Adjustable framing stud spacing means

Info

Publication number: 20050055952
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 19, 2004
Publication Date: Mar 17, 2005
Inventor: Todd McGonigal (Bordentown, NJ)
Application Number: 10/922,658

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for providing a planar surface against which a wall, ceiling or floor-making surface can be applied. Most commonly sheetrock will be nailed or screwed to the surface provided by the fixture. The apparatus of this invention provides a means for providing a planar surface when utilized with wall construction components such as natural wood studs which often are irregularly shaped and not straight. The apparatus can be adjustable for variations in the profile, contour or angle of the planar surface to which the sheetrock or other similar construction panel needs to be made.

Description

Description

This patent application claims priority based upon U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/499,757 filed Sep. 3, 2003 on a Stud Plumbing Apparatus filed by applicant, Todd McGonigal, and currently pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention deals with the field of construction most generally. In construction usually a plurality of studs are positioned at regular intervals of usually 16 inches apart from one another to define an overall flat or planar surface against which walls, panels, floors or ceilings are secured. The present invention is most particularly usable for walls wherein sheetrock or paneling is secured directly thereto and when used with such vertically extending planar surfaces, the construction panels when attached need to be plumb or perpendicularly oriented with respect to the ground or floor area.

In order to provide a firm manner of securement of the sheetrock it is preferable that the end of the stud facing inwardly into the room be located in a common plane with the ends of all the other nearby studs forming the support structure for a wall formed by a construction panel being secured extending thereacross. In this manner a means of forming a wall surface by securing the sheetrock thereto is provided.

Usually such studs are made from relatively inexpensive wood products which have a tendency to be somewhat irregular in shape. Also they may not be dried fully and can cup or twist even after placed as a wall support structure. That is, they may still include a substantially large content of pulp or moisture therewithin and as they dry such studs tend to change shape and deviate sometimes significantly from their overall rectangular cross-section or deviate from true straightness. This is particularly enhanced because of the fact that since such wood is hidden behind walls after construction is completed they are normally formed of relatively inexpensive wood. Such wood tends to have more imperfections than more expensive hardwoods. Such studs are normally made of spruce or fir or other inexpensive but structurally soft woods.

The present invention provides a means for maintaining a constantly even plane amongst the inwardly facing edges of all studs forming the securement surface for sheetrock which defines a wall in a room.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Many devices or aids have been utilized for the purpose of wall construction some of which maintain perpendicularity of the wall with respect to the floor, others of which maintain proper spacing between the studs, others which maintain the vertical plane of the wall. Examples of such patents are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,686,959 patented Aug. 24, 1954 to W. C. Robinson on a “Spacing Tool”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,201,874 patented Aug. 24, 1965 to D. F. Christy on a “Self-Positioning Stud Spacing Gauge”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,047,352 patented Sep. 13, 1977 to L. E. Sweet on a “Bridging Clip For Truss Joists”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,237,614 patented Dec. 9, 1980 to J. R. Williams on an “Adjustable Locator For Furring Strips”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,420,921 patented Dec. 20, 1983 to I. H. Hardin on a “Building Spacer”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,908 patented Mar. 13, 1984 to P. M. Semler, Jr. on an “Offset, Extendable, Quick-Release Plumbness Indicating Apparatus”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,527,337 patented Jul. 9, 1985 to C. F. Dreiling on a “Framing Stud Template”; and United States Design Patent No. Des.290,236 patented Jun. 9, 1987 to F. A. Custine on a “Floor Joint And Stud Installation Gauge”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,726 patented Jul. 4, 1989 to J. E. Ward on a “Stud Alignment And Positioning Tool”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,250 patented Oct. 8, 1991 to R. E. Foss and assigned to E-Z Shim, Inc. on a “Flexible Window Shim Assembly”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,233 patented Nov. 17, 1992 to S. G. Benson on a “Stud Alignment Tool”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,310 patented Sep. 2, 1997 to S. L. Carson on a “Stud Adjuster Apparatus”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,795 patented Jun. 23, 1998 to L. K. Jimenez on a “Stud Template”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,546 patented Jun. 22, 1999 to J. W. Kuchenbrod et al and assigned to Flight-X Corporation on a “Stud Alignment Tool And Method Of Use”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,554 patented Oct. 5, 1999 to B. F. Kamykowski on a “Stud Layout Template”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,531 patented Aug. 17, 1999 to T. D. Menk et al on an “Adjustable Spacing Tool”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,336 patented Jun. 6, 2000 to R. D. Rodgers on a “Framing Tool”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,528 patented May 8, 2001 to P. R. Billings and assigned to Donna Maree Billings on a “Clamping/Shaping Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,908 patented May 7, 2002 to J. A. Fisher on a “Stud Setting Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,859 patented May 14, 2002 to R. T. Varney and assigned to T&S Products, Inc. on a “Tool For Simultaneously Spacing, Positioning, And Aligning Construction Materials, And Method Of Using Same”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,501 patented Jun. 18, 2002 to J. M. Cerrato on a “Shimless-Shim Jamb Mounting Assembly”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,695 patented Jul. 16, 2002 to L. R. Daudet et al and assigned to Aegis Metal Framing LLC on a “Building Component Spacer Brace”; and United States Design Patent No. D463,575 patented Sep. 24, 2002 to L. R. Dadudet et al and assigned to Dietrich Industries, Inc. on a “Spacer Bar”.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a uniquely configured design wherein an adjustable framing stud spacing means can be secured to a stud in order to define a face plate which is movably securable with respect to a stud such that it cooperates therewith to define a planar securement surface which is aligned with respect to adjacent similar surfaces or similar studs to provide an overall flat plane to which sheetrock or other construction panels can be secured for providing a wall surface structurally.

