Extendable drip edge

Abstract

The present invention relates to the building structures and more particularly to the drip edge or water leakage guard strip above or below the objects mounted on or into building walls. Such drip edge inhibits the infiltration of water into the building by providing a path for the potentially infiltrating water away from the surface of the building. It is plastic piece with numbered protrusions and guide members. It is easily mountable by nailing between the interior sheathing and the exterior siding wall on the top or on the bottom of the objects mounted on or into the building wall.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the building structures and more particularly to the drip edge or water leakage guard strip typically mounted on the top or below the objects mounted on or into building walls or wall orifices. Such drip edge inhibits the infiltration of water into the building by providing a path for the potentially infiltrating water away from the surface of the building.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The prevention of leakage adjacent to the upper or lower end of objects mounted on or into the building wall has presented a very troublesome problem and various previous attempts to solve such a problem have been made. Water damage prevention is quite difficult and requires considerable skills for sealant applications to insure a watertight protection.

Further, the some sealant compounds have tendency to harden and break off in time, often leaving the openings through which incidental moisture and rain may enter the building. Water and moisture that propagates into the building can create not only cosmetic damage but more importantly can eventually compromise structural characteristics of the building. Repair of these damages in can be difficult and costly.

The most common material used for this purpose is thin galvanized metal strip. Mounting of the sharp and thin metal strip on top or below of an object on a building wall requires an adjustment of the length and forming of the vertical end walls. Existence of the vertical end walls of the metal strip is preferred. Their role is to direct run off water or moisture away from entering the wall cavity around the object which may cause structural damage and discoloration of the visible exterior portions of the wall.

Fabrication of these types of protective metal strips usually takes place on site at the time of installation. Fabricating these metal strips requires attention to detail because it can easily cause injury. Using plastic material may exceed existing characteristic of metal strip and simplifies use. It is considerably safer in comparison to a sharp metal strip.

The existing problems in different embodiments of drip edges made from metal or plastic are the difficulties with directing and restricting water flows and preventing injury if the contact is made from the side of the drip edge.

Covering means for the objects mounted on the building walls are well represented in the patent literature, and examples may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 2,641,203; U.S. Pat. No. 2,685,712; U.S. Pat. No. 2,760,241; U.S. Pat. No. 3,139,703; U.S. Pat. No. 3,332,180; U.S. Pat. No. 3,442,055; U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,035; U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,600; U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,400; U.S. Pat. No. 6,410,118 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,638.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention, a related drip edge and a method of connecting the same are disclosed, but not limited to that described below, in an efficient and reliable manner.

The primary aspect of the present invention is to provide means for the prevention of water increases on the top or below the objects mounted on or into a building wall, by providing a flow path for the potentially infiltrating water to take away from the surface of the building.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide means formed from relatively thin, flexible and a continuous plastic piece easily mountable by nailing between the interior sheathing and the exterior siding wall on the top or on below the objects mounted on or into the building wall.

Another aspect of the present invention is the presence of the upwardly formed protrusions which help to restrain the side ways flow of rain water caused by wind by acting like an end wall. Upwardly formed protrusions are placed on proper distance from one another for the purposes always to have an instant end wall if the drip edge has to be shortened in order to match the length of the mounted object. The protrusions provide a better outwards flow of the water by directing it to flow through the sloping flange of the base member.

Another aspect of the present invention is the extension of the length of the drip edge in relation to the width of the objects mounted on or into the building walls without the use of special tools. The extension of the length is performed with using of upwardly formed protrusions on the left end side of the drip edge unit and grooves positioned on the right backside of the identical drip edge unit. The upwardly shaped protrusions have profiles that exactly match the interior profiles of guiding grooves. The overlapping connection of two drip edge units is achieved by inserting the designated left side protrusions of drip edge unit one into the matching guiding groves on the right side of drip edge unit two. This type of joint is strong, preserves drip edge functionality and prevents penetration of the rain and moisture into the building.

