Patents by Inventor Stephen W. Steffes

Stephen W. Steffes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20160168860
    Abstract: A corner siding product may include a plurality of panels. Each panel may include a front face with a simulated pattern, a hollow back, a longitudinal length extending in an x-direction, a lateral width extending in a y-direction, and a depth extending in a z-direction. In addition, the corner siding product may include a living hinge extending in the y-direction between the panels along side edges thereof. The corner siding product can have an uninstalled configuration wherein it is substantially planar. Embodiments of the corner siding product also can have an installed configuration wherein the living hinge permits the panels to be non-planar relative to each other, such that they are complementary in shape to a corner of a building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: David J. STUCKY, Stephen W. STEFFES
  • Patent number: 9334650
    Abstract: A deck drainage system includes a plurality of hanger clips. Each hanger clip may have a plurality of mounting holes configured to fasten the hanger clip to a support at selected elevations. A soffit may be mounted to the hanger clips without fasteners and located completely below the deck, such that not every hanger clip directly contacts the soffit. A slope of the soffit may be selected by mounting at least two of the hanger clips to the support at different vertical elevations. The soffit may be configured to slope beneath the deck and drain water therefrom in a selected direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: CERTAINTEED CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert D. Shaw, Thomas C. Gilbert, David J. Stucky, Nikki J. Whitney, Lucas D. Wood, Stephen W. Steffes
  • Publication number: 20160126885
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Robert D. Livsey, Joseph Charles Gombarick, Peter Chihlas, Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Michael E. Blackburn, Stephen W. Steffes, Gregory F. Jacobs, Michael J. Noone
  • Patent number: 9303410
    Abstract: A siding product may include a panel having a substantially rectangular structure with a simulated pattern on a front face thereof. The panel may be formed from a polymer and may include color variegation. The panel may have a hollow back and be a single shake configuration that does not simulate more than one shake or more than one course of siding. The siding product may include a panel having a front face with a simulated pattern. The panel can include a hollow back, a longitudinal length extending in an x-direction, a lateral width extending in a y-direction, and a transverse depth extending in a z-direction. The panel can have a plurality of reinforcement ribs on the hollow back that extend longitudinally in the x-direction and transversely in the z-direction. In a version, none of the reinforcement ribs extend laterally in the y-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: CERTAINTEED CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen W. Steffes, Brian W. Kirn, David J. Stucky
  • Patent number: 9270224
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Livsey, Joseph Charles Gombarick, Jr., Peter Chihlas, Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Michael E. Blackburn, Stephen W. Steffes, Gregory F. Jacobs, Michael J. Noone
  • Publication number: 20160010342
    Abstract: A manufactured panel includes a body having a front, back, top, bottom and side walls, the side walls extend between the front and back, and an interior volume located between the front, back, top, bottom and side walls. An insert having an interior portion is embedded within the interior volume of the body, and an exterior portion extends from the interior portion to an exterior of the body. The exterior portion includes stand-offs protruding from the body, such that at least some of the stand-offs are connected to each other inside the interior volume of the body. At least some of the stand-offs are independent and detached from each other on the exterior of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen W. STEFFES, David J. STUCKY, Andrew Clyde BRANDT, Robert D. SHAW, Nikki J. WHITNEY
  • Publication number: 20150326170
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Robert D. Livsey, Joseph Charles Gombarick, JR., Peter Chihlas, Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Michael E. Blackburn, Stephen W. Steffes, Gregory F. Jacobs, Michael J. Noone
  • Patent number: 9169652
    Abstract: A manufactured panel includes a body having a front, back, top, bottom and side walls, the side walls extend between the front and back, and an interior volume located between the front, back, top, bottom and side walls. An insert having an interior portion is embedded within the interior volume of the body, and an exterior portion extends from the interior portion to an exterior of the body. The exterior portion includes stand-offs protruding from the body, such that at least some of the stand-offs are connected to each other inside the interior volume of the body. At least some of the stand-offs are independent and detached from each other on the exterior of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Steffes, David J. Stucky, Andrew C. Brandt, Robert D. Shaw, Nikki J. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20150298374
    Abstract: An injection molded product may include a corner shingle resembling a single course of tiles that differ in size. The corner shingle may be a semi-crystalline thermoplastic and having a wood grain direction. Streaks may be formed in the corner shingle that are substantially parallel to the wood grain direction. The streaks may extend through an interior of the corner shingle and appear as contrasting streaks on an exterior of the corner shingle to form a variegated wood grain appearance. In addition, an injection molded vestige may be formed in the corner shingle. The injection molded vestige may be located adjacent a perimeter of the corner shingle, and may comprise the location at which material entered an injection mold through a gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen W. STEFFES, Brian W. KIRN
  • Publication number: 20150259906
