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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to exterior coverings for buildings. Specifically, this invention relates to an improved siding system that prevents the collection of moisture between the vinyl siding and the wall of the building.  
           [0002]    The primary purpose of applying aluminum or vinyl siding is to the exterior of a building is to protect the structure from the elements. Most importantly, the exterior of the building is protected from moisture, wind and UV. In addition, siding performs an aesthetic function.  
           [0003]    However, existing siding systems suffer from significant drawbacks. Conventional siding consists of panels, which are nailed directly to the wall of the structure thereby creating a barrier to the movement of air behind the panels. Furthermore, the panels interlock with one another, creating a seal therebetween and effectively trapping air and moisture in a pocket behind each panel. Although prior art siding systems do protect the structure of a building from rain, rainwater, especially when driven by the wind, is often able to penetrate behind the siding panels at corners, around windows and doors, and at other points where adjacent siding panels come together. Water may also collect behind the siding by condensation.  
           [0004]    Once water penetrates behind the siding or collects behind the siding by condensation, the barriers formed between the panels and the wall, and the seals formed between adjacent panels, prevent the water from escaping. Water trapped behind the siding results in damage to the structure of the building.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,488 B1 issued to Pelfrey et al. discloses vented siding, having recessed vents that allow moisture to escape from behind the siding. Unfortunately, the siding of Pelfrey et al. is only applicable in drier climates. In wetter climates the vented siding of Pelfrey et al. actually allows water to penetrate behind the siding, thereby damaging the building structure. This is clearly undesirable.  
           [0006]    Another drawback of prior art siding systems is that, when exposed to strong sunlight and high outdoor temperatures, vinyl siding can become so heated as to become warped and buckled. Warped vinyl siding may no longer form an effective barrier against rain and moisture and has diminished aesthetic qualities.  
           [0007]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a siding system that prevents water from penetrating to the wall behind the siding.  
           [0008]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a siding system that allows moisture behind the siding to escape.  
           [0009]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a siding system that is resistant to warping and buckling due to high ambient temperatures and sunlight.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention comprises a siding system for attachment to an exterior wall of a building. The siding panel of the present system comprises an elongated flange along the top edge of the panel. The elongated flange comprises a spacing element perpendicular to the body of the panel and a wall engaging element parallel to the body of the panel. The spacing element comprises a plurality of air holes operative to allow air move behind the panels. The spacing element is additionally operative to maintain the siding panel spaced away from the wall. The siding panel additionally comprises a siding engaging flange along the lower edge, operative to stabilize the siding panel by engaging an adjacent siding panel.  
           [0011]    The spacing elements may form an integral part of the siding panels or may form separate components to which the siding panels are connected. In the preferred embodiment described herein the spacing elements form an integral part of the siding panels.  
           [0012]    The present siding system additionally comprises starter strips and double J-trim elements operative to maintain the siding panels spaced apart from the supporting wall and to allow air to enter and exit the space between the siding panels and the supporting wall.  
           [0013]    The starter strips and double J-trim elements of the present siding system allow air to move through the space between the siding panels and the supporting wall, thereby permitting accumulated moisture to evaporate.  
           [0014]    In addition, the movement of air behind the panels of the present siding system acts to cool the panels when exposed to high temperatures. The present siding system is therefore resistant to heat-induced warping and buckling which may take place in hot climates.  
           [0015]    The present siding system additionally comprises J-trim, gable line trim, inside corner elements, outside corner elements and similar components incorporating a raised bead or ridge on the surface directly behind the siding panels. By channeling water that penetrates behind the siding panels, the bead prevents the supporting wall from coming into contact with water thereby protecting the supporting wall from water damage. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    Further features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of example, of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a panel of prior art siding;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a panel of siding of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art starter strip;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a starter strip of the present invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of prior art J-trim;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a J-trim element of the present invention for use along the gable line;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a J-trim element of the present invention for use, for example, along the side of windows and doors;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a prior art inside corner element;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a inside corner element of the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a prior art outside corner element;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an outside corner element of the present invention;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a panel of prior art siding and soffit trim;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a double J-trim element of the present invention; and  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a panel of siding panel and a double J-trim element of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0031]    Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art panel of vinyl siding  10  is shown mounted on the wall  12 . The panel  10  is supported by nails  14  which pass through nail holes  16 . The panel  10  has a fold  20  and a bottom flange  22 . The bottom flange  22  of a first panel  10  is received by the fold  20  of an adjacent panel  10  so as to secure the bottom of the first panel  10 . The body  18  of the panel  10  is in contact with the wall at points  24 . The fact that the panel  10  contacts the wall  12  means that air and moisture are trapped in pockets behind the panel  10  and are therefore prevented from escaping.  
