Patents by Inventor Gareth Paul Merrick

Gareth Paul Merrick 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).

  • Patent number: 12138824
    Abstract: An improved engineered wood product, and related methods, with improved actual and apparent surface quality. The product includes a high basis weight fines layer overlaying a strand matrix base layer, with one or more overlay layers. The fines layer may be placed between the overlay layers, if multiple overlays are present. The configuration of fines layer and overlay layer(s) minimizes the presence of sub-surface imperfections that may result in visible telegraphing on the exposed surface. A light pattern or texture may be embossed on the outermost overlay layer during the pressing process. Additionally, a paint primer layer or coating with added aggregate may be applied to help camouflage inherent sub-surface defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORP.
    Inventors: Gareth Paul Merrick, David L. Stackhouse, Tommy R. Wyatt, Eric C. Billings, Lance Olson, David C. Ritter
  • Patent number: 12123200
    Abstract: A manufactured wood based siding or cladding product made from an engineered wood composite including, but not limited to, oriented strand board (OSB), hardboard, plywood, and combinations thereof, with fire-resistant properties (e.g., resistance to flame spread, ignition and combustion) imparted during the manufacturing process. An engineered wood-based composite siding product (in various forms, including lap, panel or trim) possessing such material properties is better suited for meeting the requirements of certain communities or areas where building codes require such protection due to the risk of fires (such as those posed within the boundaries of the wildland-urban interface, WUI). Engineered or manufactured wood-based composite products are typically manufactured by assembling multiple layers, then consolidating these layers using heat and pressure. A “fines” layer comprising wood or lignocellulosic wood particles is currently applied to the face of engineered wood-based composite siding products (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORP.
    Inventor: Gareth Paul Merrick
  • Publication number: 20240116212
    Abstract: An engineered wood based siding, cladding or panel with a microstrand interface layer (MIL) applied to the top of the main strand matrix layers to minimize telegraphing, add rigidity and strength, and provide an improved surface appearance. The MIL comprises microstrands applied to the surface of the strand matrix or mat during production, prior to deposition of a fines layer. The MIL prevents the loss of fines into the strand matrix, and helps prevent or eliminate strand telegraphing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: GARETH PAUL MERRICK, BRIAN ST. GERMAIN
  • Publication number: 20240060309
    Abstract: A wood or manufactured wood-composite based siding used on concrete wall or concrete masonry unit (CMU, or block) construction (including, but not limited to, insulated concrete form construction) with an integrated rainscreen feature. The rainscreen feature or component is applied to, or integrated into or with, the back of the siding (i.e., the inner surface) during the manufacturing process, or in a secondary process thereafter. The features may include raised elements, strips, ridges, or wedges, with one or more channels or spaces. No job-site assembly is required, thereby reducing time and cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventor: GARETH PAUL MERRICK
  • Patent number: 11872720
    Abstract: An engineered wood based siding, cladding or panel with a microstrand interface layer (MIL) applied to the top of the main strand matrix layers to minimize telegraphing, add rigidity and strength, and provide an improved surface appearance. The MIL comprises microstrands applied to the surface of the strand matrix or mat during production, prior to deposition of a fines layer. The MIL prevents the loss of fines into the strand matrix, and helps prevent or eliminate strand telegraphing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORP.
    Inventors: Gareth Paul Merrick, Brian St. Germain
  • Patent number: 11802411
    Abstract: A wood or manufactured wood-composite based siding used on concrete wall or concrete masonry unit (CMU, or block) construction (including, but not limited to, insulated concrete form construction) with an integrated rainscreen feature. The rainscreen feature or component is applied to, or integrated into or with, the back of the siding (i.e., the inner surface) during the manufacturing process, or in a secondary process thereafter. The features may include raised elements, strips, ridges, or wedges, with one or more channels or spaces. No job-site assembly is required, thereby reducing time and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: LOUISIANA PACIFIC CORP.