These and other aspects may become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the summary of the invention as provided herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiment, in light of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which depict non-limiting embodiments of the invention:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a drip edge mounted over and below the object on the wall of a building;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a single drip edge unit according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged isometric view of a left side of the drip edge;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a single drip edge unit;

FIG. 4A is a rear view of a vertical wall of a single drip edge unit;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a right rear side of the vertical wall;

FIG. 5 is front view of a drip edge unit;

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of overlapping ends between two drip edge units;

FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of overlapping ends of two drip edge units;

FIG. 7A is a top view of overlapping ends between two drip edge units;

FIG. 7B is an enlarged top view of overlapping ends of two drip units;

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of a drip edge unit according to a another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8B is an enlarged isometric view of a left side of the drip edge unit;

FIG. 9A is a rear view of the drip edge unit in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of a rear right side of the drip edge unit;

FIG. 10 is front view of a drip edge unit;

FIG. 11A is a top view of two overlapping drip edge units;

FIG. 11B is an enlarged top view of two overlapping drip edge units;

FIG. 12A is an isometric view of overlapping ends between two drip edge units;

FIG. 12B is an enlarged view of the overlap section between two drip edge units;

FIG. 13A is an isometric view of overlapping ends between two drip edge units;

FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of the overlap section between two drip edge units;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to be implemented therefore beyond the requirement of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly interpreted.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. Various modifications may be considered within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

FIG. 1 depict preferable embodiment of a extendable drip edge 111 adaptable to be positioned above or below objects such as small windows, orifices, junction boxes for electrical and telecommunication connection, receptacles or the like. The extendable drip edge is made from one piece plastic material. It is advantageous because plastic is relatively inexpensive, resistant to corrosion, and is less likely to cause accidental harm or injury. The drip edge is easily mountable between the sheathing wall 2 and the exterior siding wall 3 using nails or staples 4 mounted through openings 5.

Preferred embodiment of a drip edge shown in FIG. 2A is consisting of base member 11 and vertical wall 6 along the rear edge 10 of the mentioned base. A vertical wall 6 comprises a range of openings 5 close to the top edge 7. This feature is provide for efficient use of nails, screws or staples 4 shown in FIG. 1 and makes stable protection of mounted building objects.

Vertical wall 6 and base member 11 form a sloped angle with one another shown in FIG. 2B. A base incorporates a front sloping flange 13, which projects downwardly from the front edge 12 shown in FIG. 2A. The upper surface 14 of a base member 11 comprises upwardly formed protrusions 15, 16 and projecting end portion of guide members 17. The protrusions and guide members are used as end walls and also as guides for the flow path of water or moisture. Upwardly formed protrusions 15, 16 and guide members 17 are disposed on said upper surface 14 on base member 11 on proper distance. The distance among protrusions and guide members can be presented in different measuring units. The three upwardly formed protrusions 16 disposed on the step 8 on the right side of the drip edge 1 shown in FIG. 5 have straight guide grooves 18 on their rear surface. The guide grooves are shown more directly in FIG. 3-4B. Rear Surface of the base member 21 is continuously flat except the right end side were straight guide grooves are placed shown in FIG. 3. The right side 20 of the base member 11 is raised up from its main surface in step 8, and fit with the guide members 17 from left side of another identical drip edge, when the extension method is used, shown in FIG. 5-7B. Each of the straight guide grooves 18a, 18b and 18c (collectively straight guide grooves 18) has its own, distinctly structured surface thus well-defined pattern that requires a corresponding pattern of the guide members 17a, 17b and 17c (collectively guide members 17). This design ensures not only proper mating of the extensible pieces but also prevents usage of incorrect extension module and ensures a strong interlocking and reliable connection. This type of engagement provides proper generous overlap between identical drip edge units when there is a need to extend the length of the drip edge to achieve desired coverage width above and/or below the objects mounted on or into the building walls. The effect of more generous overlap is reached when projecting portion formed on a wall of guide member 17a is guided by recessed portion formed on a wall of the straight guide groove 18a, and projecting portion formed on a wall of the guide member 17c is guided by recessed portion formed on a wall of the straight guide groove 18c. The surfaces of guide members and straight guide grooves can assume different shapes, such as “T”, “+”, “Y”, “X” or the like. This type of coupling does not allow water and moisture to enter their overlapped surface and to further propagate into the cavities of the building wall. The protrusions 15 and 16 may have different upper surfaces, but their rear surfaces can only be flat without straight guide grooves.

