Patent Abstract:
The present invention relates to header assemblies that support a downwardly directed load above an opening in the framing of a load-bearing wall, as well as to related methods. In one embodiment, a load-bearing framing assembly is disclosed. The load-bearing header assembly comprises: a pair of horizontally positioned header members for receiving a downwardly directed load; and a pair of parallel and vertically positioned sheet-metal jamb members. The header members are disposed within the jamb members. In another embodiment, a method for making a load-bearing wall assembly is disclosed. The method comprises at least the following steps: providing and positioning onto a floor and a ceiling respective bottom and top tracks; providing and vertically positioning within the top and bottom tracks a pair of jamb members; and providing and horizontally positioning within the pair of jamb members a pair of header members.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to wall framing assemblies, and more particularly, to header assemblies that support a downwardly directed load above an opening in the framing of a load-bearing wall, as well as to related methods. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    Metal framing assemblies used to construct commercial and residential buildings are common in the building construction arts. These metal framing assemblies are generally constructed from a plurality of metal framing members including studs, joist, trusses, and other metal posts and beams formed from sheet metal and frequently fabricated to have the same general cross-sectional dimensions as standard wood members used for similar purposes. Metal framing members are typically constructed by roll-forming 12 to 24 gauge galvanized sheet steel. Although many cross-sectional shapes are available, the primary shapes used in residential construction are C-shaped studs and U-shaped tracks. 
         [0003]    C-shaped metal studs are typically formed of galvanized sheet-metal bent to encompass a cross-sectional area having nominal dimensions of two inches by four inches. To conform to modern architectural plans and building code requirements, metal studs are formed of sheet-metal bent into a generally C-shaped cross-section in which a relatively broad central base is flanked by a pair of narrower sides that are bent at right angles relative to the base. The central base typically has a uniform nominal width of either four inches or 3⅝ inches and is commonly referred to as the web. The sides of the C-shaped stud typically extend outwardly from the base a nominal distance of two inches and are commonly referred to as flanges. Flanges extending 1¼ or 1½ inches are also common in the trade. To enhance the structural rigidity of the flanges, the ends of flanges are typically bent over into a plane parallel to and spaced apart from the plane of the web. The turned over edges of the flanges define marginal lips that are typically ¼ to ½ inch in width. These lips are also commonly referred to as returns. 
         [0004]    In an alternate embodiment of a C-shaped metal stud, instead of lips, a second flange is located along the peripheral edges of the first flange. Like the lips, the second flanges are typically parallel to and spaced apart from the plane of the web. To increase the strength of the studs, the peripheral edges of the second flanges may be bent inwardly to form a pair of confronting lips (or returns) that are parallel to the first flanges. Studs including this C-shaped configuration can be purchased under the trade name HDS Framing Systems manufactured by Dietrich Metal Framing. HDS studs with 3⅝ inches wide webs typically have a pair of second flanges that are 1 1/16 inches wide and a pair of lips that are ¾ inches wide. HDS jamb members are also commercially available with a web that is 6 inches, a pair of first flanges that are 3 inches, a pair of second flanges that are 2¼ inches, and a pair of lips that are ¾ inches wide. 
         [0005]    U-shaped tracks generally include a planar web section flanked along both longitudinally extending edges by a perpendicular flange or sidewall. The sidewalls confront each other and extend approximately the same distance from the web. U-shaped tracks perform many framing functions and are available in many standard sizes. In many applications, C-shaped studs or other framing members are received between the sidewalls and within the opening of a U-shaped track. 
         [0006]    Steel framing can be used to build wall sections in a manner similar to that employed in conventional wooden wall framing. Steel framed wall sections are typically formed from a U-shaped top and a U-shaped bottom runner (also referred to as an upper and lower track) with a plurality of spaced apart C-shaped studs arranged at predetermined intervals between the top and bottom runners. For example, it is common practice to vertically position wall studs at 16 inch from center intervals. 
