US20210180331A1 - Hidden fastener to secure loose vinyl siding - Google Patents
Hidden fastener to secure loose vinyl siding Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210180331A1 US20210180331A1 US17/249,219 US202117249219A US2021180331A1 US 20210180331 A1 US20210180331 A1 US 20210180331A1 US 202117249219 A US202117249219 A US 202117249219A US 2021180331 A1 US2021180331 A1 US 2021180331A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- siding
- lock
- hook
- fold
- fastener
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
- E04F13/0832—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
- E04F13/0833—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
- E04B1/61—Connections for building structures in general of slab-shaped building elements with each other
- E04B1/6104—Connections for building structures in general of slab-shaped building elements with each other the overlapping ends of the slabs connected together
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
- E04F13/0832—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
- E04F13/0833—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable
- E04F13/0835—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable the fastening elements extending into the back side of the covering elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
- E04F13/0832—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
- E04F13/0833—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable
- E04F13/0846—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable the fastening elements engaging holes or grooves in the side faces of the covering elements
- E04F13/0848—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable the fastening elements engaging holes or grooves in the side faces of the covering elements specially adapted for thin sheet-like materials, e.g. sheet-metal or plastics
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/0864—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements composed of superposed elements which overlap each other and of which the flat outer surface includes an acute angle with the surface to cover
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/18—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements of organic plastics with or without reinforcements or filling materials or with an outer layer of organic plastics with or without reinforcements or filling materials; plastic tiles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to construction technology and, more particularly, to a hidden fastener to secure loose siding on commercial and residential construction.
- Vinyl and aluminum siding often unlock because of poor installation, low quality, time, gravity, and/or weather conditions. Caulk and nails can be aesthetically displeasing and messy, and may restrict movement of the siding, potentially causing the siding to buckle.
- Shrink strips can be used, but do not fasten to the siding when installed, essentially floating between the two locking mechanisms. This leaves the siding more vulnerable to unlocking.
- shrink strip typically must be custom made to extend the lock, this requiring special materials and some mechanical skills, and thus an additional expense. As a result, all of the above-mentioned methods require special tools or materials.
- the hidden siding fastener embodied in the present invention is dimensioned and adapted to be manufactured and installed to fit the gap between the two loose or separated locking mechanisms of two interlocking pieces of siding.
- the hidden siding fastener extends downward the top locking slot of the lower piece of siding, giving the bottom lock of the upper piece of siding more area to attach to.
- the hidden siding fastener is secured to the siding yet allows the siding to expand and contract.
- a siding fastener not visible when facilitating a locked engagement between two adjacent siding panels includes the following: a front plate extending between an upper end and a lower end; the front plate having a rearward surface and an opposing forward surface; the upper end turns radially until transitioning into a nail hem hook portion extending diagonally downward away from the upper end and adjacent the rearward surface; a threading bend depends from the nail hem hook in an orientation generally parallel with the front plate; lower end turns diagonally downward and rearward, at a pressure point, until transitioning radially upward, and further rearward, to form or define a lower fold; the lower fold radially turns generally 180 -degrees at a fold point toward the lower end; and a lock engagement hook extends upwardly and rearward from the distal end of the lower fold.
- a method for forming a locked engagement an upper siding panel and a lower siding panel with a siding fastener not visible when facilitating the locked engagement includes the following: providing the above-mentioned siding fastener; providing the upper siding panel having a nail hem, nail hem hole and siding lock slot spaced apart, respectively, from an upper edge; attaching providing the lower siding panel having a siding lock hook extending from a lower edge; sliding the threading bend through the nail hem hole; nesting the lock engagement hook in the siding lock slot; bending a top portion of the front plate over the nail hem; and associating the siding lock hook with the lock engagement hook in the locked engagement.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown installed on a nail hem 32 ;
- FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown installed on the nail hem 32 ;
- FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the insertion of a nail hem hook 14 through a nail hem hole 34 ;
- FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the first step of installation
- FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the second step of installation
- FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the third step of installation
- FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the fourth step of installation.
- FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown installed on nail hem 32 and securing a siding lock hook 38 ;
- FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the siding lock hook 38 of the upper piece of siding 30 staying secured even after slipping out of the siding lock slot 36 because of the extension characteristic of the lower fold 21 and the locking engagement of the lock engagement hook 22 ;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in an alternative first installation step
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in an alternative second installation step
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in an alternative third installation step
- FIG. 15 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in the alternative first installation step.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in the alternative third installation step.
- an embodiment of the present invention provides a hidden siding fastener that provides an upper nail hem hook and a lower pressure point, fold point and lock engagement hook extending therefrom.
- the nail hem hook is threaded through the back side of a lower piece of siding panel so that the lock engagement hook can nest into a siding lock slot of the same siding panel.
- an upper piece of siding panel and specifically its siding lock hook can operatively associate with the lock engagement hook and fold point in a locked engagement, while the pressure point urges a more secure locked engagement between the two pieces of siding panel.
- the present invention may include a hidden siding fastener 10 .
- the hidden siding fastener 10 may be, but is not limited to, .020 aluminum sheet metal, various metallic and plasticized materials, or the like. Using a small gauge aluminum may be necessary for ease of installation when bending the hidden siding fastener 10 over a top edge of a nail hem of a lower piece of siding 30 , and to prevent rusting.
- the sheet metal may be cut into strips approximately 3 ⁇ 4-inch ⁇ 6 inches. A series of various bends are made to form the hidden siding fastener 10 . This could be accomplished by using a hand tool, forming the metal strip around a mold, or a combination of hand tools, molds, and automated equipment.
- the hidden siding fastener 10 may provide a front plate 12 extending between an upper end 15 and an opposing lower end.
- the front plate 12 has a front surface 121 and an opposing rear surface 122 .
- the upper end 15 turns radially until transitioning into a nail hem hook portion 14 that extends diagonally downward away from the upper end 15 and adjacent the rear surface 122 (i.e., rearward).
- the nail hem hook portion 14 then bends further downward, generally parallel with the front plate 12 , as the nail hem hook portion 14 transitions to a threading bend 16 which terminating at a distal end.
- the lower end turns diagonally downward and rearward, at a pressure point 18 , until transitioning radially upward, and further rearward, to form a lower fold 21 .
- the lower fold 21 radially turns generally 180 -degrees at a fold point 20 toward the downward turn of the lower end.
- a lock engagement hook 22 extends upwardly and rearward from the distal end of the lower fold 21 .
- the shape of the lower fold 21 biases the lock engagement hook 22 and the front plate 12 a predetermined distance apart.
- residential and commercial building siding 30 terminates along an upper edge in a nail hem 32 .
- the nail hem 32 is spaced apart from a siding lock slot 36 , and between the siding lock slot 36 and nail hem 32 are a plurality of spaced apart nail hem holes 34 .
- a hook-shaped siding lock hook 38 is provided, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-11 , for associating with the siding lock slot 36 in a locking engagement.
- a method of using the present invention may include the following.
- the hidden siding fastener 10 disclosed above may be provided.
- the threading bend 16 may be inserted through the backside of the siding's nail hem hole 34 (with the lock engagement hook 22 facing the exterior of the siding 30 ) then push the lock engagement hook 22 past the bottom edge of the siding's lock slot 36 .
- the lock engagement hook 22 is then inserted into the siding lock slot 36 .
- the hidden siding fastener 10 is pulled up tight to the siding lock 36 .
- the top of the front plate 12 is the folded over the top of the vinyl siding's nail hem 32 . This prevents the hidden siding fastener 10 from moving and loosening.
- the bottom siding lock 38 of an upper piece of siding 38 is then fastened to the hidden siding fastener 10 as the siding lock hook 38 is slid between the siding 30 and the lock engagement hook 22 to form a locked engagement with the lock engagement hook 22 and the lower fold 21 , that effectively extends the siding lock slot 36 .
