Patent Publication Number: US-7584587-B2

Title: Apparatus for aiding in the installation and sealing of siding

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Statement of the Technical Field 
   The invention relates to an apparatus for aiding in the installation and sealing of siding on a building. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus for siding in the installation of successive horizontal layers of fiber cement composite siding on a sidewall construction of a building. The apparatus also seals the vertical and horizontal seams between adjoining and successive horizontal layers of the siding. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   The construction industry continues to seek improvements in the materials and processes by which buildings such as homes, office buildings, and shopping malls are constructed. For example, one recent improvement has been the use of siding made from non-traditional materials such as fiber cement or composite materials instead of traditional wood, aluminum or vinyl siding. Fiber cement composite siding is made of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. Fiber cement composite siding offers the appearance of traditional wood-based siding materials with much lower maintenance requirements, while maintaining its shape and color much better than vinyl siding. It&#39;s available in a variety of textures, profiles, and colors to match individual design requirements. Fiber cement composite siding manufacturers offer complete systems for siding, decorative shapes, soffit and trim applications. About 12% to 15% of all new homes are now clad with fiber cement composite siding. 
   In addition, the fiber cement composite siding doesn&#39;t warp, buckle, or fade like vinyl siding products and holds a Class 1 (A) Fire Rating. Fiber cement composite siding will not rot, is capable of withstanding damaging effects of salt spray and ultraviolet rays, and cannot be penetrated by birds or insects. Once installed, the composite concrete siding stands up to bumps and direct impacts, unlike aluminum siding, and doesn&#39;t become brittle in freezing conditions or melt in the presence of heat sources, like barbeque grills, as does vinyl siding. Fiber cement composite siding holds paint well, with some siding products warranted to hold paint for up to twenty-five years. 
   There are drawbacks to the use of fiber cement composite siding instead of traditional wood, aluminum, and vinyl siding. For example, special tools and expertise are required to install it. In addition, the fiber cement composite siding pieces weigh more than traditional wood, aluminum, and vinyl siding pieces. The additional weight requires more labor to install. Typically, two or more persons are required to lift and hold the aiding pieces in place while securing them to the sidewall construction. One other drawback with the use of fiber cement composite siding and other types of siding is that moisture can get between the siding and the sidewall construction by infiltrating the abutting end joints and horizontal seams. The moisture can cause wood siding or the sidewall construction materials to rot or the moisture can freeze and expand forcing the siding to detach from the sidewall construction. 
   There are brackets known in the art for aiding in the installation of successive layers of traditional siding materials to a sidewall construction of a structure. For example, in U.S. published patent application serial No. 2002/0174618 to Carroll, there is an apparatus for installing siding over a wall composed of spaced apart studs and for forming an interlock of the siding and for providing easy installation and for resistance to high winds and for allowing waters to drain therefrom comprising an upside down U-shaped receiving member for being clipped on a first siding plank and connected to a second U-shaped receiving member with the second U-shaped receiving member being faced for receiving a second siding plank for creating the desired over lap relationship between the first and second siding planks. One form of the apparatus has a substantially U-shaped aperture formed therein for avoiding the studs when clipped on a siding plank. Another form of the apparatus has a second up side down U-shaped receiving member for being clipped on factory created end joints which may meet at any location on the wall without regard to the studs to form a joint. 
   Another example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,208,799 where a siding gauge is used to enable one man to install successive layers of board siding or other types where a one inch or other predetermined overlap is required. The gauge also ensures the siding is level. The gauge comprises a pair of J shaped members joined base to base, one inverted relative to the other. 
   A further example is shown Japanese patent publication JP2002047781 to Takeshi which discloses a bracket for attaching siding to an external wall. The bracket also serves to prevent infiltration of water into the joint portion of the siding. The bracket is comprised of a main body, an engaging portion, and a watertight material stuck to an area astride the main body. The watertight material is arranged on each of right and left ends of a first engaging piece of the engaging portion, and stuck to the area astride a support portion of the main body, and the horizontal piece and the first engaging piece of the engaging portion. 
