Apparatus for rapid and accurate installation of wall siding planks in interlocking relationship

Abstract

Apparatus for installing siding over a wall composed of spaced apart studs and for forming an interlock of the siding and for providing easy installation and for resistance to high winds and for allowing waters to drain therefrom comprising an upside down U-shaped receiving member for being clipped on a first siding plank and connected to a second U-shaped receiving member with the second U-shaped receiving member being faced for receiving a second siding plank for creating the desired over lap relationship between the first and second siding planks. One form of the apparatus has a substantially U-shaped aperture formed therein for avoiding the studs when clipped on a siding plank. Another form of the apparatus has a second up side down U-shaped receiving member for being clipped on factory created end joints which may meet at any location on the wall without regard to the studs to form a joint.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus which can be used in the installation of siding in overlapping relationship by one worker in a very rapid, safe, and accurate manner. Also this invention provides an apparatus which allows siding to be installed on a wall composed of spaced apart studs without regard for where the studs are located and have one plank with a factory created end joint meet another at its factory created end joint and yet create an interlocking relationship of the siding planks. This invention also, relates to creating a finished wall of siding planks with good aesthetics and resistance to high winds, because of its interlocking properties.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The process of installing over lapping siding members to a wall, in the prior art, required two people in the installation process. One person would be on one end of a siding plank holding the siding and another person would be on the other end of the siding plank holding the other end, while some type of measuring device would be used by one of the two persons to establish the desired consistent over lapping relationship of the sidling plank to a plank already installed. They would then hold the siding plank against the wall and one or the other of the persons would nail his held end to the wall and then the other person would nail his held end to the wall. However if it was determined that the siding plank did not meet at a stud, then the persons installing the siding would have to measure the siding plank and cut it so as to have the end of the siding plank land on a stud. Not only did it have to land on a stud, but accurately land on a stud, because in the prior art system joints formed at a stud must use half of the stud surface width, which studs total width is only 1 and ½ inches, for one siding plank and the other half of the stud's surface width would be used for other siding plank. This narrow surface width of available space required very accurate measurement by the persons installing the siding planks. It also required them to make frequent cuts while they are installing the siding planks because each joint of siding planks had to land on a stud. If the cuts were not at right angles, then the points where the cut siding planks meet and were installed had to be caulked because there would be excessive space between the joints. If there was an error in the measurements then a whole siding plank or some portion of it could become waste material which would drive up the cost of installation of the siding planks. Therefore the prior art could not make very much use of every joint in the installation process which had been created as a factory end joint and which would provide for superior joints between butted siding planks.

[0003] The prior art also had the problem of holding accurate alignment around windows and doors and other openings which might even require an installer to remove planks previously installed and reinstall them in order to achieve alignment at the top of a window, door or other openings when they came to the top of the window, door, or other opening and continued installing full length planks again after continuing installation over the window, door or other opening again.

[0004] Also in the prior art, the cuts of the siding planks had to be made at perfect right angles which can be very difficult to achieve on consistent basis for the joint of one siding plank to meet the next siding plank to which it is abutted. If the cuts was not a perfect right angle, then the joint can be ragged and not provide a quality installation or may require that the joint be caulked. If the angle was too great off 90 degrees it could even cause a portion of the end to miss landing on the stud, which could leave a gap in the siding which would be difficult to fill with caulk. In any event it required additional labor to cut and then caulk such joints when necessary and it drove up the prior art cost of installation in both labor and materials costs.

[0005] Many of the prior art devices for installing planks required a separate device for each size plank to be installed and on the larger planks the prior art devices were relatively heavy and cumbersome in size. Therefore a worker could not carry very many of them up the scaffolding to be used in the installation process, which meant that the worker had to make frequent trips during the installation process for additional prior art devises to be used in the installation process.

[0006] Further many of the prior art devices could only be installed in one direction because of the way they were designed with a fitting to receive a plank and the other end of the devise was designed to be hung on the plank to which the plank was to be installed. The installer, thus, had to pull the device from his pouch and orient it to its proper relationship for receiving the proper end of the siding plank for which it was designed and then orienting the other end to receive the other plank which was to support the devise. This step of having to orient the prior art device, however took up valuable time and increased the cost of installation.

[0007] Also in some of the prior art devices, fasteners such as nails were driven into the prior art devices to position the prior art device and the siding plank or roofing materials or in some cases to just position the prior art device and then the siding plank or roofing material would be inserted. This at least double step of first nailing the prior art device and then inserting the material to be installed added additional time and labor expense to the cost of installation of a job. In the case of having to install the prior art device first and then insert the siding plank or roofing material not only increased the cost but required the installer to first accurately install the prior art device for proper alignment and overlapping arrangement which again took extra time and increased the cost of installation.

[0008] While there are many prior art devices which utilize clips most of those devices did not provide a finished product which achieved an interlocking relationship between the planks such that a prior art plank or plank system installed created an overall interlocking system which resisted storm and wind damage. Also the prior art devices did not provide any means of draining rainwater which might be blown up under the planks and/or dripped down behind the wall onto the prior art devices. Therefore with no drainage and continual wetting in the prior art devices, the prior art devices experienced corrosion of the devices as well as damage to the siding.