- the lower fold 21 extends the purchase of the siding lock hook 38 preventing the upper piece of siding's lock from becoming loose or detached, as illustrated in FIG. 11 .
- the pressure point 18 is dimensioned and adapted to push against the upper piece of siding's interior wall, wherein the pressure point operatively associates with an interior portion of the upper siding panel so as to urge said siding lock hook 38 , further securing the locked engagement of the siding lock hook 38 and the lock engagement hook 22 in the siding lock slot 36 .
- the lock engagement hook 22 also pushes, by occupying a portion of the siding lock slot 36 , the siding lock hook 38 toward the exterior face of the lower piece of siding. This tightens the two locking mechanisms together, reducing the chances of loosening or unlocking. Also, the lower fold is disposed downward of the siding lock slot 36 , whereby the siding lock hook 38 can engage said lower fold 21 outside of the siding lock slot 36 , for instance where there is slippage between the lower siding panel and the upper siding panel.
- Another way of describing how to install the present invention includes the following: a user could hold the hidden siding fastener 10 in front of them in a vertical position, with the flat forward portion of the front plate surface 12 facing them.
- the nail hem hook 14 should be upwardly oriented and extending away from the user, with the lock engagement hook 22 on the bottom.
- the user would place the nail hem hook 14 over the top of the siding's nail hem 32 , while keeping the bottom lock engagement hook 22 on the front of the siding panel 30 .
- the user pulls down on the hidden siding fastener 10 they thread the nail hem hook 14 (that is behind the siding's nail hem hole 34 ) through the backside of the siding's nail hem hole 34 so that the nail hem hook 14 is urged forward through the front side of the siding panel 30 .
- the user may fold the top portion of the front plate 12 180 degrees back over the top of the siding's nail hem 32 , folding it back behind the lower piece siding 30 .
- the hidden siding fastener 10 is now installed and a separate upper piece of siding 30 may be re-attached over the hidden siding fastener 10 .
- the hidden siding fastener 10 could be fastened with nails, screws, snaps, caulk, glue or create other pressure or catch points to secure it in place.
- an alternative installation method is provided even though the hidden siding fastener 10 may be structurally identical to the devices shown FIGS. 1- 11 .
- the nail hem hook portion 14 is not be threaded through the nail hem hole 34 of the nail hem 32 of the piece of siding 30 .
- the lock engagement hook 22 may be push up into the siding's locking mechanism/siding lock slot 36 .
- the hidden siding fastener 10 is pulled up tight, nested in the siding lock 36 .
- the top of the front plate 12 of the hidden siding fastener 10 is folded over the top of the siding's nail hem 32 .
- the alternative installation third step contemplates the top of the front plate 12 bending up to 180 degrees back over the top of the siding's nail hem 32 , folding it back behind the lower piece siding 30 , out of sight and preventing the hidden siding fastener 10 from moving and loosening.
- the bottom siding lock 38 of an upper piece of siding 38 is then fastened to the hidden siding fastener 10 as the siding lock hook 38 is slid between the siding 30 and the lock engagement hook 22 to form a locked engagement with the lock engagement hook 22 and the lower fold 21 , that effectively extends the siding lock slot 36 .
- This method of alternative installation may be necessary on aluminum siding because the nail slots are not wide enough to receive the fastener through them.
- This method of alternative installation essentially allows the hidden siding fastener 10 to perform the same as the earlier disclosed installation method, without inserting the hidden siding fastener 10 through the nail hem hole 34 ; though, when the fastener is not installed through the nail slot there is potential for the fastener to shift and move because of the expansion and contraction of the siding.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract
A hidden siding fastener is provided. The hidden siding fastener includes an upper nail hem hook and an opposing lower pressure point, fold point and lock engagement hook extending therefrom. The nail hem hook is threaded through the back side of a lower piece of siding panel so that the lock engagement hook can nest into a siding lock slot of the same siding panel. Thereby, a separate upper piece of siding panel and specifically its siding lock hook can operatively associate with the lock engagement hook and fold point in a locked engagement, while the pressure point urges a more secure locked engagement between the two pieces of siding panel.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application number 62/795,762, filed 23-Jan.-2019, and U.S. NON-provisional
application number 16/750,476, filed 23-Jan.-2020 as a continuation thereof, the contents of both are herein incorporated by reference. - The present invention relates to construction technology and, more particularly, to a hidden fastener to secure loose siding on commercial and residential construction.