    Abstract: A deck drainage system includes a plurality of hanger clips. Each hanger clip may have a plurality of mounting holes configured to fasten the hanger clip to a support at selected elevations. A soffit may be mounted to the hanger clips without fasteners and located completely below the deck, such that not every hanger clip directly contacts the soffit. A slope of the soffit may be selected by mounting at least two of the hanger clips to the support at different vertical elevations. The soffit may be configured to slope beneath the deck and drain water therefrom in a selected direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Robert D. SHAW, Thomas C. GILBERT, David J. STUCKY, Nikki J. WHITNEY, Lucas D. WOOD, Stephen W. STEFFES
  • Publication number: 20150167315
    Abstract: A siding product may include a panel having a substantially rectangular structure with a simulated pattern on a front face thereof. The panel may be formed from a polymer and may include color variegation. The panel may have a hollow back and be a single shake configuration that does not simulate more than one shake or more than one course of siding. The siding product may include a panel having a front face with a simulated pattern. The panel can include a hollow back, a longitudinal length extending in an x-direction, a lateral width extending in a y-direction, and a transverse depth extending in a z-direction. The panel can have a plurality of reinforcement ribs on the hollow back that extend longitudinally in the x-direction and transversely in the z-direction. In a version, none of the reinforcement ribs extend laterally in the y-direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen W. STEFFES, Robert D. SHAW, David J. STUCKY, Brian W. KIRN
  • Publication number: 20150167313
    Abstract: A siding product may include a panel having a substantially rectangular structure with a simulated pattern on a front face thereof. The panel may be formed from a polymer and may include color variegation. The panel may have a hollow back and be a single shake configuration that does not simulate more than one shake or more than one course of siding. The siding product may include a panel having a front face with a simulated pattern. The panel can include a hollow back, a longitudinal length extending in an x-direction, a lateral width extending in a y-direction, and a transverse depth extending in a z-direction. The panel can have a plurality of reinforcement ribs on the hollow back that extend longitudinally in the x-direction and transversely in the z-direction. In a version, none of the reinforcement ribs extend laterally in the y-direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen W. STEFFES, Brian W. KIRN, David J. STUCKY
  • Patent number: 9032672
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Livsey, Joseph Charles Gombarick, Jr., Peter Chihlas, Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Michael E. Blackburn, Stephen W. Steffes, Gregory F. Jacobs, Michael J. Noone
  • Patent number: 9032678
    Abstract: A deck drainage system includes a plurality of hanger clips. Each hanger clip may have a plurality of mounting holes configured to fasten the hanger clip to a support at selected elevations. A soffit may be mounted to the hanger clips without fasteners and located completely below the deck, such that not every hanger clip directly contacts the soffit. A slope of the soffit may be selected by mounting at least two of the hanger clips to the support at different vertical elevations. The soffit may be configured to slope beneath the deck and drain water therefrom in a selected direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: CERTAINTEED CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert D. Shaw, Thomas C. Gilbert, David J. Stucky, Nikki J. Whitney, Lucas D. Wood, Stephen W. Steffes
  • Publication number: 20140272273
    Abstract: A method of molding a building product may include providing an injection mold with a plurality of gates located adjacent a perimeter of the injection mold. The method may further include commingling a first material and a second material into a flow. The second material may be a color that contrasts with a color of the first material. The method may include injecting the commingled flow into the plurality of gates to form an injection molded building product, and removing the molded building product from the injection mold. In addition, the second material may extend through an interior of the molded building product and appear as contrasting streaks on an exterior of the building product to form a variegated grain appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. SHAW, David J. STUCKY, Travis R. ARBOGAST, Randall M. ELINSKI, Stephen W. STEFFES
  • Publication number: 20140260026
    Abstract: A deck drainage system includes a plurality of hanger clips. Each hanger clip may have a plurality of mounting holes configured to fasten the hanger clip to a support at selected elevations. A soffit may be mounted to the hanger clips without fasteners and located completely below the deck, such that not every hanger clip directly contacts the soffit. A slope of the soffit may be selected by mounting at least two of the hanger clips to the support at different vertical elevations. The soffit may be configured to slope beneath the deck and drain water therefrom in a selected direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. SHAW, Thomas C. GILBERT, David J. STUCKY, Nikki J. WHITNEY, Lucas D. WOOD, Stephen W. STEFFES
  • Patent number: D713552
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Certainteed Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Steffes, Nikki J. Whitney, Andrew C. Brandt, David J. Stucky
  • Patent number: D713974
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Certainteed Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Steffes, Nikki J. Whitney, Andrew C. Brandt, David J. Stucky
  • Patent number: D742034
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: CERTAINTEED CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen W. Steffes, David J. Stucky, Robert D. Shaw, Nikki J. Whitney, Christopher Michael Colyn, David H. Beck
  • Patent number: D742035
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: CERTAINTEED CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen W. Steffes, David J. Stucky, Robert D. Shaw, Nikki J. Whitney, Christopher Michael Colyn, David H. Beck