[0009] As a prior art device required considerable more cutting of the planks therefore there was more labor costs associated with the process of installing the planks with the prior art devices.

[0010] Also because of the increase cutting of planks in the prior art there was considerably more waste of plank materials which raised the cost of the finished product. Further the prior art devises would only occasionally cause the factory created end joints to meet for creating a joint, if they managed to hit perfectly on a stud at ½ its thickness and then leave ½ of its thickness for the factory created end joint of the next piece, thus in most cases forcing a cut to be performed to hit the stud accurately for fastening its end to the stud.

OBJECTS OF INVENTION

[0011] The object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for rapid, safe, and accurate installation of siding over a wall composed of spaced apart studs, without regard to where the studs are located relative to the ends of the siding to be fastened and which after its installation provides interlocking properties for resistance against wind and storm damage.

[0012] As another objective of this invention, this invention allows a single installer to install this horizontal over lapping siding accurately without having to manually hold a plank in position while nailing it in place. This accuracy means that the overlapping relationship as it relates to the depth of overlapping in each plank after the initial row of siding planks is installed is determined automatically by the apparatus of this invention and not by manual measuring and holding the siding plank in place for installation by the installer. This also makes for a safer work site and prevents siding planks from falling during the installation process with the possible injury to other workmen below.

[0013] It is a further object of this invention that the installers do not have to measure and cut planks accurately to meet on ½ of a stud's surface width for fastening the siding plank to the stud, but allows the installer to use full planks and join planks at factory created ends of a siding plank by butting one factory created end joint against the next factory created end joint of the next siding plank without having to have its end align with a stud. This reduces greatly the amount of time required for installation because it eliminates measuring and then cutting a siding plank to have the siding plank land on a stud for being fastened. It also provides flush 90 degree joints created on the factory created end joints and eliminates the need for caulking because no joint would be an improperly cut joint and eliminates any requirement for caulking to provide a proper joint. This allows the installer to create a tight, more ascetically pleasing splice between the siding planks and a more water tight instillation, all without regard to where the studs are located.

[0014] It is also a further object of this invention to create a joint between the top and bottom of each siding plank when they butt together which is tight and held flush by the apparatus of this invention which is clipped on the top and bottom of the each joint with out regard for the location of the stud and there by forms a flush evenly uniform joint which will be held in place over the life of the installed siding.

[0015] Yet another object of this invention is to provide interlocking relationship with the apparatus of this invention and the standard fasteners, such as nails etc, for having the whole wall of an installation in interlocking relationship and have the most exposed surface of the siding plank held securely by the apparatus of this invention against wind and storm pick up of those exposed surfaces. This interlocking relationship thus is created by interlocking one row of siding to the subsequent row of siding until all the wall of siding is fully interlocked at its completion of installation.

[0016] It is also an object of this invention to allow water to drain through the apparatus of this invention should water either be blown up under or dripped down on the apparatus of this invention after it is installed. This elimination of water from this apparatus prevents damage to the appratus and also to the siding.

[0017] A further object of this invention is to reduce waste of material used in the installation of siding which will reduce the cost of materials and wear and tear on installation equipment on each job and reduce the time of its installation and labor costs, where the apparatus of this invention is used for the installation.

[0018] It is also an object of this invention to provide an apparatus which is universal in its installation and where installers do not have to determine which end is up or down, but which can be installed with either end up or down and still achieve the objects of this invention.

[0019] Yet another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus which is light and allows an installer to carry a large supply of the apparatus with him when he goes to install the siding planks.

[0020] By being able to carry relatively large supplies of the apparatus of this invention, the installer saves time from having to climb down from the scaffolding to reload the apparatus of this invention into his pouch and re-climb the scaffolding to continue installation.

[0021] It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus which is inexpensive to use and manufacture so that the installers may use as many as they deem desirable with out any great concern about the cost of each item and thereby allow the installer to achieve an superior installation with out driving up the cost of the installation.

[0022] Also one aspect of this invention is the providing of an apparatus which if needed to be put in place over a plank which falls on a stud, the apparatus will allow attachment without interfering with the plank and the stud, nor will it require the apparatus to be driven by force between the plank and the stud. This is achieved by having material of the apparatus removed between the stud and the back of the siding plank which is installed over the stud but still allows a simple clipping of the apparatus over the siding plank.

[0023] One other object of this invention is to provide accurate overlapping relationship of the siding planks as they are installed even when they are installed around doors, windows, and other openings. This accuracy is important when installing siding around doors, windows, and other openings, because when the siding planks are installed around the sides of these doors, windows, and other openings it was very easy in the prior art to come out of perfect alignment of the rows of overlapping siding coming up to the top on each side of the window, door, or other opening. This misalignment in the prior show up when the next siding plank which runs over the window, door, or other opening will not be aligned with those which came up the sides of the window, door, or other opening. However the apparatus of this invention holds alignment around doors, windows, and other openings, such that when the installer comes to the top of a window, door, and other opening the siding planks which came up the side of the window, door, and other opening will align perfectly with the next full row of the siding plank installed over the window, door, and other opening, because of the predetermined accuracy of the apparatus of this invention.

