Abstract:
A portable jig used in light frame construction has a rigid body formed from a resilient material that is approximately rectangular in shape with a central planar web with a peripheral, perpendicular flange, and at least three saddles, attached to the central planar web. The jig also possesses a vertical framing flange that extends from one of the saddles and is parallel to the central planar web. The longitudinal axes of at least two of the saddles are parallel to each other and are spaced apart in conformity with standard building code spacing. The longitudinal axis of at least one of the remaining saddles is perpendicular to the aforementioned parallel saddles. These saddles are used to position the vertical framing elements at the desired spacing and at the same time ensure that they perpendicular to the horizontal framing elements.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/311,039 filed Mar. 5, 2010 and entitled “Framing Aid”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The invention relates to the art of framing jigs. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     The light frame construction of wall, roof or floor structures must be completed in accordance with local Building Codes. These Codes outline the requirements for construction of these structures including acceptable materials, material sizes and the configuration of the framed structures. Typical vertical wall framing practice is to mechanically fasten a series of vertical framing elements (studs) to upper and lower horizontal framing elements (header plates and sills). The studs are oriented perpendicularly to the header plates and sills and are typically spaced such that the distance between the centers of adjacent studs does not exceed 16 inches. Some framing applications require the stud spacing to be as small as 12 inches while other less stressed framing applications may permit the inter-stud spacing to increase to 24 inches. 
     Traditional framing techniques are based on the layout and marking of the sill and header plates with a tape measure and pencil to identify the correct stud attachment positions. The studs are then held in the correct position by the fabricator, oriented approximately perpendicularly to the sill or header plate and then mechanically fastened in place with either nails or screws. The perpendicular orientation of the studs relative to the sill or header plate is typically confirmed using a framing square. It can be difficult to hold the stud in the correct location and at the correct orientation while mechanically fastening the stud to the sill or header plate without the assistance of a helper, particularly for persons who do not do this for a living. It should be noted that the construction of framing elements can be completed either as a separate module to be installed in the structure as a single element (horizontal framing) or they can be constructed in place during the fabrication of the building (vertical framing). In either case, the studs are typically located, oriented and fastened in place according to the above described process with similar challenges associated with the correct positioning and orientation of the studs relative to the sill and header plates. In addition, framing elements fabricated in place require the use of a fastening technique called toe-nailing wherein the fabricator attaches the studs to the plates by driving the fasteners at an angle through the studs and into the sill and header plates since it is impossible to fasten through the plates into the studs once the plates have been installed. 
     During the construction of wall elements, it may be desirable to include openings in the framing for windows and doors. These elements also require the accurate layout, location and orientation of framing elements. 
     There are numerous framing aids that have been developed that focus on the accurate spacing of studs. U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,334 to Payne (1996) discloses a tool that spaces the studs the correct distance but does not address the need to hold the stud perpendicular to either the sill or the header plate. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2008/0006976 A1 by Riley addresses the need to brace the studs during fastening but describes the use of two small flanges on either side of the stud openings to provide this functionality. This method cannot be relied upon to accurately orient a stud the length of which is approximately 200 times the height of these flanges. This tool is not suitable for framing elements that are less than 3½″ in depth and requires the use of temporary fasters to positively locate the tool to the sill or header plate since the tool does not positively engage the framing elements on its own. In addition, this tool would be very cumbersome to use based on its length and utilizes spacers to position the studs at various spacings that could result in errors if used incorrectly by an unskilled worker. 
     A stud spacing and orientation jig disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,567,586 to Werder (1951) uses an angle iron with positioning lugs to orient the timbers in the desired attitude. The angle iron does not allow the jig to laterally retain the timbers on its own without the use of tacking nails since the jig does not enclose the sill on each side. The installation and removal of these tacking nails would increase the time required to complete the framing task. In addition, the use of the solid positioning lugs dictates that the fabricator must end nail the studs to the sill or header plates as there would be no access to toenail the studs to the sill or header plate. 
