Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall

Abstract

A Wood Wall Support System as a manner to straighten a wall surface and provide a good structure to place drywall, paneling and various finishes on a vertical planar wall surface. It is designed to keep wood walls strong, even and vertically straight by creating a flat plane for the wall finishes. A long T configuration is applied generally in the center of the length of the stud and can be applied to the wall as it is in a horizontal position or after the studs are vertical. This system can be used in both Residential and Commercial wood frame wall applications.

Claims

1. An Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall system is comprised of: (a) at least one T made of durable metal further comprised with a pair of angles folded to make the T; (b) a series of vertical wood studs which form a wood wall system; and (c) a kerf saw cut into each wood stud approximately one half the distance between a bottom plate and a top plate of the wood wall system wherein the Straight Wall system uses the T placed into the kerf of the studs and the T is fastened to the studs whereby each stud is moved to an even position and the surface of the studs are vertical to a floor of a building.

2. The system described in claim 1 wherein the T is selected from a list including metal, plastic, composite materials, steel alloys, zinc coated steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, a modern composite material of plastic and reinforcing fill like carbon, steel, fibers.

3. The system described in claim 1 wherein the wood wall system is further comprised of at least one more Ts wherein the first T and second T overlap at least one commonly spread studs.

4. An Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall system is comprised of: (a) at least one T made of at least one standard structural T made of durable metal; (b) a series of vertical wood studs which form a wood wall system; and (c) a kerf saw cut into each stud approximately one half the distance between a bottom plate and a top plate of the wood wall system wherein the Straight Wall system uses the standard structural T placed into the kerf of the studs and the standard structural T is fastened to the studs whereby each stud is moved to an even position and the surface of the studs are vertical to a floor of a building.

5. The system described in claim 4 wherein the standard structural T is selected from a list including metal, plastic, composite materials, steel alloys, zinc coated steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, a modern composite material of plastic and reinforcing fill like carbon, steel, fibers.

6. The system described in claim 4 wherein the wood wall system is further comprised of at least one more standard structural Ts wherein the first standard structural T and second standard structural T overlap at least one commonly spread studs.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall for various wood wall applications. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Straight Wall system. It is understood, however, that the Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0022] FIGS. 1A through 1D are sketches of the general intermediate wood wall support system for building applications device.

[0023] FIGS. 2A through 2D are sketches of the connection T for the intermediate wood wall support system with components and features noted.

[0024] FIG. 3A through 3F are sketches of the connection T in a stud wall using the intermediate wood wall support system.

[0025] FIGS. 4A and 4B are sketches of long expanses of the wood wall structure using the intermediate wood wall support system.

[0026] FIGS. 5A and 5B are more sketches of a common wooden stud wall with vertical structures and strengthening columns shown.

[0027] FIGS. 6A through 6D are photos of wood stud walls using the intermediate wood wall support system.

[0028] FIGS. 7A though 7E are additional sketches of a wood stud wall using the intermediate wood wall support system.

[0029] FIGS. 8A through 8D are examples of prior art used to straighten wood walls.

[0030] FIGS. 9A and 9B are more examples of prior art used to straighten wood walls.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0031] The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE-US-00002 Ref # Description 30 intermediate wood wall support system for building applications called straight wall 30 31 prototype system 31 of intermediate wood wall support system for building applications 30 40 straightening T 40 of various lengths widths and depths 40A straightening standard structural T 40A of various lengths, widths, and depths made of a rolled standard structural tee 41 kerf leg 41 folded F, two thicknesses of material 44 nail/screw holes or apertures 44 optional 45 T flats 45 contiguous to a 2 4 inch to stud room surface 63 45A T flats 45A contiguous to a 2 6 inch to stud room surface 63 50 kerf 50 or saw cut into stud 51 nails/screws 51 60 vertical 2 4 inch stud 60 60A vertical 2 6 inch stud 60A 61 top plate 61 61A double plate 61A (second top plate that ties into other walls

