CA 02326252 2002-10-04
POST CLADDING ASSEMBLY WITH SHEET RETAINING MEANS
Technical Field and Background of Invention
The present invention relates to a post cladding assembly including means for
retaining a
sheet material, such as a wire mesh screen or plastic film, used for enclosing
an outdoor deck or
porch. The invention is essentially maintenance free, is quickly and easily
assembled, and is
adjustable to accommodate minor size variations in the post.
In addition to post cladding, the invention provides convenient means for
securing a flexible
wire mesh screen or plastic film between adj acent, spaced-apart posts of the
outdoor deck or porch.
The screen and film is readily attached to and removed from the post cladding
without the use of
special tools or penetrating fasteners.
Summary of the Invention
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a post cladding
assembly which
improves the appearance and weather-resistance of wood posts commonly used in
outdoor decks and
porches.
It is another object of the invention to provide a post cladding assembly
which requires
relatively little maintenance.
It is another object of the invention to provide a post cladding element which
is quickly and
easily applied to the post.
12-20-00;1~:34AM;FUrman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 3a6 359 6956 # 7/ 26
It is another object of the invention to provide a post cladding assembly
which is adjustable
to accommodate slight size variations in the post.
It is another object of the invention to provide a post cladding elezzzent
which interconnects
with like elements to form a cladding assembly.
It is another object ofthe izzvention to provide apost cladding assembly which
is permanently
attached to the post using fasteners which are concealed.
It is another object of the invention to provide a post cladding assembly
which includes
means for readily attaching a wire mesh screen or plastic fxlrrz sheet to the
post to enclose the area
of the outdoor deck or porch.
'~ hese and other objects o~the present in~rention are achieved in the
preferred err~bodiments
disclosed below by providing an elongate modular post cladding element adapted
for cooperating
with at least one othe>c cladding elezruent to cover a post. The cladding
element includes a panel for
being applied to the post, and having first and second opposed end edges and
first and second
opposed, longitudinally-extendiuag side edges. A female ~astener extends along
the first side edge
1:5 of the panel. A complementary male fastener extends along the opposed
second side edge of the
panel. The fenr><aIe fastener has spaced-apart surfaces forming a generally U-
shaped groove. The
groove has a depth at least twice as great as its width. The groove defines a
position adjustment zone
~or receiving a selected portion of a male fastener of an adjacent cladding
element to adjustably
position the adjacent cladding element on the post. Retaini,z~g means are
provided for securing a
2() flexible sheet material to the panel.
According to another prefe~ed embodiment of the invention,
the retaining means includes a longitudinal channel forzzzed with the panel,
and an elongated flexible
- 26~/7.z1 Page 2 --
CA 02326252 2000-07-03
12-20-00;10:34AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+t 306 359 6956 # 8/ 26
spline adapted for being inserted into the chanzxel to wedge the flexible
sheet material between the
spline and the panel.
According to yet arxother preferred embodiment of the invention, spaced-apart,
inwardly
extending shoulders axe' integrally formed with the channel arzd cooperating
to secure the spline
within the channel.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the male an,d
female
fasteners extend longitudinally from one end edge of the panel to the other.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the inve~ttion, the male and
female
fasteners are iutegrally~formed with the panel.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the ~aaale
fastener includes
at least one longitudinally-extending notch therein de~rning a wealc~ness line
for being cut to shorten
a lateral dimension of the cladding elernez~t.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a
longitudinally-extending
attachment flange is ;formed adjacent the female fastener for receiving
attachment rrzeans
therethro~ugh to the post for pertnanentlpmounting the cladding element to the
post.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cladding
element xs
integrally-molded of a plastic material.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining
means
includes a longitudinal channel formed with the panel, and a cap overlying the
panel and including
a longitudinally-extending, resilient connector strip for being inserted into
the channel to Iavld the
cap to the panel, thereby sandwiching the flexible sheet material between the
cap and the panel.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, spaced-apart,
inwardly
261/121 Page 3 --
CA 02326252 2000-07-03
12-20-00;10~34aM;FUrmen & Kalllo Rge ;+1 306 359 6956 # 9/ 26
extending shoulders are integrally formed with the channel and cooperate to
hold the connector strip
within the channel.
