HORIZONTAL BLOCKING MEMBER FOR USE IN A WALL STUD SYSTEM

ELEMENT DE BLOCAGE HORIZONTAL POUR UTILISATION DANS UN SYSTEME A POTEAUX DE CLOISON

English Abstract

The invention pertains to a blocking member that cooperates with adjacent blocking members to provide securement throughout the entire width of the blocking member. The blocking member comprises a male portion at one end thereof and a cooperating female portion at the opposing end. The male and female flanges are shaped such that when a first horizontal blocking member is placed adjacent a second horizontal blocking member, the male member fits within the female member such that there is no large discontinuity in the width of the horizontal blocking members at the joint between a first horizontal blocking member and a second horizontal blocking member.

French Abstract

Linvention concerne un élément de blocage qui coopère avec des éléments de blocage adjacents pour fournir une fixation sur toute la largeur de lélément de blocage. Lélément de blocage comprend une partie mâle à une extrémité de celle-ci et une partie femelle coopérant au niveau de lextrémité opposée. Les brides mâle et femelle sont formées de telle sorte que lorsquun premier élément de blocage horizontal est placé adjacent à un second élément de blocage horizontal, lélément mâle sajuste à lintérieur de lélément femelle de telle sorte quil ny a pas de discontinuité importante dans la largeur des éléments de blocage horizontaux au niveau du joint entre un premier et un second élément de blocage horizontal.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A horizontal blocking member for use between adjacent support
studs of a wall comprising
a web having a top edge, a bottom edge with a male stud connecting
portion at one end of said web and a female stud connecting portion at an
opposite end of said web;
said male and female stud connecting portions cooperating such that
when two horizontal blocking members are placed in an end to end manner,
with one of said male stud connecting portions received in one of said female
stud connecting portions a cooperating fit of said male and female stud
connecting portions is defined that maintains an overall width and thickness
of the blocking members;
said horizontal blocking member including a top flange integrally
connected to and extending from said top edge of said web at an angle
perpendicular to said web and a bottom flange integrally connected to and
extending from said bottom edge of said web at an angle perpendicular to
said web;
said male stud connecting portion further including a first foot extending
from said top flange and a second foot extending from said bottom flange
rearwardly of and adjacent to said web for fastener connection with a vertical
side
surface of a stud; and wherein
said female stud connecting portion includes a securement flange
extending rearwardly in a perpendicular direction from said said web for
fastener
connection with a vertical side surface of a stud.
2. A horizontal blocking member as claimed in claim 1 wherein said male
stud connecting portion is a tab forming a continuation of said web and
wherein said
tab is of reduced width relative to a width of said web.
3. A horizontal blocking member as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said
female stud connecting portion includes an upper tab extension of said web
adjacent
said top edge and a lower tab extension of said web adjacent said bottom edge
with
said tab extension space to receive a male stud connecting portion of a like
horizontal blocking member therebetween.

4. A horizontal blocking member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3
wherein said first foot extends in a perpendicular direction outwardly from
said top
flange and said second foot extends in a perpendicular direction outwardly
from
said bottom flange.
5. A horizontal blocking member as claimed in claim 4 wherein said first
foot
and said second foot are spaced from an adjacent end of said blocking member
for
engaging a wooden stud.
6. A horizontal blocking member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4
wherein said first foot and said second foot are spaced from an adjacent end
of said
blocking member for engaging a metal stud.
7. A horizontal blocking member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6
wherein said securement flange of said female stud connection portion is
spaced
from an adjacent end of said horizontal blocking member for engaging a wooden
stud.
8. A horizontal blocking member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6
wherein said securement flange of said female stud connection portion is
spaced
from an adjacent end of said horizontal blocking member for engaging a metal
stud.
9. A support wall comprising a series of parallel vertical support studs
and a
plurality of horizontal blocking members with each horizontal blocking member
connected to and extending horizontally between a first respective vertical
stud of
said series of parallel vertical support studs and an adjacent vertical stud
of said
series of parallel vertical support studs; and
wherein each horizontal blocking member comprises
a web having a top edge, a bottom edge with a male stud connecting portion
at one end of said web connected to said first respective stud and a female
stud connecting portion at an opposite end of said web connected to said
adjacent stud of said series of vertical studs;
said male and female stud connecting portions cooperating such that
when two horizontal blocking members are placed in an end to end manner,
with one of said male stud connecting portions received in one of said female
stud connecting portions a cooperating fit of said male and female stud
connecting portions is defined across one of said series of vertical studs
that
maintains an overall width and thickness of the blocking members;
11

