GB2467843A

GB2467843A - Framing system

Info

Publication number: GB2467843A
Application number: GB1002394A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yisheng Tian; David Wright; Henry Woodlock; Robert Belk; Peter Jones
Original assignee: Kingspan Holdings IRL Ltd
Current assignee: Kingspan Holdings IRL Ltd
Priority date: 2009-02-12
Filing date: 2010-02-12
Publication date: 2010-08-18
Anticipated expiration: 2030-02-12
Also published as: PL2398973T3; GB201002394D0; ES2518442T3; IE20100079A1; GB2467843B; IE86383B1; EP2398973B1; EP2398973A1; WO2010092563A1

Abstract

A framing system comprises a plurality of laterally spaced-apart studs 41 and a header 10. Each stud 41 comprises an elongated generally C-shaped lipped channel having a web 3 and side flanges 4, 5 which extend continuously the length of the element. Each of the flanges 4, 5 has an elongate slot 6 therein. The slot 6 is located on the central longitudinal axis of the flanges 4, 5. The side flanges 4, 5 may have inturned lips 7, 8 at the upper edge to define a generally C-shaped form. The web 3 may have a pair of laterally spaced apart elongate slots 40 therein for mounting of an ancillary element such as an angle cleat or bracket 50. The header 2 is of channel section comprising a web 10 and a pair of flanges 11, 12. The header 2 is mounted to the studs 41 in such a way as to accommodate limited vertical movement of the header 2 relative to the studs 41. Fixings 42,43 are screwed through the flanges 11, 12 of the header and extend to engage in the slots 6 in the stud flanges 4, 5. Indicating means may be provided on the flanges of the header to give a consistent fixing position.

Description

"A FRAMING SYSTEM"

Introduction

This invention relates to a framing system of the type comprising a plurality of studs and a header track for the studs, the studs and header track having adjustment means to accommodate movement of the header relative to the studs.

A framing system comprises a number of roll formed metal elements jointed together. Such a framing system may be used to provide a wall such as a partition wall of a building such as a modular building.

Many framing systems of this type are known. There is however a need for an improved system which will be easy to assembly whilst restricting tolerances and thereby ensuring greater accuracy in overall dimensions. Another issue associated with known systems of this type is that they are relatively expensive to manufacture and are of relatively complex construction.

The invention is directed towards providing improved framing system.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a framing system comprising a plurality of studs and a header track for the studs, the studs comprising a generally channel form having a web and first and second side flanges extending from the web, at least one of the flanges having a longitudinally extending elongate fixing slot therein adjacent to one end of the stud and the web having at least one fixing slot therein to accommodate movement of the header track relative to the studs.

In one embodiment the web comprises at least one longitudinally extending elongate fixing slot therein. The web slot is preferably closed at both ends thereof to confine the fixing.

In one case the web comprises two laterally spaced-apart elongate fixing slots therein.

The web slots are located on opposite sides of a central longitudinal axis of the web. Preferably the web slots are equi-spaced from the central longitudinal axis of the web.

The web slots may be aligned with the flange fixing slot.

In a preferred embodiment the framing system comprises an ancilliary element for fixing to the stud through the web fixing slot(s).

In one embodiment the ancilliary element comprises a cleat. The cleat preferably comprises an angle form having a stud portion for fixing to the web of the stud and a header portion for mounting to a header.

The flange may comprise a single slot. In one case the single slot is located along a central longitudinal axis of the flange.

Preferably each of the first and second flanges comprise a fixing slot.

The side flanges may comprise an intumed lip at the upper edge thereof to define a generally C-shaped form.

In one case the header track comprises a channel having a web and a pair of depending flanges.

At least one of the header flanges has an indicating means on the outermost face thereof The indicator means may comprise a line provided on or marked on the flange. The indicating means may be provided on both flanges of the header.

The invention also provides a building system comprising a framing system of the invention.

The invention further provides a stud for a framing system, the stud comprising a generally channel form comprising a web and first and second side flanges extending from the web wherein at least one of the flanges has a longitudinally extending elongate fixing slot therein adjacent to one end of the stud and the web having at least one fixing slot therein.

According to the invention there is provided a framing system comprising a plurality of studs and a header track for the studs, the studs and header track having adjustment means to accommodate movement of the header relative to the studs, characterised in that the adjustment means comprises a longitudinally extending slot in the stud and a fixing for fixing the header to the stud.