Aceord,ing to yet anothez- preferred embodiment of the invention, the
connector strip has a
generally V-shaped profile, and includes outwardly extending shoulders
cooperating with the
S shoulders of the channel to Further secure the cap to the panel.
Tn another embodiment, the invention is a post cladding assembly including a
plurality of
post cladding elements for covering a post. Each of the post cladding elements
includes a panel for
being applied to the post, and having first and second opposed end edges and
first and second
opposed, longitudinally-extending side edges. A female fastener extends along
the first side edge
of the panel. A complementary male fastener extends along the opposed second
side edge of the
panel. fhe female fastener has spaced-apart surfaces forming a gezterally U-
shaped groove having
a depth at least twice as great as its width. The groove defines a position
adjustment zone for
receiving a selected poztion of a male fastener of an adjacent cladding
element to adjustably position
the adjacent cladding element on the post. Retaining means are provided fox
securing a flexible
1.5 sheet material to the panel.
According to another pz~efeired embodiment of the invention, fist and second
longitudinally-
extending ridges are integrally formed with, the panel of th,e post cladding
element, and are spaced-
apart for residing adjacent opposite longitudinal side edges of the cap upon
attachment of the cap
to the panel.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other obj ects
and advantages
of the invention vc~ill appear as the description proceeds when taken in
conjunction with tlxe
- 261/1.2x 'age 4 -
CA 02326252 2000-07-03
12-20-00;10:34AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 1G/ 26
following dzawings, izx which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of two post cladding assemblies formed according to a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention, and applied to the sides of respective
posts with a wine mesh;
sezeen and plastic flrn extending between the posts;
Figure 2 is an end view of a post cladding element according to one preferx-ed
embodiment
of the invention;
Figure 3 is an end view of a post cladding elezz~tent according to another
preferred
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the post cladding assembly including a
post cladding
element shown in Figure 2, and showing the screen retained in the locking
channel and the cap
removed;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the post cladding assembly including a
post cladding
element shown in Figure 3, az~d showing the screen retained in the locking
channels and the cap
removed; and
1~igtxre 6 is fragmentary, perspective view oftwo post cladding elements
applied to respective
sides of adjacent posts with the wire mesh screen secured within the locking
channels and extending
between the posts.
l~Jesc ' ~ n f the Preferred Embodiment antd Best Mo a
Refexxing now specifically to the drawings, post cladding assemblies according
to the present
invention are illustrated in fiigure 1 and shown generalky at reference
numerals 1 Q and 10',
respectively. The cladding assemblies x 0 and 10' are particulazly applicable
for cladding standard
4x4 and 2x4 wood posts commonly used in outdoor decks and poz~ches. For square
posts "P", the
- 261/121 Page 5 --
CA 02326252 2000-07-03
~2-20-00;~0:34AM;Furman & Kaillo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # tai 26
cladding assembly 10 is formed o,f four identical, elongate, modular post
cladding elezztents 1 OA,
I OB, l OC, and l OD adapted for covez'i,ng respective sides of the post. For
2x4 posts "P "', the
cladding assembly 10' is formed of cladding elements 1 OA' and 10B' identical
to those applied to
the square past "P" and smaller cladding elements 10C' and 10D' for covering
the narrower sides
S of the post "P "'. The cladding assemblies 10 and 10' preferably extend the
entire length of the posts
and function to provide an aesthetic, generally maintenance-free exterior
coveting.
The cladding elements l0A-lOD and l0A'-10D' cooperate ~uvith elongated
flexible splines
I 1A, 1 IB, 1 IC, 11D, 11E, and 11F and caps 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D, as
described ftuther below,
to secure a plastic filxxx 14 and/or wire screen 15 to the posts to enclose
the outdoor deck or porch.