         [0007]    Many architectural building plans include wall configurations, fixtures, and other architectural elements that interfere with the wall studs preventing them from traversing the full distance between the top and bottom runners. For example, at the location of openings in a load-bearing wall such as doors, windows, fireplaces, and the like, the studs, which are generally placed closer together than the width of the opening, interfere with the opening. Further, other aspects of building construction such as heating ducts, plumbing fixtures and piping, electrical components, and the like conflict with the framing studs and sometimes prevent the studs from traversing the full distance between the top and bottom runners. 
         [0008]    If for some reason the studs are prevented from extending the full distance between the top and bottom runners, a header assembly must be installed to bear the load that would have been born by the studs. A typical header assembly includes a pair of spaced apart vertical jamb members defining an opening therebetween and at least one horizontal header member bridging the opening between the vertical jamb members. Generally, the jamb members are positioned so that their webs confront each other along opposite sides of the opening defined between the jamb members. The header member receives the load above the opening and transfers a portion of that load to the vertical jamb members. If the top of the opening is directly below the top runner, the header assembly may abut the underside of the top runner. Otherwise, one or more shortened studs (often referred to as cripple or kicker studs) span the distance between the top runner and the top surface of the header assembly. Typically, the kicker studs are located at the same center spacing as the other wall framing studs. 
         [0009]    For many applications, specially constructed jamb members are required. Jamb members are typically capable of supporting a larger load than a wall stud and for this reason, may be constructed from a heavier gauge sheet metal or have a larger cross-sectional area than a wall stud. While jamb members can be distinguished from wall studs, jamb members may be constructed with C-shaped cross-sections and cross-sectional areas similar to those of wall studs. 
         [0010]    The construction of a header assembly requires either the purchase of a specialized header member (and/or related clips) or the costly and inefficient modification of standard framing members such as studs. Specialized header members specially constructed to couple with jamb members are common in the trade. Many of these specialized header members are configured to interface with one or more clips or other coupling assemblies that couple the header member to the jamb members. For example, the ProX header manufactured by Brady Construction Innovations, Inc. includes a generally W-shaped header member (and optionally an M-shaped insert) that is attached at both ends to the jamb members by clips mounted to the jamb members. ProX headers are available in 2½, 3⅝, 4, 6, and 8 inch widths and 40, 60, and 80 inch lengths. Similarly, the following patents disclose header assemblies that use specialized header members and/or clips in their construction: U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,782 to Jewell (discloses an assembly for performing a header connection that includes a header member with a pair of longitudinally projecting flanges disposed on each end which are fastened to a corresponding set of flanges disposed on the jamb members), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,922 to Daudet (discloses a metal structural framing for building construction, including a one-piece jamb member and a one-piece load-bearing header member connected to the jamb member). 
         [0011]    Many header assemblies including the costly and inefficient modification of standard framing members such as studs can be found in the prior art. For example, one method of constructing a header assembly from two standard C-shaped framing members, such as studs, involves removing a portion of the flanges and lips attached thereto from the ends of two framing members. The portion removed extends from each end of the framing member for a distance less than or approximately equal to the width of the sides of the jamb members formed by the outside surface of the flanges perpendicular to the web. In this manner, only a section of the web projects from both ends of the C-shaped framing members. The projecting web sections located at the ends of the C-shaped framing members are bent outwardly slightly away from the flanges. Then, the header members are mounted one at a time to the pair of spaced apart jamb members by placing the projecting web sections flush against the sides of the jamb members and attaching the projecting web sections thereto with a plurality of fasteners such as screws. Typically, the header members are mounted at approximately the same height along opposite sides of the jamb members. In this manner, two header members may span one pair of jamb members in a substantially parallel and horizontal load-bearing arrangement. 
         [0012]    This method has several drawbacks. First, mounting the web of the C-shaped member to the sides of the jamb members creates an undesirable mound of metal and/or fasteners that extends above the planar surface of the side of the jamb members and may be difficult to disguise within the finished wall. Second, the load transferred to the header members is transferred first to the fasteners, such as screws, bolts, or rivets, connecting the header members to the jamb members before the load is transferred to the jamb members. Therefore, the load-bearing capacity of the header assembly is dependent upon the type and quantity of fasteners used. Finally, this method requires the modification of standard building materials at the work site and renders the construction of each header assembly a time consuming and costly custom framing project. 
