Laminated Shingle Tab Geometry to Prevent Roof Striping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laminated shingles with narrow tabs create objectionable patterns such as striping and zippering when applied to roofs, which are exacerbated by tab thickness and shadow effects, and previous attempts to mitigate these patterns have been insufficient.

Innovation Solution

Shingles with a first layer featuring full tabs and cut-outs having a width-to-length ratio greater than 8.5/36, and a second layer positioned under the first layer, combined with a cutting wheel pattern and potential color contrasts to reduce pattern repetition and visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If narrow tabs are used in laminated shingles, then the shingles can be manufactured with standard dimensions, but objectionable patterns such as striping and zippering appear on the roof

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandard shingle dimensionsVSAvoidobjectionable patterns (striping and zippering)

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the critical parameter of tab width from narrow (less than 7 inches) to wide (at least 7 inches). This parameter change fundamentally alters the visual pattern formed when shingles are applied, eliminating the striping and zippering effects while maintaining standard manufacturing dimensions and processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetry in the tab design by specifying that tabs should be wide (at least 7 inches) rather than narrow, creating an irregular pattern distribution that prevents the formation of repetitive visual patterns. The asymmetric placement and dimensions of tabs and cutouts disrupt the regularity that causes objectionable patterning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Strength

If tab thickness is increased, then the shingles provide better structural integrity, but the objectionable patterns are magnified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmagnified patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the tab width parameter to be at least 7 inches, which shifts the visual balance so that even if tabs have significant thickness, the wide width-to-thickness ratio prevents the magnification of patterns. The parameter change in width compensates for the potential visual impact of tab thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If more tabs are visible in a given field of view, then the shingle coverage appears more complete, but the patterning becomes more objectionable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshingle coverage areaVSAvoidobjectionable patterning

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the tab width parameter to at least 7 inches, which reduces the number of tabs needed to achieve complete coverage. This parameter change simultaneously decreases the number of visible tabs in any field of view and eliminates the repetitive patterning that occurs with narrower tabs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20040103611A1Shingles and methods of applying shingles

Publication Date: 2004.06.03 TAMKO ROOFING PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a shingle includes a first layer having at least one full tab and at least one full cut-out. A second layer is positioned under the first layer. The full tab width to first layer length ratio is greater than 8.5/36. The full cut-out width to first layer length ratio is greater than 8.5/36. A method that includes applying such shingles to a roof.