Description of Related Art Over time, architectural structures have included many types of exterior surfaces.

In the past, such surfaces have been nothing more than the interiors and exteriors of roofs and sides of the structures themselves. For example, early log cabin construction often merely used the surfaces of the individual logs as the interior and exterior sides, with a grout or similar type of insulative adhesive material employed between adjacent logs.

With more recent modes of construction, interior and exterior sides of structures are usually composed of different materials. For example, early and mid-20th century housing often included a brick exterior, and a wood lattice and plastic interior, with insulative materials injected therebetween. Other exteriors employed stucco and the like for a finished exterior.

Subsequently, many structures have utilized wallboard for interior surfaces, with plywood and horizontally disposed woodboards completing the exterior.

In more recent years, alternative materials have been used for finished exterior surfaces, in the place of brick and conventional wood boarding. For example, residential structures today often employ vinyl siding to provide a finished exterior. Such vinyl siding has significant advantages over other types of exteriors. For example, vinyl siding is relatively"low maintenance"and, for example, does not often require painting.

However, with the types of siding known today, and particularly with respect to the types of methods for interconnection of siding components, several disadvantages exist. For example, most vinyl siding arrangements today consist of horizontally disposed and elongated components, whereby adjacent components somewhat overlap with each other. However, although overlapping, the individual and adjacent siding components often do not include any type of interconnection. Accordingly, the adjacent components may readily allow environmental exposure of the underlying exterior surface of the structure. To the extent that adjacent components are interconnected in prior art siding configurations, the interconnection often includes merely a"nailing together"of adjacent components, or other similar type of interconnection. Further, conventional means for securing the siding components to the underlying exterior of the structure often do not provide for any substantial strength with respect to the connection.

Other disadvantages also exist with respect to prior art siding arrangements.

During assembly of prior art siding arrangements to the exterior of a structure, the individual elongated components are often difficult to manage. Although some vinyl siding arrangements are manufactured for"single-installer"installation, it is relatively common to see two or more installers involved in assembly of vinyl siding on one side of a structure, due to unwanted product variations during manufacture. Known types of vinyl siding arrangements also can be subject to some concerns at relatively low temperatures. For example, at subzero temperatures, known siding arrangements are often susceptible to cracking or chipping in response to high impact forces. Still further, known interconnection arrangements for vinyl siding are susceptible to damage resulting from high wind conditions. In addition, vinyl siding arrangements can be susceptible to cracking or chipping during cutting applications, particularly when installation is

being performed in relatively cold environments. Various other disadvantages also exist with respect to vinyl siding arrangements, and known means for interconnection of siding components.

Siding arrangements have been the subject of various patent references. For example, McDonagh, U. S. Patent No. 4,169,180 issued September 25,1979, discloses an outdoor construction laminate for siding. The laminate includes a base layer of a synthetic resin, and a protective layer of crosslinked acrylate, or uncrosslinked styrene acrylonitrile polymer attached to a base layer. The patent recites various types of resins which may be satisfactory for the base layer, including a polypropylene material.

Wallen, U. S. Patent No. 5,030,676 issued July 9,1991, discloses the use of an unplasticized polyvinyl chloride composition for forming articles for use as house siding and window profiles. Magnesium oxide in the composition permits extrusion of ultraviolet resistant siding and window profiles. Also included are relatively low levels of titanium dioxide.

Spain, et. al., U. S. Patent No. 5,284,693 issued February 8,1994, discloses a process for making plastic siding panels. The panels are decorative, including panels having an embossed wood grain pattern. The process includes extrusion of a vinyl sheet, and overlaying a flexible carrier sheet on the extruded sheet. The flexible carrier sheet has a coating which includes a matte release layer bonded to the carrier sheet, and decorative coating on the matte release layer facing toward the extruded plastic sheet. Various other process steps are utilized to form the panel with the embossed surfaces. A substantially similar process is disclosed in Spain, et al., U. S. Patent No. 5,662,977 issued September 2,1997.

