Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level – Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-10
2003-05-27
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
C052S656100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06568138
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to the wall framing art and, more particularly, to an improved system for positioning and securely, but removably, holding studs in place along a receiver, such as a U-shaped channel, track, or the like, to form a framing section.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent decades, a concern has arisen over the excessive exploitation of natural resources such as timber. One way of conserving such resources is to form framing sections for use in buildings of studs and corresponding channel or track members fabricated of metal. In addition to being competitive with wood in terms of cost, metal also provides the advantage of being relatively stronger per unit of weight, easier to form into various shapes, and less susceptible to damage, such as by fire or insect infestations.
Despite these advantages, providing an easy and efficient manner of constructing a framing section using metal studs and channels on-site has been a problem. Mechanical fasteners such as self-tapping screws or staples were employed in the past, but these have proven difficult and time-consuming to use, which of course increases the installation cost. Another problem with such fasteners is that the installer must precisely determine and mark the locations for positioning the studs on the channels prior to installation.
Others in the past have sought to overcome these shortcomings by providing structures projecting from the sidewalls of each opposed channel or track that automatically engage the corresponding ends of the studs. An example is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,335 to Petrecca, which discloses a framing section formed of a pair of opposed channels, each having opposing rows of spaced, inwardly projecting dimples. Sets of four of the spaced dimples on each channel engage and capture the ends of corresponding studs in a vertical position. However, stability against rotation is a problem, since the single point of contact made with each dimple does not reliably prevent the stud from shifting or rotating.
In an effort to overcome this limitation, U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,665 to Johnson proposes forming arcuate protrusions in the channel sidewalls that nest in correspondingly shaped recesses formed in a stud. While this arrangement seemingly overcomes the primary shortcoming of the Petrecca framing section, other limitations remain. Specifically, in the Johnson framing section, the stud is difficult, if not impossible, to remove once installed, since the sidewalls of the channel must be bent outwardly to release the nested arcuate protrusion from the corresponding recess. When an installer inadvertently installs a stud incorrectly and must change its position, or if the location of a door or window is moved prior to covering the frame with drywall sheeting or the like, this arrangement creates an obviously undesirable situation in terms of both efficiency and cost.
Accordingly, a need is identified for an improved system for forming framing sections using metal members, such as studs and corresponding pairs of receivers in the form of U-shaped tracks or channels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a framing system and related framing section assembly. The system includes at least one first member, which is preferably a U-shaped track or channel, that receives at least one second member, such as a stud. To eliminate any tendency for rotation or lateral shifting, the stud is captured on or held between one or more protrusions projecting inwardly from the opposed sidewalls of the receiver. Advantageously, these protrusions securely, but releasably, hold the corresponding end of each stud in place in the receiver. Thus, the stud may be easily removed after installation, if necessary, without permanently deforming or otherwise damaging the corresponding portion of the receiver.
To form a framing section assembly using this system, two opposed receivers are provided for engaging and supporting each end of a plurality of studs. To permit variable positioning of the studs in the receivers, a plurality of spaced protrusions or pairs of vertically spaced protrusions are provided in each receiver. The protrusions may be equidistantly spaced at frequent intervals to allow for variable positioning of the studs, which promotes flexibility. Also, one or more distinctive surface indicia may be provided on the receivers at certain conventional spacing intervals allow the installer to easily position each stud. Overall, a much improved framing section assembly is provided using the system of the present invention, especially in terms of cost and ease of installation.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a framing system is provided and comprises at least one first framing member having at least one first protrusion formed in a first sidewall thereof and at least one second protrusion formed in a second sidewall thereof. Each of the protrusions includes a substantially continuous and unbroken outer surface relative to each of the sidewalls. At least one second framing member includes at least one first aperture formed in a first sidewall. This aperture receives the corresponding first protrusion in a snap-fit engagement, while at least one second aperture formed in a second sidewall of this second framing member receives the second protrusion, also in a snap-fit engagement.
In one embodiment, the at least one first framing member comprises a first substantially U-shaped receiver and the at least one second framing member comprises a stud. The stud includes a first end having the first and second apertures formed therein. This first end corresponds to the first U-shaped receiver, which includes first and second sidewalls. The sidewalls in both the receiver and the stud are opposed.
The framing system further includes a second U-shaped receiver having at least one first protrusion formed in a first sidewall thereof and at least one second protrusion formed in a second sidewall thereof. At least one stud further includes first and second apertures at a second end for receiving the corresponding protrusions in the opposed sidewalls of the second U-shaped receiver in snap-fit engagement.
In one particular embodiment, the second U-shaped receiver includes a first sidewall and an opposed second sidewall. Also, each of the first and second receivers includes a plurality of the first protrusions projecting from each first sidewall thereof and a plurality of the second protrusions projecting from each second sidewall thereof. The protrusions on each sidewall are spaced apart and substantially aligned in a horizontal plane.
To form the framing section in this embodiment, a plurality of the studs are provided for engaging the first and second receivers. Specifically, each stud includes a first end having first and second apertures formed in the opposed sidewalls thereof and a second end, also including first and second apertures formed in the opposed sidewalls thereof. Each aperture in each end of the stud engages a corresponding one of the protrusions in the opposed sidewalls of the first and second U-shaped receivers to form the framing section.
In another embodiment, the framing system also includes a second U-shaped receiver, but this receiver, as well as the first U-shaped receiver, each include a plurality of vertically spaced and aligned pairs of protrusions projecting from each opposed sidewall thereof. To form the framing section in this embodiment of the system, a plurality of the studs are provided. Each stud includes first and second pairs of vertically aligned and spaced apertures formed in the opposed sidewalls at each end thereof. These apertures are sized for receiving the corresponding pairs of protrusions in each of the first and second receivers in a snap-fit engagement.
Each of the protrusions formed in the sidewalls of each of the receivers, whether alone or in vertically spaced and aligned pairs, are preferably spaced apart an equal distance. This distance is preferably selected from the group consisting of 12, 2, 16, a
Frost Gordon James
Kilmer Steven Lee
Reed John Mack
Dottavio James J.
Eckert Inger H.
Exterior Systems, Inc.
Gasaway Maria C.
Safavi Michael
LandOfFree
Framing system and related framing section assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Framing system and related framing section assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Framing system and related framing section assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3037655