Framing Alignment Tool

Abstract

A cast framing alignment tool configured for efficient and accurate construction framing of perpendicularly-oriented framing components in their proper spacing and configuration in framed structures in residential and commercial construction applications. The framing alignment tool has two appropriately spaced parallel framing component alignment guide channels that guide and hold common framing components (including but not limited to wall studs) in a parallel alignment with a desired spacing. The framing alignment tool has a perpendicular framing component alignment guide channel that orients and guides and holds a framing component (including but not limited to a wall plate) perpendicularly to the parallel framing components in the parallel alignment guide channels, holding the framing components in correct alignment and operable contact for fastening the parallel framing components to the perpendicular framing component. The framing alignment tool has a handle by which the framing alignment tool can be transported or moved to facilitate framing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The framing alignment tool relates to the construction of framed structures in residential and commercial construction, including but not limited to construction of framed wall structures comprised of equally spaced studs tied to top and/or bottom wall plate perpendicular to the spaced studs. The framing alignment tool similarly relates to the construction of other framed structures, including roof and floor joists and trusses and decking structures in residential and commercial construction. The framing alignment tool is a standalone fixture with parallel framing component alignment guide channels for proper alignment and spacing of parallel framing components, and a perpendicular framing component alignment guide channel, to correctly align and position perpendicular framing components for building code compliance and fastening. For example, for wall framing construction, the framing alignment tool effectively ties the perpendicular wall plates to the parallel studs and equally spaces the studs for correct structural support and facilitates fastening by various methods, and facilitates attachment of finish materials during future build cycles. The framing alignment tool similarly facilitates construction of other framed residential and commercial construction-related structures with perpendicular framing components, including roof and floor joists structures, truss structures, and associated decking structures.

Historically, a wall for a stick-built or similarly constructed residential structure is framed and built by two or three construction framers, using a tape measure to manually mark the top plate and bottom plate with a pencil. These boards are then laid on the floor in a pattern for fastening with nails. These marks can be marked in different places by different framers. They can be marked “on center” or on either edge. Historically, after a framer marks the top or bottom wall plate, another framer will then manually manipulate the parallel wall studs into place and drive a nail into and through the top wall plate to connect the parallel wall studs to the perpendicular top wall plate. The next step is to connect the perpendicular bottom plate to the wall studs using the same methods. The issues that often arise involve errors in the alignment of the marks on the top plate and bottom plate, causing non-uniform variations in the distance between the stud centers contrary to applicable building code requirements, which also may result in the studs not being uniformly parallel or perpendicular to the top or bottom plate, some or all of which issues may result in the need for repair or replacement of the wall structure. Similar issues arise in connection with historical techniques used for constructing floor and ceiling joists and trusses, and decking structures.

With regard to framing and building in a residential or commercial structure with framed structures, the framing alignment tool allows a single framer to efficiently and accurately place framing components such as wall studs according to applicable building codes to ensure the integrity of the structure. The framing alignment tool effectively ties the parallel framing components to the perpendicular top and/or bottom plate in a uniform manner for fastening, using appropriately sized guide channels for the parallel framing components and an appropriately sized guide channel for the perpendicular plate to properly align those framing components relative to each other, to achieve building-code-compliant framing alignment and spacing. Traditional methods or previous efforts to solve framing alignment problems inherent in the framing process fail to adequately address, with respect to the parallel framing components, the proper orientation and positioning of the perpendicular framing component, which is held by the framing alignment tool in its proper position and orientation for fastening. Accordingly, the framing alignment tool and its methods of use solve problems inherent in typical framing practices of spaced parallel and perpendicular framing components and offers significant advantages over existing traditional framing processes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The framing alignment tool improves the accuracy, reliability and efficiency of commercial and non-commercial construction techniques for building framed structures, including framed structures in new and remodel residential or commercial construction. The framing alignment tool enables more efficient framing and construction of new stick-built or similarly constructed residential structures and commercial structures by reducing framer training time, and by allowing one framer to do a job historically performed by two or three framers in the traditional framing process. The framing alignment tool similarly benefits remodel efforts by allowing a single framer to efficiently frame a structurally sound wall according to applicable building codes.