Reeves, U. S. Patent No. 5,979,135 issued November 9,1999, discloses a siding panel having a fabric tape attachment. The siding panel is utilized to cover exterior portions of

structures, and includes a fabric attached to an edge of the panel, with a siding nail coupling the fabric to the exterior. The fabric comprises a monofilament polyester yarn. The warp yarn is woven into a solid band, and the weft yarn is woven so as to form a series of loops beneath the band. The weft yarn loops are laminated into the top edges of the siding panel. The siding nail is then securely nailed into the solid band of yarn.

The Reeves patent discloses the siding panel as being an elongated vinyl sheet manufactured so that it resembles one or two rows of wood siding or clapboard. Each siding panel includes a planar upper edge which lies adjacent an outer wall or other structure on which the panel is being installed. From this planar upper edge, the siding panel extends downwardly so as to form a loop immediately below the upper edge. The loop forms a channel extending for the length of the panel. Reeves explains that this channel is referred to in the trade as the"top lock." The siding panel thereafter extends downwardly and slightly outward, so as to form a hook-like member at its lower portion. The hook member, in turn, results in a formation of a channel which is designed so as to engage the top lock formed by the loop and upper channel of the siding panel which is located immediately below the aforedescribed panel. The lower-hook member is of the same thickness as the remainder of the siding panel, and is designed so as to be in contact with an upper portion of the loop.

For purposes of securing the siding panel to the structure, a fabric tape is laminated into the upper planar edge during manufacture of the panel. During installation, a siding nail or other fastener (such as a staple or screw) is inserted through an upper portion of the fabric tape and into the wall or other structure. Reeves describes in detail the specific configuration of the fabric tape.

Beck, et. al., U. S. Patent No. 5,857,303 issued January 12,1999, discloses the use of siding panels similar to those shown in the Reeves patent, but also including other panels utilizing a relatively flexible attachment member secured to the siding panel itself and securable to the building structure. As an example, and as was referenced in FIG. 2 of the Beck, et. al., patent, a relatively flexible nailing hem is provided at the upper edge zone of a relatively rigid siding panel. The hem is fused to the siding panel along a fusion line by means of heat fusion, adhesive securement, sonic welding, mechanical interlock or the like. The relatively flexible attachment member is maintained integral with the relatively rigid siding panel, and the member may be stapled to a surface of a building wall be means of suitable staples or other similar fasteners. Various other embodiments are shown in Beck, et. al., having siding panels with relatively flexible attachment members for interconnection to building surfaces. In addition, the relatively flexible attachment members include visually distinct fastener zones extending along the members, so as to direct an installer to preferred locations for applying fastener means through the members to attach to the building structure. Expansion and contraction of the siding panels with variations in temperature are accommodated by the flexibility of the attachment members.

Kessler, U. S. Patent No. 4,274,236 issued June 23,1981, describes a relatively high stiffness siding for use on exterior surfaces of houses. The siding is constructed in an overlapping pattern, and formed of structural foam plastic. The foam plastic is described as preferably being polyvinyl chloride, with integral re-enforcing ribs formed on an internal surface.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, a siding assembly is adapted for interconnection to an exterior surface of a building structure. The siding assembly provides for relatively

substantial strength and capability of installation, without requiring a substantial number of installers. The assembly includes a number of elongated siding panels, along with means for interconnecting together adjacent ones of the panels. Means are also provided for securing the panels to the exterior surface of the building structure. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, each of the siding panels is constructed of polypropylene material.

The means for interconnecting together adjacent ones of the siding panels includes upper edge connecting means formed at an upper edge of each panel. Lower edge connecting means are formed at a lower edge of each of the panels, for connecting the panels to adjacent ones of the siding panels immediately positioned therebelow. Interconnection of upper edge connecting means of one of the siding panels to lower edge connecting means of another of the siding panels form a positive locking mechanism between the siding panels.

Each of the siding panels can include positioning means located intermediate the upper edge connecting means and the lower edge connecting means. The positioning means appropriately positions the lower edge connecting means relative to the upper edge connecting means. The positioning means can comprise an angled portion.

Each of the siding panels includes one of the upper edge connecting means and an upper main portion integral with the upper edge connecting means. Each panel also includes the angled portion, with the angled portion being integral with the upper main portion. A lower main portion is integral with the angled portion, and a lower edge connecting means is integral with the lower main portion. The upper edge connecting means can include an overlap section formed of first and second sides, with the sides integrally connected with a center U-shaped portion. Sides of the U-shaped portion determine the distance separating the sides of the overlap section.

