SKIRTING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS

Abstract

Skirting panel assemblies for enclosing a space beneath a structure and methods assembling and forming components of the skirting panel assemblies. In some examples, a skirting panel assembly includes a skirting panel, a top trim member, a track base member, and a column member. The track base members can receive and brace a bottom edge portion of the skirting panels. The top trim member can be fitted over or receive a top edge portion of the skirting panels and can be attached to the structure with fasteners. The column members can engage with adjacent skirting panels for enclosing a space between the adjacent skirting panels. In some examples, the components of the skirting assembly can be molded from concrete.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to skirting assemblies, for example, concrete skirting assemblies, and methods for enclosing a space beneath a structure.

BACKGROUND

The code requires the underfloor of a manufactured home to be enclosed with a foundation or skirting. Most manufactured homes built before 2010 are not foundation ready, thus limiting any replacement only to skirting. Most known skirting materials are unattractive, difficult to install, and/or non-durable.

SUMMARY

Described herein are concrete skirting panel assemblies for enclosing a space beneath a structure and methods assembling and forming components of the skirting panel assemblies. In some examples, a skirting panel assembly includes a skirting panel, a top trim member, a track base member, and a column member. The track base members can receive and brace a bottom edge portion of the skirting panels. The top trim member can be fitted over or receive a top edge portion of the skirting panels and can be attached to the structure with fasteners. The column members can engage with adjacent skirting panels for enclosing a space between the adjacent skirting panels. In some examples, the components of the skirting assembly can be molded from concrete. As such, the concrete skirting panel assemblies and methods disclosed herein can, among other things, overcome one or more of the deficiencies of typical skirting or enclosure systems.

In one representative example, a concrete skirting assembly for enclosing a space beneath a structure includes: a skirting panel; a track base member comprising a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion is configured to be disposed on exterior of the skirting panel and the rear portion is configured to be disposed interior of the skirting panel, and wherein the front portion and the rear portion are sized and shaped to receive a lower edge portion of the skirting panel therebetween; a top trim member that includes one or more lateral holes for attaching the top trim to a portion of the structure via one or more fasteners, the top trim comprising a stepped configuration on an interior side thereof that is sized and shaped to form at least one slot between the interior side and the structure when attached to the structure, wherein the at least one slot is sized and shaped to receive a top edge portion of the skirting panel; and a column member configured to be seated on a top surface of the track base member and configured to enclose a seam between the skirting panel and an adjacent skirting panel.

In another representative example, a concrete skirting assembly for enclosing a space beneath a structure includes: a skirting panel; a column member comprising a groove extending along of first side edge thereof, the groove sized and shaped to receive a side edge portion of the skirting panel; a track base member comprising a channel formed between a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the channel is sized and shaped to receive a lower edge portion of the skirting panel; and a top trim member comprising a two-stepped configuration on an interior side thereof which is configured to form a first slot and a second slot between the interior side and the structure when the top trim member is attached to the structure, wherein the first slot is sized and shaped to fit over a top edge portion of the skirting panel and the second slot is sized and shaped to fit over a top edge portion of the column member.

In another representative example, a concrete skirting assembly for enclosing a space beneath a structure when the assembly is in an assembled configuration includes: a skirting panel; a column member comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface configured engage a portion of a front surface of the skirting panel to cover a seam between the skirting panel and an adjacent skirting panel in the assembled configuration; a track base member comprising a front section having an interior surface extending along a length of the track base member and a rear section comprising a plurality of protrusions each having a flat interior face, wherein the interior surface of the front second the flat interior faces of the protrusions are configured to receive a lower edge portion of the skirting panel therebetween in the assembled configuration, the track base member comprising one or more vertical holes for receiving fasteners for attachment of the track base member to an underlying surface; and a top trim member having a stepped configuration on its interior side which is configured to form a slot between the interior side and the structure when the top trim member is attached to the structure in the assembled configuration, wherein the slot is sized and shaped to receive a top edge portion of the skirting panel, wherein the top trim member comprises one or more lateral holes for receiving fasteners for attachment of the top trim member to the structure.

The various innovations of this disclosure can be used in combination or separately. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are cross sectional views of an exemplary skirting assembly, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary skirting panel component for the skirting assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is rear perspective view of an exemplary trim component for the skirting assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the trim component of FIG. 4 attached to a structure and retaining a position of the skirting panel components of FIG. 3 and an exemplary column component.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an exemplary bottom track component for the skirting assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a skirting panel component of FIG. 3 received within the bottom track components of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of the column component disengaged from the skirting component and the bottom track component.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective front views of the column component engaged with the skirting component and the bottom track component.

FIG. 11 is a perspective side view of the column component engaged with the bottom track component.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of another exemplary skirting assembly, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the skirting assembly of FIG. 12 with the column component disengaged from a bottom track components and the skirting panel components.

