AU2022203485A1

AU2022203485A1 - Modular framing system

Info

Publication number: AU2022203485A1
Application number: AU2022203485A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jerome Frumar
Original assignee: Frumar Jerome Asher
Current assignee: Frumar Jerome Asher
Priority date: 2021-05-28
Filing date: 2022-05-23
Publication date: 2022-12-15
Also published as: AU2021107166A4

Abstract

Modular framing system Abstract A modular framing system comprising a corner beam (200) having a C-shaped cross section when viewed through a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, the corner beam (200) including a central corner beam spine (210) and first and second opposing corner beam arms (220, 230). A plurality of fastener holes (240) are located on each of the central spine (210) and the first and second opposing corner beam arms (220, 230), the fastener holes (240) being arranged in groups, each group comprising one or more squares, rectangles or circles with the fastener holes defining a portion of the perimeter of each square, rectangle or circle. 1/9 Fig. 1

Description

1/9

Fig. 1

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

Standard Patent Specification

Title: Modular framing system

Applicant(s): Jerome Asher Frumar

Inventor(s): Jerome Asher Frumar

Agent: © COTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys

The following is a full description of the invention which sets forth the best method known to the applicant of performing it.

Modular framing system

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular framing system. In particular, the present invention relates to a lightweight modular system for assembling rigid frames suitable for use in building construction (walls, partitions, floors, trusses and other building components) and in the construction of other objects that require structural or non-structural framing such as furniture, large sculptures, shade structures, greenhouses, storage solutions, etc.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Framing any object large or small typically requires a detailed comprehension of project requirements and a predetermined framing schedule that communicates critical dimensions, angles and fastening positions. The process of fabrication requires scaled drawings to be translated into full size objects by measuring and cutting framing material according to the specification. This can be completed before assembly or carried out alongside the assembly process. Frame assembly requires precise locating of components and a method for securely fastening components together in the correct orientation and angle. The process of manually fabricating a frame typically tends to be labour and time intensive, much of which is consumed by measuring, marking, cutting and cross-checking against drawings and notes. This is especially important when fabricating frames with curved or complex geometries.

[0003] For many years timber has been the preferred material for framing walls, floors and roofs. Stud walls typically consist of horizontal top and bottom plates and vertical studs. The studs are generally connected to adjacent studs with horizontal nogging. Floors utilise beams, above which joists are located and fastened. Roof frames can utilise a variety of frame elements including trusses, beams, rafters and purlins - to which roofing tiles or waterproof sheet materials can be applied. Timber frames may be fabricated in place, or alternatively, the frame may be built on a horizontal surface (on or offsite) and then moved to the desired location and elevated to a vertical orientation.

[0004] There are several disadvantages associated with existing building framing techniques. Firstly, framing is a specialised carpentry skill and can be quite time and labour intensive. The need for skilled carpenters adds to the cost of a construction project, and requires that a carpenter is available on site at the appropriate stage of construction.

[0005] A further disadvantage is that timber is not an optimal building material for some environments and applications. For example, in areas where white ants are prevalent, most soft wood timber species used in construction such as radiata pine are susceptible to white ant attack. Timber is also generally not suitable in any application where it may be exposed to water.

[0006] Timber is often not straight due to warping during seasoning. As such, there can be wastage and other challenges associated with timber construction, such as difficulties in achieving planar surfaces for panel mounting.

[0007] Lightweight steel framing systems have been developed to address some of the complexities listed above and have evolved into a cost-effective alternative to timber framing. Lightweight steel framing exists commercially in two primary forms. The first consists of off the shelf components of varying lengths and cross sections. These components are assembled to create a frame in a manner akin to timber frame construction, in that standardised lengths are cut to size and joint details are worked out in-situ through a labour intense process of measurement marking, cutting and fastening. Typically, specialised builders and tradespeople are required to conduct the installation. This tends to add to the cost of the construction project.

[0008] In the second instance, lightweight steel frame assemblies are custom manufactured using computer numerical control (CNC) cold-forming. This methodology lends itself to prefabrication where all frame elements and fastening locations are predetermined and custom manufactured off-site. These systems are normally fully cut and assembled offsite, being brought to site as flat panels ready for installation. As such, there is limited scope for making changes.

