EP3344821A1

EP3344821A1 - System for wall stud construction

Info

Publication number: EP3344821A1
Application number: EP15875794.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sten-Åke NYBERG
Original assignee: Trateam Broderna Nyberg AB
Current assignee: Trateam Broderna Nyberg AB
Priority date: 2014-12-30
Filing date: 2015-12-30
Publication date: 2018-07-11
Anticipated expiration: 2035-12-30
Also published as: SE540394C2; SE1400610A1; WO2016108742A1; EP3344821B1; EP3344821A4

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stud system (1) comprised of at least two studs (3) and at least one associated attachment device (4), in which the studs (3) are comprised of at least one first part (9) and at least one second part (10) which are joined to each other in the parts' transverse direction. The attachment devices are for example angled brackets having at least one first shank (21) and at least one second shank (22). The studs (3) have at least one groove (18) which extends along all or part of one or both of the studs' opposite sides. Further, the studs (3) have a through-hole (13) which extends along the longitudinal direction of the stud. The through-hole (13) has a cross-section that allows the shanks (21, 22) to be inserted fully or partially in the through-hole (13).

Description

System for Wall Stud Construction

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a stud system, a system for stud wall frameworks (structures, construction) or similar. Background of the Invention

Over time, a large number of different variants of stud systems and methods to construct these stud systems have been developed. For example, wall stud systems/frameworks have been used as construction structures in buildings and other structures. Stud systems/frameworks are usually comprised of a plurality of horizontal and vertical supports (studs) which are secured with attachment devices such as screws, nails, tin plates, brackets (mounts, fasteners) and several other types of devices for attachment. The studs in these wall stud

systems/frameworks usually consist of wood or metal studs (also called steel studs, sheet metal studs). Despite the fact that a great variety of stud systems and methods to construct the stud systems/frame works have been developed, there still exist problems with these systems. One of the problems with known stud systems, particularly with stud systems comprised of wooden studs, is that they typically include a large number of different types and variations of included components. The large amount of included components in these stud systems usually entails handling problems and cost disadvantages.

Another problem with the known types of stud systems is that they usually require a relatively high degree of accuracy in cutting and fitting the included studs in order for the stud system to achieve a satisfactory function. The cutting (sawing) and fitting in place of these studs is by way of the stud system design time-consuming, which in turn entails more costs.

Other problems with known stud systems are caused by the materials the studs are made of. When using studs of wood, especially homogenous wood, in stud systems, there is the problem that the studs are usually not dimensionally stable. Especially when stored for a period of time wood studs become, for example, slightly twisted or deformed (warped) around their edges.

A further problem with the use of wooden studs in stud systems is that the studs of wood are typically manufactured of wood from the natural running length of timber. To cut studs from lengths of timber causes the remaining parts of the timber after cutting to become waste because it may not be used as studs in the stud system, which in turn entails costs.

Even the use of studs made from metal such as sheet metal in the stud system entails specific problems. One problem with stud systems that include studs of sheet metal is that they are usually not dimensionally stable in shape before the application of outer layers of gypsum board, plasterboard, plywood or similar sheets being screwed (attached) to the studs.

Furthermore, stud systems comprised of metal studs usually require more professional installers than studs comprised of wood. The construction of stud systems comprised of metal studs also requires access to multiple types of tools compared to the construction of stud systems comprised of wood.

A further problem with metal studs is problems with the working environment. For example, a greater force is required for screws and the like to be screwed through a sheet metal stud than into a wood stud.

When using conventional stud systems certain problems arise when using these to construct walls and the like, where openings differ from rectangular shapes. For example, there are problems in constructing rhomboid shapes or arch shapes. There are also problems with skewed (angled) studs.

Prior Art

SE1311731T3 and SE1305484T3 describe variants of studs and stud systems and methods for construction of these stud systems. The described techniques have been commercialized by Sodra Timber and are marketed under the brand SodraSmart.