         [0013]    One method of reducing the labor involved in constructing a header assembly using header members constructed from two standard C-shaped framing members, such as studs, is to use clips to attach the header members to the jamb members. For example, Curtain Wall manufactures a clip under the trademark STIFFCLIP® that removes the need to modify the header members. These clips include a substantially planar plate and a single bottom flange perpendicular to and formed along a portion of the bottom edge of the plate. The plate of the clip is positioned immediately adjacent to both the web of one of the header members and the side of one of the jamb members and spans the gap between the header member and the jamb member. The plate includes a plurality of pre-punched holes into which a plurality of fasteners such as screws are received. The underside of the header member abuts and is cradled by the bottom flange of the clip for additional support. Because one clip attaches the web of only one of the header members to the side of one of the jamb members, a total of four clips are required to construct a single header assembly. Dietrich Metal Framing manufactures a similar clip, also referred to as a hanger, under the trade name H-Series Universal Header Hanger. While clips such as those described above may reduce the time required to construct the header assembly, they do not address the other drawbacks of the previously described method. 
         [0014]    Therefore, a need exists for header assemblies that incorporate standard metal framing components. A need also exists for header assembly designs that do not depend upon the quality and quantity of fasteners used to attach the header member(s) to the jamb members to achieve the desired load-bearing capability. Further, a need exists for header assemblies that can be assembled and installed more efficiently. A need also exists for header assemblies that avoid the creation of an undesirable mound of metal and/or fasteners at the intersection of the header members and jamb members that must be disguised within the finished wall. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides for further related advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a load-bearing framing assembly that comprises: a pair of horizontally positioned header members for receiving a downwardly directed load, each header member being spaced apart and parallel to the other, each header member having first and second end sections; a pair of parallel and vertically positioned sheet-metal jamb members, each jamb member being spaced apart and confronting the other so as to define an opening, each jamb member being c-shaped and having an inwardly facing planar web flanked along its opposing vertical edges by confronting and outwardly directed flanges, with each flange being perpendicular to the web and having outer lips parallel to the web and confronting each other, each web having first and second apertures positioned a selected distance away from the bottom of the opening and spaced apart from each other, thereby defining a spacer section of the web, each of the first and second apertures being sized and configured to receive in an operative arrangement the respective first and second end sections of the pair of header members; and wherein the load-bearing framing assembly is characterized in that the respective first and second end sections of the pair of header members are received into the first and second apertures of each web of the pair of jamb members such that the outer lips of each flange abut or nearly abut the respective first and second end sections of the pair of header members. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for making a load-bearing wall assembly, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: providing and positioning onto a floor and a ceiling respective bottom and top tracks such that the top and bottom tracks are spaced apart and confronting each other; providing and vertically positioning within the top and bottom tracks a pair of jamb members such that each jamb member is spaced apart and confronting the other so as to define an opening, each jamb member being C-shaped or U-shaped and having an inwardly facing planar web flanked along its opposing vertical edges by confronting and outwardly directed flanges, with each flange being perpendicular to the web and having outer lips parallel to the web and confronting each other, each web having first and second apertures positioned a selected distance away from the bottom of the opening and spaced apart from each other, thereby defining a spacer section of the web, each of the first and second apertures being sized and configured to receive in an operative arrangement respective first and second end sections of a pair of header members; and providing and horizontally positioning the first and second end sections of the pair of header members within the first and second apertures such that each header member is spaced apart and parallel to the other and such that the outer lips of each flange abut or nearly abut the respective first and second end sections of the pair of header members. 