[0009] Existing conventional timber framing and lightweight steel framing systems offer limited components or support for constructing complex curved frame assemblies.

[0010] In addition to building construction, framing also plays a role in the manufacture of many other objects, such as furniture, large sculptures, and storage solutions. Similar disadvantages to those discussed above are often encountered during the manufacture of these objects.

Object of the Invention

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a modular framing system comprising: a corner beam having a C-shaped cross section when viewed through a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, the corner beam including a central corner beam spine and first and second opposing corner beam arms, wherein a plurality of fastener holes are located on each of the central spine and the first and second opposing corner beam arms, the fastener holes being arranged in groups, each group comprising one or more squares, rectangles or circles with the fastener holes defining a portion of the perimeter of each square, rectangle or circle.

[0013] Each square, rectangle or circle is preferably separated by about 150mm from each adjacent square, rectangle or circle.

[0014] The modular framing system further preferably comprises a stud, the stud having a C-shaped cross section when viewed through a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, the stud including a central stud spine and first and second opposing stud arms, wherein a width of the stud spine in a direction extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis is shorter than a width of the first and second corner beam arms.

[0015] The modular framing system further preferably comprises a nogging, the nogging including a central nogging spine and first and second opposing nogging arms, wherein at each longitudinal end of each nogging arm there is a mounting tab, the mounting tab having apertures formed therein for securing the nogging to fastener holes of another element of the modular framing system.

[0016] The modular framing system further preferably comprises a flow beam, the flow beam having a C-shaped cross section when viewed through a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, the flow beam including a central flow beam spine and first and second opposing flow beam arms, wherein each flow beam arm includes intermittently spaced slots which extend from the flow beam spine to an opposing edge of the flow beam arm, such that the slots on the first and second opposing flow beam arms are aligned, and the slots are positioned at intervals along a length of the flow-beam.

[0017] At or near an open end of each slot, a plurality of holes are preferably formed in each of the flow beam arms on an arcuate path, wherein when bending of the flow beam spine occurs, portions of the first and second opposing flow beam arms that are located on either side of each slot overlap, and the holes on the arcuate path come into axial alignment, enabling the flow-beam to be locked at a desired degree of bending of the flow beam spine.

[0018] A pair of the flow beams can preferably be arranged in a box profile and secured together with one having a concaved spine and the other having a convex spine.

[0019] The modular framing system further preferably comprises a flow track, having a C shaped cross section when viewed through a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, the flow track including a central flow track spine and first and second opposing flow track arms, wherein the flow track spine is articulated on account of regularly spaced slots which extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flow track, the first and second flow track arms are defined by a continuous arm and an articulated arm, the slots in the flow track spine are contiguous and aligned with slots located in the articulated arm.

[0020] The flow track articulated arm preferably includes a connection member extending between two separated parts of the articulated arm, the connection member being deformable.

[0021] The connection member is preferably oval shaped when a longitudinal axis of the flow track is straight, and the connection member is deformed to a generally circular configuration when a longitudinal axis of the flow track is bent into a curve.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Fig. 1 is a schematic assembly showing various components of the modular framing system assembled;

[0024] Fig. 2 is schematic corner detail showing the interaction between components of the modular framing system;

[0025] Fig. 3 is a corner beam of the modular framing system;

[0026] Fig. 4 is a flow-beam of the modular framing system;

[0027] Fig. 5 is a flow-track of the modular framing system;

[0028] Fig. 6 depicts four noggings of the modular framing system;

[0029] Fig. 7 depicts a stud of the modular framing system;

[0030] Fig. 8 depicts a stud track of the modular framing system; and

[0031] Fig. 9 is a further schematic assembly showing various components of the modular framing system assembled.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0032] A modular framing system 100 is disclosed herein. The system comprises six primary components that can be interconnected to create customised framing for a wide range of constructions, including but not limited to flat and curved walls, partitions, trusses, vaulted ceilings, curved beams and other assemblies for residential and commercial applications.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the modular framing system 100 is fabricated from galvanised steel. However aluminium or polymer-type extrusions could also be employed.

