Patent Application
20230078521
The present invention relates to a stud and track system. In particular, the present invention relates to a stud and track system comprising at least one engagement formation and at least one fastening aperture.
Stud and track systems are commonly used to assemble frames for strong and lightweight non load-bearing partitions for buildings and in construction situations. Partitions are particularly desirable for domestic and commercial situations wherein a height of up to ten metres is required with a wide range of partition thickness. Often the stud and track system holds in place features such as windows, doors, interior finishes, exterior sheathing or siding, insulation and utilities and is provided to help give shape and structure inside and within a building.
The purpose of the stud portion is to extend vertically between a bottom track and a top track to provide a support structure and accommodate an area of wall covering material such as drywall or other sheets. The studs also generally include holes configured to allow for electrical, plumbing or other conduits to navigate through the studs. The studs can be wood or metal and are loosely U-shaped in character. Usually, the track portion is mounted on the floor.
The stud must be secured to the track in order to provide adequate structural integrity for the wall, drywall or sheets.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a construction stud and track system, the system comprising: a track comprising: a central longitudinally extending track portion having a first longitudinal track edge and a second longitudinal track edge opposing the first track edge; a first planar track panel extending substantially perpendicularly from the first track edge; a second planar track panel extending substantially perpendicularly from the second track edge and substantially parallel to the first planar track panel; a first engagement formation located on a planar track panel; a stud comprising: a central longitudinally extending stud portion having a first stud edge and a second stud edge opposing the first stud edge; a first planar stud panel extending from the first stud edge; a second planar stud panel extending from the second stud edge; and a second engagement formation located on a planar stud panel wherein the first engagement formation is configured to engage a second engagement formation.
In the context of the present invention, the term “substantially perpendicularly” will be understood by the skilled addressee as being substantially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the track or stud, wherein the stud protrudes at an angle of between 45° and 135°. In this way, the track may be substantially U-shaped and the stud may be substantially U-shaped.
Herein, the “central longitudinally extending track portion”, the “central longitudinally extending stud portion”, the “first planar track panel”, the “second planar track panel”, the “first planar stud panel” and the “second planar stud panel” will be referred to as the “central stud portion”, the “central track portion”, the “first track panel”, the “second track panel”, the “first stud panel” and the “second stud panel” respectively.
Preferably, the first stud panel and the second stud panel includes a stud panel width. In this way, the stud panels have the same width.
Preferably, the first engagement formation is configured to engage the second engagement formation such that, in use, the stud is substantially perpendicular to the track. Preferably, the first engagement formation engages the second engagement formation such that the stud and track form a rigid structure. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the stud is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the track. In this way, the stud and track may form a substantially L-shaped structure.
Preferably, the first engagement formation comprises a pair of opposing teeth, a first tooth of the pair of opposing teeth located on the first track panel and a second tooth of the pair of opposing teeth located on the second track panel.
In some embodiments, the first tooth is located at a first longitudinal position on the first track panel and the second tooth is located at the first longitudinal position on the second track panel. In this way, the teeth may directly oppose each other on the planar track panels.
Further embodiments exist, wherein the second tooth is located at a second longitudinal position, the second longitudinal position being distinct from the first longitudinal position. In this way, the teeth may be at different longitudinal positions along their respective planar track panels.
Preferably the second engagement formation includes a pair of opposing stud apertures, a first stud aperture of the pair of opposing stud apertures located on the first stud panel and a second stud aperture of the pair of opposing stud apertures located on the second track panel.
In some embodiments, the first stud aperture is located at a first longitudinal stud position on the first stud panel and the second stud aperture is located at the first longitudinal stud position on the second stud panel. In this way, the stud apertures may directly oppose each other on the planar stud panels.
Further embodiments exist, wherein the second stud aperture is located at a second longitudinal stud position, the second longitudinal position being distinct from the first longitudinal stud position. In this way, the stud apertures may be at different longitudinal stud positions along their respective planar stud panels.