    Inventor: Gareth Paul Merrick
  • Publication number: 20230143301
    Abstract: An engineered wood based siding, cladding or panel with a microstrand interface layer (MIL) applied to the top of the main strand matrix layers to minimize telegraphing, add rigidity and strength, and provide an improved surface appearance. The MIL comprises microstrands applied to the surface of the strand matrix or mat during production, prior to deposition of a fines layer. The MIL prevents the loss of fines into the strand matrix, and helps prevent or eliminate strand telegraphing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: GARETH PAUL MERRICK, BRIAN ST. GERMAIN
  • Publication number: 20230047169
    Abstract: A unique modified shiplap joint with a transverse spline extending into the respective edge of each piece of siding forming the joint. The spline ensures that the two adjacent pieces of siding are properly and adequately connected to each other, and, through the nail in the underlap portion of the joint, to the wall. The spline may be located in four possible positions: (1) attached to the back side of the underlap section of the joint (i.e., closest to the wall); (2) through the center of the underlap section of the joint; (3) directly attached to the front face of the underlap section of the joint; and (4) through the overlap section of the joint (i.e., closest to the outside face). The spline may be installed on one of the pieces of siding during manufacturing or at the factory, or alternatively, at the job site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: GARETH PAUL MERRICK, TOMMY R. WYATT, ERIC C. BILLINGS, BRIAN W. MATHIS
  • Publication number: 20220412084
    Abstract: An engineered wood based siding, cladding or panel with a pre-consolidated fines layer (PCF) applied to the top of the main strand matrix layers to minimize telegraphing and provide an improved surface appearance. The PCF is consolidated prior to application to the surface of the strand matrix or mat, and takes the place of a loose fines layer. The PCF prevents the loss of fines into the strand matrix, effectively keeping the fines at the surface so they can effectively and efficiently function to prevent or eliminate strand telegraphing, and provide a smooth finished surface for the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: GARETH PAUL MERRICK, BRIAN ST. GERMAIN
  • Publication number: 20220402162
    Abstract: An engineered wood based siding, cladding or panel with a fines interface layer between the main strand matrix layers and the fines layer to minimize telegraphing and provide an improved surface appearance. The fines interface layer is applied to the surface of the strand matrix or mat prior to application of the fines layer. The FIL sits between the strand matrix and the fines layer, and prevents the loss of fines into the strand matrix. The FIL thus keeps the fines at the surface so they can effectively and efficiently function to prevent or eliminate strand telegraphing, and provide a smooth finished surface for the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: GARETH PAUL MERRICK, BRIAN ST. GERMAIN, LANCE OLSON
  • Patent number: 11413783
    Abstract: A system and methods for manufacturing and constructing a fence panel or pickets using engineered wood products, including, but not limited to, oriented-strand board (OSB), fiber strand, or laminated strand lumber. An entire piece of durable, treated engineered wood panel is divided into multiple “fence blanks” of equal size. Each fence blank is then subjected to edge profiling on top and bottom edges, and top feature milling to create fence top features, with finishing, texture, printing, paper overlay, or combinations thereof, added to one or both faces of the blank. Blanks may be milled in a stack. Blanks may then have grooves or other finishing features added to create a finished fence panel. Alternatively, a fence blank can be slit or cut into multiple raw pickets, also with finishing treatments to one or both faces, to create a series of raw pickets. The resulting finished fence panel or pickets provide the authentic look and appeal of real wood, but with the advantages of treated engineered wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Adina Barnes, Jarrod Kevin Line, Gareth Paul Merrick
  • Publication number: 20220170273
    Abstract: A wood or manufactured wood-composite based siding used on concrete wall or concrete masonry unit (CMU, or block) construction (including, but not limited to, insulated concrete form construction) with an integrated rainscreen feature. The rainscreen feature or component is applied to, or integrated into or with, the back of the siding (i.e., the inner surface) during the manufacturing process, or in a secondary process thereafter. The features may include raised elements, strips, ridges, or wedges, with one or more channels or spaces. No job-site assembly is required, thereby reducing time and cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventor: GARETH PAUL MERRICK
  • Patent number: 11248379
    Abstract: A wood or manufactured wood-composite based siding used on concrete wall or concrete masonry unit (CMU, or block) construction (including, but not limited to, insulated concrete form construction) with an integrated rainscreen feature. The rainscreen feature or component is applied to, or integrated into or with, the back of the siding (i.e., the inner surface) during the manufacturing process, or in a secondary process thereafter. The features may include raised elements, strips or ridges from approximately 1/16 to approximately ¾ inches tall, with one or more channels or spaces. No job-site assembly is required, thereby reducing time and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gareth Paul Merrick