         [0032]    Referring to FIG. 2, a panel of vinyl siding  30  of the present invention is shown mounted on the wall  12 . The panel has a top flange  32  with a first vertical portion  34 , a horizontal portion  36  and a second vertical portion  38 . The first vertical portion  34  and second vertical portion  38  have nail holes  16  operative to pass nails  14  to support the panel  30  on the wall  12 . The horizontal portion  36  has a plurality of air holes  42 . The panel  30  has a fold  46  and a bottom flange  48 . The bottom flange  48  of a first panel  30  is received by the fold  46  of an adjacent panel  30  so as to secure the bottom of the first panel  30 . The separation between the wall  12  and the body  50  of the panel  30  is the smallest at points  44 . However, in contrast to the panel  10  of FIG. 1, the body  50  of the panel  30  does not come into contact with the wall  12 . This feature, in conjunction with the air holes  42 , allows air to move behind the panel  30  thereby allowing moisture trapped between the panel  30  and the wall  12  to evaporate. In a preferred embodiment the horizontal portion  36  of the top flange  32  is of a width such that points  44  of the body  50  of the panel  30  are separated from the wall  12  by ⅜″ to ¾″.  
         [0033]    In an alternative embodiment, in place of a single elongated top flange  32  containing air holes  42  and extending the length of the panel  30 , the panel  30  may incorporate a plurality of spaced-apart flanges. The spaced apart flanges would not require air holes as such. Rather than moving through the air holes  42 , air would move between the spaced apart flanges.  
         [0034]    Referring to FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment the method of the present invention the nails  14  that support the panels  30  of the present siding system are nailed into the wall  12  so that the head of the nail is lower than the point. Water condensing on or contacting nails oriented in this way is caused to move down and away from the wall  12  by gravity. Damage to the wall  12  is thereby minimized. More specifically, it has been found that nails  12  are optimally oriented at an angle of 10-15 degrees.  
         [0035]    In an alternate embodiment of the present siding system, a prior art panel  10  may be used in combination with a spacer element. The spacer element is similar to the top flange  32  of panel  30  in that it comprises a first vertical portion, a horizontal portion and a second vertical portion. The horizontal portion of the spacer element additionally comprises air holes to allow the passage of air. The spacer element is nailed to the wall  12  and then the panel  10  is attached to the spacer element by nails or otherwise. In this way the panel  10  is spaced from the wall  12  and air is permitted to move behind the panel ten, in a manner similar to that of the embodiment described in FIG. 2.  
         [0036]    Referring to FIG. 3, a prior art starter strip  60  is shown. Starter strips  60  are secured at the bottom edge of a wall area that is to be covered by vinyl or aluminum siding. The starter strip  60  is supported on wall  12  by nails  14  which pass through nail holes  16 . The starter strip  60  has a folded flange  64  which is operative to receive the bottom flange  22  of a panel  10  (see FIG. 1). The folded flange  64  performs a similar function to that of the fold  20  of panel  10 .  
         [0037]    Referring to FIG. 4, a starter strip  70  of the present siding system is shown. The starter strip  70  is attached to wall  12  by nails  14  which pass through nail holes  16 . The folded flange  72  of the starter strip  70  comprises a horizontal portion  74  and a folded portion  76 . The horizontal portion  74  is perforated by air holes  78 . The starter strip  70  forms the bottom edge of the siding system of the present invention and therefore the air holes  78  allow air to enter the space between the panels  30  and the wall  12 . The bottom flange  48  of a first panel  30  is received by the folded portion  76  so as to secure the bottom of the first panel  30  (see FIG. 2). In the preferred embodiment, the horizontal portion  74  of the folded flange  72  is of a width such that points  44  of panel  30  are ⅜″ to ¾″ from the wall  12 .  
         [0038]    Referring to FIG. 5, a prior art J-trim element  80  is shown. The J-trim  80  is used to form a border and to seal and protect the edge of siding panels around windows, doors, and gable lines. The J-trim  80  is connected to the wall  12  by nails  14  that pass through nail holes  16 . The J-trim  80  has a flange  82  comprising a horizontal portion  84  and a vertical portion  86 . The U-shaped channel  90  formed by the flange  82  and the body  88  of the J-trim  80  is operative to receive the edge of a panel  10  (see FIG. 1).  
