U.S. patent application number 14/628359 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-18 for expandable stud bracket.
The applicant listed for this patent is Stud Jack It Company. Invention is credited to John R. Kordecki.
Application Number | 20150167293 14/628359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53367748 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150167293 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kordecki; John R. |
June 18, 2015 |
Expandable Stud Bracket
Abstract
An expandable stud bracket for attachment to a 2.times.4,
2.times.6, or 4.times.4 board for construction of a temporary
structure of support is disclosed. An embodiment of the bracket
includes a receiving portion for securing the bracket to a stud, an
adjustable portion opposite the receiving portion and having an
extendable rod, an engagement plate attached to an end of the rod
and an anchor attached to an end of the rod opposite the engagement
plate and for limiting extension of the rod from the bracket, and a
locking mechanism attached to the rod for preventing retraction.
Optionally, a detachable foot portion may be used as part of the
entire disclosed expansion system. Preferably, the extendable rod
is threaded and the locking mechanism comprises a nut which can be
tightened using a lever. The bracket may also accommodate angled
surfaces.
Inventors: |
Kordecki; John R.;
(Arlington Heights, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stud Jack It Company |
Arlington Heights |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53367748 |
Appl. No.: |
14/628359 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13488041 |
Jun 4, 2012 |
8959869 |
|
|
14628359 |
|
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|
61519998 |
Jun 3, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/708 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 25/065 20130101;
E04C 3/005 20130101; E04B 2/821 20130101; E04B 2002/7496 20130101;
E04G 21/243 20130101; E04B 2002/7494 20130101; E04G 25/066
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/41 20060101
E04B001/41; E04B 2/74 20060101 E04B002/74 |
Claims
1. A stud expansion system comprising: a housing having a plurality
of sidewalls, a first open end, a second open end and an opening
defined in a sidewall for accessing the interior of the housing; an
expansion mechanism comprising an anchor plate, an extension tube
fixed to the anchor plate, an extension rod movable within the
extension tube, and an engagement plate fixed to an end of the
extension rod; and a locking mechanism for securing the extension
rod at a desired extended length.
2. The stud expansion system of claim 1, wherein the expansion
mechanism attaches within the first open end of the housing.
3. The stud expansion system of claim 1, wherein the housing
further comprises a plurality of holes defined in at least one of
the plurality of sidewalls through which a stud may be secured
within at least one of the first open end and the second open end
via a nail or screw.
4. The stud expansion system of claim 1, further comprising a
detachable foot having a mounting surface having a least one hole
defined therein for securing the foot to an end of a stud via a
nail or screw.
5. The stud expansion system of claim 1, further comprising a lever
for tightening the locking mechanism.
6. The stud expansion system of claim 5, wherein the lever attaches
to the housing sidewall for storage.
7. The stud expansion system of claim 4, wherein the detachable
foot further comprises a pad attached to the mounting surface.
8. The stud expansion system of claim 4, wherein the detachable
foot comprises a notch in the mounting surface for storage about
the extension rod.
9. The stud expansion system of claim 1, wherein the anchor plate
comprises at least one hole for securing to a stud via a nail or
screw.
10. The stud expansion system of claim 1, wherein the extension rod
and extension tube are both threaded.
11. The stud expansion system of claim 10, wherein the locking
mechanism is a nut attached to the threaded extension rod.
12. A stud bracket comprising: a housing having a receiving end for
securing a stud therein, wherein the stud is secured within the
housing at a single pivot point; a base attached to the housing and
comprising a first angled surface for contacting the received end
of the stud; and a movable second angled surface for adjusting the
contact angle of the received end of the stud.
13. The stud bracket of claim 12, wherein the first angled surface
is fixed within the base.
14. The stud bracket of claim 13, wherein the second angled surface
is slidably connected to the first surface.
15. The stud bracket of claim 12, wherein the single pivot point is
movable within a slot defined within the housing to allow linear
adjustment of the bracket on the stud.
16. The stud bracket of claim 12, wherein the contact angle is
within the range of from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees.