  • Publication number: 20200308844
    Abstract: A wood or manufactured wood-composite based siding used on concrete wall or concrete masonry unit (CMU, or block) construction (including, but not limited to, insulated concrete form construction) with an integrated rainscreen feature. The rainscreen feature or component is applied to, or integrated into or with, the back of the siding (i.e., the inner surface) during the manufacturing process, or in a secondary process thereafter. The features may include raised elements, strips or ridges from approximately 1/16 to approximately ¾ inches tall, with one or more channels or spaces. No job-site assembly is required, thereby reducing time and cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: GARETH PAUL MERRICK
  • Publication number: 20190275768
    Abstract: A system for constructing a deck using laminated veneer wood products, including, but not limited to, laminated veneer decking (LVD). LVD is comprised of multiple layers of wood and other materials, including, but not limited to, non-wood polymer-based materials, thereby providing specific engineered properties to the product. Each veneer layer can be differentially treated with chemicals, biocides, and other additives, depending on the wood species and position of the veneer in the LVD. Similarly, adhesives used in the formation of each veneer may be differentially treated with chemicals, biocides, and other additives. Adhesives used for secondary bonding of veneer layers to form the LVD also may be similarly differentially treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventor: GARETH PAUL MERRICK
  • Publication number: 20190248039
    Abstract: A system and methods for manufacturing and constructing a fence panel or pickets using engineered wood products, including, but not limited to, oriented-strand board (OSB), fiber strand, or laminated strand lumber. An entire piece of durable, treated engineered wood panel is divided into multiple “fence blanks” of equal size. Each fence blank is then subjected to edge profiling on top and bottom edges, and top feature milling to create fence top features, with finishing, texture, printing, paper overlay, or combinations thereof, added to one or both faces of the blank. Blanks may be milled in a stack. Blanks may then have grooves or other finishing features added to create a finished fence panel. Alternatively, a fence blank can be slit or cut into multiple raw pickets, also with finishing treatments to one or both faces, to create a series of raw pickets. The resulting finished fence panel or pickets provide the authentic look and appeal of real wood, but with the advantages of treated engineered wood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: ADINA BARNES, JARROD KEVIN LINE, GARETH PAUL MERRICK
  • Publication number: 20190161978
    Abstract: A system for constructing a deck using engineered wood products, including, but not limited to, structural composite lumber (SCL). Deck boards may be formed from a plurality of veneer layers treated with fire protection treatments, preservatives and/or other chemical treatments, which may be specific to a particular veneer layer, and assembled with adhesives binding the layers together in a stack, resulting in a deck board with unique properties in aggregate. The veneer layers directly adjacent to the two outer face layers may be positioned so that the direction of the wood grain is cross-directional to the direction of the wood grain in the surface layers. The boards are also subject to a multi-layer surface finishing treatment with aesthetic components and a protective component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: JOSHUA JACKSON, HEIDI M. TURNER, PHILLIP J. VACCA, Jr., JARROD KEVIN LINE, GARETH PAUL MERRICK, ASHWIN HIMATSINGANI, WILLIAM HOWARD BAIRD, JIANWEN NI
  • Patent number: 7785896
    Abstract: A composite wood product and methods for manufacturing the same and determining the concentration and distribution of an organic biocide within a composite wood product are provided. The organic biocide may be added to wood elements (i.e., fibers, flakes, strands, veneers) prior to consolidation and/or heating of the wood particles to form the composite wood product. A tracer additive may be mixed with the biocide, or applied separately to the furnish which is used to produce the composite wood product. The tracer additive may be detected via, for example, x-ray fluorescence. An amount of tracer additive detected may correlate to an amount of organic biocide within the wood elements and/or the composite wood product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company Limited
    Inventors: Marek J. Gnatowski, Christine L. Mah, Gareth Paul Merrick
  • Publication number: 20090068756
    Abstract: A composite wood product and methods for manufacturing the same and determining the concentration and distribution of an organic biocide within a composite wood product are provided. The organic biocide may be added to wood elements (i.e., fibers, flakes, strands, veneers) prior to consolidation and/or heating of the wood particles to form the composite wood product. A tracer additive may be mixed with the biocide, or applied separately to the furnish which is used to produce the composite wood product. The tracer additive may be detected via, for example, x-ray fluorescence. An amount of tracer additive detected may correlate to an amount of organic biocide within the wood elements and/or the composite wood product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY
    Inventors: Marek J. Gnatowski, Christine L. Mah, Gareth Paul Merrick