Patent Application
20180195300
The present invention relates to stud spacers. Specifically, the present invention contemplates a stud spacer having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is configured to selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position along a rod slidably engaged with a channel disposed within the first portion.
Many professionals, such as construction workers, must install studs on framing centers of walls on a regular basis. Frequently, properly installing studs on frames can be difficult and frustrating, as studs may slip along the frame during the installation process, leading to improperly aligned studs. In order to ensure proper alignment of studs, individuals must employ additional tools, such as tape measures and pencils, to mark desired measurements between studs during installation. Frequently, these measurements are inaccurate or difficult to see, leading to additional difficulty in properly installing aligned studs within a frame. Furthermore, should these measurements vary between the upper and lower portions of the frame, studs will be installed at an undesired angle. Therefore, there exists a need for a device that affixes to a frame the ensure proper distance and alignment between adjacent studs.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing stud spacers. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of stud spacers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a stud spacer wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when installing adjacent studs within a wall at set distances from each other while maintaining a parallel orientation.
The present system comprises an elongated bar having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion comprises at least one channel therein. At least one rod extends perpendicularly away from an interior surface of the second portion, wherein the rod is slidably engaged with the channel such that the second portion is configured to selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position. A linear distance between a first end of the elongated bar and a second end of the elongated bar is greater when the second portion is in the extended position. The elongated bar further comprises at least one fastener disposed on a lower side thereof. In some embodiments, a handle is disposed on an upper side of the elongated bar. In another embodiment, at least one securing member extends through an upper side of the elongated bar into the channel, wherein the securing member is configured to secure the rod in a desired position along the channel via friction fit when the securing member is actuated. In other embodiments, indicia are disposed along the rod, wherein the indicia are configured to indicate the linear distance when the indicia is aligned with an interior side of the first portion. In yet another embodiment, a pair of rods extend from the interior surface and slidably engage with an opposing pair of channels, such that the pair of rods prevent rotation of the second portion about a longitudinal axis of the elongated bar.
A method of installing adjacent studs using the present system comprises providing a stud spacer having a first portion and a second portion configured to selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position, removably securing a first stud within a frame, placing a first end of the stud spacer flush against the first stud, removably securing the stud spacer to a lower portion of the frame via a fastener disposed on a lower side of the stud spacer, extending the second portion such that a linear distance between the first end and a second end of the stud spacer is a desired distance between a pair of studs, placing a second stud flush against the second end, and removably securing the second stud to the frame. In some embodiments, the method further comprises removably securing a second stud spacer to an upper portion of the frame, wherein the second stud spacer is extended to the desired distance between a pair of studs. In another embodiment, the method further comprises placing the second stud flush against the second stud spacer, such that the second stud is perpendicular to the lower portion and the upper portion of the frame.
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the stud spacer. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to
As shown in
In the illustrated embodiments, the stud spacer 11 further comprises at least one securing member 23 disposed therein. The securing member 23 is configured to extend through the upper side 21 and into the channel 15, such that the securing member 23 can affix the rod 16 in a desired position within the channel 15 via friction fit when the securing member 23 is actuated. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing member 23 comprises a thumb screw in threaded engagement with the stud spacer 11, however alternate securing methods are contemplated, such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, ball detent mechanisms, and the like. A plurality of securing members 23 can be used to provide frictional securement along the rod 16 in multiple locations, further preventing the rod 16 from moving within the channel 15. In this way, the stud spacer 11 can be adjusted in length and secured at a desired length, such that the stud spacer 11 maintains the desired length throughout the installation process. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 14 further comprises additional securing members 23 extending towards the rod 16, wherein the second portion 14 is movable along the rod 16, such that the securing members 23 can secure the second portion 14 in various positions along the rod 16 via friction fit. In this way, the stud spacer 11 is capable of increased adjustability.
Referring now to
Referring now to
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/444,662 filed on Jan. 10, 2017. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62444662 | Jan 2017 | US |