In one embodiment the stud comprises a generally channel form comprising a web and first and second side flanges extending from the web wherein at least one of the flanges has a longitudinally extending elongate fixing slot therein adjacent to one end of the stud.

Desirably the slot is closed at both ends thereof.

In one embodiment the flange comprises a single slot. In this case the single slot is preferably located along a central longitudinal axis of the flange.

In one embodiment each of the first and second flanges comprise a fixing slot.

In one embodiment the side flanges of the stud comprise an intumed lip at the upper edge thereof to define a generally C-shaped form.

In one embodiment of the invention at least one of the header flanges has an indicating means on the outermost face thereof The indicator means may comprise a line provided on or marked on the flange. In one case the indicating means is provided on both flanges of the header.

In another aspect the invention provides a stud for a framing system, the stud comprising a generally channel form comprising a web and first and second side flanges extending from the web wherein at least one of the flanges has a longitudinally extending elongate fixing slot therein adjacent to one end of the stud.

Desirably the slot is closed at both ends thereof.

In a preferred embodiment the flange comprises a single slot. In this case the single slot is preferably located along a central longitudinal axis of the flange.

In one embodiment each of the first and second flanges comprise a fixing slot. The side flanges may comprise an intumed lip at the upper edge thereof to define a generally C-shaped form.

In a further aspect the invention provides a method of constructing a framing system comprising the steps of:-providing at least two studs of the invention each with an elongate slot therein at the upper end thereof; spacing the studs apart; placing a header over the studs; extending a fastener through the header and each elongate slot in the stud; adjusting the header relative to the studs; and tightening the fasteners to secure the header to the studs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof, given by way of example only in which:-Fig. 1 is an elevational view of part of a framing system according to the invention; Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a stud according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a cross view of the stud; Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the stud; Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a header track; Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of a joint between a stud and track; Fig. 7 is an elevational view of the joint between the stud and track; Figs. 8 to 10 are cross sectional views of the framing system in different configurations of use; Fig. 11 is an elevational view of part of a framing system according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 is an isometric view of a header used in the framing system of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is an exploded view of part of another framing system of the invention; Fig. 14 is an isometric view of the assembled framing system of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is an elevational view of the framing system; Figs. 16 and 17 are views of fixings used in the framing system; and Figs. 18 to 20 are end views illustrating the framing system is different positions, in use.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a framing system comprising a number of frame elements typically of metal, in this case rolled steel sections.

The framing system comprises a plurality of laterally spaced-apart studs 1 or uprights. The studs 1 are interconnected by a header 2 which extends generally horizontally.

Each stud 1 comprises an elongated generally C-shaped lipped channel having a web 3 and side flanges 4, 5 which extend continuously the length of the element. The side flanges 4, 5 have intumed lips 7, 8 at the upper edge to define a generally C-shapted form. Each of the flanges 4, has an elongate slot 6 therein which is typically punched out. The slot 6 is located on the central longitudinal axis of the flanges 4, 5.

The header 2 is of channel section comprising a web 10 and a pair of flanges 11, 12 which extend to embrace the web 3 and flanges 4, 5 of the studs 1 as illustrated. The header 2 is sized such that the depending flanges 11, 12 embrace the studs 1 to which it is to be secured in a relatively tight fit.

The header 2 is mounted to the studs 1 in such a way as to accommodate limited vertical movement of the header 2 relative to the studs 1. Fixings 20 are screwed through the flanges 11, 12 of the header and extend to engage in the slots 6 in the stud flanges 4, 5.

The fixings 20 preferably have shallow heads in order to eliminate a bulging effect on boarding which is subsequently applied over the stud and track system. The overall shaft length will generally be a minimum length of 26mm with coarse thread. The minimum design capacity of the fixings is 2.28 kN.

To assemble a framing system of the invention a number of vertical studs 1 are arranged with their elongate slots 6 at the uppermost ends thereof The studs 1 are spaced-apart in accordance with the specification required. A header 2 is then placed over the studs 1 and fasteners or fixings 20 are used to secure the header 2 to the studs 1. The fixings 20 are tightened to secure the joint whilst still permitting movement of the header 2 relative to the studs 1 in response to structure settlement during construction.

In the invention the header 2 can move vertically relative to the studs 1. In this way structural parts such as walls carried by the studs 1 are isolated from stresses that may be applied to the header 2, for example from a structure 25 above the header 2 to which the header is attached by fixings 26.

For flexibility in fixing it is preferred that the header flanges 11, 12 do not have fixing holes therein. In the preferred embodiment the fixings 20 may comprise self piercing rivets for connecting the header 2 to the studs 1 through the corresponding fixing regions.

