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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    The present application is a Continuation-In-Part (C.I.P.) application of patent application Ser. No. 10/145,789 filed on May 16, 2002, now abandoned. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to the general field of construction components and is particularly concerned with a length adjustable composite stud.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Construction beams are used extensively in the construction field especially for the construction of partition walls. Indeed, partition walls typically include a framework made out of a plurality of vertical beams referred to as studs assembled together with generally horizontal beams often referred to as plates. Sheets of wall board are typically secured to both sides of the framework to produce wall surfaces.  
           [0004]    Typically, the studs are fastened to the plates by driving nails through the outwardly facing surfaces of the plates and into the top and bottom end of each stud. This method, often referred to as “toe nailing”, allows for quick and easy fastening of a stud to top and bottom plates.  
           [0005]    Wood studs have traditionally been favored for use in construction studs for their structural characteristics as well as the ease with which they can be assembled to plates using the “toe nailing” approach. However, with time, disadvantages associated with wood studs are becoming more apparent, particularly in view of the unavailability of suitable wood materials caused the depletion of forest resources. Also, wood stud are prone to cracking and warping. They are further susceptible to termite infestation, rotting and mildew.  
           [0006]    Accordingly, metal frames are becoming increasingly popular. Conventional metal frames are typically made out of extruded strips. When properly constructed and at appropriate thickness, conventional frames are relatively rigid, strong and structurally stable. In addition, metal frame are generally impervious to weather conditions. In facts, metal frames alleviate most of the disadvantages associated with wood studs.  
           [0007]    One of the major disadvantages associated with the use of metal studs is the extra effort required for connecting the metal studs to the plates as compared with the relative ease with which the “toe nailing” approach can be performed with wood studs. Hence, it would be highly desirable to combine the advantages associated with metal studs with the ease of assembly afforded by the use of wood studs.  
           [0008]    The attractiveness of combining characteristics from metal and wood studs has been recognized in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,556 naming Jimmy R. TAYLOR as inventor and issued Sep. 26, 1995 discloses a fabricated combination of an elongated metal channel and at least two short lengths or end portions of a wooden beam. The combination forms a standard length stud having a metal central portion and exposed wooden portions.  
           [0009]    Although somewhat useful, the structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,556 nevertheless suffers from at least one major drawback. Indeed, during the construction of wall skeletal frameworks, there exists a plurality of situations wherein it is desirable to adjust the length of the wood studs. For example, the wall being erected may extend between floor and/or ceiling that are either warped or angled relative to each other. The structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,556 does not allow for easy, quick and ergonomic adjustment of the length of the composite metal-wood studs. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved length adjustable composite stud.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    It is an object of the present invention to provided an improved construction stud.  
           [0011]    Advantages of the present invention include that the proposed composite wood-metal stud combines the advantages associated with metal studs such as improved structural stability and decreased susceptibility to termite infestation, mildew and the like with the advantages associated with conventional wood studs such as the ability to join the studs to structural plates through the use of the conventional “toe nailing” approach.  
           [0012]    The proposed length adjustable composite stud allows for customized adjustments of the length of the stud. The length of the proposed composite stud can be adjusted using a set of simple and ergonomic steps without requiring special tooling or manual dexterity.  
           [0013]    Furthermore, the proposed length adjustable composite stud is designed so as to be manufacturable using conventional forms of manufacturing so as to provide a stud that is economical, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation.  
           [0014]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a length adjustable composite stud comprising: a generally elongated frame member, the frame member defining a frame longitudinal axis, a frame first longitudinal end and a generally opposed frame second longitudinal end; the frame member defining a generally open base channel, the base channel having a longitudinal channel opening; a core component, the core component defining a core longitudinal axis, a core first longitudinal end and an opposed core second longitudinal end; the core component being configured and sized for allowing the core component to be at least partially inserted in the base channel with the core longitudinal axis in a generally parallel relationship relative to the frame longitudinal axis; transversal movement limiting means positioned between the frame member and the core component for preventing relative movement between the core component and the frame member in a direction other then the frame longitudinal axis; longitudinal movement limiting means positioned between the frame member and the core component for releasably retaining the core component within the base channel in a core first position wherein the core first longitudinal end is generally in register with the frame first longitudinal end, the longitudinal movement limiting means selectively allowing longitudinal movement of the core component in a core first direction towards a core second position upon a moving force being applied on the core component, wherein when the core component is in the core second position, the core first longitudinal end protrudes from the frame first longitudinal end.  
