Patent ID: 6115984
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: E04C

Abstract:
A runner for maintaining at least two studs in a predetermined relationship relatively to one another, each of said studs having a generally elongated configuration defining a pair of longitudinally opposed stud end portions, said runner comprising:at least two stud receiving components disposed along a first axis, each of said stud receiving components having a pair of retaining flanges extending from opposed sides of a base wall for receiving one of said stud end portions; each pair of adjacent stud receiving components being provided therebetween with a linking means for mechanically linking said pair of adjacent stud receiving components thereby forming linked stud receiving components while allowing the linked stud receiving components to be selectively angled relatively to each other about two distinct bending axes, wherein said stud receiving components and said linking means are integrally formed from a sheet of material, and wherein said linking means include at least one set of bendable strips extending between adjacent stud receiving components, said at least one set of bendable strips being formed by a row of spaced-apart apertures defined through said sheet of material along a second axis transversal to said first axis, said row of spaced-apart apertures including at least two substantially rectangular elongated apertures having longitudinal axes thereof parallel to said second axis, each of said at least two elongated apertures having a major portion thereof disposed between adjacent base walls and inwardly of said retaining flanges, said at least two elongated apertures being spaced by a distance which is smaller than a length thereof, thereby allowing for substantially small bendable strips between adjacent base walls for facilitating a deformation of said runner.