Patent Publication Number: US-6655100-B1

Title: Framing assembly and method for the formation of a curved wall or like structure

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     A framing assembly used for the accurate placement and support of a plurality of framing studs in predetermined spaced relation to one another and collectively in a curved orientation which substantially corresponds to the curvelinear configuration of a wall or like structure being constructed. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the construction of walls, barriers or like structures which have a substantially linear configuration, a plurality of studs are typically oriented in predetermined spaced relation to one another and collectively in an elongated, substantially “coplanar” array. Conventional techniques used in the construction of straight walls are normally performed in a relatively short amount of time. Further, the forming of planar or linearly configured walls utilizing known construction techniques common to the building industry, normally do not require specialized labor and the framing assembly associated therewith can be constructed in a reasonable amount of time without requiring customization of any type of specialized framing apparatus. 
     To the contrary, the building of a curved wall, barrier, partition or the like and the mounting and orientation of the plurality of framing studs associated therewith is recognized in the building industry as being very time consuming and expensive. Problems associated with such curved wall construction exist, at least in part, due to the fact that the arcuate or curvelinear configuration of such structures are, by their very nature, not standardized or uniform. To the contrary curved walls vary in length and arc or radius of curvature. 
     Accordingly there is no consistently reliable apparatus or method which is universally recognized as facilitating the forming of curved walls or other structures by reducing the time involved and customization required in their construction. Further, due to the wide variety of curved structures prevalent in modern day architecture and building design, the depth and profile of such curve structures vary considerably. Such variance in the individual physical characteristics of curved walls and like structures have previously required that each individual structure be specifically planned and carefully erected. Also, the existence of a curved wall, barrier, etc. which includes a more complex curvelinear configuration further increases the amount of customization required as well as the time and trained personnel needed to effectively perform such construction. 
     The significance and extent of the problems and disadvantages associated with the building of a curved wall or like structure is further evident by the numerous attempts which have been made to develop an apparatus and/or method which allows a more efficient construction of a curved wall or the like. By way of example only, one known attempt involves the supplying of a support member in the form of a flexible band or strip with a series of adjacent tabs extending outwardly from one side of the band in perpendicular relation thereto. The plurality of tabs are spaced apart from one another and, due to the flexibility of the band or strip to which they are attached, the distance between the outwardly extending tabs may be greatly varied. The combined band and tabs are precisely arranged on a floor or other support surface on which the curved wall or like structure is to be built. A plurality of framing studs are secured to the band and tabs in an effort to collectively orient the framing studs in the desired curved configuration which corresponds to the intended curve of the wall, arc way or like structure being formed. 
     Devices and associated methods of this type, while generally assumed to be at least minimally capable of functioning in the intended manner do not significantly solve the long existing problems in the building and construction industry in that utilization of devices and/or assemblies of this type still require trained personnel and specific customization on the job site, Also the time and effort which must be devoted to each construction site is dependent on the specific physical characteristics of the curved wall or like structure being formed. 
     Other known and/or conventionally used apparatus for the formation of a curved wall include the use of mold-like assemblies formed from a plurality of mold segments which are collectively arranged into a preferred curvelinear configuration. This type of curved mold apparatus is primarily designed for the construction of walls or like structures utilizing a moldable material such as, but not limited to concrete, cement or the like. Accordingly, structures of this type are not readily adaptable for the building of curved walls, of the type typically found in domestic or commercial buildings. 