         [0039]    Referring to FIG. 6, a J-trim element  100  of the present invention for use along the gable line is shown. The J-trim  100  is attached to the wall  12  by nails  14  which pass through nail holes  16 . The J-trim  100  has a flange  104  comprising a horizontal portion  106  and a vertical portion  108 . The U-shaped channel  112  formed by the flange  104  and the body  102  of the J-trim  100  is operative to receive the edge of a panel  30  (see FIG. 3). The J-trim  100  is distinguished from the prior art J-trim  80  in that the horizontal portion  106  is perforated by a plurality of air holes  110 . The J-trim  100  forms the bottom edge of the siding system along the gable line and therefore, in a manner similar to that of the starter strip  70  of FIG. 4, the air holes  110  allow air to enter the space between the panels  30  and the wall  12 .  
         [0040]    Referring to FIG. 7, a J-trim element  120  of the present invention for use along windows, doors, etc., is shown. The J-trim  120  is attached to the wall  12  by nails  14  which pass through nail holes  16 . The J-trim  120  has a flange  122  comprising a horizontal portion  124  and a vertical portion  126 . The U-shaped channel  132  formed by the body  128  of the J-trim and the flange  122  is operative to receive the edge of a panel  30 .  
         [0041]    Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 5, in prior art siding systems, rain water can penetrate around the edge of the panel  10  that is situated within the U-shaped channel  90 . In this manner water is able to reach the wall  12  behind the panel  10 , thereby damaging it.  
         [0042]    Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2,  5  and  7 , the body  128  includes a bead  130 , which is operative to prevent water from reaching the wall  12  behind the panel  30 . Water is able to penetrate around the edge of the panel  30  that is situated within the U-shaped channel  132  in the same manner as with the prior art J-trim  80 , however, it is prevented from reaching the wall  12  by bead  130 . Water is effectively channeled between the bead  130  and the horizontal portion  124  of the flange  122 , and is drained down and away by gravity.  
         [0043]    Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the siding system of the present invention additionally contemplates a J-trim element for use, for example, along gable lines and above and below doors and windows, which combines the air holes  110  of FIG. 6 and the bead  130  of FIG. 7. Such a J-trim element would allow air to enter the space behind the siding panels and prevent water from penetrating behind the siding panel.  
         [0044]    Referring to FIG. 8, a prior art inside corner element  200  is shown. The inside corner element  200  is symmetrical, comprising two terminal flanges  202 , each comprising an inner face  204 , an intermediate face  206 , and an outer face  208 . Two cavities  210  are formed between the inner, intermediate and outer faces  204 ,  206 ,  208 . Each of the cavities  210  is operative to receive the edge of a siding panel  10  (see FIG. 1). The inside corner element  200  is supported on wall  12  by nails  14  which pass through nail holes  16 .  
         [0045]    Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and  8 , in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the prior art J-trim  80 , water is able to penetrate around the edge of panel  10  that is situated in the U-shaped channel  210 , thereby contacting the wall  12  and causing damage thereto.  
         [0046]    Referring to FIG. 9, an inside corner element  220  of the present invention is shown. The inside corner element  220  is symmetrical, comprising two terminal flanges  222 , each comprising an inner face  224 , an intermediate face  226 , and an outer face  228 . Two cavities  230  are formed between the inner, intermediate and outer faces  224 ,  226 ,  228 . Each of the cavities  230  is operative to receive the edge of a siding panel  30  (see FIG. 2). The inside corner element  220  is supported on wall  12  by nails  14  which pass through nail holes  16 . The inside corner element  220  is distinguished from the inside corner element  200  of FIG. 8, in that each of the outer faces  228  of terminal flanges  222  comprises a bead  232 . The bead  232  prevents water that penetrates around the edge of panel  30  that is situated in the U-shaped channel  230  (see FIG. 2) from coming into contact with the wall  12 . The water to be channeled between bead  232  and intermediate face  226  and is drained downward by gravity.  
         [0047]    Referring to FIGS. 2, 8 and  9 , if used in conjunction with the panels  30  of the present invention, inside corner element  220  must have intermediate faces  226  wider than the intermediate faces  206  of the prior art inside corner elements  200  in order to allow the body  50  of the panel  30  to be spaced from the wall  12 .  
         [0048]    Referring to FIG. 10, a prior art outside corner element  240  is shown. The outside corner element  240  is symmetrical, comprising two terminal flanges  242 , each comprising an inner face  244 , an intermediate face  246 , and an outer face  248 . Two cavities  250  are formed between the inner, intermediate and outer faces  244 ,  246 ,  248 . The cavities  250  are operative to receive the edge of a siding panel  10  (see FIG. 1). The outside corner element  240  is supported on wall  12  by nails  14  which pass through nail holes  16 .  
         [0049]    Referring to FIGS. 5, 8 and  10 , in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the prior art J-trim  80  and inside corner element  200 , water is able to penetrate around the edge of the panel  10  (see FIG. 1) that is situated in the U-shaped channel  250 , thereby contacting the wall  12  and causing damage thereto.  