The numbers of the protrusions and guide members correspond to the numbers 19 marked on the vertical wall shown in FIG. 5. The numbers 19 corresponds to the length of the drip edge that can be presented in unit such as inches, mm or the like. Therefore for mounting purposes there is no need to use a ruler or measuring tape. This makes installation of the drip edge very easy. The number of protrusions and guide members can be variable as can the distance between members.

Guide members 17 and protrusions 15 are acting as an end walls and their presence restrain side ways flow of water. To provide a sufficient coverage of the objects mounted on or into the building wall, drip edge can be shortened or used as extension to another drip edge. In the both cases, upwardly formed protrusions and guide elements on either end of the drip edge unit assume function of end walls. guide elements on either end of the drip edge unit assume function of end walls.

Rear surface 21 of the base member 11 except the step 8 is continuously flat and has a general rectangular shape. The step 8 is outwardly extended from the right lateral side 20 from drip edge 1 and it is used for overlapping with another identical drip edge.

The present invention is also directed, in another embodiment 211 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. This drip edge is consisting of base member 27 and vertical wall along the rear edge 26 and has a step from rear end side 24 and a step from front end side 25. A vertical wall 23 comprises a range of openings 37 close to the top edge 38. This feature provides efficient use of nails or staples 39 and enables stable moisture protection on mounted building objects.

The base 27 incorporates a front sloping flange 28, which projects downwardly from the front edge 29 of the base. The upper surface 30 of a base member 27 comprises upwardly formed protrusions 31, 35 and guide member 34. Upwardly formed protrusions 31, 35 and guide members 34 are disposed on said upper surface 30 on base member 27 on proper distance. The distance among protrusions and guide members can be presented in different measuring units. The upwardly formed protrusion 35 on the step 24 on the right side of the drip edge 211 shown in FIG. 10 have straight guide groove 36 on its rear surface shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The guide groove 36 has a recessed portion formed on a wall mating with projecting portion formed on a wall of guide member 34 from another identical drip edge. The effect of prolongation the length of existing drip edge can be reached only when straight guide groove has its own, distinctly structured surface thus well-defined pattern requires a corresponding pattern of the guide members, to be presented. Projecting portion formed of the wall of the guide member 34 is guided by a recessed portion formed of the wall of the guide groove 36, and when steps 24 and 25 are overlapped, shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B makes type of coupling which does not allow water and moisture to enter their overlapped surface and to continue into the cavities of the building wall. Shapes of the surfaces of the guide members and of the strait guide groves can be different.

The numbers of the protrusions are corresponding to the numbers 32 marked on the vertical wall shown in FIG. 10. The numbers 32 corresponds to the length of the drip edge that can be presented in inches, mm or the like. Therefore for mounting purposes there is no need to use a ruler or measuring tape. This makes installation of variable as can the distance between members.

Upwardly formed protrusions 31 and guide member 34 are acting as an end walls and their presence restrain side ways flow of water. To match the width of the objects mounted on or into the building wall, drip edge can be shortened or used as extension to another drip edge. In the both cases upwardly formed protrusions and guide members on either end of the drip edge are end walls.

Rear surface 33 of the base member 27 except the step 24 is continuously flat and has a general rectangular shape. The step 24 is outwardly extended from the right lateral side from drip edge 22 and the step 25 is outwardly extended from the left lateral side from drip edge 22. These steps are used for overlapping with another identical drip edge, shown in FIG. 11.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show an isometric view of overlapping ends between two drip edges according to yet another embodiment of the invention. In many respects, extendable drip edge 311 is similar to extendable drip edge 111 described above, except peg 323 is entering a hole 324. This makes stronger connection between identical drip edges. Components of the extendable drip edge 311 that are similar reference number preceded by numeral “3”. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, when drip edge need to be extended, usage of the peg 323 located in the top corner of the drip edge, which is entering a hole 324 located in the top corner on the other drip edge, provides stronger interlocking connection. The different mating profiles among protrusions 315, guide members 317 and groves 318 provide more proper generous overlapping between identical drip edges and together with a peg 323 and hole 324 make more reliable connection.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show a drip edge according to another embodiment of the invention. Drip edge 411 is similar in many respects to the drip edge 311, except that half round or round peg 423 is positioned in the hole 405, first from the left side of the drip edge. Components of the drip edge 411 that are similar to components of the drip edge 311 are provided with similar reference numbers preceded by the numeral “4” rather then “3”. The half round or round peg 423 is formed integrally with vertical wall 406 and enter end hole 424. The shape of end hole 405 from other identical drip edge allow the half round peg 423 to enter and to make stronger and reliable interlocking connection together with the different matching and mating profiles among protrusions 417 and groves 418.

Claims

1. Extendable drip edge, adaptable to be positioned above or below objects mounted on or into the building wall, said drip edge included:

a base member having a horizontally extendable surface

a vertical wall projecting upwardly from a rear edge of the said base member

protrusions and guide members situated from a back edge to the front edge of said base member

a step of the said base member extending outwardly, obtaining type of interlocking connection of the part from another identical drip edge

a step of the said vertical wall extending outwardly obtaining overlapping type of coupling of the part from another identical drip edge

2. The extendable drip edge of claim 1, wherein the base member sloping downwardly and said base having an essentially rectangular shape

3. The extendable drip edge of claim 2, wherein the base member and the vertical wall form a sloped angle with one another

4. The extendable drip edge of claim 1, wherein a vertical wall extending upwardly from said base member and said wall being provided with openings adaptable to use attachment means for securing to or into a building wall, above or below an object

5. The extendable drip edge of claim 4, wherein a vertical wall has a step extended from its rear end side

6. The extendable drip edge of claim 5, wherein a wall has a peg in an end corner

7. The extendable drip edge of claim 6, wherein a wall has corner side opening to receive peg from another drip edge

8. The extendable drip edge of claim 7, wherein wall has a half round or round peg placed on the end of the opening

9. The extendable drip edge of claim 4, wherein a vertical wall has a step extended from its front end side

10. The extendable drip edge of claim 2, wherein a base member has right end side step

11. The extendable drip edge of claim 1, wherein said upwardly formed protrusions and guide members are disposed on said upper surface on base member on proper distance

12. The extendable drip edge of claim 11, wherein said protrusion and guide member numbers corresponds to the length of the drip edge that can be presented in inches, mm or the like

13. The extendable drip edge of claim 12, wherein said protrusions are presented with at least two types on the base member

14. The extendable drip edge of claim 11, wherein said guide members are presented with at least two types of mating shapes

15. The extendable drip edge of claim 12, wherein one type of protrusions is with straight guide grooves on its rear surface

16. The extendable drip edge of claim 12, wherein second type of protrusions has continuously the same profile along the length of the base member

17. The extendable drip edge of claim 14, wherein projecting portion formed of the wall of the guide member of one extendable drip edge unit is guided from the recessed portion formed on the wall of the guiding groove of second extendable drip edge

18. The extendable drip edge of claim 13, wherein rear surface of the first and second type of protrusions are continuously flat

19. The extendable drip edge of claim 13, wherein shapes of said guide members and straight guide grooves can be different

20. The extendable drip edge of claim 17, wherein strong and reliable engagement between two identical drip edges can be reached with different mating profiles of said guide members and straight guide grooves

21. The extendable drip edge of claim 20, wherein type of overlapping engagement is for extension of the length of the drip edge to match the width of the mounted object

22. The extendable drip edge of claim 1, wherein said edge is adaptable to be positioned above or below objects such as small windows, orifices, junction boxes for electrical and telecommunication connection, receptacles or the like

23. A method of connecting of the two drip edges comprises of the following steps providing at least one of overlapping members from the base and vertical wall to be connected from identical drip edges, a first projecting portion formed of the wall of the guide member is guided from the recessed portion formed of the guiding groove from the second overlapping member connectable with the first member, inserting the guide member of a base of one drip edge into the straight guide groove of the second member of a base of another drip edge in a direction at an angle to an assembling, wherein at least one guide member of drip edge is guided by at least one guide groove from second drip edge and make strong locking connection

24. A method of connecting of claim 23, wherein disconnection of the strong lock connection is in the reverse way