         [0017]    These and other aspects of the present invention will become more evident upon reference to the following detailed description and attached drawings. It is to be understood, however, that various changes, alterations, and substitutions may be made to the specific embodiments disclosed herein without departing from their essential spirit and scope. Finally, it is expressly provided that all of the various references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The drawings are intended to be illustrative and symbolic representations of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention and as such they are not necessarily drawn to scale. In addition, and for purposes of clarity, like reference numerals have been used to designate like features throughout the several views of the drawings. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side perspective view of a load-bearing framing assembly adapted for use as a header assembly for supporting the load above an opening in the framing of a wall. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  illustrates a partial side perspective sectional view of one embodiment of the load-bearing framing assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1  with one of the header members removed to better illustrate aspects of the invention taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by line a-a defined in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  illustrates a partial side perspective view of one embodiment of a jamb member of the load-bearing framing assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  illustrates a partial side perspective view of a first alternate embodiment of a jamb member of the load-bearing framing assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  illustrates a partial side perspective sectional view of a second alternate embodiment of a jamb member of the load-bearing framing assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of the load-bearing frame assembly of  FIG. 1  installed within an exemplary wall framing assembly that includes a top runner, bottom runner, and studs extending vertically between the top runner and bottom runner. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  illustrates a partial side perspective sectional view of one embodiment of the header members of the load-bearing framing assembly installed within the exemplary wall illustrated in  FIG. 6  taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by line b-b defined in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of the load-bearing frame assembly incorporating the jamb member of  FIG. 5  wherein the top surfaces of the header members of the load-bearing frame assembly abut the inside surface of the web of the top runner of the exemplary wall framing assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements, and more particularly to  FIGS. 1 ,  6 , and  8 , the present invention is directed to a load-bearing framing assembly  10  adapted for use as a header assembly for supporting the load above an opening in the framing of a wall. Load-bearing framing assembly  10  includes a pair of substantially parallel horizontal spaced apart header members  100   a  and  100   b . Each of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  includes a first end  140   a  and  140   b , respectively, and second end  160   a  and  160   b , respectively. 
         [0028]    Load-bearing framing assembly  10  also includes a pair of spaced apart vertical jamb members  200   a  and  200   b , each with a C-shaped cross-section  202   a  and  202   b , respectively. The spaced apart jamb members  200   a  and  200   b  define an opening  300  therebetween with bottom  302 . As appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the vertical jamb members  200   a  and  200   b  may be disposed within a U-shaped bottom track or bottom runner  400 . In this manner, the bottom  302  of the opening  300  occurs along the inside surface  404  of the web  402  of the bottom runner  400 . 
         [0029]    Each of the vertical jamb members  200   a  and  200   b  includes a pair of apertures  240  and  242  (best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) located a distance d from the bottom  302  of the opening  300 . The first end sections  140   a  and  140   b  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  are received into the apertures  240  and  242  of the first jamb member  200   a . Similarly, the second end sections  160   a  and  160   b  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  are received into the apertures  240  and  242  of the second jamb member  200   b . In this manner, the top of opening  300  is defined by the underside of header members  100   a  and  100   b . Fasteners  280  may be used to affix the ends of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  to the vertical jamb members  200   a  and  200   b.    
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the structure of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  will be discussed in detail.  FIG. 2  is a sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1  taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by line a-a defined in  FIG. 1 . Header member  100   a  has been removed from  FIG. 2  to provide a better view of aspects of the invention. While the structure of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  will be discussed with reference to header member  100   b , it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that header member  100   a  includes structural components identical or substantially similar to those of header member  100   b.    