The apparatus includes two side panels positionable on either side of the wide faces of the studs which can be detached thereto at various locations in order to compensate for a framing stud which is somewhat irregularly shaped or which curls or checks either before or after being secured in the overall wall construction.

Since the position of the face plate of the spacing means of the present invention can be adjusted with respect to a framing stud through an infinite number of positions, the face plate will be oriented such that it is perfectly planar with the adjacent framing studs which will define the planar surface for forming a floor or ceiling or, most particularly, a wall surface.

In use, normally the fixture of the present invention will be secured either at the uppermost or lowermost location such that the face plate is spaced from the stud such that it is planar with the adjacent surrounding studs that form the wall, floor or ceiling surface. Once positioned then a measurement is taken in order to be sure that the face plate itself is aligned with the adjacent framing studs to form a planar support surface. For walls this measurement assures that the studs defining the wall understructure are all plumb such that the final wall formed when sheetrock is attached extending thereof is perfectly perpendicularly oriented with respect to the floor. This planar support surface is achieved by pivoting the opposite or opposite non-secured end until the face plate is perfectly aligned in a plane with supporting surfaces of the surrounding framing studs. Once the face plate of the spacing means of the present invention is properly aligned, then the user will insert nails, screws or in any other manner, in order to affix the side panels to the adjacently positioned stud faces which will firmly hold the face plate in proper position and in this manner provide a perfectly planar surface against which large sheets of construction panels such as sheetrock or paneling can be secured. Such sheets are normally sheetrock or other similar panels commonly sold in 4′×8′, 4′10′, 4′×12′ or even larger sheets.

The manner of attachment of the sheetrock to the face plate will be screws directly thereinto. Alternatively, nails could be driven therein. In either case the material of the face plate is chosen such that it can be easily penetrated by these fasteners in order to affix or secure the wall material thereto. With this design, fasteners of extended length could be utilized to be assured that the mounting screw or nail that extends through the sheetrock will perforate the face plate of the present spacing apparatus and, also, preferably extend into the stud itself which is spaced inwardly therefrom at certain locations.

Also it is preferable that apertures be defined in both side panels to facilitate the securement directly to the framing studs. Normally these apertures are formed by laterally punching through the side panels. These holes are normally punched in an inward direction such that the protruding material or flashing remaining from the extra material left after punching the hole will extend inwardly and aid in the preliminary affixing of the side panels relative to the faces of the stud prior to driving a threaded fastener therethrough. Thus, the burrs extending inwardly from punching of the apertures in the sides panels will provide a preliminary or temporary means of retaining the side panels in position relative to a framing stud when initially placed therebetween. These burrs will drag along the wood fibers as the spacing means and the face plate thereof are adjusted such that the face plate aligns with the adjacent framing stud supporting surfaces.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable framing stud spacing means which has a minimum number of moving parts.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable framing stud spacing means of limited cost to easily correct lack of true shape in a construction stud.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable framing stud spacing means which can be easily made of metal or other material.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable framing stud spacing means which requires no maintenance.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable framing stud spacing means which can be quickly and easily installed over a stud which is not true or not planar with respect to the adjacent surfaces.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable framing stud spacing means which can easily provide a mounting surface which is co-planar with adjacent studs or adjacent walls or floors or ceilings for a stud that is not of a perfect shape.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable framing stud spacing means which can be adjustably positional secured to a stud to always provide a secure mounting surface therealong for securement of wall forming materials such as sheetrock or paneling thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the invention is particularly pointed out in the concluding portions herein, a preferred embodiment is set forth in the following detailed description which may be best understood when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention showing an adjustable framing stud spacing means attached to an adjacent stud;

FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side plan view showing an embodiment of the adjustable framing stud spacing means of the present invention secured to a stud generally;

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the adjustable framing stud spacing means shown in FIG. 4 attached to a stud which is inclined away from the room surface in the lower portion thereof;

FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the adjustable framing stud spacing means shown in FIG. 5 attached to a stud which is inclined away from the room surface in the upper portion thereof;

FIG. 7 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention shown positioned over a stud which includes a recessed or depressed central portion;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along lines 8-8; and

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an embodiment of an adjustable framing stud spacing means of the present invention showing the innermost and outermost positioning of a stud within the stud gripping zone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides an adjustable framing stud spacing means or stud plumbing apparatus 10 having a face plate 12 which faces outwardly therefrom to define a plane perpendicular to adjacent wall, ceiling or floor structures which can be oriented perpendicular thereto in order to provide a planar mounting surface for sheetrock 40 or other similar wall board.

The adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 includes a first return section 14 and a second return section 16 extending rearwardly from the face plate 12 back toward side panels. A first side panel 18 extends outwardly from the first return section 14 and a second side panel 20 extends rearwardly from the second return section 16. The first and second side panels 18 and 20 usually extend parallel with respect to one another and are normally spaced approximately equal to the width of a stud such as to be capable of being placed extending therearound. Preferably the first and second side panels 18 and 20 are made of flexibly resilient materials such as metal and are spaced apart slightly less than the lateral dimension of the stud in order to facilitate gripping thereof when place therebetween in the stud gripping zone 72.

Stud 22 is normally made from a conventional wood or similar material and includes four faces to define an overall rectangular shape. Studs 22 include an inner stud end face 24 as well as an outer stud end face 26 opposite and approximately parallel thereto. Stud 22 also is defined by a first stud side surface 28 and a second stud side surface 30. Such studs 22 are often called 2×4's, however by convention they are sized somewhat less. That is, the lateral dimension of the inner stud end face 24 and the outer stud end face 26 normally is approximately {fraction (1/2)}″ inches which is ½″ shorter than the 2″ claimed dimension. Similarly the lateral width of the first stud side face 28 and the second stud side face 30 is approximately 3½″ which is approximately {fraction (1/2)}″ less than the advertised 4″ dimension. Thus, a 2″×4″ stud is normally actually ½″ by 3½″ by carpenters' convention. It should also be appreciated that the present invention is usable with various different sizes of studs. For example, in older houses 2″×4″ studs are a full 2″ by 4″ or can be even heavier. The present invention can have the appropriate adjustments in sizes while maintaining the proportions of the sizes of the parts to be usable with a 2″×4″ stud, a narrower stud or a significantly wider and/or deeper framing stud.