[0024] It is a further object of this invention to provide an Upside down U-shaped clip which will pass easily on to factory created end joints, but will resist movement in the opposite direction for holding the factory end joints securely and in substantial union against each of the other factory created end joints while resting movement in the other direction and for holding siding planks secure at their union.

[0025] Also an object of this invention is to provide a visual indicator line for allowing the installer to determine when the siding plank is positioned half way in the apparatus of this invention, thus allowing the next plank to occupy one half of the apparatus for even holding of factory created end joints by the apparatus of this invention.

[0026] It is also an object of this invention to simply clip the appratus of this invention on the preceding course of siding planks and not have to fasten the appratus of this invention with a nail or other fastener and at the same time perfectly align the next course of siding planks for accurate and overlapping relationship on the wall composed of spaced apart studs. Thus with the apparatus of this invention an installer can quickly and accurately install the apparatus, which reduces the labor costs of a siding installation job, but it also improves the quality of the installation.

[0027] Yet further and additional benefits and improvement of the invention will be appreciated by others skilled in the art and those advantages and benefits of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] This invention may be practiced in certain other physical forms and arrangements of the parts herein described, but at least one preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of this invention showing the first upside-down shaped receiving member, the second U-shaped receiving member and the flat connector having sufficiently length for joining the first upside-down U-shaped receiving member and the second U-shaped receiving member on their sides which turn the other opposing sides of the U-shaped members away from each other for receiving a first siding and second siding plank, and having drain holes therein for allowing water to drain therefrom.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1 which shows the interchangeability of function between the first upside-down U-shaped receiving member and the second U-shaped receiving member for receiving the first and second siding plank.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of this invention showing the first upside-down U-shaped receiving member and the second U-shaped receiving member being of sufficient depth and of sufficient width to receive a factory created end joint of a second and third siding plank at the union of their factory created end joints and with a visual indicator line for delineating the middle of the apparatus and the flat connector joining the first upside down U-shaped receiving member and the second U-Shaped receiving member.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 3 which shows the interchangeability of function between the first upside-down U-shaped receiving member and the second U-shaped receiving member for receiving a portion of factory created end joints from the second siding plank and from the third siding plank at their union.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second upside down U-shaped receiving member of this invention having sufficient width and depth for being clipped on the second and third siding plank's at their respective factory created end joints when they are in substantial union and showing the crimping member located on the opposing sides of the second up-side down U-Shaped receiving member and with a visual indicator for delineating the middle of the apparatus for substantial equal holding of the second and third siding member's factory created end joints.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 5 which shows the crimping members located on the opposing sides of the second upside down U-shaped receiving member for sliding over the second and third siding member when receiving them therein and for resisting movement thereafter.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of this invention showing the first upside down U-shaped receiving member with a substantial U-shaped aperture formed therein but with a portion of the sides remaining of the upside down U-shaped receiving member for clipping on top of the first siding plank on either side of the stud and for avoiding any portion of the upside down U-shaped receiving member from coming between the stud and the first siding plank, and showing drain holes there in for allowing water to drain therefrom.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. 7 showing the drain holes located on the second U-shaped receiving member for allowing water to drain therefrom.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIGS. 7 and 8 being installed on a first siding plank and a second siding plank at the junction of a stud, and showing that the portion of the sides remaining around the substantial U-shaped aperture on the first upside-down U-shaped receiving member clipped on the top of the first siding plank on either side of the stud for allowing no portion of the first up side down U-shaped receiving member from coming between the stud and the first siding plank.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIGS. 3 and 5 being installed on a first siding plank and a second siding plank at the substantial union of the second and third siding plank's factory created end joints and not at a stud, with the FIG. 3 apparatus of this invention gripping the second and third siding planks and securely holding them in union at their factory created end joints, and with the FIG. 5 apparatus of this invention having been clipped on the top of the second and third siding planks for holding the second and third siding planks at the factory created joints against movement.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 being installed on a first siding plank and a second and third siding plank near the union of their factory created end joints and not at a stud, with the FIG. 5 apparatus of this invention gripping the second and third siding planks securely at their union on the factory created end joints.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the commencement of a wall composed of siding planks using the apparatus of this invention and showing the first siding plank and second siding plank being received into the first upside-down U-shaped receiving member and the second U-shaped receiving member and showing the siding plank's interlocked relationship after the fasteners have been nailed to the studs.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the apparatus of this invention being used to install siding plank's over a wall composed of spaced apart studs utilizing all the apparatus heretofore shown including FIGS. 1 through 8.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the apparatus of this invention showing it installed over a wall composed of spaced apart studs but with out regard for the studs and forming an interlocked relationship of the siding for resistance to high winds and for allowing water to drain therefrom.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The purpose of this invention is for providing a series of apparatus which can be used in conjunction with the installation of siding, over walls composed of spaced apart studs, in overlapping relationship by relatively few workers in a very rapid, safe and accurate manner, without regard for where the studs are located as it relates to forming joints. This invention also allows the formation of factory created joints with unions at any location which may occur even over the space between the studs and yet create an interlocking relationship of the various apparatus of this invention and the siding planks used for creating the walls. Therefore this invention relates to creating a finished wall of siding planks with good aesthetics and resistance to high wind and storms because of its interlocking properties, and it is also achieved without having to use fasteners, such as nails, being driven into the apparatus of this invention, but only into the planks of siding itself.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the series of apparatus used in this invention is generally shown at reference numeral 10 and is referred to as a hanger clip 10. The hanger clip 10, as shown in this preferred embodiment of this invention, is generally formed of a first upside down U-shaped receiving member 11 connected to a flat connector 12, which is in turn connected to a second U-shaped receiving member 13 in such a way that the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 11 and the second U-shaped receiving member 13 are turned away from each other, as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