The framing alignment tool aligns the top or bottom plate to be perpendicular to and in contact with the studs or joists (or appropriately oriented to trusses) for fastening, and confirms appropriate building code requirements for distances between the studs (or joists or trusses). The framing alignment tool is portable and carried or moved for framing operations using the incorporated handle. The framing alignment tool comprises two parallel framing component alignment guide channels on both ends of the tool that are used to align two studs or other framing components parallel to each other with correct building-code-compliant spacing. The framing alignment tool further comprises a third framing component alignment guide channel, perpendicular to the aforementioned parallel guide channels, into which a portion of a top or bottom plate or equivalent framing component fits and which is held thereby. The perpendicular top/bottom plate guide channel and the parallel framing component guide channels have an essentially U-shaped cross section adapted to accommodate and extend on to at least two inches of any “2×” or “2 by” or other sized framing component to correctly orient the framing components in relation to each other, with appropriate spacing. When studs or equivalent framing components are received by or placed in the parallel guide channels and the top or bottom plate is received by or placed in the perpendicular guide channel, the studs or equivalent framing components are properly aligned with each other and are correctly spaced. Further, the framing alignment tool properly aligns the studs or equivalent framing components with the perpendicular top or bottom board or equivalent framing component to facilitate fastening the studs or equivalent framing components to the perpendicular top or bottom board or equivalent or similar framing components. Ultimately, the framing alignment tool and its associated framing methods result in correct alignment and spacing of parallel and perpendicular framing components.

Given that building code requirements for framing vary geographically and require different “2-by” framing component dimensions based on weather and other factors, the framing component guide channels for the framing alignment tool may receive and hold any dimension of framing component including 2×2, 2×3, 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, 2×12, including but not limited to wall studs and plates (or framing components used to construct truss or decking structure or other framed building component). The framing alignment tool can be used for either vertical framing, or horizontal framing, by framing on a horizontal surface and then reorienting the framing vertically. The framing alignment tool can thus be used to comply with code requirements on structural walls, floor joists, roof joists, floor trusses, roof trusses or decking structure, or for any other equivalent or similar framing configuration or structure.

The framing alignment tool may similarly be used to correctly align and space floor joist and roof joist systems to ensure the structural stability of those framed structures and any decking attached to the floor joist or roof joist. As another example of framing application facilitated by the framing alignment tool, although there is no standard top plate or bottom plate for trusses, there are code requirements for the exact spacing of the trusses that are difficult to achieve with current framing methods. The framing alignment tool holds and insures correct alignment and spacing of floor or roof trusses including but not limited to by using the parallel alignment guide channels.

The framing alignment tool is portable and its various uses involve manual operation of the framing alignment tool. It has a handle for ease of transport and tool movement while framing. It is constructed of cast aluminum or other metals with similar strength properties, or cast or printed plastic, and it may weigh as little as two pounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Details of various embodiments of the present technology are described in connection with the accompanying drawings that bear similar reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the framing alignment tool constructed in accordance with the illustrative embodiments of this technology.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the framing alignment tool, facing the open ends of the parallel framing component alignment guide channels and the perpendicular framing component alignment guide channel, which is an alternative perspective from the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the framing alignment tool and depicts an opposing perspective from the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the framing alignment tool of FIG. 1, which is an alternative perspective from the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the framing alignment tool of FIG. 1 and depicts an opposing perspective from the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the framing alignment tool of FIG. 1, which is an alternative perspective from the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the framing alignment tool of FIG. 1 and depicts an opposing perspective from the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts the framing alignment tool in one example of use related to wall framing, by which it is used to correctly space the parallel wall framing components and correctly align them in operable contact with the perpendicular framing component for fastening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Initially, this disclosure of the present invention is by way of example only, not by limitation. The framing alignment tool and its uses and methods for use disclosed herein are not limited to use or application for framing any specific system or in any specific environment. That is, the disclosed technology is not limited to usage for building framed wall structures in residential structures as is disclosed in the illustrative embodiments. Thus, although the instrumentalities described herein are for the convenience of explanation, shown and described with respect to exemplary embodiments, the skilled artisan understands that the principles herein may be applied equally in and to other types of systems and environments involving the framing of structural systems in stick-built or other types of residential or commercial structures, including framing of roof and floor joists and trusses and decking structures.

The framing alignment tool is an efficient framing guide and alignment tool made out of cast aluminum or metal with similar properties or heavy-duty plastic. The framing alignment tool has an incorporated handle for transport and tool movement while framing. It has parallel framing component alignment guide channels, and a perpendicular plate framing component alignment guide channel. The framing alignment tool has multiple uses for stick-built and similar residential construction as well as commercial construction, including framing alignment and spacing for code-compliant framing of walls, floor joists and trusses; roof joists and trusses, and decking structures. The framing alignment tool correctly aligns and spaces the studs, joists, or trusses, and secures them in place for application of various fastener systems, including but not necessarily limited to nails, screws, hangers or adhesive.