These studs are normally arranged regularly spaced from one another to define planar surfaces used for supporting walls, ceilings or floors where a construction panel such as sheetrock 40 is secured extending thereover. The present invention is particularly usable when used with such studs 22 arranged to form a wall surface. With this configuration the inner stud end face 24 will face inwardly toward the inner portion of the wall whereas the outer stud end face 26 will be positioned within the wall and does not present a useful surface normally. The first stud side face 28 will extend from the inner stud end face 24 to the outer stud end face 26 along one side thereof and the second stud side face 30 will extend between these stud ends 24 and 26 on the opposite side thereof. Thus the inner stud end face 24 and the outer stud end face 26 will be approximately parallel with respect to one another and approximately perpendicular with respect to the first stud side face 28 and the second stud side face 30. Again, side faces 28 and 30 are approximately parallel to one another.

Ideally such studs 22 are configured with planar faces and accurate dimensions. However, since such framing studs 22 are usually made from a naturally occurring material such as wood, these dimensions sometimes vary and the straightness of such studs 22 can vary significantly. For that reason it is difficult at times to provide a truly planar surface against which sheetrock 40 can be attached to form wall surfaces without providing gaps between the inner stud end faces 24 and the rear face of the sheetrock 40. As such, the present invention provides an adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 which is attachable extending over the inner stud end face 24 and replaces this inner stud end face 24 for the purpose of defining the initial engagement surface for sheetrock fasteners 42 which will extend through the sheetrock 40 into the face plate 12 of the adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 and optionally further inwardly therefrom into the material of the inner stud end face 24.

The adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 will be attached with respect to the stud 22 by the means of penetrating fasteners 32. A plurality of first side apertures or holes 34 will be defined in the first stud side face 28 and a plurality of second side apertures or holes 36 will be defined in the second stud side face 30 for the purpose of receiving fasteners extending therethrough. These fasteners will have the capability of attaching the first side panel 18 of the adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 at various locations relative to the first stud side face 28. Similarly the second side apertures 36 defined in the second side panel 20 will have the ability to vary the relative positioning between the second side panel 20 and the second stud side face 30. This secured position can be varied in order to define the face plate 12 in a perfectly planar position, that is, in a plane usually perpendicularly oriented with respect to the adjacent wall, floor or ceiling structure and in an aligned planar position with respect to adjacently positioned framing studs within the same wall or similar panel.

When utilizing the apparatus of the present invention it should be appreciated that most studs 22 will be straight and will not require an adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 secured thereto. Thus, the inner stud end face 24 of most of the studs 22 will comprise the securement surface for attaching the sheetrock fasteners 42 thereinto. However, some studs will be warped in various manners relative to the plane of the desired construction surface or will include checking or twisting in such a manner that the inner stud end face 24 is so far from the proper planar position that it will be preferable to provide a new and truer securement surface. As such this stud will receive the adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 of the present invention secured thereto. A carpenter or construction craftsman will normally identify a particular stud 22 which requires use of the spacer apparatus. The spacer apparatus 10 will be placed thereon by positioning of the first side panel 18 thereof extending over the first stud side face 28 and by positioning of the second side panel 20 extending over the second stud side face 30. The approximate position of one end normally the upper end of the face plate 12 will be chosen. On that end, which is normally the upper end, the positioning of the face plate 12 will be approximated to a point even with the proper vertical plumb position. Once this positioning is chosen the penetrating fasteners 32 such as nails or screws can be driven through the first side apertures 34 and the second side apertures 36 at the uppermost portion of the first side panel 18 and the second side panel 20. Next it is necessary to adjust the position of the lower portion thereof for maintaining the face plate 12 planar to the surrounding framing studs. As such, the user will then adjust the position of the lower end of the face plate 12 by moving the lower portion of the spacing apparatus 10 either toward the stud 22 or away therefrom as necessary in order to make the lower adjustable portion of the face plate 12 planar with respect to the fixed upper portion of the face plate 12. Once the face plate 12 is deemed by the carpenter to be properly positioned then the fasteners 32 will be nailed or screwed through the first side apertures 34 through the lower openings of the first side apertures 34 into the first stud side face 28 and the fasteners will be secured through the lowermost of the second side apertures 36 into the second stud side face 30. In this manner the positioning of the entire adjustable framing stud spacing means apparatus 10 will then be fixedly secured with respect to the stud 22 and a planar outer supporting face plate 12 will be provided in alignment with the supporting surfaces of adjacent framing studs. This adjustable feature of the spacing apparatus 10 of the present invention is a unique advantage in view of the fact that it presents a securement surface which is easily made planar with respect to surrounding support structures and adjacent studs.

