FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to cladding materials configured for covering exterior surfaces of a building or structure. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to cladding materials for covering exterior sidewalls and roofing surfaces.
INTRODUCTION
This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Building structures, such as the non-limiting example of residential houses typically have a plurality of sidewalls and a plurality of roofing elements. The sidewalls and roofing elements can be constructed in a variety of manners including the non-limiting example of using framing materials and exterior sheathing components. Regardless of the manner of construction, it is often desirable to clad the exterior surfaces of the sidewalls and the roofing elements with permanent, covering materials that provide resistance to environmental factors and also provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In the instance of the sidewalls, it is known to use wood-based siding that consists of narrow vertical strips or battens installed over a flat base or wooden board. This cladding system is known as board and batten siding, or batten board. It has been popular for centuries on the exterior of houses, and has since become a trendy way to add visual interest to interior walls.
Typically, board and batten siding involves as a first step constructing a skeletal frame and attaching long, flat boards to it to form a weather-resistant barrier. Installing the boards in a vertical arrangement encourages rain to run down along the outside of the house rather than seep in through horizontal seams. In a next step, battens are installed to cover the vertical seams formed between the larger boards, thereby providing extra weatherproofing protection.
More recently, board and batten siding can be simulated using products formed from sheet metal. In these instances, sheet metal panels are formed having profiles that include flat portions and simulated batten. Often the sheet metal panels are configured to interlock with each other, thereby providing resistance to environmental conditions with the desired aesthetic appearance. In other instances, it is known to fasten metal battens to the underlying sheet metal panels with various mechanical fasteners.
In the instance of roofing surfaces, it is known to use metallic panels that can be attached to the exterior roofing surface and overlap adjacent metallic panels. The overlapped panels are subsequently mechanically locked together, thereby forming a plurality of seams. In some instances, the seams can be covered with a covering member to provide a desired “batten” aesthetic effect.
Whether installed on an exterior surface of a sidewall or on an exterior surface of a roofing element, known sheet metal-based board and batten systems can be difficult to install, expensive to produce and cumbersome and expensive to ship.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous if sheet metal based board and batten siding and roofing systems could be improved.
SUMMARY
It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the siding and roofing systems.
The above objects, as well as other objects not specifically enumerated, are achieved by a system configured to cover an exterior surface of a structure. The system includes a panel having a plurality of spaced apart ribs with adjacent ribs separated by a flat. A plurality of clips, each of the plurality of clips configured to seat against a portion of one of the plurality of ribs. A plurality of fasteners configured to attach the plurality of clips to the plurality of spaced apart ribs and a plurality of battens. Each of the plurality of battens is connected to an associated clip in a snap together arrangement.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this Summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a conventional structure formed using conventional framing materials and techniques.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of another structure having exterior surfaces clad with a novel siding system and a novel roofing system.
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a panel of the novel siding system and the novel roofing system of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the panel of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5A is an exploded side view of the novel siding system of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5B is an expanded side view of a portion of the novel siding system of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 6A is a side view of the novel siding system of FIG. 5A, shown in an installed arrangement.
FIG. 6B is an expanded side view of a portion of the novel siding system of FIG. 6A.
FIG. 7 is a side view of a plurality of panels of FIG. 3 shown in a pre-stacked orientation.
FIG. 8 is a side view of a plurality of panels of FIG. 7 shown in a stacked orientation.
FIG. 9A is an exploded side view of the novel roofing system of FIG. 2.
FIG. 9B is an expanded side view of a portion of the novel roofing system of FIG. 9A.
FIG. 10 is a side view of the novel roofing system of FIG. 9A, shown in an installed arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture, and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.
Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.
As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping, or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, novel siding and roofing systems are provided. The novel siding and roofing systems are configured to simulate the classic appearance of board and batten siding using a novel panel in combination with a novel clip and a novel snap-on batten. The novel panel includes a plurality of ribs, each configured to receive the novel clip. Each novel clip is configured to receive a batten with a snap-on arrangement.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a conventional structure 10 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the convention structure 10 has the form of a residential house. However, in other embodiments, the conventional structure 10 can have other forms, including the non-limiting examples of an office, barn, factory, hospital, warehouse, storage facility, power plant, water treatment facility, apartment, retail facility, hotel, restaurant, courthouse, museum, prison, post office, arena, stadium, church, temple, school, airport terminal, fitness center, bowling alley and the like.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the structure 10 is formed with conventional framing materials and techniques. The structure 10 includes a plurality of sidewalls 12a-12c and a plurality of roofing elements 14a-14c. Each of the plurality of sidewalls 12a-12c forms an exterior surface 16a-16c. In a similar manner, each of the plurality of roofing elements 14a-14c forms an exterior surface 18a-18c.