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of an exemplary trim component for the skirting assembly of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 15A-15D are perspective views illustrating an exemplary mold and method of molding the trim component of FIG. 14.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are front and rear perspective views of an exemplary bottom track component for the skirting assembly of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 17A-17C are perspective views illustrating an exemplary mold and method of molding the bottom track component of FIGS. 16A-16B.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are front plan views of an exemplary skirting panel for use in the skirting assemblies disclosed herein.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a stacked configuration of the skirting panels of FIGS. 18A and 18B.

FIG. 20 is a top view in partial cross-section illustrating an exemplary gang mold assembly and method of molding the skirting panel of FIGS. 18A and 18B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of examples of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems should not be construed as being limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed examples, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The methods, apparatus, and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed examples require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.

Although the operations of some of the disclosed examples are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like “provide” or “achieve” to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” Further, the term “coupled” generally means physically, mechanically, chemically, magnetically, and/or electrically coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items absent specific contrary language.

As discussed above, skirting can be utilized to enclose the underfloor (a crawl space) of a manufactured home or other structure that is installed without a foundation. However, conventional perimeter crawl space enclosures (for example, vinyl skirting) are usually non-durable and provide neither structural support to the home nor anchoring of the home to the ground. Other conventional perimeter crawl space enclosures (for example, concrete block skirting) are costly and difficult (for example, requiring skilled laborers) to install. Thus, the industry would benefit from a product that would install in manner similar skirting, but have increased durability and/or wind resistance, similar to that of a permanent foundation.

The skirting assemblies disclosed herein for use with manufactured homes or other structures address one or more of the foregoing issues.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some examples, a skirting assembly 100 can include a top trim component 102 (which can also be referred to as “top trim caps” or “top trim pieces” or “caps” or “trim members”), a skirting panel component 104 (which can also be referred to as “skirting panels” or “skirting” or “panels”), a column component 106 (which can also be referred to as “columns” or “joints” or “column members” or “bats”), and a bottom track component 108 (which can also be referred to as “bottom track bases” or “bottom tracks” or “bases”). The assembly 100 can additionally include fasteners 110, 112 (which can also be referred to as “fastening members” or “screws” or “threaded members”) and/or anchor pins 114 (which can also be referred to as “anchors” or “anchoring members”).

Each component can have shape and/or dimension configured to complement (for example, interlock with, engage with, interface with, receive, be abutted to, and/or be inserted into) one or more of the other components. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section of a top portion of the skirting assembly 100 and FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a bottom portion of the skirting assembly 100. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the skirting panel component 104 (also shown in FIG. 3) can be abutted to a lower portion of the side of a manufactured home 116 (which can include, for example, the rim joist and/or the lower siding of a manufactured home) and can extend downward from the home (for example, between the lower portion of the home and a ground surface) to cover a crawl space beneath the manufactured home. In some examples, the skirting panel component 104 can be attached to the side of the manufactured home skirting panel via attachment members and/or an adhesive. In some examples, the skirting panel component 104 can retained against the side of the manufactured home skirting by the top trim component 102.

In some examples, the top trim component 102 can be abutted to an exterior surface of the home siding can have a stepped configuration (for example, three steps) on its interior side/surface (also shown in FIG. 4) that create two slots 111, 113 between the interior surface and the siding when attached to the manufactured home. The slots 111, 113 can be fitted over or receive a top portion of the skirting panel component 104 and a top portion of the front side or portion 106a of the column component 106. In other words, the top trim component can be stepped on its interior side surface to accommodate a thickness of the skirting panel component 104 and a thickness of the front side portion 106a of the column component 106 (also shown in FIG. 5).

In some examples, the slots 111, 113 can overlap the top portion of the skirting panel component 104 and the top portion of the front side 106a of the column component 106, which do not need to be fully received within the slots (for example, they do not need to extend the full length of the slots 111, 113). For example, FIG. 1 shows open areas within the slots 111, 113. The open areas can be voids that allow adjustability and/or space for flexibility in the fit between the top trim component 102 and the top portion of the skirting panel component 104 and the top portion of the front side 106a of the column component 106. Similarly, the rear side or portion 106b of the column component 106 can include a gap 115 that allows adjustability and/or space for flexibility in the fit between the top trim component 102 and the top portion of the skirting panel component 104 and the top portion of the front side 106a of the column component 106. In some examples, the open areas can accommodate for, for example, uneven ground or imprecise cutting or molding of the components. In other examples, one or more of the components can be tightly fit together and the gaps and/or voids can be excluded.

The top trim component 102 can be affixed to the manufactured home by laterally inserting fastener(s) 110 through the top trim component 102 and the lower portion of the home 116. When attached, the top trim component 102 can retain a position of the skirting panel component 104 and the column component 106 relative to the manufactured home (or other structure). In some examples, horizontal holes or channels for receiving the fasteners 110 can be formed or cast in the top trim component 102.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, a lower portion of the skirting panel component 104 can be received within the bottom track component 108. For example, the lower portion of the skirting panel component 104 can be received within a groove or channel 119 extending along a length of the bottom track component 108 (shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 10, 11). The groove can have a depth sufficient to accommodate uneven ground. The fastener 112 can be inserted laterally through a body of the bottom track component 108 and the lower portion of the skirting panel component 104 received within the groove of the bottom track component 108 to retain a position of the skirting panel component 104 relative to the bottom track component 108. The anchor pin(s) 114 can be inserted vertically through the bottom track component 108 and into the ground to retain a position of the bottom track component 108 relative to the ground. In some examples, horizontal holes or channels and vertical holes or channels for receiving the fasteners 112 and the anchoring pins 114 (respectively) can be formed or cast in the bottom track component 108.