     Thus, there remains a need for a tool that can be used by a single person, which is especially suited for the home handyman or so-called ‘do it yourselfer’, to accurately position, orient and retain framing elements during construction. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the invention a framing aid is provided having a central web; at least first and second stud saddles connected to the web. The first stud saddle has a first longitudinal axis and the second stud saddle has a second longitudinal axis. The first and second longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to one another. At least one sill saddle is connected to the web, the sill saddle having a third longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal axes of the stud saddles. The sill saddle is spaced apart and not immediately adjacent to the first and second stud saddles so as to provide a first opening between the sill saddle and the first stud saddle and a second opening between the sill saddle and the second stud saddle. These openings provide access points to allow a fabricator to toenail studs thereat. 
     The connection of saddles to the central web is achieved by integrally forming the web with the saddles, for example in a molding process, or by mechanically connecting the web with the saddles. 
     The central web preferably includes a planar substrate having a first side and a second side substantially perpendicular to the first side. The first stud saddle is disposed adjacent to the first side of the substrate and the sill saddle is disposed adjacent the second side of the substrate. 
     At least one of the first and second stud saddles may be provided a two-sided body having first and second sidewalls, the first sidewall being connected and generally orthogonal to the substrate and the second sidewall being connected to the first sidewall and generally parallel with the substrate. 
     Alternatively, the first and second stud saddles may be provided as a three-sided body having first, second and third sidewalls, the first sidewall being connected to and generally orthogonal to the substrate, the second sidewall being connected to the first sidewall and generally parallel with the substrate, and the third sidewall being connected to the second sidewall and generally orthogonal to the substrate, wherein the spacing between the first and third sidewalls substantially defines the maximum depth of a framing stud accommodated in the saddle. 
     Likewise, the sill saddle maybe provided as a two-sided body having first and second sidewalls, the first sidewall being connected and generally orthogonal to the substrate and the second sidewall being connected to and generally parallel with the substrate. Alternatively, the sill saddle may be provided as a three-sided body having first, second and third sidewalls, the first sidewall being connected and generally orthogonal to the substrate, the second sidewall being connected to the first sidewall and generally parallel with the substrate, and the third sidewall being connected to the second sidewall, wherein the spacing between the first and third saddle sides substantially defines the maximum depth of a stud accommodated in the saddle. More preferably, however, the sill saddle further includes a two-sided sill body connected to the three-sided body, the two-sided body comprising the third wall of the three-sided body and a fourth wall connected to and parallel with the second wall of the three-sided body. 
     The planar substrate may include at least one aperture formed therein having a flange at the periphery of the aperture for stiffening the substrate. 
     In addition, a stiffening flange may substantially circumscribe the planar substrate, the flange being orientated substantially orthogonal to the substrate. If provided, the flange may define a portion of each of the saddles. 
     According to another aspect of the invention a framing aid is provided which includes a central web including a planar substrate; first and second stud saddles connected to the web, the first stud saddle having a first longitudinal axis and the second stud saddle having a second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal axes being substantially parallel to one another, wherein each of the first and second stud saddles is a three-sided body having a first sidewall connected to and generally orthogonal to the substrate, a second sidewall connected to the first sidewall and generally parallel with the substrate, and a third sidewall connected to the second sidewall and generally orthogonal to the substrate; and a sill saddle connected to the web, the sill saddle having a third longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal axes of the stud saddles, the sill saddle comprising a three-sided body connected to a two-sided body, the three sided body having a first sidewall connected and generally orthogonal to the substrate, a second sidewall connected to the first sidewall and generally parallel with the substrate, and a third sidewall connected to the second sidewall, the two-sided body comprising the third wall of the three-sided body and a fourth wall connected to and parallel with the second wall of the three-sided body. 
     Preferably, the sill saddle is spaced apart and not immediately adjacent to the first and second stud saddles so as to provide a first opening between the sill saddle and the first stud saddle and a second opening between the sill saddle and the second stud saddle, the openings each being adequately sized for toe nailing studs. 