each horizontal blocking member including a top flange integrally
connected to and extending from said top edge of said web at an angle
perpendicular to said web and a bottom flange integrally connected to and
extending from said bottom edge of said web at an angle perpendicular to
said web;
each male stud connecting portion further including a first foot extending
from said top flange and a second foot extending from said bottom flange
rearwardly of and adjacent to said web secured to a vertical side surface of
the first
respective vertical stud; and wherein
said female stud connecting portion includes a securement flange
extending rearwardly in a perpendicular direction from said web and connected
to a
vertical side surface of said adjacent vertical stud.
10. A plurality of horizontal blocking members connected to a plurality of
vertical parallel spaced apart support studs to define part of a structural
stud
building system wherein each support stud has a front flange and rear flange
integrally connected by an intermediate portion that includes opposed
vertically
extending side surfaces; and wherein
each horizontal blocking member comprises
a web having a top edge and a parallel bottom edge,
a male stud connecting portion at one end of said web and located between said
top
edge and said bottom edge,
a female stud connecting portion at an opposite end of said web;
said male and female stud connecting portions cooperating such that two
horizontal
blocking members are placed in an end to end manner and secured to adjacent
studs,
one of said male stud connecting portions is received in one of said female
stud
connecting portions to define a cooperating non overlapping fit of said male
and
female stud connecting portions across the connected stud and within a width
of
said web defined between said top edge and bottom edge;
each horizontal blocking member including a top flange integrally connected
to and extending from said top edge of said web at an angle perpendicular to
said web and
a bottom flange integrally connected to and extending from said bottom edge
of said web at an angle perpendicular to said web;
said male stud connecting portion further including a first foot extending
from said top flange and a second foot extending from said bottom flange
rearwardly of and adjacent to said web connected to the vertical side surface
of the
connected stud; and wherein
12

said female stud connecting portion includes a securement flange
extending rearwardly in a perpendicular direction from said web connected to a
vertical side surface of the adjacent stud.
11. A plurality of horizontal blocking members connected to a plurality of
vertical parallel spaced apart support studs as claimed in claim 10 wherein
said male
stud connecting portion of each horizontal blocking member is in the form of a
tab
extending from said web of said horizontal blocking member.
12. A plurality of horizontal blocking members connected to a plurality
of vertical parallel spaced apart support studs as claimed in claim 10 or 11
wherein said first foot, said second foot and said securement flap of each
horizontal blocking member is attached by screws to side surfaces of vertical
studs.
13. A wall stud system comprising at least first and second parallel
structural studs and at least one horizontal blocking member located in the
space between and mechanically fastened to said first and second structural
studs;
each structural stud having a front flange and a rear flange integrally
connected by an intermediate portion having parallel vertically extending
side surfaces, and wherein
each horizontal blocking member comprises
a web having a top edge, a bottom edge with a male stud connecting
portion at one end of said web and a female stud connecting portion at an
opposite end of said web;
said male and female stud connecting portions cooperating such that
when two horizontal blocking members are placed in an end to end manner,
with one of said male stud connecting portions received in one of said female
stud connecting portions a cooperating fit of said male and female stud
connecting portions across a stud is defined that maintains an overall width
and thickness of the blocking members;
each horizontal blocking member including a top flange integrally
connected to and extending from said top edge of said web at an angle
perpendicular to said web and a bottom flange integrally connected to and
extending from said bottom edge of said web at an angle perpendicular to
said web;
13

said male stud connecting portion further including a first foot extending
from said top flange and a second foot extending from said bottom flange
rearwardly of and adjacent to said web connected to a vertical side surface of
a stud;
and wherein
said female stud connecting portion includes a securement flange
extending rearwardly in a perpendicular direction from said web connected to a
vertical side surface of a stud.
14. A wall stud system as claimed in claim 13 wherein said male stud
connecting portion of each horizontal blocking member is in the form of a tab
extending from said web of said horizontal blocking member.
15. A wall stud system as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein said male
stud connecting portion and said female stud connecting portion is attached
by screws to said front flange of a stud and said first foot, said second foot
and said securement flap of each horizontal blocking member is attached by
screws to vertical side surfaces of a stud.
14