In FIG. 3 the sheetrock fasteners 42 are shown at various levels of penetration. The two outer fasteners show the nails positioned extending through the sheetrock 40 and through the face plate 12 of the apparatus 10 and further inwardly extending due to their length through the inner stud end face 24 into the stud 22 for firm securement. While this is the preferred configuration it is also possible that a firm securement can be provided by an attachment such as shown by the central fixedly located nail or fastener 42 which extends through the sheetrock 40 into the face plate 12 only and does not penetrate to a sufficient depth to extend into the stud 22. Since the face plate 12 is of a metallic material it will provide a secure means of affixing thereto despite not extending completely into the stud 22. Another position for the sheetrock fastener is shown in the alternative sheetrock fastener 44 which also can provide firm securement in those situations where the sheetrock fastener 44 is driven through a position not in alignment with the stud itself but still in alignment with the face plate 12. This is shown by nail 44 which will be securely held in place since it can extend not only through the face plate 12 but also through the first return section 14 as shown in FIG. 3 or the second return section 16. In either of those situations the more firm securement of the sheetrock fastener 44 is achieved since it extends through the material of the adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 at two locations both in the face plate 12 and in the return sections 14 or 16. In this manner the adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 of the present invention also provides a much wider target area or sweet spot for receiving fasteners secured thereinto. Normally the target for penetrating sheetrock fasteners 42 or 44 is merely the {fraction (1/2)}″ width of the inner stud face 24 of stud 22. However the present invention can provide a significantly wider target equal to the entire width of the face plate 12 which can be as wide as 2½″ or even greater.

In the figures, FIG. 4 shows the apparatus 10 used with a standardly positioned stud which perhaps might be recessed slightly from the desired plane of the wall and therefore the spacing apparatus 10 can move such that the face plate 12 is positioned spatially outwardly from the inner stud end face 24 equally therealong. This would be the use for a particular framing stud that is mispositioned by being positioned too far deeply into the wall.

FIG. 5, however, shows a different problem with the stud 22 wherein it is angled with the lower portion extending too far into the wall in the upper portion approximately equal to the proper plumb position. With this design the spacing apparatus 10 of the present invention will be secured with an increased space near the lower portion thereof to equalize and assure planar positioning of the face plate 12. The opposite position is depicted in FIG. 6 wherein the stud 22 is canted rearwardly as it extends upwardly. There the spacing means 10 will be spaced from the inner stud end face 24 near the upper portion thereof greater than the lower portion in order to make the face plate 12 plumb.

FIG. 7 shows a further problem with a distorted framing stud 22 wherein the central portion is recessed such as with a twisted or otherwise warped stud 22. With that defect, the adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 of the present invention will be positioned thereover such as to move the securement surface in the central portion outwardly but will be equal to the positioning in the upper and lower portions since the upper and lower portions are properly located whereas the central portion is somewhat recessed into the wall. Thus, it can be seen that the adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 of the present invention is used to correct many, many different types of problems presented by studs.

It should be further appreciated that the apertures 34 in the first side and the apertures 36 in the second side will normally be punched. It is desired that they be punched inwardly toward the face of the side panels 18 and 20 which will be brought into abutment with the stud side faces 28 and 30. This is important because the punching of these holes will often leave flared metals burrs 46 around the apertures as shown best in FIG. 3. This flared metal will further facilitate engaging of the first side panel 18 with respect to the first stud side face 28 and of the second side panel 20 with respect to the second stud side face 30. Thus when the fasteners 32 are driven through the side apertures they will facilitate further engagement between the side panels 18 and 20 and the stud side faces 28 and 30, respectively.

It is important to appreciate that the apparatus of the present invention allows you to position the planar support surface of a stud in a very short amount of time and it also is adaptable to ceiling joints and floor joists that are not level if needed. It also provides a much wider target under the sheetrock for securing or nailing of wall material thereto.

It should be appreciated that one of the important aspects of the apparatus 10 of the present invention is that conventional fasteners can be used to attach it to wood studs such as conventional nails or screws. Also it is important to appreciate that the entire configuration of the adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 can be formed by a single extrusion which greatly facilitates manufacturing and decreases the cost thereof. Also the material from which the face plate 12 and the other portions of the adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 can be made from various gauges of material in order to vary the strength thereof and control the ability of fasteners to penetrate therethrough and be secured with respect thereto. Also the vertical dimension of the materials can be changed easily merely by cutting the length. Sections can be easily cut from the side panels to allow plumbing or other similar lines to run laterally through studs to which the spacing means of the present invention is attached. For example, only a portion of the stud may be misshaped and the remaining portion of the stud may be properly true and, as such, the apparatus 10 of the present invention could be cut either with tin sheers or a hacksaw or any other conveniently available cutting apparatus for the purpose of extending only over that portion of the stud that requires a face plate 12 to present a true securement surface for the sheetrock 40. It should also be appreciated that the spacing apparatus 10 of the present invention can be easily notched for the purpose of providing plumbing or electrical wiring access therethrough or there away from.

The positioning of the side apertures 34 and 36 can be at various locations. However, it is preferred that they are positioned approximately every few inches to assure proper securement with respect to adjacent stud 22 and to allow usage in many different applications.

Preferably there will be a slight outward flare at the outermost edges of the side panels 18 and 20. These outer flares are shown as 52 and 54 in FIG. 8. These outer flared end portions of the first side panel 18 and the second side panel 20 will greatly facilitate positioning upon a stud 22. There will be some flexing in the material of the adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 and, as such, they can be slightly flexed outwardly to fit around the stud 22 initially. However, these outwardly flared areas 52 and 54 will enhance this positioning initially.

It should be appreciated that the material from which the adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 of the present invention is made will be of a heavier gauge for those applications where flooring is involved since more significant support and heavier materials are normally used for flooring which support weight and have more wear and tear than wall and ceiling structure.

The construction of the adjustable framing stud spacing means 10 of the present invention includes the face plate 12 which defines a front face plate surface 60 against which the sheetrock or construction panel 40 will abut for securement. The opposite side from the front face plate surface 60 of the face plate 12 will be defined as the rear face plate surface 62. The first return section 14 will extend rearwardly from preferably one lateral edge of the face plate 12 at an acute angle 76 of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the rear face plate surface 62 and extending thereover. The first side panel 18 will extend obliquely rearwardly and angularly with respect to the first return section 14. First side panel 18 will include a first outer side surface 66, and a first inner side surface 64. First inner side surface 64 will be adapted to engage a stud 22 when positioned within the stud gripping zone 72 for facilitating gripping thereof.