Referring now to FIG. 2, another structure 20 is illustrated, this structure having the exterior surfaces of each of the sidewalls 12a, 12b clad with a novel siding system 30 and the exterior surfaces of each of the roofing elements 14a, 14b clad with a novel roofing system 34. Both of the novel siding system 30 and the novel roofing system 34 are configured to simulate the classic appearance of board and batten siding.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the novel siding, and roofing systems 30, 34 are applicable to structures 10, 20 formed with conventional framing materials and techniques, including those using heavy-frame construction as well as light-frame construction. In other embodiments, the novel siding and roofing systems 30, 34 can be applied to structures formed with non-framed construction techniques.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the novel siding and roofing systems 30, 34 are each formed from a plurality of spaced apart flats 40 and a plurality of spaced apart battens 42, mounted atop the spaced apart flats 40. Each of the siding system battens 42 is arranged in a vertical orientation. The novel siding and roofing systems 30, 34 are configured to coordinate with other structural features, such as for example a door and windows to provide a desired aesthetic appearance.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a first component of the novel siding and roofing systems 30, 34 is a panel 46. The panel 46 includes a quantity of three spaced part flats 48a-48c and a quantity of four spaced apart ribs 50a-50d. Each of the ribs 50a-50d extends from an upper edge 60 to a lower edge 62 of the panel 46. Each of the ribs 50a-50d are arranged in a generally parallel orientation with each other and are spaced apart by an equal distance D. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance D is in a range of from about 10.0 inches to about 14.0 inches. However, in other embodiments, the distance D can be less than about 10.0 inches or more than about 14.0 inches, sufficient for the functions described herein. It is further contemplated that each of the ribs 50a-50d can be spaced apart from adjacent ribs by differing distances in order to achieve a desired aesthetic appearance.
Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the ribs 50a-50d has a cross-sectional profile than includes angled riser segments 64a, 64b and a connector segment 66. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, each of the ribs 50a-50d can have other cross-sectional profiles and each of the ribs 50a-50d can have a cross-sectional profile that differs from the other ribs in order to achieve a desired aesthetic appearance.
Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the panel 46 has a panel width W and a panel length L. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel width W is in a range of from about 24.0 inches to about 48.0 inches and the panel length L is in a range of from about 84.0 inches to about 108.0 inches. In alternate embodiments, the panel width W can be less about 24.0 inches or more than about 48.0 inches and the panel length L can be less than about 84.0 inches or more than about 108.0 inches, sufficient for the functions described herein.
Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the panel 46 is roll formed as a continuous, unitary member, thereby facilitating a weather-tight component. In other embodiments, the panel 46 can be formed as an assembly of discontinuous members. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 46 is formed from a sheet metal based material configured to provide a weather-tight component. In alternate embodiments, the panel 46 can be formed from other desired materials sufficient to provide a weather-tight component.
Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the panel 46 includes an exterior surface 52 that is exposed to environmental elements. The exterior surface can have any desired surface finish, or combinations of finishes, and can have any suitable corrosion or oxidation preventative finish. Examples of suitable corrosion or oxidation preventative finishes include corrosion inhibiting paints, zinc chromate and cadmium plating.
Now with reference to FIG. 5A, the novel siding system 30 is illustrated. The novel siding system 30 is configured for attachment to the sidewall 12a. The sidewall 12a has the exterior surface 16a. A portion of the panel 46 is illustrated with a rib 50b and adjacent flats 48a, 48b. The rib 50b includes the angled riser segments 64a, 64b and the connector segment 66.
Referring again to FIG. 5A, a clip 70 forms a second component of the novel siding system 30. The clip 70 is configured to seat upon the rib 50b and is further configured to receive a batten 72 in a snap together arrangement. The clip 70 includes an upper portion 74 connected to opposing and angled upper side portions 76a, 76b. Intermediate portions 78a, 78b extend from the opposing and angled upper side portions 76a, 76b. Opposing and angled lower side portions 80a, 80b extend from the intermediate portions 78a, 78b. Finally, opposing lower portions 82a, 82b extend from the opposing and angled lower side portions 80a, 80b.
Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, intersections 83a, 83b of the lower side portions 80a, 80b with the lower portions 82a, 82b each have the form of a radiused section. As will discussed in more detail below, it is believed the radiused intersections 83a, 83b facilitate the insertion of portions of the batten 72 in the snap together arrangement. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the intersections 83a, 83b of the lower side portions 80a, 80b with the lower portions 82a, 82b can have other forms, sufficient to facilitate the insertion of portions of the batten 72 in the snap together arrangement.