- Vinyl and aluminum siding often unlock because of poor installation, low quality, time, gravity, and/or weather conditions. Caulk and nails can be aesthetically displeasing and messy, and may restrict movement of the siding, potentially causing the siding to buckle. Shrink strips can be used, but do not fasten to the siding when installed, essentially floating between the two locking mechanisms. This leaves the siding more vulnerable to unlocking. Moreover, shrink strip typically must be custom made to extend the lock, this requiring special materials and some mechanical skills, and thus an additional expense. As a result, all of the above-mentioned methods require special tools or materials.
- As can be seen, there is a need for a hidden fastener to secure loose siding on commercial and residential construction. The hidden siding fastener embodied in the present invention is dimensioned and adapted to be manufactured and installed to fit the gap between the two loose or separated locking mechanisms of two interlocking pieces of siding. The hidden siding fastener extends downward the top locking slot of the lower piece of siding, giving the bottom lock of the upper piece of siding more area to attach to. The hidden siding fastener is secured to the siding yet allows the siding to expand and contract.
- In one aspect of the present invention, a siding fastener not visible when facilitating a locked engagement between two adjacent siding panels includes the following: a front plate extending between an upper end and a lower end; the front plate having a rearward surface and an opposing forward surface; the upper end turns radially until transitioning into a nail hem hook portion extending diagonally downward away from the upper end and adjacent the rearward surface; a threading bend depends from the nail hem hook in an orientation generally parallel with the front plate; lower end turns diagonally downward and rearward, at a pressure point, until transitioning radially upward, and further rearward, to form or define a lower fold; the lower fold radially turns generally 180-degrees at a fold point toward the lower end; and a lock engagement hook extends upwardly and rearward from the distal end of the lower fold.
- In another aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a locked engagement an upper siding panel and a lower siding panel with a siding fastener not visible when facilitating the locked engagement includes the following: providing the above-mentioned siding fastener; providing the upper siding panel having a nail hem, nail hem hole and siding lock slot spaced apart, respectively, from an upper edge; attaching providing the lower siding panel having a siding lock hook extending from a lower edge; sliding the threading bend through the nail hem hole; nesting the lock engagement hook in the siding lock slot; bending a top portion of the front plate over the nail hem; and associating the siding lock hook with the lock engagement hook in the locked engagement.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
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FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown installed on anail hem 32; -
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown installed on thenail hem 32; -
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the insertion of a nail hem hook 14 through anail hem hole 34; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the first step of installation; -
FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the second step of installation; -
FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the third step of installation; -
FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the fourth step of installation; -
FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown installed onnail hem 32 and securing asiding lock hook 38; -
FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating thesiding lock hook 38 of the upper piece ofsiding 30 staying secured even after slipping out of thesiding lock slot 36 because of the extension characteristic of thelower fold 21 and the locking engagement of thelock engagement hook 22; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in an alternative first installation step; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in an alternative second installation step; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in an alternative third installation step; -
FIG. 15 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in the alternative first installation step; and -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in the alternative third installation step. - The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
- Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a hidden siding fastener that provides an upper nail hem hook and a lower pressure point, fold point and lock engagement hook extending therefrom. The nail hem hook is threaded through the back side of a lower piece of siding panel so that the lock engagement hook can nest into a siding lock slot of the same siding panel. Thereby, an upper piece of siding panel and specifically its siding lock hook can operatively associate with the lock engagement hook and fold point in a locked engagement, while the pressure point urges a more secure locked engagement between the two pieces of siding panel.
