CA2355529C

CA2355529C - Fastening member and siding boards attachment structure

Info

Publication number: CA2355529C
Application number: CA002355529A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Ryuji Hotta
Original assignee: Nichiha Corp
Current assignee: Nichiha Corp
Priority date: 2000-08-22
Filing date: 2001-08-21
Publication date: 2005-07-26
Anticipated expiration: 2021-08-21
Also published as: US20020046536A1; JP3405331B2; JP2002061372A; CA2355529A1

Abstract

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fastening member which causes hardly any differences in fastening force of siding boards owing to differences in means for fixing the fittings to a building frame, an exterior wall construction structure using the same, a starter member, and further a method of attaching siding boards.
The present invention relates to a fastening member for mounting siding boards to a framework of a building with underlayments being interposed between. The fastening member comprises a base plate portion abutting on rear side surfaces of siding boards that are vertically disposed, a support portion that is provided to erect frontward from the base plate portion, an upper board engaging portion that is bent in an oblique upward direction from the support portion, and a lower board engaging portion that is bent in an oblique downward direction from the support portion. The base plate portion comprises a nail hole and a screw hole through which a nail and a screw are respectively pierced for fixing the fastening member to the framework. The nail hole and the screw hole are provided at position at which a distance from the nail hole to the support portion and a distance from the screw hole to the support portion become substantially equal.

Description

~TT,F OF THE INVEN~'ION
FASTENING MEMBER AND SIDING BOARDS AT'.i?ACHMENT STRUCTURE
BACKGROUND O>=' THE INVENTION
Meld of the Invention The present invention relates to a fastening member that.
is disposed at: an upper rabbeted horizontal edge and a lower rabbeted horizontal edge of a siding board. for mounting the siding board to a framework with an underlayment being interposed between, a siding boards attachment structure employing the same, a starter member (that is a starter) that is disposed at a. 7_owermost end of the ~~i.din.c~ boards attachment structure, and further relates to a method of at tacking sidi.n.g boards.
~i~sc~.~l.~~.~._~~kgrc~~nd Conventionally, there exisi~s a siding boards attachment structure 90 as shown in Figs. 18 to 2:1 .in which a plurality of siding boards 2 are fixed to a framework with an underlayment.
~3 being interposed between by using a fastening member 9 (Fig,.
17) .
In such a siding boards attachment structure 9U, the fastening member 9 is disposed to bridge over a joint portion of upper and lower sid:i.ng boards 2, that is, a portion between an upper rabbeted hori~,ontal edge 21 and a lower rabbeted horizontal. edge 22, of the siding boards 2 as i1.1_ustrated in Figs.
1~) and 21 so as i:o mount the siding boards 2 to the frameworlc with the underlayment 8 being interposed between.
It should be noted that a furring strip is illustrated in Figs. 18 to 21 as the under_layment 8.
As il:Lustrated in L~'igs. 17 to 21, the fastening member 9 includes a base plate portion 91 abutting on rear side surfaces 26 of siding boards 2 that are vertically disposed, a support portion 92 that is provided to erect frontward from the base plate portion 91, an upper board engaging portion 93 that is bent in an oblique upward direction from the support portion 92, and a lower board engaging portion 94 that is bent in an oblique downward direction from the support portion 92 . A front flat plate portion 934 abutti..ng on. a roar. surface of an overlying tongue portion 226 of a lower overlying tongue portion of the upper siding board 2 is formed .i.n front of the upper board.
engaging portion 93 and the lower board engaging portion. 94.
The base plate portion 91 includes a nail hole 98 and a screw hole 99 for inserting thF~rein a nail 41 and a screw 42, respectively, For fixing the fastening member 9 to the framework with the underlayment 8 being interposed between.
..?.0 As illustrated in Fig. 1.7, t=he base plate portion 91 includes a sloped portion 91.1 at an upper portion thereof that i_s curved in an oblique rearward direction and further a lower leg portion 912. at a lower. end portion thereof that i.s bent rearward at an angle of approximately 90°. A central plate ?.'~ port-i.on 913 is provided between the sloped portion 911. and the Lo~~~er leg portion 91.2 fo:r connecting these members and further abutting on the rear side surfaces 26 of the siding boards 2.
The support portion 92 is erected from the central plate portion 913.
The nail hole 98 is formed on the sloped portion 911 and the screw hole 99 is provided on the central plate portion 913 formed between the sloped portion 911 and the support portion 92.
When the fastening member 9 i_s .fixed to the framework with the underlayment 8 being interposed between, the fastening member 9 is fixed to the framework with the unde.r_l.ayment 8 being interposed between by the nail. 41 or the screw 42. More parti.cul..ar.ly, when using t..he nail 41, the fastening member 9 is fixed to the framework by piercing the nail 41 through the nail hole 98 and driving the nail_ 47_ to the framework with the underlayment 8 being interposed between in an oblique downward direction, as illustrated in Figs. 1.8 and 19.
When using the screw 4?_, the screw 42 is pierced through the screw hole 99 and screwed into the framework with lmde.rlayment 8 being interposed between for_ fixing the fastening member 9 to the framework with the under_l.ayment 8 being interposed between as illustrated in Figs. 20 and 21.
In this manner, the fastening member 9 is arranged so that a person performing the construct.i.on may freely select either f i xing using a nail 41. ( figs . 18 and 19) or fixir~rl using a screw 4a ( Figs . 20 and 21 ) dependi.ng on various conditions at the time of performing construction.

However, such a fastening member 9 exhibits the following drawback.
The closer the nail 41 or the screw 42 is disposed to the support portion 92 that receives the load, the larger fixing for_~ce of the fastening member 9 to the framework against load of the siding board 2 or wind pressure is.
Thus, in case of that the nail hole 98 and the screw hole 99 are disposed at posi_ti_ons at which a distance from the nail hole 98 to the support portion 92 and a distance from the screw ho1_e 99 to the support portion 92 are different, the fixing force against load or wind pressure will differ between fixing by the nail 41 anal .fixing by the screw 42..
In the .fastening member 9, the nail hole 98 i.s formed on the sloped portion 911 whi_l~e the screw hole 99 is formed. on the rentra.l_ plate portion 91.3, resperti.ve~_y (Fig. 17) . That is, the nail hc.~le 98 is remoter from the support portion 92 than the screw hole 99. Thus, the fixing force when fixing is performed by the nail 41 (Figs. 18 and 19) will be smaller than the .fix.ing force when fixing is performed by the screw 42 (Figs.
?. 0 2 0 and 21. ) .
In the siding boards attachment structura 90 employing the fastening member 9, there i_s a difference i.n fastening forces of the siding board 2 to the framework between using the na.i.l_ 41_ and using the screw 4?_ . Consequent:Ly, performances such ?5 as wind. pressure-resistance and ot=hers will vary depending on means for f.ixi_ng the fastening member 9.