17. A stud sleeve comprising: a housing having a plurality of
sidewalls to define a retention area for a board end, wherein the
housing is open on two opposite ends to allow the insertion of a
board at each end; and a stop positioned within the housing to halt
the insertion of a board into the housing from either end of the
housing.
18. The stud sleeve of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of
holes defined in the housing walls for affixing boards with nails
or screws.
19. The stud sleeve of claim 17, wherein the stop is a single panel
dividing the housing.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/488,041, titled "Stud Bracket for Temporary
Wall" and now U.S. Pat. No. 8,959,869, issued Feb. 24, 2015. The
Jun. 4, 2012 filing date of the '869 patent is hereby claimed and
the entirety of the patent is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present device and system relate to building materials
for erecting temporary walls. Particularly, the present device and
system relate to an expandable bracket to facilitate construction
of a temporary wall or work-space.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the construction field, the need for installation of
temporary walls and studs (vertical and horizontal) often arises.
Some of these occurrences are expected and some unexpected.
Regardless, erecting these temporary structures can add
considerable cost and time to a construction project. The frequency
of the need for such structures appears to be on the increase.
[0004] For example, as a result of new Federal construction laws,
dust control walls are now required under certain circumstances.
Specifically, a contractor/remodeler must contain and isolate any
area where lead-base paint may be present prior to cutting and
removing walls or ceiling material from the structure. This law
applies to any home, school, or day care facility built before
1978, where the presence of lead-based paint must be assumed and
tested for before work can be performed.
[0005] Similarly, some construction projects require the
installation of temporary studs. When an existing wall is being
prepared to be removed, the ceiling structure above must be
temporarily supported. This is commonly accomplished by installing
a temporary 2''.times.4'' stud under each ceiling support joist.
When done properly, installation of the temporary wall can require
as much time and energy as construction of a permanent wall.
[0006] The systems that are currently available are designed solely
to support the weight of plastic for dust control. These systems
are not designed to support the weight that would be required for a
temporary support structure. Many of these dust control systems
consist of round metal telescoping poles which are designed to hold
the plastic at the ceiling. Adhering the plastic to the round pole
is cumbersome and expensive when using additional material such as
painter's tape. Additionally, the pole system is somewhat expensive
to have sufficient supports.
[0007] The present invention addresses and solves these and other
problems associated with the construction of temporary structures.
By providing a device and a system which can be quickly installed,
the present invention reduces the time, cost and energy required
for construction of temporary structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] There is disclosed herein in adjustable stud for the
construction of a temporary structure which avoids the
disadvantages of prior devices while affording additional
structural and operating advantages. The adjustable stud system is
reliable, sturdy, and reusable.
[0009] In a first embodiment, the expandable stud bracket comprises
a receiving portion for securing the bracket to a stud, an
adjustable portion opposite the receiving portion and having an
extendable rod, an engagement plate attached to an end of the rod
and an anchor attached to an end of the rod opposite the engagement
plate and for limiting extension of the rod from the bracket, and a
locking mechanism attached to the rod for preventing
retraction.
[0010] Optionally, a detachable foot portion may be used.
Preferably, the extendable rod is threaded and the locking
mechanism comprises a nut which can be tightened using a lever.
[0011] In an alternate embodiment, the bracket includes a
detachable extendable plate mechanism and a housing with two ends
for receiving boards.
[0012] In another alternate embodiment, the bracket includes a pair
of complementary wedges which allow support of an angled
surface.
[0013] Further, a stud expansion system is disclosed comprising a
housing having a plurality of sidewalls, a first open end, a second
open end and an opening defined in a sidewall for accessing the
interior of the housing, an extendable plate mechanism comprising
an anchor plate, an extension tube fixed to the anchor plate, an
extension rod movable within the extension tube, and an engagement
plate fixed to an end of the extension rod, and a locking mechanism
for securing the extension rod at a desired extended length.