           [0015]    In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal movement limiting means only allows longitudinal movement of the core component in the core first direction upon the moving force reaching a predetermined value.  
           [0016]    In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the core component is in the core first position and wherein the longitudinal movement limiting means includes a retaining strip, the retaining strip being secured to both the core component and the frame member for releasably preventing longitudinal movement therebetween.  
           [0017]    Conveniently, the retaining strip is releasably secured to the core component and the frame member for selectively allowing longitudinal movement therebetween.  
           [0018]    According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a length adjustable composite stud comprising:  
           [0019]    a generally elongated frame member, the frame member defining a frame longitudinal axis, a frame first longitudinal end and a generally opposed frame second longitudinal end; the frame member defining a generally open base channel, the base channel having a longitudinal channel opening;  
           [0020]    a core component, the core component defining a core longitudinal axis, a core first longitudinal end and an opposed core second longitudinal end; the core component being configured and sized for allowing the core component to be at least partially inserted in the base channel with the core longitudinal axis in a generally parallel relationship relative to the frame longitudinal axis;  
           [0021]    transversal movement limiting means positioned between the frame member and the core component for preventing relative movement between the core component and the frame member in a direction other then the frame longitudinal axis;  
           [0022]    longitudinal movement limiting means positioned between the frame member and the core component for releasably retaining the core component within the base channel in a core first position wherein the core first longitudinal end is generally in register with the frame first longitudinal end, the longitudinal movement limiting means selectively allowing longitudinal movement of the core component in a core first direction towards a core second position upon a moving force being applied on the core component, wherein when the core component is in the core second position, the core first longitudinal end protrudes from the frame first longitudinal end.  
           [0023]    Typically, the longitudinal movement limiting means only allows longitudinal movement of the core component in the core first direction upon the moving force reaching a predetermined value.  
           [0024]    Typically, the core component is in the core first position and the longitudinal movement limiting means includes a retaining strip, the retaining strip being secured to both the core component and the frame member for releasably preventing longitudinal movement therebetween.  
           [0025]    Typically, the retaining strip is releasably secured to the core component and the frame member for selectively allowing longitudinal movement therebetween, and the retaining strip is provided with indicia marked thereon that includes instructions relating to a method for using the length adjustable composite stud.  
           [0026]    Preferably, the retaining strip is made out of a tearable material, the tearable material being tearable upon the moving force reaching a predetermined value.  
           [0027]    Preferably, the core component defines a core first cross-sectional area and a core second cross-sectional area, the core first cross-sectional area being insertable into the base channel and the core second cross-sectional area protruding through the channel opening when the core first cross-sectional area is inserted into the base channel; the retaining strip being adhesively secured to the core second cross-sectional area and to the base member.  
           [0028]    Preferably, the frame member has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a frame base wall and a pair of frame side walls; the frame base wall defining a base wall inner surface, a base wall outer surface and a pair of opposed base wall main peripheral edges; each of the frame side walls defining a corresponding side wall inner surface, a side wall outer surface, a side wall first main edge and a generally opposed side wall second main edge; each of the side wall first main edges being attached to a corresponding one of the base wall main peripheral edges; the frame side walls extending from the frame base wall so that the side wall inner surfaces are in a generally facing relationship relative to each other, the frame base wall and the frame side walls together forming the base channel; each of the frame side walls including a retaining flange extending inwardly from the side wall inner surface adjacent the side wall second main edge;  
           [0029]    the core component having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration defining a core first main wall, a core second main wall, a core first auxiliary wall and a core second auxiliary wall; the core component being configured and sized so as to be insertable into the base channel with the core first main wall positioned generally adjacent the base wall inner surface and the core first and second auxiliary walls positioned generally adjacent a corresponding one of the side wall inner surface; the core first auxiliary wall being provided with a first retaining slot extending longitudinally at least partially therealong, the first retaining slot being configured and sized for receiving at least a section of one of the retaining flanges when the core component is inserted into the base channel; the core second auxiliary wall being provided with a second retaining slot extending longitudinally at least partially therealong, the second retaining slot being configured and sized for receiving at least a section of the other one of the retaining flanges when the core component is inserted into the base channel;  
           [0030]    the first and second retaining slots extending generally transversally towards each other in a generally transversal slot plane, the slot plane extending generally between the core first cross-sectional area and the core second cross-sectional area, the retaining strip being adhesively secured to the core second cross-sectional area and to at least one of the frame side walls.  
