WO2010017640A1

WO2010017640A1 - Framing system and framing member for use therein

Info

Publication number: WO2010017640A1
Application number: PCT/CA2009/001136
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Robert Tremblay
Original assignee: Concept Polyghome Inc.
Priority date: 2008-08-12
Filing date: 2009-08-12
Publication date: 2010-02-18

Abstract

A framing member includes an elongate central section having a pair of opposed longitudinal extremities, and a pair of elongate flanges. Each flange extends transversely outward along a respective one of the longitudinal extremities at an angle to the central section. The flanges extend in substantially opposite directions. Each flange includes an outer longitudinal edge. A plurality of furring strip receiving recesses is provided along the outer longitudinal edge. Each receiving recess is shaped and dimensioned so as to allow a furring strip to be retained therein. A framing system includes a plurality of elongate furring strips and a plurality of the framing members mentioned above. Each plurality of receiving recesses is positioned at corresponding positions along each framing member. The plurality of framing members may be aligned so as to receive the plurality of furring strips, each furring strip being received in a corresponding receiving recess of each framing member.

Description

FRAMING SYSTEM AND FRAMING MEMBER FOR USE THEREIN

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to internal wall construction, and more particularly concerns a framing system and a framing member for use therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, studs used for building the frames of inside rooms are made of 2"x4" wood boards. C-shape cross-section metal studs are also commonly used. They are generally spaced at 12 inch or 16 inch intervals. Insulating panels are then generally secured between the studs.

Once the framing structure of a room is erected, prior to closing the walls, plumbers install pipes for gas or water, and electricians install electrical boxes and connections. To install pipes or wires in the walls, they need to pierce the studs and pull the pipes or wires through the drilled holes. This operation sometimes causes damage to the wall structure, the insulating panels, the pipes or the wires. In addition, when a pipe's circumference is wider than the depth of the studs, a structure must be built around the pipe, which is time consuming and inconvenient. Similar issues arise when elements larger than 12 or 16 inches must be placed within the studs. Moreover, when installing electrical boxes, the insulating panels are often cut open to provide an opening for the mechanical box, which reduces the insulating properties of the panels.

Once the electrical and plumbing operations are completed, an exterior panel, such as a gyp board or the like, is screwed directly onto the studs. If the framing structure is uneven, it is difficult, and often impossible, to straighten it. Another drawback of traditional framing structures, especially those made of wood, is that they tend to propagate sound, such as footsteps for example, since there are many contact points between the surfaces of the different elements of the framing structure.

Known in the art are the following patents which relate to internal walls and the like.

United States Patent No. 2,042,290, issued May 26, 1936 to Barrett, describes a wall construction system comprising vertical supporting members with C-shaped cross- sections which receive horizontal frame members along their open side.

United States Patent No. 4,837,988, issued June 13, 1989 to Menchetti et al., describes a wall panel formed by a plurality of vertically and horizontally disposed beams having C- (or U-) shaped cross-sections.

United States Patent No. 6,951,087, issued October 4, 2005 to Weurman, similarly describes a mounting system comprising a grid of vertically and horizontally extending members C- (or U-) shaped cross-sections.

Also known in the art are US 2,610,707, US 3,005,293, US 3,900,996, US 3,973,371 , US 4,733,509, US 5,632,127, US 6,167,664 B1 and US 6,711 ,871 B2.

It is believed that there is a need for improved framing system for that will allow for an easy integration of electrical and plumbing elements, regardless of their size. There is also a need for a wall framing structure that can be mounted with minimal screwing or nailing and that will allow for increased space between studs. There is also a need for wall framing structure elements with improved insulation characteristics. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a framing member that satisfies at least one of the above-mentioned needs. Another object of the present invention is to provide a framing system that satisfies at least one of the above-mentioned needs.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, that object is achieved with a framing member for receiving a plurality of furring strips. The framing member includes an elongate central section having a pair of opposed longitudinal extremities, and a pair of elongate flanges. Each flange extends transversely outward along a respective one of the longitudinal extremities at an angle to the central section. The flanges extend in substantially opposite directions. Each flange includes an outer longitudinal edge. A plurality of furring strip receiving recesses is provided along the outer longitudinal edge. Each furring strip receiving recess is shaped and dimensioned so as to allow a furring strip to be retained therein.

Preferably, the central section has a crenellated-shaped transverse cross-section.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, that object is achieve with a framing system including a plurality of elongate furring strips and a plurality of the framing members mentioned above. Each plurality of furring strip receiving recesses is positioned at corresponding positions along each framing member. The plurality of framing members may be aligned so as to receive the plurality of furring strips, each furring strip being received in a corresponding furring strip receiving recess of each framing member.

