Abstract:
A framing system for a new or existing wall, structure and/or the like is provided that uses just one type of unit or member—the universal stud. The universal stud serves as a stud and plate or track. With a plurality of the universal studs having the same slot configuration at each end and two sides of the universal stud receiving that same slot configuration, allows for a multitude of jobs to be done with just one type of unit. The universal stud flange sides are mended with holes along its length in order to allow wiring and pipes to be hung from the universal stud while not endangering cutting the wiring and/or pipes. Moreover, the universal stud wall has inherent qualities that make it the single solution to many types of framing jobs and job problems. The present universal stud provides walls and/or structures that are thinner, have any profile to each side, soundproof, have chases within it, provide bracing construction, and provides the flexibility to be used within other wall studs.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/199,502 filed Aug. 9, 2005 entitled “Universal Stud” which claims, and thus this application claims, the benefit of and/or priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/591,371 entitled “Universal Stud” the entire contents of all of which is specifically incorporated herein by this reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of wall framing and particularly to specific areas and jobs of framing that the ordinary “C” has a problem doing or can not do physically. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    Presently, the art of wall framing systems is rendered inefficient in several respects. Many of these inefficiencies arise from the limitations of the standard “C” stud as well as other prior art studs and/or stud systems. At the present time, the standard “C” stud is designed to make straight walls 4½″ thick with only metal electrical conduit running through it. The standard “C” stud system needs special studs and tools to complete most framing projects. 
         [0006]    These are the non-exclusive framing areas in which the standard “C” stud must have special studs/studding and/or tools on the job site in order to properly frame them, namely: A) sound proofing the walls; B) creating curves laterally (horizontally); C) creating curves vertically; D) creating curves both laterally and vertically at the same time; E) creating 2½″ finished walls wherein wires can be run and at the same time be sound proof; F) creating any thickness walls that can curve or angle or go straight independent of the other side of the wall; G) create remodeled walls that an be extended to make contact with both the floor and the ceiling; H) create braces and supports easily; I) easily install wires after the wall has been completed; J) fur-out walls only using 2″ of floor space and still run electrically wires; K) install 1½″ drain lines in the standard 4½″ thick walls; L) run electrical, pipes, computer, security, sound and telephone through the chases in the wall; M) easily attach rough-in fixtures to the interior of the walls using only zip ties; and N) creating bulkheads and unusual wall configurations. 
         [0007]    It is thus apparent from the above that there is a need for a stud and/or stud system that can perform the above framing tasks. 
         [0008]    It is thus further apparent from the above that there is a need for a stud and/or stud system that can accomplish the fourteen jobs set forth above. 
         [0009]    It is thus even further apparent from the above that there is a need for a stud and/or stud system that can accomplish at least the fourteen jobs set forth above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention is a universal stud that can complete all fourteen framing tasks listed above. The universal stud is smaller in width and depth than a full dimension stud (i.e. one that spans the entire depth of a wall or partition) and includes a slot configuration on an end thereof. The present universal stud provides flexibility in manipulating the stud thus providing flexibility in framing. 
         [0011]    In one form, the universal stud is much smaller that standard studs, measuring 1½″ one direction and 1″ in the other direction but comes in the same lengths that standard studs come in (e.g. eight and ten feet). The universal stud includes a slot that is provided in the configured end (see e.g.  FIGS. 1-5 ). The configured end slot widens at each end to allow it to be slid easily over the walls of the plates (see, e.g.  FIGS. 1-6 ). The slots allow the universal stud to be extended to meet the ceiling heights. In the middle of the 1½″ side and at each end of the universal stud is preferably, but not necessarily, a pre-drilled hole (see, e.g.  FIGS. 1-3 ) in order to make it user friendly to screw the universal stud to the plate (see, e.g.  FIGS. 1-7 ). Along each open side of the universal stud, the metal is hemmed over (see, e.g.  FIGS. 1-4 ) to both give the universal stud strength and leave smooth edges along which the wiring run without the wiring being cut. 
