a. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to manufactured homes installations, and, more particularly, to a system for providing skirting around manufactured home or similar building using pre-cast concrete panels.
b. Related Art
Examples of manufactured homes include both mobile homes and prefabricated houses. As in known in the art, manufactured homes are typically installed by transporting the home in one or more pieces and then assembling the pieces at the installation site. The bottom of the structure is usually positioned a spaced distance above the ground, so as to permit airflow and provide access to the bottom of the structure. This creates a gap around the perimeter of the structure, which must be covered, both for the sake of appearance and also to prevent excessive heat loss through the bottom of the home.
Conventionally, the edge gap is covered with a skirting constructed of wood e.g., plywood paneling. Although common, this approach presents several serious disadvantages. For example, conventional skirting often takes 2-3 days to complete, adding significantly to the time and cost of the installation, and the lumber itself is not inexpensive. Furthermore, soil is usually backfilled against the skirting to provide added insulation and a more finished appearance, and the resulting soil contact causes the wooden skirting to rot and deteriorate over time. Still further, in the event that the building is moved from its initial installation site (which is not uncommon in the case of manufactured homes), it is virtually impossible to remove and reuse the wood skirting, so that new skirting must be purchased and installed at the new location, thereby adding significantly to the cost of the move.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a skirting system for manufactured homes that can be installed with a minimum of time and labor. Furthermore, there exists a need for such a skirting system that uses low cost materials. Still further, there exists a need for such a skirting system that is durable and will not rot when placed in contact with soil and moisture. Still further, there exists a need for such a skirting system that is easily removed and reinstalled if the home is moved to a new location.
The present invention has solved the problems cited above, and is a system for skirting a manufactured home or similar building with modular panels.
Broadly, the method comprises the steps of (a) providing a plurality of substantially flat concrete panels having a height approximately equal to a predetermined height between a rim joist of the building and an underlying ground surface, (b) placing said panel members in edge-to-edge relationship between the rim joist and the underlying ground, (c) inserting locking members between adjoining edges of the panel members, so that the first and second edges of the locking members are received in corresponding edge slots of the panel members, and (d) securing upper ends of the locking members to the rim joist, so that the locking members maintains the panel members in edge-to-edge relationship and secure the panel members to the building.
The step of mounting the upper ends of the locking members to the rim joist of the building may comprise driving fasteners through an upper portion of the locking member and into the overlying joist.
The method may further comprise the step of securing lower edges of the panel members to the underlying ground. The step of securing the lower edges of the panel members to the underlying ground may comprise providing a tie-down member that is mounted to the lower edge of each panel member, and driving a fastener through the tie-down member and into the ground.
The method may further comprise the step of backfilling soil against outer surfaces of the concrete panels.
The invention also provides a modular panel member for skirting a manufactured home or similar building. Broadly, the panel member comprises a generally flat concrete panel having first and second end edges, an upper edge for fitting against a rim hoist of the building, and a lower edge for resting on underlining ground, each of the end edges having slots formed therein for receiving a key member that is mounted to the rim joist of the building, so that the key member secures adjoining panel members in vertical, edge-to-edge relationship beneath the rim joist.
The panel member may further comprise a wire rod reinforcement frame embedded in the concrete. Furthermore, the panel member may comprise at least one vent frame for permitting flow of ventilating air therethrough when installed.
The slots in the end edges of the panel member may extend over only an upper portion of the height thereof. The end slots may be tapered for insertion of a metal flange of the key member therein.
The panel member may be formed with at least one recessed area for reducing the total weight of the member. The panel member may also comprise a wooden furring strip mounted atop the upper edge thereof.
The key member for securing the panel members to the rim joist may comprise a vertically elongate metal member having first and second edge flanges for being received in the edge slots of the panel members. The key member may further comprise a mounting flange at the upper end of the vertically elongate member, for attachment to the rim joist by fasteners. The fasteners may be driven through the mounting flange or mounted thereto. The key member may also comprise a rearwardly extending flange for maintaining spacing between adjoining end edges of the panel members.
The invention also provides a method for forming the concrete skirting panels. The method comprises (a) providing a mold assembly having a stationary inner bulkhead and first and second outer bulkheads that are mounted on hinges in spaced, parallel relationship to the stationary bulkhead so as to form first and second mold cavities, (b) filling the first and second mold cavities with concrete slurry, and (c) pivoting the outer bulkheads away from the inner bulkhead about the hinges so as to release the concrete panel members from the mold cavities when at least partially cured.
These and other features are advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description with reference to accompanying drawings.
a. Overview
As can be seen in
Because of their modular configuration and also because of the innerfitting edge structure, the panels 12 can be installed to complete the skirting within a matter of hours, as compared to days when used conventional wood skirting. Furthermore, in most instances, the concrete panels and associated hardware will also be less expensive than wood construction. Still further, the concrete is not affected by rot or other deterioration when soil 18 is back-filled against it, as is shown in FIG. 1.
It will be understood that the term “manufactured home” as used herein includes all forms of buildings that are premanufactured and then transported to an installation site, whether intended as a residence or for other purposes. Furthermore, the term “concrete” as used herein includes all suitable forms of cementitious materials, whether containing aggregate material or consisting of essentially “neat” cement.
b. Modular Panels
In the embodiment which is shown in
A screen unit 34 (e.g., a molded plastic frame and screen) is mounted in the upper portion of the panel casting, above the central recessed 26. Other openings, such as flood vents, may also be included. The upper edge of the screen unit and the upper edge of the panel casting lie flush with one another, and are overlain by a wooden furring strip 36 (e.g., a length of 2×2 lumber) that receives screws or other fasteners for subsequently installed trim. The furring strip is mounted to a wire rod reinforcement frame that is imbedded in the concrete, as will be described in greater detail below. First and second wire lifting loops 40a, 40b may also be provided that extend above the furring strip, with their lower ends 42a, 42b being anchored in the underlining concrete matrix.
First and second slots 44a, 44b are formed in the vertical end edges 46a, 46b of the panel casting for engaging the metal locking keys of the assembly. As can be seen in
Metal tie-down straps 52a-c are in turn mounted along the lower edge of the panel casting, with their upper ends 54a-c again being embedded in the concrete matrix. Openings 56 are provided in the protruding ends of the metal tie-down straps for securing the lower edge of the panel to the ground during installation, as will be described in greater detail below. Metal tie-down straps suitable for use in the panel assembly 12 are available under the trademark “Simpson Strong Tie”.
Reinforcement rods or wire 58 are preferably embedded within the full thickness border as well as within the vertical columns or ribs 32a, 32b (see FIG. 3). As is shown by dotted line image 62 in
Example dimensions for the panel assembly and casting that are shown in
It is to be understood that the foregoing dimensions are exemplary of only one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and that the dimensions may vary depending on design factors and other considerations. For example, the panels may be constructed to have any suitable length, and the height may also vary depending on size of the gap between the building and the ground on the intended height of the skirting.
In addition to the flat panels described above, angled corner panels are provided for use at the corners of the manufactured home or the building. For example,
As can be seen in
As can be seen in
Exemplary dimensions for the corner panel assembly shown in
Again, it will be understood that the above dimensions are exemplary only, and may vary in other embodiments depending on a variety of design factors. Also, it will be understood that the corner panel assembly may include embedded reinforcement rod or wire in a manner similar described above.
c. Panel Locking Key
As can be seen, the principal component of the locking key is a vertically extending metal (e.g., steel) “T” bar 84, having a rearwardly projecting center flange 86 and laterally extending edge flanges 88a, 88b. The overall length of the “T” bar is equal to or less than the vertical length of the corresponding edge slots 44a, 44b in the concrete skirting panels.
A generally flat mounting plate 90 is mounted (e.g., welded) to the upper end of the “T” bar 84 so as to extend perpendicular to the long axis of the bar. A plurality of bores 92 (see
In some embodiments, the fasteners may be welded to or formed as a part of the mounting plate so as to expedite installation. Furthermore, the mounting plate may have an upwardly extending outer flange portion (not shown) to allow the fasteners to be driven into the rim joist from the front rather than upwardly in installations where this is required, such as where the rim joist is underlain by a steel beam along the edge of the building.