Turning to FIGS. 8-11, the column component 106 can be configured to connect two skirting panel components 104 (for example, act as a joint between two skirting panel components 104). As can be seen therein, each side of the column component 106 can include a slot or groove 117 disposed between the front side portion 106a and the rear side portion 106b for receiving a side portion and/or side edge of one of the skirting panel components 104. As shown in FIG. 11, in some examples, the column component 106 can be seated on a top surface of the bottom track component 108 such that it sits above the groove of the bottom track component 108. In some examples, the groove 117 at the sides of the column component 106 and the groove of the bottom track component 108 are approximately the same width and the width can correspond to a thickness of the skirting panel components 104 or can be greater than a thickness of the skirting panel components 104. In other examples, the groove or portions of the groove in the bottom track component 108 can be wider than the groove 117, which can enable, for example, receiving of a bottom portion of the column component 106 therein.

It will be appreciated that multiples of the bottom track component 108 can be laid around a perimeter of the manufactured home such that the grooves thereof are aligned along a side of the perimeter. The aligned bottom track components 108 can receive the skirting panel components 104 therein for enclosing a crawl space beneath the home. Adjacent skirting panel components 104 can be adjoined or connected via the column components 106. The top trim components 102 can then be attached to the manufactured home over the top portions of the skirting panel components 104 and the column components 106.

In some examples, one or more of the top trim component 102, the skirting panel component 104, the column component 106, or the bottom track component 108 is made of concrete. In some examples, all of the foregoing components are made of concrete. In other examples, one or more of the foregoing components can be made of a different material, such as a metallic material, a plastic material, wood, compressed wood, or combinations of the foregoing materials.

The skirting assembly 100 can have advantages over conventional skirting. For example, the components are interlocking (e.g., the bottom track holds the panel in line, the panel holds the vertical columns, the top trim holds the panel and column vertically in place). In other examples, each component is either tongue and groove or overlapped, and therefore measured cuts or molding of the components does not have to be precise. In another example, there are no butt seams or need for seam caulking. In yet another example, the skirting assembly 100 can be installed as cosmetic only or with additional fasteners, can be considered structural for unbalanced fill and/or shear wall wind anchoring. In yet another example, the skirting assembly 100 can provide a skirting crawl space enclosure, fabricated with durable concrete. In yet another example, the skirting assembly 100 can be less labor intensive and can have a lower price than concrete block skirting or other wood or concrete siding skirting applications, with durability similar to concrete. In yet another example, the skirting assembly 100 can be assembled with less trained construction skills. In yet another example, the skirting assembly 100 can be architecturally appealing.

Another exemplary skirting assembly 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 12-14. Exemplary molds and methods of making components of the skirting assembly 200 are illustrated in FIGS. 15A-17C. In some examples, the skirting assembly 200 can have one or more features of the skirting assembly 100 discussed above. In some examples, the skirting assembly 200 can have one or more features that differ from the skirting assembly 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, in some examples, the skirting assembly 200 can include a top trim component 202 (which can also be referred to as “top trim caps” or “top trim pieces” or “caps” or “trim members”), a skirting panel component 204 (which can also be referred to as “skirting panels” or “skirting” or “panels”), a column component 206 (which can also be referred to as “columns” or “joints” or “column members” or “bats”), and a bottom track component 208 (which can also be referred to as “bottom track bases” or “bottom tracks” or “bases”). The assembly 200 can additionally include fasteners 210 (which can also be referred to as “fastening members” or “screws” or “threaded members”) and/or anchor pins 214 (which can also be referred to as “anchors” or “anchoring members”).

Each component can have shape and/or dimension configured to complement (for example, interlock with, engage with, interface with, receive, be abutted to, and/or be inserted into) one or more of the other components. As can be seen in FIG. 12, the skirting panel component(s) 204, 204′ can be abutted to a lower portion of the side of a manufactured home 216 (which can include, for example, the rim joist and/or the lower siding of a manufactured home) and can extend downward from the home (for example, between the lower portion of the home and a ground surface) to cover a crawl space beneath the manufactured home. In some examples, the skirting panel component(s) 204, 204′ can be attached to the side of the manufactured home skirting panel via attachment members or an adhesive. In some examples, the skirting panel component 204, 204′ can retained against the side of the manufactured home skirting by the top trim component(s) 202, 202′, 202″.