It shall be understood by the skilled addressee that the longitudinal stud positions refer to positions along the longitudinal axis of the stud.
Preferably, the first stud aperture is also located at a first perpendicular stud position along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the central stud portion. In preferable embodiments, the second stud aperture is located at the first perpendicular stud position on the second stud planar stud panel. In this way, in use, the perpendicular positions of the stud apertures may correspond to longitudinal positions along the longitudinal axis of the track, due to the stud being perpendicular in use.
Further embodiments exist, wherein the second stud aperture is located at a second perpendicular stud position that is distinct from the first perpendicular stud position.
In preferable embodiments, the longitudinal position of the first tooth corresponds to the perpendicular position of the first stud aperture and the longitudinal position of the second tooth corresponds to the perpendicular position of the second stud aperture. In this way, the first stud aperture may be configured to engage the first tooth and the second stud aperture may be configured to engage the second tooth.
In some embodiments, the first engagement formation comprises a tooth.
Preferably, the tooth is arranged to engage the second engagement formation. In this way, the tooth may engage a corresponding stud aperture.
In the described embodiments, the track panel is described as having a tooth and the stud panel is described as having a corresponding aperture. Alternate embodiments will be appreciated, wherein the track panel comprises said aperture and the stud panel comprises said tooth.
Preferably, the tooth comprises a distal end and a root portion whereby the distal end is arranged to depend from the first track panel in an orientation such that the distal end depends with a vector having one or more substantially perpendicular components relative to the planar track panel. The root portion will be understood by the skilled addressee as being the portion of the tooth proximal the planar track panel at the point wherein the tooth beings to move away from the planar track panel. The distal end will be understood by the skilled addressee as being the point of the tooth that opposes the root portion.
Preferably, the tooth comprises a tooth length. The tooth length will be understood by the skilled addressee as being the distance from the root portion to the distal end of the tooth. The length may be controlled during manufacture. In this way, the flexibility of the tooth may be easily adjusted during manufacture by increasing the tooth length.
In some embodiments, the distal end is generally pointed such that the tooth is generally, for example, a triangular in shape. Additional embodiments exist, wherein the distal end is any suitable profile for engagement and the tooth is any suitable shape for engagement and fixing in an aperture.
In some embodiments, the planar track panel comprises spacing located about at least the distal end of the tooth such that at least a portion the tooth occupies an aperture of the planar track panel. In this way, the immediate area surrounding the distal end of the tooth may be omitted such that the tooth is substantially coplanar with the planar track panel.
Further embodiments exist, wherein the tooth comprises the root portion and a body portion. In said embodiment, the root portion preferably protrudes away from the planar track panel at an acute angle relative to the plane of the planar track panel. The body portion of the tooth may preferably extend from the root portion parallel to the planar track panel, at the same angle as the root portion or at a greater angle than the root portion. In this way, the root portion and the tooth may not be coplanar with the planar track panel but instead may protrude at an angle.
Preferably, the tooth is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the tooth comprises a first perpendicular vector component and the second position comprises a second perpendicular vector component, wherein the second perpendicular vector component is less than the first perpendicular vector component. The perpendicular vector components will be understood by the skilled addressee as describing the vector component directly perpendicular to the planar track panel. In this way, the perpendicular vector component describes the component perpendicular to the plane of the planar track panel, of the direction in which the tooth extends.
Preferably, in use with the tooth in the second position, the stud is slidably arranged to move within the planar track panel. The stud being arranged to move slidably will be understood by the skilled addressee as the planar stud panel, corresponding to the planar track panel, moving parallel to the planar track panel. The stud panel and the track panel will be located within close proximity of each other and will be able to move without restriction and without being inhibited from moving.