         [0031]    Header members  100   a  and  100   b  may include a generally C-shaped cross-section  102 . The C-shaped cross-section  102  may include a planar web  104  flanked along its opposing horizontal edges  106  and  108  by flanges  110  and  112 , respectively. Flanges  110  and  112  extend perpendicularly from the web  104  in substantially the same direction and for substantially the same distance from the web  104 . Optionally, flanges  110  and  112  may be bent along edges  114  and  116  to form a pair of lips  118  and  120  that are perpendicular to the flange from which they extend. The lips  118  and  120  are generally parallel to the web  104  and extend from edges  114  and  116  toward each other. In one embodiment, header members  100   a  and  100   b  are constructed from a section of a standard C-shaped metal stud. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , one embodiment of the structure of the jamb members  200   a  and  200   b  will be discussed in detail. Typically, jamb members  200   a  and  200   b  will be constructed and configured to exhibit substantially identical structural features. One embodiment of jamb member  200   b  suitable for use with the present invention can be best viewed in  FIG. 3 . Jamb member  200   b  may include a C-shaped cross-section  202   b . C-shaped cross-section  202   b  may include a planar web  204  flanked along its opposing horizontal edges  206  and  208  by flanges  210  and  212 , respectively. For typical residential constructions, the width of the web  204  between the flanges  210  and  212  may be about 3½ or 5½ inches, and for ordinary commercial/industrial constructions about 3⅝, 6, 8, or 10 inches. However, as is appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the width of the web  204  may be increased or decreased as desired for customized installations. Flanges  210  and  212  extend perpendicularly from the web  204  in substantially the same direction and for substantially the same distance from the web  204 . Typically, the flanges  210  and  212  extend about 1⅜, 1⅝, 2, or 2½ inches from the web  204 . Optionally, flanges  210  and  212  may be bent along edges  214  and  216  to form a pair of confronting lips  218  and  220  that are substantially parallel to the web  204  and extend from edges  214  and  216  toward each other. Each lip  218  and  220  extends about ⅜ to ⅝ inches. 
         [0033]    Web  204  includes two apertures  240  and  242  located distance d from the bottom  302  of the opening  300 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the header members  100   a  and  100   b  may include a C-shaped cross-section  102  that resides within a predetermined spatial envelope. The shape and size of apertures  240  and  242  are configured to accommodate the spatial envelope occupied by the C-shaped cross-section  102  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b . In this manner, each of the apertures  240  and  242  may be suitably shaped and sized to receive one end section  140   a ,  140   b ,  160   a , or  160   b  of header member  100   a  or  100   b . Apertures  240  and  242  may be formed using any suitable method known in the art for forming apertures in the sheet metal of metal framing members. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the vertical height of the apertures  240  and  242  is larger than the vertical height of the C-shaped cross-section  102  of the header member  100   a  or  100   b  received therein allowing vertical movement of the header member  100   a  or  100   b  within the aperture  240  or  242 . In this manner, the header members  100   a  and  100   b  can be positioned vertically to achieve a square and plumb load-bearing framing assembly  10 . Additionally, the width of the apertures  240  and  242  may be larger than the width of the C-shaped cross-section  102  of header member  100   a  or  100   b  allowing lateral movement of the header member  100   a  or  100   b  within aperture  240  or  242 . In this manner, the header members  100   a  and  100   b  can be rotated within the apertures  240  and  242  and/or positioned laterally to achieve a square and plumb load-bearing framing assembly  10 . As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, spacers and shims (not shown) may be used to limit or prevent movement of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  within the apertures  240  and  242 . 
         [0035]    Apertures  240  and  242  define a spacer section  260  therebetween. Spacer section  260  determines the lateral spacing of the horizontal header members  100   a  and  100   b . In embodiments including C-shaped jamb members  200   a  and  200   b  each including a longitudinal opening occurring opposite the web  204 , the spacer section  260  may act as a guide that directs the end sections  140   a ,  140   b ,  160   a , and  160   b  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  into lips  118  and  120 . In this manner, the end sections  140   a ,  140   b ,  160   a , and  160   b  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  abut the lips  118  and  120  of each jamb member  200   a  and  200   b  instead of passing through the longitudinal opening in the jamb member  200   a  and  200   b . The spacer section  260  may also limit the lateral movement of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  and provide opposition to inwardly directed lateral forces. In particular, the spacer section  260  may limit the lateral movement of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  during the attachment of fasteners  280  that provide an inwardly directed lateral force on the portion of the web  104  occurring along the first end sections  140   a  and  140   b  and second end sections  160   a  and  160   b.    
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the structure of jamb member  500 , an alternate embodiment of the C-shaped cross-section structure of the jamb members  200   a  and  200   b , will be described. The two least significant digits of the reference numbers of jamb member  200   b  and jamb member  500  identify identical or corresponding structures of the two embodiments. For this reason, only the structures of jamb member  500  that differ from those of jamb members  200   b  and structures related thereto will be described. 
