FIELD
The present disclosure relates to building construction; more specifically, building construction using furring.
BACKGROUND
Furring, otherwise known as strapping or nailing strips, is often used in construction to provide support for hanging or securing material, such as drywall, to larger supporting structures, such as joists, beams, trusses, rafters, or studs. Furring or strapping a structure, such as a wall, floor, or ceiling, refers to the process of installing wood, or another suitable material, generally perpendicular to the structure of the wall, floor or ceiling. The furring may serve as a nailing or mounting surface for securing the material.
Although the material may be directly secured to the supporting structure, using furring conveys several advantages. Furring may provide an even or flat surface for the material. When securing drywall to a ceiling, said ceiling may have a floor above and may cause the drywall to eventually crack and come away from the ceiling. Ceiling joists may flex under the weight of foot traffic and furniture above, creating uneven stresses on the drywall. Furring may also provide a larger surface for securing the material, which may make installation easier. Furring may also reduce the number or size of seams between sheets of material by increasing the nailing surface and spacings for drywall. Furring the ceiling or wall may also have the added benefit of reducing noise transfer from the floor/wall, especially if special materials are used.
For example, in ceiling applications, furring may be installed every 16 inches on center to the joists above and so as to be substantially perpendicular to the joists. If the sheet of drywall is 4 feet wide, 16 inch on-center spacing allows the drywall to be fastened four times across its width (one on each end, and two in the middle). On-center installation may result in furring being shared by two pieces of drywall. In order to keep furring substantially perpendicular to the wall and in a straight line, a user will often snap/mark a chalk line across the joists after measuring and marking 16 inch on-center spacing on the end joists. The furring may then be installed by fastening substantially perpendicular to the joist with the 16 inch spacing.
Unfortunately, methods of installing furring have drawbacks. For example, installation of furring often requires multiple workers or installers. This is helpful to keep the furring aligned during installation, due to warping and handling issues which are exacerbated when the furring is longer. The common practice of snapping a chalk line may not be possible or accurate if the board is wet, and often requires multiple installers. Having multiple installers presents disadvantages for builders, such as increased costs and training.
There exists a need in the art to address one or more of these disadvantages.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure provides devices and related methods to overcome, alleviate or minimize one or more of the above noted drawbacks.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a device for aligning furring strips, the device comprising; an elongate body spanning between a first end and a second end, the elongate body having a first face and an opposing second face; an adjustment tab connected to the elongate body at the first end so as to facilitate removal; and at least two alignment members extending from the first face, a first of the at least two alignment members being configured to abut and align a corresponding furring strip that is placeable on the elongate body, wherein a second alignment member of the at least two alignment members extends from the first face at the second end.
In some embodiments, the adjustment tab is connected to the elongate body via a connecting portion of the device, the connecting portion defining a slit spanning a width of the elongate body. In a further embodiment, the slit is a kerf.
In some embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of connecting portions.
In some embodiments, the adjustment tab can be removed by cutting to set the offset of the alignment members relative to the first end of the elongate body.
In some embodiments, the at least two alignment members each span a width of the elongate body.
In some embodiments, the at least two alignment members each only partially span a width of the elongate body.
In some embodiments, the at least two alignment members each comprise a plurality of posts.
In some embodiments, the device further comprises attachment means disposed on the second face. In further embodiments, the attachment means comprises at least one adhesive strip, at least one fastener, at least one cleat, or any combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the second end of the elongate body and the adjustment tab respectively have male and female parts configured for end-to-end alignment of two adjacent devices in use.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of aligning a furring strip, the method comprising: attaching a first device, as described hereinabove, to a first structure; abutting the furring strip to the first of the at least two alignment members of the first device to align the furring strip; and attaching the furring strip to the first device and the first structure.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises, prior to attaching, cutting an adjustment tab from an elongate body of the first device, the elongate body having a first end and an opposing second end.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises, after attaching the first device: aligning a first end of a second device, as described hereinabove, to the second end of the first device; and attaching the second device to the structure adjacent to the first device.
