Method and apparatus for construction of an arch

Abstract

A method and apparatus for construction of an arch is disclosed, having at least one nailing strip or centering element that cooperates with an arch façade assembly to produce an arch. The nailing strip defines a tongue. The arch façade assembly defines a groove. The tongue of the nailing strip matingly engages the groove of the arch façade assembly to be optimally positioned within the opening in which the arch is to be constructed. The façade assembly is secured to the nailing strip to produce at least a portion of the arch.

1 . An arch assembly for the construction of an arched opening, said invention comprising: 
 at least one nailing strip defining a tongue; and    an arch façade assembly comprising a front arch panel and a rear arch panel and a mount to which said front and rear arch panels are secured in such a manner as to define at least one groove,    whereby said arch façade assembly may be secured to said nailing strip by means of said tongue and said groove to create a portion of an arch construction.    
   
   
       2 . The arch assembly of  claim 1  further comprising at least one other nailing strip and at least one other arch façade assembly comprising a front arch panel and a rear arch panel and a mount to which said other front and rear arch panels are secured so as to define at least one groove, whereby said other arch façade assembly may be secured to said other nailing strip by means of said tongue and said groove to create a remaining portion of an arch construction.  
   
   
       3 . The arch assembly of  claim 2  wherein at least one of said mount or said other mount are configured for receipt of insulation.  
   
   
       4 . A method for constructing an arched opening, comprising: 
 providing a first nailing strip having a raised tongue portion;    providing a second nailing strip having a raised tongue portion;    providing an arch façade assembly defining a groove between a front arch panel and a rear arch panel;    securing said first nailing strip to an opening frame member at the location where an arch is to be constructed;    securing said second nailing strip to another opening frame member at the location where an arch is to be constructed;    positioning, by means of said raised tongues of said first and second nailing strips and said groove defined between said front arch panel and said rear arch panel of said façade assembly, said arch façade assembly within the opening in which said arch is to be constructed; and    securing said arch façade assembly to said nailing strips,    whereby an arch is constructed within the opening, said arch exterior being defined by said front arch panel and said rear arch panel.