US20220259877A1

US20220259877A1 - Locking track and associated wall reinforcement systems and methods

Info

Publication number: US20220259877A1
Application number: US17/675,892
Authority: US
Inventors: N. Daniel W. Stark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-18
Filing date: 2022-02-18
Publication date: 2022-08-18

Abstract

A locking track for a wall reinforcement system comprises a top panel, two opposing side panels, a channel defined between the top panel and the two opposing side panels, and locking tabs formed in the two opposing side panels and extending into the channel. The wall reinforcement system further comprises a post. The post comprises a web, two flanges extending transversely from the web, and at least one slot formed in each one of the two flanges. The post is attachable to the locking track, and when attached, the at least one slot formed in each one of the two flanges receives a corresponding one of the locking tabs to lock the post to the locking track.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/151,042, filed Feb. 18, 2021, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a wall reinforcement system, and more particularly to a locking track with locking tabs that are configured to be attachable to posts.

BACKGROUND

Wall reinforcement systems are used to reinforce and restore foundations and walls of residential and commercial dwellings, such as those that are in disrepair and/or failing. Conventional wall reinforcement systems include various structural components that are attachable to and support at least a portion of the load from the existing structure being reinforced. Typically, the structural components are attached using fasteners. However, fasteners can be cumbersome to handle, structurally inefficient and costly. In some cases, the fasteners can break and/or become lost or stripped. Additionally, the fasteners introduce multiple additional pieces that require extra effort to store, handle, and install. Moreover, because the structural components are positioned in close proximity to the existing structure, inserting and securing the fasteners into the structural components can be difficult.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems of and needs from conventional wall reinforcement systems that have not yet been fully solved by currently available systems. Generally, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide a locking track and associated wall reinforcement systems and methods that overcome at least some of the above-discussed shortcomings of prior art systems.
Disclosed herein is a locking track for a wall reinforcement system. The locking track comprising a top panel, two opposing side panels and a channel defined between the top panel and the two opposing side panels. The locking track further comprises locking tabs formed in the two opposing side panels and extending into the channel. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 1 of the present disclosure.
The two opposing side panels extend perpendicularly relative to the top panel. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 2 of the present disclosure, wherein example 2 also includes the subject matter according to example 1, above.
At least one side panel of the two opposing side panels is angled inwardly toward the other one of the two opposing side panels, such that the angle between the at least one side panel and the top panel is less than ninety degrees. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 3 of the present disclosure, wherein example 3 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-2, above.
At least one side panel of the two opposing side panels further comprises a flared end portion that flares outwardly away from the other one of the two opposing side panels. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 4 of the present disclosure, wherein example 4 also includes the subject matter according to example 3, above.
The locking tabs extend into the channel and upwardly, toward the top panel, at an oblique angle from the corresponding one of the two opposing side panels. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 5 of the present disclosure, wherein example 5 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-4, above.
Each locking tab comprises a U-shaped portion cut into the corresponding one of the two opposing side panels and bent into the channel to form the locking tab. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 6 of the present disclosure, wherein example 6 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-5, above.
A longitudinal position of each one of the locking tabs in one of the two opposing side panels corresponds with the longitudinal position of another one of the locking tabs in the other one of the two opposing side panels. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein example 7 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-6, above.
A longitudinal spacing between each one of the locking tabs in each of the two opposing side panels is uniform along the length of the locking track. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 8 of the present disclosure, wherein example 8 also includes the subject matter according to of any examples 1-7, above.
A longitudinal spacing between each one of the locking tabs in each of the two opposing side panels is non-uniform along the length of the locking track. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 9 of the present disclosure, wherein example 9 also includes the subject matter according to of any examples 1-8, above.
The locking tabs are arranged into multiple sets of locking tabs. The longitudinal spacing between locking tabs of a given set of the multiple sets is different than the spacing between adjacent ones of the multiple sets. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 10 of the present disclosure, wherein example 10 also includes the subject matter according to example 9, above.