         [0012]    Additionally, along one of the hemmed sides, holes are preferably, but not necessarily, placed in intervals (e.g. every foot) to allow the use of zip ties at multiple heights (see, e.g.  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0013]    The universal stud also doubles as the plates for itself for framing (i.e. the universal stud can be both stud and plate for framing). 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0014]    The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a blue print type view of the present universal stud illustrating a cut but unfolded piece of metal stock for forming a universal stud, a portion of a fabricated universal stud, and a portion of wall framing using the present universal studs; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a typical universal stud/plate wall made by using two of the present universal studs particularly illustrating how the stud on one side does not traverse to the other side thus creating a dead air space in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 3 and 3   a  are perspective views illustrating how to curve the present universal stud and a manner of creating various framing configurations; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a wall formed by standard “C” studs and the universal stud illustrating how the present universal stud can be used with standard “C” stud wall framing, particularly with respect to accommodating plumbing and/or conduit; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating how the present universal stud can be easily converted into any kind of bracing in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  provides a perspective and a top view of a wall in cutaway illustrating how the present universal stud can create finished walls, that are sound proof, and still able to accommodate the running of wiring through the wall according to the principles of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  provides various figures illustrating a procedure to construct a universal stud wall (framing) and how to expand walls to meet ceilings using the present universal stud in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of wall framing using the present universal stud particularly illustrating several types of uses of the universal stud such as for furring out walls that are straight and/or curved, boxing out pipe chases (or other structures), typical walls, and the same wall having different profiles on each side in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a complex bulkhead configuration made and made simple by the present universal stud; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  provides various figures illustrating a manner of mending plates comprising the present universal stud together, wherein the perspective view shows the cut to tallow the back to slide inside the other plate (universal stud), the top view shows how the sides of the plates are interlocked together and where the screws are installed, in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of upper and lower portions of a universal stud installed on a track for framing; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a side sectional view of a wall made between a ceiling and a floor using the present universal stud, the figure showing a pipe or conduit tied to the universal stud; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a top sectional view of the wall of  FIG. 12  taken along the midpoint of  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
       [0028]    Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures. 
         [0029]    A detailed description of the features, functions and/or configuration of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated, however, that not all of the features of the components of the figures may be necessarily described in detail. Some of these non discussed features as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated herein and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the principles of the invention being contemplated as would occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0031]    A multitude of framing and/or bracing jobs are solved by having the present universal framing/bracing (collectively, framing) unit on the job site. A framing system utilizing the universal framing unit includes just one type of universal stud that doubles as a stud/plate. The universal stud/plate has two flanged sides with mended edges connected to a base plate with slots at each end. These slots are used to interlock the studs over the plates, both being the same unit. At each end of the universal stud/plate is a hole pre-drilled to make attachment of the universal stud/plate to one another with ease and to create tight joints. Along one of the flanged sides pre-drilled holes are placed/situated every certain interval such as 12″ for ease of attachment of pipes and the like and wires (see, e.g.  FIGS. 1 and 4 ). 
         [0032]    When the universal studs are used with either a universal plate or a standard plate, there is a dead air space created within the walls and no studs touching both inner sides of the walls. This both creates a chase in every wall to run wires, pipes, conduit and/or the like and with the dead air space forms a block for sound to travel in between the two walls (see, e.g.  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0033]    The present universal stud provides easy construction and method of creation of curved frames and/or bracing with the universal stud either horizontally (laterally), vertically or both. To curve a wall horizontally, the universal studs that are to be used for the plates are placed on the floor next to the desired curve drawn on the floor. The plate is cut more often if the curve is sharper and less for longer bends. For every needed bend in the bottom plate, a ¼″ piece of one of the sides is removed and the bottom is cut to the far side. The far side that was not cut is bent to match the curve. The top plate is cut to match the bottom plate but in the mirror image. The studs are placed with one or more thereof purely flat on and with respect to the plates. To curve the vertical walls, simply cut both sides of the universal stud opposite each other and bend the stud to match the desired curve (see, e.g.  FIGS. 3 and 3   a ). 
         [0034]    The present universal stud provides ease of use in conjunction with a standard dimensioned “C” stud and its plate. Because in one form the universal stud is only 1″ deep and the plate is 3½″ deep, in applications where walls are desired on adjacent sides of the standard “C” framing, the use of two universal studs still leaves a 1½″ distance between the edges of the lateral sides of the universal studs and the front faces (or interior wall surfaces) through which pipes, wires and the like can be run. This space or area can also provide sound proofing as well as provide other attributes and/or uses. 
