U.S. patent application number 15/700455 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-08 for laminated hip and ridge shingle.
The applicant listed for this patent is OWENS CORNING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL, LLC. Invention is credited to Jennifer Lynn Frey, Lawrence J. Grubka, Jeffrey W. Smith.
Application Number | 20180066433 15/700455 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53881697 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180066433 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grubka; Lawrence J. ; et
al. |
March 8, 2018 |
LAMINATED HIP AND RIDGE SHINGLE
Abstract
Hip and ridge shingles may be single layer or laminated. One hip
and ridge shingle has a base layer and a dimensional layer affixed
to the base layer by an adhesive line that extends in the machine
direction and along the width of the base and the dimensional
layers. The adhesive line is disposed on only one lateral side of
the base layer and dimensional layers to allow movement of another
lateral side of the dimensional layer relative to the base layer.
Another laminated hip and ridge shingle includes a base layer and a
dimensional layer affixed to the base layer by an adhesive line
that extends in the machine direction and along the width of the
base and the dimensional layers. Sealant that comprises at least
two parallel lines of sealant material that extend in the machine
direction of the base and dimensional layers is disposed on a
bottom surface of the base layer for adhering the hip and ridge
shingle to an underlying hip and ridge shingle. Another hip and
ridge shingle, which may be single layer or laminated, includes a
granule coated asphalt substrate, sealant on the substrate, and
release tape on the substrate. The sealant comprises at least two
parallel lines of sealant material that extend in a direction of a
width of the substrate for adhering the hip and ridge shingle to an
underlying hip and ridge shingle. The release tape is disposed on a
bottom of the substrate and is alignable with the at least two
parallel lines of sealant when two of the hip and ridge shingles
are stacked to prevent the two hip and ridge shingles from sticking
together.
Inventors: |
Grubka; Lawrence J.;
(Westerville, OH) ; Frey; Jennifer Lynn;
(Monclova, OH) ; Smith; Jeffrey W.; (Lockport,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OWENS CORNING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL, LLC |
Toledo |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53881697 |
Appl. No.: |
15/700455 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14188957 |
Feb 25, 2014 |
9758970 |
|
|
15700455 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 1/26 20130101; Y10T
428/24752 20150115; Y10T 428/141 20150115; E04D 2001/305 20130101;
E04D 1/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04D 1/20 20060101
E04D001/20; E04D 1/26 20060101 E04D001/26 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A laminated hip and ridge shingle comprising: a base layer
having a lower portion with a first width and an upper portion with
a second width that is less than the first width, wherein a machine
direction of the base layer is along the first width of the lower
portion and along the second width of the upper portion of the base
layer; a dimensional layer having a width, wherein the width of the
dimensional layer is less than the first width of the lower portion
of the base layer, wherein a machine direction of the dimensional
layer is along the width of the dimensional layer, wherein the
dimensional layer is affixed to the base layer by a line of
adhesive that extends in the machine direction of the base layer
and the dimensional layer, and wherein the adhesive is disposed
between a top surface of the base layer and a bottom surface of the
dimensional layer; sealant that comprises at least two parallel
lines of sealant material that extends in the machine direction of
the base layer and the dimensional layer and is disposed on a
bottom surface of the lower portion of the base layer for adhering
the hip and ridge shingle to an underlying hip and ridge shingle;
and a release tape disposed on a bottom surface of the upper
portion of the base layer that is alignable with the sealant when
two laminated hip and ridge shingles are stacked to prevent the two
laminated hip and ridge shingles from sticking together.
17. The laminated hip and ridge shingle of claim 16, wherein the
base layer and the and the dimensional layer are made from a one
single layer shingle blank.
18. The laminated hip and ridge shingle of claim 16, wherein the
release tape is a single strip of release tape.
19. The laminated hip and ridge shingle of claim 16, wherein the
release tape completely covers the sealant when the two laminated
hip and ridge shingles are stacked to prevent the two laminated hip
and ridge shingles from sticking together.
20. The laminated hip and ridge shingle of claim 16, wherein the
upper portion of the base layer comprises one or more scalloped
cuts.
21. A hip and ridge shingle comprising: a granule coated asphalt
substrate comprising a lower portion having a first width and an
upper portion having a second width that is less than the first
width; sealant disposed on a bottom surface of the lower portion of
the granule coated substrate, wherein the sealant comprises at
least two parallel lines of sealant material that extends in a
direction of the first width and the second width of the granule
coated substrate for adhering the hip and ridge shingle to an
underlying hip and ridge shingle; a release tape disposed on a
bottom surface of the upper portion of the granule coated
substrate, wherein the release tape is alignable with the at least
two parallel lines of sealant when two of the hip and ridge
shingles are stacked to prevent the two hip and ridge shingles from
sticking together.
21. The hip and ridge shingle of claim 21, wherein said release
tape is a single strip of release tape.
22. The hip and ridge shingle of claim 21, wherein the release tape
completely covers the sealant when the two hip and ridge shingles
are stacked to prevent the two hip and ridge shingles from sticking
together.
23. The hip and ridge shingle of claim 21, wherein the upper
portion of the granule coated asphalt substrate comprises one or
more scalloped cuts.
24. A hip and ridge shingle comprising: a tab portion having a
width, wherein a machine direction of the tab portion is along the
width of the tab portion; a headlap portion having a width that is
less than the width of the tab portion, wherein a machine direction
of the headlap portion is along the width of the headlap portion;
and sealant that comprises at least two parallel lines of sealant
material that extend in the machine direction of the tab portion
and the headlap portion, wherein the sealant is disposed on a
bottom surface of the tab portion for adhering the hip and ridge
shingle to an underlying hip and ridge shingle.
25. The hip and ridge shingle of claim 24, a release tape disposed
on a bottom surface of the headlap portion that is alignable with
the sealant when two of the hip and ridge shingles are stacked to
prevent the two hip and ridge shingles from sticking together.