     Based on the above, there is an obvious and long recognized need for an assembly capable of effectively facilitating the formation of a plurality of framing studs in a preferred spaced apart curvelinear orientation, corresponding to the curved wall or other structure being formed. Such an improved framing assembly should require little or no customization once presented on the job site and should be capable of being applied to the positioning and mounting of the curved wall framing studs, by personnel without the need for exhaustive specialized training. Also, an improved framing assembly, of the type set forth above should be structured to include sufficient versatility to facilitate the formation of a variety of curved structures in addition to curved walls such as columns, barrier walls, partitions, archways, etc. Moreover, the framing associated with each of the previous types of curved structures should be capable of being easily assembled regardless of the complexity of the overall curvelinear configuration or the various curved segments or arcs extending along the length of and collectively defining the structure being formed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an assembly and an associated method for framing a curved wall or like structure during its construction. More specifically, the framing assembly is structured to precisely locate and at least partially support a plurality of spaced apart studs defining the frame of the curved wall being formed. It is emphasized that the term “curved wall” as used herein in describing the structural details of the present invention is meant to include any type of substantially equivalent structure, such as but not limited to, a curved barrier, partition, etc. In addition, the framing assembly of the present invention and the method associated therewith is also readily adaptable, with minimal or no structural modification, for the formation of other structures incorporating a curved configuration. Such additional structures may include a column, arch way or the like. However, for purposes of clarity the term “curve wall” will be used to describe each of the similar structures of the type set forth above, all of which are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the plurality of spaced apart studs used to form the curved wall or like structure are not, in and of themselves, necessarily to be considered a part of the present invention. Also it is of course noted that studs of the type used for framing the curved wall may be formed of wood, metal or any other applicable material commonly used in the construction industry. 
     Accordingly, the framing assembly of the present invention includes a base having an elongated configuration and comprising a plurality of base segments disposed in interconnecting relation to one another. In addition, the base includes two spaced apart sidewalls extending along the length thereof, wherein the sidewalls are interconnected to one another by attachment to correspondingly positioned peripheral portions of each of the plurality of base segments. When formed but not yet disposed in an operative position, as described in greater detailed hereinafter, the base segments and the two sidewalls are initially oriented in an elongated, linear array. Further the formation of the base can be accomplished using anyone of a variety of somewhat conventional manufacturing techniques. In at least one preferred embodiment, the base, including the plurality of base segments and the two sidewalls are integrally attached to one another. More over, in order to assure structural stability as well as the intended relative orientation of each of the plurality of base segments and sidewalls all, or at least a majority, of the base segments are interconnected to one another. 
     More specifically, when in the aforementioned nonoperative position each of the plurality of base segments are removably connected to the next adjacent base segment along corresponding peripheral edges or portions thereof. As set forth above, due to the preferred integral formation of the base each of the plurality of base segments may be secured to one another by a separable link. Alternatively the formation of each of the plurality of base segments may be such as to be removably attached or joined along corresponding peripheral edges in contiguous relation to one another. In either of the above noted embodiments, separation of predetermined ones or all of the plurality of base segments from one another is easily accomplished, such as by severing or otherwise separating the link or the contiguous joint between adjacent base segments, using conventional hand tools or of any other applicable means. 
     Similarly, the two sidewalls are integrally interconnected to each or at least a majority of the plurality of base segments by integrally formed links or alternatively by being attached along oppositely disposed peripheral portions of the plurality of base segments. Further, the two sidewalls are oriented so as to extend outwardly from a common side of the base segments in substantially parallel relation to one another. It is noted that the material from which the base, including the plurality of base segments and the two sidewalls, are formed as well as the manufacturing techniques used in the formation of the base may not facilitate a precise parallel orientation between the two sidewalls. However, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the outward extension of the sidewalls in a substantially common direction serves to orient them in the aforementioned substantially parallel relation to one another. Positioning of the side walls in confronting engagement with spaced apart, oppositely disposed longitudinal surfaces of the plurality of studs which are being framed is thereby facilitated. 
     Further, in at least one preferred embodiment of the framing assembly of the present invention, the base including the plurality of base segments and spaced apart sidewalls are formed from a somewhat flexible but high strength metallic sheet material of relatively thin gauge. Such material demonstrates inherently desirable characteristics such as flexibility, high strength but yet can be easily separated, as by cutting, severing, etc., such as when the plurality of base segments are intended to be separated from one another, as set forth above. Therefore, due to the fact that the two sidewalls, as well as the plurality of base segments, are formed of a common, flexible, high strength material at least one, but preferably both of the sidewalls, demonstrate a sufficient flexibility to easily orient the base into the aforementioned operative position. 