- It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the use of directional terms such as upper, upward, downward, lower, rearward, forward and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward (or upper) direction being toward the top of the corresponding figures, the downward (or lower) direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figures, while rearward is the direction the nail hem hook and lower fold extend in the corresponding figures.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1 through 15 , the present invention may include ahidden siding fastener 10. Thehidden siding fastener 10 may be, but is not limited to, .020 aluminum sheet metal, various metallic and plasticized materials, or the like. Using a small gauge aluminum may be necessary for ease of installation when bending thehidden siding fastener 10 over a top edge of a nail hem of a lower piece ofsiding 30, and to prevent rusting. - The sheet metal may be cut into strips approximately ¾-inch ×6 inches. A series of various bends are made to form the
hidden siding fastener 10. This could be accomplished by using a hand tool, forming the metal strip around a mold, or a combination of hand tools, molds, and automated equipment. - The
hidden siding fastener 10 may provide afront plate 12 extending between anupper end 15 and an opposing lower end. Thefront plate 12 has afront surface 121 and an opposingrear surface 122. - The
upper end 15 turns radially until transitioning into a nailhem hook portion 14 that extends diagonally downward away from theupper end 15 and adjacent the rear surface 122 (i.e., rearward). The nailhem hook portion 14 then bends further downward, generally parallel with thefront plate 12, as the nailhem hook portion 14 transitions to athreading bend 16 which terminating at a distal end. - The lower end turns diagonally downward and rearward, at a
pressure point 18, until transitioning radially upward, and further rearward, to form alower fold 21. Thelower fold 21 radially turns generally 180-degrees at afold point 20 toward the downward turn of the lower end. Alock engagement hook 22 extends upwardly and rearward from the distal end of thelower fold 21. The shape of thelower fold 21 biases thelock engagement hook 22 and the front plate 12 a predetermined distance apart. - Referring to
FIGS. 6 through 9 , residential and commercial building siding 30 terminates along an upper edge in anail hem 32. Thenail hem 32 is spaced apart from asiding lock slot 36, and between thesiding lock slot 36 andnail hem 32 are a plurality of spaced apartnail hem holes 34. Along a lower edge of thesiding 30, is a hook-shapedsiding lock hook 38 is provided, as illustrated inFIGS. 10-11 , for associating with thesiding lock slot 36 in a locking engagement. - A method of using the present invention may include the following. The
hidden siding fastener 10 disclosed above may be provided. Thethreading bend 16 may be inserted through the backside of the siding's nail hem hole 34 (with thelock engagement hook 22 facing the exterior of the siding 30) then push thelock engagement hook 22 past the bottom edge of the siding'slock slot 36. Thelock engagement hook 22 is then inserted into thesiding lock slot 36. Then thehidden siding fastener 10 is pulled up tight to thesiding lock 36. The top of thefront plate 12 is the folded over the top of the vinyl siding's nail hem 32. This prevents the hiddensiding fastener 10 from moving and loosening. Thebottom siding lock 38 of an upper piece of siding 38 is then fastened to the hiddensiding fastener 10 as thesiding lock hook 38 is slid between thesiding 30 and thelock engagement hook 22 to form a locked engagement with thelock engagement hook 22 and thelower fold 21, that effectively extends thesiding lock slot 36. - The
lower fold 21 extends the purchase of thesiding lock hook 38 preventing the upper piece of siding's lock from becoming loose or detached, as illustrated inFIG. 11 . Thepressure point 18 is dimensioned and adapted to push against the upper piece of siding's interior wall, wherein the pressure point operatively associates with an interior portion of the upper siding panel so as to urge saidsiding lock hook 38, further securing the locked engagement of thesiding lock hook 38 and thelock engagement hook 22 in thesiding lock slot 36. - The
lock engagement hook 22 also pushes, by occupying a portion of thesiding lock slot 36, thesiding lock hook 38 toward the exterior face of the lower piece of siding. This tightens the two locking mechanisms together, reducing the chances of loosening or unlocking. Also, the lower fold is disposed downward of thesiding lock slot 36, whereby thesiding lock hook 38 can engage saidlower fold 21 outside of thesiding lock slot 36, for instance where there is slippage between the lower siding panel and the upper siding panel. - Another way of describing how to install the present invention includes the following: a user could hold the hidden
