1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of wall framing and particularly to specific areas and jobs of framing that the ordinary “C” stud has a problem doing or can not do physically.
2. Background Information
Presently, the art of wall framing systems is rendered inefficient in several respects. Many of these inefficiencies arise from the limitations of the standard “C” stud as well as other prior art studs and/or stud systems. At the present time, the standard “C” stud is designed to make straight walls 4½″ thick with only metal electrical conduit running through it. The standard “C” stud system needs special studs and tools to complete most framing projects.
These are the non-exclusive framing areas in which the standard “C” stud must have special studs/studding and/or tools on the job site in order to properly frame them, namely: A) sound proofing the walls; B) creating curves laterally (horizontally); C) creating curves vertically; D) creating curves both laterally and vertically at the same time; E) creating 2½ finished walls wherein wires can be run and at the same time be sound proof; F) creating any thickness walls that can curve or angle or go straight independent of the other side of the wall; G) create remodeled walls that an be extended to make contact with both the floor and the ceiling; H) create braces and supports easily; I) easily install wires after the wall has been completed; J) fur-out walls only using 2″ of floor space and still run electrically wires; K) install 1½″ drain lines in the standard 4½″ thick walls; L) run electrical, pipes, computer, security, sound and telephone through the chases in the wall; M) easily attach rough-in fixtures to the interior of the walls using only zip ties; and N) creating bulkheads and unusual wall configurations.
It is thus apparent from the above that there is a need for a stud and/or stud system that can perform the above framing tasks.
It is thus further apparent from the above that there is a need for a stud and/or stud system that can accomplish the fourteen jobs set forth above.
It is thus even further apparent from the above that there is a need for a stud and/or stud system that can accomplish at least the fourteen jobs set forth above.
The present invention is a framing unit having universal framing applications that can complete all of the fourteen framing tasks listed above—both as a framing stud and a framing plate or track. The universal framing unit is smaller in width and depth than a full dimension framing stud (i.e. one that spans the entire depth of a wall or partition) and includes a slot configuration on both ends thereof. The present universal framing unit provides flexibility in manipulation thus providing flexibility in framing.
The universal framing unit is formed from a single piece of metal as a three-wall member having a front wall, a first lateral wall, and a second lateral wall. The first lateral wall is continuous with a first lateral side of the front wall via a first curved transition so as to be generally perpendicular to the front wall, while the second lateral wall is continuous with a second lateral side of the front wall via a second curved transition so as to be generally perpendicular to the front wall. A first slot is formed in the first curved transition and extends from a first end of the universal framing unit a first length along the first curved transition. A second slot is formed in the second curved transition and extends from the first end of the universal framing unit a second length along the second curved transition. Preferably, but not necessarily, the second end of the universal framing unit has the same first and second slot configurations in the first and second curved transitions.
The first and second slots of one or both ends of the universal framing unit are preferably, but not necessarily, wider at the end(s) of the framing unit to provide configured slots (see e.g.
In one form, the universal framing unit as a framing stud is much smaller than standard studs, measuring 1½″ one direction and 1″ in the other direction but comes in the same lengths that standard studs come in (e.g. eight and ten feet). In the middle of the 1½″ side and at each end of the universal unit is preferably, but not necessarily, a pre-drilled hole (see, e.g.
Additionally, along at least one of the hemmed sides, holes are preferably, but not necessarily, placed in intervals (e.g. every foot) to allow the use of zip ties at multiple heights (see, e.g.
The universal framing unit also doubles as the framing tracks or plates for itself for framing (i.e. the universal framing unit can be both a framing stud and a framing plate for universal framing).
The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures.
A detailed description of the features, functions and/or configuration of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated, however, that not all of the features of the components of the figures may be necessarily described in detail. Some of these non discussed features as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration.
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated herein and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the principles of the invention being contemplated as would occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
A multitude of framing and/or bracing jobs are solved by having the present universal framing/bracing (collectively, framing) unit on the job site. A framing system utilizing the universal framing unit includes just one type of unit that doubles as a stud and as a plate or track—i.e. the present universal framing unit. The universal framing unit has two flanged sides with mended edges and slots at each end that provides connection to a base plate. These slots are used to interlock the universal framing units as studs over the universal framing units as plates. At each end of the universal stud/plate is a hole pre-drilled to make attachment of the universal stud/plate to one another with ease and to create tight joints. Along one of the flanged sides pre-drilled holes are placed/situated every certain interval such as 12″ for ease of attachment of pipes and the like and wires (see, e.g.
When the universal framing units as studs are used with either a universal framing units as a plate or a standard plate, there is a dead air space created within the walls and no studs touching both inner sides of the walls. This both creates a chase in every wall to run wires, pipes, conduit and/or the like and with the dead air space forms a block for sound to travel in between the two walls (see, e.g.
The present universal framing unit provides easy construction and method of creation of curved frames and/or bracing with the universal framing unit either horizontally (laterally), vertically or both. To curve a wall horizontally, the universal framing units that are to be used for the plates are placed on the floor next to the desired curve drawn on the floor. The plate is cut more often if the curve is sharper and less for longer bends. For every needed bend in the bottom plate, a ¼″ piece of one of the sides is removed and the bottom is cut to the far side. The far side that was not cut is bent to match the curve. The top plate is cut to match the bottom plate but in the mirror image. The universal framing units as studs are placed with one or more thereof purely flat on and with respect to the plates. To curve the vertical walls, simply cut both sides of the universal framing stud opposite each other and bend the stud to match the desired curve (see, e.g.