     The referred to operative position may be more specifically defined by positioning the base into a curved orientation which substantially corresponds to the curvelinear configuration of the wall or other structure under construction. In doing so an inner most one of the two sidewalls will be oriented to assume a lesser radius of curvature and therefore a lesser longitudinal dimension than the outer most sidewall. However, the relative spaced positioning of the sidewalls to one another and to the plurality of base segments will be efficiently accomplished due to the fact that the two sidewalls are maintained in interconnected relation to one another by virtue of both of the sidewalls being connected to oppositely disposed peripheral portions of the plurality of base segments. In order for the base to assume the predetermined curved orientation corresponding to the curvelinear configuration of the wall or like structure being formed, the plurality of base segments extending along the curve will be disconnected from one another and will automatically assume a collective overlapping array. Moreover, the disposition of the base in the curved operative position force adjacent ones of the plurality of base segments into the overlapping relation to one another while maintaining the two sidewalls in substantially parallel, equally spaced apart orientation. In addition, the shortening of the innermost sidewall, in order to establish the required degree or radius of curvature thereof, is accomplished by separating a plurality of portions of the innermost sidewall from one another an reorienting these separated portions in an overlapping, fixed relation to one another. 
     In use, once the base is disposed in the aforementioned operative position the placement of the plurality of the spaced apart studs thereon may be easily accomplished. Accurate placement of the plurality of studs to collectively define the curved frame of the wall or like structure being formed will occur automatically by virtue of the mounting and/or attachment of a corresponding end of each of the plurality of studs to the base. More specifically, an end or extremity will confrontingly engage and/or be attached to one or more of the overlapping base segments. Concurrently the oppositely disposed longitudinal surfaces disposed in corresponding relation to the interior surfaces of the spaced apart sidewalls will establish a confronting engagement there between. Each of the studs may be accurately and securely attached, mounted on or supported by the base by virtue of the confronting engagement of each of the studs, in the manner set forth above, with one or more of the overlapping base segments as well as the spaced apart sidewalls. 
     It should be further noted that at least one embodiment of the present invention contemplates a separate base being attached to opposite ends of the plurality of spaced apart studs, such as by securing the plurality of framing studs to both a floor or like support structure or a ceiling, roof or oppositely disposed support structure. 
    
    
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more clear when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of a framing assembly of the present invention shown in an operative position. 
     FIG. 2 s a perspective view in partial cutaway of the framing assembly of the present invention located in a different orientation during the formation of a curved wall or like structure. 
     FIG. 3 is a top view of the framing assembly of the present invention in an operative position and being unattached to any framing studs. 
     FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view of the framing assembly of the present invention being connected to at least one of the plurality of framing studs associated with the curved wall or like structure being constructed. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of a sidewall portion of the framing assembly of the present invention when oriented in an operative position. 
     FIG. 6 is a top view of one preferred embodiment of the framing assembly of the present invention prior to being oriented in an operative position. 
     FIG. 7 is a top detailed view in partial cutaway of another embodiment of the framing assembly of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a is a top view in partial cutaway of yet another embodiment of the framing assembly of the present invention. 
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed towards an assembly generally indicated as  10  intended to be used in the construction of a curved wall or like structure to facilitate the framing of a plurality of studs  12  in spaced relation to one another. As such, the plurality of framing studs are collectively oriented in a preferred curved orientation which substantially corresponds to the curvature of the wall or other structure being formed. As shown in FIGS.  1  through  3  the framing assembly  10  is disposable in an operative position at least partially defined by its orientation along a curvelinear path which corresponds to the intended curvelinear configuration that the wall being constructed is intended to assume. Naturally, the degree or arc of curvature which the framing assembly  10  may assume when in the operative position may vary, thereby rendering it extremely versatile. Accordingly, a variety of significantly different curved structures may be formed using the framing assembly  10  due to such versatility. By way of example only, the framing assembly  10  may be used to form a substantially simple arc of curvature as demonstrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 or a more complex curvelinear configuration comprising an annular shape or a plurality of different arc segments interconnected to one another in a continuous manner or separated by and/or including linear segments. 