           [0031]    Preferably, the transversal movement limiting means includes at least one retaining flange extending from the frame member, the retaining flange being configured and sized for abutting against a section of the core component when the latter is inserted in the base channel.  
           [0032]    Alternatively, the longitudinal movement limiting means includes an abutment tab extending inwardly into the base channel, the abutment tab being configured, sized and positioned so as to abuttingly contact the core second longitudinal end when the core component is in the core first position.  
           [0033]    Preferably, the frame member has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a frame base wall and a pair of frame side walls; the frame base wall defining a base wall inner surface, a base wall outer surface and a pair of opposed base wall main peripheral edges; each of the frame side walls defining a corresponding side wall inner surface, a side wall outer surface, a side wall first main edge and a generally opposed side wall second main edge; each of the side wall first main edges being attached to a corresponding one of the base wall main peripheral edges; the frame side walls extending from the frame base wall so that the side wall inner surfaces are in a generally facing relationship relative to each other, the frame base wall and the frame side walls together forming the base channel; each of the frame side walls including a retaining flange extending inwardly from the side wall inner surface adjacent the side wall second main edge;  
           [0034]    the core component has a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration defining a core first main wall, a core second main wall, a core first auxiliary wall and a core second auxiliary wall; the core component being configured and sized so as to be insertable into the base channel with the core first main wall positioned generally adjacent the base wall inner surface and the core first and second auxiliary walls positioned generally adjacent a corresponding one of the side wall inner surface; the core first auxiliary wall being provided with a first retaining slot extending longitudinally at least partially therealong, the first retaining slot being configured and sized for receiving at least a section of one of the retaining flanges when the core component is inserted into the base channel; the core second auxiliary wall being provided with a second retaining slot extending longitudinally at least partially therealong, the second retaining slot being configured and sized for receiving at least a section of the other one of the retaining flanges when the core component is inserted into the base channel;  
           [0035]    the first and second retaining slots extending generally transversally towards each other in a generally transversal slot plane, the slot plane generally between the core first cross-sectional area and the core second cross-sectional area;  
           [0036]    the abutment tab extending inwardly from the frame base wall.  
           [0037]    Alternatively, the longitudinal movement limiting means includes a retaining aperture extending through the frame member and a retaining component, the retaining aperture being configured, sized and positioned so that the retaining component is insertable into both the retaining aperture and the core component when the core component is in the core first position.  
           [0038]    Preferably, the retaining component has a generally elongated and pointed configuration.  
           [0039]    Typically, the longitudinal movement limiting means only allows longitudinal movement of the core component in the core first direction, the longitudinal movement limiting means preventing the core component from moving in a core second direction oriented opposite the core first direction.  
           [0040]    Alternatively, the longitudinal movement limiting means includes a gripping tab extending from the frame member into the base channel, the gripping tab being configured and sized so as to allow movement of the core component in the core first direction while preventing movement of the core component in the core second direction by gripping into the core component.  
           [0041]    Preferably, the gripping tab defines a tab contacting segment for contacting the core component and a tab spacing segment extending between the frame member and the tab contacting segment for inwardly spacing the tab contacting segment from the frame member, the tab contacting segment defining a tab gripping end for gripping into the core component when the core component is moved in the core second direction.  
           [0042]    Preferably, the gripping tab is movable between a tab first position wherein the tab gripping end is spaced by a first tab-to-frame distance from the frame member and a tab second position wherein the tab gripping end is spaced by a second tab-to-frame distance from the frame member, the first tab-to-frame distance being greater then the second tab-to-frame distance.  
           [0043]    Preferably, the composite stud also includes a tab biasing means positioned between the frame member and the gripping tab for biasing the gripping tab towards the tab first position.  
           [0044]    Preferably, the tab biasing means includes the gripping tab being made out of a resiliently deformable material.  
           [0045]    Alternatively, the longitudinal movement limiting means includes a stud projection connected to the core component and an elongate guide channel located in the frame member, the stud projection being slidably mounted in the guide channel.  