In some embodiments, the structure is a truss, beam, wall stud, or rafter.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: attaching a second device to a second structure adjacent to the first structure; abutting the furring strip to an alignment member of the second device to align the furring strip; and attaching the furring strip to the second device and the second structure, wherein the furring strip is substantially perpendicular to the first device and the second device after fastening.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a use of the above device for building construction. In a further aspect, building construction comprises drywall installation, roof construction, deck construction, wall construction, floor construction, siding installation or any combination thereof.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of aligning a furring strip, the method comprising: determining a width of the furring strip and a desired distance between adjacent furring strips; selecting a device having a plurality of alignment members extending from a face of the device, wherein the distance between centers of consecutive alignment members is the desired distance and the distance between an end of the device and a center of an alignment member that is spaced from the end and closest to the end is the desired distance; determining whether a first furring strip is to be placed in alignment with the end of the device; if it is determined that the first furring strip is to be placed in alignment with the end of the device; attaching the device to a structure; placing the first furring strip in contact with the face of the device and aligned with the end of the device; attaching the furring strip to the device and the structure, and abutting and aligning one or more additional furring strips to one or more corresponding additional alignment members so that the distance between adjacent furring strips is the desired distance; and attaching the one or more additional furring strips to the device and the structure, if it is determined that the first furring strip is not to be placed at the end of the device: removing an adjustment tab from the end of the device to adjust a distance to the first alignment member; attaching the device to a structure; abutting and aligning the first furring strip at the first alignment member to center the furring strip; attaching the furring strip to the device and the structure; abutting and aligning one or more additional furring strips to one or more corresponding additional alignment members so that the distance between adjacent furring strips is the desired distance; and attaching the one or more additional furring strips to the device and the structure,
According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a device for aligning furring at least one furring strip, the device comprising; an elongate body spanning between a first end and a second end, the elongate body having a first face and an opposing second face, an adjustment tab connected to the elongate body at the first end, and at least one alignment member extending from the first face at the second end, the at least one alignment member being configured to abut and align a corresponding furring strip.
In some embodiments, the adjustment tab is connected to the elongate body via a slit spanning a width of the elongate body. In a yet further aspect, the slit is a kerf.
In some embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of connections.
In some embodiments, the at least one alignment member spans a width of the elongate body.
In some embodiments, the at least one alignment member only partially spans a width of the elongate body.
In some embodiments, the at least one alignment member comprises a plurality of posts.
In some embodiments, the device comprises two or more alignment members extending from the first face and wherein a second alignment member is positioned between the first and second ends.
In some embodiments, the device comprising attachment means disposed on the second face. In a yet further aspect, the attachment means comprises at least one adhesive strip, at least one fastener, at least one cleat, or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the second end of the elongate body and the adjustment tab have male and corresponding female parts configured for end-to-end alignment of two adjacent devices in use.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of aligning a furring strip, the method comprising: attaching a first device to a structure, abutting the furring strip to an alignment member of the first device to align the furring strip, and fastening the furring strip to the first device and the structure.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of aligning a furring strip, the method comprising: attaching a first device to a first structure, abutting the furring strip to an alignment member of the first device to align the furring strip, fastening the furring strip to the first device and the first structure, attaching a second device to a second structure adjacent to the first structure, abutting the furring strip to alignment members of the second device to align the furring strip, and fastening the furring strip to the second device and the second structure, wherein the furring strip is substantially perpendicular to the first device and the second device after fastening.
In some embodiments, attaching the first device comprises fastening the first device to the structure via one or more fasteners.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises, prior to attaching, cutting an adjustment tab from an elongate body of the first device, the elongate body having a first end and an opposing second end. In a further aspect, the method further comprises, after attaching the first device: aligning a first end of a second device to the second end of the first device, and attaching the second device to the structure adjacent to the first device.
