Wall framing for vertical deflection
OwnerFrank Wheelerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A structure and associated methodology for framing a wall having top and bottom runners supporting respective opposing ends of each of a plurality of upright studs. The top runner has a planar base and a track extending from the base and forming therewith an enclosure configured to operably capture top ends of the studs and compensate for vertical deflection. The track defines a laterally-directed slot configured for installing a fastener through to connect to the stud inside the enclosure. The track further defines indicia visually presenting a conformance-comparison of each stud's length to a predetermined threshold before the fastener is installed, the threshold related to a predetermined operable clearance between each stud's end and the base inside the enclosure.
Claims20
A structural framework configured for constructing a curvilinear wall, the structural framework having top and bottom runners supporting respective opposing ends of each of a plurality of upright studs, the top runner having a plurality of sections pivotally joined together and thereby configured to form a wall having a selected curvature, each section comprising:
- a planar base;
- and
- a track extending from the base and forming therewith an enclosure configured to receivingly engage the top ends of the studs, the track supporting a flange defining a longitudinally-directed channel, a longitudinally-directed protuberant strap, and a laterally-directed slot configured for passing a fastener through to connect to one of the studs, wherein a pivotal connection of adjacent first and second sections of the plurality of sections slidingly engages the first section's protuberant strap in the second section's channel.
A structural framework for framing a curvilinear wall having top and bottom runners supporting respective opposing ends of each of a plurality of upright studs, the top runner having a plurality of sections pivotally joined together to form a selected curvature, each section comprising:
- a planar base;
- a track extending from the base and forming therewith an enclosure configured to receivingly engage each stud's top end, the track supporting a flange defining a longitudinally-directed channel and a laterally-directed slot configured for passing a fastener to connect the section to a selected one of the studs;
- and
- a strap passing through the longitudinally-directed channel, wherein a pivotal connection of adjacent first and second sections of the plurality of sections slidingly engages the flange along the strap.
A structure for framing a wall having top and bottom runners supporting respective opposing ends of each of a plurality of upright studs, the top runner comprising:
- a planar base;
- a track extending from the base and forming therewith an enclosure configured to operably capture top ends of the studs and compensate for vertical deflection, the track defining a laterally-directed slot configured for installing a fastener through to connect to one of the studs inside the enclosure, and defining an indicia extending parallel to the top ends of the studs in the enclosure, the indicia visually presenting a conformance-comparison of each stud's length to a predetermined threshold length, the threshold related to a predetermined operable clearance between the top ends of the studs in the enclosure and the base.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.