           [0046]    Preferably, the elongate guide channel is configured, sized and positioned to abuttingly engage the stud projection when the core component moves between the core first position and the core second position.  
           [0047]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description provided herein, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0048]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be disclosed, by way of example, in reference to the following drawings in which like reference characters indicate like elements throughout.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 1, in a perspective view, illustrates a length adjustable composite stud in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the length adjustable composite stud being shown used with similar length adjustable composite studs and with horizontal plate components attached thereto for forming a skeleton frame structure part of a conventional partition wall;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 2, in a partial perspective view, illustrates a length adjustable composite stud in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the length adjustable composite stud being shown with its core component in a first position;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 3, in a partial perspective view, illustrates the length adjustable composite stud shown in FIG. 2 with its core component being moved towards a core second position;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 4, in a partial perspective view taken along line  4  of FIG. 1, illustrates the length adjustable composite stud shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 with its core component in a core second position and a with a section of a plate component attached thereto;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 5, in a partial perspective view, illustrates a length adjustable composite stud in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the length adjustable composite stud being shown with its core component in a core second position;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 6, in a partial perspective view, illustrates a length adjustable composite stud in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the length adjustable composite stud being shown with its core component in a core second position wherein it protrudes from the end section of the frame member;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 7, in a partial elevational view taken along line  7 - 7  of FIG. 6 with sections taken out, illustrates a length adjustable composite stud in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with its core component being moved in a core first direction towards a core second position wherein it protrudes from the end section of the frame member;  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 8, in a view similar to FIG. 7, illustrates a length adjustable composite stud in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the length adjustable composite stud being shown with its core component being moved in a core second direction;  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 8 a,  in an enlarged partial elevational view taken along line  8   a  of FIG. 8 with sections taken out, illustrates details of a gripping tab of the embodiment of FIG. 8;  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 9, in a partial elevational view taken along line  9  of FIG. 1 with sections taken out, illustrates a length adjustable composite stud in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the length adjustable composite stud being shown with its core component in a core first position wherein it is generally in register with the frame member;  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 10, in a partial elevational view with sections taken out, illustrates a length adjustable composite stud in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with its core component being moved towards a core second position wherein it protrudes from the frame member;  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 11, in a partial elevational view with sections taken out, illustrates a length adjustable composite stud in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with its core component fixed in a core second position wherein it protrudes from the frame member;  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 12, in a partial elevational view with sections taken out, illustrates a length adjustable composite stud in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the length adjustable composite stud being shown with its core component in a core first position wherein it is generally in register with the frame member; and  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 13, in a partial elevational view with sections taken out, illustrates a length adjustable composite stud with its core component being moved towards a core second position wherein it protrudes from the frame member. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0063]    With reference to the annexed drawings the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be herein described for indicative purpose and by no means as of limitation.  
         [0064]    Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a length adjustable composite stud  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The length adjustable composite stud  10  is shown being used with other composite studs  10 ′ for supporting conventional horizontal end plates  12 . The length adjustable composite studs  10 ,  10 ′ and the end plates  12  are shown assembled together for forming the skeleton frame of a conventional wall.  
         [0065]    The length adjustable composite stud  10  includes a generally elongated frame member  14 . The frame member  14  defines a frame longitudinal axis  16 , a frame first longitudinal end  18  and a generally opposed frame second longitudinal end  20 . The frame member  14  defines a generally open base channel  22  having a channel opening  24 .  
         [0066]    Typically, the frame member  14  has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a frame base wall  26  and a pair of frame side walls  28 . As shown more specifically in FIGS. 2 through 6, the frame base wall  26  defines a base wall inner surface  30 , a base wall outer surface  32  and a pair of opposed base wall main peripheral edges.  
         [0067]    Each of the frame side walls  28  defines a corresponding side wall inner surface  34 , a side wall outer surface  36 , a side wall first main edge  38  and a generally opposed side wall second main edge  40 . Each of the sidewall first main edges  38  is attached to a corresponding one of the base wall main peripheral edges.  