[0045] By referring to FIG. 1 it can be seen that the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 11 is formed by having first and second sides 14 and 15 respectively in substantially opposing relationship to each other and with first and second sides 14 and 15 being of sufficient depth for being clipped onto a first siding plank 19, which has a top edge 29, as can be seen in FIG. 12. It will also be seen in FIG. 1, that the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 11 has a substantially horizontal surface 18 for being clipped on a first siding plank 19 and stopped on the top edge 29 of the first siding plank 19 and held within the first and second sides 14 and 15 respectively.

[0046] Also by referring to FIG. 1 it can be seen that the second U-shaped receiving member 13 is formed by having first and second sides 16 and 17 respectively in substantially opposing relationship to each other with the first and second sides 16 and 17 being of sufficient depth for receiving second siding planks 20, as shown in FIG. 12. It will further be seen in FIG. 1, that the second U-shaped receiving member 13 has a substantially horizontal surface 22 for receiving, stopping and holding a second siding plank 20 within the first and second sides 16 and 17 respectively while an installer fastens the second siding plank 20 and for creating an interlocking relationship after the installation to resist wind and storm damage. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that as one progresses up the wall of the spaced apart studs the second siding plank 20 will be come the new first siding plant 19′, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and a new siding plank 20′ will become the next second siding plank 20.

[0047] It should be understood by those skilled in art that the flat connector 12 may be made of the same material as the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 11 and the second U-shaped receiving member 13, such that the flat connector 12 would be a plate and would in fact be an extension of the opposite walls of the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 11 and the second U-shaped receiving member 13. It should also be understood by those skilled in art that the flat connector 12 may be a separate piece of material and simply connected to the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 11 and the second U-shaped receiving member 13 without departing from the scope of this invention. In either embodiment, the flat connector 12, is positioned such that the U-shaped portions of first upside down U-shaped receiving member 11 and second U-shaped receiving member 13 are turned away from each other for allowing the first upside down U-shaped member 11 to be clipped on the top edge 29 of a first siding plank 19 and the second U-shaped receiving member 13 to be available for receiving a second siding plank 20, as seen in FIGS. 12 and 13. The flat connector 12 should be of sufficient length between the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 11 and the second U-shaped receiving member 13 for positioning first and second siding planks 19 and 20 for a desired overlap relationship. Also the flat connector 12 should have sufficient strength for holding the second siding plank 20 during installation and for creating an interlocking relationship after the planks are installed by fasteners 21, which in this case would be nails driven through the siding, as can be seen in FIG. 12.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the horizontal surface 22 of the second U-shaped receiving member 13 has formed therein at least one drain member 23 for draining water which may become trapped in the second U-shaped receiving member 13. Also as shown in the embodiment in FIG. 1, the horizontal surface 18 of the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 11 has formed therein at least one drain member 24 for draining water which may become trapped in the first upside-down U-shaped receiving member 11.

[0049] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 having first upside down U-shaped receiving member 11 and second U-shaped receiving member 13 are formed for interchangeability of function upon the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 11 and the second U-shaped receiving member being inverted for use and functioning as the other, including drain members 23 and 24. Further those killed in the art, will appreciate the time savings of installers not having to reach into pouch and then pull out a hanger clip 10 and take the time to determine whether a first upside U-shaped receiving member 11 or a second U-shaped receiving member 13 is in the proper relationship to commence its installation. The installer simply has to reach in his pouch and grab a hanger clip 10 and insert it on the next plank which is available. Further the installer does not have to nail the hanger clip 10, but simply hangs or clips it on to the siding plank. Those skilled in the art will appreciate how this will speed up the installation process and reduce the possibility of installer making a mistake and having to correct it before moving to the next stage of installation or even worse yet having to unfasten the clip hanger, if it were nailed, and reinstalling it before moving to the next stage of installation.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the series of apparatus used in this invention is generally shown in reference numeral 25 and is referred to as a joint hanger clip 25. The joint hanger clip 25 as shown in this preferred embodiment of this invention, is generally shown as formed by a first upside U-shaped receiving member 26 connected to a flat connector 46 which is in turn connected to a second U-shaped receiving member 32 in such a way that the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 26 and the second U-shaped receiving member 32 are turned away from each other, as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

