Abstract:
The present invention is a plank precision spacing device comprised of a sheet component and a pluralty of clamp components with a flattened upper surface perpendicular to the sheet component, and a gripping component and protuberances which engage siding planks. The clamp component further includes a lip which is angled outward. The plank precision spacing device eliminates the need to measure and chalk a line for each siding plank, reducing installation time and labor costs.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/209,700 filed on Mar. 10, 2009. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of siding installation and more particularly to a plank precision spacing and holding device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a plank precision spacing device. 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a plank precision spacing device. 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a plank precision spacing device. 
           [0006]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a plank precision spacing device in use. 
           [0007]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a plank precision spacing device in use. 
       
    
    
     GLOSSARY 
       [0008]    As used herein, the term “lap siding” or “siding” refers to non-vinyl boards or planks having a uniform thickness used for covering the exterior walls of a frame building. Lap siding may be comprised of wood, cement, fiber-cement, engineered wood products, composites or other materials. 
         [0009]    As used herein, the terms “plank,” “board” or “panel” refer to a piece of lap siding. 
         [0010]    As used herein, the term “reveal” refers to vertical width of each piece of siding that is exposed when the siding is installed. 
         [0011]    As used herein, the term “plank length” refers to the horizontal distance between the edges of a piece of siding. 
         [0012]    As used herein, the term “plank width” refers to the vertical distance between the edges of a piece of siding. 
         [0013]    As used herein, the term “lip angle” refers to the angle between the gripping component and the lip of a clamp component. 
         [0014]    As used herein, the term “protuberance angle” refers to the angle between a gripping component and the protuberance of a clamp component. 
         [0015]    As used herein, the term “permanently mounted” refers to a component that once secured to another object, is not subsequently removed. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0016]    Vinyl siding is generally used for homes and other buildings, and is a lightweight, easily installed material that lasts 10-30 years, depending on the elements. Vinyl siding, however, has several drawbacks. First, vinyl siding weathers quickly and it is difficult to match damaged, worn, or faded sections of siding for replacement. Vinyl also has a synthetic appearance that is visually different from wood siding. In addition, vinyl siding is also relatively temperature sensitive expanding and contracting as the temperature changes. Vinyl siding may even crack in cold weather. 
         [0017]    Aluminum siding is also common, but has a distinctive synthetic or metallic appearance markedly different from natural wood. Aluminum is also a costly product. 
         [0018]    Lap siding (e.g., wood and cement siding) is a highly desirable siding product because it has an appearance that can aesthetically mimic that of natural wood and other natural housing materials. Lap siding is also less temperature sensitive than vinyl and the cost of the material itself is on par with the cost vinyl siding. 
         [0019]    Although many consumers would prefer cement lap siding, because of its weight, cement lap siding is far more labor intensive and costly to install. Because of the weight of cement lap siding, at least two people must install it, doubling or tripling labor costs. 
         [0020]    With both vinyl and cement lap siding, planks of lap siding have to be secured so that they are level on a horizontal plane and at an angle sufficient to overlap with a lower, previously installed plank. Each overlapping plank must be positioned so that the siding has a constant reveal (e.g., visible vertical width when installed) which requires careful measuring and leveling before the placement of each plank. 
         [0021]    Typically, the task of installing lap siding requires three individuals. Due to the length (e.g., 12 feet) of the planks, two individuals are necessary to carry and hold the plank steady and level while a third individual secures the plank to the wall studs. The plank needs to be supported at multiple places during the installation process to prevent snapping of the plank. 
         [0022]    To install lap siding, planks are applied horizontally starting from the bottom and each subsequent plank is manually placed so that it overlaps the previously placed plank. To install the bottom plank, a line is chalked to indicate placement of the top of the bottom plank, the top of the plank is then aligned with the chalk line and nails or screws are driven into the plank approximately every 6 inches depending on the placement of studs. The plank must be held steady while it is secured to the wall, which typically requires 2 to 3 individuals depending on the length and weight of the plank. 