26. The hip and ridge shingle of claim 25, wherein the release tape
completely covers the sealant when the two hip and ridge shingles
are stacked to prevent the two hip and ridge shingles from sticking
together.
27. The hip and ridge shingle of claim 24, a single strip of
release tape disposed on a bottom surface of the headlap portion
that is alignable with the sealant when two of the hip and ridge
shingles are stacked to prevent the two hip and ridge shingles from
sticking together.
28. The hip and ridge shingle of claim 27, wherein the single strip
of release tape completely covers the sealant when the two hip and
ridge shingles are stacked to prevent the two hip and ridge
shingles from sticking together.
29. The hip and ridge shingle of claim 24, wherein the headlap
portion comprises one or more scalloped cuts.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser.
No. 14/188,957, filed on Feb. 25, 2014 titled "Laminated Hip and
Ridge Shingle", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated
herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to roofing shingles,
and more particularly, to multi-layered shingles that are
configured to permit the shingle to be bent, such as over an apex
of a roof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Roofs are typically formed so as to present at least two
non-parallel planes that meet at a peak, usually the uppermost
point of the roof. This peak is typically referred to as the ridge.
Roofs can also be formed to present other non-parallel planes that
are often formed at the ends of the ridge to form other
diagonally-extending plane intersections similar to the ridge, but
are referred to as hips. Whereas, the covering of the planar
portions of a roof typically involve the laying of shingles in
overlapping, transversely parallel courses from the bottom roof
edge to the ridge or hip, the ridges and hips require a different
technique to cover the intersection of the two or more roof planes.
A conventional technique for covering the ridges and hips is to cut
the shingles into appropriate width and to bend the cut shingle
over the ridge or hip so as to overlap the shingles placed on the
opposing roof planes, and then starting at one end of the ridge or
hip and overlap the cut shingles along the length of the ridge or
hip.
[0004] Asphalt composite shingles are one of the most commonly used
roofing products. These asphalt composite shingles typically
incorporate a base material made from a fiberglass mat, or other
suitable reinforcement member, such as an organic felt material.
This reinforcing base material serves as a matrix to support an
asphalt coating and gives the shingle strength. The asphalt coating
is formulated for the particular service application and has a
long-term ability to resist weathering and provide stability for
the structure under extreme temperature conditions. An outer layer
of granules is applied to the asphalt coating to form an outer
surface that the asphalt coating from direct sunlight. Utilizing
differently colored granules provides a variety in the surface
appearance of the shingle to establish color variations.
[0005] Conventional laminated shingles, for example, as well as hip
and ridge shingles, are generally multilayered and the separate,
individual layers are held together with an adhesive material.
SUMMARY
[0006] Hip and ridge shingles are disclosed by the present patent
application. The hip and ridge shingles may be single layer or
laminated (i.e. more than one layer adhered on top of one another).
In one exemplary embodiment, a laminated hip and ridge shingle
includes a base layer and a dimensional layer. The dimensional
layer is affixed to the base layer by an adhesive line that extends
in the machine direction and along the width of the base and the
dimensional layers. The adhesive line is disposed on only one
lateral side of the base layer and dimensional layers to allow
movement of another lateral side of the dimensional layer relative
to the base layer.
[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, a laminated hip and ridge
shingle includes a base layer and a dimensional layer. The
dimensional layer is affixed to the base layer by an adhesive line
that extends in the machine direction and along the width of the
base and the dimensional layers. Sealant that comprises one line or
two or more parallel lines of sealant material that extend in the
machine direction of the base and dimensional layers is disposed on
a bottom surface of the base layer for adhering the hip and ridge
shingle to an underlying hip and ridge shingle.
[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, a hip and ridge shingle
includes a granule coated asphalt substrate, sealant on the
substrate, and release tape on the substrate. The sealant comprises
one line or two or more parallel lines of sealant material that
extend in a direction of a width of the substrate for adhering the
hip and ridge shingle to an underlying hip and ridge shingle. The
release tape is disposed on a bottom of the substrate that is
alignable with the at least two parallel lines of sealant when two
of the hip and ridge shingles are stacked to prevent the two hip
and ridge shingles from sticking together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] In the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, embodiments of the
invention are illustrated, which together with a general
description of the invention given above and the detailed
description given below, serve to example the principles of this
invention.
[0010] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a roof;
[0011] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a hip or ridge of a roof
illustrating hip and ridge shingles being installed;
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a base layer and a dimensional layer that
are assembled to form a laminated hip and ridge shingle;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates the base layer shown in FIG. 1 with a
laminating adhesive applied to the base layer;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates assembly of the base layer illustrated by
FIG. 2 assembled with the dimensional layer illustrated by FIG. 1
to form a laminated hip and ridge shingle;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a single one-layer shingle that can be
used to make three of the laminated hip and ridge shingles
illustrated by FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of the shingle illustrated by FIG.
4;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates the shingle illustrated by FIG. 4 cut
into the base layer and the dimensional layer illustrated by FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a rear view of a first exemplary embodiment of the
base layer illustrated by FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a rear view of a second exemplary embodiment of
the base layer illustrated by FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the laminated hip and
ridge shingle illustrated by FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates the laminated hip and ridge shingle
illustrated by FIG. 9 being mounted onto a roof peak;
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates the laminated hip and ridge shingle
illustrated by FIG. 9 mounted on a roof peak;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a
laminated hip and ridge shingle;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a side view of the laminated hip and ridge
shingle illustrated by FIG. 12;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a rear view of the laminated hip and ridge
shingle illustrated by FIG. 12;
[0026] FIG. 15 illustrates a single one-layer shingle that can be
used to make three of the laminated hip and ridge shingles
illustrated by FIG. 12;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a side view of the shingle illustrated by FIG.
15;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a top view of the shingle illustrated by FIG.