In order to prevent producing partial differences in fastening force of sid.i.ng boards in a single building, it will be necessary to unify the .fixing means for performing construction, either the nail 41 or the screw 42. Farther it is not preferable that di fferences in fastening forces of siding boards exist between each building. It will therefore be necessary to unify the fixing means f_or performing r_onstruction when a plurality of bui~_dings are built.
7. o ~~~~=CNV~L'~.~9~I
An object of the present invention is to provide a fastening member which cai_ises hardly any d.i_f.ferenr_es in fastening force of. siding boards owing to differences in means for_ fixing the fittings t:o a buit.ding frame, an exterior wa_Ll l_5 construction structure using the same, a starter member, and further a method of attaching siding boards.
According to one aspect of the invention, a fastening member is disposed to bridge over an upper rabbeted horizontal edge of a lower. siding board and a lower rabbeted horizontal 20 edge of an upper siding board fo.r mounting the siding boards to a framework of a building with an u.nderlayment being interposed between, wherein. the fastening member includes a base plate t~ort.i.on abutting on rear side surfaces o.f siding boards that 25 are verti.cal.ly disposed, a support portion that .is provided t=o erect frontward from th.e base plate portion, an upper board engaging portion that is bent in an oblique upward direction from. the support portion, and a lower board engaging portion that is bent in an oblique downward direct:i.on from the support portion, wherein the base plate portion includes a nail hole and a screw hole through which a nail and a screw are respectively pierced for fixing the f.'astening member to the framework, and wherein the nai.l_ ho7_e and the screw hole are provided at position at which a distance from the nail hole to the support portion and a distance from the screw hole to the support portion are substantially equal.
It is a notable point: of the present iz~.venta_OIl that the nail hole and the sr_rew hole are provided at position at which a. distance from the nail hole to the support portion and a 1.5 di.stanre from the screw hole to the support portion a.r.e substantially equal. That is, a vertical distance 8 from a central plane of the support portion to the nail holE~ and a vertical distance ~3 from the central plane of the support portion to the screw hole are substantially equal (see rig.
2 (F3) ) .
It should be noted that the following explanations will be made supposing that a side of the fastenine~ member itself on w.h:i.ch the nail hole i.:s formed is the "upper" side and the opposite side i s th.e "lowe:r'" side, when viewed from the support 2'_~ porti.~~n, for de.f_ini.ng respective names of portions.
The screw hole i.s formed on the Side which is opposite to the nail hole. That a_s, since the screw hole is provided downward o.f the support portion, the direction of the fastening member needs to be turned upside down when performing fixing using the screw. In this case, the upper board engaging portion will engage the lower siding board and the lower board engaging portion will engage the upper siding board (see Fig. 6).
With this arrangement, the positiona.l relationship of the nail and the screw from the support portion will be substantially identical with no matter which the nail or the screw is used.
Working effects of the present invention will now be explained.
As explained above, the nail ho l.e and the screw hole are disposed i.n the above fastening member at positions at which distances between t:he holes and i:he support portion are substantially equal. Thus, there is almost no differences i.n fixing force against load of the upper siding board or wind pressure between fixing the fastening member by the nail and fixing the fastening member by the screw.
There is almost no differences in fastening force of_ siding boards between. fixing the fastening member by the nail and fixing the fastening member by the screw when arranging t:he exterior wall construction structure. That is, no drawbacks such as :i.solat:ion or fal.l..i ng off of siding boards are cau> ed i 5 by changing means for_ .fixin.e~ the fastening member. For instance, performances such as wind pressure-res~_stance of siding boards attachment structures will not vary depending on means for fixing the fastening member.
The fastening member is further advantaged in than easy construction is enabled since a person performing the construction may freely select the fixing means, either nails or_ screws, in accordance with various conditions at the time of con structions.
As explained so far, it is possible to provide a fastening member with which hardly any differences in fastening force of siding boards are caused owing to differences in means for fixing the fastening member to the framework.
.~~.~~~S~J,~ T I9~L.~~'.~~I ~~~
A more complete appreciation of th~ i..nvention and many 10 of the attendant: advantages thereof w.il_1 become readi_:Ly apparent with reference to the foli.owing detailed description, particularly when considered i_n conjuncti_on with the companying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fastening member ?.0 according to Embodiment 1;
Fig. 2(.A) is a front view of the fastening member according to Embodiment l;
Fi.c~. 2 (B) is a sect=lOIlci 1. view seeYl from a direction as i_mdicated by the arrow along .line C--C of F.i_g. 2 (A) ;
25 Fi.g. 3 is a perspect=ive explanatory view of a siding boards attachment st:ruct:ure i.n which the fastening member of Embodiment 1 is fixed to an u.nderlayment by a nail;
Fig. 4 is a l.ongitud.inal sectional explanatory view of the siding boards attachment structure in which the fastening member of Embodiment 1 is fixed to an under_layment by a nail;
Fig. 5 is a perspective explanatory view of a siding boards attachment structure in which the fastening member of Embodiment 1 i_s fixed to an underlayment by a screw;
E'ig. 6 is a long:itudi.nal sectional explanatory view of the siding boards attachment structure in which the fastening member of Embodiment 1 is fixed to an underlayment by a screw;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a siding board of Embodiment l;
Fig. 8 i.s a longitudinal sectional view of a lower end portion of the sid.i.nc~ boards attar_hment structure of Embodiment 1.5 l;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a starter member. of Embodiment 1;
Fig. 10 (A) is a perspective view of a crown plate of the stars=er member of Embodiment 1;
Fig. 10(B) is a perspective view of a notched groove of_ a leg plate of Embodiment 1;
E'ig. 11 is a perspective view of a fastening member of Embodiment 2;
Fig. 1.2. is a perspective view of a fastening membe:r_ of ?_5 Embodiment 3;
Fi.g. 13 is a perspect.i.ve View o.f a crown plate of the starter member of Embodiment 4;
Fig. 14 is a front view of a fastening member of Embodiment 5;
Fig. 15 is a perspective explanatory view of a siding boards attachment structure of Embodiment 5;
Fig. 16 is a lateral sectional explanatory view of a siding boards attachment structure of Embodiment 5;
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a fastening member according to the prior art;
Fig. 18 is a perspective explanatory view of a siding boards attachment structui:e in which the fastening member of the prior art is fixed to an underlayment by a nail;
Fig. 1.9 is a l.ongitudi.nal sectional explanatory view of_ the siding boards attachment structure in which the .fastening 1 5 member of th.e prior. art is fixed to an underlayment by a nail;
Fig. 20 is a perspective explanatory view of a siding boards attachment structure in which the fastening member of the prior art is fixed to an underlayrnent by a screw; and Fig. 2.1 is a longitudinal sectional explanat=ory view o:f the siding boards attachment structure in which the fastening member of the prior art is fixed to an underlayment by a screw.
~.~R~PT I ON-,9~._ TI-IE PRE FERRED ~MBOD~.MEN_'~ z.
The preferred embodirnents wil.:l. now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings .
It is preferable that the base plate portion includes an upper abutting portion and a lower abutting portion that abut the underlayment at its upper and lower portion, an upper rising portion and a lower rising portion that are respectively formed in a frontward rising manner from the upper abutting portion and the lower abutting portion, and a central plate portion being installed to connect: the upper rising portion anal the lower rising portion and abutting against the rear side surfaces of the siding boards, wherein the support portion is formed to be erected from the central plate portion.
With this arrangement, the siding boards may be mounted to the framework with a clearance formed between the rear side surfaces o.f the siding boards and the underlayments. A
J_5 vent.i_lation layer w_i.7_1 be accordingly formed between. the siding boards and the underlayments for improving 'the durability of the siding boards attachment structure.
It is further preferable that the upper rising portion and the lower rising portion include a horizontal plane portion that is arranged to form a subst=antiall.y right angle with respect to the central plate portion.
With this arrancJement, it is possible to obtain a fastening mernber which is easy to be construct:ed.
For fix..i.ng the fastening member_ to the framework, the fastening member is fir_st~ engaged at the lower. siding board.
More particularly, the upper rabbeted horizontal edge of the lower exterior wall p7.ate is inserted into space formed by the central. plate portion, the support portion and the lower board engaging portion of the fastening member..
By engaging the lower board engaging portion at the upper rabbet:ed horizontal edge of the siding board and hitting the fastening member from above by a hammer or the like, the upper rabbeted horizontal edge of the siding board and the fastening member are fitted.
As described above, since the fastening member .includes 1(J the horizontal plane portion in the upper rising portion and the lower -rising portion thereof, the horizontal plane portion may be h.i.t from above. W.i.th this arrangement, the .f_asteni.ng rnember may be easi.l.y and re J.iably .fitted to the siding board.
In case of that the irast.eni.ng member is used with the nail hole being positioned above the support portion, th.e fastening member is fitted to the s:i.di.ng board by hitting the horizontal plane portion formed in the upper_ rising portion. On the other hand, in case of that the fastening member is used with the screw hole being positioned above the support port=ion, the Lastening member is fitted to th.e siding boa.r_d by hitting the horizon.ta.l plane portion formed in the lower rising portion.
It i.s preferabl.e that the fastening member includes protruding port:i.ona proj ec.ting frontward frorn an upper end of l:he upper abutting po.r:ti.on and from a lower encJ of the lower abutting portion (see Fig. 12).
W.i.t:h this arrangement, s:im.i.1_arly, the f:asteni.ng member may be easily and reliably fitted to the siding board by hitting the protruding portion.
It is further preferable that the upper r.i.sing portion includes a sloped portion wherein the nail hole is formed on the sloped portion.
With this arrangement, the nail may be pierced through the nail hole and be dr_i.ven to the framework with the underlayment being interposed between in an oblique downward direction. Thus, the fastening member may be reliably fixed to the framework and reliably engaged at the lower siding board.
It is preferable that the upper abutting portion and the lower_ abutting portion :inc:l.ude an abutting surface that i.s substantially horizontal to the central plate portion (see Figs.
1 anal 11 ) .
With this arrangement, a contact surface of the upper abutting portion and t:he lower abutting portion with the underlayment may be large, and it is possible to prevent the upper abutting portion and the lower abutting portion from being buried into t=he underlayment. More particularly, also i_n case of that the unde.rlayment is a soft mater.i.al such as a foamed plastic resin board, the upper abutting portion and the lower abutting portion of the fastening member wi_1.1 not be buried into the underlayment, and it i.s possible to prevent the fastening member from sinking ir~.t~o the undor.l_ayment.
2.5 Thus, the siding boards may be stably fastened to the f:ramework with the underlayment being :i.nterposed between.
7_ 3 It is preferable that the fastening member is of a shape that is elongated in lateral directions such that a plurality of studs of 'the framework. that are disposed in a laterally aligned manner may be connected and fixed (see E'i.gs. 14 and 15) .
With this arrangement, laterally arranged siding boards may be reliably mounted to the framework also in case of that:
left rabbeted Vertical edges or right rabbeted vertical edges of the siding boards are not: disposed on the studs of the framework.
More particularly, in case of that such a fastening member is employed for a siding boards attachment structure using a wood f_.rame const..r.uction, it is necessary to dispose the fastening member. at a portion at which a stud. is provided for secur_i.ng strength. On the other hand, the fastening member needs to be disposed on the upper rabbeted horizontal edge and the lower rabbeted horizontal. edge on a corner portion of the siding board.
At this time, in case of that the left rabbeted vertical edge or_ the right rabbeted Vert.i.cal edge of the siding board ?_0 is not disposed on the stud, that is, in case of that the corner portion of the siding board is not disposed on the portion where a stud is present, the fastening member may not be disposed on a portion where the stud i5 present and the coxwner portion of the siding board is located in case of that the fastening merni:~er_ is short.
Thus, by arranging th.e fasten=i_ng member to be a shape that is elongated in lateral d:i.r_ections fo.r enabling connection and fixing of a plurality of studs, it will be possible to arrange a siding boards attachment structure exhibiting satisfactory strength.
Accord.i.ng to another aspect. of the invention, a siding boards attachment structure includes a fastening member being disposed on an upper rabbet:ed horizontal edge and a lower rabbeted horizontal edge of a siding board for mounting the siding board to a framework of a building with an underlayment being interposed between, wherein the fastening member includes a base plate portion abutting against rear side su.r_faces of siding boards that are ver_t=ically disposed., a st-lpport portion that is provided to erect f.rontward from the base pl ate portion, an upper board engaging portion that is bent i.n an oblique upward direction from a front end portion of the support portion, and a lower board engaging portion that is bent in an oblique downward direction frorn'the support portion, wherein the base plate portion includes a na.i..l hole and a screw hole through which a nail and a screw for fixing the fastening member. to the framework are pierced and that are disposed at positions at which a distance from the nail hole to the support portion and a distance from the screw hole to the support portion become substant:ia.lly equal, wherein the fastening member is arranged such that the nail hole is disposed upward of the support port=ion with the nail being fixed while being pierced through the nail hole .in case of that the fastening member is fixed to the framework by the nail, and wherein the fastening member is arranged such that the screw hole is disposed upward of the support portion with the screw being fixed while being pierced through the screw hole in case of that the fastening member is fixed to the framework by the screw.
The screw hole of the above fastening member is formed downward of the support portion. Thus, when performing.fixing by the screw, the directloTl Of the fastening member is turned upside down, In this case, the uppe.r_ board engaging portion will engage the lower siding board. while the 7_ower board engaging portion will engage the upper siding board (see Fig.