[0014] These and other aspects of the invention may be understood
more readily from the following description and the appended
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the
subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of
which, when considered in connection with the following
description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its
construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be
readily understood and appreciated.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
bracket system;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in
use;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a close up perspective view illustrating the
movement of an embodiment of the engagement plate of a bracket;
[0019] FIGS. 4a and 4b are views of a safety feature and thumb lift
used in embodiments of the present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of a front side and a
back side, respectively, of an embodiment of the bracket system
illustrating storage of a foot portion;
[0021] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment
of a bracket system;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a stud
sleeve for receiving and retaining two studs;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
bracket system;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
bracket system useful for angled surfaces;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
bracket system similar to that shown in FIG. 9; and
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 9
attached to an angled surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with
the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered
as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to embodiments
illustrated.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-11, there is illustrated several
embodiments of an expandable bracket, generally designated by the
numeral 10. Additional embodiments and related components are
similarly designated with the addition of a 1, 2, 3, . . . etc. to
distinguish between such embodiments. The bracket 10 can be
designed for attachment to an end of a 2''.times.4'',
4''.times.4'', or 2''.times.6'' board, then the assembly is placed
between two stationary surfaces, e.g., floor-to-ceiling,
wall-to-wall, and expanded. The assembly may be used both
horizontally and vertically with equal success and is not limited
to the few examples described and illustrated herein.
[0029] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the bracket 10
includes a housing 12 comprised of sidewalls 14, a top panel 15,
and front and back panels 16a-b, and an expansion mechanism 18
(Note: the back panel 16b is shown in broken lines in FIG. 1 to
allow better viewing of the bracket interior). The bottom of the
housing 12 is left open for receiving the end of a board. Holes 13
defined within the sidewalls, and top, front and back panels allow
nails and/or screws (not shown) to retain the board within the open
end of the bracket 10. An internal stop 20 is used to halt the
insertion of the board so as not to interfere with the operation of
the expansion mechanism 18. Window 11 (FIG. 2) is preferably
defined within the front panel 16a to allow the user to visually
ascertain when a board is inserted sufficiently to contact stop
20.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, the expansion mechanism 18 is
positioned at the top of the bracket 10 and includes an engagement
plate 21, an extension rod, and an anchor 24. The engagement plate
21 is preferably fixed, via a weld or other means, to one end of
the extension rod 22, while the anchor 24 is likewise fixed to the
other end of the rod 22. In various of the disclosed embodiments,
the engagement plate 21 and/or the anchor 24 may include holes for
securing to a surface via nails or screws. FIG. 6 illustrates edge
slots on engagement plate 21 for "toe-nailing" to a surface.
[0031] An opening in the top panel 15 and a guide 25 positioned
within the housing 12, retain the extension rod 22 in a position to
move only in a direction perpendicular to the top panel 15. The
guide 25 is preferably provided by cutting three sides of a
rectangular section of the front panel 16a and bending it into the
housing interior, leaving an opening 17 on the front panel 16a of
housing 12. The guide 25, which is completed with a hole therein to
retain the extension rod 22, also provides a limit to the upward
movement of the rod 22 by stopping the anchor 24 from further
travel. The rod 22 otherwise moves freely within the holes of the
top panel 15 and guide 25.
[0032] Preferably, the expansion mechanism 18 provides about 0.5
inches to about 6 inches of adjustability. Most preferably, the
adjustability is limited to a range of from about 0.75 inches to
about 2.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4a-b,
the expansion mechanism 18 is extended manually through opening 17
in front panel 16a. The anchor 24 is provided with a tab 45 which
extends through the opening 17 and a protective cover 46 which
prevents the user from placing anything, especially fingers, under
the anchor 24. As the anchor 24 is raised via tab 45, the
protective cover 46 blocks the opening 17. This is not only an
important safety feature for the illustrated embodiment, but a
useful feature for more readily extending the engagement plate 21.
The tab 45 allows a user to use one hand to raise and hold the
plate 21 in place, while adjusting locking mechanism 26 with the
other hand.