15;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a
laminated hip and ridge shingle;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a side view of the laminated hip and ridge
shingle illustrated by FIG. 18;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a rear view of the laminated hip and ridge
shingle illustrated by FIG. 18;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the laminated hip and ridge
shingle illustrated by FIG. 18;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a laminated hip and ridge shingle array;
[0034] FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the laminated hip and
ridge shingle array illustrated by FIG. 22;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a laminated hip and ridge shingle array;
[0036] FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the laminated hip and
ridge shingle array illustrated by FIG. 24;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another exemplary
embodiment of a laminated hip and ridge shingle;
[0038] FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the laminated hip and
ridge shingle illustrated by FIG. 26; and
[0039] FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for
making single layer shingle blanks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. All
references cited herein, including published or corresponding U.S.
or foreign patent applications, issued U.S. or foreign patents, or
any other references, are each incorporated by reference in their
entireties, including all data, tables, figures, and text presented
in the cited references. The terms "cap shingle", "cap", or "hip
and ridge shingle" may be used interchangeably herein.
[0041] The description and drawings disclose exemplary embodiments
of hip and ridge shingles 10. With reference to FIG. 1A, a building
structure 110 is shown having a shingle-based roofing system 112.
While the building structure 110 illustrated in FIG. 1A is a
residential home, it should be understood that the building
structure 110 can be any type of structure, such as a garage,
church, arena or commercial building, having a shingle-based
roofing system 112.
[0042] The building structure 110 has a plurality of roof planes
114a-114d. The term "roof plane" as used herein is defined to mean
a plane defined by a flat portion of the roof formed by an area of
roof deck. Each of the roof planes 114a-114d has a slope. The term
"slope" as used herein is defined to mean the degree of incline of
the roof plane. While the roof planes 114a-114d shown in FIG. 1A
have their respective illustrated slopes, it should be understood
that the roof planes 114a-114d can have any suitable slope. The
intersection of the roof planes 114b and 114c form a hip 116. The
term "hip" as used herein is defined to mean the inclined external
angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Similarly, the intersection of the roof planes 114b and 114d form a
ridge 118. The term "ridge" as used herein is defined to mean the
uppermost horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of
two sloping roof planes.
[0043] The building structure 110 is covered by the roofing system
112 having a plurality of shingles 120. In the illustrated
embodiment, the shingles 120 may be asphalt-based roofing material
of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,709,994 to Miller et al.,
which is incorporated by reference, in its entirety. As shown in
FIG. 1B, the shingles 120 are installed on the various roof decks
in generally horizontal courses 122a-122g in which the shingles 120
overlap the shingles of a preceding course.
[0044] Hip and ridge shingles 10 are installed to protect hips and
ridges from the elements. As shown in FIG. 1B, hip and ridge
shingles 10 are installed on the ridge 118 and over the shingles
120. In a similar fashion, hip and ridge shingles are installed on
a hip (not shown) and over the shingles.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a laminated
hip and ridge shingle 10 is shown. The laminated shingle 10
includes a base layer 12 and a dimensional layer 14. The base layer
12 and the dimensional layer 14 can be made in a wide variety of
different ways. For example, each of the layers can be made in the
same manner that conventional single layer shingles are made. That
is, asphalt is applied to a fiberglass mat, and granules are
applied the asphalt.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in an exemplary embodiment, a
bottom surface 18 of the dimensional layer 14 is adhered to the top
surface 19 of the base layer 12 by an adhesive 20. In the
illustrated embodiment, the adhesive 20 extends only partially
across the overlap between the base layer 12 and the dimensional
layer 14. In the illustrated embodiments, the adhesive is disposed
on only one lateral side of the base and dimensional layers.
Referring to FIG. 1B, the portion of the base layer 12 that is not
covered by the dimensional layer 14 is the portion of the shingle
that will be exposed on the ridge of the roof. The dimensional
layer 14 will be completely covered by the base layer 12 of the
next shingle applied to the ridge 118. The dimensional layer 14
increases the thickness of the overlapping portions of two shingles
10. This provides the ridge 118 with a more dimensional
appearance.
[0047] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 3, the
entire dimensional layer 14 is on top of the base layer 12 (i.e.
complete overlap). This complete overlap reduces the possibility
that water can pass between the layers 12, 14 where the adhesive is
not present. Referring to FIGS. 9-11, by having the adhesive 20
extend only partially across the overlap between the first and
second layers and on only one lateral side of the shingle, the
shingle 10 can be bent over the ridge 118 of the roof without
tearing, buckling or otherwise damaging the top layer. FIGS. 10 and
11 illustrate that the portion of the dimensional layer 14 that is
not adhered to the base layer 12 is able to slide or laterally move
with respect to the base layer 12. This sliding or lateral movement
allows the laminated shingle 10 to be bent over a roof ridge 118
without damaging the dimensional layer 14.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, an optional nail zone
reinforcement material 35 is provided. The nail zone reinforcement
material 35 can take a wide variety of different forms and can be
applied to the laminated shingle at a wide variety positions. For
example, the nail zone reinforcement material 35 can be a woven
fabric, a plastic film, a metal strip, applied paint, and the like.