     More specifically, the framing assembly  10  of the present invention comprises a base  14  which includes two spaced apart sidewalls  16  and  18  each being interconnected by a plurality of base segments  20 . With reference to FIGS. 6 through 8, as initially formed the base  14  assumes an elongated substantially linear configuration, wherein each of the base segments  20  are connected to spaced apart sidewalls  16  and  18  along oppositely disposed peripheral portions thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the base  14 , including the plurality of base segments  20  and the spaced apart sidewalls  16  and  18  are integrally secured to one another. As such, each or at least a majority of the base segments  20  are disposed in removable attachment to a next adjacent one of the base segments  20 . Such removable or separable attachment between the plurality of base segments  20  can occur by an integrally formed link  22  and shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. Alternatively, the plurality of base segments  20  may be integrally joined along correspondingly disposed peripheral edges such that each of the base segments  20 , or at least the majority thereof, are contiguously attached to one another as at  24 , as disclosed in FIG.  7 . Similarly, interconnection of the plurality of base segments  20  to the spaced apart sidewalls  16  and  18  may occur through the provision of a plurality of integrally formed links as at  26  and shown in FIG.  8 . Also, the plurality of base segments  20  may be contiguously secured in integral fashion by substantially oppositely disposed peripheral edges as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Therefore, the various preferred embodiments of the base as indicated generally as  14 ,  14 ′, and  14 ″ differ from one another by the specific means of interconnection between the plurality of base segments  20  and/or attachment of the plurality of base segments  20  to the spaced apart sidewalls  16  and  18 . 
     However, common to all of these embodiments is the fact that the base  14 , and all of its components are formed from a high strength yet flexible material such as, but not limited to a thin gauge sheet metal. Further, a material from which each of the components of the bases  14 ,  14 ′ and  14 ″ are formed should be, at least in part, capable of being severed, cut or otherwise separated, such that at least some or all of the plurality of base segments  20  can be separated from one another when the base  14 ,  14 ′ or  14 ″ is oriented from the non-operative position, as shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, into the operative position as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. It is of course noted that the primary distinction between the non-operative position of FIGS. 6 through 8 and the operative position of FIGS. 1 through 3 is the curved orientation assumed by the base  14  which corresponds to the intended curvelinear shape or configuration of the wall or like structure being formed. 
     The orientation of the base  14  into the operative position necessitates one of the two sidewalls  16  or  18  assuming an innermost position and a curved or arcuate configuration having a smaller radius of curvature than an outermost one of the sidewalls  18 . For purposes of clarity the inner most sidewall will be designated as  16  and the outer most sidewall will be designated as  18  when the base  14  assumes the operative position of FIGS. 1 through 3. Clearly, in order that the inner most sidewall  16  is disposed along the curve segment or arc having a smaller radius of curvature, its longitudinal dimension must be shortened. Such is accomplished by forming the sidewall  16 , as well as the remainder of the base  14 , from a material which is separable such as, but not limited to, relatively thin gauge metallic sheet material. 
     Accordingly, an associated method of utilization of the framing assembly  10  and more specifically the base  14  comprises determining or establishing the specific curved orientation which the wall being formed is to assume. Once so established the inner most sidewall  16  is separated or severed at various spaced apart points along its length. With reference to FIG. 5, the separated portions  16 ′ of the inner most sidewall  16  are then oriented in an overlapping relation to one another until the predetermined, shortened longitudinal dimension of the sidewall  16  has been achieved. Once the intended longitudinal dimension of the sidewall  16  has been achieved, the separated portions  16 ′ are fixedly connected to one another by applying any of a variety of different connectors or fasteners. Alternatively, the crimping or affixing the overlapping portions of the segment  16 ′ to one another as at  17  may be accomplished by using anyone of a variety of hand tools, including a hand operable crimping tool or the like. The outermost sidewall  18 , being formed of the aforementioned at least partially flexible sheet material, naturally assumes the intended curved orientation maintaining a substantially equally spaced apart relation to the inner most sidewall  16 . 
