GB2482017A

GB2482017A - Wedge device for temporarily attaching dry-lining metal stud members

Info

Publication number: GB2482017A
Application number: GB201011938A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian Murray Buckmaster
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-16
Filing date: 2010-07-16
Publication date: 2012-01-18
Anticipated expiration: 2030-07-16
Also published as: GB2482017B; GB201011938D0

Abstract

A wedge device 3 for temporarily attaching dry-lining metal stud members comprises a moulded plastic wedge of unequal quadrilateral shape with opposing edges 1, 2 tapering and has a series of indents 4 along each edge allowing it to be tightly fitted to the inside profile of a dry-lining stud member having a C shaped cross section. Each device 3 can be rotated so it can fit two different stud sizes.

Description

Location Gripping Device for Dry-Lining Metal Studs This device grips dry-lining partition studs in place at the correct locations to allow one installer to screw boards in place.

Metal "C" shaped studs are used vertically to form the sub-frame for dry-lining partitions. The C studs are fitted loosely between a head and base track and set-out at specific centres to suit the board manufacturer's requirements. During construction the dry-lining installer needs to measure the distance between the studs then temporarily fix the studs in place whilst the boards are screwed to the studs.

At present the studs can be held in place by screwing a wafer-head screw through the stud and track but this often has to be removed prior to fixing the board to prevent a bulge at the screw location and also to allow free movement of the stud and track especially at the head where a deflection head detail is being used.

An alternative to using a wafer-head screw is to use a crimping device that punches through both track and stud but this forms a permanent fix, which cannot be easily altered if the location needs to be adjusted and can also prevent the free movement of track and stud where a deflection head detail is being used.

Another alternative is to use a pressed metal section that is designed to push out from the web of the "C" stud and trap the stud in place. However for this to work at the head track the installer must order specific lengths of stud suitable for each location and the pressing weakens the strength of the stud where most of the downward force is concentrated.

To overcome these problems the present invention proposes a wedge of nominally 4mm plastic that is designed to push tightly within the IC" stud at the base and head, forcing the shape to expand the "C" stud and grip into the track once the stud has been located at the correct position.

When screwing through dry-lining boards one problem that occurs is that the screw forces the flange of the stud to move away from the back face of the board, sometimes ca using a plug of board material to get trapped between the stud and board and resulting in lipping of board edges on the outer surface.

The present device has indents positioned along each edge to allow universal fitting to most manufacturer's studs. It can be removed and the stud location adjusted or left in place.

It can be used at the head and base location to grip the stud in place but also at other locations vertically to reinforce the "C" shape whilst the board screws are being fitted and preventing the flanges from distorting inwards and causing lipping.

Studs are installed in various sizes. The present device can be used in one orientation for a particular size but can be rotated to be used in the next larger stud size, thereby reducing the number of different devices needed for each installation.

The present device can be manufactured in a variety of different colours so that dry-lining manufacturer's could match the device with their corporate colours. The device can also be pressed and/or marked with an advertising logo or message as a promotional medium.

The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of the stud location gripping device.

Figure 2 shows an edge view of the stud location gripping device.

Figure 3 shows a IC" stud fitted into a base or head track with the present gripping device fitted to expand the stud tightly into the track using its narrowest width (plan).

Figure 4 shows a "C" stud fitted into a base or head track with the present gripping device fitted to expand the stud tightly into the track using it's widest width (plan).

In Figure 1 the device (3)is a flat, thin plastic shape with opposite edges (1 & 2) tapered to form an unequal quadrilateral. Each edge has indents (4) of 2mm radius at regular intervals which lock the device to the flange returns of standard "C" studs (see figures 3 & 4). The surface of the device can be used to paint or emboss advertising or product information (5).

In Figure 2 the indents (4) can be seen along the edge of the thin plastic wedge (3).

In Figure 3 a "C" stud with equal flange and web dimensions (1) is fitted into the base or head track (2) during construction. The location gripping device (3) is fitted tightly between the flange returns (4) using it's narrowest width, locking them into the indents (5) that cause the flanges to widen sufficiently to grip the stud in the track.

In Figure 4 a IC" stud with unequal flange and web dimensions (1) is fitted into the base or head track (2) during construction. The location gripping device (3)is fitted tightly between the flange returns (4) using it's widest width, locking them into the indents (5) that cause the flanges to widen sufficiently to grip the stud in the track.

The device can be fitted at the base and head location to grip the stud in the track or at any point in the vertical stud to maintain the profile of the "C" stud flanges whilst board screws are installed. It can be removed and re-used after the boards are fitted or left in place permanently.

Claims

Claims 1. Location Gripping Device for Dry-Lining Metal Studs that wedges in the inside of a dry-lining partition stud at the base or head track once the studs have been located, allowing accurate fitting of the dry-lining boards by one installer.
2. A Location Gripping Device for Dry-Lining Metal Studs according to claim 1 which is universal for all manufacturer's of dry-lining studs.
3. A Location Gripping Device for Dry-Lining Metal Studs according to claim 1, which can be used at any location in the vertical stud to maintain the profile of the "C" stud whilst the dry-lining board screws are installed.
4. A Location Gripping Device for Dry-Lining Metal Studs according to claim 1, which allows the device to be left in place, removed for adjustment of stud location or removed and re-used once the dry-lining boards have been screwed in place.
5. A Location Gripping Device for Dry-Lining Metal Studs according to claim 1, which can be manufactured in a variety of colours to match dry-lining manufacturer's corporate colours and identity.
6. A Location Gripping Device for Dry-Lining Metal Studs according to claim 1, which allows the printing or moulding of manufacturer's logo's, information or advertising to further promote or identify the manufacturer of the dry-lining system.