Preferably, the furring strip includes a C-shaped transverse cross-section and a pair of opposed lateral wings extending outwards and in opposite directions. Each furring strip receiving recess includes an opening along the corresponding longitudinal edge and an expanded portion which is sized to receive the opposed lateral wings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 A is a partial perspective view of a framing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 B is an enlarged view of FIG. 1 A, showing a furring strip snapped into a furring strip receiving recess.

FIGs. 2A and 2B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a furring strip in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIGs. 3A and 3B are partial side views of the framing system of FIG. 1A before and after attachment of a furring strip to a framing member.

FIGs. 4A and 4B are partial side views of framing system of FIG. 1A before and after installation of the pipe in a framing member, respectively.

FIGs. 5A, 5B and 5C are a perspective, a side and a front view of a framing member according, respectively, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of the framing system of FIG. 1A, with a gyp board, an electrical box and an attachment plate.

FIGs. 6B, 6C and 6D are a partial front view, an enlarged side view and an enlarged front view of the framing system of FIG. 6A, respectively.

FIGs. 7A₁ 7B and 7C are enlarged sections of a framing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGs. 8A and 8B are top views of a series of framing members with sheets of insulation received therebetween.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial view of an extremity of a framing member in accordance with the embodiment of FIG 6A. FIG. 10A is a partial perspective view of a framing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1OB is an enlarged view of FIG. 1 OA, showing a furring strip snapped into a furring strip receiving recess.

FIGs. 10C and 10D are a side view of a furring strip and a partial perspective view of a framing member, respectively, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10A.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals. To preserve the clarity of the drawings, some references numerals have been omitted, if they were already identified in a preceding figure.

In accordance with a first embodiment, and referring to FIGs. 1A and 1 B, the present invention concerns an elongate framing member 10 suitable for receiving a plurality of elongate furring strips 12 on either side. With reference to FIGs. 2A and 2B, the furring strips 12 preferably have generally C-shaped cross-section 14 with two opposite lateral wings 16 which extend outwards and in opposite directions. Such framing member 10 comprises two opposite longitudinal side edges 18 provided therealong with spaced apart furring strip receiving recesses 20 that are shaped so as to allow the furring strips 12 to be snapped in, in order to affix the furring strips transversally to the framing member 10.

In use, the framing members 10 are positioned side-by-side such that the furring strip receiving recesses 20 of adjacent framing members 10 are aligned and each furring strip 12 is able to be received in a corresponding one of the recesses 20 on each framing member 10. Preferably, the furring strip receiving recesses 20 are regularly spaced along the framing member 10. As seen in FIGs. 3A and 3B, each of the furring strip receiving recesses 20 has a T- shape which is open along the longitudinal edge 18 at a web 21 and comprises a top 23 which forms an expanded portion of the recess 20. The width of the web 21 is slightly larger than the C-shaped cross-section 14 of the furring strip 12, and the expanded portion 23 of the T is shaped so that the lateral wings 16 of the furring strip 12 can fit snugly inside the recess 20. As indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3A, to snap the furring strip 12 in place in the furring strip receiving recess 20, one would squeeze the sides of the furring strip 12 toward each other so that the width of the furring strip 12 is slightly less than the width of the web 21. Once the furring strip 12 is inserted into the recess 20 and released, the lateral wings 16 of the furring strip 12 are fitted into the expanded portion 23 of the recess 20, as seen in FIG. 3B. An exterior sheet 30, such as gyp board, drywall, gyprock and the like, can then be affixed to the outer longitudinal surface of the furring strip 12 with screws, nails and the like.

The T-shape of the recess 20 forms a pair of opposed tabs 29 above and below the web 21. Once the wings 16 have been inserted into the expanded portions 23, the presence of the tabs 29 prevent the furring strip 12 from being pulled out of the recess 20. In addition, and as shown most clearly in FIG. 1 B, the base of the tabs 29 can engage a corresponding notch 46 in the upper and/or lower wall of the furring strip 12. This engagement advantageously prevents the furring strip 12 from translating laterally with respect to the frame members 10, or otherwise said along the longitudinal axis of the furring strip 12 itself. In addition, and as will be discussed in further detail below, the notches 46 can be used as indicators 46 when provided at regular intervals along the length of the furring strip 12.