6) .
In the siding boards attachment structure, the distances from the support portion to t=he nail and to the screw are substantially equal, in the cases of that fastening member is fixed by the nail and that the fastening member is fixed by the 2_0 screw.
'i'hus, hardly any differences in fixing fo.r_ce are caused in case the fastening member_ i~~ fi.tted by the nail and by the screw. In other word, hardly any differences in fastening force oa si.ding boards wi_11 be caused depending on. means for fixing 2.5 the fastening member.
Thus, it is possible to provide a siding boards attachment structure wwith hardly any differences in fastening force of siding boards being caused depending on means for fixing to the framework.
Tt. is preferable that t:he base plate portion of the fastening member includes an upper abutting portion and a lower abutting portion that abut the underlayment at its upper and lower portion, an upper rising portion and a lower rising portion that are respective7_y formed in a frontward r.is.i_ng manner from the upper abutting portion and the lower abutting portion, and a central p7..at:e portion for connecting between the upper rising portion and the lower rising portion and further abutting against the rear side surfaces of the siding boards, wherein the support portion is formed to erect from the central plate portion.
1.5 With. this arrangement, a venti_l.ation 7..ayer will be formed between 'the siding boards and the underlayments for impr_ovi.ng the durability of the siding boards attachment structure.
It is further preferable: that the upper rising portion and the lower rising portion include a horizontal plane portion that is arranged to form a substantially right angle with respect to the central plate portion.
~s described above, by hitting 'the horizontal plane portion when fitting the fasten:i.ng member t;o the upper rabbeted hori.zon.tal edge of the siding board at. the tame oi' construe.. ti. on, fitting may be easi.l.y and. reliably performed. It .is thus possible to obtain a fasten.i_ng member ena:bl.i_ng easy 1. 7 construction.
It is preferable that the fastening member includes a protruding portion projecting frontward .from an upper end of the 'upper abutting portion and from a lower end of the lower abutting portion.
With this arrangement, t:he fastening member may be similarly fitted to the .siding board in an easy and reliable manner by hitting the protruding portion.
It is further preferable that the upper_ rising portion includes a sloped portion wherein the nail hole is formed on the sloped portion.
With this arrangement, pressurizing force of the nail.
that. .is directed in an ob:l i clue downward direction with respect to the framework wi.7_1 act on the .fastening m.Ember when using the nail. It is thus possi_bl.e to obtain a siding boards attachment structure in which the fastening member is reliably fixed to the framework and in which it i.s reliably engaged at the lower siding board.
It is preferable that: the upper abutting portion and the _20 lower abutting portion inc:l~zde an abutting surface that is substantially horizontal to the central plate portion.
With this arrangement, i.t is possible to prevent the upper abl.ztting portion a~ud the :Lower abutting portion front cutting into the underlayment, and to yrevent the fastening member from si.nki.ng into the underlayment.
It is thus possi.b:l_e to obtain a siding boards attachment structure in which siding boards are stably fastened to the framework with the underlayment being interposed between.
It is preferab7_e that the fastening member is fixed to connect a plurality of studs of the framework that are disposed to be laterally aligned such that two adjoining siding boards are engaged by a single fastening member..
With this arrangement, it is possible to obtain a siding boards attachment strur_ture exhibiting satisfactory strength also in case a left rabbeted vertical edge or a right rabbeted vertical edge of the siding board is not disposed on the stud of the framework.
The siding boards attachm.en.t structure is preferabJ.y a COIIStrur_ting structure employing a framework wall construction method.
With this arrangement, it is poss.ibJ_e to obtain a sid.i.n.g boards attachment structure enabling easy construction. It i_s also possible to obtain a siding boards attachment structure exhibiting satisfactory strength.
It should be noted that details of the framework waJ_1 2.0 construction method will. be described later.
It is preferable that a lower rabbeted horizontal edge of a lowermost siding board is located to be remote from the ground surface.
With this ar_i:angemFnt, it is possible to prevent the lowermost siding board from. absorbing moisture di.rectJ_y from t=he ground surface, thus corr_osi.on or degradat~.ion of the si_d.ing board can be prevented.
'thus, it is possible t:o obtain a siding boards attachment structure exhibiting superior_ durability.
It is further preferable that a starter member. that is fixed to the framework together with the lowermost fastening member is disposed at a lowermost end of the siding boards attachment structure.
With this arrangement, it is possible to reliably obtain a siding boards attachments structure with the lowermost siding board being remote from the ground surface by a specified distance. Since a continuous footing of the siding boards attar_hment structure ma.y be hidden thereby, the external.
appearance of design may also be improved.
The starter member preferably includes a l.eg p~.ate that 1.5 is lor_ated to be proximate to the ground s~.~.rface, a. bottom plate abutting against a lower_ end portion of the fastening member, and a back plate to be fixed to the framework, wherein the leg plate is of a length that is substantially identical. to a distance between the exterior wal.7.. plate mounted ?0 to the fastening member and the ground surface.
The "lower end portion of the fastening member" denotes an end portion. that is located downward when the fastening member is d:i.sposed at: the framework.
Mo.r_e particularly, when fixing the fasteruincJ member by 2.'~ a nail, the lower end of the lower abutting port_i.on of the fastening member abuts on. the bottom p7_ate of the star.~t~er member (see Fig. 8), and when fixing the fastening member by a screw, the direction of the fastening member. is turned upside down so that an upper end of the upper abutting portion abuts on the bott=om plate.
With this arrangement, it is possible to obtain more easily and reliably a siding boards attachment structure in which the siding board at the lowermost end is remote from the ground surface by a specified distanr_e.
According to another aspect of the invention, a starter member is used together with a lowermost fastening member and is disposed at a lower end portion of a siding boards attachment structure, wherein the starter member includes a leg plate that is located proximate to the ground surface, a bottom p1_ate abutting against a lower end portion of the fastening member, and a back plate to be fixed to the framework, wherein the leg plat=a is in a length that is substantially identical to a distance between the exterior wall plate mounted 1.o the fastening member and the ground surface (see Figs. 8 and 2. 0 9 ) .
By using the starter member of the present invention, the siding board at the lowermost end may be easily and reliably constructed to be remoto from the ground si.zr.face by a specified distance. The starter member is furt~her_ capable ofi.' hiding a continuous footing of the siding boards attachment structure, thus the externa_I_ appearance of design can be improved.
21.