Referring now to FIG. 5B, an enlarged portion of the clip 70 is illustrated, including the intermediate portion 78b, the angled lower side portion 80b and the lower portion 82b. The lower portion 82b extends from the angled lower side portion 80b and forms an angle α with a substantially horizontal axis A—A. As will be discussed in more detail below, the angle α facilitates reception of portions of the batten 72 in the snap together arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is in a range of from about 15° to about 25°. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the angle α can be less than about 15° or more than about 25°, sufficient to facilitate reception of portions of the batten 72 in the snap together arrangement.
While the embodiment of the clip 70 shown in FIG. 5A has a cross-sectional profile defined by the upper portion 74, the opposing and angled upper side portions 76a, 76b, the intermediate portions 78a, 78b, the opposing and angled lower side portions 80a, 80b and the opposing lower portions 82a, 82b, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the clip 70 can have other cross-sectional profiles sufficient for the functions described herein.
Referring again to FIG. 5A, in certain embodiments, the clip 70 has a continuous length that approximates the length L of the panel 46. However, it is contemplated that the panel 46 can be equipped with a plurality of clips, each having a length that is less than the panel length L. The clip 70 can be formed from any desired weather resistant material or materials, including the non-limiting example of spring steel.
Referring again to FIG. 5A, a plurality of fasteners 84 form a third component of the novel siding system 30. Each of the fasteners 84 is configured to secure the clip 70 to the rib 50b. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 84 has the form of a pan head sheet metal screw. In alternate embodiments, the fastener 84 can have other forms, sufficient to secure the clip 70 to the rib 50b. The fasteners 84 can have any desired spacing along the length of the clip 70.
Referring again to FIG. 5A, the batten 72 forms a fourth and final component of the novel siding system 30. In an installed position, the batten 72 is configured to cover the rib 50b, the clip 70 and the fastener 84 and is further configured to attach to the clip 70 with a snap together arrangement. The batten 72 includes an upper portion 56 connected to opposing side portions 88a, 88b. Finally, the batten 72 includes opposing lower portions 90a, 90b that extend from the opposing side portions 88a, 88b.
Referring again to FIG. 5A, in certain embodiments, the batten 72 has a continuous length that approximates the length L of the panel 46. However, it is contemplated that the batten 72 can be supplied in discontinuous lengths, each having a length that is less than the panel length L. The batten 72 can be formed from the same materials as the panel 46, or from other weather resistant material or materials.
Referring again to FIG. 5A, each of the upper portion 86 and side portions 88a, 88b of the batten 72 have exterior surfaces that are exposed to environmental elements. The exterior surface can have any desired surface finish, or combinations of finishes, and can have any suitable corrosion or oxidation preventative finish. Examples of suitable corrosion or oxidation preventative finishes include corrosion inhibiting paints, zinc chromate and cadmium plating.
Referring now to FIG. 6A, the installed novel siding system 30 is illustrated. In the installed orientation, the flats 48a, 48b of the panel 46 are seated against the exterior surface 16a of the sidewall 12a. In this position, the angled lower side portions 80a, 80b of the rib 50b rise from the flats 48a, 48b and extends in a direction away from the exterior surface 16a of the sidewall 12a. Also in the installed orientation, the upper portion 74 of the clip 70 seats upon the connector segment 66 of the rib 50b.
Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, with the upper portion 74 of the clip 70 seated upon the connector segment 66 of the rib 50b, the lower portion 82b of the clip 70 extends in a direction toward the angled lower side portion of the rib 50b. In this position, the lower portion 82b of the clip 70 and the flat 48b of the panel 46 cooperate to form a pocket 92. The radiused intersections 83a, 83b and each of the pockets 92 cooperate to facilitate ready receipt of the lower portion 90b of the clip 70 in the snap together arrangement. Further to the snap together arrangement, the lower portion 82b of the clip 70 provides a downward clamping action against the lower portion 90b of the batten 72, thereby further securing the clip 70 against the panel 46.
Referring again to FIG. 6A, the plurality of spaced apart fasteners 84 secure the clip 70 to the rib 50b. The batten 72 is secured to the clip 70 as the lower portions 90a, 90b of the batten 72 snap over the lower portions 82a, 82b of the clip 70 and are received within the pocket 92.