[0034] The modular framing system 100 enables the quick and easy construction of three dimensional rigid frame structures.

[0001] The components of the modular framing system 100 will now be described.

Corner beam

[0002] A corner beam 200 is disclosed in isolation in Fig. 3. The corner beam 200 simplifies wall junctions, and also corner and edge construction. It is designed for use in walls, floors and roofs and is particularly helpful for connecting these building elements together simply and rapidly. The corner beam is fabricated from 1.15mm galvanised steel and has a cross section of 90mm x 70mm and a length of 2400mm.

[0003] The corner beam 200 is defined a generally C shaped channel when viewed in cross-section. As such, the corner beam 200 has a central spine in the form of surface 210 and two generally perpendicular arms in the form of surfaces 220, 230. The arms 220 and 230 are generally parallel with each other. Large circular holes 250 are formed in the spine for reducing weight and assisting with handling and utility passage. It will be appreciated that the holes 250 could be provided in other shapes and sizes.

[0004] Each of the three surfaces of the corner beam 200 is provided with a plurality of pre-formed holes 240. The holes 240 are arranged in groups preferably around a centre point in either rectilinear or radial pattern (preferably circular). The holes 240 are designed to secure the corner beam 200 to other components of the modular framing system 100 using rivets. However, it will be appreciated that other fasteners such as bolts or screws may alternatively be used.

[0005] When the corner beam is deployed, for example in a vertically extending orientation, the central surface 210 and the arms 220 and 230 provide perpendicular surfaces for the other components of the modular framing system 100 to connect with.

[0006] The corner beam 200 enables quick and easy fabrication of corners, junctions and intersections. The corner beam 200 provides extra material at intersections required to panelize the framing.

[0007] Referring to Fig. 2 for example, a corner beam 200 is shown extending vertically, and a stud 600 is attached vertically to the corner beam 200. This assembly provides two perpendicular channels for securing stud tracks 700 and noggings 500. Given that the arms of the corner beam are about 90mm long, and the stud 600 is 70mm wide, the connection between the corner beam 200 and the stud 600 provided vertically extending mounting points for paneling (such as compressed cement sheeting or gypsum board) on both the internal and external corners.

Flow-beam

[0008] A flow-beam 300 is depicted in isolation in Fig. 4. The flow-beam 300 is fabricate from 0.75mm galvanised steel and has a cross-section of 70mm x 70mm and comes in a length of 2400mm.

[0009] The flow-beam 300 enables the construction of vaulted ceilings and other curved and doubly-curved building elements. The flow beam 300 can be easily hand-bent and locked into a desired shape. Each segment can be locked in position at 5 degree increments. Two sections can be attached to create fully curved box sections.

[0010] Referring to Fig. 4, the flow-beam 300 also has a generally C shaped channel when viewed in cross-section. The flow-beam 300 has a central spine in the form of surface 310 and two generally perpendicular arms in the form of surfaces 320, 330. The arms 320 and 330 are generally parallel with each other.

[0011] Each of the arms 320, 330 includes intermittently spaced slots 340 which extend from the spine 310 to the opposing edge of the arms 320, 330, and each slot 340 is positioned opposite a corresponding slot 340, such that a pair of the slots 340 are aligned. The slots 340 are positioned at evenly spaced intervals along the length of the flow-beam 300.

[0012] At or near the open end of each slot 340, a plurality of holes 350 are formed in each of the arms 320 and 330 on an arcuate path. As depicted in the right hand portion of Fig. 4, the spine 310 can be bent along lines that extend between the proximal ends of the aligned slots 340.

[0013] When such bending of the spine 310 occurs, the portions of the arms 320, 330 that are located on either side of each slot 340 overlap, and the holes 350 on the arcuate path come into axial alignment. The flow-beam 300 can be locked at a desired degree of bending of the spine 310 by inserting a rivet or other such fastener through the aligned holes 350, to prevent further bending. By bending the spine 310 of the flow beam 300 at each possible location, the overall shape of the flow beam adopts a curved profile. The curvature can be altered by choosing the desired holes 350 on the arcuate path to suit site specific geometry and design. For example, a larger or tighter curve can be selected, and the curvature does not need to be constant, and may change along the length of the flow-beam 300.