In some embodiments, the structure is a truss, beam, wall stud, or rafter.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a use of the above device for building construction. In a further aspect, building construction comprises drywall installation, roof construction, deck construction, wall construction, floor construction, siding installation or any combination thereof.
Other aspects and features of the disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 includes FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a furring alignment device and FIG. 1B shows a partial view of the device of FIG. 1A, where an adjustment tab has been separated;
FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 shows a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with a furring strip;
FIG. 4 is a front view of a device for aligning furring having six alignment members;
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the device of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a top view of the device of FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a furring alignment device with a plurality of connecting portions, cleats, a plurality of alignment posts, and co-operating male and female parts;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a furring alignment device with alignment members that partially span the width of the elongate body;
FIG. 10 is a partial close-up perspective view of a co-operating male part of a furring alignment device;
FIG. 11 is a partial close-up perspective view of a furring alignment device having cylindrical alignment posts;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 4 in use for aligning furring for ceilings;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 4 in use for aligning furring for a roof;
FIGS. 14A-14F depict a method of using a furring alignment device having multiple connecting portions;
FIGS. 15A-15F depict a method of using the furring alignment device of FIGS. 14A-14F with furring having a greater width;
FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B depict use of the device of FIGS. 14A-14F while maintaining the adjustment tab; and
FIG. 17 depicts end to end connection of two furring alignment devices.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
One or more illustrative embodiments are described by way of example. Described herein are devices, methods and uses relating to methods for aligning and/or installing furring. Dimensions may be nominal dimensions due to industrial processing. It will be appreciated that embodiments and examples are provided for illustrative purposes intended for those skilled in the art, and are not meant to be limiting in any way. All references to embodiments, examples, aspects, measurements and the like are intended to be illustrative and non-limiting.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a device 10 for aligning furring 12 is disclosed herein. Furring alignment device 10 has an elongate body 14 spanning between a first end 14C and a second end 14D and has a first face 14A and an opposing second face 14B. Device 10 has at least two alignment members 16 extending from first face 14A. Alignment members 16 are configured to abut and align the furring wood 12 in use. Device 10 also has an adjustment tab 18 connected to elongate body 14 at end 14C (FIG. 1A) by at least one connecting portion 20 that can be cut or broken to separate the adjustment tab from the elongate body.
The term “furring” encompasses at least suitable material, such as wood, plastic or metal, that levels and/or raises surfaces of a structure, such as joists, beams, studs, rafters, and others. Furring may also refer to strips of suitable material. Furring may be used for various construction applications, drywall installation, roof construction, deck construction, wall construction, floor construction, and/or siding installation. Furring may also encompass the act of installing furring (furring strips). Furring may be installed in an interior or exterior of a building. Furring may be used to install drywall such as in a ceiling or wall. A person of skill in the art will understand that furring can be used in many construction applications and the uses described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting in any way. A person of skill in the art will understand that devices and methods as described herein may be used for aligning and/or installing other construction material. For example, device 10, as shown in FIG. 9, may be used to align floor joists in the construction of a deck. Device 10 may also be used to align wall studs 38, such as those shown in FIG. 12.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, device 10 has at least two alignment members 16 extending from face 14A. The at least two alignment members 16 may extend normally from face 14A such that each alignment member 16 is perpendicular to a plane of face 14A. Face 16B may form a substantially 90° angle with face 14A (FIG. 6). In some cases, face 16B and/or opposing face 16E may form an angle greater or less than 90°, such as 91.5° or 88.5°.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 12 and 13, alignment members 16 are configured to abut and align furring. Faces 16A, 16B of alignment member 16 each provide an abutment surface for contacting a side 12A of furring 12. Alignment member 16 provides a guide for a user to properly align furring 12 before securing said furring to a desired structure, such as a wall stud, rafter, or ceiling joist (FIGS. 12 and 13). Alignment member 16 extends from body 14 at a suitable location such that, when furring 12 is engaged with alignment member 16, the center 12B of furring 12 is properly spaced from the center of an adjacent piece of furring, such as 16 or 24 inches (FIG. 13). The process of aligning the center 12B of furring 12 with perpendicular structure 30 at the correct location may be understood as “centering”. The location of alignment members 16 along body 14 may be dependent on the desired centering distance 42 (FIGS. 14E and 15E). The invention includes different versions of the device where the distance between alignment members of one version are different from the distance between alignment members of another version. For example, if the desired centering distance 42 from each furring is 16 inches, the user will select a device in which the alignment members are spaced so that their centers are 16 inches apart. As another example, if the desired centering distance is 12 inches, the user will select a device in which the alignment members are spaced so that their centers are 12 inches apart.
