Shingles and methods of producing shingles

Abstract

The present specification describes shingles having first and second discrete portions. A fastening member, such as a rivet, secures the first and second portions to one another. The rivet resists separation of the portions over time after the shingles have been installed on a rooftop. The present specification also describes methods of producing shingles having at least one fastening member to secure first and second shingle portions to one another. In one method, apparatus is provided to puncture a continuous strip of shingles at regular intervals, and then insert a fastening member into the apertures created during the puncturing step. The puncturing and injecting apparatus described includes drums, which the shingle strip may pass over or under.

1 . A shingle adapted to be secured to a rooftop to prevent moisture from penetrating the rooftop, comprising: 
 a first portion;    a second portion partially overlapping the first portion, thereby defining an overlapping region;    at least one aperture extending through both portions in the overlapping region; and    a fastening member extending through the at least one aperture.    
     
     
         2 . The shingle of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fastening member comprises spaced end portions that abut an upper surface and a lower surface, respectively, of the shingle.  
     
     
         3 . The shingle of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one fastening member comprises a shaft portion that connects the spaced end portions.  
     
     
         4 . The shingle of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fastening member comprises a plastic, a nylon, a polyester, a polymer material, a polypropylene, a metal, a metal alloy, a non-metal alloy, a fiberglass or an injectable adhesive.  
     
     
         5 . The shingle of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second portions each comprise a membrane with a sticky substance covering at least a significant portion of an upper surface thereof, and a particulate substance covering at least a significant portion of the sticky substance.  
     
     
         6 . The shingle of  claim 5 , wherein the membrane comprises fiberglass.  
     
     
         7 . The shingle of  claim 5 , wherein the sticky substance comprises asphalt tar.  
     
     
         8 . The shingle of  claim 5 , wherein the particulate substance comprises sand.