Patent ID: 6568138
Filing Date: 2003-05-27
Classification: E04B

Abstract:
A framing system, comprising:at least one first framing member having at least one first protrusion formed in a first sidewall thereof and at least one second protrusion formed in a second sidewall thereof, each of said protrusions having a substantially continuous and unbroken outer surface relative to each of said sidewalls, wherein said at least one first framing member comprises a first substantially U-shaped receiver, said receiver including a plurality of vertically aligned and spaced pairs of protrustions projecting from each opposed sidewall thereof; at least one second framing member having at least one first aperture formed in a first sidewall thereof for receiving the corresponding first protrusion in a snap-fit engagement and at least one second aperture formed in a second sidewall thereof for receiving the second protrusion, also in a snap-fit engagement, wherein said at least one second framing member comprises a stud, wherein said first and second apertures are formed at a first end of said stud corresponding to said first U-shaped receiver and the first and second sidewalls of both said receiver and said stud are opposed; a second U-shaped receiver, each said receiver including a plurality of vertically aligned and spaced pairs of protrusions projecting from each opposed sidewall thereof; and a plurality of said studs, each further including first and second pairs of vertically aligned and spaced apertures formed in the opposed sidewalls at each end thereof for receiving the corresponding pairs of protrusions in each of said first and second receivers in a snap-fit engagement.