Preferably, the elongate framing members 10 and furring strips 12 are formed from bent sheet metal. Preferably, the wings 16 are strengthened by folding sheet metal over and providing a double thickness therealong.

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the furring strip 12 are within the scope of the present invention. In particular, it will be appreciated that the C-shape 14 advantageously enables the above-described snapping-in of the furring strip 12 into the recess 20, although various alternative C-shapes may similarly be used.

It will be appreciated that the notches 46 along the edge of each wing 16 may also be advantageously used to mount additional units such as electrical boxes and the like. For example, and with reference to FIGs. 6A and 6B, an electrical box 42 can be positioned between two furring strips 12a and 12b and provided with flanges (not shown) which engage the upward facing notches 46 of the lower furring strip 12a and the downward facing notches 46 of the upper furring strip 12b in order to fully retain the box 42 therebetween. It will be appreciated that by mounting the electrical box 42 the furring strips 12a and 12b in this manner, the use of screws, bolts or other attachment devices can be avoided, although embodiments where such connectors are used is similarly within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, because they are provided at regular predetermined positions along the furring strips 12, notches 46 can be used to position the box 42 both simply and precisely.

As shown in FIG. 4A and 4B, the two opposite side edges 18 of the framing member 10 can further be provided with additional recesses 26 sized for receiving additional elongate components, such as electrical wires, pipes and the like. The additional recesses 26 (also referred to as a niche recess) similarly comprise an opening along the longitudinal edge 18 and an expanded portion that can receive mechanical objects, such as electrical wires or pipes 32. Of course, the additional recesses 26 may have other shapes, such as a circle, square or rectangular shape, as long as electrical wires or pipes can be retained therein. The inner contour 27 of the recess may also be covered with a smooth coating, or a PVC or rubber edge band, for protecting and/or insulating the wires during their installation in the additional recesses 26. Preferably however, for framing members 10 formed from sheet metal, the contour 27 of the recess 26 is stamped, bent or otherwise deformed perpendicularly so as to form a supporting surface and prevent a sharp edge from directly engaging the wires or pipes 32. With reference to FIGs. 5A to 5C, the framing members 10 are formed by an elongate central section 22 having a pair of extremities 25 which run longitudinally therealong, and pair of elongate flanges 24 which extend transversely outward from along the extremities 25 in opposite directions. The central section 22 has a lateral component to its structure which is, when viewed from the side as in FIG. 5B, substantially perpendicular to the outwardly extending flanges 24. This lateral component, it will be appreciated, stiffens the elongate member 10 and enables the framing members 10 to be used as studs. It will be appreciated that this desired stiffening does not require that any one part of the central section 22 be strictly perpendicular to the flanges, although a component of it must extend at some angle, be it perpendicular, acute or obtuse, to the flanges 24. It will be appreciated that providing the flanges 24 at an angle to the central section 22 gives the framing member 10 a strength it would not have if, in contrast, the flanges 24 were to extend not at an angle but straight out from the central section 22.

The central section 22 preferably, and as illustrated in FIGs. 5A to 5C, has a crenellated transverse cross-section. This shape can also be considered a square waveform-type shape. The central section 22 comprises an elongate central web 22a having a pair of opposed central longitudinal extremities 25a, a pair of secondary webs 22b which extend outward from the central extremities 25a in opposite directions and have respective secondary extremities 25b, and a pair of tertiary webs 22c which extend towards one another from the secondary extremities 25b. The tertiary webs 22c comprise the extremities 25 of the central section 22. The webs 22a, 22b and 22c are preferably planar and formed by bending, stamping, rolling or otherwise forming sheet metal, although it will be appreciated that variations of such web are within the scope of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that having the flanges 24, and the receiving recesses 20 therein, extend in opposite directions from the central section 22 provides various advantages. In particular, and in contrast with conventional systems using C-shaped framing members, the present invention provides a framing member 10 which is structurally sound while supporting the furring strips 12 on either side.

With reference to FIGs. 8A and 8B, the crenellated shape of the framing members 10 advantageously enables the convenient reception of insulation panels 36. Moreover, the overlapping manner in which adjacent insulation panels 36 are received by each member 10 advantageously reduces the transmission of sound waves through the finished wall structure. In another embodiment, the framing members may be provided with stoppers, such as cut out protrusions, along the central section 22 for engaging and gripping the ends of the panels 36.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a framing system 100 which comprises a plurality of the framing members 10 and a plurality of the furring strips 12. The framing members 10 are aligned vertically and side-by-side as studs would be in a conventional wall. Preferably, and for simplicity, the framing members 10 are positioned at regular intervals. Their central sections 22 can be lined up with the centreline of the eventual wall. As illustrated, a given furring strip 12 is received in the corresponding recesses 20 of adjacent framing members 10.

