Abstract: A stability bracket, which may be configured to be attached to a vacuum that has a hose. The stability bracket includes a mating arm defining a flexible region and configured to conform to the vacuum, irrespective of size and/or shape. The stability bracket may be attached via a strap to any size/shape vacuum. The stability bracket includes a bracket arm operatively attached to one side of the mating arm, such that the bracket arm defining a hose gap opposite the attachment side, which is configured to receive the hose into the bracket arm. In some configurations, the bracket arm may be formed integrally with a wheel caster housing operatively attached to a lower housing of the vacuum. This may be referred to as a caster bracket arm, which extends from the wheel caster housing, such that the hose is configured to sit within the caster bracket arm.

Abstract: A panel configured for attachment to a mounting surface includes raised faces extending between upper and lower edges thereof. The raised faces define a face plane. A shoulder is defined on the raised faces adjacent the upper edge and is spaced from the mounting surface by a shoulder offset. The face plane is also spaced from the mounting surface by the shoulder offset. Keyways are defined between the raised faces and recessed from the face plane. The keyways are spaced from the mounting surface by a bottom keyway offset adjacent the lower edge. The bottom keyway offset is substantially equal to the shoulder offset. Therefore, the face plane of the raised faces at the upper edge of the panel is spaced from the mounting surface by substantially the same distance as the keyways are spaced from the mounting surface at the lower edge of the panel.

Abstract: A panel configured for attachment to a mounting surface includes raised faces extending between upper and lower edges thereof. The raised faces define a face plane. A shoulder is defined on the raised faces adjacent the upper edge and is spaced from the mounting surface by a shoulder offset. The face plane is also spaced from the mounting surface by the shoulder offset. Keyways are defined between the raised faces and recessed from the face plane. The keyways are spaced from the mounting surface by a bottom keyway offset adjacent the lower edge. The bottom keyway offset is substantially equal to the shoulder offset. Therefore, the face plane of the raised faces at the upper edge of the panel is spaced from the mounting surface by substantially the same distance as the keyways are spaced from the mounting surface at the lower edge of the panel.

Abstract: A panel configured for attachment to a mounting surface includes a plurality of raised faces that are formed between an upper edge and a lower edge of the panel. A shoulder is defined on the raised faces adjacent the upper edge and is spaced from the mounting surface, when assembled or attached thereto, by a shoulder offset. A plurality of keyways are recessed between each of the raised faces and are spaced from the mounting surface by a bottom keyway offset adjacent to the butt edge. The bottom keyway offset is substantially aligned with the shoulder offset.

Abstract: A panel configured for attachment to a mounting surface includes a plurality of raised faces that are formed between an upper edge and a lower edge of the panel. A shoulder is defined on the raised faces adjacent the upper edge and is spaced from the mounting surface, when assembled or attached thereto, by a shoulder offset. A plurality of keyways are recessed between each of the raised faces and are spaced from the mounting surface by a bottom keyway offset adjacent to the butt edge. The bottom keyway offset is substantially aligned with the shoulder offset.

Abstract: A panel for attachment to a mounting surface includes a fastener edge defined along one edge of the panel and a butt edge defined opposite the fastener edge. The fastener edge contacts the mounting surface. The panel includes a plurality of raised faces formed between the fastener edge and the butt edge. The raised faces are oriented at a first angle to the mounting surface, such that the raised faces are further from the mounting surface toward the butt edge. The panel also includes a tapered keyway linking each of the raised faces. The tapered keyway extends from the raised faces toward the mounting surface and is at a second angle to the raised faces. An offset hem is formed on the fastener edge and extends away from the mounting surface.

Abstract: A panel for attachment to a mounting surface includes a fastener edge defined along one edge of the panel and a butt edge defined opposite the fastener edge. The fastener edge contacts the mounting surface. The panel includes a plurality of raised faces formed between the fastener edge and the butt edge. The raised faces are oriented at a first angle to the mounting surface, such that the raised faces are further from the mounting surface toward the butt edge. The panel also includes a tapered keyway linking each of the raised faces. The tapered keyway extends from the raised faces toward the mounting surface and is at a second angle to the raised faces. An offset hem is formed on the fastener edge and extends away from the mounting surface.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing from heated plastic sheet material a molded siding product having a rough-textured surface includes a rotatable backing roll having an elastically deformable rim and an embossing element having a moveable embossing surface in compressive engagement with the backing roll. The circumferential surfaces of the backing roll and embossing surface define a contact patch and a nip point. A rough-textured pattern is impressed onto the heated plastic sheet material moved through the nip point. A supply of cooling liquid at least partially sets the heated plastic sheet material to retain an impression of the rough-textured pattern. Respective first and second guide rollers are located higher than the nip point and create a valley defined by the heated plastic sheet material, such that the cooling liquid is collected in a puddle on the heated plastic material proximate the nip point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a siding system for covering a support surface comprising a panel including a body presenting a plane and having a top edge and a bottom edge. The body has a first locking element presenting a nailing hem and a second locking element for spacing the bottom edge of the body from the support surface. The panel has a spacer interconnecting the first locking element and the body of the panel for spacing the top edge of the body from the support surface such that the plane is substantially parallel to the support surface. Additionally, the siding system includes a second panel substantially similar to the first panel such that the second panel interlocks with the first panel. The cooperation of the spacer and the second locking element results in the alignment of the plane of the first panel with the plane of the second panel such that both planes are substantially parallel to the support surface.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing from heated plastic sheet material a molded siding product having a rough-textured surface, including a rotatable backing roll having a first axis of rotation and an elastically deformable rim defining a circumferential surface, and an embossing element having a moveable embossing surface in compressive engagement with the backing roll, the embossing surface defining a rough-textured pattern. The circumferential surface of the backing roll and the embossing surface define a contact patch therebetween that defines a nip point. The rough-textured pattern is impressed into the circumferential surface of the backing roll, and is capable of being impressed into the circumferential surface of the backing roll in the contact patch through heated plastic sheet material moved through the nip point. A supply of cooling liquid is provided to the nip point, and at least one of the backing roll and the embossing element being cooled thereby.