The upper edge connecting means also includes a hook portion interconnected to a terminating end of the second side of the overlap section. The hook portion is somewhat circular in configuration, with a radius determined so as to provide an appropriate fit of the positive locking mechanism.

The lower edge connecting means includes a first angled section interconnected to a lower main portion of the siding panel. The first angled section is formed at an acute angle relative to the lower main portion, with the first angled portion being interconnected to the lower main portion at a distal end of the first angled portion. The first angled portion includes a terminating end interconnected to a second angled portion, with the second angled portion formed at substantially a right or perpendicular angle with the first angled section. The interconnection of the second angled portion with the first angled portion occurs at a distal end of the second angled portion.

The lower edge connecting means also includes a lower hook portion, having a substantially downwardly projecting J-shaped configuration. The lower hook portion is complimentary of an upper hook portion of the upper edge connecting means. A radius of the J- shaped configuration of the lower hook portion is determined in part by appropriate fitting of the lower hook portion to the upper hook portion. The lower edge connecting means is interconnected to an upper edge connecting means of an adjacent panel by extending the lower edge connecting means into a gap formed by the upper hook portion and the first side of the overlap section. In this manner, a releasable engagement is provided between the lower hook portion and the upper hook portion. Relative movement is provided between the upper panel and the lower panel. The lower hook portion is releasably locked into an overlapping position relative to the upper hook portion, thereby providing a flexible and secure connection.

The means for releasably securing the panels to the exterior surface include apertures extending through the first and second sides of the overlap section. The apertures are elongated in a horizontal direction, so as to form slots and provide for lateral movement of the siding panels which may result from environmental temperature changes. The means for releasably securing the panels to the surface also include connecting means extending through the aperture into the surface. The connecting means extend through two thicknesses of the panel.

Further in accordance with the invention, interconnection of adjacent ones of the panels does not allow any significant environmental exposure of the underlying exterior surface.

The upper edge connecting means provides for a double lapped connection configuration, with apertures provided through two thicknesses of the panel. The connecting means extend through the two thicknesses, thereby providing added strength. The positive locking mechanism facilitates installation capability through the use of only one installer. The siding panels include slotted apertures, and a general configuration of the panels permits lateral movement of the siding panels in response to expansion and contraction of the panels resulting from changes in environmental conditions.

Also in accordance with the invention, a method is provided for interconnection of the siding assembly to the exterior surface. The method includes initially positioning one of the panels on the surface, and appropriately securing the panel to the surface. A second panel is positioned at a forwardly angled configuration relative to the first panel, with a lower edge portion of the second panel being positioned so that a lower portion of a positive locking mechanism of a second panel is inserted through a gap formed between a terminating end of an upper hook portion of a positive locking mechanism of the first panel and a side of the first

panel. The second panel is than rotated upwardly and toward the exterior surface, so as to be positioned such that the second panel is releasably secured to the first panel.

The method further includes moving the second panel in a lateral direction relative to a plane of the exterior surface, so as to be appropriately positioned relative to the first panel. When appropriate positioning is achieved, connecting means are provided to secure the second panel to the exterior surface, with the connecting means protruding through apertures formed in the second panel. The foregoing steps are repeated with a third siding panel extending upwardly from the second panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a housing structure, with one side having an exterior surface comprising a siding assembly with siding panels in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 is an end view of the siding assembly of FIG. 1, showing interconnection of adjacent siding panels; FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2, showing an end view of an individual siding panel; FIG. 4 is an end view of a top edge of the siding panel shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is an end view of the overlap portion of the top edge of the siding panel shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is an end view of a portion of the top edge of the siding panel shown in FIG. 3, and specifically illustrating the hook portion of the positive lock mechanism of the top edge of the siding panel shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an end view of a lower edge of the siding panel shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 8 is an end view of a portion of FIG. 7, showing the hook portion of the lower edge of the siding panel as shown in FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is an additional end view of a siding panel in accordance with the invention, substantially corresponding to the view of FIG. 3; FIG. 10 is a view of the entirety of the positive lock system for the siding assembly in accordance with the invention, showing interconnection of a hook portion of a top edge of one siding panel with the hook portion of a lower edge of an adjacent and upwardly positioned second siding panel; FIG. 11 is an end view of a siding panel in accordance with the invention, substantially corresponding to the views of FIGS. 3 and 9; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a partial length of the top edge of a siding panel in accordance with the invention, illustrating nail apertures of the siding panel, with a protruding nail; FIG. 13 is a somewhat perspective view of the interconnection of two siding panels in accordance with the invention, and showing one of the siding panels being connected to a wood surface of the housing structure; FIG. 14 also is a perspective view showing the interconnection of two siding panels in accordance with the invention, with an upper siding panel being assembled to a lower siding panel; and FIG. 15 is a relatively closer view of the assembly of two siding panels as illustrated in FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, within a siding assembly 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-15. The siding assembly 100 in accordance with the invention is substantially advantageous over known siding arrangements for several reasons.