Description

CA 02811362 2013-03-28
JJ 13794CA
TITLE: Horizontal Blocking Member for Use in a Wall Stud
System
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present application relates to a
blocking member for providing additional
structural support to a wall stud system. The
invention further pertains to a wall stud system
incorporating such a blocking structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is common practice in both commercial and
residential buildings to separate and define rooms using
partition walls. These walls are typically constructed of
a wood or sheet metal stud system. The stud system
typically comprises a top track located horizontally at
ceiling level, a bottom track located horizontally along
the floor and the vertical members are secured there
between. The vertical members are generally spaced evenly
throughout the length of the wall.
[0003] Drywall is typically mounted on the outside of the
stud structure. Since drywall is not strong, support
structures or blocking members can be used to provide
structural support to the stud wall structure and provide
a location in which fixtures can be attached. Often times
the support is needed to attach crown molding, handrails,
cabinets or other fixtures.
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[0004] Some blocking members are currently available_
However many of these blocking members attach solely to
one surface of vertical support studs and the fixation
means does not span the width of the blocking member.
These members typically have flanges that are situated
adjacent a side flange of the vertical structural stud
member. Since blocking members are typically secured to
the vertical stud adjacent to each other in a horizontal
line, in these models each securement flange would only
be able to secure to half of the width of the front
flange of the vertical stud member.
[0005] In order to increase strength, it would be
desirable to have a blocking member which can cooperate
with adjacent blocking members to provide securement
throughout the entire width of the blocking member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention pertains to a blocking member that
cooperates with adjacent blocking members to provide
securement throughout the entire width of the blocking
member. The blocking member comprises a male portion at
one end thereof and a cooperating female portion at the
opposing end. The male and female portions are shaped
such that when a first horizontal blocking member is
placed adjacent a second horizontal blocking member, the
male portion fits within the female portion such that
there is no large discontinuity in the width of the
horizontal blocking members at the joint between a first
horizontal blocking member and a second horizontal
blocking member.
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[0007] In an aspect of the invention there is provided a
horizontal blocking member for use in a structural stud
building system having a plurality of vertical support
studs. Each support stud has a front flange and rear
flange integrally connected to a web having a front and
rear surface. The blocking member comprises a web having
a top edge and a bottom edge, a first lateral edge
extending between the top edge and the bottom edge and a
second lateral edge opposite said first lateral edge
extending between the top edge and the bottom edge. The
first lateral edge includes a male portion and the second
lateral edge includes a cooperating female portion such
that when the first lateral edge of a first horizontal
blocking member is placed adjacent the second lateral
edge of a second horizontal blocking member the overall
width of the blocking members is maintained at the joint
between the first and second horizontal blocking members.
[0008] In a further aspect of the invention the male
portion of the horizontal blocking member is in the form
of a tab extending from said web of said horizontal
blocking member.
[0009] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the
horizontal blocking member further comprises a top flange
integrally connected to and extending from said top edge
at an angle generally perpendicular to the web and a
bottom flange integrally connected to and extending from
the bottom edge at an angle perpendicular to the web.
[0010] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the
horizontal blocking member further comprises a securement
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structure extending from the web for securing said
horizontal blocking structure to a web of a vertical
support stud.
[00111 In yet a further aspect of the invention, the
securement structure of the horizontal blocking member
includes a first foot extending from the top flange and a
second foot extending from the bottom flange. When
positioned between said vertical studs, both the first
foot and the second foot lie parallel and adjacent to
said rear surface of said web of said vertical stud.
[0012] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the
securement structure further includes a securement flap
located at the opposite lateral edge of the first foot
and the second foot. The securement flap is directed
generally perpendicular to the web and lies generally
parallel and adjacent the front surface of the web of the
vertical stud.
[0013] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the
first foot and the second foot are adapted to be coupled
to the web of the vertical stud.
[0014] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the
horizontal blocking member is used in a wall stud system
comprising a first structural stud having a first flange
and a second flange integrally connected to a web having
a front and rear surface and a second structural stud
having a first flange and a second flange integrally
connected to a web having a front and rear surface. The
male portion of the horizontal blocking member is coupled
to the first flange of the first structural stud and the
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female portion of said horizontal blocking member being
coupled to the first flange of the second structural
stud.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are
illustrated in the attached drawings in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a wall stud system incorporating the
