Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SIMULATED BARK SIDING AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Serial No.
60/920,876 filed on March 30, 2007, and U.S. Application Serial No.
61/066,558 filed on February 21, 2008, both of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of siding and roofing materials, in
particular, to decorative roofing and siding panels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Siding is frequently used to cover the exterior surfaces of homes, office
buildings, and other dwellings, for instance when the exterior surfaces of
dwellings lack aesthetic appeal or are not able to protect the dwellings from
the elements. Structural roofs are also covered with sheets of material to
protect the roof from rain. Aluminum sheets and wood or wood fiber planks
are common siding materials. Asphalt shingles and shake shingles are
among the choices of sheet material that can be used to cover and protect a
roof. In some locales, for instance those in rustic, heavily wooded areas,
tree
bark such as poplar tree bark is a favored siding material. However, tree
bark, including poplar tree bark, is expensive both to harvest and to form
into
sheets of siding. Further, natural tree bark siding is not suitable as a
roofing
material. Manufactured siding and roofing material that retains many of the
advantages of tree bark while reducing or eliminating many of the
disadvantages of tree bark would be desirable. A synthetic tree bark building
material would be useful for exterior use as siding or roofing material or for
use as a material for interior walls and similar locations.
Accordingly, there remains room for improvement and variation within
the art.
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SUMMARY C1F THE 'INVENTION
It is one aspect of at least one of the present embodiments to provide a
synthetic composition panel having a surface which resembles tree bark
comprising: a panel having an upper surface and a lower surface, the panel
having a height of at least about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches; the upper
panel further defining a plurality of irregular grooves and indentations
interspersed between a plurality of intervening ridge regions, the upper
surface having a surface area at least about 50 percent greater than said
lower surface.
It is another aspect of at least one of the present embodiments to
provide a synthetic composition panel with a tree bark simulated surface
wherein the plurality of irregular grooves include grooves which extend a
depth of at least about 50 percent of the panel height and in another aspect
of
the invention the irregular grooves extend a depth of at least about 75
percent
of the panel height.
Further, the synthetic composition panel provides a plurality of the
irregular grooves and indentations which define an included angle of at least
about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the synthetic composition panel's
irregular grooves and indentations may extend in a substantially parallel
fashion and are discontinuous from one edge of the panel relative to an
opposite edge of the panel. In other embodiments, substantially all of the
irregular grooves and indentations are continuous from one edge of a panel to
an opposite edge of the panel, thereby facilitating drainage of water from the
upper surface.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood with reference to the following
description and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A fully enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best
mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more
particularly in
the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying
drawings.
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Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dwelling covered by simulated bark
siding according to an embodiment of the irivention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a sheet of simulated bark siding
according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the sheet shown in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the sheet shown in Figure 2;
Figure 5 is an elevational view of a major side edge of the sheet shown
in Figure 2;
Figure 6 is an elevational view of a minor side edge of the sheet shown
in Figure 2;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a sheet of simulated bark roofing
material according to an additional embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a
simulated bark siding showing a backing member;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of an enlarged portion of the simulated
bark surface showing additional details of the grooves, indentations, and
ridges; and
Figure 10 is the elevational view of a major side edge of a simulated
bark siding panel showing additional details of the grooves, indentations, and
ridges.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example
is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the
invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another
embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the
present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features,
and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following detailed
description. It is to be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art that
the
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present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not
intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which
broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions.
In describing the various figure.s herein, the same reference numbers
are used throughout to describe the same material, apparatus, or process
pathway. To avoid redundancy, detailed descriptions of much of the
apparatus once described in relation to a figure is not repeated in the
descriptions of subsequent figures, although such apparatus or process is
labeled with the same reference numbers.