TABLE-US-00003 62 bottom plate 62 63 stud surface 63 next to room 65 lintel/header 65 66 cleat 66 67 jack trimmer/cripple/stiffener 67 69 spacer or block 69 70 wall framing structure 70 comprised of vertical studs 60 and horizontal top plates 61, 61A and bottom plates 62 when assembled as wall and ready for wall finishes (drywall, plaster, paneling, etc.) 71 corner 71 72 wall lead 72 73 beam or load support 73 73A beam or load support 73A with beam pocket 74A 74 beam pocket 74 77 window or door double 77 80 Prior art 80 US application 2002/0005023 81 Prior art 81 U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,310 82 Prior art 82 U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,691 83 Prior art 83 literature showing cross member additions and reinforcement w width w of side angle of tee 40 W width W across full top of tee 40 - 2 of the angles D depth D of the tee 40 F fold F of the two legs 41 of the tee 40 L length L of the tee 40 O overlap O of two of the tees 40

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0032] This invention relates to an Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall. Particularly this is a manner to straighten and strengthen a wall and provide a good structure to place drywall, paneling and various finishes on a flat planar wall. The present invention relates to a system that pertains to straightening uneven, bowed studs and using the straight wall system to make them commonly flush at the medial point. The present invention relates generally to the framing of walls in new construction and in the remodeling of buildings and, more particularly, to a relatively simple system to straighten and support members such as studs forming walls, or window and door openings in the framing for such new construction or in buildings being remodeled to establish and provide a common, straight and even planar frame work for affixing any desired exterior finishing members such as paneling, wallboard, sheetrock, and the like thereto.

[0033] The advantages for the Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall 30 are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits are that the device: [0034] A. Provides a fast straightening system; [0035] B. Can be installed during the original build (commonly horizontal), after the walls are placed vertical, or on existing walls during remodeling Is rust resistant; [0036] C. Improves sheer strength of wall; [0037] D. Maintains vertical compressive strength; [0038] E. Requires only simple tools; and [0039] F. Can be installed by single worker.

[0040] The preferred embodiment of an Intermediate Wood Wall Support System 30 called Straight Wall is comprised of: (a) at least one T made of durable metal further comprised with a pair of angles folded to make the T; (b) a series of vertical wood studs which form a wood wall system; and (c) a kerf saw cut into each stud approximately one half the distance between a bottom plate and a top plate of the wood wall system wherein the Straight Wall system uses the T placed into the kerf of the studs and the T is fastened to the studs whereby each stud is moved to a common and even position and the surface of the studs are vertical to a floor of a building. A further embodiment has the materials for the T selected from a list including metal, plastic, composite materials, steel alloys, zinc coated steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, a modern composite material of plastic and reinforcing fill like carbon, steel, fibers. An alternative embodiment is further comprised of at least one more T wherein the first T and second T overlaps at least one commonly spread studs. And another alternative is an Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall system is comprised of: (a) at least one standard structural T made of durable metal; (b) a series of vertical wood studs which form a wood wall system; and (c) a kerf saw cut into each stud approximately one half the distance between a bottom plate and a top plate of the wood wall system wherein the Straight Wall system uses the T placed into the kerf of the studs and the T is fastened to the studs whereby each stud is moved to a even position and the surface of the studs are vertical to a floor of a building.

[0041] There is shown in FIGS. 1-9 a complete description and operative embodiment of the Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-9 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this product. The various example uses are in the operation and use section, below.

[0042] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Straight Wall system 30 that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall 30. It is understood, however, that the Straight Wall system 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples straightening of wood wall structures and the like are still understood by one skilled in the art of wood structures and their wall reinforcement and straightening methods that this system is readily adapted to other types of wood wall structures and devices within the scope and spirit shown here.

[0043] FIGS. 1A through 1D are sketches of the general intermediate wood wall support system 30 for building applications device. Demonstrated are: an intermediate wood wall support system for building applications called straight wall 30; a prototype system 31 of intermediate wood wall support system for building applications 30; a straightening T 40 of various lengths widths and depths; and optional holes or apertures 44 to start nails or screws 50.

