U.S. patent application number 11/465240 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-21 for load-bearing framing assembly and related method.
Invention is credited to James A. Klein.
Application Number | 20080040997 11/465240 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39100022 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080040997 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klein; James A. |
February 21, 2008 |
LOAD-BEARING FRAMING ASSEMBLY AND RELATED METHOD
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.
Inventors: |
Klein; James A.;
(US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS LOOP
P.O. BOX 21466
SEATTLE
WA
98111
US
|
Family ID: |
39100022 |
Appl. No.: |
11/465240 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2001/2448 20130101;
E04B 2/7457 20130101; E04B 1/24 20130101; E04B 2/766 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/241 |
International
Class: |
E04H 3/00 20060101
E04H003/00 |
Claims
1. A load-bearing framing assembly, comprising: 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 jamb
members, each jamb member being 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 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.
2. The load-bearing framing assembly according to claim 1 wherein
the header members have C-shaped cross-sections.
3. The load-bearing framing assembly according to claim 2 wherein
the C-shaped or U-shaped cross-sections of the jamb members are
larger than the C-shaped cross-sections of the header members.
4. The load-bearing framing assembly according to claim 3 wherein
the jamb members and header member are made of sheet-metal.
5. The load-bearing framing assembly according to claim 4 wherein
the first and second apertures are rectangular shaped and the same
size.
6. The load-bearing assembly according to claim 5 wherein the
opening defines a window or a doorway.
7. The load-bearing framing assembly according to claim 5, further
comprising top and bottom tracks, the top and bottom tracks being
spaced apart and confronting each other with the jamb members being
disposed therebetween so as to define a wall having the
opening.
8. The load-bearing assembly according to claim 7 wherein the
opening defines a window or a doorway.
9. A method for making a load-bearing wall assembly, comprising:
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.
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 35/8 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 11/4 or 11/2 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 1/4 to
1/2 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 35/8 inches wide webs typically have a pair of second
flanges that are 1 1/16 inches wide and a pair of lips that are 3/4
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 21/4 inches, and a pair of lips
that are 3/4 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 21/2,
35/8, 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.RTM. 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
100a and 100b. Each of the header members 100a and 100b includes a
first end 140a and 140b, respectively, and second end 160a and
160b, respectively.
[0028] Load-bearing framing assembly 10 also includes a pair of
spaced apart vertical jamb members 200a and 200b, each with a
C-shaped cross-section 202a and 202b, respectively. The spaced
apart jamb members 200a and 200b define an opening 300 therebetween
with bottom 302. As appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art, the vertical jamb members 200a and 200b 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 200a and 200b 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 140a and 140b of the header members 100a and 100b are
received into the apertures 240 and 242 of the first jamb member
200a. Similarly, the second end sections 160a and 160b of the
header members 100a and 100b are received into the apertures 240
and 242 of the second jamb member 200b. In this manner, the top of
opening 300 is defined by the underside of header members 100a and
100b. Fasteners 280 may be used to affix the ends of the header
members 100a and 100b to the vertical jamb members 200a and
200b.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, the structure of the header members
100a and 100b 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 100a has been removed
from FIG. 2 to provide a better view of aspects of the invention.
While the structure of the header members 100a and 100b will be
discussed with reference to header member 100b, it is understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art that header member 100a includes
structural components identical or substantially similar to those
of header member 100b.
[0031] Header members 100a and 100b 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
100a and 100b 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 200a and 200b will be discussed in detail. Typically,
jamb members 200a and 200b will be constructed and configured to
exhibit substantially identical structural features. One embodiment
of jamb member 200b suitable for use with the present invention can
be best viewed in FIG. 3. Jamb member 200b may include a C-shaped
cross-section 202b. C-shaped cross-section 202b 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 31/2 or 51/2 inches, and for ordinary
commercial/industrial constructions about 35/8, 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 13/8, 15/8, 2, or
21/2 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 3/8 to 5/8 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 100a and 100b 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 100a and 100b. In this manner, each of the apertures
240 and 242 may be suitably shaped and sized to receive one end
section 140a, 140b, 160a, or 160b of header member 100a or 100b.
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 100a or 100b received
therein allowing vertical movement of the header member 100a or
100b within the aperture 240 or 242. In this manner, the header
members 100a and 100b 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 100a or 100b
allowing lateral movement of the header member 100a or 100b within
aperture 240 or 242. In this manner, the header members 100a and
100b 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 100a and 100b
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 100a and 100b. In embodiments
including C-shaped jamb members 200a and 200b each including a
longitudinal opening occurring opposite the web 204, the spacer
section 260 may act as a guide that directs the end sections 140a,
140b, 160a, and 160b of the header members 100a and 100b into lips
118 and 120. In this manner, the end sections 140a, 140b, 160a, and
160b of the header members 100a and 100b abut the lips 118 and 120
of each jamb member 200a and 200b instead of passing through the
longitudinal opening in the jamb member 200a and 200b. The spacer
section 260 may also limit the lateral movement of the header
members 100a and 100b and provide opposition to inwardly directed
lateral forces. In particular, the spacer section 260 may limit the
lateral movement of the header members 100a and 100b 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 140a and 140b and second end sections 160a and
160b.