         [0068]    The frame side walls  28  extend from the frame base wall  26  so that the side wall inner surfaces  34  are in a generally facing relationship relative to each other. The frame base wall  26  and the frame side walls  28  thus together form the base channel  22 . It should be understood that although the frame member  14  is shown throughout the figures as having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, the frame member  14  could have other cross-sectional configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0069]    The composite stud  10  also includes a core component  42 . The core component  42  defines a core longitudinal axis  44 , a core first longitudinal end  46  and an opposed core second longitudinal end  48 . The core component  42  is configured and sized for allowing the core component  42  to be at least partially inserted in the base channel  22  with the core longitudinal axis  44  in a generally parallel relationship relative to the frame longitudinal axis  16 .  
         [0070]    The composite stud  10  further includes a transversal movement limiting means positioned between the frame member  14  and the core component  42  for preventing relative movement between the core component  42  and the frame member  14  in a direction other than the frame longitudinal axis  16 . Typically, the transversal movement limiting means includes one and preferably two keepers or retaining flanges  50  extending from the frame member  14 . Typically, each retaining flange  50  extends inwardly from one of the side wall inner surfaces  34  adjacent a side wall second main edge  40 . The retaining flanges  50  are configured and sized for abutting against a section of the core component  42  when the latter is inserted in the base channel  22 .  
         [0071]    Typically, each core component  42  has a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration defining a core first main wall  52 , a core second main wall  54 , a core first auxiliary wall  56  and a core second auxiliary wall  58 . The core component  42  is typically configured and sized so as to be insertable into the base channel  22  with the core first main wall  52  positioned generally adjacent the base wall inner surface  30  and the core first and second auxiliary walls  56 ,  58  positioned generally adjacent a corresponding one of the side wall inner surfaces  34 .  
         [0072]    The core first and second auxiliary walls  56 ,  58  are typically provided respectively with a first and a second retaining slot  60 ,  62  extending longitudinally at least partially therealong. The first and second retaining slots  60 ,  62  are configured and sized for receiving at least a section of a corresponding one of the retaining flanges  50  when the core component  42  is inserted into the base channel  22 .  
         [0073]    It should be understood that although component  42  is shown as having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, the core component  42  could have other configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, although the transversal movement limiting means is shown as including retaining flanges  50 , it should be understood that the transversal movement retaining means could include other components also without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0074]    The composite stud  10  still further includes longitudinal movement limiting means for releasably retaining the core component  42  within the base channel  22  in a core first position illustrated in FIG. 2 wherein the core first longitudinal end  46  is generally in register with the channel first longitudinal end  18 . The longitudinal movement limiting means is positioned between the frame member  14  and the core component  42 .  
         [0075]    The core component  42  defines an anchoring surface  64  about the core first longitudinal end  46 . The core anchoring surface  64  typically has a generally flat configuration.  
         [0076]    The frame member  14  defines a frame first longitudinal edge  66  about the frame first longitudinal end  18 . When the core component  42  is in the core first position, the core anchoring surface  64  and the frame first peripheral edge  66  typically extend in a generally common geometrical plane.  
         [0077]    The longitudinal movement limiting means selectively allows longitudinal movement of the core component  42  in a core first direction indicated by arrow  68  towards a core second position upon a moving force  70  being applied on the core component  42 . The core component  42  moving in the core first direction eventually reaches a core second position illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 6, wherein the core first longitudinal end  46  protrudes from the frame first longitudinal end  18 . In other words, in the core second position, the core anchoring surface  64  is spaced outwardly in the direction of the core longitudinal axis  44  relative to the frame first peripheral edge  66 .  
         [0078]    In at least one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal movement limiting means only allows longitudinal movement of the core component  42  in the core first direction  68  upon the moving force  70  reaching a predetermined value. In an embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the longitudinal movement limiting means includes a retaining strip  72 . The retaining strip  72  is secured to both the core component  42  and the frame member  14  for releasably preventing longitudinal movement therebetween.  
         [0079]    In one embodiment of the invention, the retaining strip  72  is releasably secured to the core component  42  and/or to the frame member  14  so as to selectively allow longitudinal movement therebetween when the retaining strip  72  is removed from either or both the core component  42  and the frame member  14 . For example, the retaining strip  72  could be releasable adhesively secured to the core component  42  and/or the frame member  14 .  
         [0080]    In another embodiment of the invention, the retaining strip  72  is made out of a tearable material. Typically, the tearable material is capable of being torn upon the moving force  70  reaching a predetermined value, or simply by using a knife or the like prior to applying the force  70 .  