The means for interconnecting the siding assembly to an exterior surface of a housing structure or the like provides for relatively substantial strength. In addition, with the arrangement of interconnecting component parts of the siding assembly, the installation of the assembly 100 can be performed without requiring a substantial number of installers. The arrangement for interconnection of siding components also allows movement of the siding during expansion and contraction situations resulting from changes in environmental conditions. The materials utilized for the siding assembly 100 as an illustrative embodiment consist of polypropylene material.

Such material provides high impact resistance, relative to conventional polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") siding.

Other advantages of the siding assembly 100 in accordance with the invention include the fact that with the suggested materials, recycling is achievable. In addition, the interconnection arrangement for interconnecting adjacent components of the siding assembly 100 allows for a"positive"locking, which is favorable to restraining movement during high wind or other severe environmental conditions. The suggested material is also UV stable, and would not require any painting or other surface finishing. Finally, with this type of material, it will tend to withstand high impact forces, even at subzero or other relatively low temperatures. In the same regard, this material tends not to crack or chip during cutting applications, when being installed during relatively cold environmental conditions.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an illustration of a conventional housing structure 102, shown in a relatively simplistic form. The housing structure 102 includes vertically disposed sides 104. As further shown in FIG. 1, the siding assembly 100 in accordance with the invention is illustrated as being attached to an exterior surface 106 of the housing structure 102. The siding assembly 100 in accordance with the invention includes a series of elongated and longitudinally disposed siding panels 108 which extend across the exterior surface 106 of one of the sides 104. A series of four siding panels 108 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The siding panels 108 are secured to the exterior surface 106 of side 104, and each siding panel 108 is interconnected to adjacent others of the siding panels 108 in accordance with means and assemblies described in subsequent paragraphs herein.

An end view of the siding assembly 100 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Correspondingly, an individual one of the siding panels 108 of siding assembly 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2 is further illustrated in FIG. 3. With reference to FIG. 3, each of the siding panels 108 includes an upper edge portion 110 positioned at the upper portion of the siding panel 108, with a lower edge portion 112 correspondingly located at a lower edge or end of the siding panel 108. From the upper edge portion 110, the siding panel 108 extends downwardly with an upper main portion 114. The upper main portion 114 is integral with and interconnected to a lower main portion 116 through an angled portion 118. The purpose of the angled portion 118 is to permit appropriate positioning of the main portions 114,116 adjacent the exterior surface 106 of the side 104 of the housing structure 102, while also appropriately positioning the lower edge portion 112 relative to the upper edge portion 110.

The upper edge portion 110 will now be described with respect to FIGS. 3,4,5 and 6. With reference to these drawings, the upper edge portion 110 can be characterized as an

upper section 120 of a positive lock mechanism 122. With reference specifically to FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper section 120 of the positive lock mechanism 122 includes an overlap section 124 which is formed of two sides 126,128 integrally connected with a center U-shaped portion 130.

The sides of the U-shaped portion 130 determine the distance separating the sides 126,128, which form a gap X between the sides 126,128. The overlap 124 is advantageous with respect to several aspects of the invention. First, the overlap 124 will provide for relatively added strength in the"hanging"configuration of the siding panels 108. In addition, the overlap 124 functions in part to assist in interconnection of adjacent siding panels 108.