The present universal framing unit provides ease of use in conjunction with a standard dimensioned “C” stud and its plate. Because in one form the universal framing unit is only 1″ deep and the plate is 3½″ deep, in applications where walls are desired on adjacent sides of the standard “C” framing, the use of two universal framing studs still leaves a 1½″ distance between the edges of the lateral sides of the universal framing studs and the front faces (or interior wall surfaces) through which pipes, wires and the like can be run. This space or area can also provide sound proofing as well as provide other attributes and/or uses.
The present invention provides ease of which the universal framing unit can be cut, bent and re-enforced to make framing and/or bracing for walls. Because the sides of the present universal framing unit are hemmed, they allow for the universal framing unit as studs to be cut much easier than standard “C” studs can be cut and is much smaller allowing framing/bracing to be fit into cramped areas (see, e.g.
The present universal framing unit can create a soundproof wall, can run wire through it, and does it all within 2½″ with finished ½″ drywall on both sides. The universal framing unit/stud/track or plate is only 1″ deep and as long as the studs are not placed opposite each other, the void area is ½″. The ½″ area becomes dead air space and the chase for wiring.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a universal framing unit wall can be assembled on the floor and raised up, assembled with tracks/plates in place first, and in cramped areas. It also can be expanded to meet ceilings to make tight walls in between ceilings and floors. The way that the present universal framing unit as a stud slides over the universal framing units as a plate to allow the universal framing studs to stay in one spot and they only need to be screwed together when the wall is in place. Moreover, because the universal framing stud slides over the plate, the universal framing studs can be raised up before they are screwed together; thus expanding the whole wall (see, e.g.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the universal framing unit can be used to create walls to fur out next to walls, fur around pipes, create chases in walls, and create walls that have two different profiles from one side to the other side. Because the depth of the universal framing unit as a stud is just 1½″ instead of the typical 3½″ stud, floor space is usable that would normally be lost under the wall (see, e.g.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the universal framing unit can be cut easily, fabricated and/or ordered in specific lengths for things such as creating bulkheads. Also, the universal framing unit's ability to connect to itself makes it easy to create long walls or bulkheads that interlock without special bracketing. When creating a shorter wall or bulkhead, the universal framing unit as a stud is cut to length and the original end is slid over the plate with desired spacing. The other cut end is slid under the top plate or if ordered to length, slid over the plate with the slot and screwed off or fastened (see, e.g.
Referring in particular to
As shown in
A slot 8 is disposed in the first bend or curved transition 98 between the first lateral wall 2 and the front wall 3 and extends a distance corresponding roughly to the height of a track side of a track embodiment (15) of the present universal framing unit from an end of the unit. Here the slot distance is 1″, but may be more or less as desired. The end of the lateral wall 2 is preferably, but not necessarily, clipped, cut or notched on a slant to provide an angle 7. This provides a wider opening to the slot 8 proximate the end of the unit than distal the end of the unit. The first slot 8 thus spans between the front wall 1 and the first lateral wall 2 since the first slot 8 is in the corner (in the curved transition 98) between the front and first lateral walls 1, 2. In like manner, a slot 10 is disposed in the second bend or curved transition 99 between the second lateral wall 4 and the front wall 3 and extends a distance corresponding roughly to the height of a track side of a track embodiment (15) of the present universal framing unit from an end of the unit. Here the slot distance is 1″, but may be more or less as desired. The end of the lateral wall 4 is preferably, but not necessarily, clipped, cut or notched on a slant to provide an angle 9. This provides a wider opening to the slot 10 proximate the end of the unit than distal the end of the unit. The second slot 10 thus spans between the front wall 1 and the second lateral wall 4 since the second slot 10 is in the corner (in the curved transition 99) between the front and second lateral walls 1, 4. Preferably, but not necessarily, both ends of the framing unit 13 are configured in this manner.
Various holes 11 as set forth herein are provided in the walls 2, 3, 4 of the universal framing unit 13. Additionally, the edge of the wall 2 includes a mend or hem 5 (i.e. is folded over), while the edge of the wall 4 also includes a mend or hem 6 (i.e. is folded over).
Subfigure B shows the universal framing unit 13 formed from the bending or folding of the configured blank 1. The universal framing unit 13 thus defines a three-sided or walled rectangular conduit or frame member. Subfigure C shows the universal framing unit as a stud 13 situated on a universal framing unit as a track 15. The track 15 includes all of the features of the present universal framing unit at one or both of its ends or may be considered a modified universal framing unit with only one of its ends the same. The universal framing unit as the stud 13 is situated onto the edge of the universal framing unit as the track 15 by having the slots 8 and 10 receive the edge of the track 15 whereby an end portion of the front side 3 is outside of the track side and is secured thereto via a screw 17 or other fastening device. The walls 4 and 2 extend only a portion of the depth of the track such that a space is defined between the edges 5, 6 of the lateral walls 2, 4 of the stud 13.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/190,305 filed Aug. 12, 2008 now abandoned entitled “Universal Stud” which was a continuation of now abandoned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/199,502 filed Aug. 9, 2005 entitled “Universal Stud” which claims, and thus this application claims, the benefit of and/or priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/591,371 entitled “Universal Stud” the entire contents of all of which is specifically incorporated herein by this reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20100275548 A1 | Nov 2010 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 11199502 | Aug 2005 | US |
Child | 12190305 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 12190305 | Aug 2008 | US |
Child | 12834064 | US |