[0051] By referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 10 it can be seen that the first up side down U-shaped receiving member 26 of the joint hanger clip 25 is formed by having first and second sides 27 and 28 in substantially opposing relationship to each other and having a substantially horizontal surface 65 disposed there between with the first and second sides 27 and 28 being of a sufficient depth and the substantially horizontal surface 61 of a sufficient width for being clipped onto the top edge 29 of the first siding plank 19 at a point were the next row of siding planks would meet to form a joint or union. The union or joint would be composed of second siding plank 20 and third siding plank 35, at the point where their factory created end joints 30 and 31 meet. This union is formed when ever and where ever the factory created end joint 30 of second siding plank 20 meets the factory created end join 31 of the third siding plank 35 and it may occur without regard to the location of a stud 36 as the row of siding planks being installed continues along and up the wall of spaced apart studs 36, as seen in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13 The second U-shaped receiving member 32, as shown in FIGS. 3, 10, and 13 is formed by having first and second sides 33 and 34 in substantially opposing relationship to each other and having a substantially horizontal surface 66 disposed there between and with the first and second sides 33 and 34 being of sufficient depth and the substantially horizontal surface 66 of a sufficient width for receiving a factory created end joint 30 and 31 from the second siding plank 20 and third siding plank 35 respectively. The second U-shaped receiving member 32 would be positioned on the first siding plank 19 to receive the next row of siding planks and at the point where they would meet to form a union or joint. This union is formed where the factory created end joint 31 from the third siding plank 35 meets the factory created end joint 30 of second siding plank 20 and it may occur without regard to the location of a stud 36 as the row of siding planks being installed continues along and up the wall of the spaced apart studs 36 as shown in FIG. 10, 11, and 13.

[0052] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the flat connector 46, as shown in FIG. 3, would have the same or similar functions as the flat connector 12 of hanger clip 10, but that at least in this embodiment the flat connector 46 would be wider to provide stability between the first up side down U-shaped member 36 and second U-shaped receiving member 32 during installation of the siding planks. The stability is needed in the installation process because either the second U-shaped receiving member 32 is receiving the first factory created end joint 30 from the second siding plank 20 before it receives the factory created end joint 30 from the third siding plank 35 in the process of installation or because of the reverse thereof. In either case the second U-shaped receiving member 32 is holding one or the other of the factory created end joints 30 or 31 of the respective second and third siding planks 20 and 35 before the final receipt of the other factory created end joint is received to complete the joint between second and third siding planks 20 and 35.

[0053] Also in this embodiment at least one drain member 67 and one drain member 68 may be provided in the substantially horizontal surfaces 65 and 66 respectively for allowing water to be removed should it be received into the substantially horizontal surfaces 65 and 66, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0054] It should also be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 having first upside down U-shaped receiving member 26 and second U-shaped receiving member 32 are formed for interchangeability of function upon the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 26 and the second U-shaped receiving member 26 being inverted for use and functioning as the other, including the drain holes 67 and 68. This interchangeability of function provides time saving for the installers by them not having to reach into a pouch and then pull out a joint hanger clip 25 and take the time to determine whether the appropriate end is up. The installer just clips it onto the next siding plank were a joint or union of siding planks may occur without regard to the location of a stud 36 and thus does not have to cut siding planks to create joints at the location of studs 36. The installer therefore has are no possibility of forming bad joints caused by mis-measuring and or not cutting an end to an accurate 90 degree angle which in the past would waste a siding plank or waste time having to re-cut the siding plank to make it align with the stud 36. Also the installer does not have to nail the joint hanger clip 25 but simply hangs or clips it on the siding plank. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art how this will speed up the installation process and form high quality joints or unions between factory created joints.

[0055] Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, in some embodiments of the joint hanger clip 25 there will be provided a visual indicator 53 for delineating the middle of the joint hanger clip 25 for providing accurate and substantially equal placement of the factory created end joint 30 of the second siding plank 20 and the factory created end joint 31 of the third siding plank 35 into the second U-shaped receiving member 32 which has sufficient width to receive the factory created end joint 30 and 31 respectively of the second and third siding planks 20 and 35.

[0056] Also an apparatus used in this invention which may be used with the joint hanger clip 25 or any other appratus of this invention to complete the union of factory created end joints 30 and 31, without regard to being over a stud, is the apparatus which is generally referred to as a joint clip 37, and is shown in FIG. 5. The joint clip 37 is shown in this embodiment as being formed by having first and second sides 38 and 39 respectively in substantially opposing relationship to each other and having a horizontal surface 63 disposed there between and with the first and second sides 38 and 39 being of sufficient depth and the horizontal surface 63 of sufficient width for being clipped on a factory created end joint 30 of the second siding plank 20 and on a factory created end joint 31 of the third siding plank 35 at their point of union. Thus this union between factory created end joints would in one combination of the apparatus using join hanger clip 35 and join clip 37 fully hold and clip the factory created end joints 30 and 31 together for a quality joint to continue the row of siding planks being installed over the wall of spaced apart studs 36, as best seen in FIG. 10, 11, and 13.

[0057] In some embodiments of second upside down U-shaped joint clip 37, it is provided with gripping members 47 located along the first and/or second sides 38 and 39 of the second upside down U-shaped joint clip 37, has seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. These gripping members 47 allow for the second upside down U-shaped joint clip 37 to be slid over a second and third siding plank 20 and 35 at their factory created end joints 30 and 31 respectively, when being received, but for resisting movement after they are received therein to secure the joint formed between second and third siding planks 20 and 35.