X 0 The post cladding elements l0A-I OD and l0A'-I OD' and caps 12A-12D are
preferably indiwi,dually
formed of extruded, 11.V. stabilized, high-impact rigid PV'C. The splines 11A-
11F are preferably
forztaed of a resilient plastic' or rubber material.
Description of Post Claddine Element 20
A single post cladding element 20 according to the invention is shown in
Figure 2. 'fhe
l :p cladding element 20 includes a panel 22 having opposing end edges and
opposing longitudinal side
edges. The panel 22 defines spaced-apart locking channels 24, 25, and 26
extending parallel to the
side edges anal longitudinally from one end edge to ttxe other. The locking
channels 24, 25, and 26
include respective pairs of spaced shoulders 27A, 27B, 28A, 28B, and 29A, 29B.
A female fastener
30 is integz~ally-formed along the first side edge of the panel 22, and
includes spaced walls 3 I and
20 32 i'ozming a groove 33 oriented generally perpendicular to the exterior
plane of the panel 22. A
complementary male fastenez~ 35 is integrally-formed along the opposed second
side edge of the
panel 22, and cooperates with a female fastener of an adj acent cladding
element to interlock the two
~- z6I/121 Page 6 --
CA 02326252 2000-07-03
12-20-00;10:34AM;FUrman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 12/ 26
cladding elements together on adjacent sides of the post. Preferably, the
female fastener 30 and rxiale
fastezzer 35 extend the entire length of the panel 22, and include respective
engaging serrations (not
shown).
The groove 33 of the female fastener 30 has a gezrerally U'-shaped profile
adapted for
receivir>,g the male fastener of an adjacent cladding element. The depth "y"
of the groove 33 is
preferably about 3-4 tunes greater tban its width "x", such that the amount of
male fastener received
into the groove 33 eau be adjusted within an adjustment zone defined by the
distance "y" for
increasing or decreasing the lateral coverage of the adjacent cladding element
on the post. For added
size adjustment, the male fastener 35 includes spaced notches 37 and 38 which
define respective
weakness lines for being cut to shorten the lateral dimension of the cladding
element 20. The
notches 37, 38 preferably extend the entire length of the panel 22 from one
end edge to the other.
In additibn, an attachment flange 39 is formed with the female fastener 30,
and extends
generally pezpendicular to the plane of the panel 22 for receiving nails or
other suitable attachment
means, such as tacks, staples, or the Like. The nails pass through the
attachment flange 39 and iza,to
1,5 the wood post to permanently attach the cladding element to the post.
DesCriDtion of Post Cladding Element 40
A post cladding element 40 adapted for covering the narrower sides of the 2x4
wood post
"P "' is best shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6. The cladding element includes a
panel 42 having opposing
end edges and opposing longitudinal side edges. The panel 42 defines spaced-
apart lockaz~.g channels
44, 45, and 46 extending parallel to the side edges and longitudinally from
one end edge to the other.
The lucking channels 44, 45, and 46 include respective pairs o~ spaced
shoulders 47A, 47B, 48A,
4$B, and 49A, 49B. A female fastener 50, identical to that previously
described, is integrally-
- 261/12 Page 7 --
CA 02326252 2000-07-03
12-20-00;10~34AM;FUrman & Kalllo Rge ;+1 306 359 6956 # 13/ 26
formed along the first side edge of the panel 42, and includes spaced walls 51
az~d 52 forzxxing a
groove 53 oriented generally perpendicular to the exterior plane of the panel
42. A, compiernentary
male fastenex 55 is integrally-formed along the opposed second side edge of
the panel 42, and
cooperates with a fern.ale fastener of an adjacent cladding element to
interlock the two cladding
elements together on adjacent sides of the post. The male fastener 55 includes
a notch S6 which
defines a weakness line for being cut to shorten the lateral dimension of the
cladding element 40.
The notch 56 preferably extends the entire length of the panel 42 from one end
edge to the other.
