Abstract: A modular construction system for reducing costs and improving the long term structural integrity of buildings. The modular construction system includes a plurality of lateral members which are stackable and couplable end-to-end with other lateral members, a plurality of anchor members which are couplable to a foundation of a building and include an eye portion, a plurality of anchor segments which include a hook portion for engaging the eye portion of the anchor member and are positionable through a bore of the lateral members for securing the lateral members to the foundation, and a plurality of fastener members which are each couplable to an associated one of the anchor segments to prevent the lateral members from being lifted away from the foundation.

Abstract: The roof shingle system of the present invention includes rows of shingle elements having parallel, slanting lower edges that are aligned to divert the flow of water away from areas where high flow volumes are not desired toward areas where high flow volumes will not cause harm. Because water flowing down a surface will tend to adhere to that surface, the water flowing down the surface of the shingle system of the present invention will tend to follow the slanting lower edges of the shingle elements in the direction of the slanted edges so as to provide a way to control the flow of water on the surface of a roof.

Abstract: Unitary modular shake panels and methods for making and using such shake panels. In one aspect of the invention, a unitary modular shake panel includes an interconnecting section composed of a siding material and several integral shake sections projecting from the interconnecting section. The panel preferably has a quadrilateral shape with first and second edges along a longitudinal dimension that are separated from each other by a width of the panel along a transverse dimension. Additionally, the shake sections are separated from one another by slots extending from the second edge to an intermediate width in the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the panel is composed of a unitary piece of fiber-cement siding with a simulated wood grain running along the transverse dimension.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a siding unit which is adapted for installation. An exemplary embodiment of the siding unit has at least 1.5 courses of vinyl siding. The courses of vinyl siding are preferably formed by one or more facing panels which are comprised of polyvinyl chloride. A reinforcing panel is glued or otherwise laminated to the inside of each course of vinyl siding. The reinforcing panel is preferably comprised of expanded or extruded polystyrene.

Abstract: A glass panel having a simulated metal strip applied thereto in a decorative pattern, and a method for making a glass panel having a simulated metal strip applied thereto in a decorative pattern, including a flat panel of glass, a raised bead of air-curable acrylic resin applied in a prescribed pattern to at least one surface of the flat panel of glass, and a metal film overlying the bead of acrylic resin.

Abstract: A granule covered roofing shingle has a lower, tab portion, an upper, headlap portion, a first end and a second end, the shingle being suitable for installing on roof decks end-to-end with similar shingles in overlapping longitudinal courses, the tab portion having tabs and cutouts. The shingle has a fractional tab at each end of the shingle, and one or more whole tabs positioned between the ends of the shingle. The whole tabs and fractional tabs include a layer of granules to form a color blend, wherein both the fractional tabs of the shingle have the same color blend. When the shingle is installed on a roof deck with other substantially identically shaped shingles in overlapping longitudinal courses, adjacent shingles in the same course of shingles have fractional tabs that adjoin each other and that are of the same generally uniform color blend so that the two adjoining fractional tabs have the appearance of a single tab.

Abstract: A shingle and a method of and apparatus for making the shingle is provided, whereby patches of preselected granules or combinations of granules are provided, separated by transverse areas of different, preferably darker granules, having slots centrally thereof, to yield the appearance of multi-tab shingles that are thicker than they actually are, with transverse shadow lines. A longitudinal shadow line is optionally provided, along the upper and/or lower portion of the exposed tab.

Abstract: A glass panel having a simulated metal strip applied thereto in a decorative pattern, and a method for making a glass panel having a simulated metal strip applied thereto in a decorative pattern, including a flat panel of glass, a raised bead of air-curable acrylic resin applied in a prescribed pattern to at least one surface of the flat panel of glass, and a metal film overlying the bead of acrylic resin.

