Building panel having locking flange and locking receptacle
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A building panel made from a synthetic polymer and configured for interlocking engagement with adjacent panels, said building panel comprising:
- (a) a principal portion having a front surface and first and second lateral end portions;
(b) a locking flange extending from said first lateral end portion and comprising;
(1) a leg extending rearwardly of said principal portion;
(2) a locking tab extending laterally outward of said leg rearward of said principal portion; and
,(3) a locking lug extending frontward from said locking tab; and
(c) a locking receptacle extending from said second lateral end portion and, comprising;
(1) an arm extending rearward of said principal portion, said arm comprising a connecting piece extending from said second lateral end portion and an elbow extending from said connecting piece, said elbow comprising a first portion extending laterally inward and a second portion extending frontward of said first portion;
(2) a flap comprising a leg extending laterally inward from said second portion, a connector extending rearwardly from said leg, and a wing extending from said connector laterally outward, said wing being in a parallel relationship with said leg, said flap and said second portion defining a locking notch for receiving a locking lug from an adjacent panel, said flap and said first portion defining a passageway narrower than said locking tab and locking lug for retention of the locking tab in said locking notch; and
(3) a fastening strip extending rearwardly of said wing and laterally outward from said flap, said fastening strip defining a fastening slot.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A building panel useful as vinyl soffit in residential construction. The building panel comprises a principal portion, a locking flange, and a locking receptacle interlocking with the locking flange of an adjacent panel. The building panel is easy to assemble and combines high strength with a pleasant appearance.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A building panel made from a synthetic polymer and configured for interlocking engagement with adjacent panels, said building panel comprising:
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(a) a principal portion having a front surface and first and second lateral end portions; (b) a locking flange extending from said first lateral end portion and comprising; (1) a leg extending rearwardly of said principal portion; (2) a locking tab extending laterally outward of said leg rearward of said principal portion; and
,(3) a locking lug extending frontward from said locking tab; and (c) a locking receptacle extending from said second lateral end portion and, comprising; (1) an arm extending rearward of said principal portion, said arm comprising a connecting piece extending from said second lateral end portion and an elbow extending from said connecting piece, said elbow comprising a first portion extending laterally inward and a second portion extending frontward of said first portion; (2) a flap comprising a leg extending laterally inward from said second portion, a connector extending rearwardly from said leg, and a wing extending from said connector laterally outward, said wing being in a parallel relationship with said leg, said flap and said second portion defining a locking notch for receiving a locking lug from an adjacent panel, said flap and said first portion defining a passageway narrower than said locking tab and locking lug for retention of the locking tab in said locking notch; and (3) a fastening strip extending rearwardly of said wing and laterally outward from said flap, said fastening strip defining a fastening slot. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A vinyl soffit panel formed from a single continuous strip and comprising:
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(a) a generally planar principal portion having a bottom surface and first and second spaced lateral end portions; (b) a generally L-shaped locking flange integrally formed with said principal portion and extending from said first lateral end portion, said locking flange comprising; (1) a leg extending upwardly of said principal portion; (2) a locking tab extending laterally outward of said leg upward of said principal panel; and
,(3) a locking lug extending downward from said locking tab; and (c) a locking receptacle integrally formed with said principal portion and extending from said second lateral end, portion, said locking receptacle comprising; (1) a generally J-shaped arm extending upwardly of said principal portion, said arm comprising a connecting piece extending from said second lateral end portion and an elbow extending from said connecting piece; (2) a generally C-shaped flap attached to said elbow and looped around said arm, said flap and said arm defining a locking notch for receiving a locking lug from an adjacent unit, said flap and said elbow defining a passageway narrower in vertical extent than said locking tab and locking lug; and
,(3) a fastening strip extending rearwardly of said wing and laterally outward from said flap. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification