Patent Application
20210222865
The present disclosure relates generally to cladding, for example, suitable for covering a building surface. The present disclosure relates more particularly to siding panels including an integrated light source.
Exterior lighting is popular in both residential and commercial applications. Lighting around a building structure provides both added safety to those inside and outside the structure and is considered aesthetically desirable. There are various types of external lighting that illuminate building exteriors. Ground lighting that is positioned around the building structure may be oriented to shine light on the building exterior. Likewise, lighting installed on the structure itself, such as in the eaves of a house, or under a porch roof, providing light on the building exterior. Further, decorative lights, such as string lights or “Christmas” lights, are often placed on building exteriors to provide lighting that follows the architecture of the building structure.
A downside of such exterior lighting is that the lighting requires significant time and/or expense to install. For example, ground lighting requires exterior installation and wiring, all of which must be protected from the elements. Similarly, lighting installed directly on the building structure requires modification of the exterior surfaces to provide both mounting locations and wiring. For example, lights under the eaves of a house are typically installed by cutting a hole through the soffit, installing a lighting housing, and providing wiring within the structure. String lights, on the other hand, typically have a temporary installation, where the lights are hung seasonally and then removed after a few weeks or months.
The present inventors have recognized that a system for providing lighting on the exterior surface of a building without costly or time consuming installation would be desirable to both home buyers and builders.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a siding panel including a light source, the siding panel comprising:
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a siding panel configured to receive a light source, the siding panel comprising:
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a siding panel system comprising:
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a building surface siding system comprising:
Additional aspects of the disclosure will be evident from the disclosure herein.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the methods and devices of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and sizes of various elements may be distorted for clarity. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the disclosure.
As described above, the present inventors have noted that conventional lighting on the exterior of a building surface is difficult to install. The present inventors have determined that lighting on the exterior surface of a building that is easy to install would be attractive to home buyers and builders.
Accordingly, one aspect of the disclosure is a siding panel that has a light source. The siding panel includes a panel body having a length extending from a first end to a second end, a width extending from a first edge to a second edge, a front face, and a rear face. The siding panel also includes a first lock extending along the first edge of the panel body and a second lock extending along the second edge of the panel body. A fastening strip is coupled to the first lock. The siding panel also includes a light source extending along the length of the panel body. The light source is secured to the panel body so as to provide light from the front face of the panel body.
Such a siding panel is shown in a lower perspective view in
Panel body 112 is shaped so as to have a siding profile in the form of Dutch lap siding. However, in other embodiments, the panel body has another siding profile, such as clapboard, bead board, shakes, or board and batten, for example.
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the panel body includes a first vertically-extending section and a first overhang. The vertically-extending section has a top edge and a bottom edge, and the first overhang extends rearward from the bottom edge of the first vertically-extending section. Further, the light source is disposed on the first overhang. The term vertical, as used herein, refers to a first direction on the siding panel that runs between the first lock and the second lock. In a typical horizontal installation of siding panels, such a direction would be vertical, and thus the direction between the top edge and bottom edge is referred to herein as vertically-extending. Further, line 156, shown in
Furthermore, the vertically-extending section need not be parallel to the first direction. Rather, the direction of extension between the top edge and bottom edge of the vertically-extending section generally extends in the first direction, whereas the first overhang extends in a second direction corresponding to the depth direction of the siding panel. For example, in some embodiments, the vertically-extending section is disposed at an angle of no more than 35 degrees from the first direction, e.g., no more than 25 degrees, e.g., no more than 15 degrees.
As an example, siding panel 110 includes a first vertically-extending section 130 and a first overhang 140. The first vertically-extending section 130 has a top edge 132 and a bottom edge 134, and first overhang 140 extends rearward from the bottom edge 134 of first vertically-extending section 130. A schematic detailed view of first overhang 140 is shown in
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the light source is disposed behind the first vertically-extending section. For example, light source 160 is disposed behind a lower end of first vertically-extending section 130 that forms a flange 136 that covers light source 160. Accordingly, flange 136 hides the structure of light source 160 from view. However, the light emitted from light source 160 shines downward and outward so as to viewable from when viewing front face 126.
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the overhang includes a receiving channel disposed behind the first vertically-extending section. Further, the light source is disposed within the receiving channel. For example, as shown in the detailed view of
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a siding panel configured to receive a light source. The siding panel includes a panel body having a length extending from a first end to a second end, a width extending from a first edge to a second edge, a front face, a rear face, a first vertically-extending section having a top edge and a bottom edge, and a first overhang that extends rearward from the bottom edge of the first vertically-extending section. The first overhang includes a receiving channel disposed behind the first vertically-extending section that is configured to receive a light source. The siding panel also includes a first lock extending along the first edge of the panel body, a second lock extending along the second edge of the panel body and a fastening strip coupled to the first lock.