[0044] FIGS. 2A through 2D are sketches of the connection T for the intermediate wood wall support system 30 with components and features noted. Depicted components and features in these figures are: a straightening T 40 of various lengths, widths, and depths; a straightening standard structural T 40A of various lengths, widths, and depths made of a rolled structural tee; a kerf leg 41 folded F, two thicknesses of material; a nail/screw holes or apertures 44 optional; a T flats 45 contiguous to 24 inch stud room surface 63; a T flats 45A contiguous to a 26 inch to stud room surface 63; a long straighten T 40; a kerf 50 or saw cut into stud; a nails/screws 51; a width w of side angle of T 40; a width W across full top of T 402 of the angles; a depth D of the T 40; a fold F of the two legs 41 of the T 40; a length L of the T 40; and the fold F of the two legs 41 of the T 40. The initial design of Straight Wall is manufactured from twenty gage (20 GA) galvanized or zinc coated steel, cold formed to a T configuration (as per the attached drawings). Ideal length is approximately twelve feet one and one half inches long (12-1). One skilled in the art of materials realizes that a material resistant to corrosion, especially rusting, is preferred. This means a ferrous based compound needs coating, plating (like galvanized) or a special alloy steel or stainless steel. Likewise, a modern composite material of plastic and reinforcing fill like carbon, steel, fibers and the like can be appropriate materials for the T 40 and standard structural T 40A. A standard structural T 40A is one that has been manufactured by casting, molding, or rolling the Tee (T-shaped cross-section) into its final size of the leg (vertical) and flat (top, horizontal). Originally steel or iron rolled from bars, the standard Tee 40A can also be cast metal or molded plastic or composite materials.

[0045] FIG. 3A through 3F are sketches of the connection T in a stud wall using the intermediate wood wall support system. Portrayed in these views, one sees an intermediate wood wall support system for building applications called straight wall 30; a straightening T 40 of various lengths widths and depths; a kerf 50 or saw cut into stud; a nails/screws 51; a vertical 24 inch stud 60; vertical 26 inch stud 60A; a top plate 61; double plate 61A (second top plate that ties into other walls; a bottom plate 62; a cleat 66; and a jack or trimmer/cripple/stiffener 67. One notes in FIGS. 3E and F the option to use side studs 60 or cleats 66 with the kerf 50 to allow a double stud or beam or load support 73 to remain un-cut without a kerf 50.

[0046] FIGS. 4A and 4B are sketches of long expanses of the wood wall structure using the intermediate wood wall support system 30. In these sketches are provided: a straightening T 40 of various lengths widths and depths; a kerf leg 41 folded; two thickness of material; a vertical stud 60; a top plate 61; a double plate 61A (second top plate that ties into other walls; a bottom plate 62; a lintel/header 65; a jack or trimmer/cripple/stiffener 67; a wall framing structure 70 comprised of vertical studs 60 and horizontal top plates 61 and bottom plates 62 when assembled as wall and ready for wall finishes (drywall, plaster, paneling, etc.); an overlap O of two of the T 40; a corner 71; a wall lead 72; a beam or load support 73; and a window or door double 77.

[0047] FIGS. 5A and 5B are more sketches of a common wooden stud wall with vertical structures and strengthening columns shown. One can see the features and components shown are: a vertical stud 60; a top plate 61; a double plate 61A (second top plate that ties into other walls; a bottom plate 62; a jack or trimmer/cripple/stiffener 67; a spacer or block 69; a wall framing structure 70 comprised of vertical studs 60 and horizontal top plates 61 and bottom plates 62 when assembled as wall and ready for wall finishes (drywall, plaster, paneling, etc.); a corner 71; a wall lead 72; a beam or load support 73; beam or load support 73A with beam pocket 74; a beam pocket 74 and a window or door double 77.

[0048] FIGS. 6A through 6D are photos of wood stud walls using the intermediate wood wall support system 30. Illustrated here are the following: a prototype system 31 of intermediate wood wall support system for building applications 30; a T 40; a vertical stud 60; a top plate 61; a double plate 61A (second top plate that ties into other walls; a bottom plate 62; jack or trimmer/cripple/stiffener 67; an internal room surface 63; and an overlap O of two of the Ts 40.

[0049] FIGS. 7A though 7E are additional sketches of a wood stud wall using the intermediate wood wall support system 30. Displays of these sketches and photos show: a prototype system 31 of intermediate wood wall support system for building applications 30; a long straighten T 40 of various lengths; a kerf 50 or saw cut into stud; an overlap O of two of the Ts 40; and a vertical stud 60.

[0050] FIGS. 8A through 8D and FIGS. 9A and 9B are examples of prior art used to straighten wood structural walls. Here former patents, applications and literature for wood structure straightening and reinforcing. Shown and demonstrated are: prior art 80 US application 2002/0005023; prior art 81 U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,310; prior art 82 U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,691; and prior art 83 literature showing cross member additions and reinforcement herein. As can be seen, the Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall 30 is a unique combination and use as described.