Preferably, the tooth is arranged to pivot about the root portion. Preferably, the root portion includes a portion configured to bias and to urge the tooth toward the first position. In this way, the tooth may flexibly move and pivot between the first position and the second position. Further, the bias may allow the tooth to reliably engage with a corresponding engagement formation or stud aperture. With the tooth in the first position and engaged with the stud aperture, the track may be no longer able to slidably move along the track. In the context of the present invention, “flexibly” will be understood by the skilled addressee as being flexible relative to the planar track panel.
Preferably, the tooth or teeth further comprise a nub portion, arranged to protrude from the tooth surface. The nub portion is the portion of the tooth that engages with the engagement formation and in particular is found to fit and locate within the stud aperture opening so as to connect and secure the stud and track portions together securely one relative to the other.
Preferably, the nub portion protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the tooth, relative to the plane of the tooth. In this way, a portion of the nub may catch an edge of the stud aperture such that the tooth and the stud aperture are fixedly engaged.
In preferable embodiments, the nub portion includes a substantially curved distal end and is substantially hemispherical in shape. Further embodiments can be considered, wherein the nub portion includes a pointed distal end and is substantially triangular or the nub portion comprises a substantially straight distal end is substantially trapezoidal in shape.
Additional embodiments exist, wherein the nub portion is any suitable shape capable of engaging with the stud aperture.
Preferably, the track further includes a track fastening formation.
Preferably, the track fastening formation comprises a pair of opposing track fastening apertures, a first track fastening aperture of the pair of opposing track fastening apertures located on the first track panel and a second track fastening aperture of the pair of opposing track fastening apertures located on the second track panel.
In some embodiments, the first track fastening aperture is located at a first longitudinal position on the first track panel and the second track fastening aperture located at the first longitudinal position on the second track panel. In this way, the track fastening apertures may directly oppose each other on the planar track panels.
Further embodiments exist, wherein the second track fastening aperture is located at a second longitudinal position, the second longitudinal position being distinct from the first longitudinal position. In this way, the track fastening apertures may be at different longitudinal positions along their respective planar track panels.
In preferable embodiments, the first track fastening aperture is proximate the first tooth of the pair of opposing teeth and the second track fastening aperture is proximate the second tooth of the pair of opposing teeth.
Further embodiments exist, wherein the track fastening apertures are not proximate the teeth of the planar track panels.
Preferably, the track fastening apertures are configured to accept a fastening means such as, for example, a screw.
Preferably, the stud further includes a stud fastening formation.
Preferably, the track fastening formation comprises a pair of opposing stud fastening apertures, a first stud fastening aperture of the pair of opposing stud fastening apertures located on the first stud panel and a second stud fastening aperture of the pair of opposing stud fastening apertures located on the second stud panel. In this way, the first stud fastening aperture may correspond to the first track fastening aperture and the second stud fastening aperture may correspond to the second track fastening aperture.
In some embodiments, the first stud fastening aperture is located at a first perpendicular position on the first stud panel and the second stud fastening aperture is located at the first perpendicular position on the second stud panel. In this way, the stud fastening apertures may directly oppose each other on the planar stud panels.
Further embodiments exist, wherein the second stud fastening aperture is located at a second perpendicular position, the second longitudinal position being distinct from the first perpendicular position. In this way, the stud fastening apertures may be at different perpendicular positions along their respective planar stud panels.
It shall be understood by the skilled addressee that the perpendicular positions refer to positions along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In this way, in use, the perpendicular positions of the stud fastening apertures may correspond to longitudinal positions along the longitudinal axis of the track, due to the stud being perpendicular in use.
In preferable embodiments, the first stud fastening aperture is proximate the first stud aperture and the second stud fastening aperture is proximate the second stud aperture.
Further embodiments exist, wherein the stud fastening apertures are not proximate the stud apertures.
Preferably, the stud fastening apertures are configured to accept a fastening means such as, for example, a screw. Additional embodiments exist, wherein the fastening means is any means suitable for fastening the planar stud panel.