         [0023]    For the placement of the next plank, the installers must measure to ensure the appropriate amount of reveal and overhang and then chalk another line. The placement of each plank must be measured and a line must be chalked prior to the placement of each plank to ensure that each plank is installed level and with the correct amount of reveal and overhang. 
         [0024]    Many attempts have been made to reduce the number of individuals and time required to install siding, as well as to simplify the installation process. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,958 (Chalmers &#39;958) teaches the use of vertical “stringers,” positioned 16 to 24 inches apart, to install siding panels. A stringer is a rectangular structural component used with siding, generally made of vinyl. 
         [0025]    FIG. 2 of Chalmers &#39;958 illustrates a typical vertical stringer. The vertical stringer has upper and lower contoured portions which correspond to the contours on the top and bottom of a panel of vinyl siding and are used to lock the vinyl siding into place. The center of vertical stringer includes a tab, which has no function other than enabling the vertical stringer to be used with a second type of vinyl panel. The vertical stringers illustrated in Chalmers &#39;958 may be used only in conjunction with vinyl panels having corresponding contours. In addition, it cannot be adapted for use with heavier siding, such as lap siding. 
         [0026]    Other siding installation aids require that the device be secured to a wall using nails or another fastener and then removed once the piece of siding has been installed. Removing the siding installation device leaves holes in the wall which is structurally undesirable. 
         [0027]    Generally, installation siding aids are marketed toward homeowners who want to install siding themselves, not toward contractors, and are not designed to speed of the process of installing siding. 
         [0028]    It is desirable to have a siding installation device which is secured to the exterior of a building before installing the siding and is not removed once the siding has been installed. 
         [0029]    It is further desirable to have a siding installation device which allows an individual to install multiple horizontal rows of siding with a single placement of the device(s). 
         [0030]    It is further desirable to have a siding installation device which decreases the amount of time required to install siding. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    The present invention is a plank precision spacing device comprised of a sheet component and a pluralty of clamp components with a flattened upper surface perpendicular to the sheet component, and a gripping component and protuberances which engage siding planks. The clamp component further includes a lip which is angled outward. 
         [0032]    The plank precision spacing device eliminates the need to measure and chalk a line for the placement of each siding plank, reducing installation time and labor costs. In addition, plank precision spacing device allows the installer to have a free hand to stabilize themselves on scaffolding, ladders or other equipment. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0033]    For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of a plank precision spacing device, only some of which are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent materials, dimensions and designs may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention. 
         [0034]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or near identical structural elements. 
         [0035]    Moreover, the terms “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of plank precision spacing device  100  which includes a plurality of clamp components  12  for supporting and holding planks of lap siding. In the embodiment shown, clamp components  12  have flattened upper surface  20  ( FIG. 2 ), gripping component  22 , lip  25 , and protuberances  15  which engage siding  30  (not shown), and further includes openings  11 ,  13 . 
         [0037]    In the embodiment shown, protuberances  15  are triangular shaped teeth; however, in other embodiments, protuberances  15  be of another shape and/or may have serrated edges for engaging siding  30 . In the embodiment shown, protuberances  15  are angled inward toward sheet component  10  with a protuberance angle (i.e., the angle between gripping components  22  and protuberances  15 ) of approximately 25 degrees. In other embodiments, the protuberance angle may range from 10 to 50 degrees and may be dependent on the type and weight of the lap siding used. 
         [0038]    Clamp components  12  hold siding  30  in place with force and/or friction. In various embodiments, the inner surface of gripping component  22  may be further include a material, texture, or contours which provide additional friction and resistance. 
         [0039]    In the embodiment shown, plank precision spacing device  100  is manufactured using stamping and is comprised of a semi-flexible stainless steel sheet metal. In other embodiments, plank precision spacing device  100  may be manufactured by extrusion, molding, die cutting, or any other process known in the art and/or may be comprised of a sheet metal other than stainless steel, such as galvanized steel, aluminum or zinc, or be comprised of another type of material, such as plastic, ceramic, polymer, fiber, resins, or combinations thereof. 