siding fastener 10 in front of them in a vertical position, with the flat forward portion of thefront plate surface 12 facing them. Thenail hem hook 14 should be upwardly oriented and extending away from the user, with thelock engagement hook 22 on the bottom. The user would place thenail hem hook 14 over the top of the siding'snail hem 32, while keeping the bottomlock engagement hook 22 on the front of thesiding panel 30. As the user pulls down on the hiddensiding fastener 10, they thread the nail hem hook 14 (that is behind the siding's nail hem hole 34) through the backside of the siding'snail hem hole 34 so that thenail hem hook 14 is urged forward through the front side of thesiding panel 30. The user could continue to thread thenail hem hook 14 through the backside of thenail hem hole 34 and position thelock engagement hook 22 below the siding'slock slot 36 so that thelock engagement hook 22 will slide up into the siding'slock slot 36. Then the user may urge the hiddensiding fastener 10 up so thelock engagement hook 22 is fully inserted in the siding'slock slot 36. Keeping the hiddensiding fastener 10 pulled up snug, the user may fold the top portion of thefront plate 12 180 degrees back over the top of the siding'snail hem 32, folding it back behind thelower piece siding 30. The hiddensiding fastener 10 is now installed and a separate upper piece of siding 30 may be re-attached over the hiddensiding fastener 10. The hiddensiding fastener 10 could be fastened with nails, screws, snaps, caulk, glue or create other pressure or catch points to secure it in place. - Referring to
FIGS. 12-16 , an alternative installation method is provided even though the hiddensiding fastener 10 may be structurally identical to the devices shownFIGS. 1- 11 . In short, in the alternative installation, the nailhem hook portion 14 is not be threaded through thenail hem hole 34 of thenail hem 32 of the piece ofsiding 30. In the alternative installation first step, thelock engagement hook 22 may be push up into the siding's locking mechanism/siding lock slot 36. Then the hiddensiding fastener 10 is pulled up tight, nested in thesiding lock 36. Then in the alternative installation second step, the top of thefront plate 12 of the hiddensiding fastener 10 is folded over the top of the siding'snail hem 32. At which time the alternative installation third step contemplates the top of thefront plate 12 bending up to 180 degrees back over the top of the siding'snail hem 32, folding it back behind thelower piece siding 30, out of sight and preventing the hiddensiding fastener 10 from moving and loosening. Thebottom siding lock 38 of an upper piece of siding 38 is then fastened to the hiddensiding fastener 10 as thesiding lock hook 38 is slid between thesiding 30 and thelock engagement hook 22 to form a locked engagement with thelock engagement hook 22 and thelower fold 21, that effectively extends thesiding lock slot 36. - This method of alternative installation may be necessary on aluminum siding because the nail slots are not wide enough to receive the fastener through them. This method of alternative installation essentially allows the hidden
siding fastener 10 to perform the same as the earlier disclosed installation method, without inserting the hiddensiding fastener 10 through thenail hem hole 34; though, when the fastener is not installed through the nail slot there is potential for the fastener to shift and move because of the expansion and contraction of the siding. - It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (4)
1. A method for forming a locked engagement an upper siding panel and a lower siding panel, comprising:
providing a siding fastener comprising:
a front plate extending between an upper end and a lower end;
the upper end turns radially until transitioning into a nail hem hook extending diagonally downward away from the upper end;
the lower end turns diagonally downward and rearward, at a pressure point, until transitioning radially upward, and further rearward, to define a lower fold;
the lower fold radially turns at a fold point toward the lower end; and
a lock engagement hook extends upwardly and rearward from a distal end of the lower fold;
providing a lower siding panel having a nail hem;
providing an upper siding panel having a siding lock hook extending from a lower edge;
nesting the lock engagement hook in the siding lock slot;
bending a top portion of the front plate over the nail hem; and
associating the siding lock hook with the lock engagement hook in the locked engagement.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pressure point operatively associates with an interior portion of the upper siding panel so as to urge said siding lock hook, whereby further securing the locked engagement.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the lower fold is disposed downward of the siding lock slot, whereby the siding lock hook can engage said lower fold outside of the siding lock slot.