In preferable embodiments, the longitudinal position of the first track fastening aperture corresponds to the perpendicular position of the first stud fastening aperture and the longitudinal position of the second track fastening aperture corresponds to the perpendicular position of the second stud fastening aperture. In this way, the stud fastening apertures may line up with their corresponding track fastening apertures.
Preferably, the first track fastening aperture is configured to fasten with the first stud fastening aperture and the second track fastening aperture is configured to be fastened with the second stud fastening aperture such that in use, the stud is fastened to the track. In this way, the fastening means may fasten the stud to the track such that when the stud is fastened to the track, the stud is more difficult to disconnect from the track.
Preferably, the central track portion comprises a track width and the central stud portion comprises a stud width, wherein the track width is configured to accommodate the stud width. The track width will be understood by the skilled addressee as being the distance between the first edge of the track and the second edge of the track. In this way, the track width may describe the distance between the first track panel and the second track panel. The stud width will be understood by the skilled addressee as being the distance between the first edge of the stud and the second edge of the stud. In this way, the stud width may describe the distance between the first stud panel and the second stud panel.
In preferable embodiments, the track width is greater than the stud width. In this way, the stud may slidably move between the first track panel and the second track panel.
Additional embodiments exist, wherein the stud width is greater than the track width. In this case, the stud may slidably move with the track between the first stud panel and the second stud panel.
Preferably, the stud further includes a first telescopic engagement formation and a telescopic portion, wherein the telescopic portion has a telescopic engagement formation.
Preferably, the telescopic portion has a number of concentric stud sections configured to slide into one another, wherein each of the concentric stud sections includes a shorter stud width than the stud.
In preferable embodiments, the first telescopic engagement formation is configured to engage with the second telescopic engagement formation. In this way, the concentric stud sections may slide into one another and be secured into position by the first telescopic engagement formation engaging with the second telescopic engagement formation.
Preferably, the telescopic portion is configured to allow the stud to increase a length of the stud. In this way, the length of the stud may be customised.
Preferably, the track has a plurality of first engagement formations and a plurality of track fastening formations. In this way, more than one stud may rigidly engage and fasten with the track.
Preferably, the plurality of first engagement formations are each evenly spaced. In this way, studs may be engaged and fastened to the track at evenly spaced sections of the track. The skilled person will understand the term “evenly spaced” to be a spacing of equal magnitude between each of the first engagement formations along the longitudinal axis of the track.
Preferably, the track includes a track material and the stud comprises a stud material, wherein the track material and the stud material are one selected from the group that for example includes stainless steel, mild steel and galvanised metal.
In some embodiments, the track has a first lip extending from a first track panel edge opposing the first longitudinal track portion edge and a second lip extending from a second track panel edge opposing the second longitudinal track portion edge. Preferably, the first lip extends at an angle of between 5° and 85°, the angle being relative to the plane of the first track panel and the second lip extends at an angle of between 5° and 85° and the angle being relative to the plane of the second track panel.
Preferably, in the above embodiment, the first engagement formation has a first lip engagement portion and a second lip engagement portion, the lip engagement portions being arranged to accept the stud width and the stud panel width. In this way, the first lip engagement portion and the second lip engagement portion allow the stud to sit within the track whilst restricting the stud from moving longitudinally along the track.
Preferably, the first lip engagement portion has a first track lip engagement portion and a second lip engagement portion, the lip engagement portions being arranged to accept the stud width and the stud panel width. In this way, the stud may fit in between the lip engagement portions as they are separated by a distance greater than the stud width, but not between the lips.
The lip engagement portions may each include a pair of opposing connecting portions and a first and second track panel engagement portion respectively. The first track panel engagement portion may extend coplanar with the first track panel and the connecting portions may connect the track panel engagement portion to the first lip. In this way, the stud panel width can be accommodated by the distance between the connecting portions.
Preferably, the second lip engagement portion has a second track panel portion and a pair of opposing connecting portions. The second track panel portion may extend coplanar with the second track panel and the connecting portions may connect the track panel portion to the second lip.