         [0040]    In the embodiment shown, clamps components  12  are formed by cutting two perpendicular vertical cuts and a single horizontal cut that connects the bottom of the vertical cuts. Protuberances  15  are formed by cutting out a small portion of stainless steel near the bottom of clamp component  12  resulting in opening  13 . The interior portion is then folded up to form clamp component  12 . The bottom edge of clamp component  12  is angled outward creating lip  25  ( FIG. 2 ) and positioning protuberances  15  so that they are angled slightly inward. In various embodiments, lip  25  may be of varying dimensions, shapes, configurations, or may be omitted. 
         [0041]    In the embodiment shown, the interior angle of clamp component  12  is approximately 85 degrees which helps hold the plank of siding while the installer secures the plank to a wall stud. In other embodiments, the interior of clamp component  12  ranges from 30 to 100 degrees. 
         [0042]    In the embodiment shown, gripping components  22  of clamp components  12  extend downward approximately 1 inch and clamp components  12  are spaced approximately 4.25 inches apart to accommodate lap siding having a height of 7.25 which allows for an overlap in excess of the minimum recommendation of 1.25 inches and a 6 inch reveal. In other embodiments, gripping components  22  are shorter or longer and/or the distance between clamp components  12  is smaller or greater to accommodate siding of varying widths including, but not limited to, 6.25, 7.25 and 8.25 inches, and the desired reveal (e.g., 3 or 6 inch) when the siding planks are installed. 
         [0043]    In various embodiments, the reveal may range from 2 to 6 inches based on the aesthetic preference of the customer. 
         [0044]    In the embodiment shown, plank precision spacing device  100  further includes optional apertures  16  for securing plank precision spacing device  100  to a wall stud using nails, screws or another type of fastener. In other embodiments, plank precision spacing device  100  may have an adhesive backing for securing to a wall stud. 
         [0045]    In other embodiments, gripping components  22  of clamp components  12  may further include one or more apertures for placing a fastener (e.g., nail, screw) used to secure siding to a wall stud. 
         [0046]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of plank precision spacing device  100 . Visible in  FIG. 2  are flattened upper surface  20 , gripping component  22 , protuberances  15  and lip  25  of clamp component  12 .  FIG. 2  further illustrates the thickness of plank precision spacing device  100 . 
         [0047]    In the embodiment shown, clamp component  12  has a width of approximately ⅜ inches at its widest point to secure lap siding that is 5/16 inches thick. In other embodiments, the width of clamp component  12  is smaller or greater to accommodate lap siding of varying thicknesses. The thickness of lap siding may vary and alternate embodiments will accommodate any range of commercially available siding thicknesses. 
         [0048]    In the embodiment shown, plank precision spacing device  100  has a thickness of approximately of 1/32 inch. In other embodiments, the thickness of plank precision spacing device  100  is smaller or greater than 1/32 inch and may vary depending on factors, such as the weight of the lap siding to be installed and/or the environment in which the siding is to be installed. For example, concrete lap siding may require the use of a thicker plank precision spacing device than wood lap siding, as a result of the additional weight of the siding. A thicker plank precision spacing device may also be more desirable in warm and/or humid environments to accommodate for greater expansion and contraction of the siding. 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of plank precision spacing device  100 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of plank precision spacing device  100  in use with siding  30 . A line is chalked at the location of the top edge of first plank of siding  30   a  that is to be installed. After first plank of siding  30   a  is properly installed, bottom clamp component  12   a  is slid over the top edge of first plank of siding  30   a  where wall studs  40  are located so that flattened upper surface  20  of clamp component  12   a  contacts the top edge of first plank of siding  30   a.    
         [0051]    In an exemplary embodiment, plank precision spacing devices  100  are secured to wall studs  40  at intervals of approximately 16 inches. In other embodiments, plank precision spacing devices  100  are secured to wall studs  40  at smaller or greater intervals including, but not limited to, intervals of 24 and 32 inches. 
         [0052]    Planks of siding  30  are installed horizontally starting from the bottom. When siding  30  is inserted into clamp component  12 , gripping component  22  flexes slightly outward to accommodate the thickness of siding  30 . Clamp components  12  and protuberances  15  firmly hold siding  30  allowing the installer to secure siding  30  to wall stud  40  without having to hold siding  30 . 