   None of the prior art devices are for use with the fiber cement composite siding. In view of the forgoing, there remains a need for an apparatus for aiding in the installation of fiber cement composite siding which reduces the labor required to install the siding. Particularly, there remains a need for an apparatus for aiding in the installation of fiber cement composite siding which allows one person to install the siding. In addition, the apparatus must seal the vertical seam between adjoining siding boards and the horizontal seams between successive layers of the siding boards to prevent moisture from infiltrating behind the siding boards. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An apparatus for aiding in the installation of successive horizontal layers of siding members to a sidewall construction is provided. The apparatus also seals the vertical seam between adjoining siding boards and the horizontal seams between successive layers of the siding boards. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is used to aid in the installation and sealing of fiber cement composite siding. The apparatus is comprised of a planar body having a first, second, third, and fourth peripheral edge. There is at least a first channel disposed outwardly and upwardly from a first surface of the planar body. There is a third channel disposed outwardly and downwardly from a second surface of the planar body. The third channel is disposed horizontally on the second surface and disposed a predetermined distance from the third edge of the planar body. 
   The apparatus further comprises a strip disposed vertically on the first surface of the planar body dividing the planar body into symmetric first and second portions. The strip is comprised of a resilient material that is a member of the group consisting of butyl rubber or a polymer. 
   In the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus, the at least first channel is two channels. One of the two channels is disposed outwardly and upwardly from the first portion along the fourth edge of the planar body. The other of the two channels is disposed outwardly and upwardly from the second portion along the fourth edge of the planar body. Each of the two channels define a recess configured to receive one end of adjoining siding members defining a second siding layer of the sidewall construction. 
   The predetermined distance the third channel is disposed from the third edge of the planar body is in a range from between greater than zero to a distance less than the distance between the third and fourth edges of the planar body. The third channel is disposed a distance in the range of greater than zero inches to one and one-eighth inches from the fourth edge of the planar body. The third channel defines a recess configured for attaching to a first edge of a siding member defining a first siding layer of the sidewall construction. 
   In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the at least first channel is u-shaped and has a width of one-quarter inch. The third channel is u-shaped and has a width of one-quarter inch. The strip has a width in the range of between one-quarter and one-thirty second inches. The at least first channel has a length in the range of greater than zero to one inch. The planar body has a length between the first and second edges in the range of between greater than zero and three inches. The planar body, the at least first channel, and the third channel are comprised of a material that is a member of the group consisting of plastic, metal and composite. The at least first channel can be removed to eliminate an otherwise unsightly appearance of the installed siding. 
   There is at least one sealing member disposed adjacent to at leas tone of the third channel and the at least first channel. The at least one sealing member adheres and seals the siding members to the planar body adjacent to the third channel and the at least first channel. The at least one sealing member is comprised of an adhesive strip with a peel-off backing or a liquid adhesive. The sealing member aids in sealing the abutting ends of the adjacent siding members and the horizontal seams between successive siding layers to prevent moisture from penetrating behind the siding members. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawing figures, in which like numerals represent like items throughout the figures, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction showing the intended use of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for aiding in the installation and sealing of successive horizontal layers of a siding material to the sidewall construction. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  is a right side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 6  is a front perspective view showing an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction showing the intended use of a single apparatus for aiding in the installation of two successive horizontal layers of a siding material to a sidewall construction. 
       FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view showing an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction showing the intended use of a single apparatus for aiding in the installation of two successive horizontal layers of a siding material to a sidewall construction. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional side view taken along line  8 - 8  if  FIG. 1  of the exemplary portion of a sidewall construction having successive horizontal layers of siding members installed with the aid of the apparatus. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , shown is an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction  50  of a building under construction having an array of elongated, overlapping, and interlocking horizontal siding members  150  installed thereon. The array of siding members  150  defines an exterior, weather resistant protective layer to the sidewall construction  50 . In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the array of siding members  150  are fiber cement composite siding boards. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as other siding members made from other materials may be used. The siding members  150  are similar to traditional siding members used as an exterior protective layer on a sidewall construction. 