Further embodiments will be appreciated wherein the track panel portions are not coplanar with their respective track panels and instead extend from their respective track panel portions at an angle of lower magnitude than the angle from which the lip protrudes at.
Additional embodiments exist, wherein the fastening means is any means suitable for fastening the track panel to any suitable fastening structure.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the detailed description herein, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Further referring to
The track 100 further comprises a first engagement formation comprising a first tooth 113 affixed to the first track panel 108 and a second tooth 114 affixed to the second track panel 110. The teeth 113 and 114 have a substantially similar construction and form. The first tooth 113 extends from a first track position on the first track panel 108, wherein the first track position is located about 5.75 cm along the longitudinal axis from the first track panel edge 109 and about 3 cm from the first track edge 104 along the axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second tooth 114 extends from a second track position on the second track panel 110. The first track position and the second track position are substantially parallel in that they have the same position along the longitudinal axis and the same position along a perpendicular axis.
The track 100 of the embodiment shown further comprises a first track fastening aperture 116 located at a third track position. The third track position is about 5 cm from the first track panel edge 109 along the longitudinal axis and about 3 cm from the first track edge 104 along the axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. As such, the first track fastening aperture 116 is proximate the first tooth 113. The first track fastening aperture 116 comprises a diameter of about 8 mm, such that the first track fastening aperture 116 can accept a fastening means, such as a screw. In addition, the track 100 comprises a second track fastening aperture 118 located at a fourth track position. The third track position and the fourth track position are substantially parallel in that they have the same position along the longitudinal axis and the same position along a perpendicular axis. The second track fastening aperture 118 is proximate the second tooth 114. The second track fastening aperture 118 is substantially similar to the first track fastening aperture 116.
The following embodiments are described in relation to the first tooth of the first engagement formation. It will be understood by the skilled addressee that similar in use embodiments are intended within the scope of the present application, in which the second tooth of the first engagement formation engages with a corresponding second engagement formation and mirrors the example described.
Turning now to
As can be seen in
Turning now to
Additional embodiments exist, wherein the first vector component 152 is 0 mm such that the tooth 113 is substantially coplanar with the first planar track panel 108 and the second vector component 162 is any suitable vector component relative to the first track panel 108.
Turning now to
The stud 200 of the embodiment shown further comprises a second engagement formation comprising a first nub accepting aperture 213 affixed to the first stud panel 208 and a second nub accepting aperture 214 affixed to the second stud panel 210, wherein the first nub accepting aperture 213 is substantially similar to the second nub accepting aperture. The first nub accepting aperture 213 is centred on a first position on the first stud panel 208. The first position is a distance of about 5.75 cm away from the first stud track edge 204, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stud 200 and 3 cm from the first stud panel edge 209 along the longitudinal axis of the stud 200. The second nub accepting aperture 214 is proximate a second position on the second stud panel 210. The first position and the second position are substantially parallel in that they have the same position along the longitudinal and perpendicular axis.
The stud 200 of the embodiment shown further comprises a first stud fastening aperture 216 centred on a third position. The third position is distance of about 5 cm away from the first central stud portion edge 204, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stud 200 and 3 cm from the first stud panel edge 209 along the longitudinal axis of the stud 200. The first stud fastening aperture 216 comprises a diameter of about 8 mm such that the first stud fastening aperture 216 can accept a fastening means, such as a screw. In addition, the stud 200 comprises a second stud fastening aperture 218 located at a fourth position. The third position and the fourth position are substantially parallel in that they have the same position along the longitudinal axis and the same position along a perpendicular axis. The second stud fastening aperture 218 is substantially similar to the first stud fastening aperture 216.
It shall be understood that the following in use embodiments are described in relation to the first track panel and the first stud panel. It will be understood by the skilled addressee that similar in use embodiments are intended within the scope of the present application, in which the manner of engagement between the second track panel and the second stud panel mirrors the example described.
In use, and with reference to
In use, and with reference to
In use, and with reference to
Referring to
The following embodiments are described in relation to the first lip engagement portion of the first engagement formation. It will be understood by the skilled addressee that similar in use embodiments are intended within the scope of the present application, in which the second lip engagement portion of the first engagement formation mirrors the example described but on the opposing track panel side.
Turning now to
In use, the stud 200 is restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first track panel 408 by the first track panel engagement portion 452 and the opposing second track panel engagement portion (not shown). Further, the stud 200 is restricted from moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central track portion by the first lip 412. The second lip 414 and a corresponding track panel engagement portion perform the same function as the first track panel engagement portion 452 and the first lip 412 but on the side of the opposing track panel 410.
Referring to
The outer stud portion 510 is substantially similar to the stud 200 shown in
The inner stud portion 540 is substantially similar to the outer stud portion 510 but comprises a shorter stud width SW and a shorter panel length PL such that the inner stud portion 540 may fit slidably within the boundaries of the outer stud portion 510. The inner stud portion 540 comprises a plurality of opposing tab accepting indents 542, 544, 546 on a pair of opposing stud panels 546, 548. The tab accepting indents 542, 544, 546 are separated by a distance of about 30 mm along the longitudinal axis of the stud panels.
In use, the inner stud portion 540 is initially positioned within the outer stud portion 510 such that the inner stud portion 540 is bound by the outer stud portion 510 such that the inner stud portion 540 is encased, surrounded in part, within the outer stud portion 510. The inner stud portion is secured in place by the tabs 520, 522 being rotated inwards and being engaged with a first pair of opposing tab accepting indents 542. In order to move/slide the inner stud portion 540 relative to the outer stud portion 510, a user may rotate the tabs 520, 522 outwards such that they are in line with their respective stud panels 516, 518 and do not impede the movement of the inner stud portion 540. The user may then slidably move the inner stud portion 540 along the longitudinal axis of the outer stud portion 510 uninhibited until a desired stud length SL for the telescopic stud 500 is reached. The user may then re-engage the stud portions 510, 540 by rotating the tabs 520, 522 inwards up to approximately 178° such that the inner stud portion 540 is secured in place and is unable to move along the longitudinal axis of the outer stud portion 510. In this way, the stud length SL of the telescopic stud 500 may be adjusted in increments set by the distance between the pairs of tab accepting indents 542, 544, 546, the distance being 30 mm in this embodiment.
Turning now to
The outer stud portion 610 is substantially similar to the outer stud portion 510 shown in
The inner stud portion 640 is substantially similar to the outer stud portion 610 but comprises a shorter stud width SW and a shorter panel length PL. Also, a central stud portion 641 of the inner stud portion 640 comprises a plurality engagement apertures 642, 644, 646. The engagement apertures 642, 644, 646 are separated by a distance of about 30 mm along the longitudinal axis of the central stud portion 641.
In use, the inner stud portion 640 is initially positioned within the outer stud portion 610 such that the dimensions of the inner stud portion 640 are concentric with the outer stud portion 610. The inner stud portion is secured in place by the flaps 614a, 614b being rotated inwards and being engaged with a first engagement aperture 642. In order to move/slide the inner stud portion 640 relative to the outer stud portion 610, a user may rotate the flaps 614a, 614b outwards such that they are in line with the plane of the central stud portion 611. The user may then slidably move the inner stud portion 640 along the longitudinal axis of the outer stud portion 610 uninhibited until a desired stud length SL for the telescopic stud 600 is reached. The user may then re-engage the stud portions 610, 640 when the flaps 614a, 614b are in line with the engagement aperture 644 by rotating the flaps 614a, 614b inwards up to an angle of approximately 178°. As such, the inner stud portion 640 is now secured in place and is unable to move along the longitudinal axis of the outer stud portion 610. In this way, the stud length SL of the telescopic stud 600 may be adjusted in increments set by the distance between the engagement apertures 642, 644, 646, the distance being about 30 mm in this embodiment.