[0051] The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing the Straight Wall system 30 may be added, as a person having ordinary skill in the field of wood structures and wall reinforcement and straightening methods, and are readily adapted to other types of wood wall structures and devices.

Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0052] The Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall 30 has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Straight Wall system 30. The preferred embodiment of an Intermediate Wood Wall Support System 30 called Straight Wall is comprised of: (a) at least one T 40 made of durable metal further comprised with a pair of angles folded to make the T; (b) a series of vertical wood studs 60 which form a wood wall system 70; and (c) a kerf saw cut 50 into each stud approximately one half the distance between a bottom plate 62 and a top plate 61 of the wood wall system wherein the Straight Wall system uses the T placed into the kerf of the studs and the T is fastened to the studs whereby each stud is moved to a even position and the medial surface of the studs are vertical to a floor of a building. A further embodiment has the materials for the T selected from a list including metal, plastic, composite materials, steel alloys, zinc coated steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, a modern composite material of plastic and reinforcing fill like carbon, steel, fibers. An alternative embodiment is further comprised of at least one more T lengths 40 wherein the first T 40 and second T 40 overlaps at least two commonly spread studs 60 by a pre-determined distance O such as 12 inches, 16 inches, or 24 inches, or a similar conventional stud spread. And another alternative is an Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall system is comprised of: (a) at least one standard structural T made of durable metal; (b) a series of vertical wood studs which form a wood wall system; and (c) a kerf saw cut into each stud approximately one half the distance between a bottom plate and a top plate of the wood wall system wherein the Straight Wall system uses the T placed into the kerf of the studs and the T is fastened to the studs whereby each stud is moved to an even and flush position and the surface of the studs are vertical to a floor of a building.

[0053] The Straight Wall system 30 is a solution to the problem is an Intermediate Wall Support System. Straight Wall is designed to keep wood walls strong and vertically straight, creating a flat plane for the wall finishes. Straight Wall is made from a durable material (see above) such as galvanized steel in a T configuration and can be installed as the wall is fabricated or after the wall is standing. It can be applied to either side of the wall, or a combination of both and is applied generally in the center of the length of the stud. It can be applied to the wall as it is in a horizontal position (preferred) or after it is vertical. Straight Wall is available in two sizes, for 24 as well as 26 walls, the most common wall sizes. The larger size can also be used in walls more than six inches in width. Straight Wall can be used in both Residential and Commercial wood frame wall applications. Straight Wall 30 is installed in a prepared saw kerf 50, prepared onsite and perpendicular to and across the face of the studs 60 and generally in the center of the length of the stud. Straight Wall T 40 is then firmly pressed into the sawn kerf 50 and double nailed or double screwed 51 to each stud 60. Multiple lengths of Straight Wall should be installed to an overlap distance O itself by at least one stud and pieces should be spaced several inches apart to avoid splitting or breaking of the wood stud between the multiple pieces of Straight Wall. The ideal installation time is after the wall is fabricated, straight and squared and still lying flat on the floor and before the sub-siding, if any, is applied. (In the horizontal position) Care should be taken to insure the kerf 50 is properly sized for a tight fit when the Straight Wall is pressed into it. When properly installed, the structural features of the wall should be enhanced due to the fact each single stud is properly spaced and straight. The installer may prefer not to kerf multiple stud components of the wall (Corners, leads, door/window doubles and beam supportssee FIGS. 3E and 5B). Options for that situation are to kerf only the outer studs of the assembly (either prior to or after assembled) or a short cleat 66 with a kerf 50 can be applied to the side of such component to affix the Straight Wall to it (FIG. 3F). Optimum results will occur when the straight wall runs the entire length of the wall with the exception of door or window openings, if any. Care should be taken during installation, and install Straight Wall at heights and or sides of the wall to avoid conflicts with mechanical and electrical installations or diagonal wall bracing.

[0054] With this description it is to be understood that the Intermediate Wood Wall Support System called Straight Wall 30 is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the Straight Wall system 30 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

[0055] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0056] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0057] Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

[0058] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of plane as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term plane when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase as used herein shall mean or similar language (e.g., herein this term means, as defined herein, for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean, etc.). References to specific examples, use of i.e., use of the word invention, etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

[0059] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term approximately. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term approximately should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.