Sodra Timber's system SodraSmart includes studs of wood which largely resembles the design of metal studs. The studs included in SodraSmart consist of pieces of wood which are cut and glued together with the intention of achieving a dimensionally stable stud. The studs have a C-shape. The design also includes a variation of an adjustment block which is used to position the vertical posts. The system in accordance with its description and the marketed stud system SodraSmart differs substantially from the system in accordance with the present invention. For example, use of SodraSmart' s stud system does not provide a corresponding flexibility of use such as the stud system/framework in accordance with the present invention. Another problem with SodraSmart's studs is that they do not have an essentially symmetrical shape which causes problems during construction of the stud system. For example, noggings may not be made of the same profile as the vertical studs.

Another difference between SodraSmart's stud system and the stud system in accordance with the present invention is that SodraSmart's noggins have a different cross-section form than the studs in general. In the present system the noggins preferably have the same cross- sectional form as the studs in general. Furthermore, the noggins do not directly connect to the other studs, but indirectly to the sheet material (plywood, gypsum board) or the like, that after the construction of the stud framework is attached to the stud framework. This must be seen in contrast to the present invention where the noggings are connected with attachment devices to other studs.

A variant of a stud system is described in US 2014130441. The design in accordance with US2014130441 differs substantially from the design in accordance with the present invention. For example, the present stud system's studs are made of wood, or preferably of wood. The studs consist of a first part and a second part which are glued together, resulting in a better stiffness than the studs in the accordance with US2014130441. Furthermore, the design according to US21 14130441 does not allow for a corresponding possibility of stepless adjustment of the length of each of the studs in accordance with the present invention. In the present system the named possibility for adjustment is achieved thanks to the fact that the bracket may be shifted in the longitudinal direction of the stud.

Purpose of the Invention

The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate or significantly reduce one of the aforementioned, or in the following mentioned problems with existing types of stud systems. This purpose is achieved by a stud system in accordance with claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will occur. These figures are briefly described in the figure list below.

Fig. 1 shows schematically components in an exemplifying stud system in accordance with the present invention. Figs. 2 A to 2D show exemplifying embodiments of joined studs. Figs. 3 A to 3D show exemplifying embodiments of the included stud's cross-sectional forms. Fig. 4 shows a first exemplifying embodiment of an attachment device/bracket. Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of an attachment device/bracket. Figs. 6 A to 6C show alternative embodiments of an attachment device/bracket. Fig. 7 shows an alternative exemplifying embodiment of the stud system. Detailed Description of the Invention

Referring to the figures, a stud system 1, (or alternatively a system for stud construction, framework, a system for stud frameworks) in accordance with the present invention is described in more detail. The stud framework 1 is preferably suited to be connected to at least one structure 2 preferably as part of a building structure or the like. The stud system, or constituent components thereof, may in alternative embodiments be used in other

applications.

In applications in buildings the stud system 1 may for example be used in frame structures in walls, ceilings and other building applications. The present invention may for example be advantageously used in partitions or other wall constructions of a building. Preferably, the stud system is suitable to be covered (clad) with building cladding material sheets, wall paneling (gypsum boards, drywall, plywood) and the like (not shown in the figures).

The stud system 1 includes an arbitrary number of studs 3, (beams, elongated supports or the like). The studs 3 are suitable for connection to each other with the requisite number of attachment devices 4 and together form a framework of studs, stud system.

The stud's 3 shape (form) may vary within the scope of the invention. In the exemplifying embodiment, the stud has preferably a shape which is essentially quadrangular and thus is comprised of at least one first side 5 with one first opposing side 6, constituting a second side and a third side 7 with a second opposite side 8, constituting a fourth side. In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that the studs have a shape other than the shapes shown in the figures. The studs preferably consists of materials of wood or include materials comprised of wood. In alternative embodiments, the stud system includes at least one stud of metal, composite material or other suitable material or material combinations. In exemplifying embodiments of the stud 3, each respective stud 3 includes at least one first part 9 (such as a piece of wood) and at least one second part 10 (such as a piece of wood). Parts 9 and 10 are preferably joined to each other with/technologies suitable for the purpose. Preferably, the parts may be joined by glue or other type, or combination, of adhesive. The length of the studs 3 and the parts 9 and 10 may vary within the scope of the invention. It is further conceivable that the studs in alternative embodiments are comprised of at least one third part (not shown in the figures) and where appropriate also at least one fourth part (not shown in the figures). Alternatively, the number of parts may be more than four.