As can be seen in FIG. 14, in some examples, the top trim component 202 can be abutted to an exterior surface of the home 216 can have a stepped configuration (for example, one step) on its interior side/surface that creates a slot 211 between the interior surface and the siding when attached to the manufactured home 216. The slot 211 can be fitted over or receive a top portion of the skirting panel component 204. In other words, the top trim component 202 can be stepped on its interior side surface to accommodate a thickness of the skirting panel component 204. In some examples, the slot 211 can overlap with the top portion of the skirting panel component 204, and the top portion of the skirting panel component 204 does not need to be fully received within the slot 211 (for example, it does not need to extend the full length of the slot 211). For example, FIG. 14 shows an open area within the slot 211 above the top portion of the skirting panel component 204. The open area can be a void that allows adjustability and/or space for flexibility in the fit between the top trim component 202 and the top portion of the skirting panel component 204. In some examples, the open areas can accommodate for, for example, uneven ground or imprecise cutting or molding of the components. In other examples, one or more of the components can be tightly fit together and the gaps and/or voids can be excluded.

The top trim component 202 can be affixed to the manufactured home by laterally inserting fastener(s) 210 through the top trim component 202 and the siding and/or a rim joist of the home 216. The top trim component 202 can retain a position of the skirting panel component 204 relative to the manufactured home (or other structure). As discussed further below, in some examples, horizontal holes or channels for receiving the fasteners 210 can be formed or cast in the top trim component 202.

As can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, a lower portion of the skirting panel component 204 can be received by the bottom track component 208. FIGS. 16A and 16B show detailed views of the bottom track component 208. Specifically, FIG. 16A shows a front section or portion 208a of the bottom track component 208 and FIG. 16B shows a rear section or portion 208b of the bottom track component 208. In some examples, the front section 208a is a raised portion relative to the rear section 208b. In some examples, the rear section 208b includes a plurality of protrusions 221. In some examples, each of the protrusions 221 can have a flat interior face. In some examples, the lower portion of the skirting panel component 204 can be received and/or braced between the flat interior surfaces of the protrusions 221 and an interior surface of the front section 208a of the track component 208 to retain a position of the skirting panel component 204 relative to the bottom track component 208. In some examples, the lower portion of the skirting panel component 204 can be received within spaces 219 between the flat interior surfaces of the protrusions 221 and an interior surface of the front section 208a of the track component 208. In some examples, when assembled (as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13), the front section 208a is exterior of the skirting panel components 204 (and is visible from the exterior of the structure) and the rear section 208b is interior of the skirting panel components 204 (and is hidden from view).

Anchor pins 214 can be inserted vertically through the bottom track component 208 and into the ground (or other surface underlying the bottom track component) to retain a position of the bottom track component 208 relative to the ground. As discussed further below, in some examples, vertical holes or channels can be formed or cast in the bottom track component 208 for receiving the anchoring pins 214. Although not shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, in some examples, the front section 208a and the projections 221 of the rear section 208b (or just the front section 208a) can include horizontal channels for receiving fasteners inserted laterally through the lower portion of the skirting panel component 204 to further retain a position of the skirting panel component 204 relative to the bottom track component 208 (similar to the configuration for the bottom track component 108 for receiving the fasteners 112 shown in FIG. 2 and discussed above).

Returning to FIGS. 12 and 13, the column component 206 can be configured to cover a seam 223 between two adjacent skirting panel components 204, 204′. Different from the column component 106, the column component 206 extend over only the front surface of the two adjacent skirting panel components 204, 204′. As shown in FIG. 12, in some examples, a bottom surface of the column component 206 can be seated on the top surface of the front section 208a of the bottom track component 208′. In other examples, the bottom track component 208 can be configured to receive a bottom portion of the column component 206. A top surface of the column component 206 can be abutted to or adjacent to a bottom surface of the top trim component 202′. In some examples, the column component 206 can be attached to the skirting panel components 204, 204′ with an adhesive. In some examples, the column component 206 can be attached to the skirting panel components 204, 204′ with one or more fasteners.

For enclosing a crawl space beneath a structure, such as a manufactured home, multiples of the bottom track component 208 (for example, the bottom track components 208, 208′, 208″ and one or more others) can be laid along each side of a perimeter of the structure such that, when the bottom track components 208 are laid in an end-to-end arrangement, the front sections 208a of the track components are generally aligned and the protrusions 221 on the rear sections 208b of the track components are generally aligned. Accordingly, the bottom track components 208 in the end-to-end arrangement can receive bottom portions of the skirting panel components 204. For example, adjacent skirting panel components 204 (for example, the skirting panel components 204, 204′ and one or more others) can be received within the aligned track components 208. The top trim components 202 (for example, top trim components 202, 202′ and one or more others) can then be attached to the manufactured home over the top portions of the skirting panel components 204. After the skirting panel components 204 are secured by the top trim components 202, the column components 206 can be positioned over the seams 223 between adjacent ones of the skirting panel components 204. In some examples, an industrial adhesive (for example, caulking, epoxy, foam sealant, and/or moisture activated adhesives) can be applied to the interior surface of the column components 206. In some examples, the adhesive can additionally be applied to a bottom surface of the column components 206. In some examples, a brad gun can be used to nail the column components 206 to the skirting panel components 204. In some examples, the column components 206 can be braced against the skirting panel components 204 until the adhesive cures or dries.