The two opposing side panels are spaced apart from each other by a width of the top panel, such that the locking track has a C-shaped cross-section. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 11 of the present disclosure, wherein example 11 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-10, above.
The locking track further comprises an upper ledge formed along the top panel at an intersection between the top panel and each of the two opposing side panels, such that the locking track has a T-shaped cross section. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 12 of the present disclosure, wherein example 12 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-11, above.
Alternatively, the locking track further comprises a corrugation formed in each one of the two opposing side panels, the corrugation in each one of the two opposing side panels formed inwardly relative to the other one of the two opposing side panels, such that the locking track has a sigma-shaped cross section. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 13 of the present disclosure, wherein example 13 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-12, above.
Further disclosed herein is a wall reinforcement system. The wall reinforcement system comprises a locking track, comprising a top panel, two opposing side panels, a channel defined between the top panel and the two opposing side panels, and locking tabs formed in the two opposing side panels and extending into the channel. The wall reinforcement system further comprises a post, comprising a web, two flanges extending transversely from the web, and at least one slot formed in each one of the two flanges. The at least one slot formed in each one of the two flanges receives a corresponding one of the locking tabs to lock the post to the locking track. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 14 of the present disclosure.
The wall reinforcement system further comprises a corrugated panel attachable to the locking track and configured to extend vertically from the locking track and parallel to the two flanges of the post, when the post is locked to the locking track. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 15 of the present disclosure, wherein example 15 also includes the subject matter according to example 14, above.
The locking track further comprises a panel support feature in a distal edge of one of the two opposing side panels. The corrugated panel further comprises a hook-like feature in a top edge of the corrugated panel. The panel support feature and the hook-like feature are configured to interlock in a clasping arrangement when the corrugated panel is attached to the locking track. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 16 of the present disclosure, wherein example 16 also includes the subject matter according to example 15, above.
The post is formed from a first material. The locking track is formed from a second material. The first material is stronger than the second material. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 17 of the present disclosure, wherein example 17 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 14-16, above.
The locking tabs are arranged into multiple sets of locking tabs. A longitudinal spacing between locking tabs of a given set of the multiple sets is different than a longitudinal spacing between adjacent sets of the multiple sets. The post has a corresponding number of slots to the locking tabs of the given set. The longitudinal spacing between the locking tabs of the given set corresponds with a longitudinal spacing between the slots of the post. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein example 18 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 14-17, above.
The post comprises a plurality of posts. The plurality of posts, when locked to the locking track, are spaced apart from each other at uniform intervals along the locking track. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 19 of the present disclosure, wherein example 19 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 14-18, above.
Additionally, disclosed herein a method of attaching parts of a wall reinforcement system. The method comprises orienting a post, comprising a web, two flanges extending transversely from the web, and at least one slot formed in each one of the two flanges, such that the flanges are parallel with two opposing side panels of a locking track. The locking track further comprising a top panel, a channel defined between the top panel and the two opposing side panels, and locking tabs formed in the two opposing side panels and extending into the channel. The method also comprises positioning the post along the locking track at a location where the at least one slot in each one of the two flanges is aligned with a corresponding one of the locking tabs. The method further comprises inserting the post into the channel of the locking track until the locking tabs engage with and are received into the corresponding slot. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 20 of the present disclosure.
The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples, including embodiments and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particular example, embodiment, or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples, embodiments, and/or implementations that may not be present in all examples, embodiments, or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific examples that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical examples of the subject matter, they are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope. The subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a wall reinforcement system, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a wall reinforcement system, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a section of a locking track of the wall reinforcement system, the locking track attached to a post, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of two separate locking tracks, each locking track with a plurality of locking tabs, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a