Alternatively the header flanges 11, 12 may comprise fixing holes for reception of fixings. In one case such holes may comprise pilot holes in which case pop rivets may be used as fixings.

In another case such holes may be sized for use with a staked fixing. In a further case the fixing hole may comprise a clearance hole for use with a self tapping screw.

Referring to Figs. 11 and 12 there is illustrated another framing system according to the invention which is similar to that described with reference to Figs. 1 to 10 and like parts are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case the flanges 11, 12 of the header track 2 have an indicator thereon, in this case in the form of a line 30 which extends along the length of the header 2. The marker line 30 indicates to the installer the location to which the fixings 20 should be inserted to guarantee the structure performance because of consistent fixing location.

The indicator line 30 may be provided on the header flanges 11, 12 in any suitable manner. For example, it can be applied using dedicated marking rollers or may be created using a suitable rolllmarking device or printer. The line may be applied before or after roll forming of the track.

It will be appreciated that the framing system may be used in any suitable application. For example, the system may be used as a wall type frame to which cladding panels may be attached.

Such as wall may be load bearing or non load bearing and may, for example, form part of a modular building point.

In the invention, there is no pre-punched hole or slot in the track 2. During the installation, the stud slot 6 is visible below the edge of the track for alignment. A fixing screw 20 is screwed into the track and passes the slot 6 of stud 1.

The screw 20 is fixed in the middle of the stud 1 which improves torsional stability.

In addition, because the slot 6 is on the centre line of stud 1, the fixing point is same for all the studs 1 regardless the stud spacing. Thus the loading capacity for the connection is consistent.

Referring to Figs. 13 to 20 there is illustrated a framing system according to the invention in which parts similar to those of Figs. ito 12 are identified by the same reference numerals.

The framing system comprising a number of frame elements typically of metal, in this case rolled steel sections.

The framing system comprises a plurality of laterally spaced-apart studs 41 or uprights. The studs 41 are interconnected by a header 2 which extends generally horizontally.

Each stud 41 comprises an elongated generally C-shaped lipped channel having a web 3 and side flanges 4, 5 which extend continuously the length of the element. The side flanges 4, 5 have intuned lips 7, 8 at the upper edge to define a generally C-shapted form. Each of the flanges 4, has an elongate slot 6 therein which is typically punched out. The slot 6 is located on the central longitudinal axis of the flanges 4, 5.

The header 2 is of channel section comprising a web 10 and a pair of flanges ii, 12 which extend to embrace the web 3 and flanges 4, 5 of the studs 41 as illustrated. The header 2 is sized such that the depending flanges ii, 12 embrace the studs 41 to which it is to be secured in a relatively tight fit.

The header 2 is mounted to the studs 41 in such a way as to accommodate limited vertical movement of the header 2 relative to the studs 1. Fixings 42 or 43 are screwed through the flanges ii, 12 of the header and extend to engage in the slots 6 in the stud flanges 4, 5.

The web 3 of a stud 41 has a pair of longitudinally extending elongate slots 40 with closed ends.

The slots 40 are equi-spaced from a central longitudinal axis of the web 3. The slots 40 are typically punched out.

The system also comprises an anciliary element, such as a structural element, in this case an angle cleat SO having a stud portion Si and a track portion 52 which extend in use along the web 3 of the stud 41 and the web 10 of the header track 10 respectively. The stud portion Si of the cleat SO is attached to the web 3 of the stud 41 by fixings 42 or 43 which extend through the slots 40. Fixing screws 45 may be used to fix the header portion 52 of the cleat through the header 2 to an upper support.

The fixings 42, 43 preferably have shallow heads in order to eliminate a bulging effect on boarding which is subsequently applied over the stud and track system. The overall shaft length will generally be a minimum length of 26mm with coarse thread. The minimum design capacity of the fixings is 2.28 kN.

The system of Figs. 13 to 20 is especially advantageous in that it allows the system to be readily reinforced at the joint between the studs and the header. The cleat 50 fixed to the web slots 40 increases the shear capacity of the connection. Thus the cleat 50 reinforces the joint for improved structural properties. The web slots 40 allow the cleat to be readily fitted and also facilitate any required movement between the cleat to which the header is attached and the stud 41.