Referring to FIGs. 6A to 6D, the framing system 100 can be mounted to perpendicular surfaces via attachment plates 34. When that surface is a floor, the plates 34 can be referred to as sole plates. When that surface is a ceiling, the plates 34 can be referred to as top plates. The plates 34 have an L-shaped cross-section for attaching the lateral extremities 28, i.e. the top and bottom ends, of the members 10.

With additional reference to FIG. 9, the extremities 28 of each framing member 10 is preferably provided with a slot 44 which extends upwards between the central and secondary webs 22a and 22b, that is along the central longitudinal extremity 25a. It will be appreciated that the slot 44 may also be positioned elsewhere at the extremity 28 and that various other means of mounting the framing member 10 to a plate 34 or the floor itself are well within the scope of the present invention. The plate 34 may be provided with a plurality of holes 48 which ease its attachment to the framing members 10 via screws or the like. In particular, a plurality of holes 48 at predetermined distances and at predetermined heights is preferably provided for easing installation.

With reference now to FIGs. 7A to 7C₁ an alternate embodiment of the framing member 10 may include a two-piece flange composed of first and second flange portions 24a and 24b. In this embodiment, the second flange portion 24 is able to be fixed to the first flange portion 24a at a plurality of positions. The second flange portion 24b may be provided as a plurality of portions 24b (one of which is illustrated on either side of the framing member 10), or could be provided as one long second portion 24b which extends the length of the elongate framing member 10.

In this manner, the second flange portions 24b are used as extension plates for increasing the depth of a wall partition. These extension plates 24b may come in various shapes and sizes and are provided with furring strip receiving recesses 20. They may be used, for example, when the depth of the framing members 10 must be extended to accommodate a large diameter pipe, such as a roof drain.

Preferably, the elements of the framing system 100 are provided with indicators 50 that are regularly spaced apart at a predetermined distance, such as every half inch. Such indicators 50 can advantageously be used as a measuring system, thereby eliminating the need to use measuring tape when building an inside wall, floor or ceiling framing structure. The indicators 50 may comprise holes, marks or notches. In the case where the indicators 50 are holes, these holes 50 may be used as premade screw holes, for attaching one element to another. Screw holes may also be made at locations other than the indicators 50. Similarly, the notches 46 on the furring strips 12 and the holes 48 on the attachment plate(s) 34 may similarly function as indicators 50.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for building an inside room frame. This method comprises the steps of: a) fixing a bottom attachment plate 34 to a floor and a top attachment plate 34 to a ceiling;

b) fixing a plurality of framing members 10 as described above substantially perpendicularly between the plates 34; and

c) snapping furring strips 12 into the furring strip receiving recesses 20 on either side of the framing members 10.

Subsequent these steps, exterior boards 30 can be fixed to the furring strips 12.

It will be appreciated that various alternatives for fixing the framing members to the floor and/or ceiling are possible.

It will be appreciated that various other embodiments of the central section 22 are within the scope of the present invention. In particular, and with reference to FIGs. 10A to 10D, another embodiment of the framing system 100, the framing member 10 and the furring strip 12 of the present invention is provided. In this embodiment, the central section 22 of the member 10 comprises only a central web 22a and the flanges 24 extend outwards from either extremity 22a. This embodiment of the framing member 10 could be considered to have a step shaped cross-section.

The framing member 10 may alternatively be provided with a Z-shaped cross-section wherein the central section 22 is a planar, central web which extends between the flanges 24 at acute angles thereto. As yet another alternative, various combinations of central, secondary and/or tertiary webs may be used in other arrangements.

This alternate embodiment of the system 100 further comprises a set of notches which are formed by apertures 46 on the top and/or bottom of the C-shape 14. In use, these apertures 46 engage the extremity of the tabs 29.

As can be appreciated from the above description, the framing member 10 and the framing system 100 allow for an easy and rapid building of framing structures for the floors, walls and ceilings of an inside room. Furring strips 12 can be snapped into the recesses 20 without involving any screwing or nailing steps.

Mechanical components extending longitudinally, such as electrical wires and pipes can be easily fitted into the framing structure, thanks to the additional recesses 26. Similarly, pipes and the like can be run vertically between the framing members 10, if necessary by expanding the depth of the space therebetween in accordance with the embodiment of FIGs 7A and 7B. This operation does not require drilling or cutting into the studs.