4. A siding fastener, comprising:
a front plate extending between an upper end and a lower end;
the upper end turns radially until transitioning into a nail hem hook extending diagonally downward away from the upper end;
the lower end turns diagonally downward and rearward, at a pressure point, until transitioning radially upward, and further rearward, to define a lower fold;
the lower fold radially turns at a fold point toward the lower end; and
a lock engagement hook extends upwardly and rearward from a distal end of the lower fold.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/249,219 US20210180331A1 (en) | 2019-01-23 | 2021-02-24 | Hidden fastener to secure loose vinyl siding |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201962795762P | 2019-01-23 | 2019-01-23 | |
US16/750,476 US10961717B2 (en) | 2019-01-23 | 2020-01-23 | Hidden fastener to secure loose vinyl siding |
US17/249,219 US20210180331A1 (en) | 2019-01-23 | 2021-02-24 | Hidden fastener to secure loose vinyl siding |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US16/750,476 Continuation US10961717B2 (en) | 2019-01-23 | 2020-01-23 | Hidden fastener to secure loose vinyl siding |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20210180331A1 true US20210180331A1 (en) | 2021-06-17 |
Family
ID=71608312
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/750,476 Active US10961717B2 (en) | 2019-01-23 | 2020-01-23 | Hidden fastener to secure loose vinyl siding |
US17/249,219 Abandoned US20210180331A1 (en) | 2019-01-23 | 2021-02-24 | Hidden fastener to secure loose vinyl siding |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/750,476 Active US10961717B2 (en) | 2019-01-23 | 2020-01-23 | Hidden fastener to secure loose vinyl siding |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US10961717B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD818151S1 (en) * | 2015-12-23 | 2018-05-15 | Certainteed Corporation | Siding panel |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US953217A (en) * | 1909-06-15 | 1910-03-29 | Floyd Moffett | Roofing. |
US3110130A (en) * | 1960-07-01 | 1963-11-12 | Sam Z Trachtenberg | Metal siding for buildings |
US3606720A (en) * | 1968-05-20 | 1971-09-21 | Cookson Sheet Metal Dev Ltd | Roofing and siding sheets and the like and fastening means therefor |
US3703062A (en) * | 1970-09-04 | 1972-11-21 | American Metal Climax Inc | Sheet metal roofing/siding system with separable fastener |
US4096679A (en) * | 1977-05-27 | 1978-06-27 | Paul Naz | Self-compensating two-piece siding or roofing slat |
US4947609A (en) * | 1989-07-10 | 1990-08-14 | Champagne Charles A | Top out panel mounting clip for vinyl siding |
US5392579A (en) * | 1993-09-13 | 1995-02-28 | Champagne; Charles A. | Lipless clip for vinyl siding and method |
US5537791A (en) * | 1994-07-03 | 1996-07-23 | Tommy W. Hollis | Trim clip for siding |
US5564246A (en) * | 1994-08-03 | 1996-10-15 | Tommy W. Hollis | Push tab for siding |
US5575127A (en) * | 1995-01-24 | 1996-11-19 | O'neal; Jerry D. | Siding attachment system |
US7562505B2 (en) * | 2004-10-21 | 2009-07-21 | Tohanczyn Jr Edward W | Siding panel assembly with sliding joint |
-
2020
- 2020-01-23 US US16/750,476 patent/US10961717B2/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-02-24 US US17/249,219 patent/US20210180331A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US10961717B2 (en) | 2021-03-30 |
US20200232223A1 (en) | 2020-07-23 |
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