Interconnected to a terminating end of the arm 128, and preferably formed integral therewith, is a hook portion 132 of the positive lock mechanism 122. The hook portion 132 of the positive lock mechanism 122 essentially is formed as a J-shaped configuration, as particularly shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6. The hook portion 132 is somewhat circular in configuration, with a radius which is determined in a manner so as to provide an appropriate fit of the positive lock mechanism 122.

The lower edge portion 112 of the siding panel 108 comprises what can be characterized as a lower section 134 of the positive lock mechanism 122. The lower section 134 of the positive lock mechanism 122 will now be described with respect to FIGS. 3,7 and 8.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, the lower section 134 includes a first angled section 136 which is interconnected to, and preferably formed integral therewith, a terminating end of the lower main portion 116. The first angled portion 136 is formed at somewhat of an acute angle relative to the lower main portion 116. Characterizing the integral interconnection of the first angled portion 136 with the lower main portion 116 as occurring at a distal end of the first angled portion 136, a terminating end of the first angled portion 136 is interconnected to (and preferably

formed integral therewith) a second angled portion 138. The second angled portion 138, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, is formed at substantially a right or perpendicular angle with the first angled portion 136.

Characterizing the integral interconnection of the second angled portion 138 with the first angled portion 136 as occurring at a distal end of the second angled portion 138, a terminating end of the second angled portion 138 is interconnected to (and preferably formed integral therewith) a lower hook portion 140 of the positive lock mechanism 122. The lower hook portion 140 of the positive lock mechanism 122 is specifically shown in FIG. 8, and has a substantially downwardly projecting J-shaped configuration, which may be characterized as complimentary of the upper hook portion 132 of the positive lock mechanism 122 previously described with respect to the upper edge portion 110. The radius of the J-shaped configuration of the lower hook portion 140 is determined in part by the appropriate fitting of the lower hook portion 140 to the upper hook portion 132 as described in subsequent paragraphs herein.

The interconnection of adjacent ones of the siding panels 108 will now be described primarily with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10. Referring to these drawings, and particularly with respect to FIG. 10, the lower edge portion 112 or lower section 134 of one siding panel 108 is positioned so that an adjacent and lower siding panel 108 can be interconnected to the adjacent upper siding panel 108. Specifically, the lower section 134 of the upper siding panel 108 is interconnected to the upper section 120 of the adjacent lower siding panel 108 by extending lower section 134 into the gap formed by hook 132 and side 126. The hook 140 of the lower section 134 is then releasably engaged with hook 132 of the upper section 120. Following this engagement, the panel 108 can be moved relative to the lower panel 108. Relative engagement occurs so that the lower hook portion 140 of the positive lock mechanism 122 is essentially and

releasably"locked"into an overlapping position relative to the upper hook portion 132 of the upper section 120. With this interconnection in an overlapping relationship, a flexible but relatively secure connection between adjacent siding panels 108 is achieved.

As earlier mentioned, siding panels 108 in accordance with the invention include means for releasably securing the siding panels 108 to the exterior surface 106. More specifically, with reference to FIG. 12, the upper section 120 includes a pair of apertures 142 extending through side 128 of the overlap section 124 and side 126 of the overlap section 124.

The apertures 142 are elongated in a horizontal direction, so as to form"slots"and provide for lateral movement of the siding panels 108 which may result from temperature changes in the environment. A nail 144 or comparable connecting means may be utilized to extend through both of the apertures 142 into the exterior surface 106. With the foregoing configuration, and with the means for connecting the siding panel 108 to the exterior surface 106 encompassing essentially two thicknesses of the siding panel 108 (through the two apertures 142), a relatively stronger connection arrangement is provided, relative to that which is achieved through traditional siding arrangements which utilize a nail or similar connecting means extending only through a single thickness of siding.

