Clip for attaching siding

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates generally to building siding attachment clips, and more particularly, to attachment clips able to withstand the temperature extremes of weather conditions while permitting the building siding attached by the clips to freely expand and contract and not affect the attachment.

#2. Background Art

#FIG. 1 illustrates in a partially cut-away perspective view clips according to the present invention as used for installing sidings;

#FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the clips according to the present invention;

#FIG. 3 is a side view of a clip according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

#Referring now to FIG. 1, the use of the inventive clips 10 is illustrated in the installation of representative siding 12 attached to concrete or cinder blocks 14. The clips are usually attached to the concrete wall by a fastener, such as masonry or concrete nails 16, by an appropriate means, or by use of a ramset gun. However, when high stress methods of attaching the fasteners 16 to the wall are used, e.g., ramset gun, conventional clips have been known to crack or otherwise fail in their intended function, that is, they are unable to retain the siding 12 against the wall as closely as possible to avoid exposure to the elements. Ideally, the clips 10 are configured and oriented such that the siding 12 installed over the previous or underlying strip of siding does not come into contact with the clips 10 retaining the previous strip 12 on the wall.

#Most standard siding 12 for installation on walls comprised slats or strips made from wood or other natural materials. More recently, strips of siding 12 have become available that are pre-formed, that is, that have a standard shape and size to facilitate their installation. For example, the siding 12 in FIG. 1 includes the standard features available. These siding strips may comprise aluminum or vinyl, or other plastic materials.

#The siding 12 usually comprises an undulating surface 22 which includes a first curve 24, and a second curve 26, disposed below the first curve 24. The second curve terminates in a rim 28, that attaches into a crevice 30 formed in the undulating top portion of the next adjacent siding 12. Thus, the clips 10 hold down one siding strip 12, as shown, but through the attachment between the rim 28 of one strip 12 and the crevice 30 of the adjacent lower strip 12, also retain the ends of both strips 12 against the wall, while only actually coming into physical contact with one of the strip of siding 12.