Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Log wall-type construction
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-24
2002-06-25
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Log wall-type construction
C052S512000, C052S519000, C052S547000, C052S551000, C052S554000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06408580
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the construction/wall covering art and, more particularly, to an improved siding system in which the appearance of grout or chinking between adjacent siding strips is simulated, and in which an improved starter strip is provided for affixing a first siding strip to a stable mounting structure, such as the sidewall of a dwelling.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The art of constructing dwellings or like structures from natural logs or timbers is well known, and for many homeowners is desirable for the natural, rustic look and feel afforded by the resulting dwelling. Despite significant technological advances in recent years and the proliferation of commercial enterprises offering such services, constructing an entire dwelling from logs or timbers remains an expensive, time consuming and labor intensive proposition, requiring countless man hours and a great deal of natural resources to complete. In recent decades, a concern has also arisen over the excessive exploitation of natural resources, such as timber. This concern has prompted many in the construction art to switch to building materials fabricated of metal, vinyl, or the like. Another potential shortcoming is that, unless properly constructed by experts, dwellings formed of logs or timbers may lack the ability to contain properly conditioned air and keep out moisture, both of which may significantly increase the overall cost of owning such a dwelling.
As an alternative to using actual logs or timbers, others in the past have proposed various types of siding members, such as strips fabricated of vinyl or like materials, having outer surface indicia simulating the appearance of a natural log or timber. When a plurality of these siding strips are applied to the outside of a dwelling or other structure in an abutting or overlapping relationship, the appearance of a traditional log “cabin” is simulated, yet conventional construction materials are employed beneath the siding strips to provide the structural framework for the dwelling. As should be appreciated, siding strips formed of vinyl or the like are cheaper than wood per unit, easier to install, lighter in weight, relatively durable and generally resistant to the effects of moisture. Also, the use of conventional building materials beneath the siding strips (i.e., framed wall construction with insulation, an outer layer of wood sheeting, and an inner layer of drywall sheeting) improves the overall efficiency of the dwelling in terms of energy containment.
Despite these advantages, past proposals for vinyl siding are generally lacking in some key respects. For instance, it is desirable in some cases to provide siding that, when installed, provides a realistic simulation of an actual log cabin or like dwelling. Of course, conventional log cabins or dwellings usually include grout or a similar material between the logs or timbers, which typically has a white or light grey color. This grout is commonly referred to as “chinking” and not only serves to seal the interstitial space between the adjacent logs from moisture and the outside environment, but also creates contrasts between the adjacent pairs of logs that are considered by many to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the overall structure.
In past proposals for simulated log siding or the like formed of vinyl, some have completely ignored the need for chinking (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,358 to Mead and U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,728 to Heath, Jr. et al.), but the result is siding that fails to truly simulate the appearance of a log cabin and is therefore aesthetically unappealing to many homeowners. Others have sought to make the appearance more realistic either by placing plaster/caulking or affixing separate “chinking” strips between each adjacent pair of siding strips once installed in place (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,954 to O'Donnell and later U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,177 to Davidson). In either case, this added step is disadvantageous, since it significantly adds to the installation time and concomitant expense. Since plaster or caulking tends to shrink, embrittle and separate from adjacent structures over time, frequent removal of the old material and reapplication may be required, which is obviously a time consuming and expensive undertaking. Also, the use of chinking strips is troublesome, since loosening or bowing may occur over time if the strips are not properly or reliably attached. Of course, like plaster or caulking, loose chinking strips increase the required maintenance effort for the homeowner, and if not kept in check, serve to degrade the overall appearance of the dwelling.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,701 to Halsey, Jr. et al. discloses a siding system wherein siding strips formed of solid wood are mounted in an overlapping, or “ship-lap,” fashion. In this “ship-lap” embodiment, a portion of the member on one siding strip overlapped by an adjacent siding strip remains exposed and is recessed to provide a space or gap between the outer surfaces of the strips. According to the '701 patent, this recessed space or gap alone allegedly simulates the appearance of “chinking” between the siding strips. However, there is no mention of providing this recessed space between the overlapping siding strips with any coating or coloring that contrasts with the wood siding to simulate true grout or chinking, which of course is usually substantially white or light grey in color. Moreover, the siding strips in the '701 patent are formed of wood, rather than readily available modern building materials, such as vinyl, and therefore do not serve to limit the consumption of precious natural resources.
Another limitation in conventional siding strips generally is found in the “starter” strips used to attach the first siding strip to the corresponding wall surface or other stable mounting structure. The problem is that the starter strips generally: (1) do not serve to hold the corresponding first siding strip in the proper or desired position during affixation to the wall or structure; (2) cannot hold the first siding strip when inverted, which limits the flexibility afforded to the installer; or (3) otherwise do a poor job of holding the corresponding siding strip in place. For example, the “starter” strip disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,542 to Cornelius merely includes an inverted U-shaped channel for receiving a corresponding flange on the siding strip in an abutting engagement. However, nothing supports the siding strip from the underside. This complicates installation, especially where particularly long strips of siding are employed, since nothing holds the strip in the proper position while the appropriate mechanical fasteners or adhesives are applied by the installer.
An earlier proposal for a similar “starter” strip is found in the above-referenced '728 patent to Heath, Jr. et al., but the only practical difference is that an upright U-shaped channel is employed. While this starter strip may serve to hold a siding strip in place during affixation to an adjacent stable mounting structure when positioned in the manner shown in the patent, it loses its functionality when inverted, which as noted above reduces the flexibility afforded to the installer.
Accordingly, a need is identified for an improved siding system that, among other things: (1) eliminates the need for applying separate chinking/grouting strips, plaster, or caulking between adjacent interlocking siding strips to simulate realistically the appearance of a log cabin or similar structure; and (2) eases the burden on the installer working with the siding strips in several respects, such as by eliminating the need for hurriedly applying the fasteners or adhesives used to affix the strips in place, as well as enhancing the flexibility afforded in the positioning of the strips.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an improved siding system, including: (1) a siding strip including an integral portion, preferably having a contrasti
Jurvis Erik K.
Jurvis Rochelle Gail
Dottavio James J.
Eckert Inger H.
Friedman Carl D.
Glessner Brian E.
Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology Inc.
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