The novel siding system 30 provides many benefits, although all benefits may not be available in all embodiments. First, the combination of the flats 48a-48c, ribs 50a-50d, clips 70 and battens 72 cooperate to simulate the classic appearance of board and batten siding. Second, the attachment of the battens 72 to the clips 70 with a snap together arrangement provides a secure, quick, and cost effective mounting system. Third, the attachment of the battens 72 to the clips 72 with a snap together arrangement provides for a safe installation method. Fourth, the extended width of the roll-formed panel 46 provides extensive coverage of a building surface, thereby substantially shortening the installation time. Fifth, the distance D between the ribs 50a-50d provides further support to the classic appearance of board and batten siding. Finally, the clip 70 is configured to seat against the ribs 50a-50d in a manner such as to seat the lower portions 90a, 90b of the batten 72 against the flats 48a-48c of the panel 46, thereby further supporting to the classic appearance of board and batten siding.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a plurality of panels 46a-46e are illustrated. As discussed above, each of the panels 46a-46e is formed by a roll form process as a continuous, unitary member. Accordingly, it is advantageous to stack the plurality of panels 46a-46e in a nested arrangement during shipping operations. A bundle 70 of stacked and nested panels 46a-46e is shown in FIG. 8. In a stacked arrangement, each of the ribs 50a-50d of the stacked panels 46a-46e aligns with a rib 50a-50d of an adjacent panel 46a-46e (for purposes of clarity, only a few of the stacked ribs are identified), thereby forming the compact bundle 94. Optionally, protective materials (not shown for purposes of clarity) can be positioned between the stacked panels 46a-46e, under the stacked panels 46a-46e, over the stacked panels 46a-46e or any suitable combination thereof. Any suitable protective material, such as the non-limiting examples of polymeric sheets, foam-based sheets, brown paper or shrink wrap material can be used.
Referring again to FIG. 8, it should be appreciated that assembling the panels 46a-46e in a stacked arrangement to form the compact bundle 94 provides several benefits. First, the compact bundle 94 is easier to handle during shipping operations. Second, the compact bundle 94 occupies less volume than convention bundles of panels during shipping operations. Third, the surface finishes of each of the panels 46a-46e is better protected during shipping operations.
While the preceding description provides for the novel siding system 30, it should be appreciated that a similar approach can be used to provide a novel roofing system. Now with reference to FIG. 9A, the novel roofing system 34 is illustrated. The novel roofing system 34 is configured for attachment to one of the roofing elements 14a-14c. The roofing element 14a has the exterior surface 18a. The novel roofing system 34 utilizes a panel 146 as the first component. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 146 is the same as, or similar to, the panel 46 used in the novel siding system 30, described above and shown in FIG. 5A. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the panel 146 can be different from the panel 46. A portion of the panel 146 is illustrated with a rib 150b and adjacent flats 148a, 148b. The rib 150b includes the angled riser segments 164a, 164b and the connector segment 166.
Referring again to FIG. 9A, a clip 170 forms a second component of the novel roofing system 34. The clip 170 is configured to seat upon the rib 150b and is further configured to receive a batten 172 in a snap together arrangement. The clip 170 includes an upper portion 174 connected to opposing and angled side portions 176a, 176b. Opposing lower portions 182a, 182b extend from the opposing and angled side portions 176a, 176b.
Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, intersections 183a, 183b of the angled side portions 176a, 176b with the lower portions 182a, 182b each have the form of a radiused section. As discussed above, it is believed the radiused intersections 183a, 183b facilitate the insertion of portions of the batten 172 in the snap together arrangement. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the intersections 183a, 183b of the angled side portions 176a, 176b with the lower portions 182a, 182b can have other forms, sufficient to facilitate the insertion of portions of the batten 172 in the snap together arrangement.
Referring now to FIG. 9B, an enlarged portion of the clip 170 is illustrated, including the angled side portion 176b and the lower portion 182b. The lower portion 182b extends from the angled side portion 176b and forms an angle β with a substantially horizontal axis B—B. As will be discussed in more detail below, the angle β facilitates reception of portions of the batten 172 in the snap together arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle β is in a range of from about 15° to about 25°. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the angle β can be less than about 15° or more than about 25°, sufficient to facilitate reception of portions of the batten 172 in the snap together arrangement.
While the embodiment of the clip 170 shown in FIG. 9A has a cross-sectional profile defined by the upper portion 174, the opposing and angled side portions 176a, 176b and the opposing lower portions 182a, 182b, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the clip 170 can have other cross-sectional profiles sufficient for the functions described herein.