In one preferred embodiment, the first part's contact surface 11 against the second part's contact surface 12 and the second part's contact surface 12 against the first part's contact surface 11 have conforming (corresponding) shapes. Conforming shapes refer to forms which facilitate the mutual positioning of the parts in connection with the joining of these parts. (The meaning of this is that the parts fit together in a specific way so as not to require extensive effort to mutually position the parts during the joining of parts). The stud 3 includes at least one longitudinal hole 13 which extends along all or part of the stud's 3 length (longitudinal direction). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the hole 13 is a through-hole which extends through the entire length of the stud. Preferably, the hole 13 is placed in the axial center of the stud (hereinafter referred to as the hole alternatively the center hole) or essentially in the stud's axial center. In alternative embodiments, it is feasible that the hole 13 is located in another for the purpose suitable position than the axial center of the stud. The shape of the cross-section of the hole 13 may vary within the scope of the invention.

Referring to Figs. 3A to 3D, exemplifying embodiments of the hole's cross-section are shown. The hole's 13 cross-sectional shape has a form which allows at least one end (the shank) of an attachment device (bracket) 4 to be inserted in whole or in part into the hole. For example, the described bracket's one shank may entirely or partially be inserted into the longitudinal hole 13. In the exemplifying embodiment shown in the figures, both the bracket's first shank part and the bracket's second shank part are suitable for insertion entirely or partly into the longitudinal hole 13. In the first exemplifying embodiment shown in Figs. 3 A and 3B, the hole 13 is of a wholly or partially essentially rectangular shape, alternatively of a shape which essentially has a rectangular shape. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 3 A, the hole's cross-sectional shape along parts of the longitudinal sides have a greater width (height) than the other parts of the longitudinal sides (elevated groove height in a section of the hole profile). In alternative embodiments, the hole 13 may have another for the purpose suitable form appropriate for the purpose and in which at least one of the bracket's shanks may be inserted completely or partially. For example, Fig 3D shows a hole (groove) 13 with sections that are radius-shaped or otherwise curved.

In the exemplifying embodiment of the stud 3, the stud 3, after its included first part 9 and its second part 10 are joined to each other, at the transition between the first part 9 and the second part 10, includes at least one first groove 14 or first recess. Preferably, the stud 3 includes at least one first groove (recess) 14 and at least one second groove (recess) 15. The grooves 14 and 15 extend along the entire or part of the length of the stud. The grooves (recesses) 14 and 15 are designed to collect (capture) excess adhesive which eventually is squeezed out in connection with the joining of the first part 9 and the second part 10. The grooves (recesses) are created by the edges 16 of the first part 9 and the edges 17 of the second part 10 being preferably beveled or formed with another for the purpose suitable form. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the edges at the grooves are radius-shaped.

The studs 3 include at least one groove (recess, guide track) 18 or the like, on the one side, and preferably a second groove (recess, guide track) 19 or the like on the opposite side. The grooves 18 and 19 form a space in which the attachment devices 4 or the like may be connected. The attachment devices 4 may be connected at specific positions or be steplessly movable along the groove's 18 and 19 length. The grooves (guide tracks) 18 and 19 extend in the studs (parts) longitudinal direction. In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that at least one type of attachment device 4 may be connected to the grooves and may be moved along all or part of the grooves' longitudinal direction (the longitudinal direction of the parts). By way of this design, a torsional and torque absorbing structure for the mutually connected studs is achieved. The depth (height) of the grooves (guide tracks) may vary within the scope of the invention. In one preferred embodiment, the grooves (guide tracks) have a depth corresponding to the thickness of the bracket's shank.

The system 1 includes attachment devices 4 such as a first type of bracket 20, tin plate (fastener) or the like with which two or more studs 3 are connected to each other. In the exemplifying embodiment, the bracket 20 consists of a variation of an angled bracket with which one first stud and at least one second stud may be positioned mutually angled. The bracket or tin plate 20 is comprised of at least one first shank 21 and at least one second shank 22. In the first exemplifying embodiment of the shanks 21 and 22, they are angled essentially perpendicular to each other. In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that the angle between shanks 21 and 22 differs from the perpendicular. The bracket's one shank 21 is suitable for connection to the stud's hole (center hole) and the bracket's second shank is suitable for connection to the stud's 3 groove (guide track) 18 or one of the stud's grooves (guide tracks) 18 and 19.