   The siding members  150  are typically available in one-quarter to one-half inch thicknesses, six to sixteen inch heights, and in standard length sizes up to sixteen feet. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as siding members manufactured in other thicknesses, widths, and lengths known to one of ordinary skill in the art could be used. 
   The array of horizontal siding members  150  are interconnected at abutting left and right ends  151 ,  152  of adjacent siding members  150  by one or more apparatuses  100 . Traditionally, abutting horizontal siding members  150  are installed so that there is a gap separating the left and right ends of abutting siding members  150 . The apparatuses  100  also interconnect successive horizontal layers of siding members  150 . 
   Each apparatus  100  has a vertical resilient strip  110  separating the abutting left and rights ends  151 ,  152  of adjacent siding members  150 . Traditionally, abutting horizontal siding members  150  are installed so that there is a gap separating the left and right ends  151 ,  152  of abutting siding members  150 . The gap allows the abutting siding members to expand when the ambient temperature rises. Unfortunately, this gap also allows moisture to penetrate behind the adjoining siding members  150  and the siding layer disposed beneath the adjoining siding members  150 . When an apparatus  100  is used for installing the adjacent siding members  150 , the resilient strip  110  is inserted into the gap. The resilient strip allows the adjoining siding members to expand when the ambient temperature rises while maintaining a moisture impervious seal therebetween at all times. 
   Each apparatus  100  comprises a first channel  120  for receiving the bottom edge  154  of a right end  151  of the siding member  150 . Each apparatus  100  also comprises a second channel  125  for receiving the second or bottom edge  154  of a left end  152  of the siding member  150 . Each apparatus  100  further comprises a third channel  130  (best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 7 ) for interconnecting the apparatus  100  to the first or top edge  153  of a the siding member  150  disposed beneath the adjacent siding members  150  interconnected by the apparatus  100 . 
   A sealing member  107  is disposed adjacent the resilient strip  110  on each of the opposing sides of the resilient strip  110  on the apparatus  100 . The siding member  107  secures and seals the abutting left and right ends  151 ,  152  of the siding member  150  to the front surface of apparatus  100 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2-5 , shown are various vies of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus  100  used for aiding in the installation of composite concrete siding.  FIG. 2  shows a front view of the apparatus  100  while  FIG. 3  shows a top view thereof,  FIG. 4  shows a bottom view thereof, and  FIG. 5  shows a right side view thereof. The apparatus  100  is made from a material such as plastic, metal or a composite of varying height. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as other materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art can be used. 
   The height of the apparatus  100  is selected to match the height of the siding members  150  chosen for the particular sidewall construction  50  ( FIG. 1 ). In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the length of the apparatus  100  is three inches in length. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as the length of the apparatus can vary according to such factors as the height of the siding and design preference. 
   The apparatus  100  is comprised of a rectangular planar body  101  dividing the planar body  101  into symmetric first and second portions  105 ,  106  by the resilient strip  110 . The planar body  101  is comprised of a left or first peripheral edge  101   a,  a right or second peripheral edge  101   b,  a third or top peripheral edge  101   c,  and a bottom or fourth peripheral edge  101   d.    
   The resilient strip  110  is comprised of a material such as butyl rubber or a polymer and is approximately one-quarter inch in height and one-thirty-second inch in width. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as the material selected for the resilient strip could be comprised of other materials known to one with ordinary skill in the art. 
   The first channel  120  is for receiving the bottom edge  154  of the right end  151  of a siding member  150  ( FIG. 6 ) and interconnecting the siding member  150  to the apparatus  100  to the left of the resilient strip  110 . The second channel  125  is for receiving the bottom edge  154  of the left end  152  of an adjoining siding member  150  ( FIG. 6 ) and interconnecting the siding member  150  to apparatus  100  to the right of the resilient strip  110 . 
   The first channel  120  and second channel  125  are “u” shaped and are formed along the bottom edge of the planar body  101 . The first channel  120  and second channel  125  are approximately one-quarter inch in width for receiving the respective bottom edges  154  of adjacent siding members  150 . However, the invention is not limited in this regard as the shape and width of the first channel  120  and second channel  125  could vary according to the shape and thickness of the particular siding member  150  selected. The first channel  120  is comprised of a lip  121  and a ledge  122  defining a recess  123  ( FIG. 3 ). Similarly, the second channel  125  is comprised of a lip  126  and a ledge  127  defining a recess  127  ( FIG. 3 ). 