[0033] Also shown in FIGS. 1-3 is locking mechanism 26 attached to
the rod 22 to lock the downward travel of the rod 22, and thus the
engagement plate 21. For ease of access and structural integrity,
the locking mechanism 26 is positioned outside the bracket housing
12 to abut the top panel 15 in use. However, it may be alternately
positioned within the housing 12 to abut the guide 25 or another
surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod 22 is a threaded
rod and the locking mechanism 26 is a knurled finger nut 30
threaded onto the rod 22.
[0034] The nut 30 is also preferably provided with lever slots 31
to facilitate tightening of the locking mechanism 26. The slots 31
are merely round openings into which a tool may be inserted for
added leverage to torque nut 30 to be either tightened or loosened
on rod 22. Specifically for this purpose, a lever 32 may be
provided as part of a stud expansion system. The lever 32 is
preferably metal and round (in cross-section) with a length
sufficient to allow turning of the nut 30 without impacting the
user's hands (e.g., knuckles) on the housing 12 edges. The lever 32
may also be stored on or within the housing 12 using by adding a
slot (not shown) or magnets (not shown).
[0035] As an optional feature of the bracket system 10, a
detachable foot 34 may be provided. The foot 34 is preferably a
U-shaped device having nail/screw holes defined therein. A rubber
pad 35 may also be provided on a contacting surface of the foot 34.
The foot 34 may be used in one of two ways.
[0036] The foot 34 may be secured to an opposite end of a board
within the bracket 10. This allows the padded side of the foot 34
to contact other surfaces without marring, scratching or moving.
Alternatively, the foot 34 may be inverted and secured by
nail/screw to the opposite end of the board within the bracket 10,
via the padded surface, and also secured by nail/screw to a
perpendicular board via the arms of the foot 34. The latter
configuration is preferably used whenever the support board is
being attached to a perpendicular board. A notch 37 may optionally
be provided in the foot 34, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, to allow
storage during non-use.
[0037] In use, with reference to FIG. 2, an end of a board of the
proper dimensions is first secured within the receiving end of the
bracket 10 using the defined sidewall holes and nails or screws.
Similarly, the foot 34 may be optionally attached to the opposite
end of the board, as described above. The expansion mechanism 18 is
then manually extended to a distance just less than the span in
which the temporary stud is to be placed. This is done by extending
out the engagement plate 21 by lifting the anchor 24. The nut 30 is
then easily spun to engage the top panel 15 of housing 12.
[0038] The assembly can then be positioned properly in the desired
space and the lever 32 can be inserted into a slot 31 and used to
turn the locking mechanism 26 to thereby further extend the
extension rod 22 and engagement plate 21 until sufficient support
is achieved. At all times while turning the locking mechanism
26/nut 30, the anchor 24 prevents turning of the threaded rod by
contacting the housing 12.
[0039] If necessary, to remove or reposition the temporary stud
assembly, the lever 32 may be inserted into a slot 31 and used to
turn the locking mechanism 26 in an opposite direction until
contact between the engagement plate 21 and opposing surface is
lost. The assembly may then be repositioned and retightened or
disassembled and stored.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 6-8, several features of alternate
embodiments of the present invention, bracket system 110, are
illustrated. In these embodiment, the housing 112 is open on both
ends to receive a board in one end and the expansion mechanism 118
in the other. Here the expansion mechanism 118 is manufactured as a
separate component from the housing 112 and attaches to the housing
112 via tabs 140 inserted within slots 141. This configuration may
be best utilized where a less expensive plastic molded housing 118
is used, for example.
[0041] Similar to previous embodiments, the expansion mechanism 118
of FIG. 6 comprises an engagement plate 121, an expansion rod 122,
and an anchor plate 124, but also includes an expansion tube 125
fixed to the anchor plate 124. The attachable expansion mechanism
118 may be positioned within the housing 112 by snap-fitting the
tabs 140 within slots 141, where they may not be removed without
destroying housing 112. The anchor plate 124 rests on stop 120 for
further support. As with the previous embodiment described above,
the rod 122 may be manually extended and the locking mechanism 126
tightened to prevent inward movement of the rod 22. The expansion
tube 125 is preferably keyed to the expansion rod 122 or otherwise
configured to prevent turning of the expansion rod 122 when
engaging locking mechanism 126.