The bracket 20 is preferably made of metal or metal alloy. If the metal material is of a material that is attracted by a magnet, a technical function of the bracket's position being easily detected even when the wall panels are attached to the stud wall with said brackets is achieved. In alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable that the bracket be made of another suitable material or material combinations.

The bracket 20 in the exemplifying embodiment shown in the figures also includes at least one attachment device 23 with which the bracket 20 may be connected to at least one hole 24, aperture, recess or the like in the stud. Preferably, the studs have several holes 24 each. The holes 24 may be placed in predetermined positions in the stud's axial direction causing the holes to be used as positioning holes for positioning the bracket at a predetermined position or in one of a plurality of predetermined positions. For example, the holes' 24 positions may be placed in accordance with (and/or determined by) at least one standard. Despite the above, the holes 24 in alternative embodiments, may be located at any position along the stud's longitudinal direction. The holes 24 in alternative embodiments, may consist of recesses, bottom-holes or the like.

The holes 24 in the exemplifying embodiments of the figures are located at the center, or essentially at the center of the studs. In alternative embodiments, the holes may be located in another for the purpose suitable position.

In the exemplifying embodiment of the bracket shown in Fig. 4, the attachment device 23 is comprised of at least one first attachment member 25 and at least one second attachment member 26. In alternative embodiments, the number of attachment members may be more or less than two.

The shanks' 21 and 22 form may be symmetrical, i.e. that they have an identical or essentially identical shapes. In the exemplifying embodiments shown in the figures, the shape and function of the first and second shank preferably vary within the scope of the invention. The first shank has a first shape and first function and the second shank has a second shape and a second function. The bracket is thus reversible so that the one shank slides into the groove (guide track) while the other shank is inserted into the hole 24 or recess. The system enables the bracket's 20 one shank, with the attachment members 25 and 26, to be connected to a first stud at a predetermined position while the second shank, with a smooth surface, may be connected to a second stud at any position (stepless) along the stud's groove (guide track). In order to connect (fix) the bracket 20 to a specific position along the groove, it includes preferably also one or more holes 27 for screws, nails and the like. Referring to Fig. 5, it is shown how the present bracket 20 in an alternative embodiment, includes perforations 28, recesses, holes or weakening at the transition between the first shank 21 and the second shank 22 which facilitates the adjustment of the angle between the shank 21 and the shank 22 (easier to mutually bend the shanks than when the bracket has no perforations, notches, recesses, holes or weakening). Referring to Figs. 6A and 6B, alternative variants of the bracket 20 are shown. Fig. 6A shows a variant of the attachment device 23 with a cross-shaped cross-section. In further

embodiments, the attachment device's cross-section may be of another shape suitable for the purpose. In Fig. 6B, an attachment device in the form of a bracket 20 is shown wherein the attachment device 23 has a round cross-sectional shape. Referring to Fig. 6C, it is shown how the present system includes a variation of an attachment device 4 which, for example is suitable for use in splicing together a first stud and a second stud, end to end. The attachment device in this embodiment preferably has a straight shape which allows two studs to be connected to each other in the studs' axial directions or essentially axial directions. Referring to Fig. 7, it is shown how a stud is connected to another stud at an angle which deviates from a right angle between the studs. This is made possible by the bracket 20 including perforations, holes or the like with which the angle between the bracket's shanks may be adjusted.

In alternative variants of the stud system, it includes at least one bracket, console or similar for at least one electrical box or other electrical component. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the system includes brackets or consoles for other purposes. For example, these may be suitable to support some type of screw mounting.

With the present system it is easier and faster to construct (create) a stud system (framework). In the present invention, this simplification is accomplished by the bracket being movable relative to the center hole of the elongated part which allows for the stud's length to be adjusted by mutual adjustment of the brackets and studs.