Simulated bark siding according to an embodiment of the invention is
shown broadly in Figure 1 at reference numeral 10 as it appears on exterior
surfaces 11 of a simple dwelling "D" such as a home or office. As used
herein, the term "siding" with respect to the present invention refers to a
synthetic product having a simulated bark ornamental surface which may be
used as a building material for placement on the exterior of a dwelling, on
interior walls, as a roofing material, and as shaped into articles such as
decorative door trim, crown molding, chair molding, and window frame
molding. The dwelling "D" in Figure 1 is merely an example of the types of
dwellings on which the siding 10 may be installed; the siding 10 may be
installed on any dwelling having one or more exterior surfaces suitable to
receive siding, including but not limited to dwellings with sizes and designs
that vary dramatically from those of the dwelling "D" shown in Figure 1.
Sheets of the siding 10 may be installed on the exterior surfaces 11 of the
dwelling "D" in any one of a number of aesthetically and functionally
desirable
configurations known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including but not
limited to the configuration shown in Figure 1. Further, sheets of a siding 10
may be used as interior decorative wall siding or, as discussed in other
embodiments of the present invention, the siding 10 may be used as a roofing
material including shingles.
A single sheet 12 of the siding 10 is shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
The siding sheet 12 as illustrated is substantially rectangular and includes a
major outward-facing surface 13 (Figures 2 and 3), a major inward-facing
surface 14 (Figure 4) that opposes the major outward-facing surface 13, a pair
of opposing major side edges 15, and a pair of opposing minor side edges 20.
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The major outward-facing surface 13 of the siding sheet 12 is formed to define
a plurality of grooves and indentatiohs 21 and a plurality of ridges 22 that
are
collectively configured to simulate the appearance of an outward-facing
surface of a sheet of tree bark (not shown) such as poplar tree bark. The
5 configuration of the plurality of grooves and indentations 21 and the
plurality
of ridges 22 may or may not follow a predesigned and/or preselected
repeating pattern. The major inward-facing surface 14 of the siding sheet 12
is sufficiently smooth to enable substantial engagement of the major inward-
facing surface 14 against the exterior surfaces 11 of the dwelling "D" when
the
siding sheet 12 is installed on the dwelling "D". While the siding sheet 12 is
illustrated as rectangular, the shape of any one siding sheet 12 may be varied
to accommodate the enumerated uses and examples.
The siding sheet 12 may be fabricated from any material known by
those of ordinary skill in the art as being capable of being formed to define
the
plurality of grooves and indentations 21 and the plurality of ridges 22 and
capable of weathering the conditions and elements to which the siding sheet
12 may be exposed. As known by those of ordinary skill in the art, such
materials may include, without limitation, wood fiber and/or concrete, and may
be formed to define the plurality of grooves and indentations 21 and the
plurality of ridges 22 using processes such as, without limitation; molding,
injection molding, vacuum molding, foam molding, extrusion with embossing,
and/or stamping. The overall process used to manufacture the siding sheet
12 comprises selecting a fabrication material, selecting a fabrication method,
selecting or designing a fabrication design or pattern that simulates the
appearance of an outward-facing surface of tree bark, obtaining a portion of
the selected fabrication material that may be formed to define the selected or
designed fabrication design or pattern through use of the selected fabrication
method, and practicing the selected fabrication method on the formable
portion of the selected fabrication material to form the selected or designed
fabrication design or pattern on the selected fabrication material.
Any desired synthetic wood compositions, polymers, or foamed
polymer compositions may be used in the present invention. For instance, the
materials used to make the siding sheet of the present invention may be virgin
or recycled materials including, but not limited to, cellulosic fillers,
polymers,
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plastics, thermoplastics, rubber, inorganic fillers, cross-linking agents,
lubricants, process aids, stabilizers, accelerators, inhibitors, enhancers,
compatibilizers, blowing agents, foaming agents, thermosetting materials, and
other similar, suitable, or conventional materials.
Examples of cellulosic fillers include sawdust, newspapers, alfalfa,
wheat pulp, wood chips, wood fibers, wood particles, ground wood, wood
flour, wood flakes, wood veneers, wood laminates, paper, cardboard, straw,
cotton, rice hulls, coconut shells, peanut shells, bagass, plant fibers,
bamboo
fiber, palm fiber, kenaf, and other similar, suitable, or conventional
materials.
