# Patent

## Title
Bi-directional mounting bracket assembly for exterior siding

## Abstract

An bi-directional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. A base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. The wall arrangement preferably has four walls extending laterally between the mounting flange and the central panel. Spaced radially outward from the two adjacent walls are respective first and second drip ledges, and spaced radially outward from the other two adjacent walls are respective first and second baffle sets. When the assembly is mounted to the sheathing, a selective one of the two drip ledges is disposed substantially horizontally and beneath the wall arrangement for shedding of water. The baffle set adjacent to the horizontal drip ledge cascades water downward and generally toward the respective wall to channel water upon the horizontal drip ledge.

## Background
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This patent application claims priority to and all advantages of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/712,523 which was filed on Aug. 31, 2005.


FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The subject invention generally relates to an exterior siding mounting bracket assembly and more particularly to a bi-directional mounting bracket assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Common in residential building structures, sheathing of an exterior wall is known to be covered with a siding material typically made of cedar, aluminum, plastic or other synthetic material often made to appear like wood. Often, various exterior appendages of the home such as cloths dryer vents, exterior light fixtures, electrical outlets, and water spigots must be trimmed-out around the siding for aesthetic reasons. This is commonly done with a mounting bracket. One such example of a known mounting bracket is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,708, assigned to the same assignee as the present invention and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The known mounting bracket has an internal base member that snap fits to an external trim member along an axis disposed perpendicular to the sheathing and during assembly. The base member has a continuous flange that projects radially outward and is typically nailed to the sheathing under the siding. Projecting axially or laterally outward from the flange and to an inner central panel is a continuous wall. Generally, the wall defines the perimeter of the central panel. A cutout communicates through the panel and has a shape generally dictated by the appendage projecting through it.
The trim member typically has a continuous partition that projects laterally and axially inward toward the base member, and an aesthetically pleasing flange that projects radially outward from the partition. An opening is generally defined by the partition and receives the wall and central panel when the bracket is assembled. The partition is generally shaped to conform with the wall. Multi-positional snap fit features are known to be carried between a radially outward surface of the wall and a radially inward surface of the partition. When the bracket is assembled, the close proximity of the partition to the wall causes the feature to lock the partition and wall together.
During construction of the building, once the base member is secured to the wall or sheathing, the siding material is installed over the sheathing and over the flange. The siding, however, must be trimmed so that it is slightly spaced from the continuous wall of the base member. This spacing allows room for entry of the continuous partition of the trim piece, yet is close enough to the wall of the bracket so that the ends are aesthetically concealed by the outer flange of the trim member which is substantially flush to the siding. Unfortunately, the siding is typically exposed to rain or water which flows down the siding and beneath the exterior flange. This water can accumulate and seep beneath the concealed ends of the siding and against the mounting flange of the base member. Accumulation of water directly against the mounting flange can cause water propagation outward from the wall of the base member and beyond the mounting flange, thus exposing the sheathing to moisture. The retained moisture can potentially create a host of problems including the rot of wood, disintegration of simulated materials and the attraction of unwanted insects.
To reduce or eliminate this water seepage, various bracket assemblies are known to be self-flashing for diverting water run-off away from the sheathing. One such bracket is taught in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0136060 A1, published Jul. 24, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Unfortunately, known self-flashing bracket assemblies can be mounted in one position only. Particularly, oblong or rectangular bracket assemblies must be separately manufactured with distinct features for horizontal and vertical orientations. This requires separate manufacturing molds/tooling and can complicate shipping and stocking of the product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
A bi-directional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. A base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a continuous wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. The wall arrangement preferably has four walls extending laterally between the mounting flange and the central panel. Spaced radially outward from the two adjacent walls are respective first and second drip ledges, and spaced radially outward from the other two adjacent walls are respective first and second baffle sets. When the assembly is mounted to the sheathing, a selective one of the two drip ledges is disposed substantially horizontally and beneath the wall arrangement for shedding of water. The baffle set adjacent to the horizontal drip ledge cascades water downward and generally toward the respective wall to channel water upon the selected horizontal drip ledge.