It is preferable that the starter member includes a crown plate projecting frontward from the back plate .for abutting against a rear side surface of the siding board.
With this arrangement, the starter member may be easily and stably constructed.
The crown plate preferably includes ventilating ho7_es.
With this arrangement, outside air is introduced to between the rear side surfaces of the siding boards and the underlayments so that ventilation of 'the interior of. the siding boards attachment structure may be permanently pe.r.formed.
Thus, the durability of the siding boards attachment structure may be i.mp.roved.
It is preferable that: the venti7.at.i.ng holes are cocrered with mesh-like bodies.
With this arrangement, it. i.s possi.ble to prevent vermin such as termites or bees from entering tl-ie rear side of the siding board through the ventilating holes. 'Thus, it is possible to prevent degradations of the siding board, underlayrtient, the framework and the like.
It is preferable that the leg plate is formed with a notched groove for. adjusting its length.
With this arrangement, the l.eg plate may be cut at the notched. groove for easily adjusting the length thereof.
The notched groove is preferably wormed at a plurality of spots. In th:i_s case, the length of th.e leg plate may be adju~st..ed in accordance with various conditions for constructions such that: the siding boards attachment structure may be constructed.
According to the other aspect of the invention, a method of attaching siding boards includes a first process of fixing a fastening member at a lowermost stage of the siding boards attachment structure to a framework with an underlayment being interposed between by a nail or a screw, a second process of engaging a lower rabbeted horizontal edge of a siding board at the fastening member for disposing the siding board witrn the rear side surface thereof opposing to the framework, and a third process of dispos.i.ng another fastening member to an upper rabbeted horizontal edge of th.e siding board and fixing the fastening member to the framework with the underlayment being interposed between by a nail or a screw, wherein the second proces:~ and third process are sequentially repeated after performing the third process, wherein in case of that nails are used in the first process and third process, the nail ho7_e i.s disposed upward of. the support portion for engaging the fastening member to a lower siding board and the nail. is pierced through the nail hole for flX1_I1CJ trl-C.' fastening member to the :fr_amework with the under l.ayment being interposed between, ~~~hil.e in case of that screws are used in the first process and third process, the screw hole is disposed upward of the support portion for engaging the fastening member to a lower siding board and the screw is pierced through the screw hole for fixing the fastening member to the framework with the underlayment being interposed between.
It is a notable point of. the method of attaching siding boards that in case of that the fastening member is fixed by nails in the first process and. third process, the nail hole is disposed upward of the support portion while the screw hole .is disposed upward of the support portion in case of that the 1.0 fastening member is fixed by screws.
'Thus, in case of that tree screw hole is provided downward of the support portion, that :is, on an opposite side of. the nail hole, the direction of the fastening member needs to be turned upside down when fix.i.ng is performed with the screw in contrast 1.5 t:o a case in. which fixing is performed with t:he nail. In. this case, the upper board engaging portion will engage the lower siding board and the lower board engaging portion will engage the upper siding board.
The positional rel.ati_onship of the na:i1 and the screw from 20 the support portion will be substantially identical, when the nail and the screw is used. Thus the fixing force of the fastening member to the framework will be stable.
Thus, according to t:he above method of constructing ext:er_ior walls, it is possik>le to construct a siding boards 25 attachment structure with. which hardly any differences in fastening force of siding boards wil_1 be caused owing to differences in means for fixing the fastening member to the framework.
Embodiment 1 The fastening member and the siding boards attachment structure according to embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to Figs. 1 to 10(B).
Figs. l, 2 (A) and 2 (B) are exp:Lanatory views of a fastening member 1 of the present example, Figs. 3 to 6 are explanatory views of_ a siding boards attachment structure 7 using the fastening member 1, E'ig. 7 is an explanatory view of a siding board 2 used in the siding boards attachment strur_tu.r_e 7, and Figs. 8 to 10 (B) are explanatory views o:E a starter member 6 used in the si.d.ing boards attachment structure 7.
It should be noted that as mentioned above, the following explanations will. be made supposing that a side of the fastening member 1 itself on which a nail hole 18 is formed is an "upper"
portion and the opposite side is a "lower" portion, when viewed from the support portion, for. defining respective names of portions.
As illustrated i.n Figs. 3 to 6, the fastening member 1 is disposed to bridge from an. upper rabbeted horizontal edge 21 of a siding board 2 than is disposed on a lower side to a lower rabbeted horizontal edge 22 of a siding board 2 that. is d_i.sposed on an upper side, and i.s for mounting the siding boards 2 to a stud 31 (framework) with an underl.ayment 3 being interposed between.
As illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, the fastening member 1 includes a base plate portion 11 abutting against rear side surfaces 26 of siding boards 2 that are vertically disposed, a support portion 12 that is provided to erect frontward from the base plate portion 11, an upper_ board engaging portion. 13 that is bent upward from the support portion 12, and a lower board engaging portion 14 that is bent downward from the support portion 12. A front flat plate portion 134 abutting against a rear surface of an overlying tongue portion 226 of a lower overlying tongue portion of the upper siding board 2 is formed frontward of the upper board engaging portion 13 and the .lower board engaging portion 14.
The base plate portion 17_ incJ_udes a nail hole :18 and a I_5 screw hole J.9 far piercing a. nail 41 and a. screw 42, resper_tiv~~ly, through for fixing the fastening member 1 to the framework with the underlayment 3 being interposed between.
As illustrated in Fig. 2 (B) , the nail hole 18 and the screw hoJ_e 19 a.r_e provided at. positions where distances from the nail hole 18 and the screw ho.l..e 1.9 to the support portion 12 are substantially equal. More particularly, a vertical distance A from a central plane of the support portion 12 to the nail_ hole 18 and a vertical distance ~ fronu the central p:Lane of the support portion I_2 to the screw loJ.e 19 are substant:.ial.J.y equa:i..
As illustrated i.n Fi.gs . l., 2 (A) , 2 (B) , 4 and 6, the base plate portion 11 includes an i:lpper abutting portion J.11 and a lower abutting portion 112 that abut on the underlayment 3 at its upper and lower portion. ~Ct further includes an upper rising portion 113 and a lower rising portion 114 that are respectively formed in a frontward rising manner from the upper abutting portion 111 and the lower abutting portion 112.
The base plate portion 11 further includes a central plate portion 115 for connecting the upper rising portion 113 and the lower ri si.ng portion 1.14 and further abutting against the rear side surfaces 26 of tr~.e siding boards 2, wherein the support portion 12 is formed. to erect from the central plate portion 115.
As illustrated .in F'i.gs. 1 and 2(B), the upper rising portion 113 and the lower rising portion 114 include horizontal.
plane portions 15, 16 that are arranged at a substantially right 1.5 angle with. resper_t to the r_entral_ plate portion 115.
Tree upper rising portion 113 includes a sloped portion 17 wherein the nail hole 18 is formed on the sloped portion 17.
The upper abutting portion 111 and the lower abutting portion 112. include abutting surfaces 116 and 117 that are substant=Tally horizontal to the central. plate portion 115.
The fastening member 1 is manufactured by, for instance, extrus_i.on molding of almminum.
The siding- boards s.ttachment structure 7 using the fastening member 1 wi. a.l now be expl wined with reference to Figs .
3 to 8.
As illustrated i.n figs. 3 to 6, the siding boards attachment structure 7 is arranged by disposing the :fasteni_ng member to bridge .from the upper rabbeted horizontal. edge 21 of the lower siding board 2. and the lower rabbeted horizontal edge 22 of the upper siding board 2 for mounting the sidp_ng boards 2 to the stud 31 of the framework with the underlayment 3 being interposed between.
1~s illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, in case of that. the fastening member 1 is fixed to the stud 31 w.i.th the under_layment 3 being interposed between by the nail 41, the nail hole 18 is disposed upward of the support portion 12 and the nail 41 is pierced through the nail hole 18 and driven in an oblique downward direction for fixing, On the other hand, as i llus trated in Figs . 5 and 6, i_n case of that the fastening member. 7. is fixed to the stud 31 with the unde.rlayment 3 being interposed between by the screw 42, the screw hole 19 is disposed upward of the support portion 12 and the screw 42 .i.s pierced through the screw hole 19 and screwed in a horizontal direction for fixing.
The siding board ?_ constructing the siding boards 2..0 attachment structure '7 i.s a siding board of a four side ( left, right, upper and :Lower sides) shiplap structure as illustrated in E'ig. 'i . More partirul~.r.ly, th.e siding board 2 includes an upper underlying tongue portion at the upper rabbeted horizontal edge 21, a lower over.Lying tongue portion at the lower rabbeted horizontal edge 22, a later_a7_ underlying tongue portion at a right rabbeted vertical edge 23 and a lateral 2. 8 overlying tongue portion at a left rabbeted vertical. edge 24.
Caulking materials 29 for_ preventing penetration of water from joint portions of siding boards 2 after construction are attached on a front surface of the upper underlying tongue portion and a front surface of the lateral underlying tongue portion.
As illustrated in Fi.g. 8, a distance ~ between the lower.
rabbeted horizontal edge 22 of a siding board 2 that is di. sposed at a lowermost stage and the ground surface 5 is set to be, for instance, 6 inches in the siding boards attachment structure 7. As a means thereof, the starter member E~ is disposed at the lowermost end of the s:i.di.ng boards attar_hme.nt structure 7 together with the fastening member 1 at the lowermost end.
As illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, the starter member. 6 includes a l.eg plate 61 abutting the ground surface 5, a bottom plate 62 abutting the lower end portion of the fastening member 1, and a back plate 63 f.or fixing on the underlayment 3.
ThF: bottom plate 62 is arranged at a position at which it. i.s substanti_al.l.y the same height as the siding board 2 that.
is mounted to the fastening member 1 is to be disposed remote from the ground surface 5 as .in. the above-explained manner. That is, the bottom p:La.te 62 is formed at a position at which a distance ,~ from a lower end portion 6i2 of the starter member 6 i.s, for instance, approxi_matei.y 6 inches.
The lower end portion of the leg plate 61, that is, the lower end portion 612 of t:he starter member 6 i.s bent. backward 2. 9 to form a plane portion on a substantially identical plane as the back plate 63 and is located to be proximate to the ground surface 5 for improving the external appearance of design.
The starter member 6 includes a crown plate 64 projecting frontward from the back plate 63 and abutting against .rear side surfaces 26 of the siding boards 2. As illustrated in Figs.

8 and 9, the crown plate 64 includes a front flat plate portion 641. at a front end portion thereof and is provided with ventilating holes 65 as illustrated in Fig. 10(A).
As illustrated in figs . 9 and 10 (F3) , the leg plate 61 i.s formed with a notched groove 611 at a specified position such that its .length is adjustable :in accordance with conditions at construction sites. The notched groove 611 may be formed in a hor.i.~ontal manner. at a position, for example, 4 inches from 7.5 the lower end portion of the 1_eg plate 67..
The siding boards attachment structure 7 (Fi_gs. 3 to 8) is a constructing structure employing a framework wall construction method, and in case of performing construction, t:he framework is assembled in the fo.llowi.ng manner.
That is, a plural.i.t:y of square timbers in which sectional dimensions are identical are used for f.i.rst assembling a plurality of wa~_1_ frarnewor_ks 30. The square timber generally has a sectional. dimension of 2x4 inches, and intervals between studs 31 of the wall. I:Lamewo.rks 30 may be, for instance, 16, 2.0 and 2 4 inchr~s .
These wal:1 frameworks 30 are assembled on a continuous footing 300 as a framework of a building (Fig. 8).
As illustrated in Figs . 3 to 6, under7_ayments 3 made, for i_nst:ance, o.f foamed plastic resin boards having a thickness of 12 mm, are fixed to the wall. frameworks 30 from outside of the framework by using nails of lengths of approximately 30 mm.
This is a simple constructing method in which construction of heat-insulating materials is completed at the time of constructing the siding boards without forming hearing walls .
It should be noted that oriented strand boards (OSBs) can be used as the under_layments 3.
Particularly, the siding boards 2 are fastened to the assembled wall frameworks 30, that is, the framework (studs 31) with the un.der7.ayments 3 being interposed between i.n the following manner..
In a first process, the fastening member 1 at the lowermost stage of the siding boards attachment structure 7 is fixed to a sill 32 with the underlayment 3 being interposed between as illustrated in Fig. 8.
In this r_ase, waterprooa paper 33 .i.s adhered to an outside surface of the underlaym.ent 3 by using a double-.faced adhesive tape or the l.i.ke. Then, the starter member 6 is disposed such that the lower end portion 612 thereof is proximate to the ground surface 5 and the fastening member 1 i.s mounted on the bottom plate 62 of the starter member 6 for fixing the fastening member 1. to the sil_1 32 with the underl ayment 3 being interposed between (Fig. 8) .