Examples of polymers include multilayer films, high density
polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, -polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low density
polyethylene (LDPE), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS), ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA), polystyrene, other similar
copolyrriers, other similar, suitable, or conventional plastic materials, and
formulations that incorporate any of the aforementioned polymers.
Examples of inorganic fillers include talc, calcium carbonate, kaolin
clay, magnesium oxide, titanium dioxide, silica, mica, barium sulfate,
acrylics,
and other similar, suitable, or conventional materials.
Examples of thermosetting materials include polyurethanes, such as
isocyanates, phenolic resins, unsaturated polyesters, epoxy resins, and other
similar, suitable, or conventional materials. Combinations of the
aforementioned materials are also examples of thermosetting materials.
Examples of lubricants include zinc stearate, calcium stearate, esters,
amide wax, paraffin wax, ethylene bis-stearamide, and other similar, suitable,
or conventional materials.
Examples of stabilizers include tin stabilizers, lead and metal soaps
such as barium, calcium, and zinc, and other similar, suitable, or
conventional
materials. UV protectant stabilizers and biocides may also be incorporated
into the molding or extruding materials. In addition, examples of process aids
include acrylic modifiers and other similar, suitable, or conventional
materials.
Examples of synthetic wood compositions include, but are not limited
to, plastic/cellulosic filler compositions, polymer/cellulosic filler
compositions,
thermosetting/cellulosic filler compositions, thermoplastic/cellulosic filler
compositions, rubber/cellulosic filler compositions, foamed synthetic wood
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compositions, inorganic-filled plastic compositions, and other synthetic wood
compositions that are known now or in the future.
Where the synthetic compositions used to form a siding sheet 12 utilize
flow molding or similar techniques, it is possible for much of the interior of
the
synthetic panel to define a significant number of voids or air space within
the
interior of the panel. The presence of the hollow voids within the panel can
be
beneficial depending upon the end application of the siding sheets 12. For
instance, where weight is a concern, such as when used as a roofing material,
it may be advantageous to maximize the amount of air space so as to reduce
the weight of the panels. It is also possible to fill the voids with an
insulating
foam so as to improve the resistance (R) value to provide an increased
measure of thermal insulation to structures which incorporate the panels.
Similarly, it is envisioned that the interior of the panels could be
maintained at
a negative air pressure, i.e., a partial vacuum, which also increases the R
value of the siding sheet 12.
In one aspect of the present invention of the present invention, a siding
sheet 12 can be provided in which the ornamental bark surface is pigmented
using colors and color variations to mimic a natural tree bark product. One
way of accomplishing the desired coloration is to use pigments in the molding
or formation stage such that the color- is inherent in the material mixed
throughout the thickness of the material. In this manner, any scratches or
surface flaws that may result do not show an obvious color variation. The
process of formulating multi-color materials such as plastics are well known
in
the art. For instance, when using meltable resins, it is well known to
incorporate a base pigment along with additional color pigments, the
additional color pigments being in the form of pellets having a different
melting
temperature than a base material. By partially melting the different melting
point pigments and with appropriate mixing, desirable streaks of pigment can
result at which time the material can be appropriately molded, extruded, or
otherwise formed into the desired siding sheet 12. In this manner, a siding
sheet 12 can be provided having multiple gradations of a realistic mark
coloration which, depending upon the bark species, may include multiple
variations of gray, brown, and with streaks or patches of black and white.
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While multiple color combinations are possible, it is believed preferred to
closely mimic the natural appearance of the appropriate bark species.
It is also envisioned that the siding sheet 12 may be formed of a single
color in which paints may thereafter be supplied. For instance, in a brown or
gray tone simulated bark pattern, the original siding sheet 12 may be formed
using a dark brown pigment. Thereafter, a short nap roller can be used to
apply a complimentary but contrasting color to portions of the panel surface.