     The operative position of the framing assembly  10  and more specifically the base  14  is further defined by the plurality of base segments  20 , which extend along the curve or arcuate configuration, being collectively disposed in overlapping relation to one another as clearly demonstrated in FIGS. 1 through 3. This overlapping orientation of the plurality of base segments  20  is readily or automatically assumed due to the fact that they remain attached to the sidewalls while being disconnected from one another. Disconnection of the base segments  20  is accomplished by the severing of the links  22  and/or the contiguous, integral connections  24 , as described above with reference to FIGS. 6 through 8. 
     Once the base  14  of the framing assembly  10  is oriented in the predetermined curvelinear configuration which defines the intended operative position, the plurality of studs  12  are disposed and supported thereon and/or attached thereto in predetermined spaced relation to one another so as to define the frame of the wall or like structure being constructed. With reference to FIG. 4, confronting engagement of a corresponding end of each of the studs  12  is accomplished by placement of the extremity or end surface  12 ′ into confronting engagement with one or more of the overlapping base segments  20 . Concurrently, oppositely disposed and spaced apart longitudinal surfaces  12 ″ are disposed in confronting engagement and/or attachment to the perspective sidewall  16  and  18 . In order to further facilitate the construction of a variety of different curved walls or like structures as well as to eliminate the requirement for customization of the framing assembly  10  on a job site, the base will be manufactured and made available in a variety of different sizes which correspond to the various sizes of the studs  12  The plurality of sizes will therefore include the recognized standard sizes used in the building and construction industry. 
     Therefore, an associated method of forming a curved wall and implementing the framing assembly of the present invention comprises establishing a predetermined length of the base  14  required to form the curved wall or like structure under construction. Subsequent to establishing the length of the base  14  the plurality of base segments  20  are separated from one another by severing or otherwise separating the links  22  or contiguous attachment portions  24 , as indicated above with regard to FIGS. 6 through 8. In addition, various portions of the inner most sidewall  16  are separated from one another as at  16 ′ and the base  14  is subsequently disposed, at least preliminarily, into a curved orientation which at least approximates the curvelinear configuration of the wall to be formed. The sidewall portions  16  are then adjusted such that the innermost sidewall  16  accurately assumes the proper, shortened longitudinal dimension and is arranged along an arc having a predetermined radius of curvature which, as set forth above, is significantly less than the radius of curvature of the outermost wall  18 . A plurality of base segments  20  are then automatically disposed in the aforementioned overlapping relation to one another. Once the precise curvelinear configuration of the base  14  has been establish so as to correspond with the intended curvelinear configuration of the wall being formed, the plurality of sidewall portions  16 ′ are fixedly attached to one another as described in detailed with reference to FIG.  5 . The base  14 , now oriented in its preferred operative position is mounted on, connected to or otherwise positioned on a supporting surface such as a flooring, sealing or the like. To this end, at least one embodiment of the present invention includes apertures  40  for the positioning of fasteners there through into attachment with the floor or other supporting surface on which the framing assembly is disposed. A plurality of studs  12  are then disposed in predetermined spaced relation to one another such that at least one end thereof is engaged within the base  14 , while in its operative position. As such the corresponding end studs  12  are then disposed in confronting engagement and/or attachment to the plurality of overlapping base segments  20  as well as the oppositely disposed innermost and outer most sidewalls  16  and  18  respectfully as described in detailed with reference to FIG.  4 . When such is accomplished, the framing of the curved wall or other structure can proceed in a somewhat conventional manner, such as by securing wall board or other facing material to the studs  12 . 
     Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     Now that the invention has been described,