess 44 preferably includes a
lead angle 48 to enable easy installation of the bracket 14 and
preferably narrows to a line to line or interference fit to wedge
the bracket 14 and hold it in place. In one embodiment, the lead
angle is approximately twenty degrees, and the recess has a bottom
radius R1 of 0.06 inch for a 0.12 diameter wire, and a depth L1 of
approximately 1/2 inch. Products having characteristics similar to
the starter strip are also preferably used as flashing around
windows and other openings. The starter strip 42 is preferably made
from galvanized steel, aluminum, PVC or any common noncorrosive
building material used in similar applications. Furthermore, the
bottom of the bracket may experience bending and wedging as the
bottom legs are fit into the recess of the starter strip and the
brackets are secured to the wall. e
[0034] The starter strip 42 also includes a back portion 50 which
extends under the WRB 38 to ensure water does not enter under the
WRB, to comply with ASTM requirements. In a preferred embodiment
the back portion 50 has a height L2 of 3.5 inches to satisfy ASTM.
In another embodiment, 2 inches may be sufficient. The overlap may
be less in some situations or may be more, but practicality limits
one is normally acceptable. In another embodiment, a simple
j-channel or other starter is used with the products 10 of the
present invention. Similarly, one skilled in the art appreciates
that either a starter strip or weep screed should provide
ventilation at the bottom, and therefore accommodations should be
made to provide for air passage. Once the first row is secured to
the wall using the starter strip 42 and the top end 16 of the
brackets is secured as described above, the second row is installed
by inserting the bottom ends 18 of the second row of products
behind the rear surface 32 of the first row of products previously
installed. Then the top end of successive rows of the product being
installed is pushed against the structure 39 and secured at the top
end 16 as described above.
[0035] The top row of the product may be capped or may extend to
the soffit. It is desirable to include an air gap where possible to
provide for air flow. Where water drainage does not permit this,
MVMA details may be followed. Where the product extends to the
soffit, an installation similar to typical brick installation may
be performed, i.e. the soffit may be installed after the product is
installed. Alternatively the soffit j-channel may include a spacer
against the wall to provide for air flow at the top of the
wall.
[0036] Although not illustrated, in one embodiment, after the
product is secured to the structure, a bead of caulk or other
material is optionally installed on the product along one of the
top and bottom, plus one of the ends, so that the joint between
adjacent products is filled with the material to provide a
substantially effective water seal. In yet another embodiment, a
bead of caulk or foam dam is provided on the top or bottom and one
end of each stone at the factory to provide a substantially
watertight joint between adjacent products without a field-applied
caulk.
[0037] One skilled in the art appreciates that while not
illustrated here, a grout product may optionally be installed
between adjacent products for certain textures. Such a grout is
preferably flexible, so that it can perform for an extended period
without cracking. Such a grout is also preferably water resistant
to minimize the amount of water that enters between adjacent
products. Additionally, a grout may be used with the flanged design
described above.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the product 10 preferably includes
a single bracket 14, but one skilled in the art appreciates that
more than one bracket may be utilized to provide additional support
and attachment, or to facilitate manufacture. The nature of the
product (size, weight) and the nature of the brackets, fasteners
and structure and environment can affect these requirements.
[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2A 6 and 7, the invention is also
applied to corners and accessories, such as drip ledge corners,
trim stones, keystones, ledges, light fixtures, outlets, column
wraps and other products. In the case of corners, in one embodiment
shown in FIG. 2, only one side of the stone corners are attached to
the structure, and a spacer is provided on the backside of the
return to provide a consistent air gap and exterior thickness. As
shown in FIG. 2, the corner 60 includes a long leg 62 and a return
leg 64. The bracket 14 is used to attach the long leg 62 to the
building and the short leg 64 is supported as part of the body.
While the corner 60 is illustrated with the top 66 installed so the
return is on the left side, the corner 60 could be inverted so the
bottom 68 is installed upwardly so the return 66 is on the right
side of the corner 60. Thus, the corners 60 are reversible.
Preferably the reversible corners have a reversible clip that is
embedded in the concrete to allow for ease of ordering materials,
using as left and right corners and staggered joints during
installation to give a more authentic stone look.
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, a corner may include two wires
214, 214' to ensure both legs are sufficiently supported. In this
example, the corner may be a ledge corner. In a similar manner,
FIG. 6 illustrates an elongate product 10''having two brackets 614,
614' to support the elongate product. While not limiting, in this
illustration, the elongate product 10'' may comprise a ledge piece.
FIG. 7 illustrates another accessory piece 70 including brackets
714 according to the principles of this invention. Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 2B, one skilled in the art appreciates that one can use
single or double clips or a combination of single and double clips
and can be installed in vertical or horizontal configurations. This
principal can be applied to other accessories including trim
stones, surrounds, drip ledge corners, light boxes and other
accessories.
[0041] In another embodiment, the installation instructions teach
the installer to set a gap manually, or to use separate spacers,
such as foam or molded parts. In another embodiment, the instant
invention is applied to a panelized product. In such a case, it may
be necessary to utilize a greater number of brackets to adequately
support and secure the panelized product due to its size and
weight.
[0042] One embodiment of the present invention is applied to
individual stones or bricks. This makes installation simple, as
fewer products will be cut and less scrap created. Furthermore, it
avoids the potential that an installer will align the panels to
create unsightly lines or an unattractive panelized wall.
Additionally, the individual products also make it simpler to
create accessory products that are compatible with this system. As
noted above, however, applicant envisions that a panelized system
could utilize the present invention, either alone or in combination
with the individual products as described above.
[0043] While the foregoing written description of the invention
enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered
presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will
understand and appreciate the existence of variations,
combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method,
and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited
by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all
embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *
References