Due to the use of transversal furring strips, the distance between studs can be increased, leading to more room for installing pipes, electrical connections or any other elements which require more than 16 inches in length. The height of the wall can also vary within a large interval, for example between 8 and 12 feet.

It will be appreciated that the shape of the framing members 10 used as studs advantageously enables the insulating panels 36 to be easily retained within framing members 10, and it is no longer required to pierce them when installing a unit therein, such as the electrical box 42, since boxes and the like can be secured over the lateral wings of the furring strips.

Another advantage of this combination of elements is improved noise insulation, since the contact points between the different elements of a framing structure is reduced, compared with traditional wood or metal framing structures. Yet another advantage of the framing structure 100 described above is the possibility to insulate wall corners, since furring strips can be extended beyond the metal framing members 10, which is not possible with traditional wall framing structure elements.

It will further be appreciated that a framing member in accordance with the present invention advantageously enables furring strips to be mounted on two sides, thereby fully enclosing any insulation, piping, wiring or the like which are typically installed within a wall.

Yet another advantage of the invention comes from indicators 50 regularly on the surfaces of the elements, eliminating the need to use a measuring tape to measure the distance at which an element must be placed. Since the indicators are regularly located, counting the indicators replaces the need to use a measuring tape.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A framing member for receiving a plurality of furring strips, the framing member comprising: a) an elongate central section comprising a pair of opposed longitudinal extremities; and b) a pair of elongate flanges, each flange extending transversely outward along a respective one of the longitudinal extremities at an angle to the central section, the flanges extending in substantially opposite directions, each flange comprising: i) an outer longitudinal edge; and ii) a plurality of furring strip receiving recesses provided along the outer longitudinal edge, each furring strip receiving recess being shaped and dimensioned so as to allow a furring strip to be retained therein.

2. The framing member of claim 1 , wherein the central section has a crenellated- shaped transverse cross-section.

3. The framing member of claim 2, wherein the central section comprises: a) an elongate planar central web comprising opposed central longitudinal extremities; b) a pair of elongate planar secondary webs, each secondary web extending transversely outward along a respective one of the central longitudinal extremities, the secondary webs extending in substantially opposite directions, each secondary web comprising a secondary longitudinal extremity; c) a pair of elongate planar tertiary webs, each tertiary web extending transversely outward along a respective one of the secondary longitudinal extremities, the tertiary webs extending substantially towards one another, each tertiary web forming the longitudinal extremities of the central section.

4. The framing member of claim 1, wherein the central section is an elongate planar web extending perpendicularly between the flanges from the longitudinal extremities.

5. The framing member of claim 1 , wherein the central section is an elongate planar web extending transversely between the flanges at acute angles thereto.

- 6. The framing member of claim 1 , wherein each framing member further comprises an additional recess for receiving components selected from the group comprising electrical wires and pipes.

7. The framing system of claim 6, wherein the additional recess comprises a contour which is provided with a supporting surface.

8. The framing system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of each pair of elongate flanges comprises first and second flange portions, the second flange portion comprising the outer longitudinal edge, the second flange portion being fixable at a plurality of transverse positions on the first flange portion.

9. A framing system for framing a wall, the framing system comprising: a) a plurality of elongate furring strips; and b) a plurality of elongate framing members, each framing member comprising: i) an elongate central section comprising a pair of opposed longitudinal extremities; and ii) a pair of elongate flanges, each flange extending transversely outward along a respective one of the longitudinal extremities at an angle to the central section, the flanges extending in substantially opposite directions, each flange comprising:

- an outer longitudinal edge opposite the one of the longitudinal extremities; and - a plurality of furring strip receiving recesses provided along the outer longitudinal edge, each furring strip receiving recess being shaped and dimensioned so as to allow a furring strip to be retained therein; each plurality of furring strip receiving recesses being positioned at corresponding positions along each framing member; wherein the plurality of framing members may be aligned so as to receive the plurality of furring strips, each furring strip being received in a corresponding furring strip receiving recess of each framing member.

10. The framing system of claim 9, wherein: a) the furring strip comprises a C-shaped transverse cross-section and a pair of opposed lateral wings extending outwards and in opposite directions; and b) each furring strip receiving recess comprises an opening along the corresponding longitudinal edge and an expanded portion which is sized to receive the opposed lateral wings.

11. The framing system of claim 10, wherein each furring strip comprises a plurality of notches along at least one of the lateral wings.

12. The framing system of claim 10, further comprising an L-shaped attachment plate for fixing the framing members to a surface.