The skirting assembly 200 can have one or more of the advantages of the skirting assembly 100 discussed above. The skirting assembly 200 can have one or more other or additional advantages. For example, as the top trim component 202 includes a single step on its interior side and as the bottom track component 208 includes protrusions (instead of a continuous channel), the amount of material (for example, cement) required for fabricating the components is reduced and the components can be lighter in weight, which can enable easier assembly and/or shipping. Assembly can also simplified by having the top trim component 202 fit over (receive) top portions of the skirting panel 204 components rather than additionally fitting over (receiving) top portions of the column component 206. Further, a profile of the top trim component 202 (that is, a distance that the top trim component projects outwardly from the manufactured home or other structure) is reduced and/or is “low-profile”. In yet another example, the top trim components 202, the bottom track components 208, and/or the column components 206 can be manufactured via molding.

For example, FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate an exemplary mold 300 and method of molding the top trim component 202. In some examples, the mold 300 can include a base portion 302, a top portion 304, and a brace 306 including a platform 308 and rail 310a, 310b. In some examples, the base portion 302 is a five-sided rubber mold having an interior shape complementary to an exterior shape of a front face, top and bottom surfaces, and left and right side surfaces of the top trim component 202. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 15D, in some examples, the interior of the base portion 302 can include a curved interior edge 312 that corresponds to a curved top edge 222 of the front face of the top trim component 202. In some examples, the interior of the base portion 302 can include tapered projections 314 that are complementary to holes 224 in the top trim component 202 for receiving fasteners 210. The exterior of the body of the base portion 302 can be sized and shaped to be seated between the rails 310a, 310b of the brace 306 for stabilization of the base portion 302 during molding. In some examples, a distance between the interior surfaces of the rails 310a, 310b corresponds to a width of the base portion 302. In some examples the interior space of the base portion 302 can be filled with a moldable material (for example, uncured concrete).

As can be seen in FIG. 15A, the top portion 304 can be a planar (flat) member that can be seated onto a shelf 316 of the base portion 302. When seated on the shelf 316, the top portion can extend over a portion of an open (sixth) side of the base portion 302. After the base portion 302 is filled with the moldable material, the top portion can be fitted and/or seated onto the shelf 316 of the base portion 302 (FIGS. 15A and 15B). In some examples, the top portion 304 can be attached to the rail 310a via attachment members (for example, screws). In some examples, the top portion 304 can be attached via a compression device (for example, a vice). A remaining portion of the open (sixth) side of the base portion 302 can remain open during curing of the moldable material. When the top portion 304 is attached to the base portion 302 and extends over the moldable material disposed in the interior of the base portion 302 (FIGS. 15A and 15B), the top portion 304 forms a complementary shape to the stepped, interior surface of the top trim component 202. After hardening and/or curing of the material within the mold 300, the top portion 304 can be removed from the base portion 302 (FIG. 15C), and the base portion 302 can be inverted to remove the molded top trim component 202 therefrom (FIG. 15D).

FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate an exemplary mold 400 and method of molding the bottom track component 208. In some examples, the mold 400 can include a base portion 402 and a brace 406 including a platform 408 and rail 410a, 410b. In some examples, the base portion 402 is a five-sided rubber mold having an interior shape complementary to an exterior shape of the front and rear faces, the top surface, and left and right side surfaces of the bottom track component 208. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 17B, in some examples, the interior of the base portion 402 can include depressions 416 that have a complementary shape to the protrusions 221. In some examples, the interior of the base portion 402 can include an elongate recess 418 that has a complementary shape to the raised front section 208a of the bottom track component 208. In some examples, the interior of the base portion 402 can include tapered projections 414 that are complementary to holes 226 in the bottom track component 208 for receiving anchor pins 214. The exterior of the body of the base portion 402 can be sized and shaped to be seated between the rails 410a, 410b of the brace 406 for stabilization of the base portion 402 during molding. In some examples, a distance between the interior surfaces of the rails 410a, 410b corresponds to a width of the base portion 402.

In some examples the interior space of the base portion 402 can be filled with a moldable material (for example, uncured concrete). The open (sixth) side of the mold 400 can remain open during curing of the moldable material. In some examples, the open (top) side of the mold 400 corresponds to a bottom surface of the bottom track component 208. After hardening and/or curing of the material within the mold 400, the base portion 402 can be inverted (FIG. 17B) to remove the molded bottom track component 208 therefrom (FIG. 17C).

FIGS. 18A-19 illustrate an exemplary skirting panel component 504, which can have one or more features of the skirting panel components 104, 204 discussed above. In some examples, the skirting panel component 504 can be used in in the skirting assemblies 100, 200, as discussed above with respect to the skirting panel components 104, 204. In some examples, the skirting panel component 504 can be used in other skirting assemblies or can be used alone for enclosing a crawl space beneath a manufactured home or other structure.

