Abstract: A clip for coupling and mounting courses, such clip comprising a longitudinally extending upper support member coterminous with a longitudinally extending lower support member. The clip further comprises a longitudinally extending cavity formed between a front side and a rear side of the lower support member, wherein a top edge of a second course is secured within the cavity. The clip further comprises a longitudinally extending tongue member coterminous with a front side of the upper support member and separated therefrom by a groove. At least a portion of the tongue member fits within a groove of a first course. Additionally, a tongue member of the first course fits within the groove of the clip.

Abstract: A method for forming shingles from cellular polyvinyl chloride boards comprising brushing, parting, cutting and coating the boards to desired dimensions and finish. The method comprises passing cellular polyvinyl chloride boards through one or more of a specially designed brushing assembly, cross cut saw assembly, parting assembly, and sizing saw assembly, wherein the assemblies are in-line. The method may further include an in-line, high speed application and accelerated curing of a uniquely formulated solar reflective, ceramic-based finish.

Abstract: A trim assembly for use in concealing open spaces created by siding materials, wherein the assembly comprises a trim member configured to cover and conceal the terminal edges of the siding while simultaneously creating an expansion channel which allows the siding to expand or contract without causing premature bulging, bowing, splintering, cracking, and the like. The assembly may further comprise an insert wherein the insert is configured to readily engage with the trim member, and where the insert in combination with the trim member creates the look of butted cedar siding. The insert is configured to allow the siding to expand and contract in both a horizontal and a vertical direction.

Abstract: A trim assembly for use in concealing open spaces created by siding materials, wherein the assembly comprises a trim member configured to cover and conceal the terminal edges of the siding while simultaneously creating an expansion channel which allows the siding to expand or contract without causing premature bulging, bowing, splintering, cracking, and the like. The assembly may further comprise an insert wherein the insert is configured to readily engage with the trim member, and where the insert in combination with the trim member creates the look of butted cedar siding. The insert is configured to allow the siding to expand and contract in both a horizontal and a vertical direction.

Abstract: A punching apparatus for forming a series of slots in a board, comprising: an upper wheel and a lower wheel, wherein the upper wheel is opposed to the lower wheel, and further wherein: the upper wheel comprises a series of punches disposed on a frame of the upper wheel, wherein each punch comprises a shearing portion that extends from the frame, and which is configured in the shape of a slot; and the lower wheel comprises a series of mating dies, wherein each mating die of the series of mating dies comprises a cavity, wherein the shearing portion of a particular punch is gradually disposed within the cavity of a particular mating die of the series of mating dies as the upper wheel and the lower wheel move in relation to each other.

Abstract: An in-line process for forming pre-finished siding manufactured from cellular poly vinyl chloride comprising embossing, milling, parting, punching, and coating the poly vinyl chloride such that the resulting siding is suited for use in an environment exposed to a wide range of fluctuating temperatures and moisture. The process accommodates the natural expansion and contraction of cellular poly vinyl chloride by producing a novel milled clapboard configuration that, when used as siding, can be installed to create a historically correct clapboard installation.

Abstract: A method for forming a polyurethane coated cellular polyvinylchloride board, comprising: de-ionizing a cellular polyvinylchloride board; vacuuming the cellular polyvinylchloride board; coating the cellular polyvinylchloride board with a coating comprising a polyurethane-based paint and a catalyst to form a coated cellular polyvinylchloride board; and curing the coated cellular polyvinylchloride board. The method allows for the high speed application of a diverse number of colored coatings onto the cellular polyvinylchloride board.

Abstract: A cleat for tying together two or more structural elements in either one or both of a horizontal and a vertical plane. The cleat comprises a first set of protrusions located on a first half of a plate, and a second set of protrusions located on a second half of the plate, wherein the first set of protrusions are mirror images of the second set of protrusions. Additionally, both the first and second set of protrusions are arranged in rows, wherein each successive row comprises protrusions having a height less than the height of the protrusions located in the immediately preceding row. Furthermore, the protrusions in the various rows are staggered in position relative to the protrusions located in the other rows.

Abstract: A parting apparatus for the parting of a board. The board comprises a midline defining a first unit and a second unit, wherein each of the first and second units respectively comprises a plurality of tongue and groove features. The parting apparatus comprises a feed wheel which grips and draws the board into a cutting area; a band saw blade located in the cutting area and positioned relative to the board so that the band saw blade cuts the board at the midline as the board moves in a direction transverse to the direction of the band saw blade; and a positioning system that guides the board through the cutting area. The positioning system comprises datum rails, and guide rails, wherein at least one of the guide rails is contoured to register against and into at least one of the tongue and groove features of the board.

Abstract: An in-line process for forming pre-finished siding manufactured from cellular poly vinyl chloride comprising embossing, milling, parting, punching, and coating the poly vinyl chloride such that the resulting siding is suited for use in an environment exposed to a wide range of fluctuating temperatures and moisture. The process accommodates the natural expansion and contraction of cellular poly vinyl chloride by producing a novel milled clapboard configuration that, when used as siding, can be installed to create a historically correct clapboard installation.