Abstract: A laminated shingle has a rendered shadow design when placed with other similar shingles on a roof deck. The laminated shingle includes an overlay member and an underlay member fixedly attached to each other. The overlay member includes an upper or headlap portion and a lower or exposed butt portion with one or more tabs separated by cutouts. The underlay member is coated with a layer of relatively dark granules to form vertically and horizontally-oriented shading areas. In one embodiment, one or both vertical edges of each tab are generally parallel to the vertically-oriented longitudinal axis of the vertically-oriented shading area to expose a portion of the shading area. In another embodiment, the width of each tab is randomly selected and the width of the vertically-oriented shading area is a function of the width of the adjacent tab. In yet another embodiment, the intensity of the shading areas can increase from the bottom to the top of each cutout.

Abstract: A roll-up door has a plurality of horizontally extended panels hinged together to permit the door to be moved between a vertical-orientation and a horizontal orientation relative to a doorway. A frame has border side members, a center member, and a top member secured to the outside to the panels exposes portions of the front walls of the panels. The exposed portions of the panels have door facades whereby the garage door has the appearance of two or more doors.

Abstract: Building block systems are provided. An embodiment of a building block system includes a first preformed, monolithic block exhibiting indicia of media and mortar about at least a portion of the exterior of the monolithic block. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A single metal sheet roofing panel having a plurality of alternatively raised and lowered patches longitudinally arranged in three rows. The panel30 comprises a side clip connection system for laterally connecting adjacent panels. The panel is coated with the stone based coating and has a unique patterned appearance of multiple colors and shades. A method for manufacturing of the panel.

Abstract: A decorated floor panel having a core with a top surface and an opposite bottom surface; a decorative layer coupled to the top surface of the core, the decorative layer having a desired aesthetic appearance; and a wear layer coupled to and substantially covering the decorative layer for protecting the decorative layer. The wear layer has an exposed wear surface with depressions therein of a variable depth below the wear surface, the depressions being arranged to display a desired texture pattern. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Abstract: A tile simulating four tiles having a reticulated mesh support and free assembly, which forms on a single piece two longitudinally superimposed ridge tiles and two adjacent channel tiles that are also superimposed and which are concave on the top face and have a flat support on the bottom face. The longitudinal side of the channel tiles has a flat area in an ascending oblique position. Both the concave area and the flat area on the bottom face have lugs with a trapezoidal section serving as support on the cover. The tile has a posterior peripheral ridge ending in an edge with a descending step at the height in which superimposition of the tiles is simulated. The flat area on the perimeter has a peripheral edge and other vertical ridges extending parallel to the edge and interrupted by oblique channels.

Abstract: A method for fabricating muntin grid pieces includes steps that attach a pair of material strips to opposed edges of the muntin bar element. The material strips may be provided in side-by-side strips that may be separated an simultaneously applied to the opposite sides of the muntin bar element. The connection between the material strips and the muntin bar element may be made with an adhesive or a mechanical connection. The method allows the material strips to be connected to the muntin grid pieces before the muntin grid pieces are assembled into a muntin bar grid for a window.

Abstract: An improved decorative brick having a display face with a network of deep interconnected grooves to produce a mosaic-like appearance, and patios made with such brick. A manufacturing method for such decorative brick.

Abstract: A modular plastic shutter assembly that includes an injection molded panel that has been cut to length to accommodate the particular shutter assembly. A die cutter having an appropriately shaped cutting blade cuts an end of the panel to the desirable length. A separate injection molded panel end piece is secured to the cut end of the panel to form a complete panel.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward unitary modular shake panels, and methods for making and using such shake panels. In one aspect of the invention, a unitary modular shake panel includes an interconnecting section composed of a siding material and several integral shake sections projecting from the interconnecting section. The panel preferably has a quadrilateral shape with first and second edges along a longitudinal dimension that are separated from each other by a width of the panel along a transverse dimension. Additionally, the shake sections are separated from one another by slots extending from the second edge to an intermediate width in the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the panel is composed of a unitary piece of fiber-cement siding with a simulated wood grain running along the transverse dimension.

Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly includes a plurality of slats arranged in a row presenting a decorative surface with side flanges projecting rearwardly. At least one cross member overlays each of the slats and presents a decorative cross surface with side cross flanges projecting rearwardly. Each cross slat includes at least one mating member affixed behind the cross slat decorative surface having a mating wall affixed to each of the decorative surfaces for affixing the plurality batten slats to the cross slat. Alternatively, a plurality of primary slats are arranged to present a decorative surface having side flanges projecting rearwardly and at least one end piece is attached to the primary slats the ends of the primary slats are received in the end piece for adjoining and aligning said primary slats, said end piece including a cross member traversing said the primary and having slats and slat ends integrated into the end piece, each of said slats and slat ends aligning with one of the primary slats.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite panel for use in construction, and particularly for shingling, which comprises natural fiber and a polymer. Due to its composition and layout the construction panel provides all of the advantages of natural materials and high end roofing materials, particularly an attractive appearance, while at the same time allowing for ease of installation, little or no maintenance requirements, and providing superior impact and fire resistance when compared to other roofing materials. The construction panels can also be installed using conventional equipment and methods similar to the installation of 3-tab asphalt shingles with little or no learning curve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a simulated fireplace formed, at least partially, from a compressible material, and to a method of forming a simulated fireplace from a compressible material that has a surface that simulates surfaces found in real fireplaces. In particular, this invention forms a simulated fireplace using a compressible material, such as wood, wood composites, or plastics. A pattern is pressed into a surface of the compressible material forming a sculptured surface. The surface is also coated. In one embodiment of the invention the surface is coated with a solvent based coating, for example, a sealer, a primer, and a finish that can include color and/or gloss. In another embodiment of the invention the surface is coated with a powder coating, such as a low temperature epoxy. In yet a further alternative the surface is coated with a polymer film.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall and roof unit for easy and cost efficient home construction. The wall unit of the present invention is formed of a steel frame, a molded external panel formed into the shape of traditional building materials and features, and a layer of insulation material. The wall unit may be assembled in a quality controlled off-site factory.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the manufacture of brick block, i.e. a concrete chimney or wall block, with an impressed brick grout pattern on the face thereof, comprises a mold adapted to fit a known concrete block manufacturing machine. The mold has grout bars to impress a simulated laid brick pattern onto at least one vertical face of the block, the grout bar moveable in and out from a wall of the mold by hydraulic components. The hydraulic components utilize a unique multi-piston hydraulic block.

Abstract: A siding panel and two methods of installing a wall covering made from injection molded materials and having positioning relief to facilitate installation. The siding panel includes a plurality of decorative elements formed with a top edge disposed above a row of decorative elements. Apertures are formed in the panel below the top edge and on the rear side of the siding panel. The panel includes a plurality of tabs, each narrower than the apertures to provide the positioning relief, which depend downward from the rear side, with the tabs being spaced in intervals corresponding to the apertures. The decorative elements are arranged in upper and lower rows which are offset to define relatively discontinuous side edges. The panel is formed from polypropylene, and the decorative elements comprise a simulated wood grain finish to be used as cedar shake shingles. The tab is about one half the width of each aperture, with the apertures being disposed through the siding panel at an angle extending downward.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of prefabricated tiled panels for installation on walls, floors and counters and intended for both interior or exterior use. Panels are selected to each include a particular segment of the overall tiled array. Thus, when all the panels are installed in a previously laid out configuration and the installation is completed, the installation displays the entire tile design without unsightly breaks. Provision is made for fastening panels to framing studs or flat surfaces. Each panel comprises a single base member made from any of a selection of materials that do not need waterproofing, and any size and type of tiles. It is easy to install by any relatively unskilled person. Benefits to builders and homeowners include good quality control due to the controlled manufacturing of the panels, low cost due to methods and materials employed, and practical low cost installation, requiring substantially less skill than that required for present day on site tiling.

