Shingles and methods of producing shingles

Abstract

The present specification describes shingles having first and second discrete portions. A fastening member, such as a rivet, secures the first and second portions to one another. The rivet resists separation of the portions over time after the shingles have been installed on a rooftop. The present specification also describes methods of producing shingles having at least one fastening member to secure first and second shingle portions to one another. In one method, apparatus is provided to puncture a continuous strip of shingles at regular intervals, and then insert a fastening member into the apertures created during the puncturing step. The puncturing and injecting apparatus described includes drums, which the shingle strip may pass over or under.

Description

PRIORITY INFORMATION [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 088,450, filed Mar. 24, 2005, the entire of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of Invention [0003] The present invention relates to devices for covering rooftops, and to methods of producing such devices. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one type of roofing shingle 20 that is commonly used today. The shingle 20 includes a first portion 22 (commonly referred to in the industry as a “tab”) and a second portion 24 (commonly referred to in the industry as a “dragon's tooth” or “tooth”). The first portion 22 is substantially rectangular, and forms a lower layer of the shingle 20. The second portion 24 is shaped substantially as a rectangle having a plurality of cutouts 26 (FIG. 1) along a lower edge 28 thereof. The cutouts 26 define a plurality of flaps 30 located between adjacent cutouts 26...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a way to make and use shingles, which are used to protect roofs. The method involves using a special type of material called a \"pre-painted shingle\" that is applied to a roof. The shingle is designed to be attached to the roof using a special adhesive, and then the roof is covered with a layer of roofing material. The shingle helps to prevent water from leaking into the roof and can be easily installed. The patent covers all variations of this method, and allows for modifications to be made as long as they are within the scope of the original shingle and method."

Problems solved by technology

These shingles and methods are, however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from those discussed above that are fully equivalent.

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