Patent Abstract:
The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for accurately and safely cutting residential siding members. A specialized tool and saw guide system comprise two hingedly connected plates to securely hold and balance the siding member during the cutting process, as well as resilient saw guides for guiding a saw blade. The device allows for both a straight edge cut and an angled cut to match a conventional roof pitch. Additional embodiments are anticipated to provide for various angled cuts.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention was first described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/734,437, filed on Nov. 9, 2005. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and a method for accurately and safely cutting residential siding and, more particularly, to a specialized tool with a resilient saw guide system that results in straight edge cuts and angled cuts to conform with roof pitches 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   As any professional contractor will attest, nothing beats having the proper tool for a job. The proper tool can save time, save money, produce a higher quality job, reduce damage to equipment, and provide for the increased safety of the worker. Each field of construction or contracting work has its own type of specialty tools, each performing a specialized task. One field where such a need exists is that of vinyl siding installation. While, at first, installation of vinyl siding may seem straightforward and uncomplicated, there are many cuts that must be made at precise angles so that the finished installation looks aesthetically pleasing. Many contractors use simple straight edges and circular saws, which provide for quick, burr-free cuts, but often result in cracked siding or cuts with chunks missing, due to the fact that the siding is not fully supported during the cutting process. The cut must then be remade, which not only results in wasted time, but wasted material as well. The development of this apparatus and system fulfills this need. 
   The invention consists of two metal plates connected by a hinge or series of hinges along one edge. A piece of vinyl siding is placed between the metal plates, and the plates are then closed together forming a “sandwich” of vinyl siding. One end of the plate is cut at a 90° angle, forming a straight cut. The other end would be cut to match the roof pitch, which is one of the most common cuts made to vinyl siding along the roof line. Then, a circular saw with the appropriate blade is run along the desired edge in a guide system on the upper plate of the invention. This method assures that the cut will be extremely true and accurate, while eliminating the possibility of cracked or gouged siding, since it is securely supported on all edges. The invention would be available in multiple models to match the most common roofline pitches such as 4/12 (drop of four inches per running foot), 6/12, or 8/12. This apparatus and system provides a safe and efficient means of cutting with a circular saw on the job site to match various roof pitches. 
   Several attempts have been made in the past to provide a device that constantly and accurately measures and cuts structural siding members at various angles. U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,495, issued in the name of Renk, discloses a shingle cutter apparatus including a rigid base plate, a cutter anvil, and a pivotal cutter blade mounted in cooperation with the anvil. Unfortunately, the Renk device does not provide any means to attach and guide a circular saw as in the present invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,259, issued in the name of Harvey, teaches a scoring tool for siding material and method of use, comprising an extensible measuring rail with a scoring knife attached thereto, wherein the rail and knife assembly interlocks with the siding material. The Harvey device differs from the present invention in that it does not retain the siding material within two hinged plates with marking and/or guide means for a circular saw to cut said siding material. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,409, issued in the name of Kaplan et al., describes a drywall scribing and scoring tool for a typical wallboard, wherein a knife-holding and scribe units are adjustably attached on an arm of a “T”-square member. The Kaplan et al. device also does not provide means to retain a siding material within hinged plates comprising fixed cutting angles and having means to guide a circular saw for cutting the siding material. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,764, issued in the name of Geurts, discloses a “J”-channel siding cutting tool used to cut tabs or notches or a miter finishing cut in “J”-channel vinyl or aluminum siding, comprising a pair of pivotable interconnected handles with two cutters and a biasing member for urging the handles apart and separating the cutters at the at-rest position, and a travel limiter. The Geurts device is designed to be held in the hands of a user to cut specifically styled siding by hand and does not have the features or benefits of the present invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,090, issued the in name of Bouska et al., teaches a siding layout and tool and method for making a longitudinal mark on, or cut through, a piece of siding. The Bouska et al. patent comprises an upper and lower plate portion with a step therebetween, adapted to fit onto a piece of siding. The two plates have a predetermined series of holes along the length of the tool, wherein a marking tool and/or a knife can be inserted through to scribe or cut the siding. Unfortunately, the Bouska et al. device does not have means to guide a circular saw along an angled edge to cut the siding member as in the present invention. 