         [0037]    Jamb member  500  includes a C-shaped cross-section  502  including a planar web  504  flanked along its opposing horizontal edges  506  and  508  by flanges  510  and  512 , respectively. Flanges  510  and  512  extend perpendicularly from the web  504  in substantially the same direction and for substantially the same distance from the web  504 . The flanges  510  and  512  may be bent along edges  514  and  516  to form a second pair of flanges  519  and  521  that extend from edges  514  and  516  toward each other for a predetermined distance. The second pair of flanges  519  and  521  may be bent along edges  523  and  525  to form a pair of lips  527  and  529 . In this embodiment, the lips  527  and  529  extend from edges  523  and  525  toward the web  504 . As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, while the cross-sectional shape of jamb member  500  varies from the cross-sectional shape of jamb member  200   b , apertures  540  and  542  may be shaped, sized, located, and constructed in the same manner as apertures  240  and  242  of jamb member  200   b.    
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the structure of jamb member  600 , an alternate embodiment of the structure of the jamb members  200   a  and  200   b , will be described. The two least significant digits of the reference numbers of jamb member  200   b  and jamb member  600  identify identical or corresponding structures of the two embodiments. For this reason, only the structures of jamb member  600  that differ from those of jamb members  200   b  and structures related thereto will be described. Jamb member  600  is adapted to form a load-bearing framing assembly  10 ′ that abuts the top runner  420  (please refer to  FIG. 8  to view one embodiment of such a configuration). Jamb member  600  differs from jamb member  200   b  only with respect to apertures  640  and  642 . Specifically, unlike apertures  240  and  242  which are completely defined by the web  204 , apertures  640  and  642  are open along the top edge. In this manner, the top surfaces of header members  100   a  and  100   b  formed by the outside surfaces of the flanges  112  may abut the inside surface  424  ( FIG. 7 ) of the top runner  420 . While the C-shaped cross-section  602  of jamb member  600  has been described as generally consistent with that of the embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 3 , it is appreciated by those of ordinary skill that alternate and equivalent C-shaped cross-sectional shapes including the cross-sectional shape described with reference to  FIG. 4  may be used to construct jamb member  600 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , load-bearing framing assembly  10  may include an optional U-shaped top track  700  disposed upon and affixed to the top surfaces formed by the outside surfaces of flanges  112  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b . Top track  700  may include a horizontal web  702  flanked by two vertical flanges or sidewalls  704  and  706 . In one embodiment, the outside surface of the horizontal web  702  of the top track  700  is attached to the top surfaces of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  with the vertical sidewalls  704  and  706  extending upwardly. The top track  700  may be affixed to the header members  100   a  and  100   b  by fasteners  708  such as screws extending from the inside surface of the horizontal web  702  of the top track  700  through the flanges  112  of the header member  100   a  and  100   b . Kicker studs  910  may be affixed to the top track  700  between the sidewalls  704  and  706  by any method known in the art for effecting such an attachment including but not limited to fastening the flanges of the kicker studs  910  to the sidewalls  704  and  706  of the top track  700  with fasteners  710  and fastening the web  912  of the kicker studs  910  to the top track  700  with clips (not shown). 
         [0040]    Load-bearing framing assembly  10  may include an optional U-shaped bottom track  720 . Bottom track  720  may include a horizontal web  722  flanked by two vertical flanges or sidewalls  724  and  726 . The inside surface of the web  722  of the bottom track  720  may be positioned adjacent to the bottom surfaces formed by the outside surfaces of flanges  110  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b . In one embodiment, the inside surface of the horizontal web  722  of the bottom track  720  is attached to the header members  100   a  and  100   b  with the vertical sidewalls  724  and  726  of the bottom track  720  extending upwardly. In this configuration, the bottom track  720  cradles the bottom surfaces of the header members  100   a  and  100   b , sandwiching the header members  100   a  and  100   b  between the vertical sidewalls  724  and  726  of the bottom track  720 . The positioning of the bottom track  720  along the bottom surfaces of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  may be adjusted to achieve a square and plumb opening  300 . The bottom track  720  may be affixed to the header members  100   a  and  100   b  by any method known in the art including fastening the sidewalls  724  and  726  of the bottom track  720  to the webs  104  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  with fasteners  730  such as screws. 
         [0041]    Insulation  180  may be installed in the cavities of the C-shaped header members  100   a  and  100   b  and into the longitudinal separation between the parallel horizontal header members  100   a  and  100   b . In one embodiment, insulation  180  includes a generally rectilinear insulating element  182  configured for insertion into the ends of the header members  100   a  and  100   b . Rectilinear insulating element  182  may include a pair of parallel longitudinal channels or grooves  184  located along both its top and bottom surfaces for receiving the lips  118  and  120  of each header member  100   a  and  100   b . Alternatively, insulation  180  may include loose insulating material capable of being packed into the cavities of and longitudinal separation between the C-shaped header members  100   a  and  100   b . Insulation  180  may be constructed from any suitable insulating material including Styrofoam, fiberglass, glass wool, and the like. 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  6 , and  7 , a method of constructing an embodiment of load-bearing framing assembly  10  of the present invention will now be described.  FIG. 6  depicts a load-bearing framing assembly  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention installed within an exemplary wall framing assembly  900 . Exemplary wall framing assembly  900  includes top runner  420 , bottom runner  400 , and studs  902  extending vertically between the top runner  420  and bottom runner  400 . Load-bearing framing assembly  10  may be constructed by affixing the top end of first vertical jamb member  200   a  to the top runner  420  and the bottom end of the first jamb member  200   a  to the bottom runner  400 . In this manner, the first jamb member  200   a  traverses the vertical distance between the top and bottom runners  420  and  400  and supports a portion of the downwardly directed load applied to the top runner  420 . The first jamb member  200   a  may be affixed to the top and bottom runners  420  and  400  by any method known in the art including but not limited to fastening the flanges  210  and  212  of the first jamb member  200   a  to the sidewalls  426  and  428  of the top runner  420  and the sidewalls  406  and  408  of the bottom runner  400 . Alternatively, the first jamb member  200   a  may be affixed to the top and bottom runners  420  and  400  by fastening the web  204  of the first jamb member  200   a  to the top and bottom runners  420  and  400  with clips (not shown). 
         [0043]    The first end sections  140   a  and  140   b  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  are inserted into the apertures  240  and  242  of the first jamb member  200   a  until the first end sections  140   a  and  140   b  abut the lips  218  and  220  of the first jamb member  200   a . Alternatively, in embodiments where jamb member  200   a  is constructed with the C-shaped profile consistent with that of jamb member  500 , the first end sections  140   a  and  140   b  are inserted until they abut the lips  527  and  529 . Optionally, insulation  180  may be inserted into the cavities of the C-shaped header members  100   a  and  100   b  and into the longitudinal separation between the parallel horizontal header members  100   a  and  100   b . With respect to embodiments of insulation  180  including a rectilinear insulating element  182 , rectilinear insulating element  182  may be inserted into the end of end sections  160   a  and  160   b  passing through the cavities of the C-shaped header members  100   a  and  100   b  and/or longitudinal separation between the parallel horizontal header members  100   a  and  100   b  until the inserted end of rectilinear insulating element  182  abuts the web  204  of jamb member  200   a.    
         [0044]    Next, the second end sections  160   a  and  160   b  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  are inserted into the apertures  240  and  242  of the second jamb member  200   b  until the second end sections  160   a  and  160   b  abut the lips  218  and  220  of the second jamb member  200   b . Alternatively, in embodiments where jamb member  200   a  is constructed with the C-shaped profile consistent with that of jamb member  500 , the first end sections  140   a  and  140   b  are inserted until they abut the lips  527  and  529 . Then, the second vertical jamb member  200   b  is affixed to the top and bottom runner  420  and  400  using any of the methods suitable for affixing the first jamb member  200   a  therebetween. The portions of the web  104  of the first end sections  140   a  and  140   b  and second end sections  160   a  and  160   b  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  adjacent to the flanges  210  and  212  of the jamb members  200   a  and  200   b  may be affixed thereto with fasteners  280  that extend inwardly through the flanges  210  and  212  of the jamb members  200   a  and  200   b  into the portion of the web  104  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  adjacent thereto. 