   As discussed, a sealing member  107  is disposed adjacent the resilient strip  110  on each of the first and second portions  105 ,  106  on opposing sides of the resilient strip  110 . The sealing members  107  secure the abutting left and right ends  151 ,  152  of adjacent siding members  150  ( FIG. 6 ) to the apparatus  100 . The sealing members  107  can be comprised of an adhesive strip having a peel-off backing or other adhesive such as a liquid adhesive. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as other sealing or adhesive means could be used known to one with ordinary skill in the art. 
   There is a third channel  130  disposed on a rear surface of the planar body  101 . The third channel  130  (also seen in  FIG. 7 ) is for interconnecting the apparatus  100  to the top edge  153  of a siding member  150  ( FIG. 7 ) disposed beneath the adjacent siding members  150  interconnected by the apparatus  100 . The third channel  130  is disposed downwardly on the rear surface of the planar body  101  approximately one and one-eight inch from the bottom edge of the planar body  101 . The third channel  130  is also u-shaped and is approximately one-quarter inch in width and extends the length of the planar body  101 . However, the invention is not limited in this regard as the location, shape and width could vary according to the shape and thickness of the siding members  150  selected for the particular sidewall construction  50 . 
   The third channel  130  is further comprised of a lip  131  disposed downwardly from a ledge  132  which collectively define a recess  133 . The recess  133  is configured for receiving the first or top edge  153  of a siding member  150  (also see  FIG. 7 ) in the siding layer beneath the siding layer comprised of the siding members  150  being joined by the apparatus  100 . The lip  131  further comprises a resilient undulation  131   a  which curves toward the planar body  101 . The undulation  131   a  aids in gripping the first or top edge  153  of a siding member  150  ( FIG. 7 ) to attach the apparatus  100  thereto. 
   There is a sealing member  107  disposed between the third channel  130  and the bottom edge of the planar body  101  (shown also in  FIG. 7 ). The sealing member  107  could be an adhesive strip with a peel-off backing or other adhesive. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sealing member  107  is an adhesive strip that is approximately three-quarters of an inch in width. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as the sealing means and dimension of the sealing member  107  could vary as is known to one with ordinary skill in the art. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , shown are respective front and rear perspective views of an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction  50  wherein two successive horizontal siding layers are installed to illustrate the use of the apparatus  100  in the installation. The two successive horizontal siding layers are defined by a first layer disposed beneath a second layer. The first layer is defined by a single continuous siding member  150 . The first layer may be the lowermost siding layer on a sidewall construction  50  or it could be a preceding layer that already has been installed on the sidewall construction  50 . Typically, successive horizontal first and second siding layers are staggered so that abutting left and right ends  151 , 152  of the siding members  150  are not disposed vertically in the immediate vicinity of one another (see  FIG. 1 ). 
   Prior to the installation of the second siding layer, one or more of the apparatus  100  is attached to the top edge  153  (best seen in  FIG. 7 ) of the siding member  150  comprising the first siding layer previously installed on the sidewall construction  50 . The apparatus  100  is attached to the top edge  153  of the siding member  150  comprising the first siding layer by attaching the third channel  130  to the top edge  153 . Just prior to attaching the third channel  130  to the top edge  153  of the siding member  150  comprising the first siding layer, the peel-off backing from the sealing member  107  disposed beneath the third channel  130  is removed. The sealing member  107  can now adhere the rear side of the planar body  101  of the apparatus  100  to the front surface of the siding member  150  near the top edge  153 . The apparatus  100  is pressed against the siding member  150  to aid sealing member  107  adhering the rear side of the planar body  101  to the front surface of siding member  150  near the top edge  153 . 