         [0053]    Once plank precision spacing devices  100  are secured, second plank of siding  30   b  may be inserted into clamp component  12   b . The weight of siding  30  flattens lip  25  and protuberances  15  so that second plank of siding  30   b  rests tightly against first plank of siding  30   a . In addition, second plank of siding  30   b  overlaps first plank of siding  30   a  covering the screws, nails or other fasteners used to secure siding  30   a  to wall stud  40 . Subsequent planks of siding  30  are installed into all of clamp components  12  are used. 
         [0054]    Plank precision spacing device  100  ensures that the siding is installed correctly, that is, with the correct spacing, overlap, and positioning to protect the structure of the building. When plank precision spacing device  100  is used correctly, siding  30  will prevent the elements from damaging the building&#39;s structure (e.g., by allowing water to pool behind the siding and cause mold growth). 
         [0055]    Plank precision spacing device  100  decreases the amount of time required to install planks of siding  30 . Depending on the length of planks of siding  30 , 2 to 3 individuals may still be needed to carry and insert planks of siding  30  into clamp components  12 . However, once planks of siding  30  have been inserted into clamp components  12 , one individual can secure planks of siding  30  to wall studs  40  while the remaining individuals measure, cut and/or retrieve the next plank of siding  30 . 
         [0056]    In the embodiment shown, plank precision spacing device  100  is 1.5 inches wide, 6 feet long, and has 18 clamp components  12  with approximately 1 5/16 of sheet component  10  below the first clamp component and above the last clamp component, which allows a second plank precision spacing device  100  to be placed snug against the top edge of first plank precision spacing device  100  (i.e., does not require a second line be chalked). 
         [0057]    In various embodiments, plank precision spacing device  100  may be up to 12 feet in length and the width of plank precision spacing device  100  may be as narrow as 0.5 or 0.75 inches as wide as a wall stud (e.g., 4 or 6 inches) and/or may include one or more protuberances  15  scaled to the width of plank precision spacing device  100  and the weight of siding  30 . 
         [0058]    In various other embodiments, plank precision spacing device  100  may be packaged, sold or distributed in a rolled or coiled form which may be cut to the desired size. 
         [0059]    In other embodiments, plank precision spacing device  100  is narrower or wider, shorter or longer (e.g., 4 feet, 8 feet) and/or has a smaller or greater number of clamp components  12  determined by the length of plank precision spacing device  100  as well as the width of siding  30  and the desired reveal. In still other embodiments, the top and bottom edges of plank precision spacing device  100  are notched to facilitate the placing of a second plank precision spacing device above a first. 
         [0060]    In the embodiment shown, plank precision spacing device  100  is secured to wall stud  40  by inserting a nail through apertures  16  (not shown) in plank precision spacing device  100 . In other embodiments, plank precision spacing device  100  is secured to wall stud  40  using screws, adhesive, or another type of fastener or securing component known in the art. 
         [0061]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of plank precision spacing device  100  in use with siding  30 . In the embodiment shown, plank precision spacing device  100  is 6 feet long and has 18 clamp components  12 . After planks of siding  30  have been installed in all 18 clamp components  12 , another set of plank precision spacing devices  100  may be secured directly above the existing plank precision spacing devices  100 . Once a plank of siding  30  has been installed in the final clamp component  12 , the length of plank precision spacing devices  100  which extends vertically beyond the last installed plank of siding  30  is cut or ripped off. The final plank of siding  30  is cut or ripped to the necessary specifications and manually installed. When installed, the final plank of siding  30  covers plank precision spacing device  100  so that it is not visible. 
         [0062]    In other embodiments, sheet component  10  further includes a plurality of scored or stamped seams which allow the installer to easily remove the excess portion of plank precision spacing device  100 . For example, the seams may be located approximately one inch above each clamp component  12 . In still other embodiments, sheet component  10  may further include measurement marks which enable the installer to easily measure the length needed for a particular section.