Preferably, the wall arrangement and central panel are rectangular is shape thus the first drip ledge is shorter than the second drip ledge and the first baffle set has a linear length shorter than the second baffle set. An exterior trim member or flange preferably snap fits to the base member for covering the cut edges of the siding, the baffle sets, and the drip ledges.
Features, advantages and benefits of the present invention include a mounting bracket assembly having an irregular or rectangular shape that can be selectively mounted in at least two positions without degrading the assemblies self-flashing and water shedding capability. Other advantages include improved water shedding capabilities that eliminates or reduces exposure of the sheathing to moisture that could cause damage to structural material and potentially attract unwanted insects. The assembly reduces or eliminates of structural maintenance, has a design that is relatively simple, robust and versatile, and is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bi-directional mounting bracket assembly embodying the present invention and illustrated in a vertical position and an unassembled state;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket assembly illustrated in an assembled state;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the mounting bracket assembly in the unassembled state; and
FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the mounting bracket assembly taken from circle 4 of FIG. 3.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As best illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, a bi-directional mounting bracket assembly 20 embodying the present invention generally projects or is exposed through exterior siding (not shown) of a substantially vertical wall of any variety of buildings or residential structures exposed to inclement weather such as rain and generally water runoff. The assembly 20 provides an aesthetically pleasing surface for which any variety of exterior components can be easily mounted or project therefrom. Such components include but are not limited to hose spigots, electrical receptacles, clothes dryer vents, and light fixtures.
The assembly 20 is fastened to a substructure of the exterior wall preferably prior to placement of the siding. The substructure is generally an underlayment or sheathing that is preferably covered by the siding material. The mounting bracket assembly 20 is generally self-flashing for the prevention of water seepage beneath the siding, and has a base member 26 secured to the sheathing and a trim member 28 that preferably snap fits to the base member 26 along an axis 30 preferably disposed substantially perpendicular to the sheathing.
The base member 26 is generally a rectangular shape (as oppose to square or round) and can be mounted in two selective positions, preferably vertical or horizontal. The base member 26 has a mounting flange 32 and a rectangular wall arrangement 34 (see FIG. 1). The flange 32 projects radially outward from the wall arrangement 34 and is typically nailed to the sheathing. The wall arrangement 34 projects axially or laterally outward from the flange 32 and preferably to a radially inward and rectangular facial or central panel 36 spaced from and orientated substantially parallel to the underlayment. Generally, the central panel 36 is that portion of the base member 26 that is exposed through the siding with the wall arrangement 34 defining or carrying a substantially rectangular perimeter 38 of the central panel 36 at its distal edge. A cutout 40 preferably communicates through the panel 36 and has a shape generally dictated by the component or appendage projecting through it (not shown).
Preferably the rectangular wall arrangement 34 of the base member 26 has a first wall 50, a second wall 52, a third wall 54 and a fourth wall 56. When the assembly 20 is in a vertical position 58 (i.e. the first and second walls 50, 52 are longer than the third and fourth walls 54, 56) and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second walls 50, 52 are substantially vertical, thus being left and right side walls, respectively. Similarly, the third and fourth walls 54, 56 are substantially horizontal, thus being top and bottom walls, respectively. The flange 32 of the base member 26 has a left portion 60 associated with the left side wall 50, a right portion 62 associated with the right side wall 52, a top portion 64 associated with the top wall 54, and a bottom portion 66 associated with the bottom wall 56. Because the assembly 20 is bi-directional, the base member 26 can be rotated about ninety degrees counter-clockwise moving the assembly from the vertical position as illustrated in FIG. 1 and into a horizontal position (not shown). When in the horizontal position, the longer first wall 50 is the bottom wall, the longer second wall 52 is the top wall, the shorter third wall 54 is the left side wall and the shorter fourth wall 56 is the right side wall.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, two sets of sloped baffles 68, 70 of the base member 26 are formed to and project axially outward from adjacent portions 62, 64 of the mounting flange 32, respectively, for channeling water generally radially inward, with respect to axis 30, toward the respective second and third walls 52, 54, respectively. Each baffle set 68, 70 are arranged in a linear fashion generally forming a line that is spaced radially outward from and substantially parallel to respective second and third walls 52, 54 of the rectangular wall arrangement 34.