The second return section 16 will be secured to the opposite vertically extending edge of face plate 12 and will extend rearwardly therefrom at a second acute angle 76. The second acute angle 76 is preferable approximately 45 degrees as it extends across the rear face plate surface 62. Although it is preferable that the first return section 14 and the second return section 16 extend toward one another each being at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the rear face plate surface 62, any angle is actually acceptable, although 45 degrees is the preferred configuration.

A second side panel 20 will be secured to the second return section 16, and extend rearwardly therefrom. Preferably, the first side panel 18 and the second side panel 20 will both be oriented approximately perpendicularly with respect to the face plate 12, and extend rearwardly away therefrom to define therewith the stud gripping zone 72 therebetween. As such, the position of a stud 22 within the stud gripping zone 72 will position stud 22 between the first and second side panel 18 and 20. Note that the second side panel 20 with a second inner side surface 68 which will directly abut a stud 22 when positioned in the stud gripping zone 72, and a second outer side surface 72. Thus, when a stud 22 is positioned in the stud gripping zone 72, it would actually be in direct abutment with respect to the first inner side surface 64 of first side panel 18, and the second inner side surface 68 of second side panel 20.

In the preferred embodiment there are two levels of means of securement between the side panels 18 and 20 and the stud 22. A preliminary securement means comprising a first preliminary securement means 78 is included which secures the first side panel 18 with respect to stud 22 to a limited extent, while a second preliminary securement means 80 will secure the second side panel 20 with respect to a stud 22 fixedly. Preferably the first and second preliminary securement means will comprise an inwardly protruding burr means. The first preliminary securement means 78 will preferably include a first burr means 82 which extends inwardly from the first side panel 18 for engagement with the stud 22 thereadjacent. Similarly, a second burr means 84 will be included extending inwardly from the second side panel 20 into engagement with respect to the stud 22. Also a first primary securement means 86, such as a plurality of first threaded fastener means 90, will be adapted to extend through the first side panel 18 for fixed engagement with respect to a stud 22 thereadjacent. Similarly, a second primary securement means 88, such as a second threaded fastener means 92, will be adapted to extend through the second side panel 20 into engagement with the stud 22 thereadjacent. These threaded fasteners can be screws or other conventional means. It should be appreciated that the first primary securement means 86 and the second primary securement means 88 could also be a nailing means, and as such, be a non-threaded fastener. Thus, the preliminary securement means will provide initial limited attachment of the side panels to the stud while allowing some adjustability in the relative positioning thereof. Whereas, the primary securement means will provide a final secure means of fixed attachment once the proper adjustment of the positioning of the apparatus with respect to a stud has been achieved.

Preferably, a plurality of holes are defined on each side panel. That is, the first side panel 18 will preferably define a plurality of first side apertures or hole means 34, while the second side panel 20 will define a plurality of second side apertures or hole means 36. The first threaded fastener means 90 will be adapted to extend through the first side hole means 34 to secure the first side panel 18 to the stud 22. Similarly, the second threaded fastener means 92 will be adapted to extend through the second side hole means 36 into the stud 22 for primary securement thereof with respect to the second side panel 20.

It is preferable that the first hole means 34 and the second hole means 36 be formed simultaneously with forming of the inwardly extending first burr means 82 and second burr means 84. This simultaneous creation is caused by forming the series of first and second side hole means 34 and 36 by punching laterally with a pointed punching tip. The tip of the punching tool will simultaneously form the holes which will be referred to as the first side hole means 34, and the second side hole means 36, while at the same time forming inwardly extending burrs around the hole which normally occur during such punching operations, especially when performed through metallic sheet material such as flexibly resilient steel. Preferably, the apparatus of the present invention will be formed of a single integral flexible metallic material, which when punched to form the hole means 34 and 36, will also simultaneously form the first and second burr means 82 and 84 due to flashing or inwardly bending of the material during the punching process.

Preferably, the apparatus 10 of the present invention is formed from a single extrusion wherein the face plate 12, and the first side panel 18, and the first return section 14, as well as the second return section 16, and the second side panel 20, are all simultaneously formed integrally from a single piece of flexibly resilient metallic material. Also, it is preferable that a first bent intersection line 94 will be formed at the angle or line of intersection between the first return section 14, and the first side panel 18, in such a manner as to form a slightly weakened zone to facilitate flexible movement of the first side panel 18 for enhancing gripping of a stud 22 located thereadjacent. Similarly, a second bent intersection line 96 will preferably be defined along the line of intersection between the second return section 16 and the second side panel 20, such that second side panel 20 can more easily be flexibly resilient to the extent necessary in order to facilitate urging of bias or holding pressure against a stud 22 positioned within the stud gripping zone 22.

With this construction, the spacing apparatus 10 of the present invention can initially be placed on the stud at the approximately correct orientation, with the initial gripping of the stud 22 achieved by the first and second preliminary securement means 78 and 80 such as burrs. Once the proper positioning of the face plate 12 is chosen, the first primary securement means 86, such as first threaded fasteners 90 can be inserted, and the second primary securement means 88 such as the second threaded fastener means 92 can be inserted, thereby achieving final fixing of the face plate 12, and the spacing apparatus 10, with respect to a stud 22 positioned in the stud gripping zone 72.