   Additionally, various patents have been issued concerned with the ornamental design of various siding cutter devices, notably D 386,663 issued in the name of Kehres et al. and D 363,013 issued in the name of Hunter. 
   None of the prior art particularly describes a device that guides a cutting instrument along resilient guide members wherein the siding member is “sandwiched” in between hinged plates. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which vinyl siding can be cut with a circular saw without the disadvantages listed above. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need of a device to assist in cutting siding. 
   It has further been observed that there is a need for a device that has a plurality of different sizes, based on common roof angles. 
   The object of the present invention is to provide a device, comprising two hingedly connected plates, preferably fabricated out of metallic or other resilient material, each comprising a first edge maintaining a 90° angle for straight cuts; a hinged edge; an open edge; and a second edge embodying varying angles most commonly matching that of conventional roof pitch angles to permit directing a cutter blade, said plates encompass a siding member for preparing a cut. Each plate has a lip formed about its hinged edge and open edge that abuts when both plates are hinged together, thereby forming an interior through which a siding member is placed. The length and width of the plates may vary in accordance to size of siding to be trimmed and the roof pitch, as well as other user preferences. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a first guide track, located on the front plate, running parallel to the open edge and a second guide track, located on the front plate, running parallel to the hinged edge. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a straight cut guide slidably engaged within the first guide track and a roof pitch cut guide slidably engaged within the second guide track. Each guide adjustably progresses longitudinally and/or slantingly at interval adjustments and is designed to assist in guiding a cutting instrument at a chosen angle. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention provides for a pair of resilient stops placed within opposing ends of each guide track to prevent the guides from unwanted slippage down each guide track, that is either fabricated with a non-slip frictional composition or mechanically affixed within each the guide track. The stops act as limiters, which assist in a smooth and continuous cutting operation without slippage of the guides upon operation. 
   Another object of the present invention provides a clasp, locking mechanism, fastener, catch, or other detachedly affixing mechanism mechanically situated at a center location of the open edges on each plate to fasten the plates together, while encompassing the siding member. 
   To achieve the above and other objectives, the present invention provides for a method of utilizing the aforementioned, comprising the steps of acquiring a siding member; measuring a desired angle and marking said angle on said siding member; opening the two opposing front and rear plates about the hinges; placing said siding member therewithin the interior; closing said plates together, thereby retaining said siding member therewithin such that said siding member extends longitudinally outward; slidably adjusting said straight cut guide until the blade of a cutting instrument comes into contact with said siding member; ensuring that both stops are in place to prevent slippage of said straight cut guide; cutting said siding member by guiding said cutting instrument along said straight cut guide; slidably adjusting said roof pitch cut guide to a desired pitch angle until the blade of said cutting instrument comes into contact with said siding member; ensuring that both stops are in place to prevent slippage of said roof pitch cut guide; and, cutting said siding member by guiding said cutting instrument along said roof pitch cut guide. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a top view of the siding adjustable angle installation device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the siding adjustable angle installation device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the siding adjustable angle installation device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 4  is a rear view of the siding adjustable angle installation device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 5  is a rear view of the siding adjustable angle installation device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
               10 
               siding adjustable angle cutting guide 
             