Tn case of that the fastening member 1 is fixed to the underlayment 3 by the nail 41, the nail hole 18 is disposed upward of. the support portion 12 and the nail. 41 is pierced through the nail hole 18 for driving the nail 41 in an oblique downward direction for fixing tk~.e fastening member 1 to the sill 32 with the underlayment 3 being interposed between as illustrated in Fig. 8.
Un the other hand, in case of that the fastening member_ 1 is fixed to the underlayment 3 by the screw 42., the screw hole 19 i.s disposed on upward of the support portion 12 and the screw 42 is .pierced through the screw hole 19 for screwing the screw 42. in a horizontal direct:.i.on for fixing the .fasteni_ng member 1 to the sill 32 with the underlayment= 3 l:~eing interposed between (see Figs. 5 and 6).
In. a second proc?ss, the l.owe.r overlying tongr.ze port ion of the lower rabbeted horizontal edge 22 of a siding board 2 that is to be disposed at a lowermost stage is engaged at the upper board engaging portion 13 of the fastening member 1 to be disposed to fare the underlayment 3 (see F'ig. 8).
For jo.ini.ng laterally disposed siding boards 2, the siding beards 2 are fastened such that butt portions of the right rabbeted vertical edge 23 and the l.ef:t rabbeted vertical edge 24 of the siding boards 2 are disposed at positions where studs 31 of the wall frameworks 30 are present: as i.llustra.t:ed in Fags .
3 and 5.
l:n this manner, in case of. joining in lateral directions, the lateral overlying tongue portion of. the left rabbeted vertical edge 24 of the right siding board 2. is overlapped onto the lateral underlying tongue portion of the ri.grut rabbeted vertical edge 23 of the left siding board 2, that has been fastened before, and both are joined through right-and-left shiplap jointing, as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 5.
In a third process, another fastening member 1 is disposed on the upper rabbeted horizontal. edge 27_ of a siding board 2.
that is disposed on the 1_owermost stage in the above-described manner, and is fixed to the stud 31 with the underlayment 3 being interposed between by the nail 41 or the screw 42.
As i_l.lustrat=ed. i_n Fi.gs. 3 and 4, i_n case of fixing the .fastening member 1 to the underlayment 3 by a. nail 41, the nai_1.
hole 18 i.s disposed upward of the support portion :12 and the :15 fastening member 1 is engaged at the upper rabbeted horizontal edge 21 of the lower si.di.ng board 2 . 'That is, the upper rabbeted horizontal edge 21 of the .Lower siding board 2 is inserted into space formed by the base plate portion 11, the support portion 7_2, and the 1_ower board engaging portion 14 o.f the fastening member 7..
At this time, the lower board engaging portion 14 is engac.~ed at. the upper .rabbet=ed horizontal. edge 21 of the siding board 2 and the horizontal plane portion 15 formed at the upper rising portion 7.13 of the fastening mernt~er_ 1 is li.ght:Ly hi.t frorn above b;r a hammer or_ the like for fitting t:he fastening member 1 to th.e siding board 2 reliably.

The nail_ 41 is then pierced th..rough the nail hole 18 and driven in an oblique downward direction for fixing the fastening member 1 to the stud 31 with the uncierlayrnent 3 being interposed between.
On the other hand, as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, in case of fixing the fastening member 1 t=o the underlayment 3 by a screw 42, the screw hole 19 is disposed upward of the support port-.ion J..2 and the fastening member 1. is engaged at the upper.
rabbeted horizontal edge 21 of the lower siding board 2. That is, the direction of the fastening member 1 is turned upside down in contrast to the above-described case in which fixing is performed by using the nail. 41 (Fi.gs. 3 and. 4) .
Then, the fastening member 1 is engaged at the upper_ rabbeted hor.izontal_ edge 21. o.f the lower_ siding board 2. That i ~, the upper rabbeted ho.rizontaJ_ edge 21. of. the lower siding board ?_ .i_s inserted into spare formed by the base plate portion 1 l., the support portion 7.2, and the upper board engaging portion 13 of the fastening member 1.
At this time, the upper board engaging portion 13 i.s 2.0 engaged at the upper rabbeted hori zon.tal. edge 21. of. the siding board 2 and t:he horizontal plane portion 16 formed at the lovrer rising portion 114 of the fa:~tening member 1. is lightly hit from above by a harnrner or the like for fitting the fastening member 1. to the upper rabbeted horizontal edge 21 of the si.d.ing board 2 reliably.
The screw 42 is then pierced through the :crew hole 19 and. screwed in a horizontal direction for fixing the fastening member 1 to the stud 31 with the underlayrnent 3 being interposed between.
In this manner, in case of joining in vertical directions as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 6, the lower overlying tongue portion of the lower rabbeted horizontal edge 22 of the upper siding board 2 is overlapped onto the upper underlying tongue portion of the upper rabbeted horizontal edge 21. of the lower siding board 2 that has been fastened before, and both are joined through an upper-and-lower sh.i.plap jointing.
After completing the third process, the same processes as the second process and third process are sequential_l.y repeated, The working effect of the present example will be explained.
In the above fastening member 1, t:he nail hole 18 and the screw hole 19 are disposed at positions where a distance from the nail hole 18 to the support portion 12 and a distance from the screw hole 19 to the support po:r. tion 1.2 become substantial.l.y equal (Figs. 2(A), 2(B)). Thus, hardly any d:i.f.ferences a.re caused in fixing force of the upper siding board 2 against load or wind pressure in case of fixing the fastening member 1 by the nail 41 ( Figs . 3 and 4 ) and the case o fixing the fas tening merni~er_ :l. by the srr_ ew 42 ( Figs . 5 and 6 ) .
Thus, hardly any differences are caused in fastening force of the siding boards 2 when construe~.ti.ng the si.d.i.ng boards attachment structure 7 by fixing the fastening mettiber 1 by using either the nail 41 or the screw 42. Tn other words, hardly any diff_erenc:es are caused in fixing force of the upper siding board 2, no matter whether the siding boards attachment structure '7 is constructed by fixing the fastening members 1 using only nails 41 or the siding boards attachment structure 7 is constructed by Fixing the fastening members 1 using only screws 42.
More particularly, no drawbacks such as isolation or falling off of siding boards 2. will be caused by varying the means for fixing the fastening members 1. Particularly performances such as wind-pressure resistance of the siding boards attachment strur_ture 7 will not be varied depending on means for_ fixing the fastening momber_s 1.
Since a person performing the construction may freely select the fixing means for the fastening members 1, that is, nails 41 or screws 42, i.n accordance with various conditions in performing construction, easy construction is enabled.
The base plate portion 11 of the fastening member 1 includes the upper_ abutting portion 111, the lower abutting portion 11.2., the upper rising portion 113, the lower rising portion 114, and the central plate portion 115.
With this a:rranc.~emer~.t, a ventilation layer %1. is formed between the re~.r side surfaces 26 of the siding boards 2 and the un.derlayments 3 in the siding boards attachment structure 7 as i.ll.ust.rated in. Figs . 4, 6 and B, so that condensation i.s prevented and the durability of the siding boards attachment structure 7 is improved.
As illustrated in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 (A) , ventilating holes 65 are formed in the crown plate 64 of the starter member 6 disposed at the lowermo~>t. end of the siding boards attachment structure 7.
Therefore, outside air '79 from below is introduced to the venti7_ation layer 71 through the ventilating holes 65 and the introduced outside air 79 is exhausted from above.
With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent accumulation of humidity on rear sides of the siding boards 2 or on the under_l.aymonts 3, and corr_osa_on of the izndPrlayments 3 Ur studs 31. wi..ll not occur so that is possible to improve the durabi)_ity of the siding boards attachment structure '7 largely.
Since the upper rising portion 113 and the lower rising portion 114 of the fastening 'member 1 includes horizontal plane portions 15, 16 that are arranged to form a substantially right angle with respect to the central plate portion 115, easy const.r_uction is enabled.
More particularly, by hitta.ng t:he horizontal plane portion 15 or 16 lightly by a hammer or the like when fitting the upper rabbeted horizontal edge 21 of the lower siding board 2 to the fastening member 1 in the above-described manner, rel_Lably fitting w:i.th t:iae f_asten_ing member 1 i_s enab:Led in an easy manner.
Since the upper rising portion 113 includes a sloped port.i.on 17 on which the nail hole 18 is formed, the nail 41 may be pierced through the nail hole 18 to be driven into an oblique downward direction with respect to the stud 31 with the underlayment 3 being interposed between (L'ig. 4) . Thus, the fastening member 1 may be reliably fixed to the stud 31 with the underlayment 3 being interposed between and further be reliably engaged to the lower siding board 2.
The upper abutting portion 111 and the lower abutting portion 112 includes abutting surfaces 116 and 117. Thus, the contact surface of th.e upper abutting portion 111 and the lower_ abutting portion 112 with the underlayment 3 may be large so as to prevent CLlttl.ng of th.e upper abutting portion. 111 and the :Lower abutting portion 112 into the under_layment 3.
'Chat i.s, the provision of the abutting surfaces 11.6, 117 at the upper abutting portion 111_ and the lower ab~.itting portion 112 of 'the fastening member 1 will prevent cutting of. the upper abutting portion 111 and the lower abutting portion 112 into the underlayments 3 though the underlayments 3 are made of foamed resin panels to be soft= m.at:erials. Thus, it is possible to prevent the fastening member 1. from sinking into the underlayments 3.
Thus, the siding boards 2 may be fastened to the studs 31_ stab:Ly with the underlayments 3 being interposed between.
Since the sidi.n.g boards attach:rnent: structure '7 is a ?5 construction structure emp:loy.i_ng the framework wal7_ construction method, easy construction is enabled.