By using a short napped roller, the deeper recesses of the molded,
ornamental product will not receive any applied paint. The resulting painted
product has a contrast between the painted color and the original molded
color which is visible in the deeper recesses and edges of the molded
product.
The siding sheet 12 may be installed on the exterior surfaces 11 of the
dwelling "D" using fasteners, adhesive, and/or other installation materials
known to those of ordinary skill in the art. When used as an interior or
exterior
siding material, the siding sheets 12 may be secured using nails, screws, or
similar fasteners. Depending on the nature of the molded material used to
fashion the siding sheets 12, the siding sheets 12 can be nailed in place
similar to a natural bark siding product. For molded siding panels that may be
too strong or brittle for conventional nailing, the siding sheet 12 may be
installed by drilled pilot holes which are then used to insert a nail or a
screw.
Alternatively, the panels may define predetermined apertures in which nails or
other fasteners may be used to attach the product to a structural support.
Additionally, it is possible to use an appropriate architectural grade
adhesive
to apply the panels directly to the dwelling's interior or exterior walls.
Further, the siding sheets 12 may be adhered to a backing material
such as a rigid, structural backing material 30 as seen in Figure 7 in which
the
backing material is then used to mount the roofing panel 12' with attached
backing to a structural support.
As best seen-in reference to Figure 8, the bottom surface of siding
sheet 12 may have a coating of a sealable material 30' which facilitates the
installation and water resistant properties of the installed siding sheets 12.
As
seen in Figure 8, a coating layer 30' is seen. Coating layer 30' may be in the
form of an architectural grade adhesive. Alternatively, coating layer 30' may
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comprise a sealable membrane such as membranes used in roofing materials
to seal around nail holes. For instance, it-is known in the art to use
sealants
which incorporate materials such as polyisobutanes, polybutanes,
polyisoprene, butyl rubber, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-
styrene, styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene, acrylics, polyurethanes, atactic
polypropylene, and other similar sealants and/or suitable mixtures thereof.
Optionally, coating layer 30' comprises a plastic mixture containing asphalt,
filler, and one or more of the sealants described above which is applied to
the
bottom surface of the siding sheet 12. If desired, a protective release liner
32
may thereafter be applied to the adhesive layer which is removed at the time
of installation.
The use of a sealant material as a coating layer 30' facilitates sealing
of areas in proximity to any nails or screws used to attach the siding sheet
panels. Suitable adhesives which may be used as the backing layer 30' may
be found in reference to U.S. patent application publication US 2007/0199276
Al which is incorporated herein by reference.
The sealable adhesive backing layer 30' and optional paper backing
layer 32 could also be applied to the lower surface of the siding sheet 12 as
seen in Figure 7 as modified for use as a roofing material. In addition, the
flanges with attachment apertures seen in Figure 7 could also be installed
with self-sealing roofing nails as a replacement for or in addition to an
adhesive/sealing layer present on the. lower surface of the siding sheet 12
seen in Figure 7.
As seen in Figure 7, the backing 30 provides structural support and
may extend beyond the border of roofing panel 12', allowing an overlapping
installation of adjacent panels which covers the presence of the backing
material of adjacent panels.
If desired, the backing material 30 may overlap additional edges as
well. By having backing material which extends beyond the boundaries of the
decorative portion of siding sheet 12 or roofing panel 12' facilitates the
placement of a complete moisture barrier by installation of the panels by
having overlapping backing areas. The presence of the backing material also
allows for slight gaps to be maintained, without loss of moisture barrier
properties, the gaps'being needed to allow for thermal expansion and
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contraction of the panels which in exterior environments may be exposed to a
temperature range of over 1501 F variation.' The necessity and extent of
possible gaps for thermal expansion depend greatly upon the nature of the
material used to make the molded product. For interior use, placement of
5 panels is not dependent upon allowances for thermal expansion. If desired,
the backing material 30 may be integral with and an extension of the molded
material used to form the siding sheet 12.