Abstract: The present invention is a siding unit which is adapted for installation. The siding unit has at least two courses of vinyl siding. The courses of vinyl siding are preferably formed by one or more facing panels which are made of polyvinyl chloride. A reinforcing panel is glued or otherwise laminated to the inside of each course of vinyl siding. The reinforcing panel is preferably made of expanded or extruded polystyrene.

Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior plane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a novel process for making brick-faced block.

Abstract: There is provided a laminated roofing shingle having a first shingle sheet and a second shingle sheet. The first shingle sheet has a headlap section and a buttlap section, the buttlap section being about 7 inches or greater in height and including a plurality of tabs which are spaced apart to define one or more openings between the tabs. Each of the tabs has a relatively uniform color throughout the tab. The second shingle sheet is attached to the underside of the first shingle sheet and has portions exposed through the openings between the tabs. The second shingle sheet has at least first, second, third, and fourth horizontal striations thereon across at least partial portions of the second sheet which are exposed through the openings between the tabs. The first striation includes a first elongated quadrilateral area with a substantially uniform dark color throughout the first quadrilateral area. The second striation includes a second elongated quadrilateral area below the first striation.

Abstract: A surround molding assembly is disclosed for a doorway window or window of a structure such as a residential home or commercial building. The surround molding assembly may include various embodiments of pilasters, end and corner members, and mantel members that may be fastened to one another or the structure with limited use and visibility of external fasteners. In one embodiment, a decorative molding strip includes a base strip and a decorative strip interconnected by a living hinge. The decorative strip may be pivoted about the living hinge to a closed position over the base strip to hide internally located fasteners. In another embodiment an extension cap is interconnected between a corner member and a decorative molding strip or pilaster without external fasteners. As a result, the molding assemblies of the present invention simplify assembly while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance free of external fasteners.

Abstract: Unitary modular shake panels, and methods for making and using such shake panels. In one aspect of the invention, a unitary modular shake panel includes an interconnecting section composed of a siding material and several integral shake sections projecting from the interconnecting section. The panel preferably has a quadrilateral shape with first and second edges along a longitudinal dimension that are separated from each other by a width of the panel along a transverse dimension. Additionally, the shake sections are separated from one another by slots extending from the second edge to an intermediate width in the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the panel is composed of a unitary piece of fiber-cement siding with a simulated wood grain running along the transverse dimension.

Abstract: A deck plank comprising a substantially flat top surface made preferably from a wood replacement material having a first edge and a second edge, and may also have a tongue attached to the first edge and a groove attached to the second edge, the tongue and the groove each extending in a plane below the top surface, the tongue being adapted to fit with a groove of an adjacent plank. The tongue and the groove are shaped so that a space is maintained between a portion of the tongue and a portion of the groove of the adjacent plank when the tongue is placed adjacent to the groove of the adjacent plank. A number of the deck planks can be used to make a deck.

Abstract: A prefabricated window fame with a decorative window subassembly within for use in a building having a window opening in a wall or a door with a rail about its perimeter. The window frame includes a first, or back, member and a second, or front, member overhanging the window subassembly therebetween and fastened together to form a window frame groove matching the window frame rail. The front frame member is mountable on the outside of the window opening and the back frame member is mountable on the inside of the window opening with the window subassembly therebetween. Frame members are identical, symmetric components with one when inverted matching another to comprise front and back frame members. The frame members are secured together by a plurality of fasteners secured to the frame members about their perimeters. The fasteners comprise matching latch hooks or posts with ridges matching frame holes with ridges.

Abstract: An adjustable shutter includes a substantially rectangular shutter frame having first and second pairs of opposed spaced apart frame members 3a, 3b defining a substantially rectangular opening between the frame members. A plurality of substantially parallel louvers 5 are operatively mounted within the shutter opening and extend between the opposed pair of first frame members. The louvers are capable of at least partially occluding the rectangular opening of the shutter frame. A respective frame cover 6a, 6b is operatively affixed to each one of the frame members. An adjustment mechanism is disposed between at least one frame member and its respective frame cover, and is operable to adjust a separation between the frame member and its respective same cover, such that a first overall dimension of the shutter can be adjusted. Finally, a respective corner cover member 7 is disposed in operative relation to each of the frame covers to visually occlude a gap between each adjacent frame cover.