The lower rabbeted horizontal edge 22 of the siding board 2 at the lowermost stage of the above siding boards attachment structure 7 is remote from the ground surfar_e 5 (ri.g. 8) . Thus, it i.s possible to prevent the lowermost siding board 2 from absorbing moisture directly from the ground surface 5. Thus corrosion or degradation of the siding board 2 may be prevented.
It is therefore possible to obtain a siding boards attachment structure '7 exhibiting superior durability.
More part.icular7.y, since the starter member 6 is disposed 1.0 at the lowermost end of the siding boards attachment structure 7 together with the fastening member 1 at the lowermost end, it. is possible to re.liab7_y obtain a siding boards attachmenj=
structure 7 in which the siding board 2 of the lowermost stage i.s remote from the ground su.r.face 5 by a specified distance.
1.5 Si.nr_P the r_ontinuous footing 300 .i_s h_id.den by the starter_ member 6, it is also possible to exhibit superior external appearance of design.
The provision of 'the crown plate 64 of the starter member 6 that abuts the rear side surface 26 of the siding board 2, 20 the starter member 6 may be constructed in an easy and stable manner.
Since the crown plate 64 is provided with venti.lati_on holes 65, outside air 79 may be introduced to the ventilation layer 71 between the rear side surfaces 26 of the siding boards 25 2. and the underlayments 3 such that permanent ventilat=ion of the siding boards attachment structure 7 is enabled. Thtzs, the durability of the siding boards attachment structure 7 may be improved.
Since the leg plate 67_ is formed with a notched groove 611 for length adjustment purposes, tlne leg portion 61 may be cat: at the notched groove 611 in accordance with conditions for construr_tion, thereby enabling easy adjustment to the length thereof.
As explained so far, according to the present example, it is possible to provide a fastening member and a siding boards attachment structure with which hard7_y any differences are caused iii fastening force of the siding boards owing to differences in means .f_or .fixi.ng (either nails or screws) to the studs 31 with tile under_l.ayments 3 being interposed between.
Embod~.m~nt 2 As il.l.ust:rated in F'ig. 11., the present example i s an example of a fastening member 10 in which surfaces of. the abutting surfaces 116 and 1.17 of the upper abutting portion 1.11 and the lower abutting portion 112 are further enlarged.
As illustrated in Fig. 11, l::he fastening member 10 is formed by folding a single metal l.i.c p.l.ate such as one made of stainless steel.
At the upper end portion of the upper abutting portion 11:1, the metallic plate is folded back in a downward direction such that the abutting sur..f_'ace 116 is formed :in a further d.ownwardly elongated manner than the uppe.L rising portion 7.13. '1.'he lower end portion of the lower abutting portion 112. is similarly arranged in that the metaJ..lic plate i.s folded back in an upward direction such that the abutting surface 117 is formed in a further upward.l.y elongated manner than the lower rising port ion 114.
The remaining arrangements are similar to those of. the Embodiment 1.
In this case, the contact surface between the underlayment and the fastening member lU will be larger when the fastening member 10 is fixed to the framework with the underlayment interposed between. Thus, it is poss.i_ble to prevent the Lastening member 10 from sinking into the underl.ayment i.n an oven more r_eli.ably manner aJ_so when.
performing fixing with underlayments of soft materials interposed between. Thus, i.t i.s possible to obtain an even more stabJ.e siding boards attachment st=ructure.
Other working effects are similar to those of the Embodiment 1.
Embodiment 3 As i_ll.llstrated in Fig. 1?_, the present example is an example of a fastening member 100 i.n which protruding portions 7.01 and 1 02 proj acting frontward are provided at an upper end of the upper abutting portion 111 and a lower end of the J.ower abutting portion 112.
The remaining arrangements are similar to those of the Embodiment 1.
In this case, by hitting the protruding portion 101 or.

1.02 lightly by a hammer or the like, the fastening member 100 may be easily and .reliably fitted to an upper rabbeted horizontal edge of a siding board that is disposed on a lower side.
When using the fastening member 100 with the nail hole 18 being positioned above the support portion 12, the fastening member 7.00 may be fitted to the siding board by lightly hitting the protruding portion 101 formed at. the upper abutting portion 111. On the other. hand, when using the fastening member 100 with the screw hole 19 being positioned above the support portion 12, the fastening member 100 may be fitted to the siding hoard by lightly h.i.ttinc~r the protruding portion 1.02_ formed a.t the lower abutting portion 112..
Other working ef.f~cts are similar to those of the Embodiment: 1..
Embodiment A
As illustrated in Fig. 13, the vent_i.lation holes 65 provided on the crown plate 64 of the starter member 6 is covered by mesh-like bodies 651.
The .remaining arrangements are similar to those of the Embodiment 1.
With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent vermin such as termites or bees from entering the rear side o.f the siding board through the ver~.t:ilati.ng holes 65. Thus, i.t is possible to prevent deg.rada.tions of_ the siding board, underl.ayment and the like.

Other working effecas are similar to those of the Embodiment 1.
Embodiment 5 As illustrated in Figs . 14 to 16, the present example is an example of fastening member 1a that is of. laterally elongated shape.
Fig. 14 is a front view of the fastening member 1a, Fig, is a perspective explanatory view of. a siding boards attachment structure 7a using the fastening member la, and Fig.
10 16 is a lateral sectiona7_ explanatory view of_ the siding boards attachment structure 7a.
As illustrated. in Figs. 1_5 and 16, the fast.eni.ng member l.a is arranged such that a p7.ural.:ity of. studs 31 of a framework that ar_e disposed i.n a laterally aligned manner may be connected 15 and f_i.xed.. More part.icu.larly, the length of the fastening member 1a in a lateral direction is set t:o be approximately 68 cm while the length in a. vertical direction i.s set to be approximately 4.5 cm.
The remaining arrangements are similar to those of the Embodiment 1.
With this arrangement, lateral siding boards 2 may be reliably mounted to the framework with the underlayment 3 being interposed between also in case the left rabbeted veri~ical. edge 23 arid the right: rabbeted vertical edge 2.4 of the siding board Z5 2. ar_e not disposed on the stud 37_ of the framework as illustrated in F'i.gs. 15 and 16.