In addition, the stud length SL of the telescopic stud 600 can be extended further by disengaging the inner stud portion 640 and the outer stud portion 610 and moving the inner stud portion 640 along the longitudinal axis of the outer stud portion 610 until a bottom edge 650 of the inner stud portion 640 is proximate an upper edge 631 of the flap 614a and an upper edge 633 of the flap 614b. The flaps 614a, 614b may then be rotated inwards such that the inner stud portion 640 is inhibited from moving along the longitudinal axis of the outer stud portion 610, in the direction of the flaps 614a, 614b.
Turning now to
The outer stud portion 710 is substantially similar to the outer stud portion 510 shown in
The inner stud portion 740 is substantially similar to the outer stud portion 710 but comprises a shorter stud width SW and a shorter panel length PL. Also, the central stud portion 741 and the stud panels 743, 745 of the inner stud portion 740 comprise a plurality of fin-accepting apertures 745. Each of the fin-accepting apertures 745 are configured to line up with a corresponding fin aperture 712 of the outer stud portion 710 when the inner stud portion 760 is positioned within the boundaries of the outer stud portion 710.
In
In use, the inner stud portion 740 is initially positioned within the outer stud portion 710 such that the dimensions of the inner stud portion 740 is bound by the outer stud portion 710 and such that the dimensions of the inner stud portion 540 are encased, surrounded in part, within the outer stud portion 710. A fin aperture 712A is lined up with a corresponding fin-accepting aperture 745A. The inner stud portion 740 is secured in place by a fin 714A protruding from the fin aperture 712A, through the corresponding fin-accepting aperture 745A, the fin 714A being in its first position. In order to move/slide the inner stud portion 740 relative to the outer stud portion 710, a user may apply an upwards lateral force to the inner stud portion 740 such that the force is applied to the lower surface of the fin 714A via a lower edge of the fin-accepting aperture 745A. The force causes the fin 714A to begin moving from its first position to its second position. The user may then slidably move the inner stud portion 740 along the longitudinal axis of the outer stud portion 710 uninhibited until the fin 714A is in the second position. The user may then continue to slidably move the inner stud portion 740 along the longitudinal axis of the outer stud portion 710 uninhibited until an upper edge of the fin 714A is in line with an upper edge of the fin-accepting aperture 745B, at which point the fin 714A snaps back to its first position. At this position, the fin 714A is engaged with the fin-accepting aperture 745B and the inner stud portion 740 is unable to move downwards. The user may continue applying the upwards lateral force with a similar result, wherein the fin 714A engages with a different subsequent fin-accepting aperture until the desired stud length SL is reached.
Turning now to
The outer stud portion 760 is substantially the same as the outer stud portion 710 shown in
The inner stud portion 790 is substantially the same as inner stud portion 740, comprising a plurality of fin-accepting apertures 795. Each of the fin-accepting apertures 795 is configured to line up with a corresponding fin aperture 762 of the outer stud portion 760 when the stud portion 790 is positioned within the outer stud portion 790.
In
In us, the inner stud portion 790 is initially positioned within the outer stud portion 760 such that the inner stud portion 790 is bound by the outer stud portion 760 and such that the dimensions of the inner stud portion 790 are encased, surrounded in part, within the outer stud portion 760 and the fin aperture 762A is lined up with corresponding fin-accepting aperture 795A. The inner stud portion 790 is secured in place by the fin 764A protruding from the fin aperture 762A, through the corresponding fin-accepting aperture 795A, the fin 764A being in its first position. In order to move/slide the inner stud portion 760 relative to the outer stud portion 710, a user may apply a downwards lateral force to the inner stud portion 790 such that the force is applied to the upper surface of the fin 764A via an upper edge of the fin-accepting aperture 795A. Said force causes the fin 764A to begin moving from its first position to its second position. The user may then slidably move the inner stud portion 790 along the longitudinal axis of the outer stud portion 760 uninhibited until the fin 764A is in the second position. The user may then continue to slidably move the inner stud portion 790 along the longitudinal axis of the outer stud portion 760 uninhibited until a lower edge of the fin 764A is in line with a lower edge of the fin-accepting aperture 795B, at which point the fin 764A snaps back to its first position. At this position, the fin 764A is engaged with the fin-accepting aperture 795B and the inner stud portion 790 is unable to move upwards relative to the outer track portion 760. The user may continue applying the downwards lateral force with a similar result, wherein the fin 764A engages with a different subsequent fin-accepting aperture until the desired stud length SL is reached.