horizontal blocking member;
Figure 2 illustrates a partial front view of the wall
stud system where the horizontal blocking members are
secured;
Figure 3 illustrates a partial back view of the wall stud
system where the horizontal blocking members are secured;
Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the horizontal
blocking member;
Figure 5 illustrates a front view of a horizontal
blocking member adjacent two other horizontal blocking
members;
Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the initiation of
insertion of the horizontal blocking member between two
vertical support studs;
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Figure 7 illustrates the second step in the insertion of
the horizontal blocking member between two vertical
support studs; and
Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the horizontal
blocking member secured between two vertical support
studs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
100161 Figure 1 illustrates a metal wall stud system 2
comprising vertical studs 4, disposed between an upper
track 6 and a lower track 8. Portions of the wall
requiring increased strength are fitted with horizontal
blocking members 10. Such areas could include places of
attachment of various structures, including but not
limited to a chair rail, handrail, crown moldings,
fixtures, cabinets or other components. Figure 1 depicts
the horizontal blocking members 10 disposed horizontally
between the vertical studs 4 located for attachment of a
cabinet 12. Although metal is the preferred material,
alternate materials are known to a person skilled in the
art.
[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a pair of
horizontal blocking members 10, while figure 3 depicts a
back view of the pair of horizontal blocking members.
Each horizontal blocking member includes a top edge 14, a
bottom edge 16, a first lateral edge 18 and a second
lateral edge 20. The first lateral edge 18 includes a
male flange 22 extending outwardly from the web 24 while
the second lateral edge 20, includes a female attachment
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flange 26. The female flange 26 includes a first
securement tab 27 and a second securement tab 29.
[0018] The male and female flanges are shaped such that
when a first horizontal blocking member 10a is placed
adjacent a second horizontal blocking member 10b the male
flange 22 fits within the female flange 26 such that
there is no large discontinuity in the width of the
horizontal blocking members at the joint between a first
horizontal blocking member 10a and a second horizontal
blocking member 10b. It is preferable that the male
flange 22 and the female flange 26 cooperate closely with
each other, with the male flange 22 fitting closely
within the female flange 26. Both the female flange 26
and male flange 22 provide points of securement to front
flanges 38 of the vertical studs 4. This securement is
shown in figure 8. The securement means shown are screws
50, however, securement can be accomplished by screws
rivets or any other suitable securement means known to a
person skilled in the art.
[0019J This male and female cooperation of the securement
flanges allows for each of the male flange 22 and female
flange 26 to be secured over the entire width of the
front flange 38 of the vertical stud member 4.
[0020] Referring to figure 3, the horizontal blocking
member preferably .includes a top flange 28 extending
rearwardly from the top edge 14 of the web 24 and a
bottom flange 30 extending rearwardly from the bottom
edge 16 of the web 24. Both the top flange 28 and bottom
flange 30 are depicted as perpendicular to the web 24,
however a variety of angles between the web and the top
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flange or bottom flange would be known to a person skilled in
the art. The preferred angle between the flanges and the
web is generally 90 degrees.
[0021] The top flange 28 and bottom flange 30 extend beyond
the web 24 at the edge corresponding to the first lateral
edge 18. These extensions 31 and 33, preferably terminate
in a top upwardly extending foot 32 and a bottom downwardly
extending foot 34, as seen in figure 4. The upwardly
extending foot 32 and downwardly extending foot 34 are
designed to contact the back side 35 web 36 of a vertical
wall stud 4 and provide a point of securement. Securement
can be accomplished by but not limited to screws, rivets
or any other suitable securement means known to a person
skilled in the art.
[0022] As can be seen in figure 4, preferably a rearwardly
extending flap 40 is located between the top securement
tab 27 and the bottom securement tab 29 of the female
flange 26. This flap 40 allows for additional securement
of the horizontal blocking member 10 to the vertical
studs 4. The flap is situated adjacent the front
surface 42 of the web 36 of the vertical studs 4. The
rearwardly extending flap can be secured to the front
surface of the web of the vertical stud 4 or left
unsecured.
[0023] The horizontal blocking member is simple to
install and limited, if any, training would be necessary
for workers in the construction field. Figures 5 and 6
depict a top view of the horizontal blocking member 10
being inserted between two vertical studs 4a and 4b. As
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shown in figure 6, the horizontal blocking member is
angled such that male flange 22 remains forward of the
front flange 38 of the vertical stud 4a while the top
extension 31 and bottom extension 32 are located behind
the front flange 38 of the vertical stud 4a. The
horizontal blocking member 10 is then pushed toward the
vertical stud 4a and backward until the female flange 26
is adjacent the front flange 38b of vertical stud 4b.
The horizontal blocking member 10 is then in a position
to be secured to the vertical studs 4a and 4b.
[0024] Although various preferred embodiments of the
present invention have been described herein in detail,
it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
variations may be made thereto without departing from the
spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended
claims.
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Representative Drawing