The framing alignment tool is designed to be durable and provide protection against various environments it may be subjected to, as well as potential drop hazards. The half-round and other structural features disclosed in the drawings provide structural support and increased durability including but not limited to situations involving twisted or warped wood. This structural integrity also helps with alignment of framing components that are not yet secured on the span.

The framing alignment tool is a standalone fixture with alignment guide channels for the proper alignment and spacing of perpendicular framing components in the construction of framed structures, for building code compliance and fastening. As disclosed herein and as exemplified by the drawings, the framing alignment tool comprises a cast metal or plastic body. The framing alignment tool further comprises two parallel alignment guide channels adapted to receive or be placed on wall studs or equivalent or similar construction framing components. The framing alignment tool further comprises an alignment guide channel perpendicular to the parallel alignment guide channels adapted to receive or be placed on wall plates or other perpendicular framing components to which parallel construction framing components are typically fastened. The framing alignment tool further comprises a handle for manual transport and tool movement while framing. The framing alignment tool and its associated uses and methods facilitate proper alignment and spacing of parallel and perpendicular framing components in many applications related to framing systems used in the construction or remodel of stick-built or other types of residential or commercial structures.

As disclosed herein, there are several alternate embodiments or methods and uses for the framing alignment tool beyond those illustrated herein and pictured in the figures. The various potential framing applications, methods and uses described herein and their functional equivalents are within the scope of the framing alignment tool invention.

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of the cast framing alignment tool. This view depicts the handle 5 adapted to avoid interference with the work area. It also depicts the parallel framing component alignment guide channels 1 and their essentially U-shaped cross sections. It further depicts the perpendicular framing component alignment guide channel 2, which has a perpendicular alignment guide channel upper structure 3 and a perpendicular alignment guide channel low surface 4, configured to hold the perpendicular framing component in operable contact with the parallel framing components to promote ease of fastening the parallel and perpendicular framing components.

FIG. 2 depicts the top view of the framing alignment tool, from the perspective of the open receiving ends of the parallel and perpendicular alignment guide channels. The figure depicts the parallel framing component alignment guide channels 1 that are adapted to guide and hold parallel framing components and secure them with proper spacing for fastening to a perpendicular top or bottom plate or equivalent framing component. The figure further depicts the perpendicular alignment guide channel for the perpendicular plate 2 that is adapted to guide and hold the perpendicular top or bottom plate into proper position in operable contact with the parallel framing components to secure it for fastening. The alignment guide channel 2 has an upper alignment guide channel structure 3, which is shorter than the parallel opposing alignment guide channel surface 4 to facilitate fastening of the perpendicular plate framing component to the parallel framing components. The framing alignment tool has a handle for transport and tool movement while framing 5, adapted to avoid interference with the work area. It also depicts the structural supports in the corners of the cast framing alignment tool between the proximal sides of the parallel alignment guide channels 1 and the alignment guide channel 2.

FIG. 3 depicts the bottom view of the framing alignment tool that depicts the surface opposite the bottom of the perpendicular alignment guide channel for the top/bottom plate 2 and the surface opposite the bottom the parallel alignment guide channels for the studs or equivalent framing components 1. The half-round features are for structural support and increased durability in the case of twisted or warped wood. This structural integrity also helps with alignment of joists not yet secured on the span.

FIG. 4 depicts the left view of the framing alignment tool. This views depicts the perpendicular framing component alignment guide channel for the perpendicular plate component 2 with its essentially U-shaped cross-section, comprising perpendicular alignment guide channel structure 3 and perpendicular alignment guide surface 4, which guides and holds the perpendicular top or bottom plate or equivalent framing component in place to secure it for fastening to the parallel framing components with which it is in operable contact.

FIG. 5 depicts the right view of the framing alignment tool. This views depicts the perpendicular framing component alignment guide channel for the perpendicular plate component 2 with its essentially U-shaped cross-section, comprising perpendicular alignment guide channel structure 3 and perpendicular alignment guide surface 4, which guides and holds the perpendicular top or bottom plate or equivalent framing component in place to secure it for fastening to the parallel framing components with which it is in operable contact.