Projecting laterally outward from the first or left portion 60 and the fourth or bottom portion 66 of the flange 32 are respective drip ledges 72, 74. The elongated drip ledges 72, 74 extend substantially parallel to and are spaced radially outward from respective first and fourth walls 50, 56. Drip ledge 72 has a shelf portion 76 engaged directly to the left portion 60 of the flange 32 and projecting laterally outward therefrom to a drip edge 78. Projecting laterally outward from the drip edge 78 and radially outward with respect to axis 30 is a draped portion 80 of the drip ledge 72. Contiguous to the ends of the shelf portion 76 and the left portion 60 are respective end dams 82, 84 for diverting water over the drip edge 78 when the assembly 20 is in the horizontal position. Similarly, the drip ledge 74 has a shelf portion 86 engaged directly to the bottom portion 66 of the flange 32 and projecting laterally outward therefrom to a drip edge 88. Projecting laterally outward from the drip edge 88 and radially outward with respect to axis 30 is a draped portion 90 of the drip ledge 74. Contiguous to the ends of the shelf portion 86 and the bottom portion 66 are respective end dams 92, 94 for diverting water over the drip edge 88 when the assembly 20 is in the vertical position.
The trim member 28 has an exterior flange 96 that defines a substantially rectangular hole 98 contoured to accept the central panel 36 of the base member 26. The flange 96 has an external surface 99 designed to be aesthetically pleasing and an internal surface 100 that faces in an axial inward direction with respect to the axis 30. Located proximate to each of four corners of the exterior flange 96 and projecting in an axial inward direction with respect to axis 30 and from the internal surface 100 are four pins 102, 104, 106, 108. Each pin 102, 104, 106, 108 is associated with a respective bosses 110, 112, 114, 116 of the base member 26 each having a bore 118 for snug or locking receipt of the associate pins 102, 104, 106, 108 when the assembly 20 is assembled.
Preferably, boss 110 carries end dam 84 of drip ledge 72 and end dam 92 of drip ledge 74; boss 112 carries end dam 94 of drip ledge 74; boss 114 is generally a corner fitting between baffle sets 68, 70; and boss 116 carries end dam 82 of drip ledge 72. A series of spacers or ribs 120 project axially outward from each draped portion 80, 90 for spacing the internal surface 100 of the exterior flange 96 away from the drip ledges 72, 74 to assure that water does not dam behind the trim member 28. A living hinge 122 is preferably carried between the distal edge of draped portion 90 of drip ledge 74 and an outer perimeter 124 of the exterior flange 96. The living hinge 122 preferably has a series of linearly aligned slots 126 for the drainage of water when the assembly 20 is in the vertical position 58.
The bi-directional mounting bracket assembly 20 is preferably one unitary injection molded plastic part. During installation of the assembly 20, the installer first selects the desired vertical or horizontal position. When selected, the installer assures that one of the two drip ledges 72, 74 are near the bottom of the base member 26. The flange 32 of the base member 26 is then fastened or preferably nailed to the sheathing. Preferably the mounting flange 32 has holes 128 for receipt of nails or screws for this attachment.
With the base member 26 secured to the sheathing, the siding is appropriately trimmed during installation placing the siding over the mounting flange 32 and beneath the draped portions 80, 90 of respective drip ledges 72, 74. The siding is also trimmed so that the cut edges are radially outward from and abut or are substantially near to planar segments 130 of each baffle of the baffle sets 68, 70, and abut or are substantially near to the shelf portions 76, 86 of respective drip ledges 72, 74. With the siding installed, the trim member 28 is pivoted about the living hinge 122 until the pins 102, 104, 106, 108 are press fitted into the respective bosses 110, 112, 114, 116. When completely installed, the trim member 28 covers the cut ends of the siding along with the baffle sets 68, 70 and drip ledges 72, 74 of the base member 26 for a pleasing appearance.
In operation and during inclement weather, water intrusion, or rain water cascading down the siding from above the mounting bracket assembly 20 will flow beneath the exterior flange 96. When the assembly 20 is in the vertical position 58 as illustrated in FIG. 1, the baffle set 70 is generally inactive since gravity will cause water to impinge upon the adjacent top wall 54 regardless of the baffle set's presence. Each baffle of the generally vertical baffle set 68, however, has a sloped segment 132 that projects downward from the planar segment 130 and toward the left causing the water to cascade downward from one sloped segment 132 to the next and until the water is diverted upon the shelf portion 86 of the drip ledge 74 proximate to the end dam 94. Any water flowing downward upon the first portion 60 of the mounting flange 32 is substantially channeled downward between the vertical shelf portion 76 of the drip ledge 72 and the first wall 50 of the wall arrangement 34 and is diverted upon the shelf portion 86 of the drip ledge 74 by the end dam 92. All water collected upon the shelf portion 86 flows over the drip edge 88 and through the space between the draped portion 90 and internal surface 100 of the exterior flange 96 created by the spacers 120. If the assembly 20 is mounted in the horizontal position instead of the vertical position 58 as illustrated, operation of the assembly is generally the same except that the functions of the drip ledges 72, 74 are reversed, and the functions of the baffle sets 68, 70 are reversed.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. For instance, the present invention is not limited to an assembly having a rectangular shape or a wall arrangement having only four walls. In fact, the assembly could be of any variety of irregular shapes wherein a choice of mounting positions is desirable. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that reference numerals are utilized merely for convenience and are not to be limiting in any way, and that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