A user may also use one or more abutment surfaces, such as outer face 16A, and inner faces 16B (FIG. 6) of alignment members 16, to straighten warped, curved, or twisted furring. In such cases, the user may apply force to straighten the furring while alignment member 16 provides an anchor or support during straightening. This may occur during installation as the user moves down the furring to apply each fastener.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, non-terminal alignment member 16, such as 16″, extends from first face 14A at second end 14D. The term “at” refers to alignment member 16″ co-terminating with second end 14D of body 14. FIG. 5 shows outside face 16A of alignment member 16″ as co-planar with end 14D. In such embodiments, outside face 16A may be a continuous surface such that end 14D and face 16A abut against adjustment tab 18 of an adjacent device 10 in use. In some embodiments, end 14D may have a part projecting from outside face 16A, such as a male part 28A that engages with a co-operating female part 28B of an adjacent device 10 (FIGS. 8 and 10).
Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 6, 14 and 15, in use, each alignment member 16 of a device, other than the terminal alignment member, is configured to align and abut a respective furring placed on the device. For example, in FIG. 6, device 10 may comprise two or more non-terminal alignment members such as alignment members 16, 16′. Each of the two or more non-terminal alignment members of the device is configured to engage and align a corresponding furring strip placed the device. In such embodiments, the spacing between each pair of adjacent alignment members 16, 16′ ensures that the furring strips are equally spaced and properly centered. For example, FIG. 1 shows device 10 with four alignment members 16 provided on device 10. Device 10 may have more than four alignment members, as shown in FIG. 6. Referring to each of FIGS. 14E and 15E, a terminal alignment member 16″ of device 10A is configured to align and abut a furring placed on connected adjacent device 10B.
Alignment members 16 and body 14 may define one or more channels 16D for receiving furring (see FIG. 14D). Channel 16D may be defined by a body 14 and adjacent alignment members 16 of a single device. Alternatively, channel 16D may also be defined by a terminal alignment member, of a first device 10A, the body 14 of a second, adjacent device 10B and an alignment member of the second device closest to the first end of the adjacent device. (See FIGS. 14E, 15E and 17).
As shown in FIG. 1, alignment member 16 may span a width 14E of elongate body 14. Such embodiments of member 16 may provide a wide face 16B for abutting and aligning furring 12. Alternatively, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, alignment member 16 may partially span width 14E. Such alignment members 16 may have a smaller footprint on body 14 to accommodate other structures, such as floor joists, or furring. Some devices, such as the device 10 as shown in FIG. 9, may be used to align non-furring structures such as floor joists, rafters or studs. Referring to FIG. 12, device 10 may be secured to a top plate 40 or bottom plate of a wall installation. When secured, device 10 and alignment members 16 may be used to abut and align studs 38 spanning between the top 40 and bottom plate (not pictured). Studs 38 may then be fastened to the top or bottom plate using a plurality of suitable fasteners, such as nails or screws.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, each alignment member 16 may comprise a plurality of posts 16C. Each post 16C may provide a corresponding abutment surface for contacting furring during alignment. Posts 16C may have a suitable shape, such as square/rectangular (FIG. 8), or cylindrical (FIG. 11). Posts 16C may decrease the volume of material needed to construct device 10. Such embodiments may decrease fabrication costs. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, alignment members, such as posts 16C, may have a bevel at one or more edges of top surface 16F (not pictured) to facilitate fabrication.