As shown in FIG. 18A, different from the skirting panel components 104, 204, a front (exterior) face 504a of the skirting panel component 504 includes a depression 530 and holes 532 disposed in the depression and extending through the panel 504. The depression 530 can be sized and shaped to receive a connector 534 (for example, a metal plate or bracket including apertures) and the holes 532 can receive fasteners 536 inserted through the connector. As discussed further below, in some examples, the holes 532 can be formed or cast in the skirting panel component 504.

In some examples, the depression 530 and the holes 532 can be located at the upper portion of the skirting panel component 504. The connector 534 and the holes 532 can be configured for connecting the skirting panel component 504 to a portion of a structure (for example, to a rim joist and/or siding of a manufactured home) via inserting the fasteners 536 (for example, screws) inserted through the connector 534 and holes 532 and into the structure. In other examples, the depression can be excluded from the skirting panel component 504 while still including the holes 532, and the fasteners 536 can be inserted through the holes 532 for attachment of the panel 504 to a structure without the use of a connector. When used in an assembly (such as, the assemblies 100, 200), the connector 534, the depression 530, and the fasteners 536 can be covered by the top trim component (for example, the top trim components 102, 202). The fastening of the skirting panel component 504 directly to the structure can increase stability of a skirting assembly, while maintaining a low-profile appearance on the exterior of the assembly when the top portion of the panel 504 has a top trim component mounted thereover. In some examples, a bottom portion of the panel 504 can include holes for receiving fasteners for attachment to a bottom track component (such as, the bottom track components 108, 208), which can further increase stability of the skirting assembly.

As shown in FIG. 18A, on its rear (interior) face 504b, the skirting panel component 504 can include an upper raised section 538 and a lower raised section 540. Each of the upper and lower raised sections 538, 540 can extend across the width of the panel 504. In some examples, the upper raised section 538 has a greater height than the lower raised section 540. In some examples, the height of the upper raised section 538 can be equal to or greater than a height of the depression 530 on the front surface 504a, thereby increasing durability of the upper portion of the panel 504 at a region configured for attachment to the structure. In some examples, the height of the lower raised portion 540 can be equal to or greater than a height of a channel within a bottom track component, thereby increasing durability of the bottom portion of the panel 504 at a region configured for insertion into the channel of the bottom track component. In other examples, the upper and lower raised portion can be equal in height. In other examples, the lower raised portion can have a greater height that the upper raised portion.

FIG. 19 illustrates two stacked skirting panel components 504, 504′. As can be seen in FIG. 19, when the skirting panel components 504, 504′ are stacked, for example, in a shipping and/or storage configuration, the surfaces of the upper and lower raised sections 538, 540 are abutted to upper and lower portions of the front face 540a′ of the adjacent panel 504′. Advantageously, a gap 542 is formed between the rear face 504b of the panel 504 and the front face 504a′ of the adjacent panel 504. The gap 542 can extend over a majority of the surface area of the front face 504a′ and can protect the front face 504a′ from being damaged (for example, scratched) by contact with the rear face 504b. In some examples, a padding material can be disposed in the gap 542 for additional protection of panel surfaces and/or stability of the stacked configuration. Although only two panels are shown in FIG. 19, additional skirting panel components 504 can be arranged in a stack. In some examples, the skirting panel component 504 can include the raised portions 538, 540 and can exclude the depression and holes 530, 532. In some examples, the skirting panel component 504 can include the depression and holes 530, 532 and can exclude the raised portions 538, 540.

Turning to FIG. 20, an exemplary gang mold assembly 600 and method of molding the skirting panel components 504 is shown and described. Specifically, FIG. 20 shows a top view (in partial cross-section) of the gang mold 600 including a plurality of molds 602 (for example, 602, 602′, 602″). Each mold 602 can have a first face 602a complementary to and configured to form the front face 504a of the skirting panel component 504. For example, first face 602a can include a raised portion 630 complementary to the depression 530 of the panel 504. In some examples, the first face 602a can further include tapered projections 632 (only one can be seen FIG. 20) extending from the raised portion 630 that are complementary to the holes 532 of the skirting panels 504. On an opposing (second) face 602b, each of the molds 602 can include recesses 638, 640 that are complementary to the upper and lower raised portions 538, 540 of the skirting panels 504.

In some examples, each of the molds 602 can be formed from a semi-compliant material, such as, for example, polyurethane rubber. In some examples, a body of the mold 602 can include a plurality of reinforcement ribs or members 604. For example, expanded metal (such, as steel) ribs can be embedded in the body of each of the molds in a zig-zag pattern or configuration. The ribs can provide increased stability and/or durability of the mold body. In some examples, each of the molds 602 can include non-compliant or rigid end plates attached at opposing ends of the mold body. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, steal end plates 606a, 606b can be attached to opposing ends of the mold via threading an aperture in the plates over bolts 608a, 608b. In some examples, the bolts 608a, 608b can temporarily hold the steal end plates 606a, 606b while polyurethane rubber is cast around the metal plates, and the bolts can be removed after the polyurethane rubber hardens. In some examples, the end plates can be brackets or angle irons.