The nail zone reinforcement material 35 can be provided on top of
the dimensional layer 14, on the bottom of the dimensional layer,
on top of the base layer 12, on the bottom of the base layer 12, or
inside the base layer or dimensional layer. A nail line marking or
other indicia may be provided on top of the dimensional layer 14
when nail line reinforcement material is not provided on the top
layer. More than one nail zone reinforcement material may be
provided. U.S. Pat. No. 8,607,521 discloses examples of nail zone
reinforcement materials, methods of applying nail zone
reinforcement materials to shingles, and shingles having reinforced
nail zones that can be adapted into the shingles 10 disclosed by
the present application. U.S. Pat. No. 8,607,521 is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety. In the illustrated embodiment,
the nail zone reinforcement material 35 is a woven fabric that
prevents the shingle from being pulled over a nail-head that
secures the shingle to the roof.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in an exemplary embodiment
adhesive and/or sealant lines 40 and/or 42 are provided on the
bottom of the base layer 12. When a shingle is installed over
another shingle on the roof ridge, the adhesive lines 40 and/or 42
adhere to the upper surface of the dimensional layer 14 to secure
the shingles together. The adhesive lines 40 and/or 42 can have a
wide variety of different configurations. In the exemplary
embodiment illustrated by FIG. 7, the adhesive line 40 extends
along substantially an entire width and is close to an edge 700 of
the base layer 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive line 40
extends in the machine direction (i.e. the direction in which the
base layer travels through a production line as it is made
(described in more detail below), which is also the direction of
the width of the shingle. In the illustrated embodiment, the
adhesive line 40 is continuous. In other embodiments, the adhesive
line 40 may be dashed. In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive
line 40 is positioned to adhere to granules 702 on the dimensional
layer 14 between the reinforcement material 35 and an edge 704. In
another embodiment, the adhesive line 40 is positioned to adhere to
the reinforcement material 35. In the exemplary embodiment
illustrated by FIG. 7, the adhesive lines 42 each start inward of
side edges 710, 712 and extend a short distance, leaving a large
gap 714 between the lines 42. The adhesive lines 42 may be close to
or substantially spaced apart from the adhesive line 40. In another
exemplary embodiment, a single line 42 extend along substantially
an entire width of the base layer 12. In an exemplary embodiment,
the adhesive line 42 extends in the direction of the width of the
shingle, which may also be the machine direction (i.e. the
direction in which the base layer travels through a production line
as it is made. In another exemplary embodiment, the height of the
shingle is the machine direction and the adhesive line 42 is
applied in the cross-machine direction. In an exemplary embodiment,
the adhesive lines 42 are positioned to adhere to granules 702 on
the dimensional layer 14 between the reinforcement material 35 and
an edge 724. In another embodiment, the adhesive lines 42 are
positioned to adhere to the reinforcement material 35. In an
exemplary embodiment, the sealant configuration illustrated by FIG.
7 provides enhanced resistant to the shingle edge pulling up due to
wind that blows in a direction perpendicular to the side edge 710
or 712 of the shingle 10.
[0050] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 8, the
adhesive line 40 extends along substantially an entire width and is
close to an edge 700 of the base layer 12. In an exemplary
embodiment, the adhesive line 40 extends in the machine direction
(i.e. the direction in which the base layer travels through a
production line as it is made (described in more detail below),
which may also the direction of the width of the shingle. In the
illustrated embodiment, the adhesive line 40 is continuous. In
other embodiments, the adhesive line 40 may be dashed. In an
exemplary embodiment, the adhesive line 40 is positioned to adhere
to granules 702 on the dimensional layer 14 between the
reinforcement material 35 and an edge 704. In another embodiment,
the adhesive line 40 is positioned to adhere to the reinforcement
material 35. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 8, the
adhesive lines 42 extend from the adhesive line 40 along the side
edges 710, 712. A large gap 714 is between the lines 42. In an
exemplary embodiment, the adhesive lines 42 extend perpendicular to
the machine direction or in the direction of the height of the
shingle. In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive lines 42 are
positioned to adhere to granules 702 and to the reinforcement
material 35 on the dimensional layer 14. In an exemplary
embodiment, the sealant configuration illustrated by FIG. 8
provides enhanced resistant to the shingle edge pulling up due to
wind that blows in a direction perpendicular to the side edge 710
or 712 of the shingle 10.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a release tape 50 is provided on
the back side of the base layer 12. The laminated hip and ridge
shingles 10 are flipped over and turned 180 degrees when they are
packaged, so that the release tape 50 lines up with the adhesive
lines 40, 42. In an exemplary embodiment, the release tape is wide
enough to cover both lines of adhesive 40, 42. In another
embodiment, two strips of release tape are provided to cover the
two lines of adhesive. The release tape 50 prevents the shingles
from sticking together in the package. The release tape 50 can take
a wide variety of different forms.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the hip and ridge shingles 10 are
constructed by cutting a single layer granule coated substrate 16
or shingle blank into pieces to make the base layer 12 and the
dimensional layer 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the shingle
blank 16 includes a headlap region 428 and a prime region 430. The
headlap region 428 of the shingle blank 426 is used to make the
dimensional layer 14. The prime region 430 of the shingle blank 426
is the portion of the hip or ridge roofing material that remains
exposed when the hip and ridge shingles 10 are installed. In one
exemplary embodiment, the entire front surface of the shingle blank
426 is coated with prime roofing granules and the entire rear
surface of the shingle blank 426 is covered with headlap
granules.
[0053] Referring again to FIG. 4, the shingle blank 16 may have any
suitable dimensions. The shingle blank 426 may also be divided
between the headlap region 428 and the prime region 430 in any
suitable proportion. For example, a typical residential roofing
shingle blank 16 has a length L of approximately 36 inches (91.5
cm) and a height H of approximately 131/4 inches high, with the
height H dimension being divided between the headlap region 428 and
the prime region 430.
[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, the shingle blank 16 has the
same composition as the incorporated '994 patent to Miller et al.
In another embodiment, the shingle blank can have other suitable
compositions. The shingle blank 16 includes a substrate that is
coated with an asphalt coating. The asphalt coating includes an
upper section that is positioned above the substrate when the
roofing material is installed on a roof, and a lower section that
is positioned below the substrate. The upper section includes an
upper surface. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in an exemplary
embodiment, the nail zone reinforcement material 35 is pressed into
the upper section of the asphalt coating to embed the nail zone
reinforcement material 35 in the asphalt. A layer of granules 702
is then pressed into the upper section asphalt coating. In an
exemplary embodiment, the layer of granules 702 do not stick to the
nail zone reinforcement material 35. The release tape 50 is pressed
against the lower section of the asphalt coating. A layer of
granules 702 or a layer of back dusting is then pressed into the
lower section asphalt coating. In an exemplary embodiment, the
layer of granules 702 or back dusting do not stick to the release
tape 50. In an exemplary embodiment, granules 702 are used on both
sides of the shingle blank 16 to make the laminated hip and ridge
shingle thicker.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, in an exemplary embodiment a single
layer shingle layer or blank 16 is cut up and assembled to make the
laminated shingle. In this example, the laminated shingle will
typically be assembled in an off-line process. That is, the
laminated shingles are not produced in a continuous line. In an
exemplary embodiment, the blank is cut as shown in FIG. 6. The
dimensional layers 14 may be about 11 inches wide. The base layer
12 may be about 12 inches wide with scallop cuts 450 at the end
with the release tape 50 that reduce the width to about 11 inches
at the scallop cuts. The base layer is flipped over and adhesive 20
is applied partially across the base layer as illustrated by FIG.