         [0081]    Typically, the core component  42  defines a core first cross-sectional area  74  and a core second cross-sectional area  76 . The core first cross-sectional area  74  is insertable into the base channel  22  while the core second cross-sectional area  76  protrudes from the channel opening  24  when the core first cross-sectional area  74  is inserted into the base channel  22 .  
         [0082]    Typically, the first and second retaining slots  60 ,  62  extend generally transversely towards each other in a generally transversal slot plane. The slot plane, in turn, extends generally between the core first and second cross-sectional areas  74 ,  76 . The retaining strip  72  is typically adhesively secured to the core second cross-sectional area  76  and to the side wall outer surface  36  of at least one, and preferably both frame side walls  28 .  
         [0083]    The embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 through 4 is typically sold or otherwise provided with the core component  42  positioned in the core first position such as illustrated in FIG. 2. The core component  42  is prevented from longitudinal movement in the direction of the frame longitudinal axis  44  by the retaining strip  72  adhesively secured to both the frame member  14  and the core component  42 .  
         [0084]    If the length of the length adjustable stud  10  needs to be adjusted, the intended user merely needs to exert a moving force  70  in the direction of the core first direction. Upon the moving force  70  reaching a predetermined value, the retaining strip  72  will be torn allowing relative movement between the core component  42  and the frame member  14  as illustrated in FIG. 3.  
         [0085]    Once the length of the length adjustable stud  10  has been adjusted, the core component  42  may be secured in the core second position using conventional fastening means such as a fastening nail  78  or the like inserted through both the frame member  14  and the core component  42 . The anchoring surface  64  can then be used for securing a plate  12  using an anchoring screw  80  or other suitable means.  
         [0086]    The retaining strip  72  is typically made out of a self-adhesive strip of paper, polymeric resin or the like being tearable upon a predetermined tearing force being applied thereon. Optionally, the retaining strip  72  is provided with indicia  82  printed or otherwise marked thereon. The indicia  82  may include identifying information and/or instructions relating to a method for using the length adjustable composite stud  10 .  
         [0087]    In another embodiment of the invention shown more specifically in FIG. 5, the longitudinal movement limiting means includes an abutment tab  84  extending inwardly into the base channel  22 . The abutment tab  84  is configured, sized and positioned so as to abuttingly contact the core second longitudinal end  48  when the core component  42  is in the core first position.  
         [0088]    Typically, the abutment tab  84  extends inwardly from the frame base wall  26 . Alternatively, the abutment tab  84  could extend from the side walls  28 , the retaining flanges  50  or any other suitable location. Typically, the abutment tab  84  has a generally half-disk shaped configuration. The abutment tab  84  could also have other configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. Typically, the abutment tab  84  is punched-in during the manufacturing process, hence creating a corresponding adjacent cut-out  86 .  
         [0089]    In use, the core component  42  is allowed to be pushed towards the core second position by a moving force  70  exerted in the core first direction  68 . Upon the core component  42  reaching the core second position, the core component  42  is again secured to the frame member  14  using suitable securing means such as the securing nail  78 . An end plate  12  can then be secured to the anchoring surface  64  using an anchoring screw  80 .  
         [0090]    Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 6 through 8, there is shown a length adjustable composite stud  10  in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. The composite stud  10  includes at least one gripping tab  88  extending from the frame member  14  into the base channel  22 .  
         [0091]    Preferably, the longitudinal movement limiting means includes a set of gripping tabs  88  longitudinally aligned in spaced apart relationship relative to each other and extending from both the frame side walls  28 . Each gripping tab  88  is configured and sized so as to allow movement of the core component  42  in the core first direction  68  while preventing movement of the core component  42  in the opposite core second direction  68 ′.  
         [0092]    Typically, as illustrated in FIG. 8 a,  each gripping tab  88  defines a tab contacting segment  90  for contacting the core component  42  and a tab spacing segment  92  extending between the frame member  14  and the tab contacting segment  90  for inwardly spacing the tab contacting segment  90  from the frame member  14 . The tab contacting segment  90  defines a tab gripping end  94  for gripping into the core component  42  when the core component  42  is moved in the core second direction  68 ′.  