As best seen in reference to Figures 2, 5, and 6, a number of grooves
and indentations 21 and ridges 22 are defined within the surface of the siding
10 sheet 12. The grooves and indentations 21 form a random pattern of
indentations of varying depth, width, and properties, which simulate the
appearance of tree bark. As seen in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 2, a
bark pattern similar to poplar bark is provided.
The various indentations and grooves 21 and ridges 22, as illustrated
in Figure 2, form an overall parallel pattern relative to adjacent
indentations
and grooves. While this particular pattern is representative of numerous bark
patterns such as poplar tree bark, there are other bark patterns such as pine
bark or dogwood which may have well defined grooves and indentations 21
which form various polygonal structures such that some grooves may extend
both vertically and horizontally across the simulated bark surface of siding
sheet 12.
The synthetic bark surface, because of the deep grooves and
indentations patterns, offers a three-dimensional product face which simulates
the aesthetic appearance of a natural_bark siding product. The bark facing of
the present invention offers a textured surface which creates a series of
shadows and areas of contrast which can be seen in all types of lighting. The
number, placement, and extent of the grooves and indentations 21 achieve a
realistic bark appearance. As best seen in reference to Figures 5 and 10, a
number of the grooves and indentations 21 define an included angle of at
least about 45 (inciiuding some which are 90 or greater) within the siding
sheet 12. The combination of the depth and the angled walls helps to
simulate a realistic appearance of a tree bark. Even the relatively flat
regions
such as the surface of ridges 22 may display the fine texture and detail of
wood grain, as best seen in Figure 9, thereby simulating the appearance of a
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11 *
natural bark. Further, the textured surface of the simulated poplar bark
maintains a tactile quality which, when touched, mimics the rough texture of a
natural bark product.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the siding sheet 12, as
best seen in cross section in Figures 5 and 6 defines a series of grooves and
indentations in which at least a portion of said grooves and indentations
defines a depth of at least 50 percent of the panel thickness. More
preferably,
at least some of the grooves extend a depth of at least about 75 percent of
the panel thickness when measured from an upper surface to a lower surface
of a panel thickness. The depth and degree of defined surface texture
facilitates the appearance of a natural bark product. The deeper grooves and
indentations also provide greater structural strength to the panel by better
distribution of weight. Increased strength allows the siding sheet 12 to
absorb
impact better. Further, when used as a roofing material, the increased
structural strength provided by the surface grooves and indentations helps
support and distribute weight better such that the roofing material can be
walked upon without damage.
As seen in an end view such as in Figure 5, cross section, the surface
area of the upper ornamental surface is approximately 50 percent greater
than the surface area of the corresponding flat bottom surface. Having a
surface area which is at least about 50 percent greater than a corresponding
flat surface provides for a realistic depth and appearance to the molded
product. Furthermore, the numerous downwardly directed edges of the
various grooves and indentations 21 increase the structural strength and
rigidity of the ornamental surface of the panel as compared to a flat surface
hollow molded product. The 50 percent or more increase in surface area
contributes enormously to the desired simulated bark appearance and
contributes to the functionality of the siding sheet 12.
As best seen in reference to Figures 9 and 10, close ups of the
simulated bark surface set forth that the molded product presents a realistic
depiction of a natural oak bark product. For instance, the upper ridge lines
are not necessarily smooth but form an uneven texture of shallow depressions
and raised regions including a visible wood grain pattern as seen by reference
numeral 34. As illustrated, the grooves and indentations 21 and ridges 22
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provide a realistic texture appearance both visually as well as providing a
tactile sensation similar to a natural oak bark product.