2. The dimensional layer 14 is then adhered to the adhesive 20 as
illustrated by FIG. 3. The shingle 10 is then flipped over and the
sealant 40, 42 and/or 43 is applied, for example, as illustrated by
FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 to complete the shingle. The shingles 10 are then
alternately flipped and stacked, such that the sealant 40, 42
and/or 43 is disposed against the release tape 50 and the shingles
do not stick together. In another exemplary embodiment, the
laminated shingles are assembled in an inline process on a
continuous production line.
[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the scallop cuts 450 and the
narrower width dimensional layer 14 keep the nail zone
reinforcement material 35 from being exposed when the shingle 10 is
installed on a roof as illustrated by FIGS. 1B and 11. That is, the
base layer 12 of an overlying shingle completely covers the
dimensional layer 14 of the underlying shingle, due to the narrower
width of the dimensional layer 14.
[0057] The shingle blank 16 can be made in a wide variety of
different ways. In one exemplary embodiment, a process and
apparatus that may be adapted to be used to manufacture the single
layer shingle blank 16 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,607,521 to
Belt et al. and is only summarized herein. There is shown in FIG.
28 an apparatus 2810 for manufacturing an asphalt-based roofing
material. In the illustrated embodiment, the manufacturing process
involves passing a continuous sheet 2812 in a machine direction
(indicated by the arrows) through a series of manufacturing
operations. The sheet usually moves at a speed of at least about
200 feet/minute (61 meters/minute), and typically at a speed within
the range of between about 450 feet/minute (137 meters/minute) and
about 800 feet/minute (244 meters/minute). In one exemplary
embodiment, the sheet moves at a speed of at least about 200
feet/minute (61 meters/minute), and less than about 450 feet/minute
(137 meters/minute). The sheet, however, may move at any desired
speed.
[0058] In a first step of the illustrated manufacturing process, a
continuous sheet of substrate or shingle mat 2812 is payed out from
a roll 2814. The substrate can be any type known for use in
reinforcing asphalt-based roofing materials, such as a non-woven
web of glass fibers. The shingle mat 2812 may be fed through a
coater 2816 where an asphalt coating is applied to the mat 2812.
The asphalt coating can be applied in any suitable manner. In the
illustrated embodiment, the mat 2812 contacts a roller 2817, that
is in contact with a supply of hot, melted asphalt. The roller 2817
completely covers the mat 2812 with a tacky coating of hot, melted
asphalt to define a first asphalt coated sheet 2818. In other
embodiments, however, the asphalt coating could be sprayed on,
rolled on, or applied to the sheet by other means.
[0059] A continuous strip of a reinforcement material or tape 35,
as will be described in detail herein, may then be payed out from a
roll 2820. The reinforcement tape 35 adheres to the asphalt coated
sheet 2818. In one embodiment, the reinforcement tape 35 is
attached to the sheet 2818 by the adhesive mixture of the asphalt
in the asphalt coated sheet 2818. The reinforcement tape 35,
however, may be attached to the sheet 2818 by any suitable means,
such as other adhesives. In one embodiment, the reinforcement
material 35 is formed from polyester. In another embodiment, the
reinforcement material is formed from polyolefin, such as
polypropylene or polyethylene. The reinforcement material 35,
however, can be formed from any material for reinforcing and
strengthening the nail zone of a shingle, such as, for example,
paper, film, scrim material, and woven or non-woven glass.
[0060] The resulting asphalt coated sheet may then be passed
beneath a series of granule dispensers 2824 for the application of
granules to the upper surface of the asphalt coated sheet 2818. The
granule dispensers can be of any type suitable for depositing
granules onto the asphalt coated sheet. A granule dispenser that
can be used is a granule valve of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,610,147 to Aschenbeck. After all the granules are deposited
on the asphalt coated sheet by the series of dispensers 2824, the
sheet 2818 becomes a granule covered sheet 2840.
[0061] In one embodiment, the reinforcement material 35 includes an
upper surface to which granules substantially will not adhere. The
reinforcement material 35, however, may include an upper surface to
which granules will adhere. For example, the apparatus 2810 may
include any desired means for depositing granules onto
substantially the entire second asphalt coated sheet 2818, except
for the portion of the second asphalt coated sheet 2818 covered by
the material 35. Alternately, granules may be deposited onto
substantially the entire asphalt coated sheet 2818, including the
material 35, but wherein the reinforcement material 35 includes an
upper surface to which granules substantially will not adhere.
[0062] The granule covered sheet 40 may then be turned around a
drum 2844 to press the granules into the asphalt coating and to
temporarily invert the sheet so that the excess granules will fall
off and will be recovered and reused.
[0063] In one embodiment, the reinforcement material 35 may be
attached to the shingle blank prior to the application of the
asphalt coating, after the application of the asphalt coating,
prior to application of granules, after application of granules,
and at any of the locations illustrated by FIG. 28. Further, the
release tape 50 may be applied at any of the locations and in the
same manner as illustrated for the reinforcement material in FIG.
28.
[0064] It will be understood, however, that in any of the
embodiments described herein, reinforcement material 35 may be
applied as an extruded or liquid material, such as a polymer, that
will adhere to the mat 2812, the asphalt covered sheet 2818, the
granule covered sheet 2840, and/or the lower surface of the asphalt
coated sheet.