[0042] Alternatively, the tube 125 may include internal threads to
engage the threaded expansion rod 122. The engagement plate 121 and
rod 122 would require turning to extend the mechanism to a desired
length. No locking mechanism would be required.
[0043] In either configuration, the anchor plate 124 includes holes
therein for insertion of nails or screws for attachment to a board
inserted in the opposite end of housing 112. As shown in FIG. 8, a
possible alternate use for the illustrated embodiment may include
attachment of the mechanism 118 to a board end and insertion of
boards into both ends of the housing 112.
[0044] Optionally, a detachable foot 134 may also be provided. By
providing storage slots 142 on housing 112, the arms of foot 134
may be inserted into the slots 142 for storage of the foot during
non-use. Magnets fixed to the bracket housing 112 may be used to
provide a more positive retention of the stored metal foot 134.
[0045] In use, the bracket system 110 of FIG. 8 may allow a greater
span for installation by using a board inserted at both ends of the
housing 112. The expansion mechanism 118 attaches by the anchor
plate 124 to a free end of one of the boards, while the optional
foot attaches to a free end of the other board. The expansion
mechanism 118 is extended to a distance slightly less than the
necessary distance and then positioned where needed. The engagement
plate 121 can then be further extended to contact and sufficiently
support the opposing surface by either turning the locking
mechanism 126 or the engagement plate 121, as required.
[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a sleeve 102 which provides a user with
the ability of using, for example, two 4 ft boards (or some
variation of two boards measuring 8 ft total) instead of one 8 ft
board. Window 117 provides visual assurance of the two boards
proper seating in sleeve 102. Either of the free ends of the two
boards may then be used with the bracket system 10/110 as described
above.
[0047] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate still another embodiment of the
invention, bracket system 210. This bracket 210 is suitable for use
on flat and sloped surfaces, such as a vaulted ceiling. The bracket
210 is comprised of housing 212 and base 221. The housing 212
includes a receiving end for attachment to a board via bolt 250 and
wing nut 251 positioned within slot 232. The slot 232 allows the
attached board to move a distance and pivot within the housing 12.
The base 221 includes complementary wedges, specifically stationary
wedge portion 260 having an approximately 45.degree. surface and a
movable wedge portion 262 also having an approximately 45.degree.
surface--the individual angles may vary, so long as the resulting
combined angle of the two wedges is at least 90.degree.. The
movable wedge 262 is configured to slide along the stationary wedge
260 to adjust the angle of the secured board relative the base 221.
A dovetail connector is illustrated in FIG. 9, while a channel 263
and bolt 264 connection is shown in FIG. 10. Numerous alternate
connection configurations are possible.
[0048] In use, a board is inserted into the open end of housing 12
and secured with bolt 250 and wing nut 251--a hole may need to be
drilled first. The assembly is positioned where needed with the
base surface 221 facing the surface to be supported. The position
of board in housing 12 may be adjusted by loosening and
retightening the bolt 250 and wing nut 251. The movable wedge 262
can then we slid between stationary wedge 260 and the end of the
board until a desired angle within the range of from about 10 to
about 90 degrees is achieved. As shown in FIG. 11, the base 221 may
include a screw hole for securing the base 221 to the surface
before setting the bolt 250 and wing nut 251.
[0049] FIG. 11 illustrates a double-hook 263 attached to the base
221. Where a plurality of supports need to be constructed, a string
line 266 may be run between two brackets 210, as is known in the
art, to align a series of bases 221. As previously described, the
bases 221 may be attached via the screw hole before insertion of a
board.
[0050] The matter set forth in the foregoing description and
accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and
not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown
and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
broader aspects of applicants' contribution. Specifically, several
of the disclosed features of the present invention are described
and illustrated with some embodiments and not others. Such examples
are intended to be descriptive of the features and not limiting of
the possible embodiments. It should be understood that all the
disclosed features may be provided in any of the described
embodiments, as desired. The actual scope of the protection sought
is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in
their proper perspective based on the prior art.
* * * * *