Abstract: A system for decoratively covering a support surface is provided. The system comprises a plurality of panels. Each panel includes a top, a bottom, and first and second ends. Each panel includes a nailing hem for mounting the panel to the support surface. Each panel also includes first and second rows of decorative portions simulating building materials. A riser interconnects the first and second rows. Each panel further includes a flap extending from the riser at the first end and a catch extending from the riser at the second end. The flap and catch mate with a corresponding catch and flap of horizontally adjacent panels. The flap and catch are both sloped upwardly toward the top at an acute angle to provide a mating fit between corresponding flaps and catches.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously producing elongated siding panels is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor, a plurality of mold plates, and a die for extruding a sheet of material onto the mold plates. The mold plates are formed of a rigid material and positioned adjacent one another and supported by the conveyor for forming the elongated siding panels. Each of the mold plates has an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion with an intermediate portion therebetween. The intermediate portion has an aesthetic pattern for imparting the pattern to the sheet of material with the adjacent mold plates having different aesthetic patterns. The lower edge portion has a lower leg extending substantially perpendicular from the intermediate portion defining a horizontal plane and a projection portion between the lower edge portion and the intermediate portion extends beyond the horizontal plane for imparting a jagged pattern to the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A siding system including interlocking panels for installation on a support surface. Each panel has opposing top and bottom edges, and adjacent panels are interlocking at least one location between their top and bottom edges. The panels are supported by projections extending from their rear faces against movement toward the support surface when installed. The panels simulate an arranged plurality of individual building elements such as bricks or stones, and have a variegated appearance. A system for creating the panels is also provided that includes a conveyance by which a panel is conveyed through a plurality of coating stations at which a plurality of different coatings are applied. The plurality of applicators are configured to dispense at least two different coatings onto the panels as the panels move along the conveyor.

Abstract: A system for decoratively covering a support surface is provided. The system comprises a plurality of panels. Each panel includes a top, a bottom, and first and second ends. Each panel includes a nailing hem for mounting the panel to the support surface. Each panel also includes first and second rows of decorative portions simulating building materials. A riser interconnects the first and second rows. Each panel further includes a flap extending from the riser at the first end and a catch extending from the riser at the second end. The flap and catch mate with a corresponding catch and flap of horizontally adjacent panels. The flap and catch are both sloped upwardly toward the top at an acute angle to provide a mating fit between corresponding flaps and catches.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously producing elongated siding panels is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor, a plurality of mold plates, and a die for extruding a sheet of material onto the mold plates. The mold plates are formed of a rigid material and positioned adjacent one another and supported by the conveyor for forming the elongated siding panels. Each of the mold plates has an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion with an intermediate portion therebetween. The intermediate portion has an aesthetic pattern for imparting the pattern to the sheet of material with the adjacent mold plates having different aesthetic patterns. The lower edge portion has a lower leg extending substantially perpendicular from the intermediate portion defining a horizontal plane and a projection portion between the lower edge portion and the intermediate portion extends beyond the horizontal plane for imparting a jagged pattern to the intermediate portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a siding system for covering a support surface comprising a panel including a body presenting a plane and having a top edge and a bottom edge. The body has a first locking element presenting a nailing hem and a second locking element for spacing the bottom edge of the body from the support surface. The panel has a spacer interconnecting the first locking element and the body of the panel for spacing the top edge of the body from the support surface such that the plane is substantially parallel to the support surface. Additionally, the siding system includes a second panel substantially similar to the first panel such that the second panel interlocks with the first panel. The cooperation of the spacer and the second locking element results in the alignment of the plane of the first panel with the plane of the second panel such that both planes are substantially parallel to the support surface.