Such a siding panel is shown in
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the receiving channel includes a retaining protrusion configured to secure the light source within the receiving channel. The retaining protrusion forms an obstruction in the opening of the receiving channel, such that any light source that has been inserted into the receiving channel is held securely within the channel. Accordingly, the light source may have a snap-in configuration into the receiving channel. For example, as shown in the detailed view of
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the first vertically-extending section is adjacent to the first edge of the panel body. For example, the top edge 132 of first vertically-extending section 130 of siding panel 110 is adjacent to the first edge 122 of panel body 112, which is adjacent to first lock 152. First vertically-extending section 130 is part of a Dutch lap profile and includes a flat portion and a curved portion, where the curved portion extends upward to first edge 122.
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the first overhang is disposed midway between the first edge and second edge of the panel body. For example, first overhang 140 of siding panel 110 is disposed midway between first edge 122 at the top of panel body 112 and second edge 124 at the bottom edge of panel body 112. Panel body 110 has a Dutch lap configuration with two courses that each include a flat portion and a curved portion. First vertically-extending section 130 forms the upper course of the two courses of Dutch lap siding, and first overhang 140 is positioned between the two courses, midway between first edge 122 and second edge 124.
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the first overhang is adjacent to the second edge of the panel body. For example, in some embodiments, the light source is positioned at the bottom of the panel body and a first overhang that holds the light source is consequently also disposed at the bottom of the panel body adjacent to the second edge. In some embodiments, the siding panel includes only one course, and the first overhang is at the bottom of the course, adjacent to the second edge. In other embodiments, the siding panel includes two or more courses, and the first overhang is adjacent to the lowest course. Such a siding panel is shown in
In some embodiments, the light source is disposed under the second lock. For example, light source 460 in siding panel 410 is disposed under second lock 454 and is secured to a surface at the bottom of second lock 454. In other embodiments, the light source is disposed in front of the second lock. Still, in other embodiments, the light source is positioned in another location with respect the second lock.
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the panel body includes a second vertically-extending section having a top edge and a bottom edge, and a second overhang that extends rearward from the bottom edge of the second vertically-extending section. For example, siding panel 110, shown in
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the light source includes a plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs is arranged in a strip that extends along the length of the panel body. For example, light source 160 in siding panel 110 includes a plurality of LEDs 162, as shown in
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the light source includes a terminal for receiving electrical current. For example, as shown in
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the light source is disposed in an elongate housing. Further, in some embodiments, the elongate housing is a weather-proof case. For example, light source 160 includes elongate housing 166 that contains LEDs 162. In some embodiments, the elongate housing is sealed so as to prevent water intrusion. Further, in some embodiments, the elongate housing includes a lens for dispersing or otherwise directing or distributing light from the LEDs or other light emitting element. For example, elongate housing 166 includes a lens 168 that is configured to distribute light from the LEDs 162.
In some embodiments, as described above, the light source is clipped into the siding panel. In other embodiments, the light source is configured to attach to the panel body using adhesive. For example, in some embodiments, one or more surfaces of the lighting housing is covered with an adhesive and the lighting housing is secured to the surface of the panel body. In other embodiments, the light source is configured to attach to the panel body using mechanical fasteners. For example, in some embodiments, the light source includes apertures or tabs for securing the light source to the panel body using screws. Other mechanical fasteners are also possible. Further still, in some embodiments, the housing of the light source is bonded to the surface of the panel body. More permanent connections such as adhesive, mechanical fasteners and bonded attachments provide a siding panel with a light source that is permanently integrated into the siding panel.
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the fastening strip includes apertures configured to receive fasteners for securing the siding panel to a support structure. For example, as shown in
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the length of the panel body is at least 4 feet, e.g., at least 5 feet, e.g., at least 6 feet. Further, in some embodiments, the length of the panel body is no more than 30 feet, e.g., no more than 24 feet, e.g., no more than 20 feet. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the panel body is in a range from 4 feet to 30 feet, e.g., from 5 feet to 24 feet, e.g., from 6 feet to 20 feet.
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, a width of the siding panel is at least 3 inches, e.g., at least 4 inches, e.g., at least 6 inches. Further, in some embodiments, a width of the siding panel is no more than 30 inches, e.g., no more than 24 inches, e.g., no more than 18 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the width of the siding panel is in a range from 3 inches to 30 inches, e.g., from 4 inches to 24 inches, e.g., from 6 inches to 18 inches.