             
                 
               11 
               front plate 
             
             
                 
               12 
               hinge 
             
             
                 
               13 
               cutting angle 
             
             
                 
               14 
               guide track 
             
             
                 
               15 
               straight cut guide 
             
             
                 
               16 
               roof pitch cut guide 
             
             
                 
               17 
               cut guide track stop 
             
             
                 
               20 
               siding 
             
             
                 
               30 
               rear plate 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a siding adjustable angle cutting guide  10  (herein referred to as the “device”) hingedly retains a piece of residential siding  20  therewithin to effect a level and straight cut for an individual piece of siding  20  during construction and installation of building materials, is herein disclosed. The device  10  is preferably fabricated of a metallic, plastic, or other suitable material using conventional die stamping and cutting techniques. The device  10  is preferably lightweight to accommodate bidirectional use by a user through operation with either hand. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , views of the device  10  are disclosed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  comprises two (2) similarly fabricated plates  11 ,  30 , in the general shape of a trapezoid, comprising one (1) end maintaining a 90° angle for straight cuts and the opposite end  13  maintaining a different angle, most commonly matching that of conventional roof pitch angles to permit directing the cutter blade. The shape and degree of slope of the roof pitch edge  13  are variable depending upon the desired appearance or profile of the siding  20 . It is contemplated that the length and width of plates  11 ,  30  may vary in accordance to the size of siding  20  to be trimmed and the roof pitch, as well as other user preferences. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , front and rear views of the device  10  are disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  comprises two (2) plates  11 ,  30  hingedly connected at one (1) end thereof. In the closed orientation, the two (2) plates  11 ,  30  lie in substantially parallel planes, interconnected via hinges  12 . The device  10  comprises a front plate  11  and a rear plate  30  that are attached to each other via hinges  12  on the edge perpendicular to the straight cut and roof pitch  13  edges. In this manner, the device  10  is adapted to receive the front and rear surfaces of the siding  20 , much like sandwiching said siding  20 , wherein the front plate portion  11  is placed against the front outer surface of the siding  20 , and the rear plate portion  30  is placed against the rear surface of the siding  20 . The hinge  12  provides a pivoting feature such that the front plate  11  may pivotally lift off of the rear plate  30  to permit the insertion or removal of the siding  20 . The device  10  may then shut much like a clamshell and, thus being releaseably secured, thereby retaining the siding  20  desired to be cut. The plates  11 ,  30  pivotally close, having sufficient inner area dimensions to facilitate grasping of the siding  20  of varying thicknesses. The open sides of both the front  11  and rear plate  30  of the device  10  each have a lip that abuts with each other when the plates are brought together. Although it has been illustrated that the device  10  comprises two (2) hinges  12 , it will be appreciated that the device  10  may have a plurality of hinges  12  equidistantly spaced. 
   Formed on the outer surface of one (1) plate  11  are grooves along the long edges to act as a guide track  14  to receive the straight cut guide  15  oriented near the straight cut edge and the roof pitch cut guide  16  oriented near the roof pitch cut edge. The guide tracks  14  are positioned along the long edges to correspondingly engage and mate with the guides  15 ,  16  and stops  17 . Both guides  15 ,  16  slide back and forth through the formed guide tracks  14  and are manufactured out of a resilient material. The guides  15 ,  16  are movably and slidably received therein the guide tracks  14 , thus permitting the guides  15 ,  16  to adjustably progress longitudinally and/or slantingly at interval adjustments as needed. Resilient stops  17  are placed within the guide tracks  14  to prevent the guides  15 ,  16  from unwanted slippage down the groove track  14 , most typically fabricated with a non-slip frictional composition or mechanically affixed within the guide track  14  to accomplish the same task. The stops  17  are limiters that assist and enhance an individual&#39;s ability to quickly and consistently create cuts without slippage of the guides  15 ,  16  upon operation. The stops  17  are preferably adapted to engage the guide tracks  14  at the designated position for the desired cut, thereby preventing the guides  15 ,  16  from being moved an undesirable distance at an undesirable time. Therefore, the stops  17  assist in the smooth and continuous cutting operation by minimizing inadvertent guide  15 ,  16  slippage. It will be appreciated that the guide tracks  14 , the guides  15 ,  16 , and/or the stops  17  may be either on the front plate  11  and/or the rear plate  30  as is illustrated for comparison purposes only in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
   An alternate embodiment of the present invention may disclose a clasp, locking mechanism, fastener, catch, or other detachedly affixing mechanism, mechanically situated at the opposite center side portion of the hinges  12  to fasten the plates  11 ,  30  together while encompassing the siding  20  to be cut and/or trimmed. 
   Another alternate embodiment of the present invention may disclose other pivoting means such as a locking nut and bolt, pin, cotter pin, and/or any other sturdy pivotal affixation mechanism to meet the requirements of the functions, attributes, and features of the device  10 . 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user who has little or no training in a simple and effortless manner. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be configured as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 5 . 
   The present invention  10  provides an easy, accurate, and safe method for properly cutting vinyl, wood, or other building siding pieces  20  during construction or renovation. The proper use of the device  10  also prevents any undesirable gouging or cracking of the siding piece  20  due to uneven and unbalanced support during the cutting process. The device  10  is anticipated to be available in multiple models and sizes to match the desired cut for most conventional and customized roof lines. Also, the device  10  provides a means for cutting siding pieces  20  with a circular saw, which provides a safe, quick, and easy cutting method. 
   After measuring the angles and marking the siding piece  20 , the user opens the two (2) opposing plates  11 ,  30  by the hinges  12  and places the piece of siding  20  that is desired to be cut. The plates  11 ,  30  are then closed, retaining the siding piece  20  therewithin, with the siding piece  20  extending outward  15  longitudinally. The straight edge guide  15  is then manipulated until the blade of a circular saw comes into contact with the siding piece  20 , taking care to ensure that both stops  17  are in place to prevent slippage of the guide  15 . The circular saw must be fitted with the proper blade to cut the particular piece of siding  20  chosen. Once the straight edge has been cut, the user moves the roof pitch edge guide  16  and stops  17  in a similar fashion to the straight edge guide  15  and proceeds to cut the desired roof pitch angle. 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1