Universal Stud
A framing system for a new or existing wall, structure and/or the like is provided that uses just one type of unit or member—the universal stud. The universal stud serves as a stud and plate or track. With a plurality of the universal studs having the same slot configuration at each end and two sides of the universal stud receiving that same slot configuration, allows for a multitude of jobs to be done with just one type of unit. The universal stud flange sides are mended with holes along its length in order to allow wiring and pipes to be hung from the universal stud while not endangering cutting the wiring and/or pipes. Moreover, the universal stud wall has inherent qualities that make it the single solution to many types of framing jobs and job problems. The present universal stud provides walls and/or structures that are thinner, have any profile to each side, soundproof, have chases within it, provide bracing construction, and provides the flexibility to be used within other wall studs.
This patent application is a continuation of co-pending 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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. 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” 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is a universal stud that can complete all fourteen framing tasks listed above. The universal stud is smaller in width and depth than a full dimension stud (i.e. one that spans the entire depth of a wall or partition) and includes a slot configuration on an end thereof. The present universal stud provides flexibility in manipulating the stud thus providing flexibility in framing.
In one form, the universal stud is much smaller that 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). The universal stud includes a slot that is provided in the configured end (see e.g.
Additionally, along 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 stud also doubles as the plates for itself for framing (i.e. the universal stud can be both stud and plate for 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.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSFor 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 universal stud that doubles as a stud/plate. The universal stud/plate has two flanged sides with mended edges connected to a base plate with slots at each end. These slots are used to interlock the studs over the plates, both being the same unit. 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 studs are used with either a universal 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 stud provides easy construction and method of creation of curved frames and/or bracing with the universal stud either horizontally (laterally), vertically or both. To curve a wall horizontally, the universal studs 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 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 stud opposite each other and bend the stud to match the desired curve (see, e.g.
The present universal stud provides ease of use in conjunction with a standard dimensioned “C” stud and its plate. Because in one form the universal stud 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 studs still leaves a 1½″ distance between the edges of the lateral sides of the universal 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 stud can be cut, bent and re-enforced to make framing and/or bracing for walls. Because the sides of the present universal stud are hemmed, they allow for the universal stud 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 stud 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 stud/track 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 stud wall can be assembled on the floor and raised up, assembled with tracks 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 stud slides over the plates allows the universal studs to stay in one spot and they only need to be screwed together when the wall is in place. Moreover, because the universal stud slides over the plate, the universal 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 stud 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 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 stud can be cut easily, fabricated and/or ordered in specific lengths for things such as creating bulkheads. Also, the universal stud'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 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 now to
A slot 8 is disposed at the corner of the first lateral side 2 and the front side 3 and extends a distance corresponding roughly to the height of a track side of a track embodiment (15) of the present universal stud. Here the slot distance is 1″. The end of the side 2 is clipped or cut on a slant to provide an angle 7. In like manner, a slot 10 is disposed at the corner of the second lateral side 4 and the front side 3 and extends a distance corresponding roughly to the height of a track side of a track embodiment (15) of the present universal stud. Here the slot distance is 1″. Various holes 11 as set forth herein are provided in the sides 2, 3, 4 of the universal stud 13. Additionally, the edge of the side 2 includes a mend or hem 5 (i.e. is folded over), while the edge of the side 4 also includes a mend or hem 6 (i.e. is folded over).
Subfigure B shows the universal stud 13 formed from the bending or folding of the configured blank 1. The universal stud 13 defines a three-sided rectangular conduit or frame member. Subfigure C shows the universal stud 13 situated on a track 15 that may include the features of the present universal stud 13 at one or more of its ends or may be considered a modified universal stud 13. The track 15 is a typical track with regards to dimension. The universal stud 13 is situated onto the edge of the track 15 by having the slots 8 and 11 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 sides 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 sides 2, 4 of the universal 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.
Claims
1. A framing stud comprising:
- a length of metal defined by a front side, a first lateral side extending perpendicularly from a first edge of the front side, and a second lateral side extending perpendicularly from a second edge of the front side;
- the front side having a first end, a second end and a width;
- the first lateral side having a first end and a second end and sized at less in width than the width of the front side, one of the first and second ends of the first lateral side having a first slot adjacent the front side; and
- the second lateral side having a first end and a second end and sized at less in width than the width of the front side, one of the first and second ends of the second lateral side having a second slot adjacent the front side;
- the first and second slots configured to receive a side of a framing track whereby an end portion of the front side extends over the side of the framing track and the first and second lateral sides extend less than a width of the framing track.
2. The framing stud of claim 1, further comprising a first cutout adjacent the first slot and a second cutout adjacent the second slot.
3. The framing stud of claim 1, wherein the first lateral side has a first plurality of holes and the second lateral side has a second plurality of holes.
4. The framing stud of claim 3, wherein the first plurality of holes is situated at first intervals along the first lateral side, and the second plurality of holes is situated at second intervals along the second lateral side.
5. The framing stud of claim 4, wherein the first intervals comprises a hole every 12″ starting from one of the first and second ends of the first lateral side, and the second intervals comprises a hole every 12″ starting from one of the first and second ends of the second lateral side.
6. The framing stud of claim 1, wherein an edge of the first lateral side that is distal the front side is folded, and an edge of the second lateral side that is distal the front side is folded.
7. The framing stud of claim 1, wherein the first lateral side extends 1″ from the front side and the second lateral side extends 1″ from the front side, and the front side has a width between the first and second lateral sides of 1½″.
8. The framing stud of claim 1, wherein the other of the first and second ends of the first lateral side includes a third slot, and the other of the first and second ends of the second lateral side includes a fourth slot.
9. The framing stud of claim 8, further comprising a third cutout adjacent the third slot and a fourth cutout adjacent the fourth slot.
10. The framing stud of claim 1, wherein the stud comes in various lengths of metal.
11. The framing stud of claim 1, further comprising a first front hole disposed in an upper portion of the first end of the front side and upper and a second front hole disposed in a lower portion of the second end of the front side.
12. The framing stud of claim 1, wherein the length of metal comprises a length of steel.
13. The framing stud of claim 1, wherein the length of metal comprises a length of aluminum.
14. A framing system comprising:
- a plurality of framing studs; and
- a plurality of framing tracks;
- wherein each one of the plurality of framing studs comprises: a length of metal defined by a front side, a first lateral side extending perpendicularly from a first edge of the front side, and a second lateral side extending perpendicularly from a second edge of the front side; the front side having a first end, a second end and a width; the first lateral side having a first end and a second end and sized at less in width than the width of the front side, each one of the first and second ends of the first lateral side having a first slot adjacent the front side; and the second lateral side having a first end and a second end and sized at less in width than the width of the front side, each one of the first and second ends of the second lateral side having a second slot adjacent the front side; each one of the first and second slots configured to receive a side of one of the plurality of framing tracks whereby an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the front side extends over the sides of the framing tracks.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 12, 2008
Publication Date: Feb 12, 2009
Inventor: William Arthur Wright (Indianapolis, IN)
Application Number: 12/190,305
International Classification: E04C 2/52 (20060101);