## Claims

1. A bi-directional mounting bracket assembly for sided exterior walls that have a substantially vertical substructure covered by siding, the mounting bracket assembly comprising:
an axis projecting outward from the substructure;
a base member having a wall arrangement projecting in an axial outward direction with respect to the exterior wall, a mounting flange projecting radially outward from the wall arrangement with respect to the axis and selectively positioned and attached to the substructure, and wherein the mounting flange is disposed at least in-pan beneath the siding;
the wall arrangement having elongated first, second, third and fourth walls wherein the first wall extends longitudinally between ends of the third and fourth walls and the second wall extends longitudinally between opposite ends of the third and fourth walls and wherein the third and fourth walls are longitudinally shorter than the first and second walls;
an elongated first drip ledge of the base member spaced radially outward from and co-extending longitudinally with the first wall, the first drip ledge having a first end and an opposite second end;
an elongated second drip ledge of the base member spaced radially outward from and co-extending longitudinally with the fourth wall, the second drip ledge having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the second end of the first drip ledge is formed to the first end of the fourth drip ledge;
an exterior flange defining an opening and contoured to at least partially fit the wall arrangement in the opening and wherein the first and second drip ledges are located axially between the mounting flange and the exterior flange;
a first series of baffles formed to the mounting flange and spaced radially outward from the second wall; and
a second series of baffles formed to the mounting flange and spaced radially outward from the third wall.

2. The bi-directional mounting bracket assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein the elongated second drip ledge is shorter longitudinally than the elongated first drip ledge.

3. A bi-directional mounting bracket assembly for sided exterior walls that have a substantially vertical substructure covered by siding, the mounting bracket assembly comprising:
an axis projecting outward from the substructure;
a base member having a wall arrangement projecting in an axial outward direction with respect to the exterior wall, a mounting flange projecting radially outward from the wall arrangement with respect to the axis and selectively positioned and attached to the substructure, and wherein the mounting flange is disposed at least in-part beneath the siding;
the wall arrangement having elongated first, second, third and fourth walls wherein the first wall extends longitudinally between ends of the third and fourth walls and the second wall extends longitudinally between opposite ends of the third and fourth walls and wherein the third and fourth walls are longitudinally shorter than the first and second walls;
an elongated first drip ledge of the base member spaced radially outward from and co-extending longitudinally with the first wall, the first drip ledge having a first end and an opposite second end;
an elongated second drip ledge of the base member spaced radially outward from and co-extending longitudinally with the fourth wall, the second drip ledge having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the second end of the first drip ledge is formed to the first end of the fourth drip ledge; and
an exterior flange defining an opening and contoured to at least partially fit the wall arrangement in the opening and wherein the first and second drip ledges are located axially between the mounting flange and the exterior flange; and
the first and second drip ledges each having an elongated shelf portion extending longitudinally between the respective first and second ends and an elongated draped portion co-extending longitudinally with and projecting laterally outward from the respective shelf portions and radially outward with respect to the axis.

4. The bi-directional mounting bracket assembly set forth in claim 3 wherein the draped portions of the first and second drip ledges are spaced axially outward from the mounting flange by the respective shelf portions.

5. The bi-directional mounting bracket assembly set forth in claim 4 further comprising at least one spacer projecting in an axial outward direction from each draped portion for spacing the trim member from the draped portions.

6. The bi-directional mounting bracket assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein the first series of baffles are aligned linearly and co-extend longitudinally with the second wall and the second series of baffles are aligned linearly and co-extend longitudinally with the third wall.

7. The bi-directional mounting bracket assembly set forth in claim 6 further comprising:
each baffle of the first and second series of baffles having a sloped portion; and
wherein each one of the sloped portions lie in a respective imaginary plane with the imaginary planes being spaced from and parallel to one another.

8. The bi-directional mounting bracket assembly set forth in claim 6 further comprising:
each baffle of the first and second series of baffles having a planar portion; and
wherein each one of the planar portions of the first series of baffles lie within a first imaginary plane and each one of the planar portions of the second series of baffles lie within a second imaginary plane.

9. The bi-directional mounting bracket assembly set forth in claim 8 wherein the first imaginary plane is perpendicular to the second imaginary plane.