For instance, the increased surface area allows for a greater radiant
cooling effect such that the siding more quickly radiates heat away from the
underlying structure. With respect to both an exterior wall siding and a
roofing
product, the ability to radiate heat prevents excessive heat accumulation and
transfer to the adjacent dwelling. The increase in surface area of the
ornamental surface also helps to prevent build up of undesired heat. But for
brief intervals when the sun is directly opposite a surface of the panel, the
extensive grooves and indentations 21 and the 45 degree or greater wall
angles defined by many of the grooves and indentations 21 provide some
element of shade/shadow to at least portions of the exposed surfaces of the
panels. The shaded portions help maintain an overall cooler surface as
opposed to a completely flat surface.
One of the attributes of a natural bark siding product favored by many
consumers is the actual "weathered" look which increases over time for the
natural bark siding. In areas of adequate moisture and shade, algae, moss,
and similar plants may colonize the natural bark product and contribute to the
overall aesthetic appeal of the siding. By providing a series of grooves and
indentations, the synthetic siding sheets 12 facilitate a similar weathering
process. If desired, the molded siding sheets 12 will facilitate the
accumulation and colonization by algae, moss, and similar plants which
enhance the aesthetic appearance of the molded product. While such growth
on a conventional flat siding material designed to simulate finished wood or
a.
painted wood product is considered unsightly, the texture and appearance of
the siding sheet 12 can be enhanced by such natural colonization. However,
if such growth is either excessive or considered unsightly, the durable nature
of the simulated bark siding sheets 12 can be easily cleaned using
conventional pressure cleaning and/or bleaching techniques. Such
techniques are potentially harmful to and shorten the life of. natural wood
siding or many conventional roofing products such as a wooden shake roof,
asphalt roof, or composite shingle roofing materials.
As best seen in reference to Figure 7 a simulated bark siding material
may be configured for use as a roofing product. As is conventional within the
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roofing art, a flange area or backing 30 is defined which extends along a
bottom of the sheet 12 and'extends'in an upward direction as seen relative to
a conventional pitch of a roof. The backing 30 defines a series of apertures
which can be used to secure the roofing panel to a roof. As is well known in
the art, subsequent panels can be placed in an overlapping position such that
the flange region of each panel is positioned beneath the next adjacent
roofing member. To facilitate drainage, the groove and indentation pattern 21
may be modified as desired such that the grooves are substantially
continuous and/or are interconnected so as to drain from one panel to an
adjacent panel. However, it is envisioned that there are applications where
the various channels and grooves may have some advantage in maintaining
pockets of water or moisture which don't drain. For instance, some roofing
designs operate on an evaporative cooling concept in which the evaporation
of water from the roofing material facilitates cooling of the building
structure by
preventing accumulation of heat in the roof. Accordingly, in temperate regions
which receive frequent intervals of rain and warm temperatures, the extensive
surface area beneath the upper surface of the panel may provide for an
accumulated pool of moisture from rainfall, dew condensation, or sprinklers
such that the siding sheet 12 facilitates an evaporative cooling process of
the
roof. As seen in Figures 2 and 7, siding sheet 12 and roofing panel 12'
illustrate the series of grooves and indentations some of which are continuous
from one edge to an opposite edge and others which are 'discontinuous. This
particular pattern of mixed continuous and discontinuous grooves more
closely approximates the natural pattern of bark although this pattern may be
modified to address the needs set forth above.
The shape and size of the decorative simulated bark siding sheet 12 or
roofing panel 12' may be varied and adapted to achieve a number of different
construction products. For instance, where a rustic look of a bark appearance
is desired, the sheets 12 or panels 12' can be manufactured in a size and
dimension for use as decorative door molding, window moldings, chair rails,
crown molding, as well as used as exterior covering on exposed ceiling
beams, porch or deck railings, and similar structures.
Simulated bark siding and a method of manufacturing the same are
described above. Although preferred embodiments of the invention have
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been described using specific terms, devices, and methods, such description
is for illustrative purposes only. The words used are words of description
rather than of limitation. It is to be understood that changes and variations
may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the
spirit or the scope of the present invention which is set forth in the
following
claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various
embodiments may be interchanged, both in whole, or in part. Therefore, the
spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the
description of the preferred versions contained therein.