[0058] Also in some embodiments of the U-shaped joint clip 37 are provided a visual indicator 40 for delineating the middle of the U-shaped joint clip 37 for allowing its accurate and substantially equal placement of the second up side down U-shaped joint clip 37 over the factory created end joints 30 and 31 of the second siding plank 20 and the third siding plank 35 at their union. By the accurate and substantially equal placement of the second upside down U-shaped joint clip 37 over the factory created in joints 30 and 31, a secure holding of the two factory created end joints 30 and 31 is achieved at their union, without regard to where a stud 36 is located. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this will eliminate the time and labor of cutting siding planks to have their ends land on a stud and further eliminate wasted pieces of siding which after being cut can not be used for anything else. Also those skilled in the art will appreciate that joints created at factory created end joints will be much tighter and more even joints than those which are formed by cutting on the job site at the time of installation.

[0059] An additional apparatus of this invention used in the installation of siding over a wall composed of spaced apart studs 36, is shown in FIG. 7 and is generally referred to as a stud clip 41. The stud clip 41, as shown in FIG. 7, is generally formed of a first upside down U-shaped member 42 connected to a flat connector 43 which is in turn connected to a second U-shaped receiving member 44 in such a way that the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 42 and the second U-shaped receiving member 44 are turned away from each other, as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

[0060] By referring to FIG. 7 it can be seen that the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 42 shown in this embodiment is formed by having first and second sides 48 and 49 in substantial opposing relationship to each other and with the first and second sides 48 and 49 being of sufficient depth for being clipped onto a first siding plank 19, which has a top edge 29, which can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 9. It will also be seen in FIGS. 7 and 9 that the first upside down U-shaped receiving member 42 has a substantially horizontal surface 50 between first and second sides 48 and 49 for being clipped on a first siding plank 19 and stopped on the top edge 29 of the first siding plank 19 and held within the first and second sides 48 and 49. However on the side away from the flat connector 43, which in this case is a first side 48, a U-shaped aperture 45 is formed in the first side 48. The substantially U-shaped aperture 45 which is formed in the first side 48 leaves a portion of first side 48 on either side of the U-shaped aperture 45 for forming first and second fingers 51 and 52 for allowing the first side 48 to clip on the top edge 29 of the first siding plank 19 on either side of stud 36 and avoid any portion of the stud clip 41 from coming between the stud 36 and the first siding plank 19. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that if a thickness of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7 of stud clip 41 were to come between the stud 36 and first siding plank 19 the additional thickness created would cause the siding installed over a wall of spaced apart studs to take own a wavy appearance and not result in a good quality siding installation. Also because first siding plank 19 is already nailed to the stud 36 the aperture 45 lets the stud clip 41 be applied or installed to first siding plank 19 without having to drive it between the first siding plank 19 and the stud 36, thereby saving time in addition to creating a better installation.

[0061] Also referring to FIG. 7, 8, and 9 it can be seen that the second U-shaped receiving member 44 is formed by having first and second sides 54 and 55 respectively in substantially opposing relationship to each other with the first and second sides 54 and 55 being of sufficient depth for receiving second siding planks 20, as shown in FIG. 9. It will further be seen in FIGS. 7 and 9 that the second U-shaped receiving member 44 has a substantially horizontal surface 56 for receiving, stopping and holding a second siding plank 20 within the first and second sides 54 and 55 respectively while an installer fastens the second siding plank 20. After the second siding plank 20 is installed an interlocking relationship is created to resist wind and storm damage. It should be understood further by those skilled in the art that as one progresses up the wall of the spaced apart studs 36, the second siding plank 20 will be come the new first siding plank 19′, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and the next siding plank being installed 20′ will be come the new second siding plank 20.

[0062] In some embodiments of second U-shaped receiving member 44 the horizontal surface 56 has formed therein at least one drain member 57 for draining water which may become trapped in the second U-shaped receiving member 44.

[0063] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the flat connector 43 , as shown in FIG. 7, would have the same or similar functions as the flat connector 12 of hanger clip 10, but that at least in this embodiment the flat connector 43 would be wider to provide stability and connection between the first upside-down U-shaped member 42 and it fingers 51 and 52 and the second U-shaped receiving member 44 during installation of siding planks.

[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 the methods of installation of these appratus are explained to better understand their use. In FIGS. 13 and 14 a general reference to first siding course of planks 58 are provided which would have been composed of a series of first siding planks 19 laid end to end at some point in the installation of the apparatus of this invention and a general reference to second siding course 59 which would have been composed of a series of second and third siding planks 20 and 35 laid end to end and a third siding course 60 which would be composed of a series of second and third siding planks 20′ and 35, also laid end to end. Once however the second siding plank 20 and third siding plank 35 are, as shown, installed they become interlocked, as best seen in FIG. 12, with the first siding course 58 and the next installed siding courses. It should be appreciated that once second siding plank 20 is installed and the next row of siding planks is installed that the once second siding plank 20 becomes the first siding plank 19′ for the next siding course. Thus it can be seen in FIG. 14 that as the appratus of this invention are installed and the siding fastened to the wall composed of spaced apart studs 36 the whole wall of spaced apart studs 36 and siding and apparatus of this invention become interlocked. This interlocking thus gives walls using the appratus of this invention superior wind and storm resistence. Also because each siding course uses the same flat connectors between the first upside down U-shaped and second U-shaped receiving member for the same type siding, the overlap of each siding course is precisely set based on the first siding course of planks 59 wether it is on the ground layer or at the top of a window as show in FIG. 14.

[0065] The method of installation of the appratus of this invention would be as shown in FIG. 13 in that a hanger clip 10 would be clipped over top edge 29 of first siding plank 19 and then depending on what would be down the first siding course of planks 58, such as a stud 36, the installer would use a stud clip 41 in conjunction with the hanger clip 10 to support and hold the second siding plank 20 while he reaches for fasteners 21, such as nails, and drives them into the second siding plank 20. If down the first siding course of planks 58 a joint must be formed in the second siding course of planks 59 by the union of second siding planks 20 and third siding plank 35 to continue the installation, then at the last point of alignment of the second siding plank 20 with a stud 36 a nail would be driven into the second siding plank 20 and into the stud 36 to secure the second siding plank 20. That nailing does not necessarily have to occur at the factory created end joint 30. If the factory created end joint 30 of second siding plank 20 ends without being over a stud 36, then the installer could place either a hanger clip 10 or a joint clip 25 on the first siding course of planks 58 at the point where the joint will occur between the second siding plank 20 and the third siding plank 35 in the second siding course 59. If a hanger clip 10 was used, then as shown in FIG. 11 two hanger clips 10 would be fastened to the first siding plank 19 and the factory created end joint 30 of second siding plank 20 would be inserted into one of the hanger clips 10 and the factory created end joint 31 of third siding plank 35 would be inserted into the other of hanger clips 10 and finally a joint clip 37 would be inserted over the factory created end joints 30 and 31 of the second and third siding planks 20 and 35 to secure the union of the siding planks without being over a stud 36 in the wall composed of spaced apart studs. If a joint hanger clip 25 was used, then a joint hanger clip 25, as shown in FIG. 10 would be clipped to the first siding plank 19 and the factory created end joint 30 of second siding plank 20 would be inserted into one side of the joint hanger clip 25 and the factory created end joint 31 of third siding plank 35 would be inserted into the other side of joint hanger clip 25 and finally a joint clip 37 would be inserted over the factory created end joints 30 and 31 of the second and third siding planks 20 and 35 to secure the union of the siding planks without being over a stud 36 in the wall composed of spaced apart studs.

[0066] In some embodiments of joint hanger clips 25 and joint clips 37 visual indicators 40 and 53 respectively are provided to assist an installer in placing the factory created end joints 30 and 31 of the second and third siding planks 20 and 35 in the middle of the joint hanger clip 25 and joint clips 37. These visual indicators make the installation easier and more accurate for the installer.

[0067] As can be seen in FIG. 14 because the accuracy of the plank courses are established by the apparatus of this invention when a course of planks is split by a door, window or other openings the dimensional accuracy of the overlapping is substantially controlled and when the course of planks rejoin to become a full course after the split caused by a door, window or opening the alignment is held substantially perfect.

[0068] When using the apparatus of this invention the only cuts which will need to be made on the siding planks will be the ends of a siding course or butting against and door, window or other opening, but these cut ends will be put at the end against the door, window or other opening and finally covered with a corner molding 61, as would be placed and shown in FIG. 14 after the completion of the siding installation.

[0069] While the preferred embodiments of the invention and the methods of their use have been described for the apparatus of this invention in use with siding planks and walls composed of spaced apart studs, it will be appreciated that other embodiments and methods may be used without departing from the spirt of this invention and that it may be used with any type wall and wall system using various sizes and types of siding planks.

Claims

1. Apparatus for rapidly, safely, and accurately installing siding over a wall composed of spaced apart studs and for forming an interlock of said siding for aiding installation and for resistence to high winds and for allowing water to drain therefrom comprising;

a first siding plank having a top and bottom surface,

a second siding plank having a top and bottom surface,

a first up-side down U-shaped receiving member having first and second sides in substantially opposing relationship to each other and of sufficient depth for being clipped on said top of said first siding plank and a substantially horizontal surface for stopping said Upside down U-shaped receiving member against said first siding plank,

a second U-shaped receiving member having first and second sides in substantially opposing relationship to each other and of sufficient depth for receiving and holding said second siding plank and a substantially horizontal surface for stopping and for holding said second siding plank in said second U-shaped receiving member, and

a flat connector having sufficient length for joining said first up-side down U-shaped receiving member and second U-shaped receiving member on one side of their first and second opposing sides such that said U-shaped portions are turned away from each other for allowing said first up-side down U-shaped receiving member to be clipped on said top of said first siding plank and said second U-shaped receiving member for receiving said second siding plank and for positioning said second siding plank and first siding plank for a desired over lap relationship and for holding said second siding plank to said first siding plank for aiding installation and for interlocking relationship.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flat connector further comprises an extension of said first and second opposing sides for joining said first up-side U-shaped receiving member and said second U-shaped receiving member on said one side of their first and second opposing sides such that said U-shaped portions are turned away from each other for extending beyond said other first and second opposing U-shaped sides turned away from each other of said first up-side U-shaped receiving member and said second U-shaped receiving member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first up-side down U-shaped receiving member and said second U-shaped receiving member further comprise being formed for interchangeability of function upon said first up-side down U-shaped receiving member and said second U-shaped receiving member being inverted for use and for functioning as the other.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising

at least one drain member formed in said substantially horizontal surface for stopping said first up-side down U-shaped clip against said first siding plank for draining water, and

at least one drain member formed in said substantially horizontal surface for stopping and holding said second siding plank for draining water.