Further in use, the telescopic upper stud 700 may be connected to the telescopic lower stud 750, each comprising a respective outer stud portion 710, 740 and inner stud portion 760, 790. Accordingly, adjusting the position of the fins 714, 764 on either the telescopic upper stud 700 or telescopic lower stud 750 will adjust the length of the connected stud.
The tabs have been described as being attached via respective hinges. It shall be understood that additional embodiments exist wherein the tabs are attached by any means suitable for allowing rotation of the tabs. Further, the tabs have been described as rotating inwards up to an angle of 178. It shall be understood that additional embodiments exist wherein the tabs are able to rotate inwards to any angle relative to the plane of their respective stud panel. Further, the tabs have been described as being part of the outer stud portion and rotate inwards whilst the inner stud portion comprises the tab accepting indents. It shall be understood that additional embodiments exist wherein the inner stud portion comprises the tabs and the tabs rotate outwards, to engage with tab accepting indents located on the outer stud portion. Further, the outer stud portion has been described as only having a single pair of opposing tabs. It shall be understood that additional embodiments exist wherein the outer stud portion comprises any number of opposing tabs, each being configured to engage with corresponding stud accepting indents. Further, the telescopic engagement formations have been described in different embodiments. It shall be understood that each embodiment may be combined. For example, it is conceivable that a telescopic stud comprises a tab engagement formation as well as a flap engagement formation. Further, it will be understood by the skilled addressee that the array of flaps may comprise any number of flaps. Further, it will be understood by the skilled addressee that the array of flaps may also be located on either, or both of the stud panels. Further, there may be any number of flap accepting apertures. Further, the flap accepting apertures may be located on either, or both of the stud panels of the inner stud portion.
It should be noted by the skilled addressee that the above embodiments have been described in relation to the track comprising a single first engagement formation. It shall be understood that additional embodiments exist wherein the track comprises a plurality of first engagement formations at different longitudinal positions such that multiple second engagement formations may be engaged to the track. Further, the above embodiments have been described wherein the track comprises the first engagement formation and the stud comprises the second engagement formations. It shall be understood by the skilled addressee that the track may comprise the second engagement formation and the stud may comprise the first engagement formation such that the stud comprises the teeth that engage with apertures are on the stud. It shall be understood by the skilled addressee that the first vector component and the second vector component may be any suitable magnitude for facilitating engagement with the stud aperture. It shall be understood by the skilled addressee that the nub portion of the tooth may be any suitable shape for engaging with the stud aperture. It shall be understood by the skilled addressee the first and second lips can extend at any angle suitable for stopping the movement on the stud. Further, the above embodiments have been described in relation to a single section of stud/track. It shall be understood by the skilled addressee that the stud or track could comprise any number of sections periodically repeated.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has”, and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
The disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. It will be understood that the architectural and operational embodiments described herein are exemplary of a plurality of possible arrangements to provide the same general features, characteristics, and general system operation. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007354.0 | May 2020 | GB | national |
This application is a Bypass Continuation Application which claims priority to PCT International Application No. PCT/GB2021/051199, filed May 18, 2021, and entitled “Stud and Track,” which claims priority to GB 2007354.0, filed May 18, 2020, the disclosures of each of these applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/GB2021/051199 | May 2021 | US |
| Child | 18057101 | US |