     The framing aid according to this aspect of the invention may also include a flange substantially circumscribing the planar substrate, the flange being orientated substantially orthogonal to the substrate in order to stiffen it. The flange may define a portion of each of the saddles. 
     According to another aspect of the invention a framing aid is provided which includes a central planar web; at least three stud-gripping saddles connected to the central planar web, wherein each saddle has a longitudinal axis and at least two of the saddles have longitudinal axes parallel to each other and the longitudinal axis of at least one saddle is perpendicular to the at least two parallel saddles; and a flange that extends from the at least one perpendicular saddle and is parallel to the central planar web. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other aspects of the invention will be better understood with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a framing jig according to a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the jig shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the jig shown in  FIG. 1  in a horizontal framing application; 
         FIG. 4  is an perspective view of the jig shown in  FIG. 1  in a continuation of the horizontal framing application shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the jig shown in  FIG. 1  in a vertical framing application; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the jig shown in  FIG. 1  in a continuation of the vertical framing application shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the jig shown in  FIG. 1  in a mitered corner application; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a framing jig according to a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the jig shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the jig shown in  FIG. 8  in a horizontal framing application; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the jig shown in  FIG. 8  in a vertical framing application; and 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of a framing jig according to a third embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show front and rear perspective view of a jig  100  according to a first preferred embodiment. The jig  100  is a substantially rigid body formed from a resilient material such as plastic or aluminum. The jig  100  includes a central web such as that provided by planar substrate  102 . A plurality of saddles  104 ,  106  are disposed about and connected to the planar substrate  102 . The saddles  104 ,  106  are designed to abut standardized framing members (which are typically wood but may be metal) that are to be joined together by nailing or screwing. As illustrated, the saddles  104 ,  106  are preferably integrally formed with the planar substrate  102 , for example in a plastic injection molding process or metal casting process, but it will be understood that in alternative embodiments the saddles can be mechanically fixed to the planar substrate  102 , for example, by taking a separate U-shaped channel and attaching it to flange  130  using a pin and slot connection or other method of fixation. 
     In the particular embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the jig  100  features two parallel stud saddles  104 A,  104 B and one header plate/sill saddle  106  (referred to herein as “sill saddle” for brevity) that is orientated transverse to the stud saddles  104 . More particularly, stud saddles  104 A,  104 B have respective longitudinal axes  108 A,  108 B that are substantially parallel to one another, and sill saddle  106  has a longitudinal axis  110  that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes  108  of the stud saddles  104 . 
     Each stud saddle  104 A or  104 B is preferably provisioned as a three-sided body to support three faces of a rectangular cross-sectioned framing member as will be seen for example in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The three-sided body of stud saddle  104  is provided by a first sidewall  112  that is connected to and generally orthogonal to the planar substrate  102 , a second sidewall  114  that is connected to the first sidewall and generally parallel with the planar substrate  102 , and a third sidewall  116  connected to the second sidewall  114  and generally orthogonal to the planar substrate  102 . 
     The sill saddle  106  is also preferably provisioned with a three-sided body. In addition, the preferred sill saddle  106  includes an additional outwardly extending flange  120  that is orientated in parallel to the planar substrate  102 . This flange  120 , when coupled with the three-sided body, provides in effect a complimentary two-sided saddle. More particularly, the three-sided body of the sill saddle  106  is provided by a first sidewall  122  that is connected to and generally orthogonal to the planar substrate  102 , a second sidewall  124  that is connected to the first sidewall  122  and generally parallel with the planar substrate  102 , and a third sidewall  126  connected to the second sidewall  124  and generally orthogonal to the planar substrate  102 . The two-sided body of the sill saddle  106  is provided by the third sidewall  126  of the three-sided body and the flange  120 , which is parallel to the second sidewall  124 . The flange  120  is preferably formed through the preferred molding process as a seamless continuation of the second sidewall  124 , but may be considered functionally as a fourth sidewall  128  connected to the second and third sidewalls  124 ,  126 . The three-sided body of saddle  106  is useful in circumstances where the underside of the header plate or sill can be easily accessed and is of standard depth, and the two-sided body of saddle  106  is useful in circumstance where the underside of the header plate or sill cannot be easily accessed and/or is not of standard depth, as discussed in greater detail below. 