10. A bi-directional mounting bracket assembly for sided exterior walls that have a substantially vertical substructure covered by siding, the mounting bracket assembly comprising:
an axis projecting outward from the substructure;
a base member having a wall arrangement projecting in an axial outward direction with respect to the exterior wall, a mounting flange projecting radially outward from the wall arrangement with respect to the axis and selectively positioned and attached to the substructure, and wherein the mounting flange is disposed at least in-pan beneath the siding;
the wall arrangement having elongated first, second, third and fourth walls wherein the first wall extends longitudinally between ends of the third and fourth walls and the second wall extends longitudinally between opposite ends of the third and fourth walls and wherein the third and fourth walls are longitudinally shorter than the first and second walls;
an elongated first drip ledge of the base member spaced radially outward from and co-extending longitudinally with the first wall, the first drip ledge having a first end and an opposite second end;
an elongated second drip ledge of the base member spaced radially outward from and co-extending longitudinally with the fourth wall, the second drip ledge having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the second end of the first drip ledge is formed to the first end of the fourth drip ledge;
an exterior flange defining an opening and contoured to at least partially fit the wall arrangement in the opening and wherein the first and second drip ledges are located axially between the mounting flange and the exterior flange; and
a living hinge located between the exterior flange and one of the first and second drip ledges.

11. A bi-directional mounting bracket assembly for sided exterior walls that have a substantially vertical substructure covered by siding, the mounting bracket assembly comprising:
an axis projecting outward from the substructure;
a base member having a wall arrangement projecting in an axial outward direction with respect to the exterior wall, a mounting flange projecting radially outward from the wall arrangement with respect to the axis and selectively positioned and attached to the substructure, and wherein the mounting flange is disposed at least in-part beneath the siding;
the wall arrangement having elongated first, second, third and fourth walls wherein the first wall extends longitudinally between ends of the third and fourth walls and the second wall extends longitudinally between opposite ends of the third and fourth walls and wherein the third and fourth walls are longitudinally shorter than the first and second walls;
an elongated first drip ledge of the base member spaced radially outward from and co-extending longitudinally with the first wall, the first drip ledge having a first end and an opposite second end;
an elongated second drip ledge of the base member spaced radially outward from and co-extending longitudinally with the fourth wall, the second drip ledge having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the second end of the first drip ledge is formed to the first end of the fourth drip ledge;
an exterior flange defining an opening and contoured to at least partially fit the wall arrangement in the opening and wherein the first and second drip ledges are located axially between the mounting flange and the exterior flange; and
wherein each end of the first and second drip ledges have end dams for diverting water from above and upon the respective drip ledge.

12. The bi-direction mounting bracket assembly set forth in claim 11 further comprising:
a first boss projecting axially outward from the mounting flange and carrying adjacent end dams of the first and second drip ledges;
a bore in the first boss; and
a first pin projecting axially inward from the exterior flange and fitted into the bore for engaging the exterior flange to the base member.

13. The bi-direction mounting bracket assembly set forth in claim 12 wherein the first boss is spaced radially outward from the wall arrangement.

14. A bi-directional mounting bracket assembly for sided exterior walls that have a substantially vertical substructure covered by siding, the mounting bracket assembly comprising:
an axis projecting outward from the substructure;
a base member having a wall arrangement projecting in an axial outward direction with respect to the exterior wall, a mounting flange projecting radially outward from the wall arrangement with respect to the axis and selectively positioned and attached to the substructure, and wherein the mounting flange is disposed at least in-pan beneath the siding;
an elongated first drip ledge of the base member spaced radially outward from the wall arrangement, the first drip ledge having a first end and an opposite second end;
an elongated second drip ledge of the base member spaced radially outward from the all arrangement, the second drip ledge having a first end coupled to the second end of the first drip ledge and an opposite second end, and wherein the first and second drip ledges are tangentially positioned with respect to the axis;
an exterior flange defining a hole for at least partial receipt of the wall arrangement, and wherein the exterior flange is constructed and arranged to be attachable to the base member for covering the first and second drip ledges; and
a first series of baffles spaced radially outward from the wall arrangement for cascading water downward and upon the second drip ledge when the assembly is in the first mounting position; and
a second series of baffles spaced radially outward from the wall arrangement and extending between the first end of the first drip ledge and the first series of baffles; and
wherein the second series of baffles cascades water downward and upon the first drip ledge when the assembly is in the second mounting position.

15. The bi-directional mounting bracket assembly set forth in claim 14 further comprising:
a first mounting position wherein the first drip ledge is disposed below the wall arrangement; and
a second mounting position wherein the second drip ledge is disposed below the wall arrangement.

16. The bi-directional mounting bracket assembly set forth in claim 14 further comprising the first and second drip ledges having a draped portion projecting radially outward with respect to the axis.

17. The bi-directional mounting bracket assembly set forth in claim 16 wherein a portion of the siding is located between the mounting flange and the draped portions and the draped portions are spaced from the exterior flange for the shedding of water.