[0014] When the fasteners are inserted, in addition to locking the curvature of the spine 310 at the selected location, the fasteners also provide additional torsional and lateral stiffness, and increased load bearing capacity.

Flow-track

[0015] A flow track 400 is depicted in isolation in Fig. 5. The flow track 400 is fabricated from 0.75mm galvanised steel and has a cross-section of 70mm x 35mm and comes in a length of 2400mm.

[0016] The flow-track acts as a stud track for creating curved walls, edges and facades. Each segment can be hand bent up to 10 degrees relative to the preceeding segment, making it easy to define and construct curved building elements in-situ.

[0017] The flow-track 400 is a simple hand-workable solution for creating curved steel stud walls. This is provided by the location and arrangement of perforations along the flow track 400. In particular, the flow track 400 also has a generally C shaped profile in cross section. However, in the flow-track 400, the spine 405 is articulated on account of regularly spaced slots 410 which extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flow track 400. The two opposing arms of the flow track 400 are defined by a continuous arm 420 and an articulated arm 430. The slots 410 in the spine 405 are contiguous and aligned with slots 440 located in the articulated arm 430.

[0018] Holes formed on each arm 420 and 430 enable securement of a stud 600, or other elements of the modular framing system 100. In addition holes are formed on the spine for securement to the floor or another structure.

[0019] A connection member 450 is located within each slot 440. The connection member is defined by an oval shaped connector that extends between the two separated parts of the articulated arm 430. The connection member 450 is manually deformable. For example, as depicted in the lower left portion of Fig. 5, the connection member 450 is depicted in a neutral, un-deformed position. In contrast, in the upper right side of Fig. 5, the connection members 450 have been deformed. In practice, the deformation results in the connection members changing shape, from an oval to a circle or other such deformation which enables the continuous arm to be locally bent adjacent to each slot 410, to adopt a desired curvature.

[0020] The connection members 450 locally limit the degree of curvature and result in the curvature naturally adopting a smooth arc. In addition the connection members 450 provide improved strength and rigidity.

[0021] Each of the spines 405, the continuous arms 420 and an articulated arms 430 include apertures for securing the flow-track 400 to other components of the modular framing system 100, or other structures such as a building floor etc.

[0022] Each segment of the flow-track can be separated and used in conjunction with the flow-beam to provide stiffening and/or a surface for fastening on the concave side of a curved beam assembly.

[0023] The flow beam 300 and flow track 400 enable construction of variable curvature building elements in both plan and sectional views.

Noggings

[0024] The modular framing system 100 includes noggings 500 which are depicted in isolation in Fig. 6. The nogging is fabricated from 1.15mm galvanised steel with a cross section of 70mm x 35mm.

[0025] The nogging 500 is intended for nogging and bracing between studs, floor joists and roof purlins. It comes in a 2400mm length that can be used as a single piece or split into four sections for use individually. Two such sections are depicted in Fig. 6.

[0026] Each nogging is also defined by a C section with a spine 510 and two lateral arms 520, 530. At each longitudinal end of the nogging 500, each lateral arms 520, 530 terminates with a projecting mounting tab 540. Each mounting tab 540 is sized to be inserted between or around the arms of other members of the system such as the stud 600 of Fig. 7. Circular holes 550 are formed in the spine 510 for reducing weight and assisting with handling and utility passage. It will be appreciated that the holes 550 could be provided in other shapes and sizes.

[0027] The mounting tabs 540 include apertures, preferably arranged in a row of three apertures or around a centre point, which facilitate the nogging 500 to be fastened with rivets or other such fasteners to the stud 600 (or another member).

Studs

[0028] The modular framing system 100 includes a stud 600 as depicted in Fig. 7. The stud 600 is fabricated from 1.15mm galvanised steel having a length of 2400mm with a cross section of 35 x 70mm.