[0065] In another embodiment of the invention, a layer of material,
such as talc or sand, may be applied to the first asphalt coated
sheet 2818 shown in FIG. 28. The material may be applied by any
desired means to a lower surface of the asphalt coated sheet 2818.
Alternatively, granules 702 may be applied by any desired means to
a lower surface of the asphalt coated sheet 2818 to make a thicker
shingle blank.
[0066] In the exemplary shingle 10 may have a nail pull-through
value, measured in accordance with a desired standard, such as
prescribed by ASTM test standard D3462. For example, the shingle 10
may have a nail pull-through value that is greater than in an
otherwise identical shingle 10 having no such reinforcement 35. In
one embodiment, the shingle 10 may have a nail pull-through value
within the range of from about ten percent to about 100 percent
greater than in an otherwise identical shingle having no such
reinforcement material 35. In another embodiment, the shingle 10
may have a nail pull-through value about 50 percent greater than in
an otherwise identical shingle having no such reinforcement
material 35.
[0067] In another embodiment, a shingle 10 having a reinforcement
material 35 formed from polyester film having a thickness of about
0.5 mils, may have a nail pull-through value about 13.3 percent
greater than in an otherwise identical shingle having no such
reinforcement material 35. In another embodiment, a shingle having
a reinforcement material 35 formed from polyester film having a
thickness of about 3.0 mils, may have a nail pull-through value
about 62.3 percent greater than in an otherwise identical shingle
having no such material 35. In another embodiment, a shingle having
a reinforcement material 35 formed from polyester film having a
thickness of about 4.0 mils, may have a nail pull-through value
about 86.0 percent greater than in an otherwise identical shingle
having no such reinforcement material 35. In another embodiment, a
shingle having a reinforcement tape 19 formed from polyester film
having a thickness of about 5.0 mils, may have a nail pull-through
value about 112.7 percent greater than in an otherwise identical
shingle having no such tape 19.
[0068] FIGS. 12-14 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a
laminated hip and ridge shingle 10. The laminated shingle 10
includes a base layer 12 and a dimensional layer 14. Referring to
FIG. 13, in an exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface 18 of the
dimensional layer 14 is adhered to the top surface 19 of the base
layer 12 by an adhesive 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the
adhesive 20 extends only partially across the overlap between the
base layer 12 and the dimensional layer 14. The portion of the base
layer 12 that is not covered by the dimensional layer 14 is the
portion of the shingle that will be exposed on the ridge of the
roof. The dimensional layer 14 will be completely covered by the
base layer 12 of the next shingle applied to the ridge 118. The
dimensional layer 14 increases the thickness of the overlapping
portions of two shingles 10. This provides the ridge 118 with a
more dimensional appearance.
[0069] In the exemplary embodiment, the entire dimensional layer 14
is on top of the base layer 12 (i.e. complete overlap). This
complete overlap reduces the possibility that water can pass
between the layers 12, 14 where the adhesive is not present. By
having the adhesive 20 extend only partially across the overlap
between the first and second layers, the shingle 10 can be bent
over the ridge 118 of the roof without tearing the top layer.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 12, an optional nail zone reinforcement
material 35 is provided. The nail zone reinforcement material 35
can take a wide variety of different forms and can be applied to
the laminated shingle at a wide variety positions. For example, the
nail zone reinforcement material 35 can be a woven fabric, a
plastic film, a metal strip, paint, and the like. The nail zone
reinforcement material 35 can be provided on top of the dimensional
layer 14, on the bottom of the dimensional layer, on top of the
base layer 12, on the bottom of the base layer 12, in between the
base and dimensional layers 12, 14, or inside the base layer or
dimensional layer. More than one nail zone reinforcement material
may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the nail zone
reinforcement material 35 is a woven fabric that prevents the
shingle from being pulled over a nail-head that secures the shingle
to the roof.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 14, in an exemplary embodiment an adhesive
line 40 is provided on the bottom of the base layer 12. The
adhesive lines 42 and/or 43 (See FIGS. 7 and 8) can also optionally
be included. When a shingle is installed over another shingle on
the roof ridge, the adhesive line 40 adheres to the upper surface
of the dimensional layer 14 to secure the shingles together. In the
exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 14, the adhesive line 40
extends along substantially an entire width and is close to an edge
700 of the base layer 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive
line 40 extends in the direction of the width of the shingle, which
may also be the machine direction (i.e. the direction in which the
base layer travels through a production line as it is made. In
another exemplary embodiment, the height of the shingle is the
machine direction and the adhesive line 40 is applied in the
cross-machine direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the
adhesive line 40 is continuous. In other embodiments, the adhesive
line 40 may be dashed. In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive
line 40 is positioned to adhere to granules 702 on the dimensional
layer 14 between the reinforcement material 35 and an edge 704. In
another embodiment, the adhesive line 40 is positioned to adhere to
the reinforcement material 35.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 14, a release tape 50 is provided on the
back side of the base layer 12. The laminated hip and ridge
shingles 10 are flipped over and turned 180 degrees when they are
packaged, so that the release tape 50 lines up with the adhesive
line 40. The release tape 50 prevents the shingles from sticking
together in the package. The release tape 50 can take a wide
variety of different forms.
[0073] Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the hip and ridge shingles 10
illustrated by FIG. 12-14 are constructed by cutting a single layer
granule coated substrate 16 or shingle blank into pieces to make
the base layer 12 and the dimensional layer 14. In the illustrated
embodiment, the shingle blank 16 includes a headlap region 428 and
a prime region 430. The headlap region 428 of the shingle blank 426
is used to make the dimensional layer 14. The prime region 430 of
the shingle blank 426 is the portion of the hip or ridge roofing
material that remains exposed when the hip and ridge shingles 10
are installed. In one exemplary embodiment, the entire front
surface of the shingle blank 426 is coated with prime roofing
granules and the entire rear surface of the shingle blank 426 is
covered with headlap granules.