More partir_ularly, in case o.f using the fastening member 1a in the siding boards attachment structure 7a employing the framework wall construction method, the fastening member la needs to be disposed at a portion at which the stud 31 is present f.or securing strength. On the other hand, the fastening member 1a needs to be disposed to bridge from the upper rabbeted horizontal edge 21 to the lower rabbeted horizontal edge 2.2.
formed on a corner portion of the siding board 2..
At this time, when the left rabbeted vertical edge 2_3 or the right rabbeted vertical edge 24 of the siding board 2 is not disposed on the stud 31, that is, the corner_ portion of the siding board 2 is not posit.i.oned on the stud 31, t:hc~ fasteni.ng member_ la can not be disposed on a portion on which the stud :31 i.s present and the corner portion of the siding board 2 .is present in case of that the .lateral. length of the fastening member la is short..
Thus, by arranging the fastening member 1a to be of a shape that is elongated in lateral directions for enabling connection and fixing of a pl.ura.lity of studs 31, it will be possible to arrange a siding boards attachment st=ructure 7a exhibiting satisfactory strength (Figs. 15 and 16).
Other working effects are simi~_ar to those of the Embodiment 1.
Obviously, mzrnerous modifi_c:ati.ot~s and var:iat:i.ons of t:he present .invention are possible in light of the above teachings.
It is therefore to be understood that, within t-he scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described here.

Claims

1. A fastening member that is disposed to bridge over an upper rabbeted horizontal edge of a lower siding board and a lower rabbeted horizontal edge of an upper siding board for mounting the siding boards to a framework of a building with an underlayment being interposed between, wherein the fastening member comprises a base plate portion abutting against rear side surfaces of siding boards that are vertically disposed, a support portion that is provided to erect frontward from the base plate portion, an upper board engaging portion that is bent in an oblique upward direction from the support portion, and a lower board engaging portion that is bent in an oblique downward direction from the support portion, wherein the base plate portion comprises a nail hole and a screw hole through which a nail and a screw are respectively pierced for fixing the fastening member to the framework, and wherein the nail hole and the screw hole are provided at position at which a distance from the nail hole to the support portion and a distance from the screw hole to the support portion are substantially equal.

2. The fastening member according to claim 1, wherein the base plate portion comprises an upper abutting portion and a lower abutting portion that abut the underlayment at its upper and lower portion, an upper rising portion and a lower rising portion that are respectively formed in a frontward rising manner from the upper abutting portion and the lower abutting portion, and a central plate portion being installed to connect the upper rising portion and the lower rising portion and abutting against the rear side surfaces of the siding boards, wherein the support portion is formed to be erected from the central plate portion.

3. The fastening member according to claim 1, wherein an upper rising portion and a lower rising portion comprise a horizontal plane portion that is arranged to form a substantially right angle with respect to the central plate portion.

4. The fastening member according to claim 1, wherein the fastening member comprises protruding portions projecting frontward from an upper end of the upper abutting portion and from a lower end of the lower abutting portion.

5. The fastening member according to claim 1, wherein an upper rising portion comprises a sloped portion wherein the nail hole is formed on the sloped portion.

6. The fastening member according to claim 1, wherein an upper abutting portion and the lower abutting portion comprise an abutting surface that is substantially horizontal to the central plate portion.

7. The fastening member according to claim 1, wherein the fastening member is of a shapes that is elongated in lateral directions such that a plurality of studs of the framework that are disposed in a laterally aligned manner may be connected and fixed.

8. A siding boards attachment structure comprises a fastening member being disposed on an upper rabbeted horizontal edge and a lower rabbeted horizontal edge of a siding board for mounting the siding board to a framework of a building with an underlayment being interposed between, wherein the fastening member comprises a base plate portion abutting against rear side surfaces of siding boards that are vertically disposed, a support portion that is provided to erect frontward from the base plate portion, an upper board engaging portion that is bent in an oblique upward direction from a front end portion of the support portion, and a lower board engaging portion that is bent in an oblique downward direction from the support portion, wherein the base plate portion comprises a nail hole and a screw hole through which a nail and a screw for fixing the fastening member to the framework are pierced and that are disposed at positions at which a distance from the nail hole to the support portion and a distance from the screw hole to the support portion become substantially equal, wherein the fastening member is arranged such that the nail hole is disposed upward of the support portion with the nail being fixed while being pierced through the nail hole in case of that the fastening member is fixed to the framework by the nail, and wherein the fastening member is arranged such that the screw hole is disposed upward of the support portion with the screw being fixed while being pierced through the screw hole in case of that the fastening member is fixed to the framework by the screw.

9. The siding boards attachment structure according to claim 8, wherein the base plate portion of the fastening member comprises an upper abutting portion and a lower abutting portion that abut the underlayment at its upper and lower portion, an upper rising portion and a lower rising portion that are respectively formed in a frontward rising manner from the upper abutting portion and the lower abutting portion, and a central plate portion for connecting between the upper rising portion and the lower rising portion and further abutting against the rear side surfaces of the siding boards, wherein the support portion is formed to erect from the central plate portion.

10. The siding boards attachment structure according to claim 8, wherein an upper rising portion and a lower rising portion comprise a horizontal plane portion that is arranged to form a substantially right angle with respect to the central plate portion.

11 . The siding boards attachment structure according to claim 8, wherein the fastening member comprises a protruding portion projecting frontward from an upper end of the upper abutting portion and from a lower end of the lower abutting portion.

12. The siding boards attachment structure according to claim 8, wherein an upper rising portion comprises a sloped portion wherein the mail hole is formed on the sloped portion.

13. The siding boards attachment structure according to claim 8, wherein an upper abutting portion and a lower abutting portion comprise an abutting surface that is substantially horizontal to the central plate portion.

14. The siding boards attachment structure according to claim 8, wherein the fastening member is fixed to connect a plurality of studs of the framework that are disposed to be laterally aligned such that two adjoining siding boards are engaged by a single fastening member.

15. The siding boards attachment structure according to claim 8, wherein the siding boards attachment structure is a constructing structure employing a framework wall construction method.

16. The siding boards attachment structure according to claim 8, wherein a lower rabbeted horizontal edge of a lowermost siding board is located to be remote from the ground surface.

17. The siding boards attachment structure according to claim 16, wherein a starter member that is fixed to the framework together with the lowermost fastening member is disposed at a lowermost end of the siding boards attachment structure.

18. The siding boards attachment structure according to claim 17, wherein the starter member comprises a leg plate that is located to be proximate to the ground surface, a bottom plate abutting against a lower end portion of the fastening member, and a back plate to be fixed to the framework, wherein the leg plate is of a length that is substantially identical to a distance between the exterior wall plate mounted to the fastening member and the ground surface.

19. A starter member that is used together. with a lowermost fastening member and is disposed at a lower end portion of a siding boards attachment structure, wherein the starter member comprises a leg plate that is located proximate to the ground surface, a bottom plate abutting against a lower end portion of the fastening member, and a back plate to be fixed to the framework, wherein the leg plate is of a length that is substantially identical to a distance between the exterior wall plate mounted to the fastening member and the ground surface.

20. The starter member according to claim 19, wherein the starter member comprises a crown plate projecting frontward from the back plate for abutting against a rear side surface of the siding board.

21. The starter member according to claim 19, wherein a crown plate comprises ventilating holes.

22. The starter member according to claim 21, wherein the ventilating holes are covered with mesh-like bodies.

23. The starter member according to claim 19, wherein the leg plate is formed with a notched groove for adjusting its length.

24. A method for constructing the siding boards attachment structure according to claim 8, the method comprising a first process of fixing a fastening member at a lowermost stage of the siding boards attachment structure to a framework with an underlayment being interposed between by a nail or a screw, a second process of engaging a lower rabbeted horizontal edge of a siding board at the fastening member for disposing the siding board with the rear side surface thereof opposing to the framework, and a third process of disposing another fastening member to an upper rabbeted horizontal edge of the siding board and fixing the fastening member to the framework with the underlayment being interposed between by a nail or a screw, wherein the second process and third process are sequentially repeated after performing the third process, wherein in case of that nails are used in the first process and third process, the nail hole is disposed upward of the support portion for engaging the fastening member to a lower siding board and the nail is pierced through the nail hole for fixing the fastening member to the framework with the underlayment being interposed between, while in case of that screws are used in the first process and third process, the screw hole is disposed upward of the support portion for engaging the fastening member to a lower siding board and the screw as pierced through the screw hole for fixing the fastening member to the framework with the underlayment being interposed between.