[0029] The stud 600 can be used as a wall stud, floor joist or roof purlin and is the primary component used for the construction of wall, floor and roof elements.

[0030] The stud is also defined by a C section with a central spine 610 and two lateral arms 620, 630. Circular holes 640 are formed in the spine 610 for reducing weight and assisting with handling and utility passage. It will be appreciated that the holes 640 could be provided in other shapes.

[0031] Each of the lateral arms 620, 630 includes preformed securement holes 650 arranged along its length. The holes 650 enable attachment of the noggings 500 to the lateral arms 620, 630. As depicted, the holes 650 are formed in a square pattern with having sides being defined by 3 x 3 holes. The square patterns may be a combination of longitudinally separated squares or groups of adjacent squares. It will be appreciated the holes 650 can also be arranged in groups around a centre point in either rectilinear or radial pattern.

[0032] In addition the stud central spine 610 includes groups of mounting holes 660 which are arranged in rows that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stud 600. The mounting holes 660 enable the stud to attach to other components of the modular framing system 100 or other building structures.

Stud track

[0033] A stud track 700 is depicted in Fig. 8. The stud track 700 is used for locating and fastening studs 600, joists & purlins. The stud track 700 is fabricated from 1.15mm galvanised steel and has a length of 2400mm and a cross-section of 30mm x 70mm.

[0034] The stud track 700 is also defined by a C section with a central spine 710 and two lateral arms 720, 730. Circular holes 740 are formed in the spine 710 for reducing weight and assisting with handling and utility passage. It will be appreciated that the holes 740 could be provided in other shapes.

[0035] Each of the lateral arms 720, 730 includes preformed securement holes 750 arranged along its length. The holes 750 enable attachment of the studs 600 to the lateral arms 720, 730. As depicted, the holes 750 are formed in a square pattern with having sides being defined by 3 x 3 holes. The square patterns may be a combination of longitudinally separated squares or groups of adjacent squares. It will be appreciated the holes 750 can also be arranged in groups around a centre point in either rectilinear or radial pattern.

[0036] In addition the stud track central spine 710 includes groups of mounting holes 760 which are arranged in rows that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stud track 700. The mounting holes 760 enable the stud track 700 to attach to other components of the modular framing system 100 or other building structures.

[0037] The stud track 700 is visually similar to the stud 600 and dimensioned slightly larger such that the stud track lateral arms 720, 730 are sized to receive the ends of the studs 600, and the stud 600 is secured to the stud track 700 with fasteners such as rivets.

[0038] In the example arrangement depicted in Fig. 1, a stud track 700 is positioned horizontally and receives and supports each of the studs 600 which are vertically arranged. Securement between the stud track 700 and the stud 600 is made by rivets or other fasteners which pass through the holes 750 and the holes 650. Advantageously, the holes 750 are located at standard spacings which are commonly used in building such as 450mm for load bearing walls or 600mm for internal partition walls.

[0039] 'Slot' shaped perforations 770 in the stud track 700 enable assembly of trusses and other load-bearing space-frame type structures.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment, the distance between connection details is incrementally spaced at 300mm centres. However, it will be appreciated that other centre distances could alternatively be employed. This'network'of perforations enables custom frame configurations to be fabricated by providing various options for interconnection of system components.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the Dimensions of the components of the modular framing system 100 can be altered such as the channel dimensions (length, width, depth, material thickness).

[0042] It will be appreciated that the components can be modified to increase stiffness or minimise the protrusion of fixings.

[0043] In the embodiment described and depicted, the connection detail between parts is rectilinear, such that the holes are located in a square/rectangular format. However it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment the system could be changed to be oriented around a centre point in a circular format. Such an arrangement would allow for the components to be connected at varying angles (as opposed to only at 90 degrees).

[0044] Advantageously, the modular framing system 100 can be used to construct practically any frame design with the existing securement hole configuration. This differs from other lightweight metal framing systems that tend to be manufactured on a project by project basis (ie. connection details are made in exactly the right place for a given frame design

[0045] Advantageously, the circular holes that pass through the spines of most of the components of the building system 100 can be used to pass conduit, pipe and wiring.