Preferably, the face plate 12 of the apparatus of the present invention will extend along the longitudinal direction shown by arrow 48 which will longitudinally extend it along the framing stud 22. Also preferably, the stud gripping zone 72 is defined laterally between the first inner side surface 64 of the first side panel 18, and the second inner side surface 68 of the second side panel 20. The stud gripping zone 72 is also defined between the rear face plate surface 62, and the zone insert opening 50. Zone insert opening 50 is defined between the first outer flared section 52, and the second outer flared section 54. This zone insert opening 50 as shown best in FIG. 8, and in particular, FIG. 9, allows the face plate 12 to be positioned a maximum distance from the support surface of stud 22 by positioning the stud at the innermost stud position 56. The outermost stud position 58 shown in FIG. 9, is where the stud is positioned in direct abutment with the rear face plate surface 62 of the face plate 12. This wide range of movement between the two extreme positions of the stud shown as positions 56 and 58, is one of the important capabilities the adjustment aspect of the apparatus of the present invention.

The first outer flared section guide panel 52 or flared section, extends outwardly away from the stud gripping zone 72. The second outer guide panel or flared section 54 extends outwardly and in the opposite direction from the first outer guide panel 62, however, also in a direction away from the stud gripping zone 72. With the first outer guide panel 52, and the second outer guide panel 54 extending outwardly away from one another, they provide a means for guiding of movement of a stud 22 into position in the stud gripping zone 72 facilitated by the flexible resilience of the first and second side panels 18 and 20.

The apparatus of the present invention has various usages, some of which are shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, however, generally speaking, it allows the use of the face plate 12 to replace the mounting surface of stud 22 which is the inner stud end face 24, along certain sections of the stud, to correct for any inaccuracy in the configuration of such framing studs 22.

One of the difficulties with the apparatus of the present invention is the possibility that the first threaded fasteners 90 will contact the second threaded fasteners 92 coming in the opposite direction when the first threaded members extend through the first side apertures 34 and when the second threaded members extend through the second side apertures 36 into the stud 22 positioned in the stud gripping zone 72 therebetween. This can be easily overcome by a slight modification to the configuration as shown best in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows the first side apertures 34 positioned in full outline defined in the first side panel 18. Also shown in this figure in dotted outline are two alternative configurations for the second side apertures or hole means 36. Second side apertures 36 can be displaced laterally as shown by laterally displaced holes 98. Alternatively the second side apertures 36 can be displaced vertically as shown by vertically displaced holes 100. In either case this modification to the positioning of the second side apertures 36 will misalign those apertures with respect to the first side apertures 34 since they will not be in registration with one another and in this manner fasteners extending through the respective holes defined on the side panels will not intersect one another or come in contact with one another when placed in the primary securement position extending into the stud located therebetween.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in the drawings and described above, it will be apparent, that many changes may be made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elements of the combination. In consideration thereof it should be understood that preferred embodiments of this invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto comprising:

A. a face plate defining a front face plate surface and a rear face plate surface with a construction panel adapted to be positioned in abutment with said front face plate surface for securement thereto, said face plate adapted to be positioned along a framing stud in a position extending longitudinally therealong with said rear face plate surface facing the framing stud retained thereadjacent, said face plate being selectively securable at a desired distance with respect to the adjacent framing stud for achieving the desired alignment thereof;

B. a first return panel attached to said face plate and extending angularly inwardly therefrom adjacent to said rear face plate surface, said first return panel extending longitudinally along said face plate;

C. a second return panel attached to said face plate spatially disposed from said first return panel and extending angularly inwardly therefrom adjacent to said rear face plate surface in a direction extending toward said first return panel, said second return panel extending longitudinally along said face plate;

D. a first side panel of flexibly resilient material and being attached to said first return panel and extending longitudinally therealong, said first side panel extending inwardly obliquely with respect to said first return panel and approximately perpendicularly with respect to said face plate, said first side panel defining a first inner side surface and a first outer side surface, said first inner side surface of said first side panel adapted to resiliently abut and retain a framing stud thereagainst for maintaining the desired spacing of said face plate from the stud extending longitudinally therealong; and

E. a second side panel of flexibly resilient material and being attached to said second return panel and extending longitudinally therealong, said second side panel defining a second inner side surface and a second outer side surface, said second side panel extending inwardly obliquely with respect to said second return panel and approximately perpendicularly with respect to said face plate, said second inner side surface of said second side panel adapted to abut and retain a framing stud thereagainst for maintaining the desired spacing of said face plate from the stud extending longitudinally therealong, said second inner side surface of said first side panel adapted to resiliently abut a framing stud for facilitating attachment thereto, said first inner side surface of said first side panel and said second inner side surface of said second side panel extending generally parallel with respect to one another to define a stud gripping zone therebetween.

2. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 1 wherein said first return panel extends behind said rear surface of said face plate at an acute angle with respect thereto in a direction toward said second return panel.

3. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 2 wherein said first return panel extends behind said rear surface of said face plate at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees with respect thereto.

4. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 1 wherein said second return panel extends behind said rear surface of said face plate at an acute angle with respect thereto in a direction toward said first return panel.

5. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 4 wherein said second return panel extends behind said rear surface of said face plate at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees with respect thereto.

6. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 1 wherein the width of said face plate is greater than the lateral width of said stud gripping zone defined between said first side panel and said second side panel to provide an area larger than the framing stud for securement of the construction panel with respect thereto.

7. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 1 further comprising a first preliminary securement means positioned on said first side panel and a second preliminary securement means positioned on said second side panel to facilitate selectively detachably engagement thereof with respect to a framing stud positioned thereadjacent in said stud gripping zone.

8. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 7 wherein said first preliminary securement means includes a plurality of first burr means extending inwardly from said first inner side surface and wherein said second preliminary securement means includes a plurality of second burr means extending inwardly from said second inner side surface to facilitate detachably engagement thereof with respect to a framing stud positioned thereadjacent in said stud gripping zone.

9. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 8 further comprising a first primary securement means for fixedly securing said first inner side surface of said first side panel with respect to a framing stud positioned thereadjacent in said stud gripping zone and a second primary securement means for fixedly securing said second inner side surface of said second side panel with respect to a framing stud positioned thereadjacent in said stud gripping zone.

10. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 9 wherein said first primary securement means includes a first threaded fastener means adapted to penetrate through said first side panel into engagement with the framing stud positioned thereadjacent for fixed securement therebetween and wherein said second primary securement means includes a second threaded fastener means adapted to penetrate through said second side panel into engagement with the framing stud positioned thereadjacent for fixed securement therebetween.

11. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 10 wherein said first side panel defines a first hole means adjacent to each of said first burr means to facilitate penetrating of said first side panel by said first threaded fastener means and wherein said second side panel defines a second hole means adjacent to each of said second burr means to facilitate penetrating of said second side panel by said second threaded fastener means for affixing securement of a framing stud positioned within said stud gripping zone with respect thereto.

12. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 11 wherein each of said second hole means defined in said second side panel is located at a position out of registration with respect to any of said first hole means to prevent contact between said first threaded fastener means and said second threaded fastener means when positioned extending through said first hole means and said second hole means, respectively, into a framing stud positioned therebetween within said stud gripping zone.

13. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 11 wherein each of said first hole means and the adjacently positioned first burr means are simultaneously formed by punching of said first side panel from said first outer side surface to form a plurality of said first hole means therein while simultaneously forming of a plurality of said first burr means extending inwardly toward said stud gripping zone surrounding each of said first hole means and wherein each of said second hole means and the adjacently positioned second burr means are simultaneously formed by punching of said second side panel from said second outer side surface to form a plurality of said second hole means therein while simultaneously forming of a plurality of said second burr means extending inwardly toward said stud gripping zone surrounding each of said second hole means.

14. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 1 wherein said first side panel and said first return panel and said face plate and said second return panel and said second side panel are formed as a single integral member from a flexibly resilient material.

15. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 1 wherein said first side panel and said first return panel and said face plate and said second return panel and said second side panel are formed as a single integral member from a flexibly resilient metal.

16. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 1 wherein said first return panel and said first side panel define a first bent intersection line therebetween that forms a longitudinally extending zone of weakness therebetween and wherein said second return panel and said second side panel define a second bent intersection line therebetween that forms a longitudinally extending zone of weakness therebetween in order to facilitate flexible resilience of said first side panel and said second side panel to facilitate gripping engagement of a framing stud positioned therebetween within said stud gripping zone.

17. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 1 further comprising a first guide panel secured to said first side panel and extending rearwardly and outwardly away therefrom and a second guide panel secured to said second side panel and extending rearwardly and outwardly away therefrom to facilitate positioning of a framing stud within said stud gripping zone between said first inner side surface of said first side panel and said second inner side surface of said second side panel, said first guide panel and said second guide panel each being angled outwardly away from one another.

18. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 17 wherein said first guide panel and said second guide panel define a zone insert opening means therebetween extending longitudinally therealong to facilitate selective placement of a framing stud into said stud gripping zone and wherein said stud gripping zone is laterally defined between said first inner side surface of said first side panel and said second inner side surface of said second side panel and is further defined between said rear face plate surface of said face plate and said zone insert opening means defined between said first guide panel and said second guide panel.

19. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 1 further comprising a first primary securement means including a first threaded fastener means adapted to penetrate through said first side panel into engagement with the framing stud positioned thereadjacent for fixed securement therebetween and further comprising a second primary securement means including a second threaded fastener means adapted to penetrate through said second side panel into engagement with the framing stud positioned thereadjacent for fixed securement therebetween.

20. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto as defined in claim 1 wherein said first inner side surface of said first side panel and said second inner side surface of said second side panel are spaced apart approximately 1.5 inches to facilitate gripping of a framing stud therebetween.

21. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto comprising:

A. a face plate defining a front face plate surface and a rear face plate surface with a construction panel adapted to be positioned in abutment with said front face plate surface for securement thereto, said face plate adapted to be positioned along a framing stud in a position extending longitudinally therealong with said rear face plate surface facing the framing stud retained thereadjacent, said face plate being selectively securable at a desired distance with respect to the adjacent framing stud for achieving the desired alignment thereof;

B. a first return panel attached to said face plate and extending angularly inwardly therefrom adjacent to said rear face plate surface, said first return panel extending longitudinally along said face plate, said first return panel extending behind said rear surface of said face plate at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees with respect thereto;

C. a second return panel attached to said face plate spatially disposed from said first return panel and extending angularly inwardly therefrom adjacent to said rear face plate surface in a direction extending toward said first return panel, said second return panel extending longitudinally along said face plate, said second return panel extending behind said rear surface of said face plate at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees with respect thereto;

D. a first side panel of flexibly resilient material and being attached to said first return panel and extending longitudinally therealong, said first side panel extending inwardly obliquely with respect to said first return panel and approximately perpendicularly with respect to said face plate, said first side panel defining a first inner side surface and a first outer side surface, said first inner side surface of said first side panel adapted to resiliently abut and retain a framing stud thereagainst for maintaining the desired spacing of said face plate from the stud extending longitudinally therealong;

E. a second side panel of flexibly resilient material and being attached to said second return panel and extending longitudinally therealong, said second side panel defining a second inner side surface and a second outer side surface, said second side panel extending inwardly obliquely with respect to said second return panel and approximately perpendicularly with respect to said face plate, said second inner side surface of said second side panel adapted to abut and retain a framing stud thereagainst for maintaining the desired spacing of said face plate from the stud extending longitudinally therealong, said second inner side surface of said first side panel adapted to resiliently abut a framing stud for facilitating attachment thereto, said first inner side surface of said first side panel and said second inner side surface of said second side panel extending generally parallel with respect to one another to define a stud gripping zone therebetween, the width of said face plate being greater than the lateral width of said stud gripping zone defined between said first side panel and said second side panel to provide an area larger than the framing stud for securement of the construction panel with respect thereto, said first side panel and said first return panel and said face plate and said second return panel and said second side panel are formed as a single integral member from a flexibly resilient metal to facilitate securement of a framing stud within said stud gripping zone;

F. a first preliminary securement means positioned on said first side panel to facilitate selectively detachably engagement thereof with respect to a framing stud positioned thereadjacent in said stud gripping zone;

G. a second preliminary securement means positioned on said second side panel to facilitate selectively detachably engagement thereof with respect to a framing stud positioned thereadjacent in said stud gripping zone;

H. a first threaded fastener means adapted to penetrate through said first side panel into engagement with the framing stud positioned thereadjacent for fixed securement therebetween; and

I. a second threaded fastener means adapted to penetrate through said second side panel into engagement with the framing stud positioned thereadjacent for fixed securement therebetween.