Abstract: A glazing element for an architectural opening comprises a transparent or translucent laminar element having a major, generally planar portion and at least one secondary portion inclined thereto which meets the said major portion at a surface discontinuity. A three dimensional surface shaping is thus formed which may represent cut glass or glazing bars or a stained glass window.

Abstract: A decorative building unit simulating a multi-pane, window or door. The decorative building unit is comprised of a glass support frame and a single glass panel having an outer surface mounted on or in the glass support frame. The glass panel has at least one simulated joint comprising at least two shallow spaced apart parallel grooves formed in the outer surface of the glass panel and a platform formed between the two spaced grooves. The size and spacing of glass support frame simulated muntins and platforms is such that, when mounted together, the simulated muntins and platforms align with each other to simulate a multi-pane beveled glass window or door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flexible decorative panels which simulate the appearance of natural materials such as brick, logs, wood planks, stone, masonry work, millwork, woodwork, etc., in addition to methods and kits for their preparation. The panels comprise a flexible building sheet, reinforced with a light fibrous material, fabricated by: filling a mold comprising a pattern of a natural material in relief with a fluent hardening material; submerging a reinforcing means within the hardening material; brushing the surface of hardening material; and de-molding the hardened panel.

Abstract: Roofing tiles have dimensions differing from conventional tiles to allow manufacture of the tiles in a substantially greater size than conventional tile sizes. The tiles may be installed more rapidly, since each piece of material must be separately installed and a single tile may cover a greater area. Additional ribs are added underneath the interior portion of each tile than with conventional tiles. The ribs are spaced appropriately such that a person walking over each tile would have the weight of a single foot distributed over one or more ribs at all times. Moreover, the rims of each tile extend substantially deeper, through the thickness, of the tile. Each tile has material removed from the main surface portion, or the actual surface opposite the weather-exposed surface, to reduce the weight therefrom. Each tile may be configured with open air channels underneath each tile up and down the entire roof.

Abstract: A shingle and a method of and apparatus for making the shingle is provided, whereby patches of preselected granules or combinations of granules are provided, separated by transverse areas of different, preferably darker granules, having slots centrally thereof, to yield the appearance of multi-tab shingles that are thicker than they actually are, with transverse shadow lines. A longitudinal shadow line is optionally provided, along the upper and/or lower portion of the exposed tab.

Abstract: A shingle and a method of and apparatus for making the shingle is provided, whereby patches of pre-selected granules or combinations of granules are provided, separated by transverse areas of different, preferably darker granules, having slots centrally thereof, to yield the appearance of multi-tab shingles that are thicker than they actually are, with transverse shadow lines. A longitudinal shadow line is optionally provided, along the upper and/or lower portion of the exposed tab.

Abstract: A multi-layer shingle is made by cutting an anterior layer of shingle material to have a headlap area and a tab area, and with a plurality of tabs being present in the tab area, separated by slotted openings. The tab area of the anterior layer has a predetermined design that has a repeatability in the longitudinal direction, or from one edge of a shingle to another in the right-to-left direction, which repeatability is a function of the length of the shingle between said left and right edges, as well as being a function of the number of tabs in the shingle's anterior layer, with the repeatability being smaller or greater than the length of the shingle in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, an ornamental appearance is provided that has a random, natural-looking effect when the shingles are laid up on a roof.

Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior lane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.

Abstract: An applique used to conceal design limitations in panel doors as used on furniture and kitchen cabinets. The applique comprises of a body which permits its alignment with structural features found on panel doors in the area in and around the inside corner section of the door's panel section. With the application of the said appliques, the resultant is a workpiece comprising of a decorative element that enhances the overall character of the workpiece and also disguises either the joints between components which make-up a conventional door or the curved inside corners found on simulated raised panel doors.

