Wood-walled log structure having durable butt joints and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

For use in constructing a log structure, a log and a kit of logs, and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the log includes: (1) a body having a first end and a second end, (2) an integral tongue projecting from the first end and (3) a groove located in the second end.

1 . For use in constructing a log structure, a log, comprising:
 a body having a first end and a second end;   an integral tongue projecting from said first end; and   a groove located in said second end.   
   
   
       2 . The log as recited in  claim 1  wherein said body has a generally circular cross-section. 
   
   
       3 . The log as recited in  claim 1  wherein said body has a generally partially circular cross-section and a generally flat surface. 
   
   
       4 . The log as recited in  claim 1  wherein said body comprises plies of planks affixed together, at least one of said planks offset from other of said planks to form said tongue. 
   
   
       5 . The log as recited in  claim 4  wherein said offset of said at least one of said planks also forms said groove. 
   
   
       6 . The log as recited in  claim 1  wherein said tongue is formed such that said tongue is placed in a vertical orientation when said log is installed as part of said log structure. 
   
   
       7 . The log as recited in  claim 1  wherein said tongue has a generally rectangular cross-section over a length thereof. 
   
   
       8 . A kit for constructing a log structure, comprising:
 a plurality of logs, at least some of said plurality of logs each including:
 a body having a first end and a second end, 
 an integral tongue projecting from said first end, and 
 a groove located in said second end. 
   
   
   
       9 . The kit as recited in  claim 8  wherein said body has a generally circular cross-section. 
   
   
       10 . The kit as recited in  claim 8  wherein said body has a generally partially circular cross-section and a generally flat surface. 
   
   
       11 . The kit as recited in  claim 8  wherein said body comprises plies of planks affixed together, at least one of said planks offset from other of said planks to form said tongue. 
   
   
       12 . The kit as recited in  claim 11  wherein said offset of said at least one of said planks also forms said groove. 
   
   
       13 . The kit as recited in  claim 8  wherein said tongue is formed such that said tongue is placed in a vertical orientation when said log is installed as part of said log structure. 
   
   
       14 . The kit as recited in  claim 8  wherein said tongue has a generally rectangular cross-section over a length thereof. 
   
   
       15 . A method of manufacturing a kit for use in constructing a log structure, comprising:
 forming a plurality of logs, at least some of said forming of said logs including:
 forming a body having a first end and a second end, 
 forming an integral tongue that projects from said first end, and 
 forming a groove located in said second end. 
   
   
   
       16 . The method as recited in  claim 15  wherein said body has a generally circular cross-section. 
   
   
       17 . The method as recited in  claim 15  wherein said body has a generally partially circular cross-section and a generally flat surface. 
   
   
       18 . The method as recited in  claim 15  wherein said forming said body comprises affixing plies of planks together and said forming said tongue comprises offsetting at least one of said planks from other of said planks. 
   
   
       19 . The method as recited in  claim 18  wherein said offsetting said at least one of said planks also carries out said forming said groove. 
   
   
       20 . The method as recited in  claim 15  wherein said tongue is placed in a vertical orientation when said log is installed as part of said log structure.