         [0045]    Optional U-shaped top track  700  may be installed along to the top surfaces of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  by inserting fasteners  708  such as screws into the inside surface of the horizontal web  702  of the top track  700  through the flanges  112  of the header member  100   a  and  100   b . A portion of the load applied to the top runner  420  may be transferred to the header members  100   a  and  100   b  by installing kicker studs  910  between the top runner  420  and top track  700 . As described above, the kicker studs  910  may be affixed to the top track  700  between the sidewalls  704  and  706  by any method known in the art for effecting such an attachment. Optional bottom track  720  may be installed along the bottom surfaces of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  by inserting fasteners  730  such as screws into the sidewalls  724  and  726  of the bottom track  720  and into the webs  104  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b . The attachment of optional bottom track  720  to header members  100   a  and  100   b  may be adjusted to achieve a square and plumb opening  300 . 
         [0046]    With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 8 , a method of constructing an alternate embodiment of load-bearing framing assembly  10  of the present invention will now be described.  FIG. 8  depicts load-bearing framing assembly  10 ′ constructed in accordance with the present invention installed within a second exemplary wall framing assembly  900 ′. Second exemplary wall framing assembly  900 ′ includes top runner  420 , bottom runner  400 , and studs  902  extending vertically between the top runner  420  and bottom runner  400 . In this embodiment, first vertical jamb member  600   a , constructed in accordance with jamb member  600  depicted in  FIG. 5 , is affixed to the bottom runner  400  in the same manner that first vertical jamb member  200   a  of the previous embodiment was similarly affixed. 
         [0047]    The open edges of the apertures  640  and  642  are disposed within the U-shaped top runner  420  and are immediately adjacent to the inside surface  424  of the web  422  of the top runner  420 . The first end sections  140   a  and  140   b  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  are inserted into the apertures  640  and  642  of the first jamb member  600   a  until the first end sections  140   a  and  140   b  abut the lips  618  and  620  of the first jamb member  600   a . The top surface of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  formed by the outer surfaces of flanges  112  is positioned against the inside surface  424  of the web  422  of the top runner  420 . In this manner, a portion of the downwardly directed load applied to the top runner  420  may be transferred to the header members  100   a  and  100   b . As described above, optional insulation  180  may be inserted into the cavities of the C-shaped header members  100   a  and  100   b  and into the longitudinal separation between the parallel horizontal header members  100   a  and  100   b.    
         [0048]    Next, the second end sections  160   a  and  160   b  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  are inserted into the apertures  640  and  642  of the second jamb member  600   b  until the second end sections  160   a  and  160   b  abut the lips  618  and  620  of the second jamb member  600   b . The portions of the web  104  of the first end sections  140   a  and  140   b  and second end sections  160   a  and  160   b  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  adjacent to the flanges  610  and  612  of the jamb members  200   a  and  200   b  may be affixed thereto with fasteners  280  that extend inwardly through the flanges  610  and  612  of the jamb members  600   a  and  600   b  into the portion of the web  104  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  adjacent thereto. Similarly, fasteners  280  may be used to attach the jamb members  600   a  and  600   b  to the top runner  420 . In this configuration, fasteners  280  extend inwardly through three layers metal including one of the sidewalls  426  or  428  of the top runner  420 , one of the flanges  610  or  612  of jamb member  600   a  or  600   b , and portion of the web  104  of header member  100   a  or  100   b . The web  104  of the header members  100   a  and  100   b  may be fastened to the sidewall  426  or  428  of the top runner  420  with fasteners  430 . An optional bottom track  720  of the same type described with reference to  FIG. 6  may be positioned along the bottom surfaces formed by the outside surfaces of flanges  110  and attached to the header members  100   a  and  100   b.    
         [0049]    While the present invention has been described in the context of the embodiments illustrated and described herein, the invention may be embodied in other specific ways or in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing descriptions, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4