         [0050]    Referring to FIG. 11, an outside corner element  260  of the present invention is shown. The outside corner element  260  is symmetrical, comprising two terminal flanges  262 , each comprising an inner face  264 , an intermediate face  266 , and an outer face  268 . Two cavities  270  are formed between the inner, intermediate and outer faces  264 ,  266 ,  268 . Each of the cavities  270  is operative to receive the edge of a siding panel  30  (see FIG. 2). The outside corner element  260  is supported on wall  12  by nails  14  which pass through nail holes  16 . Each of the outer faces  268  of terminal flanges  262  comprises a bead  272 . The bead  272  prevents water that penetrates around the edge of panel  30  from coming into contact with the wall  12 . The bead  272  causes the water to be channeled downward such that it is drained away.  
         [0051]    Referring to FIGS. 2, 10 and  11 , if used in conjunction with the panels  30  of the present invention, outside corner element  260  must have intermediate faces  266  wider than the intermediate faces  246  of the prior art outside corner elements  240  in order to allow the body  50  of the panel  30  to be spaced from the wall  12 .  
         [0052]    Referring to FIGS. 7, 9 and  11 , beads  130 ,  232 ,  272  may be of any profile, however, a bead  130 ,  232 ,  272  of square profile, as is shown in FIG. 7, has been found to be most effective in preventing water from penetrating to the wall  12 .  
         [0053]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 12, a prior art siding system is shown where the top of the siding meets meets the soffit. Soffit trim  280  is supported on the wall  12  by nails  14  that pass through nail holes  16 . Nails  14  additionally pass through siding panel  10 . Rarely is the size of the area to be covered with siding equal to an integer multiple of the size of the siding panels  10 . In other words, panels  10  must often be cut in order to conform them to the area being covered. For example in FIG. 12 the siding panel  10  has been cut along its length below the fold  20  (see FIG. 1) in order to reduce its height to conform to the size of the area being covered with siding. Soffit  282  is shown in in dashed lines and is supported by soffit trim  280 . The soffit  282  has air holes that allow air to move to and from the attic of the building. However, as is obvious from FIG. 12, since soffit trim  280  is nailed directly over panel  10 , panel  10  comes into direct contact with the wall  12 , thereby trapping air between the panel  10  and the wall  12 . Therefore any moisture that penetrates behind panel  10  is unable to escape, resulting in damage to the wall  12 .  
         [0054]    Referring to FIG. 13, a novel trim element of the present invention, comprising a double J-trim element  290  is shown. The double J-trim element  290  comprises a lower portion  292  and an upper portion  294 . The double J-trim element  290  is supported on wall  12  by nails  14  that pass through nail holes  16  in the lower portion  292 . The upper portion  294  has a plurality of air holes  296 , a flange  298 , and a J-flange  300 .  
         [0055]    Referring to FIG. 14, an installed double J-trim element  290 , siding panel  30 , and soffit  282  are shown. The panel  30  is supported between flange  298 , and J-flange  300 . Panel  30  may, for example, fixed between flange  298  and J-flange  300  by glue or sealant. Flange  298  also acts to maintain the panel  30  spaced away from the wall  12  so that air can escape from behind the panel  30  through the air holes  296 , thus preventing the buildup of moisture between the wall  12  and the panel  30 . Air escaping through the air holes  296  can reach the outside of the building through the air holes  284  in the soffit  282 .  
         [0056]    Referring to FIGS. 2, 4,  6 ,  13  and  14 , the air holes  42 ,  78 ,  110 ,  296  may be of any shape.  
         [0057]    Referring to FIGS. 2, 6,  13  and  14 , air is permitted to enter the space between the wall  12  and the panels  30  through the airholes  110  in the starter strip  100 . Alternatively, air can enter the space between the wall  12  and the panels  30  through air holes in the gable line J-trim as described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The air is able to move past successive panels  30  through the air holes  42  of the panels  30  and out through the air holes  296  of the double J-trim element  290 , thereby allowing moisture accumulated between the panels  30  and the wall  12  to evaporate.  
         [0058]    Referring to FIGS. 2, 6,  13  and  14 , the movement of air between the panels  30  and the wall  12  that is made possible by this invention additionally performs a cooling function when the siding system is exposed to strong sunlight and high ambient temperatures. This renders the siding system of the present invention resistant to heat induced buckling and warping.  
         [0059]    Accordingly, while this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention.

Summary:
The present invention relates to a siding system for buildings and other structures. Specifically, this invention relates to an improved siding system that prevents the collection of moisture between the vinyl siding and the wall of the building.