The assembly of the siding panels 108 into the siding assembly 100 will now be described with respect to the drawings. Referring to FIGS. 13,14 and 15, one of the siding panels 108 can be initially positioned on the exterior surface, with nails 144 appropriately securing the panel 108 to the surface 106. Typically, this first siding panel 108 would be the panel which would positioned lowermost on the exterior surface 106. Following positioning of the lowermost siding panel 108, and interconnection of the same to the exterior surface through the use of nails 144, a second siding panel 108 (also shown in FIGS. 13,14 and 15) can then be

positioned at a forwardly angled configuration relative to the first siding panel 108, with the lower edge portion 112 or lower section 134 then positioned so that the lower portion 140 of the positive lock mechanism 122 of the angled panel 108 is inserted through the gap formed between the terminating end of the upper hook portion 132 of the positive lock mechanism 122 of the lower siding panel 108 and the side 126 of the lower siding panel 108. Following this insertion, the angled siding panel 108 can be rotated upwardly and toward the exterior surface 106 so as to be substantially positioned in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 13. This configuration is also illustrated in greater detail with respect to the positive lock mechanism 122, in FIG. 10. With the appropriate sizing of the lower portion 140 of the positive lock mechanism 122 of the upper siding panel 108, and the upper hook portion 132 of the positive lock mechanism 122 of the lower siding panel 108, the upper siding panel 108 is releasably secured to the lower siding panel 108.

With this releasably secure configuration, the upper siding panel 108 can be readily moved in lateral directions (relative to the plane of the exterior surface 106), so as to be appropriately positioned relative to the lower siding panel 108. When appropriate positioning is achieved, nails 144 can be utilized to secure the upper siding panel 108 to the exterior surface 106, with the nails 144 protruding through the apertures 142. Upon completion of this process of securing the upper siding panel 108 to the exterior surface 106, the process can then be repeated with an additional siding panel 108 extending upward from the previously uppermost siding panel 108.

For the foregoing siding assembly 100 in accordance with the invention, polypropylene materials are preferably used. With the use of polypropylene for the siding panels 108, and with the configuration of the siding panels 108 as described herein in accordance with

the invention, several advantages exist when using the siding assembly 100 in accordance with the invention, relative to use of prior art assemblies. For example, the siding assembly 100 in accordance with the invention provides for an interconnection between adjacent siding panels 108 which does not allow any significant environmental exposure of the underlying exterior surface 106. Further, the"double lapped"connection configuration, whereby apertures 142 are provided through both sides 126,128 of a siding panel 108, with a nail 144 or comparable connecting means extending through both sides 126,128, added strength is provided to the interconnection between the siding panels 108 and the exterior surface 106.

Still further, during installation of the siding assembly 100, the securing engagement of adjacent siding panels 108 provided by the positive lock mechanism 122 facilitates installation capability through the use of only one installer. In prior art systems, it was common to require two or more individuals to interconnect siding panels of a siding assembly.

The use of the slotted apertures 142 and the general configuration of the siding panels 108 also permit lateral movement of the siding panels 108 in response to expansion and contraction of the siding panels 108 resulting from changes in environmental conditions.

Still further, the use of polypropylene materials provides for"high impact" resistance, relative to conventional polyvinyl chloride siding. A still further advantage of the use of polypropylene materials results from the capabilities of recycling the materials which may result from cut and unused panel ends, or which would otherwise result when an entire siding assembly 100 was disassembled. The locking mechanism provided by the upper edge portion 110 and lower edge portion 112 of the siding panels 108 also provides for a"positive"lock mechanism. This positive lock mechanism is advantageous in severe environmental conditions, such as high winds.

Still further, the use of polypropylene materials for the siding panels 108 achieves the advantage that the panels would never need to be painted. Also, with these types of materials, the siding panels 108 will not become substantially"brittle"at relatively low temperatures. Accordingly, again in severe environmental conditions such as potential heavy force blows (resulting from tree branches or the like), the siding panels 108 will not tend to crack. Similarly, with the properties of these materials, the siding panels will not tend to crack or chip during cutting applications, when being installed in relatively cold weather.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts that other embodiments of siding assemblies in accordance with the invention can be achieved. That is, the principles of a siding assembly in accordance with the invention are not limited to the specific embodiment described herein. For example, other types of releasable connecting means can be utilized to secure these siding panels of the siding assembly to an exterior surface. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other variations of the above-described illustrative embodiment of the invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.