Referring again to FIG. 9A, in certain embodiments, the clip 170 has a continuous length that approximates the length L of the panel 146. However, it is contemplated that the panel 146 can be equipped with a plurality of clips, each having a length that is less than the panel length L. The clip 170 can be formed from any desired weather resistant material or materials, including the non-limiting example of spring steel.
Referring again to FIG. 9A, a plurality of fasteners 184 form a third component of the novel roofing system 34. Each of the fasteners 184 is configured to secure the clip 170 to the rib 150b. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 184 has the form of a pan head sheet metal screw. In alternate embodiments, the fastener 184 can have other forms, sufficient to secure the clip 170 to the rib 150b. The fasteners 184 can have any desired spacing along the length of the clip 170.
Referring again to FIG. 9A, the batten 172 forms a fourth and final component of the novel roofing system 34. In an installed position, the batten 172 is configured to cover the rib 150b, the clip 170 and the fastener 184 and is further configured to attach to the clip 170 with a snap together arrangement. The batten 172 includes opposing and angled side portions 188a, 88b connected together by a connecting segment 189. The batten 172 further includes opposing lower portions 190a, 190b that extend from the opposing and angled side portions 188a, 188b.
Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, the batten 172 has the illustrated cross-sectional profile. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the batten 172 can have other cross sectional profiles sufficient for the functions described herein.
Referring again to FIG. 9A, in certain embodiments, the batten 172 has a continuous length that approximates the length L of the panel 146. However, it is contemplated that the batten 172 can be supplied in discontinuous lengths, each having a length that is less than the panel length L. The batten 172 can be formed from the same materials as the panel 146, or from other weather resistant material or materials.
Referring again to FIG. 9A, each of the angled side portions 188a, 188b of the batten 172 have exterior surfaces that are exposed to environmental elements. The exterior surface can have any desired surface finish, or combinations of finishes, and can have any suitable corrosion or oxidation preventative finish. Examples of suitable corrosion or oxidation preventative finishes include corrosion inhibiting paints, zinc chromate and cadmium plating.
Referring now to FIG. 10, the assembled novel roofing system 34 is illustrated. In the installed orientation, the flats 148a, 148b of the panel 146 are seated against the exterior surface 18a of the roofing element 14a. In this position, the angled riser segments 164a, 164b of the rib 50b rise from the flats 148a, 148b and extend in a direction away from the exterior surface 18a of the roofing element 14a. Also in the installed orientation, the upper portion 174 of the clip 170 seats upon the connector segment 166 of the rib 150b.
Referring again to FIG. 10, with the upper portion 174 of the clip 170 seated upon the connector segment 166 of the rib 150b, the lower portions 182a, 182b of the clip 170 extends in directions toward the angled side portions 164a, 164b of the rib 150b. In this position, the lower portions 182a, 182b of the clip 170 and the flats 148a, 148b of the panel 146 cooperate to form pockets 192. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the pockets 192 is the same as, or similar to, the pocket 92 illustrated in FIG. 6A. In alternate embodiments, it should be appreciated that the pockets 192 can be different from the pocket 92. Each of the radiused portions 183a, 183b and each of the pockets 192 cooperate to facilitate ready receipt of the lower portion 190a, 190b of the clip 170 in the snap together arrangement. Further to the snap together arrangement, the lower portions 182a, 182b of the clip 170 provide a downward clamping action against the lower portion 190a, 190b of the batten 172, thereby further securing the clip 170 against the panel 146.
Referring again to FIG. 10, the plurality of spaced apart fasteners 184 are configured to secure the clip 170 to the rib 150b. The batten 172 is secured to the clip 170 as the lower portions 190a, 190b of the batten 172 snap over the lower portions 182a, 182b of the clip 170 and are received within the pockets 192.
The novel roofing system 34 provides many of the same benefits as described above the for novel siding system 30, although all benefits may not be available in all embodiments. First, the combination of the flats 148a-148c, ribs 150a-150d, clips 170 and battens 172 cooperate to simulate the classic appearance of board and batten roofing. Second, the attachment of the battens 172 to the clips 170 with a snap together arrangement provides a secure, quick, and cost effective mounting system. Third, the attachment of the battens 172 to the clips 172 with a snap together arrangement provides for a safe installation method. Fourth, the distance D between the ribs 150a-150d provides further support to the classic appearance of board and batten roofing. Finally, the clip 170 is configured to seat against the ribs 150a-150d in a manner such as to seat the lower portions 190a, 190b of the batten 172 against the flats 148a-148c of the panel 146, thereby further supporting to the classic appearance of board and batten roofing.
Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions, and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.
Patent Application
20250101742
