Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Module or panel having discrete edgewise or face-to-face... – Having integral key
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-22
2001-05-08
Callo, Laura A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Module or panel having discrete edgewise or face-to-face...
Having integral key
C052S100000, C052S177000, C052S588100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06226950
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modular cladding element, and an assembly of cladding elements particularly adapted for covering the surface of an underlying structure, such as a wood deck, porch, or boat pier. The invention provides a generally maintenance free, wear-resistant surface that is attractive, easy to clean, convenient to install, and relatively inexpensive.
Many prior art cladding and modular deck elements are designed to mate with adjacent elements along respective sides using, for example, complementary integrally-formed fasteners. A precise fit and arrangement is generally required in order to properly assemble the elements on the structure being covered. A problem arises when it becomes necessary or desirable to position the elements such that the same type of fasteners of adjacent elements are arranged side by side. In this case, the elements generally cannot be conveniently and readily fitted together.
The present invention addresses this and other problems of the prior art by providing a cladding element which includes more than one fastener type on one or both longitudinal sides of the element. In one embodiment, the invention includes a removable male fastener which, when removed, allows access to a female fastener formed on the same side of the element. The invention thus permits attachment of an adjacent cladding element having either a male or a female fastener.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a cladding element adapted for cooperating with a number of other elements to clad the surface of an underlying structure, such as a wood deck.
It is another object of the invention to provide a cladding element which, when assembled with other elements, creates a surface that is generally maintenance free.
It is another object of the invention to provide a cladding element which, when assembled with other elements, creates a surface that is wear-resistant and easy to clean.
It is another object of the invention to provide a cladding element which, when assembled with other elements, creates a surface that is attractive and has no exposed screws or other fasteners.
It is another object of the invention to provide a cladding element which comprises a modular, one-piece, integrally-molded design.
It is another object of the invention to provide a cladding element which is relatively easy to install without the use of separate fastener elements, such as mounting tracks and the like.
It is another object of the invention to provide a cladding element which can be installed either parallel or perpendicular to the boards of the underlying structure.
It is another object of the invention to provide a cladding element which is positioned together with an adjacent cladding element, and whose position is laterally adjustable relative to the position of the adjacent cladding element
It is another object of the invention to provide a cladding element which is relatively inexpensive.
It is another object of the invention to provide a cladding element which includes both male and female fasteners located on one or both sides for mating with respective male or female fasteners of an adjacent cladding element.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a modular cladding element for cooperating with an assembly of cladding elements to clad a surface of an underlying structure. The cladding element includes a cladding panel having opposed inside and outside major surfaces, first and second opposed sides, and first and second opposed ends. A removable male fastener is integrally formed along the first side of the panel, and is adapted for entering a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element when positioned on the first side of the panel. The male fastener is removable in the absence of a complementary cladding element positioned on the first side of the panel. A first female fastener is integrally formed along the opposed second side of the panel, and defines a first opening adapted for receiving a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element positioned on the second side of the panel. A second female fastener is integrally formed adjacent the male fastener on the first side of the panel. Upon removing the male fastener, the second female fastener defines a second opening adapted for receiving a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element on the first side of the panel.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the cladding panel includes a plurality of spaced-apart supporting ribs extending perpendicularly outward from the inside major surface and longitudinally from one end of the panel to the other. The ribs are adapted for spacing the outside major surface of the panel a distance away from the surface of the underlying structure.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the male fastener includes an integrally formed, longitudinal mounting strip. The strip is adapted for engaging the surface of the underlying structure and for receiving fasteners therethrough to attach the cladding element to the structure.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the male fastener further includes a longitudinal tongue integrally formed with and offset from the mounting strip. The tongue is adapted for residing a spaced distance from the surface of the structure for entering a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal tongue of the male fastener includes a inside shoulder for cooperating with an interfering shoulder formed with a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element to align the cladding elements on the surface of the underlying structure.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the male fastener further includes a longitudinal side wall opposite the tongue and extending generally perpendicular to the mounting strip to the inside major surface of the panel.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a notch is formed at the junction of the side wall of the male fastener and the panel for being cut through to remove the male fastener from the panel.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the first female fastener includes a generally L-shaped longitudinal extension integrally formed with the inside major surface of the panel and cooperating with the panel to define a channel open to the second side of the panel and adapted for receiving therein a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the second female fastener includes a generally L-shaped longitudinal extension integrally formed with the inside major surface of the panel and cooperating with the panel to define a channel open to the first side of the panel and adapted for receiving therein a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a longitudinal overhang is integrally formed along the second side of the cladding panel and extends beyond the first female fastener for covering a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element positioned on the second side of the panel.
In another embodiment, a modular cladding element cooperates with an assembly of cladding elements to clad a surface of an underlying structure. The cladding element includes a cladding panel having opposed outside and inside major surfaces, first and second opposed sides, and first and second opposed ends. A removable male fastener is integrally formed along the first side of the panel, and is adapted for entering a complementary fastener of an adjacent cladding element when positioned on the first side of the panel. A weakness area is provided for being cut through to remove the male fastener in the absence of a complementary cladding element positioned on the first side of the panel. A fir
Adams, Schwartz & Evans P.A.
Callo Laura A.
L.B. (Plastics) Limited
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