Referring to FIG. 1, adjustment tab 18 is connected to body 14 at end 14C by at least one connecting portion 20. Such a connecting portion will, when broken or cut, permanently provide two distinct parts. For example, when a user wishes to remove tab 18, the user breaks or cuts the connecting portion to provide tab 18 and body 14. A user may remove tab 18 when the location of the adjustment members 16 relative to the structure, such as a stud or joist needs to be adjusted. In such cases, removing tab 18 allows a user to set the distance from the first end of the elongate body to the first alignment member (i.e. set the offset) to position adjustment members 16 to ensure that the alignment members are correctly located to center the furring members (FIGS. 14 and 15). For devices 10 with multiple connecting portions, tab 18 is the part that is separated from the main body after cutting at the desired connecting portion.
In some embodiments, the connecting portion may have markings for a user to cut or break body 14 to remove tab 18 using a suitable tool, such as a saw. In other embodiments, the connecting portion may define a slit 20 spanning a width of the elongate body. Slit 20 may have a suitable depth such that a user can break or cut the connecting portion between body 14 and tab 18. For example, the slit 20 may be a kerf. The term “kerf” refers to a slit made by partially cutting body 14 with a saw along the width of body 14. The location of the connecting portion may be varied to accommodate various sizes of furring.
As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 14, 15 and 17, the device may comprise a plurality of connecting portions 20A, such as 20′, 20″ and 20′″ shown in FIG. 17. The plurality of connecting portions may provide a selection of spacing adjustments to a user. Having a selection of connecting portions may allow a user to adjust the length of device 10 to accommodate a variety of furring widths. For example, if the furring used has a width of 4 inches, tab 18 may be removed at a connecting portion 20 that is 2 inches from edge 18A. If furring with a width of 3 inch is used, tab 18 may be removed at a connecting portion 20 that is 1.5 inches from edge 18A.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 8 and 10-11, device 10 may have attachment means 22 to secure or mount device 10 to a desired structure, such as a joist or stud, prior to aligning furring. In some embodiments, device 10 is attached to the structure via fasteners, such as screws or nails, that are driven through first face 14A into the structure. Fasteners may be used to fasten device 10 at several locations spaced along the elongate body 14. For example, a user may attach or fasten the device at first end 14C and second end 14D with one fastener at each end. In other cases, a user may attach device 10 with a plurality of fasteners along body 14.
Attachment means 22 may be disposed on second face 14B of body 14. For example, in FIG. 2, attachment means 22 may comprise an adhesive applied on second face 14B. In such embodiments, a protective cover 24 may be used to cover the adhesive until ready to use. The adhesive may an adhesive known in the art that provides adequate adhesion of the device 10 to the material of the structure, such as wood. Attachment 22 may comprise one or more cleats 26 as shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11. Cleats 26 may have one or more gripping members 26A that dig into the structure to hold the device in place. In some cases, cleats 26 and gripping members 26A dig into the structure once force is applied from side 14A to drive the cleat and/or gripping member into the structure. For example, a user may use a hammer to drive the gripping member 26A into the structure from side 14A.
Referring to FIGS. 8-11 and 17 device 10 may have co-operating parts 28A, 28B for connecting device 10 to an adjacent device 10 end to end. For example, device 10 may have a male part 28A extending from end 14D shaped and configured to engage with a corresponding female element 28B defined in body 14. FIG. 8 shows a female part 28B defined in adjustment tab 18. Co-operating parts 28A and 28B may act to align and connect adjacent devices 10 whereby the co-operating parts engage or interlock with one another. Body 14 may define a plurality of female parts 28B. The plurality of parts 28B may be spaced such that, if device 10 is cut along line 36, a new female part 28B will be exposed for engaging with a male part 28A of an adjacent device (FIG. 8). In some embodiments, each alignment member 16 comprises a plurality of posts (e.g. 2 posts) 16C spaced from one another to provide enough space for male part 28A to engage with an exposed female part 28B.