22. An adjustable framing stud spacing means for facilitating defining of a planar support surface for securing construction panels thereto comprising:

A. a face plate defining a front face plate surface and a rear face plate surface with a construction panel adapted to be positioned in abutment with said front face plate surface for securement thereto, said face plate adapted to be positioned along a framing stud in a position extending longitudinally therealong with said rear face plate surface facing the framing stud retained thereadjacent, said face plate being selectively securable at a desired distance with respect to the adjacent framing stud for achieving the desired alignment thereof;

B. a first return panel attached to said face plate and extending angularly inwardly therefrom adjacent to said rear face plate surface, said first return panel extending longitudinally along said face plate, said first return panel extending behind said rear surface of said face plate at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees with respect thereto;

C. a second return panel attached to said face plate spatially disposed from said first return panel and extending angularly inwardly therefrom adjacent to said rear face plate surface in a direction extending toward said first return panel, said second return panel extending longitudinally along said face plate, said second return panel extending behind said rear surface of said face plate at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees with respect thereto;

D. a first side panel of flexibly resilient material and being attached to said first return panel and extending longitudinally therealong, said first side panel extending inwardly obliquely with respect to said first return panel and approximately perpendicularly with respect to said face plate, said first side panel defining a first inner side surface and a first outer side surface, said first inner side surface of said first side panel adapted to resiliently abut and retain a framing stud thereagainst for maintaining the desired spacing of said face plate from the stud extending longitudinally therealong, said first side panel defining a plurality of first hole means therein;

E. a second side panel of flexibly resilient material and being attached to said second return panel and extending longitudinally therealong, said second side panel defining a second inner side surface and a second outer side surface, said second side panel extending inwardly obliquely with respect to said second return panel and approximately perpendicularly with respect to said face plate, said second inner side surface of said second side panel adapted to abut and retain a framing stud thereagainst for maintaining the desired spacing of said face plate from the stud extending longitudinally therealong, said second inner side surface of said first side panel adapted to resiliently abut a framing stud for facilitating attachment thereto, said first inner side surface of said first side panel and said second inner side surface of said second side panel extending generally parallel with respect to one another to define a stud gripping zone therebetween, the width of said face plate being greater than the lateral width of said stud gripping zone defined between said first side panel and said second side panel to provide an area larger than the framing stud for securement of the construction panel with respect thereto, said first side panel and said first return panel and said face plate and said second return panel and said second side panel are formed as a single integral member from a flexibly resilient metal to facilitate securement of a framing stud within said stud gripping zone, said second side panel defining a plurality of second hole means therein;

F. a first preliminary securement means positioned on said first side panel to facilitate selectively detachably engagement thereof with respect to a framing stud positioned thereadjacent in said stud gripping zone, said first preliminary securement means including a plurality of first burr means each being located adjacent to one of said first hole means and extending inwardly from said first inner side surface to facilitate detachably engagement thereof with respect to a framing stud positioned thereadjacent in said stud gripping zone, each of said first hole means and the adjacently positioned first burr means being simultaneously formed by punching of said first side panel from said first outer side surface to form a plurality of said first hole means therein while simultaneously forming of a plurality of said first burr means extending inwardly toward said stud gripping zone surrounding each of said first hole means;

G. a second preliminary securement means positioned on said second side panel to facilitate selectively detachably engagement thereof with respect to a framing stud positioned thereadjacent in said stud gripping zone, sid second preliminary securement means including a plurality of second burr means each being located adjacent to one of said second hole means and extending inwardly from said second inner side surface to facilitate detachably engagement thereof with respect to a framing stud positioned thereadjacent in said stud gripping zone, each of said second hole means and the adjacently positioned second burr means being simultaneously formed by punching of said second side panel from said second outer side surface to form a plurality of said second hole means therein while simultaneously forming of a plurality of said second burr means extending inwardly toward said stud gripping zone surrounding each of said second hole means;

H. a first primary securement means for fixedly securing said first inner side surface of said first side panel with respect to a framing stud positioned thereadjacent in said stud gripping zone, said first primary securement means including a plurality of first threaded fastener means adapted to penetrate through said first side panel into engagement with the framing stud positioned thereadjacent for fixed securement therebetween;

I. a second primary securement means for fixedly securing said second inner side surface of said second side panel with respect to a framing stud positioned thereadjacent in said stud gripping zone, said second primary securement means including a plurality of second threaded fastener means adapted to penetrate through said second side panel into engagement with the framing stud positioned thereadjacent for fixed securement therebetween;

J. a first guide panel secured to said first side panel and extending rearwardly and outwardly away therefrom to facilitate positioning of a framing stud within said stud gripping zone between said first inner side surface of said first side panel and said second inner side surface of said second side panel; and

K. a second guide panel secured to said second side panel and extending rearwardly and outwardly away therefrom to facilitate positioning of a framing stud within said stud gripping zone between said first inner side surface of said first side panel and said second inner side surface of said second side panel, said first guide panel and said second guide panel each being angled outwardly away from one another.