[0046] Advantageously, the modular framing system 100 permits the construction of any framed structure with a limited palette of components due to the corresponding 'network' of pre-punched holes across components. This enables stockpiling of components and avoids the need to place custom orders for each new project.

[0047] Advantageously, the location and arrangement of perforations within each individual component of the modular framing system 100, and the manner in which these correspond to perforations within other components of the system enables fast and accurate construction. This'network' of perforations enables custom frame configurations to be fabricated by providing various options for interconnection of system components.

[0048] Advantageously, the modular framing system 100 offers a solution to the labour intensive task of measuring, cutting and fastening framing material. It does this by providing a series of incrementally located connection details along the length of each component. These precisely located details provide a registration point for visual measurement, a pathway for building utilities and enable secure, quick and precise coupling between components.

[0049] Advantageously, the modular framing system 100 simplifies frame construction and makes it easy to build rigid frames without specialised carpentry or metal-working skills.

[0050] Advantageously, the modular framing system 100 combines the flexibility of on-site bespoke construction with the speed and ease of Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) pre-fabrication.

[0051] Advantageously, the modular framing system 100 forms the foundation of a universal framing system that can be applied to almost any construction project, including designs with complex curved elements and surfaces.

[0052] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A modular framing system comprising: a corner beam having a C-shaped cross section when viewed through a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, the corner beam including a central corner beam spine and first and second opposing corner beam arms, wherein a plurality of fastener holes are located on each of the central spine and the first and second opposing corner beam arms, the fastener holes being arranged in groups, each group comprising one or more squares, rectangles or circles with the fastener holes defining a portion of the perimeter of each square, rectangle or circle.

2. The modular framing system of claim 1, wherein each square, rectangle or circle is separated by about 150mm from each adjacent square, rectangle or circle.

3. The modular framing system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a stud, the stud having a C-shaped cross section when viewed through a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, the stud including a central stud spine and first and second opposing stud arms, wherein a width of the stud spine in a direction extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis is shorter than a width of the first and second corner beam arms.

4. The modular framing system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a nogging, the nogging including a central nogging spine and first and second opposing nogging arms, wherein at each longitudinal end of each nogging arm there is a mounting tab, the mounting tab having apertures formed therein for securing the nogging to fastener holes of another element of the modular framing system.

5. The modular framing system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flow beam, the flow beam having a C-shaped cross section when viewed through a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, the flow beam including a central flow beam spine and first and second opposing flow beam arms, wherein each flow beam arm includes intermittently spaced slots which extend from the flow beam spine to an opposing edge of the flow beam arm, such that the slots on the first and second opposing flow beam arms are aligned, and the slots are positioned at intervals along a length of the flow-beam.

6. The modular framing system of claim 5, wherein at or near an open end of each slot, a plurality of holes are formed in each of the flow beam arms on an arcuate path, wherein when bending of the flow beam spine occurs, portions of the first and second opposing flow beam arms that are located on either side of each slot overlap, and the holes on the arcuate path come into axial alignment, enabling the flow-beam to be locked at a desired degree of bending of the flow beam spine.

7. The modular framing system of claim 6, wherein a pair of the flow beams can be arranged in a box profile and secured together with one having a concaved spine and the other having a convex spine.

8. The modular framing system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flow track, having a C-shaped cross section when viewed through a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, the flow track including a central flow track spine and first and second opposing flow track arms, wherein the flow track spine is articulated on account of regularly spaced slots which extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flow track, the first and second flow track arms are defined by a continuous arm and an articulated arm, the slots in the flow track spine are contiguous and aligned with slots located in the articulated arm.

9. The modular framing system of claim 8, wherein the flow track articulated arm includes a connection member extending between two separated parts of the articulated arm, the connection member being deformable.

10. The modular framing system of claim 9, wherein the connection member is oval shaped when a longitudinal axis of the flow track is straight, and the connection member is deformed to a generally circular configuration when a longitudinal axis of the flow track is bent into a curve.

Fig. 1 1/9