Self-Aligning Roofing Shingles

Abstract

A self-aligning roofing shingle with a shingle body defining a top edge, and at least two spaced locating features proximate the top edge of the shingle body, each locating feature defined by a projection and an indentation, wherein a projection of one shingle in a first course of shingle locates in an indentation of a mating shingle in an adjacent course of shingles.

1 . A self-aligning roofing shingle, comprising: 
 a shingle body defining a top edge; and    at least two spaced locating features proximate the top edge of the shingle body, each locating feature comprising a projection and an indentation, wherein a projection of one shingle in a first course of shingle locates in an indentation of a mating shingle in an adjacent course of shingles.    
   
   
       2 . The self-aligning roofing shingle of  claim 1  in which the shingle body is generally rectangular.  
   
   
       3 . The self-aligning roofing shingle of  claim 1  further comprising a locating strip carrying the locating features and coupled to the shingle.  
   
   
       4 . The self-aligning roofing shingle of  claim 3  in which the locating strip runs the length of the shingle.  
   
   
       5 . The self-aligning roofing shingle of  claim 4  in which the locating strip carries a series of regular projections and indentations.  
   
   
       6 . The self-aligning roofing shingle of  claim 5  in which the locating strip has a generally serpentine shape, with projections located above indentations.  
   
   
       7 . The self-aligning roofing shingle of  claim 1  in which the projections have straight edges.  
   
   
       8 . The self-aligning roofing shingle of  claim 1  in which the projections are rounded.  
   
   
       9 . The self-aligning roofing shingle of  claim 1  in which the shingle has spaced slots along its lower edge, and in which the locating features are arranged such that the shingles in adjacent courses can be aligned such that the slots are misaligned.  
   
   
       10 . A roofing shingle system comprising a number of courses of the self-aligning roofing shingles of  claim 1 , and further comprising a starter strip located underneath the first course of the shingles.  
   
   
       11 . A self-aligning roofing shingle, comprising: 
 a generally rectangular shingle body defining a top edge; and    a locating strip running the length of the shingle and defining a series of regular projections and indentations that define locating features proximate the top edge of the shingle body, wherein a projection of one shingle in a first course of shingle locates in an indentation of a mating shingle in an adjacent course of shingles.    
   
   
       12 . A roofing shingle system comprising a number of courses of the self-aligning roofing shingles of  claim 11 , and further comprising a starter strip located underneath the first course of the shingles.