[0074] Referring again to FIGS. 15-17, the shingle blank 16 may
have any suitable dimensions. The shingle blank 426 may also be
divided between the headlap region 428 and the prime region 430 in
any suitable proportion. For example, a typical residential roofing
shingle blank 16 has a length L of approximately 36 inches (91.5
cm) and a height H of approximately 131/4 inches (30.5 cm) high,
with the height H dimension being divided between the headlap
region 428 and the prime region 430.
[0075] In one exemplary embodiment, the shingle blank 16 has the
same composition as the incorporated '994 patent to Miller et al.
In another embodiment, the shingle blank can have other suitable
compositions. The shingle blank 16 includes a substrate that is
coated with an asphalt coating. The asphalt coating includes an
upper section that is positioned above the substrate when the
roofing material is installed on a roof, and a lower section that
is positioned below the substrate. The upper section includes an
upper surface. Referring to FIG. 15, in an exemplary embodiment,
the nail zone reinforcement material 35 is pressed into the upper
section of the asphalt coating to embed the nail zone reinforcement
material 35 in the asphalt. A layer of granules 702 is then pressed
into the upper section asphalt coating. In an exemplary embodiment,
the layer of granules 702 do not stick to the nail zone
reinforcement material 35. The release tape 50 is pressed against
the lower section of the asphalt coating. A layer of granules or a
layer of back dusting is then pressed into the lower section
asphalt coating. In an exemplary embodiment, the layer of granules
or back dusting do not stick to the release tape 50.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, in an exemplary embodiment a
single layer shingle or blank 16 is cut up and assembled to make
the laminated shingle. In an exemplary embodiment, the blank is
cut. The dimensional layers 14 may be about 11 inches wide. The
base layer 12 may be about 12 inches wide with tapered cuts 1250 at
the end with the release tape 50 that taper down to a width of
about 11 inches.
[0077] FIGS. 18-21 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a
laminated hip and ridge shingle 10. The difference between the
versions of the shingles 10 shown in FIGS. 12-14 and FIGS. 18-20 is
the configuration of the overlap and the size of the dimensional
layer 14. In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 18-20, the
dimensional layer 14 is wider, but the area of overlap is narrow.
In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 18-20, having a
portion of the dimensional layer 14 not overlap with the base layer
12 provides a more gradual transition from one layer to two layers
for supporting the next shingle on the roof ridge. In the exemplary
embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 12-14, the entire dimensional layer
14 is on top of the base layer 12 (i.e. complete overlap).
[0078] In the example illustrated by FIGS. 18-21, the laminated
shingle 10 includes a base layer 12 and a dimensional layer 14.
Referring to FIG. 19, in an exemplary embodiment, a bottom surface
18 of the dimensional layer 14 is adhered to the top surface 19 of
the base layer 12 by an adhesive 20. In the illustrated embodiment,
the adhesive 20 extends only partially across the overlap between
the base layer 12 and the dimensional layer 14. The portion of the
base layer 12 that is not covered by the dimensional layer 14 is
the portion of the shingle that will be exposed on the ridge of the
roof. The dimensional layer 14 will be completely covered by the
base layer 12 of the next shingle applied to the ridge 118. The
dimensional layer 14 increases the thickness of the overlapping
portions of two shingles 10. This provides the ridge 118 with a
more dimensional appearance.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 18, an optional nail zone reinforcement
material 35 is provided. The nail zone reinforcement material 35
can take a wide variety of different forms and can be applied to
the laminated shingle at a wide variety positions. For example, the
nail zone reinforcement material 35 can be a woven fabric, a
plastic film, a metal strip, and the like. The nail zone
reinforcement material 35 can be provided on top of the dimensional
layer 14, on the bottom of the dimensional layer, on top of the
base layer 12, on the bottom of the base layer 12, or inside the
base layer or dimensional layer. More than one nail zone
reinforcement material may be provided. In the illustrated
embodiment, the nail zone reinforcement material 35 is a woven
fabric that prevents the shingle from being pulled over a nail-head
that secures the shingle to the roof.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 20, in an exemplary embodiment an adhesive
line 40 is provided on the bottom of the base layer 12. The
adhesive lines 42 and/or 43 can also optionally be included (See
FIGS. 7 and 8). When a shingle is installed over another shingle on
the roof ridge, the adhesive line 40 adheres to the upper surface
of the dimensional layer 14 to secure the shingles together. In the
exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 20, the adhesive line 40
extends along substantially an entire width and is close to an edge
700 of the base layer 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive
line 40 extends in the machine direction (i.e. the direction in
which the base layer travels through a production line as it is
made (described in more detail below), which is also the direction
of the width of the shingle. In the illustrated embodiment, the
adhesive line 40 is continuous. In other embodiments, the adhesive
line 40 may be dashed. In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive
line 40 is positioned to adhere to granules 702 on the dimensional
layer 14 between the reinforcement material 35 and an edge 704. In
another embodiment, the adhesive line 40 is positioned to adhere to
the reinforcement material 35.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 20, a release tape 50 is provided on the
back side of the dimensional layer 14. The laminated hip and ridge
shingles 10 are flipped over and turned 180 degrees when they are
packaged, so that the release tape 50 lines up with the adhesive
line 40. The release tape 50 prevents the shingles from sticking
together in the package. The release tape 50 can take a wide
variety of different forms.
[0082] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an
array 2200 of laminated hip and ridge shingles 10 connected by
lines of perforations 2202. Each laminated shingle 10 of the array
includes a base layer 12 and a dimensional layer 14. Referring to
FIG. 22, in an exemplary embodiment, a bottom surface 18 of the
dimensional layer 14 is adhered to the top surface 19 of the base
layer 12 by an adhesive 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the
adhesive 20 extends only partially across the overlap between the
base layer 12 and the dimensional layer 14. The portion of the base
layer 12 that is not covered by the dimensional layer 14 is the
portion of the shingle that will be exposed on the ridge of the
roof. The dimensional layer 14 will be completely covered by the
base layer 12 of the next shingle applied to the ridge 118. The
dimensional layer 14 increases the thickness of the overlapping
portions of two shingles 10. This provides the ridge 118 with a
more dimensional appearance.