In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that the studs lack center holes. In these embodiments, a connection between the studs may be accomplished by using a U-shaped bracket to join together the pa^s of the system. In further embodiments, it is conceivable that the stud includes two or more holes in the stud's longitudinal direction.

Alternatively, the grooves, the recess may be at the edges of the elongated parts. The bracket in these cases include grooves which may be attached to the edges of the elongated parts.

In the detailed description of the present invention, design details regarding the design may have been omitted which are apparent to persons skilled in the art of the invention. Such obvious design details are included to the extent necessary and have the needed functions so that the proper and full performance of the present invention is achieved.

Advantages of the Invention

The present invention achieves several advantages. Firstly, an improved stud system is achieved which solves or reduces, at least one of, in the background mentioned technical problems. Another advantage is a more efficient construction process. A further advantage of the present invention is that the included studs better endure being stored (stocked) than wooden studs of solid (homogeneous) wood do.

Claims

1. Stud system (1) suitable for connection to a structure (2) such as a building structure, comprised of any number of studs (3) of wood with, in relation to the number of studs an associated number of attachment devices (4) with which the studs (3) are connected to each other and the structure (2) and that the included studs (3) are comprised of at least one first part (9) and at least one second part (10) which are joined to each other characterized in that the first part (9) and the second part (10) are joined together with glue or other adhesive or combinations of adhesives and that the first part's (9) contact surface (11) and the second part's (10) contact surface (12) towards each other are comprised of corresponding shapes which facilitate the mutual positioning of the parts in relation to the said joining and that the system (1) is comprised of a first type of attachment device (4) in the form of a bracket, angled bracket (20) which is comprised of at least one first shank (21) and at least one second shank (22) with which two studs may be connected to each other mutually angled, and that the system (1) is comprised of at least one second type of attachment device (4) with which two studs (3) are joined together in the studs' axial direction and that the studs (3) include a through-hole (13) which extends in the stud's longitudinal direction and that the hole (13) has a cross-section that allows the shank (21) and the shank (22) to be inserted fully or partially in the hole, and that the included studs (3) have at least one groove (18) which extends along all or part of one of the stud's opposite sides, or both the studs' opposite sides, in the stud's longitudinal direction which enables a stepless connection of angled studs, and that stud system's studs (3) have at least one first longitudinal groove (14) and at least one second longitudinal groove (15), bevel or the like for the collection of any adhesive residue.

2. Stud system (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the through-hole (13) is placed in the stud's axial center or essentially in the stud's axial center.

3. Stud system (1) according to at least one of the previous claims characterized in that on the longitudinal sides that do not have grooves (18), the sides include positioning holes (24) for attachment devices for connecting studs at predetermined positions.

4. Stud system (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that at least one of the first attachment device's (4) shanks (21, 22) is comprised of at least one attachment device

(23) with which the attachment device (23) is connected to at least one hole (24), recess or the like in at least one stud.

5. Stud system (1) according to at least one of the previous claims characterized in that the attachment device (23) is comprised of at least one first attachment member (25) and at least one second attachment member (26) suitable for insertion into the hole

(24) .

6. Stud system (1) according to at least one of the previous claims characterized in that the bracket (20) includes perforations (28), holes or weakening at the transition between the first shank (21) and the second shank (22) which permits an adjustment of the shanks' mutual angle.

7. Stud system (1) according to at least one of the previous claims characterized in that the stud system is comprised of at least one bracket, console or similar for at least one electrical box or the like which is connectable to at least one hole (24) in at least one stud (3).

8. Stud system (1) according to at least one of the previous claims characterized in that the holes (24) are positioned mutually and along the stud's longitudinal direction predetermined or standardized positions.

9. Stud system (1) according to one of the previous claims characterized in that the studs (3) have at least one first longitudinal groove (14) and at least one second longitudinal groove (15), bevel or the like for collecting any adhesive residue.

10. Stud system (1) according to at least one of the previous claims characterized in that the attachment device (23) is comprised of at least one first attachment member (25) with a round cross-section.

1 1. Stud system (1) according to at least one of the previous claims characterized in that the attachment device (23) is comprised of at least one first attachment member (25) with a cross-shaped cross-section.