     The stud saddles  104  are preferably positioned at a predetermined spacing S apart to facilitate the positioning of framing studs at an industry standard spacing, such as 16 inches, center-to-center, or other standard spacing as the case may be depending on the application at hand. 
     The spacing D 1  between the first and third sidewalls  112 ,  116  substantially defines the maximum width of a framing member that can be accommodated in the stud saddle  104 . Likewise, the spacing D 2  between the first and third sidewalls  122 ,  126  substantially defines the maximum width of a framing member that can be accommodated in the sill saddle  106 . For use with conventional wood framing studs, D 1  and D 2  are preferably about 1.5 inches, which is the standard width for the nominal 2×4 or 2×6 wood framing studs widely commercially available. 
     The jig  100  is also characterized by open space between the stud saddles  104  and the sill saddle  106 , as the sill saddle  106  is spaced apart from and not immediately adjacent to the first and second stud saddles  104 A,  104 B leaving a open corner  132 A between the sill saddle  106  and stud saddle  104 A and a open corner  132 B between the sill saddle  106  and the second stud saddle  104 B. The open corners  132 A,  132 B are preferably sized to allow adequate room for toe nailing and/or screwing studs and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment the jig  100  includes a circumferential flange  130  that fully surrounds the planar substrate  102 . The flange  130 , which is preferably integrally formed with the substrate  102 , is oriented orthogonal to the substrate and provides or defines the first sidewalls  112 ,  122  of the stud and sill saddles  104 ,  106 . The circumferential flange  130  increases the strength and stiffness of the jig  100 , although it will be appreciated that the circumferential flange  130  is not essential and if provided need not fully surround the planar substrate  102 . If desired, the jig  100  can also include stiffening ribs  134  distributed around the both sides of the intersection between the planar substrate  102  and the circumferential flange  130  to increase the strength and stiffness of the jig  100 . Additionally or alternatively, the planar substrate  102  may have one or more hand hold apertures  136  therein to facilitate installation and removal of the jig from the framing members, and these apertures  126  may incorporate a flange or ring  138  around the edges thereof to reduce flex in the planar substrate. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the jig  100  in use in a horizontal framing application where the framing structure, comprising framing studs  140  joined to a sill  142 , is built horizontally on the ground or other horizontal surface and then later lifted into place. In these circumstances the underside  142 B of the sill  142  is accessible to the fabricator. The jig  100  is positioned so that the three-sided body of the sill saddle  106  straddles the sill  142  whilst the stud saddles  104  simultaneously engage end stud  140 A and first interior stud  140 B. The jig  100  holds the studs  140  and sill  142  in the correct location and at the correct orientation relative to one another thus enabling the fabricator to secure the end stud  140 A and the first interior stud  140 B to the sill  142  by driving fasteners  146  through the sill  142  into the ends of the studs  140 . 
     Once the studs  140  are secured, the fabricator can then reposition the jig  100  so that one stud saddle engages the previously fastened first interior stud  140 A and the sill  142  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Once the jig  100  has been re-positioned the fabricator can then position a second interior stud  140 C with the jig  100  so that the second interior stud  140 C abuts the sill  142 . The fabricator can then fasten the second interior stud  140 C to the sill  142  using the previously described fastening methods. 