An attachment flange 59 is formed with the female fastenez 50, and extends
generally pezpendicular
to the plane of the panel 42 for receiving nails or otlier suitable attachment
means, such as tacks,
staples, or the like. The nails (not shown) pass through the attachment flange
59 and into the wood
post to permanently attach the cladding element 40 to the post.
Attachment of the Wire Scre~4E ~~nd 'Plastic F~lm to the Posts
After assembly of the cladding elements 10A-1 OD and 1 OA'-l OD' on the posts
"P" and "P"',
as shown in Figure I, the plastic film 14 and/or wire mesh screen' 15 is
attached to enciose the
1 a outdoor deck or porch area. Whale the following description refers only to
the screen 15, it is
understood that the means for attaching the plastic film 14 is identical.
Referring now to Figures 4 and 6, with the cap 12 removed, the marginal edge
portion of the
screen 15 is first placed against the cladding element 20 of the post "P" to
cover the locking channel
24. The resilient spline 11 is then forced into the channel 24 between the
locking shoulders 27A and
2C1 27B to tightly wedge the screen 15 between the spline 1 I and the cladding
element 20. The diameter
of the spline 11 is sufficiently large relative to the channel 24 to secure
the screen 15 to the cladding
element 20. The locking shoulders 27A and Z7B cooperate to hold the spline 11
in the channel 24,
-- 261/1~2Z Page 8 -
CA 02326252 2000-07-03
~2-20-~0;1~:34AM;FUrman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # ~4i 26
and to prevent the spline 11 from being inadvertently dislodged. If necessary,
a hammer or other
suitable tool may be used to force the spline 1 1A into the chancel 24.
After attaching the screen 15, the cap 12 is placed between laterally-spaced
ridges 61 and 62
formed with the outside sur~Face of the panel 22. The cap 12 includes a
generally v-shaped,
longitudinally extending, resilient connector strip 65 integrally formed on
its inside surface for being
inserted into the locking chanzaeI 25 of the cladding element 20. The
connector strip 65 preferably
includes locking shoulders 66 and 67 which cooperate with tho shoulders 28A
and 28B to secure the
cap 12 to the cladding element 20. The cap I2 provides an aesthetic eoveziza,g
for concealing the
channels 24, 25, and 26, and cooperates with the ridges 61 and 62 to fu:ther
secure the screen 15 to
the cladding element 20.
Attachment of the screen 15 to cladding element 40 is best shown xn Figures 5
and 6. As
previously descn'bed, with the cap I3 removed, the ~anarginal edge portion of
each screen 15 is first
placed against the cladding element 40 of the post "P "' to cover the locking
channels 44 and 46,
respectively. Resilient splines 1 x are then forced into the ehanzxels 44 and
46 between the Iocltiz~g
shoulders 47A, 47B and 49A, 49B to tightly wedge the screens 15 between the
spline 1 I and the
cladding element 40. The locking shoulders 47A, 47B and 49,A,, 49B cooperate
to hold the splines
11 in the channels 44 and 46.
After attaching the screen 15, the cap 13 is placed between spaced
longitudinal ridges 71 and
72 formed with the outside surface of the panel 42. The cap I3 includes a
generally v-shaped,
longitudinally extending, resilient connector strip 75 integrally formed on
its inside surface for being
inserted into the locking channel 45 of the cladding element 40. The connector
strip 75 preferably
includes locking shoukders 76 and 77 which cooperate with the shoulders 48A
and 48B to secure the
- 261/121. Page 9 --
CA 02326252 2000-07-03
~2-20-00;10:34AM;Furman & K81110 Rge ;t1 306 359 6956 # 15/ 26
' ~ I
cap 13 to the cladding element 40. The cap 13 provides an aesthetic covering
for concealing the
channels 44, 45, and 46, az~d cooperates with the ridges 71 az~d 72 to further
secure the screen 15 to
tlae cladding element 40.
Post cladding assemblies 10 and 10' are described above. 'Various details of
the invention
may be changed venthout departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing
description of the
preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the
invention are provided
for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation-the
invention being defined
bar the claims.
- 26I/X27, page x0 --
CA 02326252 2000-07-03