[0083] In the exemplary embodiment, the entire dimensional layer 14
is on top of the base layer 12 (i.e. complete overlap). This
complete overlap reduces the possibility that water can pass
between the layers 12, 14 where the adhesive is not present. By
having the adhesive 20 extend only partially across the overlap
between the first and second layers, the shingle 10 can be bent
over the ridge 118 of the roof without tearing the top layer.
[0084] In one exemplary embodiment, the array 2200 of shingles 10
has the same composition as the incorporated '994 patent to Miller
et al. In another embodiment, the shingle blank can have other
suitable compositions.
[0085] FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate an exemplary embodiment that is
similar to the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 22 and 23. The
embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 24 and 25 differs in that the base
layer 12 extend past the dimensional layer 14 to create a first
step 2402 and a second step 2404. The first and second steps 2402,
2404 provide a more gradual transition from one layer to two layers
for supporting the next shingle on the roof ridge.
[0086] Each laminated shingle 10 of the array illustrated by FIGS.
24 and 25 includes a base layer 12 and a dimensional layer 14.
Referring to FIG. 22, in an exemplary embodiment, a bottom surface
18 of the dimensional layer 14 is adhered to the top surface 19 of
the base layer 12 by an adhesive 20. In the illustrated embodiment,
the adhesive 20 extends only partially across the overlap between
the base layer 12 and the dimensional layer 14. The portion of the
base layer 12 that is not covered by the dimensional layer 14 is
the portion of the shingle that will be exposed on the ridge of the
roof. The dimensional layer 14 will be completely covered by the
base layer 12 of the next shingle applied to the ridge 118. The
dimensional layer 14 increases the thickness of the overlapping
portions of two shingles 10. This provides the ridge 118 with a
more dimensional appearance.
[0087] In the exemplary embodiment, the entire dimensional layer 14
is on top of the base layer 12 (i.e. complete overlap). This
complete overlap reduces the possibility that water can pass
between the layers 12, 14 where the adhesive is not present. By
having the adhesive 20 extend only partially across the overlap
between the first and second layers, the shingle 10 can be bent
over the ridge 118 of the roof without tearing the top layer.
[0088] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate an exemplary embodiment that is
similar to the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 24 and 25. The
embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 26 and 27 differs in that the
dimensional layer 14 comprises two pieces or portions 2602, 2604
that are hingedly connected together. In one exemplary embodiment,
the two portions 2602, 2604 are a single piece that can be folded
to provide added dimension. The two portions 2602, 2604 of the
single piece may be connected by a hinged connection 2606. In
another exemplary embodiment, the two pieces 2602, 2604 are
separate and are connected by a hinged connection 2606. This hinged
connection 2606 allows the dimensional layer to provide different
amounts of thickness to the laminated shingle 10. When the piece
2602 is against the base layer 12, the laminated shingle has two
layers (i.e. the same as the other embodiments disclosed herein).
When the piece 2602 is folded onto the piece 2604, the laminated
shingle 10 has three layers (i.e. thicker than the other
embodiments disclosed herein). The folding dimensional layer
concept of FIGS. 26 and 27 can be applied to any of the embodiments
disclosed herein. The hinged connection 2606 can take a wide
variety of different forms. In the illustrated embodiment, the
hinged connection 2606 is a piece of tape. The piece of tape may be
perforated along the centerline of the tape. The tape can be
applied in a wide variety of different ways, including, but not
limited to any of the ways that the reinforcement material 35 is
applied.
[0089] Each laminated shingle 10 of the array illustrated by FIGS.
26 and 27 includes a base layer 12 and a dimensional layer 14.
Referring to FIG. 22, in an exemplary embodiment, a bottom surface
18 of the dimensional layer 14 is adhered to the top surface 19 of
the base layer 12 by an adhesive 20. In the illustrated embodiment,
the adhesive 20 extends only partially across the overlap between
the base layer 12 and the dimensional layer 14. The portion of the
base layer 12 that is not covered by the dimensional layer 14 is
the portion of the shingle that will be exposed on the ridge of the
roof. The dimensional layer 14 will be completely covered by the
base layer 12 of the next shingle applied to the ridge 118. The
dimensional layer 14 increases the thickness of the overlapping
portions of two shingles 10. This provides the ridge 118 with a
more dimensional appearance.
[0090] In the exemplary embodiment, the entire dimensional layer 14
is on top of the base layer 12 (i.e. complete overlap). This
complete overlap reduces the possibility that water can pass
between the layers 12, 14 where the adhesive is not present. By
having the adhesive 20 extend only partially across the overlap
between the first and second layers, the shingle 10 can be bent
over the ridge 118 of the roof without tearing the top layer.
[0091] While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of
the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied
in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects,
concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments,
either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations
thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and
sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present
inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as
to the various aspects, concepts and features of the
inventions--such as alternative materials, structures,
configurations, methods, devices and components, hardware,
alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on--may be
described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a
complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments,
whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the
art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects,
concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within
the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are
not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some
features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described
herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description
is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or
necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or
representative values and ranges may be included to assist in
understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and
ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended
to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated.
Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be
expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of
an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive,
but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features
that are fully described herein without being expressly identified
as such or as part of a specific invention. Descriptions of
exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all
steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the
steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless
expressly so stated.
[0092] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have
been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of
the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
invention to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications
will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, the
specific locations of the component connections and interplacements
can be modified. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects,
is not limited to the specific details, the representative
apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described.
Accordingly, departures can be made from such details without
departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general
inventive concept.
* * * * *