Co-operating parts 28A and 28B have suitably complementary shapes. Although an exemplified “circle and stick” or keyhole shape is depicted for male part 28A (FIG. 10), various shapes/configurations known in the art would be suitable. For example, a dovetail shape and others are contemplated.
Device 10 is made of a suitable material. Such materials may be rigid enough for handling during installation while enabling a user to drive a fastener through body 14. For example, device 10 may be composed of a suitable plastic material. The suitable plastic material may comprise recycled plastic. For example, device 10 may comprise up to 15% or more of recycled plastic. In some cases, the device may comprise up to 85% recycled plastic. In some cases, device 10 is composed of more than one material. In such cases, body 14 of device 10 may be made of a suitable plastic material and alignment members 16 may be made of a different material, such as a more rigid composition of plastic. In other embodiments, device 10 is integrally formed. For example, alignment members 16, adjustable member 18 and body 14 may be integral. Device 10 may be constructed using a suitable method, such as injection molding.
In one exemplary embodiment of device 10, elongate body 14 is 96 inches in length, and 1.5 inches wide. The elongate body 14 may be ⅛ of an inch in thickness. In some embodiments, height of alignment members 16 is less than a height of furring 12 when placed on body 14. For example, furring may have measurements of 1×3 inches or 1 by 4 inches, and alignment members 16 are ⅝ of an inch in total height (including thickness of body 14). The connecting portion 20 define a slit that is 1/16 of an inch wide and 1/16 of an inch in depth.
Referring to FIGS. 12-15, depicted herein are methods of aligning furring 12 using device 10. A first device 10 is attached to a structure 30, such as a stud, truss, rafter, or joist. The device 10 may be attached or mounted to structure 30 via a suitable method as discussed above. Furring is then abutted against alignment members 16 of the first device 10 to align furring 12. The furring is then fastened to the first device 10 and the structure 30 via a suitable method, such as via one or more fasteners as discussed above, for example one or more screws 44. Fasteners may be used to fasten the device 10 to the structure prior to fastening the furring (FIGS. 14C-14D), or simultaneously.
Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, methods of aligning and installing furring 12 of different widths are depicted. Although devices 10A and 10B are depicted with multiple connecting portions 20, a device 10 with a single connecting portion may be used that is sized for use with a desired furring width. Embodiments with multiple connecting portions 20 may allow for a user to select the appropriate connecting portion to cut that is suitable for use with a corresponding furring width. For example, in cases where a furring 12 with a relatively smaller width is used, connecting portion 20′ may be cut to remove tab 18 (FIG. 14). In cases where a furring 12 with a relatively larger width is used, connecting portion 20″ may be cut to remove tab 18 (FIG. 15).
As shown in FIGS. 12-13, device 10 may be used in the construction of a ceiling (FIG. 12), a roof (FIG. 13), and other suitable applications where furring is used. FIG. 12 depicts plural devices 10 secured to a bottom side of structure 30, such as a joist or bottom chord of a truss. FIG. 13 shows plural devices 10, 10′ and 10″ secured to a top side (or sky-facing side) of structure 30, such as a rafter, in the construction of a roof, such as a sheet metal roof 32. Furring 12 may span parallel devices on adjacent structures, such as devices 10′ and 10″, on structures 30′ and 30″, respectively. Aligning furring 12 using multiple devices may improve alignment. The user may start at one end of the furring, fastening the furring 12 to the device 10 and structure 30 and working their way to the opposing end of the furring, fastening the furring at each device. In some cases, a user may use the abutment surfaces of alignment members 16 to straighten a bent strip of furring as they work from one end of furring 12 to the other. Alignment members 16 may be spaced such that the centers of furring 12 are a suitable, substantially equal distance apart from one another in alignment, such as 16 or 24 inches.
Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, two or more devices 10 may be used/installed without removing adjustment tab 18. For example, in cases where an end 30A of structure 30, such as a joist or beam, is beside an adjacent structure 30B, such as a fascia, a user may retain adjustment tab 18 and install a furring 12 or 12′ adjacent to adjacent structure 30B. Additional furrings can be placed on the other alignment members. Retaining adjustment tab 18 may ensure a proper centering distance 42 between adjacent furrings, such as 12 and 12′.
Referring to FIGS. 12-15, in some cases, when a user is attaching plural devices 10 to structure 30, the first device 10A that is attached to the structure will have adjustment tab 18 cut and removed from body 14 (FIGS. 14B and 15B). Subsequently attached devices, such as second device 10B, adjacent to first device 10A may retain the adjustment tab 18 (FIGS. 14D and 15D). As shown in FIGS. 14E and 15E, removing the adjustment tab 18 from the first device within the series of attached devices may provide spacing of alignment members 16 such that the distance between the first end of the elongate body to a center of a first furring strip aligned by the first alignment member is substantially the same as the distance between the center of the first alignment member and the center of second furring strip aligned by the second alignment member. In each of FIGS. 14E and 15E, the distance is the same for each pair of adjacent furrings/alignment members. Proper spacing and centering of the furring strips by alignment members 16 may decrease the need for additional steps by a user, such as adding chalk lines, thus decreasing the time needed to fur structure 30. In some cases, centers of furring strips 12′ and 12″ are 16 inches or 24 inches apart.
After attaching the first device 10A, a first end 14C of a second, adjacent device 10B may be aligned and connected to second end 14D of the first device 10A. Aligning and attaching plural adjacent devices may allow a user to extend coverage of device 10 along the entire span of structure 30. This would permit a user to align and fasten furring across the entire span of structure 30. In some cases, aligning a first device 10 to a second device is facilitated by engaging co-operating parts 28A and 28B of respective devices.
Referring to FIG. 13, an exemplary method for aligning furring strips for metal roof sheets 32 on a standard gable roof design is provided. First, a user may remove tab 18 from a device 10′ by cutting or breaking the connecting portion 20. The user then places the device 10′ at the subfacia end 34 and fastens the device 10′ to the rafter/truss top cord 30′. After removing the adjustment tab 18, first end 14C may be positioned against the subfacia end 34. After the device 10′ has been fastened to the top cord 30′, the process is repeated for another device 10″ and second rafter 30″. In cases where a single device 10 does not extend along the desired length of structure 30′, one or more additional devices may be used to form a series of devices along structure 30′ (such as shown in FIGS. 14D and 15D). Such additional devices may have the adjustment tab 18 intact when aligned in series and fastened to structure 30′. If the last device 10 of a series along structure 30 extends past the structure 30, the user may cut off the overhanging section. In cases where a gable roof design is used, the user may start at the subfacial ends of the gable roof and any overhanding sections of device 10 may extend over the peak. Any overhanging sections of device 10 may be cut off or otherwise removed. Once each structure 30′ and any parallel structures (such as 30″ and 30′″) have been provided with devices 10, the user may place furring strips against face 16B (and 16A if an additional device is aligned in series to the device 10) of alignment members 16. After the furring strips have been aligned, they may be fastened to device 10 and structure 30 using techniques known in the art, such as one or more fasteners. The user may straighten bent furring by applying pressure on the boards towards the abutting alignment members 16 while one or more sections of furring 12 are fastened to structure 30.
Device 10 may also be sold commercially in a suitable package. Suitable packaging includes conventional packaging material and techniques known in the art. The package may also contain instructions for use of the device for aligning furring. In some cases, device 10 is sold in a package containing a plurality of devices 10.
What has been described is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that a number of variations and/or modifications can be made, without departing from the scope of the following claims, each of which is intended to be within the contemplated invention.
Patent Application
20250059771