[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 200a and 200b, will be described. The two least
significant digits of the reference numbers of jamb member 200b 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 200b 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 200b, apertures 540 and 542
may be shaped, sized, located, and constructed in the same manner
as apertures 240 and 242 of jamb member 200b.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, the structure of jamb member 600, an
alternate embodiment of the structure of the jamb members 200a and
200b, will be described. The two least significant digits of the
reference numbers of jamb member 200b 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 200b 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 200b 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 100a and 100b 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 100a and 100b. 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 100a and 100b with the vertical
sidewalls 704 and 706 extending upwardly. The top track 700 may be
affixed to the header members 100a and 100b 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 100a and 100b. 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 100a and
100b. In one embodiment, the inside surface of the horizontal web
722 of the bottom track 720 is attached to the header members 100a
and 100b 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 100a
and 100b, sandwiching the header members 100a and 100b 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 100a and 100b may be adjusted to achieve a
square and plumb opening 300. The bottom track 720 may be affixed
to the header members 100a and 100b 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 100a and 100b with
fasteners 730 such as screws.
[0041] Insulation 180 may be installed in the cavities of the
C-shaped header members 100a and 100b and into the longitudinal
separation between the parallel horizontal header members 100a and
100b. In one embodiment, insulation 180 includes a generally
rectilinear insulating element 182 configured for insertion into
the ends of the header members 100a and 100b. 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
100a and 100b. 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
100a and 100b. 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 200a to the top runner 420 and the
bottom end of the first jamb member 200a to the bottom runner 400.
In this manner, the first jamb member 200a 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 200a 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 200a 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 200a may be affixed to the top
and bottom runners 420 and 400 by fastening the web 204 of the
first jamb member 200a to the top and bottom runners 420 and 400
with clips (not shown).
[0043] The first end sections 140a and 140b of the header members
100a and 100b are inserted into the apertures 240 and 242 of the
first jamb member 200a until the first end sections 140a and 140b
abut the lips 218 and 220 of the first jamb member 200a.
Alternatively, in embodiments where jamb member 200a is constructed
with the C-shaped profile consistent with that of jamb member 500,
the first end sections 140a and 140b 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 100a and 100b and
into the longitudinal separation between the parallel horizontal
header members 100a and 100b. 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 160a and 160b passing through the cavities of the
C-shaped header members 100a and 100b and/or longitudinal
separation between the parallel horizontal header members 100a and
100b until the inserted end of rectilinear insulating element 182
abuts the web 204 of jamb member 200a.
[0044] Next, the second end sections 160a and 160b of the header
members 100a and 100b are inserted into the apertures 240 and 242
of the second jamb member 200b until the second end sections 160a
and 160b abut the lips 218 and 220 of the second jamb member 200b.
Alternatively, in embodiments where jamb member 200a is constructed
with the C-shaped profile consistent with that of jamb member 500,
the first end sections 140a and 140b are inserted until they abut
the lips 527 and 529. Then, the second vertical jamb member 200b is
affixed to the top and bottom runner 420 and 400 using any of the
methods suitable for affixing the first jamb member 200a
therebetween. The portions of the web 104 of the first end sections
140a and 140b and second end sections 160a and 160b of the header
members 100a and 100b adjacent to the flanges 210 and 212 of the
jamb members 200a and 200b may be affixed thereto with fasteners
280 that extend inwardly through the flanges 210 and 212 of the
jamb members 200a and 200b into the portion of the web 104 of the
header members 100a and 100b adjacent thereto.
[0045] Optional U-shaped top track 700 may be installed along to
the top surfaces of the header members 100a and 100b 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 100a and 100b. A portion of the load applied to
the top runner 420 may be transferred to the header members 100a
and 100b 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 100a and 100b 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 100a and
100b. The attachment of optional bottom track 720 to header members
100a and 100b 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 600a, 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 200a 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 140a and 140b of the header members 100a and
100b are inserted into the apertures 640 and 642 of the first jamb
member 600a until the first end sections 140a and 140b abut the
lips 618 and 620 of the first jamb member 600a. The top surface of
the header members 100a and 100b 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 100a and 100b. As described
above, optional insulation 180 may be inserted into the cavities of
the C-shaped header members 100a and 100b and into the longitudinal
separation between the parallel horizontal header members 100a and
100b.
[0048] Next, the second end sections 160a and 160b of the header
members 100a and 100b are inserted into the apertures 640 and 642
of the second jamb member 600b until the second end sections 160a
and 160b abut the lips 618 and 620 of the second jamb member 600b.
The portions of the web 104 of the first end sections 140a and 140b
and second end sections 160a and 160b of the header members 100a
and 100b adjacent to the flanges 610 and 612 of the jamb members
200a and 200b may be affixed thereto with fasteners 280 that extend
inwardly through the flanges 610 and 612 of the jamb members 600a
and 600b into the portion of the web 104 of the header members 100a
and 100b adjacent thereto. Similarly, fasteners 280 may be used to
attach the jamb members 600a and 600b 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 600a or
600b, and portion of the web 104 of header member 100a or 100b. The
web 104 of the header members 100a and 100b 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
100a and 100b.
[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.
* * * * *