The gang mold 600 assembly can be formed by arranging the molds 602 such that the first face of a mold is oriented toward the second face of an adjacent mold. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the first face 602a of a first mold 602 can be oriented toward the second face 602b′ of a second adjacent mold 602′, and the first face 602a′ of the second mold 602′ can be oriented toward the second face 602b″ of a third mold 602″ adjacent to the second mold 602′. Although only three molds are show in the example of FIG. 20, additional molds 602 can be included in the gang mold assembly. In some examples, the gang mold assembly 600 can include three to forty molds 602.

Once a desired number of molds 602 are arranged in the above described orientation, the molds can be compressed together in a horizontal direction via a compression mechanism 612 to seal and/or form a gasket 610 between the adjacent end surfaces of adjacent ones of the molds 602. In some examples, the compression mechanism can be a device including bulkhead on each opposing end of a threaded member. In some examples, a compression mechanism can be disposed at each side of the gang mold assembly 600 (i.e., on opposing left and right sides). In some examples, a compression mechanism can be disposed at each corner of the gang mold assembly 600 (i.e., on opposing left and right sides at a top portion of the gang mold assembly and at a bottom portion of the gang mold assembly). The end plates 606a, 606b can prevent over-compression of the mold 602 (i.e., the end plates can act as a hard stop). In some examples, the configuration of the mold body and the end plates can permit each mold 602 to compress a sufficient amount to create the seal/gasket 610, such as, for example, 1/16th of an inch.

After compression of the molds 602, the open spaces formed between the adjacent molds 602 can be filled through the top opening with a moldable material (for example, uncured concrete). In some examples, a ground surface or platform beneath the gang mold 600 encloses and/or seals a bottom side (i.e., encloses and/or seals an opening opposing the top opening). In some examples, an industrial vibrator 614 can be coupled to or brought into contact with the gang mold assembly 600. In some examples, more than one industrial vibrator can be coupled to or brought into contact with the gang mold assembly 600. The industrial vibrator(s) can be utilized to vibrate the gang mold assembly as the molds are filled with the moldable material to consolidate the material as it poured in order to reduce likelihood of gaps or air bubbles forming in the molded skirting panels 504. After the panels 504 are cured, the compression mechanism(s) 612 can be released and the molds 602 can be separated to remove the molded panels 504 therefrom.

In some examples, the top trim components 102, 202 disclosed herein can have a length in a range of 12 to 48 inches, a height in a range of 3 to 8 inches, and a thickness in a range of 1/2to 4 inches. In some examples, the fastener holes can be disposed at a range of 6 to 48 inches apart on center and can have a diameter in a range of ⅛ to ½ inch. In some examples, the top trim component can include two fastener holes that are symmetrically spaces from a center of the top trim component. In some examples, the top trim components can have a texture, such as, smooth, wood grain, or rock. In some examples, the top trim components can be configured for end-to-end alignment by aligning, for example, a butt, tongue and groove, and mortar line.

In some examples, the bottom track components 108, 208 disclosed herein can have a length in a range of 12 to 48 inches, a height in a range of 3 to 8 inches, and a thickness in a range of ½ to 4 inches. In some examples, the anchor holes can be disposed at a range of 6 to 48 inches on center and can have a diameter in a range of ⅛ to ½ inch. In some examples, the bottom track component can include two fastener holes that are symmetrically spaces from a center of the bottom track component. In some examples, a groove or a space for receiving the bottom portion of a skirting panel can have a width in a range of ¼ to 2 inches and a depth in a range of ¼ to 2 inches. In the bottom track component 208, the rear section 208b can include between 2 to 10 protrusions 221.

In some examples, the skirting panel components 104, 204, 504 disclosed herein can have a height in a range of 24 to 36 inches, a length in a range of 36 to 60 inches, and a thickness in a range of ½ to 4 inches. In some examples, the column components 106, 206 disclosed herein can have a height in a range of 24 to 36 inches, a width in a range of 2 to 8 inches, and a thickness in a range of ½ to 4 inches.

As discussed above, in some examples, one or more of the foregoing components are made of concrete. In other examples, one or more of the foregoing components can be made of a different material, such as a metallic material, a plastic material, wood, compressed wood, or combinations of the foregoing materials.

In view of the many possible ways in which the principles of the disclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated configurations depict examples of the disclosed technology and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure nor the claims. Rather, the scope of the claimed subject matter is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A concrete skirting assembly for enclosing a space beneath a structure, the skirting assembly comprising: a skirting panel;a track base member comprising a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion is configured to be disposed on exterior of the skirting panel and the rear portion is configured to be disposed interior of the skirting panel, and wherein the front portion and the rear portion are sized and shaped to receive a lower edge portion of the skirting panel therebetween;a top trim member that includes one or more lateral holes for attaching the top trim to a portion of the structure via one or more fasteners, the top trim comprising a stepped configuration on an interior side thereof that is sized and shaped to form at least one slot between the interior side and the structure when attached to the structure, wherein the at least one slot is sized and shaped to receive a top edge portion of the skirting panel; anda column member configured to be seated on a top surface of the track base member and configured to enclose a seam between the skirting panel and an adjacent skirting panel.

2. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 1, wherein the track base member comprises one or more vertical holes, wherein each of the one or more vertical holes is configured to receive and anchor pin for anchoring the track base member to a ground surface.

3. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 1, wherein the column member is configured to engage with each of the skirting panel and the adjacent skirting panel.

4. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 3, wherein the column member comprises a first groove extending along a first side thereof and second groove extending along a second side thereof, wherein the first groove is sized and shaped to receive a side edge portion of the skirting panel and the second groove is sized and shaped to receive a side edge portion of the adjacent skirting panel.

5. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 3, wherein an interior surface of the column member is configured to engage a portion of a front surface of the skirting panel and a portion of a front surface of the adjacent skirting panel.

6. The concrete skirt assembly of claim 1, wherein the stepped configuration on the interior side of the top trim member comprises a first step and a second step, wherein the first step is configured to form a first slot between the interior side of the top trim member and the structure when attached to the structure, and wherein the second step is configured to form a second slot between the interior side the top trim member and the structure when attached to the structure.

7. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 6, wherein the first slot is sized and shaped to receive the top edge portion of the skirting panel, and wherein the second slot is sized and shaped to receive a top edge portion of the column member.

8. The concrete skirt assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one slot is sized and shaped to enable formation of a void between a top edge of the top edge portion of the skirting panel and a top wall of the at least one slot.

9. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 1, wherein the front portion and the rear portion of the track base member define a channel therebetween, and wherein the channel is sized and shaped to receive the lower edge portion of the skirting panel.

10. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 9, wherein the track base member further comprises one or more lateral holes configured to receive a fastener that extends through the channel and through the lower edge portion of the skirting panel received within the channel.

11. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 1, wherein the rear portion of the track base member comprises a plurality of protrusions, each of the protrusions having a flat interior face, and wherein the protrusions are configured such that the lower edge portion of the skirting panel is received between the flat interior faces of the protrusions and an interior wall of the front portion of the track base member.

12. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 1, wherein a front surface of the top edge portion of the skirting panel comprises a depression for receiving a connector plate and one or more apertures configured to receive a fastener therethrough.

13. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 1, wherein a rear surface of the top edge portion of the skirting panel comprises a first raised section and a rear surface of the lower edge portion of the skirting panel comprises a second raised section.

14. A concrete skirting assembly for enclosing a space beneath a structure, the assembly comprising: a skirting panel;a column member comprising a groove extending along of first side edge thereof, the groove sized and shaped to receive a side edge portion of the skirting panel;a track base member comprising a channel formed between a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the channel is sized and shaped to receive a lower edge portion of the skirting panel; anda top trim member comprising a two-stepped configuration on an interior side thereof which is configured to form a first slot and a second slot between the interior side and the structure when the top trim member is attached to the structure, wherein the first slot is sized and shaped to fit over a top edge portion of the skirting panel and the second slot is sized and shaped to fit over a top edge portion of the column member.

15. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 14, wherein the column member is configured to interlock with the skirting panel and an adjacent skirting panel.

16. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 8, wherein the track base member includes one or more vertical holes and one or more lateral holes, wherein the vertical holes are each configured to receive an anchor pin for anchoring the track base member to a ground surface, and wherein the lateral holes are configured to receive a fastener for anchoring the skirting panel to the track base member.

17. A concrete skirting assembly for enclosing a space beneath a structure when the assembly is in an assembled configuration, the assembly comprising: a skirting panel;a column member comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface configured engage a portion of a front surface of the skirting panel to cover a seam between the skirting panel and an adjacent skirting panel in the assembled configuration;a track base member comprising a front section having an interior surface extending along a length of the track base member and a rear section comprising a plurality of protrusions each having a flat interior face, wherein the interior surface of the front second the flat interior faces of the protrusions are configured to receive a lower edge portion of the skirting panel therebetween in the assembled configuration, the track base member comprising one or more vertical holes for receiving fasteners for attachment of the track base member to an underlying surface; anda top trim member having a stepped configuration on its interior side which is configured to form a slot between the interior side and the structure when the top trim member is attached to the structure in the assembled configuration, wherein the slot is sized and shaped to receive a top edge portion of the skirting panel, wherein the top trim member comprises one or more lateral holes for receiving fasteners for attachment of the top trim member to the structure.

18. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 17, wherein the front surface of the skirting panel includes a depression and holes disposed in the depression and extending through the skirting panel, wherein the depression is sized and shaped to receive a connector and the holes are each sized and shaped to receive a fastener inserted through the connector, wherein the connector and holes are configured for connecting the skirting panel to the structure.

19. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 17, wherein a rear side of the skirting panel comprise a first raised section at the top edge portion of the skirting panel and a second raised section at the lower edge portion of the skirting panel.

20. The concrete skirting assembly of claim 19, wherein the concrete skirting assembly is further configured for a storage configuration, and wherein the first and second raised sections of the skirting panel are configured to abut a front side of an adjacent, stacked skirting panel.