   A fastening means such as nails (not shown) or an adhesive (not shown) can also be used to secure the apparatus  100  and the aiding member  150  to the sidewall construction  50 . However, the invention is not limited in this regard as any fastening means could be used as recommended by the manufacture of the siding members  150  or known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
   With one or more of the apparatuses  100  attached on the top edge  153  of the siding member  150  comprising the first siding layer, another siding member  150  defining the second siding layer can be installed above the first siding layer by inserting the bottom edge  154  of the right end  151  of the siding member  150  into the first channel  120 . Prior to the right end  151  of the siding member  150  being inserted into the first channel  120 , the peel-off backing from the respective sealing member  107  is removed. The sealing member  107  adheres and seals the front of planar body  101  to the rear surface of the siding member  150 . The right end  151  of siding member  150  is fitted snugly against resilient strip  110  to form a seal. The bottom edge  154  of the left end  152  of the siding member  150  can now be installed in the second channel  125  of another apparatus  100  (if installed) disposed to the left of the apparatus  100 . The right end  151  of the siding member  150  can be pushed to aid sealing member  107  in adhering the right end  151  to the planar body  101 . 
   Another siding member  150  is installed on the sidewall construction to define the second layer by the bottom edge  154  of the left end  152  of the siding member  150  being inserted into the first channel  125 . Prior to the left end  152  of the siding member  150  being inserted into the second channel  125 , the peel-off backing from sealing member  107  is removed so that sealing member  107  can adhere the front of planar body  101  to the rear surface of the siding member  150 . The left end  152  of the siding member  150  can be pressed to aid sealing member  107  in adhering the left end  152  to the planar body  101 . The right end  151  of the siding member  150  is inserted into the first channel  120  of another apparatus  100  (if installed) disposed to the right of the apparatus  100 . Thus, an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction  50  wherein two successive horizontal siding layers are installed using the apparatus  100  to aid in the installation is complete. 
   If desired, after the installation of the siding member  150  defining the second siding layer, the first and second channels  120 ,  125  can be removed to prevent an otherwise unsightly appearance of the first and second channels  120 ,  125  on the siding. The first and second channels  120 ,  125  can be removed by breaking or snapping them off from the planar body  101 . 
   With the use of the apparatus  100  as described, successive horizontal siding layers can be installed on a sidewall construction  50  of an entire building. The use of the apparatus  100  to aid in the installation of the successive horizontal siding layers allows one person to install the heavy fiber cement siding pieces. In addition, the apparatus  100  forms a seal between the successive horizontal first and second siding layers in the proximal area where the abutting right and left ends  151 ,  152  of the upper second siding layer join. The apparatus  100  also forms a seal at the vertical seam between the abutting left and right ends  151 ,  152  of the adjoining siding members  150 . The abutting right and left ends  151 ,  152  are fitted snugly against the resilient strip  110  to form a seal. The sealing members  107  also contribute to sealing the left and right ends  151 ,  152  and the top edge  153  of the siding member  150  comprising the first siding layer and the bottom edges  154  of the adjoining siding members  150  comprising the second siding layer together to form a moisture impervious joint. This virtually eliminates the need for caulking. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , shown is a cross-sectional side view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 1  of the exemplary portion of a sidewall construction  50  having successive horizontal layers of siding members  150  installed with the aid of the apparatus  100 . As previously described, a first siding layer comprised of a siding member  150  is installed on a sidewall construction  50 . One or more of the apparatus  100  is attached to the top edge  153  of the siding member  150  comprising the first siding layer. Once the apparatus  100  is attached to the top edge  153  of the siding member  150 , and the apparatus  100  and the siding member  150  are nailed using nails  75  to the sidewall construction, the adjoining siding members  150  comprising the second siding layer  150  ( FIG. 6 ) can be installed on the sidewall construction  50  with the aid of the apparatus  100 . The process is then repeated by attaching more of the apparatuses  100  to another siding layer on top of the previously installed siding layer until the entire sidewall construction  50  has been covered with successive horizontal siding layers comprising the siding members  150 . 
   All of the apparatus, methods and algorithms disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the apparatus, methods and sequence of steps of the method without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain components may be added to, combined with, or substituted for the components described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined.