Abstract: A roofing shingle including a lower layer including a headlap and a plurality of tabs extending from the headlap, and an upper layer including one or more fingers, wherein the one or more fingers are disconnected from one another, and wherein each of the one or more fingers is disposed on one tab of the plurality of tabs, wherein a number of the plurality of tabs is different than a number of the one or more fingers. In an embodiment, the lower layer is a lowermost layer of the roofing shingle. In another embodiment, the roofing shingle further includes an alignment feature disposed in an exposure zone of the roofing shingle, wherein the alignment features is adapted to permit alignment of adjacent roofing shingles during installation on a roof.

Abstract: A building system includes a plurality of shingles mounted adjacent one another relative to a building surface. Each of the plurality of shingles has a core formed from a compressed, shredded composite material, and each of the plurality of shingles includes a first end having a first thickness and a second end having a second thickness.

Abstract: An improved roof ridge cover. The roof ridge cover is formed to give the visual appearance of multiple shingles. The edges of the roof ridge cover wrap around existing roof shingles. The cover is stone coated to provide similar appearance to the adjacent roof shingle surfaces. Optional venting material may be used under the cover to allow air to vent from the attic thereby allowing the attic to breathe, although the vent material is sufficiently dense to prevent insects and bugs from passing through the vent material.

Abstract: A method of making a laminated shingle is provided. The method includes coating a shingle mat with roofing asphalt to make an asphalt-coated sheet, adhering a reinforcement member to a portion of the asphalt-coated sheet, covering the asphalt-coated sheet, and optionally covering the reinforcement member, with granules to make a granule-covered sheet, dividing the granule-covered sheet into an overlay sheet and an underlay sheet, wherein the overlay sheet has a tab portion normally exposed on a roof and a headlap portion normally covered-up on a roof, the headlap portion having a lower zone adjacent the tab portion and an upper zone adjacent the lower zone, and wherein the reinforcement member is adhered to the lower zone of the headlap portion and laminating the overlay sheet and the underlay sheet to make the laminated shingle.

Abstract: A roofing shingle is provided. The roofing shingles includes an overlay sheet including a headlap portion and a tab portion and an underlay sheet secured to the overlay sheet such that a region of the underlay sheet overlaps a region of the headlap portion of the overlay sheet. A reinforcement material is secured to the headlap portion of the overlay sheet. The reinforcement material is configured to improve nail pull-through. The reinforcement material extends beyond the overlapping regions of the headlap portion and the underlay sheet a distance of about 0.12 inches or less.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.

Abstract: A roofing panel, a roof, an array of roofing panels, and a method of manufacturing a roofing panel by transporting a capstock layer of the roofing panel through a moving belt mold, and forming a polymeric material in situ against the outer layer while in a mold cavity of the moving belt mold. The capstock layer is vacuum formed to shape and form a plurality of roofing shingles and to impress the shingles with surface topography features simulating natural materials.

Abstract: A thermal insulating element (10?; 10??) comprises a first plate (24) forming at least a part of an outer face of the insulating element (10?; 10??) and a second plate (26) forming a further part of the outer face of the insulating element (10?; 10??). The first and the second plate (24, 26) are connected to each other via a frame structure (12) which establishes a geometry of the insulating element (10?; 10??). The first and the second plate (24, 26) and the frame structure (12) define a cavity filled with air, wherein at least one vent opening (28) is formed in the first and/or the second plate (24, 26) and/or the frame structure (12). A projecting edge portion (34, 36) is formed along an edge of a portion of the insulating element (10?; 10??) which is provided with the at least one vent opening (28), the projecting edge portion (34, 36) being adapted to at least partially cover a gap between two insulating elements (10?; 10??) disposed side by side.

Abstract: A siding panel of a siding assembly has a nailing hem and a first upwardly opening channel connected to the nailing hem. A downwardly opening channel is connected to the first channel. An upper portion of an upper course forms a portion of the downwardly opening channel. An upper shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from the upper course to an upper edge of a lower course. A lower shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from a lower edge of the lower course. A planar member extending upwardly from the lower shoulder, the lower shoulder and a portion of the lower course form a second upwardly opening channel. A rib of an insulating panel is received in the first downwardly opening channel. A projection is received by the second upwardly opening channel. A shoulder abuts the upper shoulder of the siding panel.

Abstract: A polymer siding panel for mounting on a wall surface that in one embodiment includes at least two horizontal adjacent sections and a plurality of decorative elements integrally formed with the said panel and disposed in at least one row. The panel may also include an upwardly facing channel formed on a rear side of the siding panel opposite the front face; and at least two splicing members. The splicing members may be transparent or translucent and manufactured from a polymer that is the same or different than the polymer of the siding panel, and one of the splicing members may be welded to and joining the sections to one another. The other splicing member can be welded to one of the sections at a side edge opposite the side edge adjoining the other section. The other splicing member may extend beyond the respective side edge.

Abstract: A composite roofing tile with multiple tile images is adapted for presentation of the individual tile images in a non-repeating manner, and for interlocking with adjacent stacked and installed tiles.

Abstract: A siding panel of a siding assembly has a nailing hem and a first upwardly opening channel connected to the nailing hem. A downwardly opening channel is connected to the first channel. An upper portion of an upper course forms a portion of the downwardly opening channel. An upper shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from the upper course to an upper edge of a lower course. A lower shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from a lower edge of the lower course. A planar member extending upwardly from the lower shoulder, the lower shoulder and a portion of the lower course form a second upwardly opening channel. A rib of an insulating panel is received in the first downwardly opening channel. A projection is received by the second upwardly opening channel. A shoulder abuts the upper shoulder of the siding panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite panel for use in construction, and particularly for shingling, which comprises natural fiber and a polymer. Due to its composition and layout the construction panel provides all of the advantages of natural materials and high end roofing materials, particularly an attractive appearance, while at the same time allowing for ease of installation, little or no maintenance requirements, and providing superior impact and fire resistance when compared to other roofing materials. The construction panels can also be installed using conventional equipment and methods similar to the installation of 3-tab asphalt shingles with little or no learning curve.

Abstract: An interlocking rectangular sheet of simulated shakes for lock-up assembly upon a structure in an upwardly directed fashion having a thermo-formed base sheet with an exposure surface and a top and bottom surface. The bottom surface terminates in a cross-sectionally “U” shaped, clipping member. The top surface has a plurality of punched key portions, certain of which having apertured, flanged, assemblies thereon. All of the key portions allow for receiving securing members for attachment of the sheet to the structure, including the flanged portions. The apertured, flanged assemblies and the clipping members cooperate positively to interconnect in the upwardly directed fashion to provide, when secured to the structure by the securing members, a substantial inability to be removed or displaced by weather conditions. The flanged assemblies have an extended “S” shaped configuration.

Abstract: An artificial shingle adapted for mounting on substantially any roof surface (e.g., spaced slat- or solid sheathing-type construction) whereupon conventional shingles might alternatively be mounted, wherein the artificial shingle provides superior cost, wear, fire resistance, weight, or other characteristics while presenting a substantially realistic appearance and resemblance to a natural material (e.g., slate, cedar). The artificial shingle comprises a top surface and a bottom surface. A lower top exposure portion of the top surface and an upper bottom exposure portion of the bottom surface are both provided (e.g., stamped, molded, imprinted) with a relief or three-dimensional pattern substantially resembling the natural material of which conventional shingles are constructed. Other features include a midline groove with a cuttable end tab, and a portion of reduced thickness with strengthening corrugations.

Abstract: A single metal sheet roofing panel having a plurality of alternatively raised and lowered patches longitudinally arranged in three rows. The panel 30 comprises a side clip connection system for laterally connecting adjacent panels. The panel is coated with the stone based coating and has a unique patterned appearance of multiple colors and shades. A method for manufacturing of the panel.

Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has a raised platform located in the center of the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a perimeter trough is formed between the platform and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.

Abstract: Unitary modular shake panels and methods for making and using such shake panels. In one aspect of the invention, a unitary modular shake panel includes an interconnecting section composed of a siding material and several integral shake sections projecting from the interconnecting section. The panel preferably has a quadrilateral shape with first and second edges along a longitudinal dimension that are separated from each other by a width of the panel along a transverse dimension. Additionally, the shake sections are separated from one another by slots extending from the second edge to an intermediate width in the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the panel is composed of a unitary piece of fiber-cement siding with a simulated wood grain running along the transverse dimension.

Abstract: A composite roofing shingle coated with weather resistant granules on its exposed surface which comprises (a) a top member having an upper undivided headlap section and a lower butt section comprising spaced tabs depending from said headlap and (b) a bottom backer member attached to the under surface and coterminal with the length of said headlap section, said backer member being exposable in the spaces between said tabs, said tabs carrying a horizontal band area of a given hue which contrasts with that of the remaining portion of the tab and which is painted or printed across the bottom margin of the tab to provide a band having a relatively smooth surface, said backer member having a surface texture distinguishable from the texture of the color band and having weather resistant granules embedded on its exposed surface; which granules are of a contrasting color with respect to the unpainted portions of the tabs.

Abstract: Unitary modular shake panels, and methods for making and using such shake panels. In one aspect of the invention, a unitary modular shake panel includes an interconnecting section composed of a siding material and several integral shake sections projecting from the interconnecting section. The panel preferably has a quadrilateral shape with first and second edges along a longitudinal dimension that are separated from each other by a width of the panel along a transverse dimension. Additionally, the shake sections are separated from one another by slots extending from the second edge to an intermediate width in the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the panel is composed of a unitary piece of fiber-cement siding with a simulated wood grain running along the transverse dimension.

Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior lane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molded roofing unit formed of a fiber-reinforced plastic composition configured to simulate the appearance of a conventional roofing product, such as a cedar shake, slate, or tile roofing product. The roofing product is configured to provide consistent results in the molding process, low material and production costs, high rigidity and strength, impact resistance, stability in high wind conditions, and ease of installation. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber-reinforced plastic composition is comprised of a polyolefin plastic compounded with at least partially delignified agricultural our forestry fibers. The roofing units possess high impact resistance, wind resistance and at least a Class C residential fire rating.

Abstract: A roofing shingle includes organic, resinous material and an inorganic filler material, the single having a top surface, two side surfaces, an upper end, and a lower or butt end, defining a cavity on the underside of the shingle, with ribs positioned within the cavity. When applied to a roof, the shingle has the appearance of wooden shake shingle and provides a Class A fire barrier when tested according to ASTM test E108-93 for flame spread, burning brand and intermittent flame.

Abstract: Siding panel for installation on the walls, soffits or other exposed surfaces of a structure having a nailing hem folded back upon itself to form a lateral edge of the siding panel and terminating in a first lip projecting outwardly from the front side of the siding panel and away from the lateral edge. A U-shaped channel is formed on the front side of the siding panel and is connected to the nailing hem. A U-shaped projection extends along the siding panel and terminates in a second lip projecting away from the back of the siding panel and the U-shaped projection. The U-shaped channel receives a U-shaped projection of an adjacent panel and the first lip engages and interlocks with the second lip of the adjacent panel.

Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior plane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.

Abstract: A generally rectangular shingle tab cover panel is provided for securement over each shingle tab to be covered and each cover panel includes a lower edge, an upper edge and side margins extending between the upper and lower edges. One of the side margins includes a downturned flange and the other side margin includes a downwardly depressed channel spaced slightly inward from the free marginal edge thereof. Each cover panel is applied over a corresponding shingle tab with the depending side marginal flange closely outward of the corresponding side edge of the associated shingle tab and the downwardly depressed channel received in the spacing between the other side edge of the corresponding shingle tab and the opposing side edge of the next adjacent shingle tab.

Abstract: A series of roofing shingles (200, 240, 260, 280) are disclosed which have multiple tabs across the exposed width of the shingle. A polymer foam layer is bonded to an asphalt shingle material to form the roofing shingle. The polymer foam is thicker at certain of the tabs than others to provide a pleasing layered appearance to the roof. The tabs can also be varied in width and length relative to adjacent tabs.

Abstract: A simulated shake shingle for replicating the random appearance of natural wood shakes is provided, the shingle including a generally rectangular top plate having forward and rearward ends, the top plate being rearwardly tapered. A generally rectangular bottom plate is also provided, being secured and partially underlying the top plate and being rearwardly and transversely offset therefrom. The bottom plate is of a size and shape for flush engagement against a flat roof surface and is adapted for side to side engagement with bottom plates of six identical adjoining shingles positioned with the top plates thereof in adjacent nonoverlapping relation. The shingle may also include a plurality of venturi grooves formed on the underside thereof for forming an air insulating barrier to reduce heating or cooling loses from a building interior through the roof.

Abstract: An approved roofing shingle (10) and a method for its manufacture, are disclosed. The shingle incorporates an upper layer (12) of conventional asphaltic composite roofing material and a lower layer (14) of a polymer foam having a thickness between 1/16 inches and one inch. The foam effectively thickens the shingle to give a layered appearance to a roof using the shingle. The polymer foam can be applied by a free blown or froth process, or preformed and adhered to the composite material sheet by adhesive techniques.

Abstract: A roofing shingle consisting of composite plies of thin sheet material adhered together by asphalt having exposed areas with or without cut outs between tabs, and a flexible region at the end top of the exposed area. The top end of the cut outs may lie in this flexible region.

Abstract: A building panel having inner and outer faces outlined by opposite ends and an upper and lower edges has opposite ends adapted to closely face the end of an adjacent panel in the same course. The outer face of the panel includes a lower segment of substantially greater surface area adapted for exposure and an upper portion of relatively smaller surface area adapted to underlie a lower portion of one or more panels in a next higher course laid in overlapping relation therewith. One of the ends of said panel includes an overlap end segment adapted to overlie an underlying end segment at the other end of an adjacent panel laid up end to end in the same course to form a ship lap end joint between the panels. The overlap end segment includes a marginal end portion of the outer face with an underside therebelow formed to slope from a minimum panel thickness adjacent the upper edge toward a maximum panel thickness adjacent the lower edge.

Abstract: A building panel of wood composite material includes inner and outer faces outlined by opposite ends and upper and lower edges. The panels are adapted to be placed end-to-end in courses or rows arranged in parallel to extend upwardly from a lower edge or eave to cover a building wall or roof structure. Each panel includes an outer face having a lower portion of substantial surface area adapted for exposure to the weather and an upper portion of relatively smaller surface adapted to underlie one or more panels in a next higher course laid in overlapping relation therewith. A large lower portion of the outer face is formed with a surface embossed to resemble a plurality of individual shingle elements positioned in side-by-side relation. Grooves are formed in the outer face of the panel between adjacent shingle elements and each groove tapers from a minimum depth adjacent the upper portion of the outer face to a maximum or greater depth adjacent the lower edge of the panel.

Abstract: An exterior, deep embossed, shingle lap siding system for building well and roof structures comprising rectangular building panels having a decorative outer weather resistant surface embossed to resemble, when assembled, a plurality of rows of shingle elements laid side-by-side, said weather resistant outer surface including a lower edge portion projecting downwardly below the upper edge portion of the next subjacent row and having an irregular lower edge embossed to resemble the lower edges of a row of variable length shingles placed side-by-side.

Abstract: A method of making wood shingle sidewall panels by assembling a layup including a face layer of high-grade tapered wood shingles with their longitudinal edges in abutment, each such shingle having a rabbeted longitudinal edge, an intermediate layer of veneer and a backing layer of wood shingles tapered opposite to the taper of the face wood shingles, and bonding the shingle layers to the opposite sides of the veneer, respectively. The face layer of sidewall panel shingles having rabbeted edges simulates the appearance of shingles individually applied to a wall.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus are disclosed for forming products from thermoplastic polymeric material having three-dimentional patterns and surface textures on one or both faces that may be similar or dissimilar with or without a continuously changing profile and with or without shaped edges, such as shake shingle panels, board and batten panels, rough barn board panels, wainscoting panels, brick panels, stone panels, patterned door panels, similar structural wall panels, roofing or siding panels, ribbed soffits, fascia board, flooring reinforced with egg crate ribs, forms for pouring contoured concrete structures, and other three-dimensional pattern and surface textured plastic products which may extend in widths up to 4 feet or more and in lengths up to 20 feet or more.

Abstract: A thin shell of hard plastic has a cavity within which a polyurethane foam is received. Each panel includes an upper, relatively straight-line edge, two side edges at substantially 90 degrees to the upper edge, and a lower, irregular edge having the appearance of a plurality of individual roofing shakes. The upper edge is canted upwardly for receipt within a groove in the underside of an upper overlapping panel. In addition, immediately adjacent the canted upper edge, there is a bandlike section through which roofing nails may be applied for securing the panel to the roof. The undersurface of each panel includes a stepped arrangement, not unlike that encountered in a roof constructed of individual shakes, which arrangement enables a pair of such panels to be fitted together with the top surface of one panel contacting the lower surface of another panel and forming a substantially parallel surface package for storage and shipment.

Abstract: A multi-lap siding formed from a hardboard material is disclosed. The multi-lap siding is rectangular and has generally flat, opposed front and rear surfaces, and an upper leading edge and the lower trailing edge being configured such that the upper leading edge of one siding can cooperate and interfit with the lower trailing edge of another siding to form a continuous siding installation. The lower edge of the front surface of the siding is provided with a lower bead portion. The upper edge of the lower bead portion is defined by a first, V-shaped groove having an angled upper edge, a rounded lower edge and a rounded apex portion. The lower edge of the lower bead portion is defined by the lower edge of the siding and is also rounded. The siding is further provided with at least one central bead portion disposed intermediate the front surface of the siding. The upper edge of the central bead portion is defined by a second V-shaped groove having a configuration similar to the first V-shaped groove.

Abstract: A triple lap siding product is machined from a strip of wide lap hardboard siding to give the appearance of three narrow laps of natural wood siding or actual drop siding cut from 3/4" lumber. The configuration for simulating narrow lap siding is machined with beveled profiles having opposed first and second surfaces. Each strip of siding includes a plurality of inclined cuts and vertical cuts subdividing the single strip into three lap portions. The configuration for simulating actual drop siding includes a plurality of arcuate cuts and vertical cuts that subdivide each strip of siding into three lap portions. For both types of siding, the leading edge of one strip is adapted to cooperate with the trailing edge of another strip to form a continuous lap siding installation on the building or the like.

Abstract: A horizontally elongated sheet metal siding panel simulating the appearance of a row of shake-type wooden shingles is produced by forming, in the panel, alternating raised and depressed shingle-simulating portions having surfaces lying in spaced parallel planes and separated by narrow portions that taper upwardly as viewed in projection in the surface planes of the shingle-simulating portions.

Abstract: A panel made of sheet metal, synthetic resin, or the like and adapted to be mounted shingle-fashion with a plurality of other such panels to an upright wall is of generally rectangular shape with upper and lower end edges and lateral side edges. Between these edges the panel has when mounted a horizontal bend subdividing it into an upper half and a lower half. In the upper half the panel has an upper central substantially planar region which is surrounded by an upper downwardly U-shaped non-planar attachment portion by means of which the entire panel is secured to the upright wall. The lower half has a lower central substantially planar region which is contiguous at the bend with the upper planar region and generally coplanar therewith in a relaxed unmounted condition of the panel.

Abstract: A "Wall Member" which comprises an elongated substantially rectangular extruded mono-shell defining an inner core, extruded in indefinite length, after which it is cut to the required dimension. The shell is made of low heat expandable material and contains an insulating material therein. The shell is formed with two vertical faces one of which having a permanent building exterior finish and the other having a permanent building interior finish. This interior vertical face is also provided within its main core, with an adjacent integral conduit therein for horizontal electrical leads. The shell is additionally formed with two horizontal upper and lower faces which are adapted for engagement over one another, such as by tongue and groove. These "Wall Members" are also adapted for connecting their ends which are provided with upper and lower hard surface fins to a structural vertical member such as a Post, window or door frames or another "Wall Member".

Abstract: A simulated shingle arrangement having novel interlocking connections between adjacent shingles in the same course as well as between adjacent shingles in adjacent courses is provided. The arrangement can comprise individual shingles each having the novel interlocking connecting means as an integral part thereof, but preferably comprises elongated panels each simulating a plurality of individual shingles in side-by-side relation. As in the case of individual shingles, the novel interlocking connecting means forms an integral part of such elongated multi-shingle panels. The outer surface of the shingles can simulate the appearance of conventional shingles, such as cedar shakes, as desired.