Exemplary dimensions for the panel locking key shown in FIGS. 10—13 are set forth in the following Table C:
Again, it will be understood that the above dimensions may vary from one embodiment to the next depending on design factors.
d. Installation
To install the skirting assembly, one or more locking keys 82 are first mounted at the edge of the manufactured home or other building, by placing the mounting flange against the bottom of the wooden rim joist 16 and driving nails 94 upwardly through bores 92; depending the assembly sequence the nails may be installed on the one side or other of the mounting plate, rather than being driven through all four of the openings as shown in FIG. 14.
The panels 12 are then placed on either side of the locking key in end-to-end relationship, so that the edge flanges of the locking key are received in interfitting engagement with the edge slots 44a, 44b of the panels and so that the vertical edges of the skirting panels butt up against and are spaced apart by the central flange 86. As this is done, the tapered edge slots permit comparatively easy initial insertion of the edge flanges on the key, and then establish a tight, stable interfit as the flange is driven home towards the comparatively narrow base of the slot; however, the key can easily be withdrawn without damaging the slot or panel in the event that the skirting is removed for subsequent installation at another site. The center flange, in turn, prevents the edge flanges from being driven too deeply into the slots and also serves to keep the edges of the concrete panels spaced just slightly apart, thus presenting an even, finished appearance and also preventing chipping or other damage to the edges of the panels. The cutaway edges 51 at the backs of the slots accommodate most of the thickness of the rearward flange so that the spacing between the edges is very small at the front of the panels, leaving only a very small gap that is quickly filled with caulk to seal the skirting and prevent a neat, virtually seamless appearance.
The key members are suitably formed of steel, however, it will be understood that in some embodiments high-strength molded plastic or other suitable materials may be used. It will also be understood that the rearwardly projecting center flanges may not be present in all embodiments.
As a next step in the installation, the anchor straps (see
The skirting assembly of the present invention can thus be installed in a matter of hours rather than days, using inexpensive standardized components. The concrete panels are impervious to rot and other deterioration from ground contact and will therefore will last essentially the full lifetime of the manufactured home or other building. Moreover, the skirting assembly is easily removed and installed at a new location should the home or building be moved, using the same installation steps described above.
e. Casting Process
As can be seen in
As can be seen in
As can be seen with further reference to
The final enclosures for the mold cavities 106a, 106b are formed by the end dams 150 that are shown in
Casting of the skirting panels using the mold assembly 100 is accomplished is as follows. Firstly, the wire rod reinforcement frame is placed on the support hangers 124 on each side of the central bulkhead, as indicated by dotted line image 160 in
The closed assembly is suspended by chain links 166 or by stationary yokes or other supports that are support pipe stubs 126a, 126b in rotating engagement therewith; as this is done, toggle pins or similar fasteners are inserted through openings 168 (see
After the cement/concrete reaches an at least partially cured state, the mold assembly is again inverted by rotating the pipe stubs 126a, 126b within their supporting links or yokes. The wing bolts 112 are released and the outer bulkheads 102a, 102b are then pivoted outwardly using the hinge assemblies 110 (see arrows 148 in FIG. 23), with the pivoting wing bolts acting as stands to support the bulkheads horizontally above the floor. The now rigid skirting panels are pressure-washed to expose the aggregate surface, if desired, and then removed for curing. Finally, the end dams 150 are pulled away to expose the finished end slots 44a, 44b.
After removing the panels the mold assembly is cleaned with a hose when the bulkheads are in their open positions. The bulkheads are then coated with a release lubricant and pivoted closed, and the steps described above are repeated. In this manner, the skirting panels 12 are manufactured in a rapid and highly economical manner.
It is to be recognized that various alterations, modifications, and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts described above without departing from the spirit or ambit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
This application claims benefit of Provisional 60/332,634 filed Nov. 20, 2001.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20030097804 A1 | May 2003 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60332634 | Nov 2001 | US |