         [0093]    As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 7, each gripping tab  88  is typically movable between a tab first position shown in the lower end of FIG. 7 wherein the tab gripping end  94  is spaced by a first tab-to-frame distance  96  from the frame member  14  and a tab second position shown in the upper end of FIG. 7 wherein the tab gripping end  94  is spaced by a second tab-to-frame distance  98  from the frame member  14 . The first tab-to-frame distance  96  being greater then the second tab-to-frame distance  98 .  
         [0094]    Typically, the composite stud  10  also includes a tab biasing means positioned between the frame member  14  and the gripping tab  88  for biasing the gripping tab  88  towards the tab first position. Typically, the tab biasing means includes the gripping tab  88  being made out of a generally resilient deformable material such as a suitable metallic alloy.  
         [0095]    Typically, each gripping tab  88  is punched out of one and preferably both the frame side walls  28 . Also, typically, each gripping tab  88  has a generally triangular shaped configuration with the tip pointed towards the closest frame longitudinal end  16 ,  18 . It should however be understood that the gripping tabs  88  could have other configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0096]    In use, the longitudinal movement limiting means shown in FIGS.  6  to  8  only allows longitudinal movement of the core component  42  in the core first direction  68 . The longitudinal movement limiting means prevents the core component  42  from moving in a core second direction  68 ′ oriented opposite the core first direction  68 .  
         [0097]    As shown in FIG. 7, the core component  42  is allowed to slide in the core first direction  68  while abuttingly contacting the gripping tabs  88 . The latter are biased towards the tab second position by the core second first and second auxiliary surfaces  56 ,  58 . When the core component  42  is moved back in from the core second position, the tab gripping end  94  penetrates into the first and second core auxiliary surfaces  56 ,  58  for preventing further movement of the core component  42  in the core second direction  68 ′.  
         [0098]    Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 9 through 11, there is shown the steps of using a length adjustable composite stud  10  in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 through 11, the longitudinal movement limiting means includes a retaining aperture  100  extending through the frame member  14  and a generally elongated retaining component  102 . The retaining aperture  100  is configured, sized and positioned so that the retaining component  102  is insertable into both the retaining aperture  100  and the core component  42  when the core component  42  is in the core first position.  
         [0099]    Once the end plate  12  is secured against the anchoring surface  64  of the core component  42  via the anchoring screw  80 , the retaining component  102  is removed from the core component  42  and the retaining aperture  100 , as shown by arrow  104  of FIG. 9. Then the length of the composite stud  10  is adjusted by longitudinally sliding the core component  42  along with the end plate  12  outwardly from the frame member  14  in a core second position, as shown by arrow  106  of FIG. 10. Finally, once in proper length, the retaining component  102  is re-inserted through the retaining aperture  100  into the core component  42  to secure the latter to the frame member  14 , as shown by arrow  108  of FIG. 11.  
         [0100]    In another embodiment of the invention shown more specifically in FIGS. 12 and 13, the longitudinal movement limiting means includes an elongate guide channel  110  and a stud projection  112 . The elongate guide channel  110  is located in the frame base wall  26 , although the guide channel  110  may be located in the side walls  28 . The stud projection  112  is secured in the core main first main wall  56  and is slidably mounted in the engage the guide channel  110 . The guide channel  110  is configured so that the stud projection  112  abuttingly engages the ends of the guide channel  110  when the core component is moved between the core first position and the core second position, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 respectively. Once located in the second core position, the fastener  78  can be used to secure the core component  42  to the frame member  14 .  
         [0101]    Typically, the retaining component  102  has a generally elongated and pointed configuration. By way of example, the retaining component can take the form of a conventional retaining screw or the like.  
         [0102]    Although the present length adjustable composite stud has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the disclosure has been made by way of example only and that the present invention is not limited to the features of the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Summary:
A length adjustable composite stud combining the advantages associated with metal studs with the advantages associated with conventional wood studs. The composite stud also allows for customized adjustments of its length using a set of simple and ergonomic steps. The composite stud includes a generally elongated frame member defining a generally open base channel. The composite stud also includes a core component configured and sized for allowing insertion thereof in the base channel. A transversal movement limiting component prevents relative movement between the core component and the frame member in a direction other then that of the frame longitudinal axis. A longitudinal movement limiting structure releasably retains the core component within the base channel in a core first position wherein a core longitudinal end is generally in register with a frame longitudinal end. The longitudinal movement limiting structure selectively allows longitudinal movement of the core component.