Siding joinery

Abstract

A panel system includes elongated panels coupled together at a seam portion with respective interlocking portions at corresponding vertical ends to provide a substantially planar surface. In siding panel systems, joined siding panels are provided in vertically arranged rows that further couple together along adjacent horizontal edges of the respective rows of siding panels.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 650,102 filed on May 22, 2012, and is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 847,087 filed on Mar. 19, 2013, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent app. Ser. No. 12 / 750,065 filed on Mar. 30, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,402,707, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 299,383 filed on Jan. 29, 2010, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to panel systems, such as generally flat sections used in building, construction and other applications, including in walls, siding, flooring, tiling, shelving, furniture and like. In non-limiting embodiments the present invention provides a system of interlocking siding panels and a method of making interlocking siding panels.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system of panels that create a better looking seam when joined together. The panels can expand and contract without creating any gaps or bulges at the seam. This results in a smoother and more seamless appearance compared to vinyl siding. The advantage of this system is that the expansion and contraction of the panels is transferred to the ends of the assembly, rather than the individual panels.

Problems solved by technology

This expansion and contraction may cause irregularities in the seam section between two adjacent panels.

For example, if adjacent abutting panels expand, the ends of the adjacent panels may expand toward each other, causing them to deflect away from the building at the seam section.

If adjacent abutting panels contract, the ends of the panels may draw away from each other, resulting in a gap at the seam section.

The gapping created by expansion or contraction of the siding panels may leave openings that can be unsightly, and leave the siding and building surface susceptible to damage from the elements.

However, the overlapping region leaves an undesirable visible seam.

In addition, the gap between the two overlapping sections allows water, air, and insects to pass which may cause damage to the siding panels or the underlying building surface.

Furthermore, where the overlapping region is unfastened, the ends of the siding panels can separate, further exacerbating these issues.

However, the use of separate connector pieces complicates the installation and assembly of the siding panels.

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