Abstract: A sealed glazing unit simulating the appearance of a traditional divided-lite window has spaced apart parallel co-extensive glazing sheets interconnected by a peripheral seal. Muntin grid elements are located on at least two surfaces of the glazing sheets in mutually aligned registration, the elements being of a width sufficient to create a visual illusion of solid muntin bars within the glazing sheet cavity. Each of the muntin grid elements has on one side a relatively dark shade facing interiorly of the glazing unit and in the opposite side a relatively light shade facing exteriorly of the glazing unit, the combination of these shades creating the visual appearance of solid muntin bars within the cavity. Muntin grid elements within the glazing unit are preferably in the form of strips of plastic material adhered to the cavity glass surfaces, whereas muntin grid elements on the exterior surfaces of the unit can alternatively be formed as relatively thick members e.g.

Abstract: A modular plastic shutter assembly that includes an injection molded panel that has been cut to length to accommodate the particular shutter assembly. A die cutter having an appropriately shaped cutting blade cuts an end of the panel to the desirable length. A separate injection molded panel end piece is secured to the cut end of the panel to form a complete panel.

Abstract: A wall element for a building, especially a lining element used as a facing panel, the front of which is formed of brick, ceramic or similar tiles (1), the joints of which are most advantageously filled with jointing compound. The panel body comprises vertical profiles (2) at a distance from each other and horizontal profiles (3, 8) at a distance from each other, forming a lattice when fixed together, and profiles (2, 3) furnished with guides (4, 5) to facilitate laying of tiles (1) on said profiles.

Abstract: A deck plank comprising a substantially flat top surface made preferably from a wood replacement material having a first edge and a second edge, and may also have a tongue attached to the first edge and a groove attached to the second edge, the tongue and the groove each extending in a plane below the top surface downward from the top, the tongue being adapted to fit with a groove of an adjacent plank. The tongue and the groove are shaped so that a space is maintained between a portion of the tongue and a portion of the groove of the adjacent plank when the tongue is placed adjacent to the groove of the adjacent plank. A number of the deck planks can be used to make a deck.

Abstract: A muntin bar clip includes a contoured body that is shaped to contact the interior of top, bottom and opposing side walls of the muntin bar, and a head that is rotatably attached to the body. The end of the body to which the head is attached is narrowed, to accommodate the rotation of the head without drawing the body from the muntin bar. The body includes projections that extend upwardly and downwardly, and contact the top and bottom walls of the muntin bar. The head includes an L-shaped end, with an upwardly extending wall and a bottom wall. A downwardly extending extension connects to the bottom wall opposite the upwardly extending wall. The extension, which rotatably connects to the body, is separated from the upwardly extending wall by the width of the bottom wall, which is approximately one-half the width of a spacer. The upwardly extending wall is held between the spacer and a sheet of glass.

Abstract: An interlocking prefabricated hardwood floor panel system in which multiple hardwood strips are secured together and attached to a substrate. The hardwood strips end at different locations such that a straight seam is not formed between adjacent floor panels. The substrate covers at least a portion of the floor panel and may extend past the edge of the hardwood strips such that hardwood strips from an adjacent floor panel can be secured to the substrate. Alternative embodiments provide hardwood strips that vary in color to allow designs to be inserted into a floor by using different woods or different stains. The substrate is secured to a target surface which may be the surface of the floor, a ceiling, or wall. The substrate can be attached to the target surface via any appropriate method, such as adhesive, nails, screws, etc.. A variety of flooring patterns can be used including hardwood strips, parquet squares, herringbone, etc.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall and roof unit for easy and cost efficient home construction. The wall unit of the present invention is formed of a steel frame, a molded external panel formed into the shape of traditional building materials and features, and a layer of insulation material. The wall unit may be assembled in a quality controlled off-site factory.