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the panel body has a material thickness in a range from 0.03 inches to 0.20 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the panel body is formed as a thin sheet that is extruded and then formed to include a siding profile. Further, in some embodiments, a single extruded sheet of material is shaped to include the panel body, the locks, and the fastening strip.
Embodiments of the siding panel may be formed from various different materials, and may be constructed in a single piece or in layers of material. In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the panel body is formed of one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), acrylonitrile ethylene styrene (AES), polyurethane, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
In certain embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the siding panel further includes insulation disposed on the rear face of the panel body. A cross section of such a siding panel is shown in
In some embodiments of the siding panel as otherwise described herein, the siding panel further includes a heat sink coupled to the light source. For example, in some embodiments, an elongate heat sink is attached to a surface of the light source to dissipate heat generated by lighting elements, such as LEDs, of the light source. In some embodiments, the heat sink includes one or more fins extending away from the light source. In some embodiments, the heat sink is disposed on the front side of the siding panel, for example, below the overhang. In other embodiments, the heat sink extends through the panel body. Various locations and configurations of the heat sink are possible, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a siding panel system that includes a siding panel according to the disclosure that has a light source, and a controller coupled to the light source. The controller is configured to send control signals to the light source for generating a lighting configuration. Such a siding system is shown in
While controller 670 of siding system 600 is disposed directly on panel body 612, in other embodiments, the controller is physically separated from the siding panel. For example, in some embodiments, the controller is part of a smartphone, tablet, notebook computer or home automation hub. Further, while controller 670 is a client device, i.e., a device actively operated by the user, in other embodiments, the controller is a server device, e.g., a device that provides computational services to a client device. Moreover, other types of computational platforms are also possible in embodiments of the disclosure, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that performs processor operations, a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processor, or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).
Processor 672 of controller 670 includes a computer processing elements, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), an integrated circuit that performs processor operations, a digital signal processor (DSP), or a network processor. In some embodiments, the processor includes register memory that temporarily stores instructions being executed and corresponding data, as well as cache memory that temporarily stores performed instructions. Memory 674 is a computer-usable memory, e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or non-volatile memory such as flash memory, solid state drives, or hard-disk drives. In certain embodiments, memory 674 stores program instructions that are executable by processor 672 for carrying out the methods and operations of the disclosure. Network interface 676 provides digital communication between controller 670 and other computing systems or devices. In some embodiments, the network interface operates via a physical wired connection, such as an ethernet connection. In other embodiments, the network interface communicates via a wireless connection, e.g., IEEE 802.11 (Wifi) or BLUETOOTH. Other communication conventions are also possible.
In some embodiments, the siding system includes additional siding panels. Further, in some embodiments, the siding system includes a single controller that sends control signals to the light source of each siding panel. In other embodiments, each of the siding panels in the siding system includes a separate controller. Thus, in some embodiments, the activation and deactivation of the light source of each siding panel is independent from those of the other siding panels of the siding system. On the other hand, in some embodiments, the controller is formed by a network of control units, each of which is provided on one siding panel of the siding system. Thus, in some embodiments, the control units are operable to for the controller so as to control the respective light sources in a coordinated fashion. Further, in some embodiments, the control units are operable to control the respective light sources independently.
In some embodiments, the controller includes programmed instructions stored in memory for activating and deactivating the light source at predetermined times. For example, in some embodiments, the controller is operable to turn on the light source in the evening and turn the light source off in the morning. Further, in some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive a signal from an ambient light sensor. For example, in some embodiments, the controller includes programmed instructions stored in memory for activating the light source when a signal from an ambient light sensor indicates that the ambient light is low (e.g., at night), and for deactivating the light source when the signal from the ambient light sensor indicates that the ambient light is high (e.g., during the day).
In certain embodiments of the siding system as otherwise described herein, the lighting configuration includes a selected color. For example, in some embodiments the light source has a variable color profile. For example, in some embodiments, the light source includes LEDs of various colors, which allows the light source to emit light in a range of colors depending on the intensity of light emitted by LEDs of each color. Thus, in some embodiments, the controller includes programmed instructions stored in memory for sending a control signal to the light source so as to emit light of a preselected color. For example, the controller may receive input from a user through the network interface that directs the controller to operate the light source of the siding panel with a certain color. The controller then sends a control signal to the light source to emit a particular light by tuning the various LEDs of the light source. Thus, for example, a user may select a particular color of lighting based on a holiday, such as orange in October or pink on Valentine's Day. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the siding panels of the disclosure provide decorative lighting on the exterior of the building surface. Moreover, in some embodiments, the controller is configured to operate different siding panels of the siding system with different colors.
