Abstract: A cornice molding cap is provided as an accessory to cover or eliminate gaps created where cornice molding meets at a corner of a building. The cap covers gaps where cornice molding meets at a corner structure formed by two walls. The cap is particularly useful in exterior siding installations at corners not employing corner posts having receiver pockets for cladding material end edges. A method of finishing a corner molding installation is described, as is a system for finishing such installation, and an assembly including a unitary cornice molding corner cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a plank product and related components having a controllable and realistic wood-grain appearance, the planks and related components having at least one accent color, the method including the steps of: a) introducing into an extruder a powdered or pelletized base material and accent color pellets, the base material containing less than about 75% by weight wood flour, and having a vicat softening temperature, the accent color pellets (i) having a higher vicat softening temperature than said base material, and (ii) including a styrene polymer having a high vicat softening temperature and a melt flow index of greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a consolidated form of the commingled continuous filaments of glass fibers and polymeric fibers as reinforcement. The consolidation of the commingled fibers into composite reinforcement can be used in a continuous form or bulk molding compound pellets. The consolidation of the commingled fibers into composite reinforcement can be made in-situ during in-line extrusion of the final end product extrudate, or prepared as a tape or rod and incorporated into an off-line extrusion of final product. The bulk molding pellets are used solely or diluted with an addition of polymeric material for mono or co-extrusion or compression molding.

Abstract: The present invention includes a screw tip for an extruder screw for effecting mixing in an extruder. The screw tip has a shaft portion and at least one mixing element ring connected to the shaft portion, or a mixing element having an aperture therethrough, or both. The mixing element may have two legs connected by a top portion with the aperture between the two legs to allow flow of extrudate therethrough.

Abstract: Exterior finishing panels are provided which contain an elongated, thermoplastic sheet which is supported by a rigid support member disposed along a portion of the length of the sheet. The panels of this invention will be more kink-resistant, and will ride uneven walls better to present a flatter-looking finished wall surface. These panels are also capable of being worked with ordinary hand tools, such as a standard wood saw made of steel or carbide.

Abstract: A two-piece mullion reinforcement is provided for use in forming an assembly of windows. A first member is fastenable to a portion of a first window frame, and includes at least one piloting tab that extends along and projects outwardly from a surface of the first member. A second member is likewise fastenable to a portion of a second window frame, and includes at least one pilot receptacle that is formed on a surface of the second member. The pilot tab and pilot receptacle comprise mutually complementary profiles so as to be engagable with one another when the first window frame is assembled to the second window frame. The first member also includes a first portion of at least one latch and the second member includes a second portion of the at least one latch that is complementary to the first portion so that when the first window frame is assembled to the second window frame the first member and the second member cooperate to form at least one latch.

Abstract: A geotextile fabric constructed as a bi-axially oriented, open grid of high modulus of elasticity strands impregnated with resinous material which is flexible when cured. The fabric may be stored and installed in roll or sheet form and provides high-strength, low-strain reinforcement of earthen structures which is resistant to abrasion, water and chemical attack from soil.

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: A lightweight, high-strength composite fabric suitable for use in carpet backing, roofing and membranes and other products which employ rugged fabrics. The composite fabric comprises a layer of nonwoven material disposed between a layer of low shrinkage warp strands and a layer of low shrinkage weft strands. The layers are stitched or knitted together and the resultant fabric may be coated with a resin or sizing to prevent slippage between the several layers of the fabric and impart a measure of stiffness to the fabric. The fabric may be manufactured in sheet or, more preferably, roll form and may be coated with materials suitable for desired end applications, e.g., bituminous material whereby the fabric may function as a ready-to-use roofing membrane or other high-strength fabric product.