5 The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said at least one drain member formed in said substantially horizontal surface of said first up-side down U-shaped clip and said substantially horizontal surface of said second U-shaped clip comprises, at least one aperture there through

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first up-side down U-shaped receiving member having first and second sides in substantially opposing relationship has on said side away from said flat connector further comprises a substantially U-shape aperture formed therein for allowing said side away from said flat connector to clip on said top of said first siding plank on either side of said stud and for avoiding any portion of said up-side down U-shaped receiving member from coming between said stud and said first siding plank.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising;

at least one factory created end joint on said second siding plank having a top and bottom surface and,

a third siding plank having a top and bottom surface and at least one factory created end joint in substantial union with said at least one factory created end joint of said second siding plank, and

a second up-side down U-shaped receiving member having first and second sides in substantially opposing relationship to each other of sufficient width and of sufficient depth for being clipped on said top of said second and third siding planks at their respective at least one factory created end joint and at their substantial union and a substantially horizontal surface for stopping against said second and third planks and having sufficient width for stopping on said second and third siding member at said substantial union of said factory created end joints of said second and third siding plank for forming a joint.

8. Apparatus for rapidly, safely, and accurately installing siding over a wall composed of spaced apart studs and creating joint unions of said siding using factory created end joints at any point along the wall and forming an interlock of the siding at the joint unions aiding installation and resistence to high winds and allowing water to drain therefrom comprising;

a first siding plank having a top and bottom surface,

a second siding plank having a top and bottom surface and at least one factory created end joint,

a third siding plank having a top and bottom surface and at least one factory created end joint in substantial union with said at least one factory created end joint of said second siding plank,

a first up-side down U-shaped receiving member having first and second sides in substantially opposing relationship to each other and of sufficient depth and of sufficient width for being clipped on said top of said first siding plank and a substantially horizontal surface for stopping against said first siding plank.

a second U-shaped receiving member having first and second sides in substantially opposing relationship to each other and of sufficient depth and of sufficient width to receive said at least one of said factory created end joints from said second siding plank and from said third siding plank for holding said second and third siding plank and a substantially horizontal surface of sufficient width for stopping and holding said second and third siding plank in said second U-shaped receiving member with said at least one factory created end joints of said second and third siding plank in substantial union against each other,

a flat connector having sufficient length for joining said first up-side down U-shaped receiving member and second U-shaped receiving members on one side of their first and second opposing sides such that the U-shaped portions are turned away from each other for allowing said first up-side down U-shaped receiving member to be clipped on said top of said first siding plank and said second U-shaped receiving member for receiving said second and third siding planks for positioning said second and third siding planks and said first siding plank in the desired over lap relationship with said factory created end joints flush against each other and holding said first siding plank to said second and third siding planks for aiding installation and for interlocking relationship, and

a second up-side down U-shaped receiving member having first and second sides in substantially opposing relationship to each other of sufficient width and of sufficiently depth for being clipped on said top of said second and third siding planks at their respective at least one factory created end joint and at their substantial union and a substantially horizontal surface for stopping against said second and third planks and having sufficient width for stopping on said second and third siding member at said substantial union of said factory created end joints of said second and third siding plank for forming a joint.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said second up-side down U-shaped receiving member further comprises at least one gripping member along said first and second sides in substantially opposing relationship to each other for gripping said second and third siding planks.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said at least one griping member further comprises,

at least one crimp member located on said first and second sides in substantially opposing relationship for sliding over said second and third siding member when received, and for resisting movement thereafter.

11. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said second U-shaped receiving member further comprises,

at least one aperture formed in said substantially horizontal surface of said second U-shaped receiving member for stopping and holding said second siding plank for allowing water to drain therefrom.

12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said second U-shaped receiving member having first and second sides in substantially opposing relationship to each other and of sufficient depth and of sufficient width to receive said at least one of the said a factory created end joints from said second and third siding planks, further comprises,

a visual indicator means for delineating the middle of said second U-shaped receiving member and for allowing accurate and substantial equal placement of said factory created end joints from said second siding plank and from said third siding plank in said second U-shaped receiving member.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said second up side down U-shaped receiving member at least one gripping member along said first and second sides insubstantially opposing relationship to each other for gripping said second and third siding planks further comprises,

a visual indicator means for delineating the middle of said second up-side down the second U-shaped receiving member for delineating the middle of said second up-side down U-shaped receiving member and for allowing accurate and substantial equal placement of said factory created end joints from said second siding plank and from said third siding plank in said second up-side down U-shaped receiving member.

14. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said first up-side down U-shaped receiving member having first and second sides in substantially opposing relationship to each other and of sufficient depth and sufficiently wide for being clipped on both said at least one factory created end joints of said second and third siding planks further comprises,

a visual indicator means for delineating the middle of said second up-side down U-shaped receiving member for delineating the middle of said second up-side down U-shaped receiving member and for allowing accurate and substantial equal placement of said factory created end joints from said second siding plank and from said third siding plank in said second up-side down U-shaped receiving member.