       FIG. 5  is perspective view of the jig  100  in use in a vertical framing application where the frame structure is typically built in situ so that the underside of the sill  142  (or topside of a header plate) is not accessible to the fabricator. The jig  100  is positioned so that the two-sided body of the sill saddle  106  straddles the accessible portion of the sill  106  whilst the stud saddles  104  simultaneously engage end stud  140 A and first interior stud  140 B. Thus, the outside orthogonal edge or third sidewall  126  of the sill saddle  106  rests on a horizontal surface  142 T of the sill  142  and the flange  120  abuts the adjacent vertical surface of the sill  142 . The jig  100  holds the studs  140  relative to the sill  142  at the correct location and at the correct orientation. The sill  140 , although not entirely ensconced by the three-sided body of the sill saddle  106 , is nonetheless prohibited from moving away from the studs  140  due to the ground (or ceiling) and is thus held in place, enabling the fabricator to secure the end stud  140 A and the first interior stud  140 B to the sill  142  by driving fasteners  146  in toenail fashion through the studs  140  into the sill  142 . 
     Once the studs  140  are secured, the fabricator can then reposition the jig  100  so that one stud saddle  142 A engages the previously fastened first interior stud  140 A and the outside orthogonal edge or third sidewall  126  of the sill saddle  106  engages the horizontal surface  142 T of the sill whilst the flange  120  abuts the adjacent vertical surface of the sill  142  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Once the jig  100  has been repositioned the fabricator can then engage the second interior stud  140 C with the jig  100  so that the second interior stud  140 C abuts the sill  142 . The fabricator can then fasten the second interior stud  140 C to the sill  142  using the previously described fastening methods. 
       FIG. 7  is perspective view of the jig  100  in use in a mitered corner application. The jig  100  is positioned so that one stud saddle  104 A engages a first frame member  150  and the sill saddle  14  simultaneously engages a second frame member  152  thus enabling the fabricator to secure the frame members together with fasteners  146  while the frame members are in a perpendicular relationship with each other. 
     It should be noted that the open corners  132 A,  132 B of the jig  100  allow toe nailing from the front face or side face(s) of the studs. At the same time, it will be appreciated that the open corners force the stud saddles  104  to be raised in elevation in comparison to the elevational position of the sill saddle  106 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the stud saddle  104 A has a longitudinal top end  154  and bottom end  156  defining a length L of the saddle. The bottom end  156  of the saddle is spaced apart a height H between the elevational position of the first sidewall  122  of the sill saddle  106 . The height H is preferably selected in conjunction with a length L of the stud saddle  104  so that the stud saddle is capable of sufficiently holding and balancing a vertical stud whilst the fabricator is joining the framing members together. By way of example with respect to conventional 2×4 studs, the height H can be a minimum of two inches, and preferably closer to four inches, and if desired substantially higher. The length L can be a minimum of two to three inches, preferably about four to six inches, and it can readily be larger such as eight to twelve inches, although very large longitudinal dimensions are not advised since framing members are generally slightly warped. This is not a large problem over relatively small lengths since the sidewalls of the saddles are somewhat flexibly resilient to accommodate variations in the depth of the studs, but could be problematic for larger lengths L such as 24″. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  are front and rear perspective views of an alternative framing jig  100 ′, where similar parts are similarly numbered. In this embodiment, however, the sill saddle  106 ′ is provided as a two sided body having a first sidewall  122 ′ that is connected to and generally orthogonal to the planar substrate  102  and a second sidewall  120 ′ that is connected to the first sidewall  122 ′ and generally parallel with the planar substrate  102 . As shown in the horizontal and vertical framing applications of  FIGS. 9 and 10  respectively, this embodiment performs substantially similar to the jig  100  of the first embodiment, although in horizontal framing applications the sill saddle  106 ′ does not entirely grasp the sill so the fabricator could need a hand or foot to help brace the sill plate during the fastening operation. 
     Likewise, it will be appreciated that in other alternative embodiments the third sidewall  116  on one or both the stud saddles  104 A,  104 B may be omitted, but this will have an effect on the effectiveness of the jig to hold the framing stud in place for nailing and the like. 
       FIG. 12  is front perspective view of a third embodiment of a jig  100 ″, where the central web is extended and the jig includes a third stud saddle  104 C and a second sill saddle  106 B. 
     The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples of the invention and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.