In addition, in some situations an installer does not have ready access to both of the flange fixing slots 6. For example, a part (such as a structural beam) of the main structure may render access to one of the slots difficult or impossible. The cleat 50 can be fixed/anchored upwards into the head track web 10 and through to a structural substrate using suitable fixings 45. Fixings 42 or 43 may be inserted through the slots 40 in the web 3 of the stud 41 and into the stud portion 51 of the cleat 50.

In some cases the studs 41 can be directly fixed to the face of a slab/structural beam through the slots with no additional cleat or bracket.

Oversail studs would not require the slots in the oversail cleat which would reduce the cost of this component.

To assemble a framing system of the invention a number of vertical studs 41 are arranged with their elongate slots 6, 40 at the uppermost ends thereof The studs 41 are spaced-apart in accordance with the specification required. A header 2 is then placed over the studs 41 and fasteners or fixings 42,43 are used to secure the header 2 to the studs 41. Cleats 50 may be used at some or all of the joints between the studs 41 and header 2. The fixings 42, 43 are tightened to secure the joint whilst still permitting movement of the header 2 relative to the studs 41, for example in response to structure settlement during construction.

In the invention the header 2 can move vertically relative to the studs 41. In this way structural parts such as walls carried by the studs 41 are isolated from stresses that may be applied to the header 2, for example from a structure 25 above the header 2 to which the header is attached by fixings 45.

For flexibility in fixing it is preferred that the header flanges 11, 12 do not have fixing holes therein. In the preferred embodiment the fixings 42,43 may comprise self piercing rivets for connecting the header 2 to the studs 1 through the corresponding fixing regions.

Similar to the version illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12 the flanges 11, 12 of the header track 2 may have an indicator thereon, such as in the form of a line which extends along the length of the header 2. The marker line indicates to the installer the location to which the fixings 20 should be inserted to guarantee the structure performance because of consistent fixing location. The indicator line may be provided on the header flanges 11, 12 in any suitable manner. For example, it can be applied using dedicated marking rollers or may be created using a suitable rolllmarking device or printer. The line may be applied before or after roll forming of the track.

In the invention, there is no pre-punched hole or slot in the track 2. During the installation, the stud slot 6 is visible below the edge of the track for alignment. A fixing screw 42,43 is screwed into the track and passes the slots 6,40 of stud 41.

A fixing screw 42, 43 may be fixed in the middle of the stud 41 which improves torsional stability.

Because the slots 40 are equi-spaced from a central longitudinal axis of the web of the stud 41, the fixing points are same for all the studs 41 regardless the stud spacing. Thus the loading capacity for the connection is consistent.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in detail.

Claims

Claims 1. A framing system comprising a plurality of studs and a header track for the studs, the studs comprising a generally channel form having a web and first and second side flanges extending from the web, at least one of the flanges having a longitudinally extending elongate fixing slot therein adjacent to one end of the stud and the web having at least one fixing slot therein to accommodate movement of the header track relative to the studs.
2. A framing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the web comprises at least one longitudinally extending elongate fixing slot therein.
3. A framing system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the web slot is closed at both ends thereof
4. A framing system as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the web comprises two laterally spaced-apart elongate fixing slots therein.
5. A framing system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the web slots are located on opposite sides of a central longitudinal axis of the web.
6. A framing system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the web slots are equi-spaced from the central longitudinal axis of the web.
7. A framing system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6 wherein the web slots are aligned with the flange fixing slot.
8. A framing system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 comprising an ancilliary element for fixing to the stud through the web fixing slot(s).
9. A framing system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the ancilliary element comprises a cleat.
10. A framing system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the cleat comprises an angle form having a stud portion for fixing to the web of the stud and a header portion for mounting to a header.
11. A framing system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the flange comprises a single slot.
12. A framing system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the single slot is located along a central longitudinal axis of the flange.
13. A framing system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 wherein each of the first and second flanges comprise a fixing slot.
14. A framing system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13 wherein the side flanges comprise an inturned lip at the upper edge thereof to define a generally C-shaped form.
15. A framing system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14 wherein the header track comprise a channel having a web and a pair of depending flanges.
16. A framing system as claimed in claim 15 wherein at least one of the header flanges has an indicating means on the outermost face thereof
17. A framing system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the indicator means comprises a line provided on or marked on the flange.
18. A framing system as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein the indicating means is provided on both flanges of the header.
19. A framing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings
20. A building system comprising a framing system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19.
21. A stud for a framing system, the stud comprising a generally channel form comprising a web and first and second side flanges extending from the web wherein at least one of the flanges has a longitudinally extending elongate fixing slot therein adjacent to one end of the stud and the web having at least one fixing slot therein.