In certain embodiments of the siding system as otherwise described herein, the lighting configuration includes a lighting sequence. For example, in some embodiments, the controller includes programmed instructions stored in memory for sending a control signal to the light source so as to flash the light source on and off. Further, in some embodiments, the light source includes a strip of lighting elements and the controller is configured to send a control signal to the light source to operate the lighting elements in a sequence. For example, the lighting elements may be controlled to illuminate sequential so as to appear as though the light moves along the siding panel. Various other lighting configurations and patterns are also possible, either within a single siding panel, or in a coordinated fashion amongst several siding panels.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a building surface siding system including a support structure and at least one siding panel of the disclosure attached to the support structure. For example, in some embodiments, the support structure is part of an exterior wall, such as an exterior building substrate or exterior sheathing. Such a building surface siding system is shown in
In some embodiments, the building surface siding system includes several siding panels including light sources that are attached to the support structure. For example, a lock of a second siding panel may be coupled to a lock of a first siding panel, where each siding panel includes a light source. Accordingly, the siding panels may form two rows of panels that both emit light from respective light sources. Further, in some embodiments, the entire support structure is covered by siding panels according to the disclosure, each having a respective light source.
In other embodiments, the building surface siding system includes a second siding panel without a light source attached to the support structure, where the second siding panel is coupled to a first siding panel of the at least one siding panel. For example, building surface siding system 700 includes a second siding panel 792 that is also secured to support structure 790. Furthermore, an upper lock of second siding panel 792 is coupled to a lower lock of first siding panel 710 so as to form a continuous wall covering over support structure 790.
Various aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are provided by the enumerated embodiments provided below, which may be combined in any number and in any combination that is not technically or logically inconsistent.
A siding panel including a light source, the siding panel comprising:
The siding panel according to embodiment 1, wherein the panel body includes:
The siding panel according to embodiment 2, wherein the light source is disposed behind the first vertically-extending section.
The siding panel according to embodiment 2 or embodiment 3, wherein the overhang includes a receiving channel disposed behind the first vertically-extending section, and
A siding panel configured to receive a light source, the siding panel comprising:
The siding panel according to embodiment 4 or embodiment 5, wherein the receiving channel includes a retaining protrusion configured to secure the light source within the receiving channel.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 2 to 6, wherein the first vertically-extending section is adjacent to the first edge of the panel body.
The siding panel according to embodiment 7, wherein the first overhang is disposed midway between the first edge and second edge of the panel body.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 2 to 7, wherein the first overhang is adjacent to the second edge of the panel body.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 2 to 8, wherein the panel body includes:
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the light source includes a plurality of LEDs.
The siding panel according to embodiment 11, wherein the plurality of LEDs is arranged in a strip that extends along the length of the panel body.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the light source includes a terminal for receiving current.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the light source is disposed in an elongate housing.
The siding panel according to embodiment 14, wherein the elongate housing is a weather-proof case.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the light source is configured to attach to the panel body using adhesive.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the light source is configured to attach to the panel body using mechanical fasteners.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the length of the panel body is at least 4 feet, e.g., at least 5 feet, e.g., at least 6 feet.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the length of the panel body is no more than 30 feet, e.g., no more than 24 feet, e.g., no more than 20 feet.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein a width of the siding panel is at least 3 inches, e.g., at least 4 inches, e.g., at least 6 inches.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein a width of the siding panel is no more than 30 inches, e.g., no more than 24 inches, e.g., no more than 18 inches.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein a thickness of the panel body is in a range 0.03 inches to 0.2 inches.
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the panel body includes one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), acrylonitrile ethylene styrene (AES), polyurethane, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
The siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 23, further comprising insulation disposed on the rear face of the panel body.
A siding panel system comprising:
The siding panel system according to embodiment 25, wherein the lighting configuration includes a selected color.
The siding panel system according to embodiment 26, wherein the lighting configuration includes a lighting sequence.
The siding panel system according to any of embodiments 25 to 27, further comprising at least one additional siding panel according to any of embodiments 1 to 24 configured to receive control signals from the controller.
A building surface siding system comprising:
The building surface system according to embodiment 29, further comprising a second siding panel without a light source attached to the support structure, wherein the second siding panel is coupled to a first siding panel of the at least one siding panel.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the processes and devices described here without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/955,036, filed Dec. 30, 2019, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62955036 | Dec 2019 | US |