         [0035]    The present invention provides ease of which the universal stud can be cut, bent and re-enforced to make framing and/or bracing for walls. Because the sides of the present universal stud are hemmed, they allow for the universal stud to be cut much easier than standard “C” studs can be cut and is much smaller allowing framing/bracing to be fit into cramped areas (see, e.g.  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0036]    The present universal stud can create a soundproof wall, can run wire through it, and does it all within 2½″ with finished ½″ drywall on both sides. The universal stud/track is only 1″ deep and as long as the studs are not placed opposite each other, the void area is ½″. The ½″ area becomes dead air space and the chase for wiring. 
         [0037]    In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a universal stud wall can be assembled on the floor and raised up, assembled with tracks in place first, and in cramped areas. It also can be expanded to meet ceilings to make tight walls in between ceilings and floors. The way that the present universal stud slides over the plates allows the universal studs to stay in one spot and they only need to be screwed together when the wall is in place. Moreover, because the universal stud slides over the plate, the universal studs can be raised up before they are screwed together thus expanding the whole wall (see, e.g.  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0038]    In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the universal stud can be used to create walls to fur out next to walls, fur around pipes, create chases in walls, and create walls that have two different profiles from one side to the other side. Because the depth of the universal stud is just 1½″ instead of the typical 3½″ stud, floor space is usable that would normally be lost under the wall (see, e.g.  FIGS. 8-9 ). The same thing can be said for the furing out of pipe chases or anything that has to alter the wall (see, e.g.  FIGS. 8-10 ). Where chases are required to house pipes, ducts or structural framing with the finished walls, the present universal stud wall can be placed on each side of the chase (see, e.g.  FIGS. 8-11 ). Because the walls are looked at from one side at a time—not both like the normal “C” stud wall, the configuration of the wall shape on one side can be different from the other side. As an example, one room could have rounded corners when the room next to it could have square corners (see, e.g.  FIGS. 8-12 ). 
         [0039]    In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the universal stud can be cut easily, fabricated and/or ordered in specific lengths for things such as creating bulkheads. Also, the universal stud&#39;s ability to connect to itself makes it easy to create long walls or bulkheads that interlock without special bracketing. When creating a shorter wall or bulkhead, the universal stud is cut to length and the original end is slid over the plate with desired spacing. The other cut end is slid under the top plate or if ordered to length, slid over the plate with the slot and screwed off or fastened (see, e.g.  FIGS. 9-10 ). The short wall or bulkhead is ready to be installed and can be done by one workman because of the lightweight nature of the system. Adding new walls and bulkheads to the installed units is much easier to do than the standard “C” stud. To attach two universal plates (aka studs) together, simply cut off an angle of one corner of the back (see, e.g.  FIG. 10 ) so that it slides easily inside the end of the other plate to which it is to be attached. Both of the sides of the cut plate slide over the outside of the sides of the second plate while the sides of the second plate go inside of the cut plate (see, e.g.  FIG. 10 ). Finally, a screw would be installed through the hole in the second plate into the cut plate. Screws are also installed through the cut plate&#39;s sides into the second plate. 
         [0040]    Referring in particular now to  FIG. 1 , there is depicted several subfigures labeled A, B and C that show the present universal stud, plate, track, framing, bracing, construction unit (hereinafter, universal stud). In subfigure A there is shown a metal blank  1  used to form a length of the present universal stud or stud unit, generally designated  13 . The metal blank  1  is preferably of a suitable metal such as steel, aluminum, an alloy or otherwise. The blank  1  is shown defining three sides, namely a front side  3 , a first lateral side  2 , and a second lateral side  4 . The preferred dimensions of which are presented above. The front side  3  serves as a plate of the stud  13 . The end of the stud  13  has a slot/cutout configuration in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Both ends of the stud  13  are preferably, but not necessarily, configured in this manner. 
         [0041]    A slot  8  is disposed at the corner of the first lateral side  2  and the front side  3  and extends a distance corresponding roughly to the height of a track side of a track embodiment ( 15 ) of the present universal stud. Here the slot distance is 1″. The end of the side  2  is clipped or cut on a slant to provide an angle  7 . In like manner, a slot  10  is disposed at the corner of the second lateral side  4  and the front side  3  and extends a distance corresponding roughly to the height of a track side of a track embodiment ( 15 ) of the present universal stud. Here the slot distance is 1″. Various holes  11  as set forth herein are provided in the sides  2 ,  3 ,  4  of the universal stud  13 . Additionally, the edge of the side  2  includes a mend or hem  5  (i.e. is folded over), while the edge of the side  4  also includes a mend or hem  6  (i.e. is folded over). 