FIG. 6 depicts the front view of the framing alignment tool. This view depicts the parallel alignment guide channels 1 with their essentially U-shaped cross-sections that guide and hold parallel framing components in place to secure them with proper spacing for fastening to a perpendicular top/bottom plate or equivalent or similar framing component.

FIG. 7 depicts the back view of the framing alignment tool. This view depicts the parallel alignment guide channels 1 with their essentially U-shaped cross-sections that guide and hold parallel framing components in place to secure them with proper spacing for fastening to the perpendicular top/bottom plate or equivalent framing component. This view also depicts that the upper alignment guide channel structure 3 which is shorter than the opposing perpendicular alignment guide channel surface 4 to facilitate fastening of the perpendicular plate framing component to the parallel framing components.

FIG. 8 depicts the framing alignment tool in use from the bottom view, with the parallel wall studs having been received and held by the parallel framing component alignment guide channels 1, and the top plate has been received and held by the perpendicular framing components alignment guide channel 2, correctly aligning and spacing the parallel and perpendicular framing components and placing them in operable contact with each other for fastening. This view also depicts the access provided by the framing alignment tool's configuration, including upper alignment guide channel structure 3 for fastening the perpendicular framing component to the parallel framing components. This view also depicts the handle 5, by which the framing alignment tool can be transported or moved for further framing, including to space and align the next parallel framing component while framing.

Advantages of the framing alignment tool over traditional and current framing methods include but are not limited to the following:

• • The framing alignment tool is compact and light.
  • The framing alignment tool is easily portable.
  • The framing alignment tool does not require skilled tradesmen to frame a code-compliant wall or other framed structure.
  • The framing alignment tool guides the studs or equivalent or similar parallel framing components into proper alignment and spacing.
  • The framing alignment tool guides the plate or equivalent or similar framing component into proper perpendicular alignment with and operable contact with the parallel framing components for fastening.
  • The framing alignment tool properly secures the “2 by” or other framing board or component to facilitate installing the fasteners.
  • The framing alignment tool allows proper spacing and placement of non-secured boards.
  • The framing alignment tool is adaptable to all “2 by” or other boards used as framing components in residential or commercial framing and construction.
  • The framing alignment tool is adaptable to all “2 by” or other metal framing used in residential or commercial framing and construction.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and use the framing alignment tool that is presently considered the best mode of the invention, those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, uses and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiments, methods, uses, and examples, but instead includes all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A cast framing alignment tool configured for efficient and accurate construction framing of perpendicularly oriented framing components in framed structures in residential and commercial applications, comprising: (a) two appropriately spaced parallel framing component alignment guide channels at each lateral end of and equidistant from the central axis of the framing alignment tool, configured to guide and hold common framing components in parallel alignment;(b) an alignment guide channel oriented on plane perpendicular to the upper end of the parallel framing component alignment guide channels, configured to orient and guide and hold common perpendicular framing component in perpendicular alignment and operable contact with the parallel framing components in the parallel framing component alignment guide channels for fastening;(c) a handle for transport and tool movement while framing.

2. The framing alignment tool of claim 1, wherein the parallel framing component alignment guide channels are configured such that the centers of the parallel framing components are 16 inches apart.

3. The framing alignment tool of claim 1, wherein the parallel framing component alignment guide channels are configured such that the centers of the parallel framing components are 12 inches apart.

4. The framing alignment tool of claim 1, wherein the parallel framing component alignment guide channels are configured such that the centers of the parallel framing components are 24 inches apart.

5. The framing alignment tool of claim 1, wherein the parallel framing component alignment guide channels are configured such that the centers of the parallel framing components are 400 millimeters apart.

6. The framing alignment tool of claim 1, wherein the parallel framing component alignment guide channels are configured such that the centers of the parallel framing components are 600 millimeters apart.

7. The framing alignment tool of claim 1, wherein the parallel framing component alignment guide channels have an essentially U-shaped cross section.

8. The framing alignment tool of claim 1, where the alignment guide channel oriented on an axis perpendicular to the upper end of the parallel framing component alignment guide channels has an essentially U-shaped cross section.

9. The framing alignment tool of claim 1 further comprising structural support features for durability.

10. The framing alignment tool of claim 1, wherein the framing alignment tool is made of cast aluminum or a metal with similar properties.

11. The framing alignment tool of claim 1, wherein the framing alignment tool is made of cast or printed plastic.