         [0042]    Subfigure B shows the universal stud  13  formed from the bending or folding of the configured blank  1 . The universal stud  13  defines a three-sided rectangular conduit or frame member. Subfigure C shows the universal stud  13  situated on a track  15  that may include the features of the present universal stud  13  at one or more of its ends or may be considered a modified universal stud  13 . The track  15  is a typical track with regards to dimension. The universal stud  13  is situated onto the edge of the track  15  by having the slots  8  and  11  receive the edge of the track  15  whereby an end portion of the front side  3  is outside of the track side and is secured thereto via a screw  17  or other fastening device. The sides  4  and  2  extend only a portion of the depth of the track such that a space is defined between the edges  5 ,  6  of the lateral sides  2 ,  4  of the universal stud  13 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 2  depicts an end view of a wall created by two universal studs  13  on two tracks.  FIG. 2  illustrates how the universal studs create a dead air space between the installed drywall to create sound proofing. 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  depicts the manner in which corners, curves or bends are created using the present universal stud  13 . Particularly, it is shown how a curve or bend is created in the track  15  and then how the various universal studs  13  can be situated on the track  15 .  FIG. 3   a  depicts various subfigures A, B and C that illustrate further manners of curved or bent framing/bracing created using the present universal stud  13 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  illustrates how the present universal stud  13  may be used with conventional “C” studs  20 . Since two universal studs  13  create an open space between themselves, there is no need to drill or create cutouts to accommodate piping (as shown) or other in-the-wall components. The piping is shown being held with ties and with a brace connected between the lateral sides of the universal stud  13 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  illustrates a manner of use, bracing or framing that is achievable using the present universal stud  13 . Particularly,  FIG. 5  illustrates how the present universal stud  13  may be bent to form a complex frame. Right angles, obtuse angles and encircling are shown as achievable results. 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  illustrates how wiring is easily run in a wall constructed using the present universal stud  13 . As best seen in the top view of  FIG. 13 , the wiring runs in the space or area defined in the open space depth between the wall and the end of the sides  2 ,  4  of the stud  13 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  depicts several subfigures showing a manner in which framing may be constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, utilizing the present universal stud  13 . Subfigure A depicts how the present universal stud  13  can be angled (off vertical) or be set vertical relative to two tracks  15 . Subfigure B illustrates how the present universal stud  13  may be used to frame around or along a construction component. Subfigure C illustrates how a wall may be constructed before setting it up utilizing the preset universal stud. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  shows various framing and/or bracing structures achievable with the present universal stud  13 . The present universal stud  13  frames out around pipes, allows wiring within drilling holes and the running of conduit. Moreover, the present universal stud  13  allows for bends or curves and can accommodate walls of different configuration on either side of the walls formed by the present universal stud  13 .  FIG. 9  depicts a bulkhead being framed using the present universal stud  13 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  depicts several subfigures A, B and C that illustrate how two universal studs  13  as tracks, may be connected to one another. It can be seen that the ends of the sides are first bent inward. The bent stud is then received in another stud/track  13 . Thereafter, the studs/tracks are fastened to one another. 
         [0051]      FIG. 11  shows the upper and lower parts of the universal stud  13  situated on a track  15  that may include the features of the present universal stud  13  at one or more of its ends or may be considered a modified universal stud  13 . The track  15  is a typical track with regards to dimension. The universal stud  13  is situated onto the edge of the track  15  by having the slots  8  and  11  receive the side/edge  25 / 27  and side/edge  26 / 28  of the track  15  whereby an end flange of the front side  3  of the stud  13  is outside of the track side  25  and is secured thereto via a screw  17  or other fastening device. The sides  4  and  2  extend only a portion of the depth of the track such that a space is defined between the edges  5 ,  6  of the lateral sides  2 ,  4  of the universal stud  13  (see space  40  of  FIG. 13  that corresponds thereto). 
         [0052]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show the universal stud  13  situated between the ceiling  32  and the floor  34 . In  FIG. 12 , a conduit or pipe  36  is shown attached to the universal stud  13  by a tie  37  that extends though holes  11  in the universal stud  13 .  FIG. 12  also shows drywall  30  situated on the front, face or plate  3  of the universal stud  13  to form a wall on that particular side. A space or area exists from the floor  34  (i.e. the bottom  24  of the track  15 ) and the ceiling  32  (i.e. the bottom  24  of track  15 ). 
         [0053]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.