locking track having a plurality of locking tabs arranged into multiple sets of locking tabs, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking track taken along line 6 of FIG. 5, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking track having one side panel angled inwardly toward the other side panel, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking track, the locking track having a T-shaped cross-section, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking track, the locking track having a T-shaped cross-section and one side panel angled inwardly toward the other side panel, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking track, the locking track having a sigma-shaped cross-section, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a section of one side panel of a locking track, the side panel including a locking tab, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a locking track having a plurality of locking tabs spaced uniformly along the length of the locking track, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic top and side view of a post having an I-shaped cross-section, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic top and side view of a post having an I-shaped cross-section, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic top and side view of a post having a C-shaped cross-section, the post including a slot in each one of the two flanges, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of a locking track and a post, before and after attachment of the post to the locking track, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a schematic side view of a locking track and a post, before and after attachment of the post to the locking track, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a schematic side view of a locking track having a panel support feature, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a schematic side view of the locking track of FIG. 18 with a corrugated panel attached to the panel support feature and a post, before attachment of the post to the locking track, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 20 is a schematic side view of the locking track of FIG. 18 with the corrugated panel attached to the panel support feature and the post attached to the locking track, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example. Similarly, the use of the term “implementation” means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more examples.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, according to some examples, a wall reinforcement system 100 is shown. The wall reinforcement system 100 is configured to help retrofit, reinforce, and restore foundations and walls of residential and commercial dwellings. The wall reinforcement system 100 provides vertical support and additional strength to basement walls and foundations, such as those that are in disrepair and/or failing. The wall reinforcement system 100 includes a locking track 110 that is fixed to an existing overhang structure 106, such as the floor beams that support the floor of a vertically adjacent level (e.g., first floor or ground level) of the dwelling. The locking track 110 runs lengthwise generally parallel with the floor of the vertically adjacent level and the floor 102 (e.g., foundation) of the level (e.g., basement) having its wall 104 reinforced. The wall reinforcement system 100 also includes a corrugated panel 130 attached to the locking track 110 and extending vertically along and against the wall 104. The corrugated panel 130 is made of a single or multiple panels of corrugated steel sheets in some examples.
The wall reinforcement system 100 additionally includes a plurality of posts 120 that run parallel with the wall 104 and perpendicular to the existing overhang structure 106 and the floor 102. Upper end portions 122 of the posts 120 are attached to the locking track 110 and lower end portions 124 of the posts 120 are attached to the floor 102. The lower end portions 124 are attached to the floor 102 by positioning the lower end portions 124 in holes excavated in the floor 102 and filling the holes with concrete, thus securing the lower end portions 124 in the holes. Accordingly, the posts 120 run from the existing overhang structure 106, along the corrugated panel 130, to the floor 102 such that the corrugated panel 130 is interposed (e.g., sandwiched) between the posts 120 and the wall 104. The posts 120 are spaced apart from each other, at uniform or non-uniform intervals, along the locking track 110 and the floor 102. The locking track 110 is made of a light-gauge steel in some examples and the posts 120 are made of a high-strength steel or a steel stronger than that of the locking track 110.
Loads experienced by the wall 104 are transferred from the wall 104 to the corrugated panel 130, to the posts 120, and from the posts 120 to the locking track 110 and the overhang structure 106 and/or to the floor 102. Similar loads from the existing overhang structure 106 are transferred from the existing overhang structure 106 to the floor 102 via the locking track 110 and posts 120.
Although fasteners can be used to attach the posts 120 to tracks, similar to the locking track 110, such a process can be cumbersome, inefficient, and costly. The fasteners can break, get lost, get stripped, and the like. Additionally, such a process introduces multiple additional pieces, which require added effort to store, handle, and install. Moreover, because one of the side panels 116 of the locking track 110 is positioned in close proximity to the wall 104, inserting fasteners into and fastening the fasteners to that side panel 116, which is on a back side of the locking track 110, can be difficult. The locking track 110 of the present disclosure eliminates these shortcomings associated with attachment of the posts 120 via fasteners by providing an attachment mechanism that secures the posts 120 to the locking track 110 without fasteners. Referring to FIG. 3, which illustrates only a small section of the locking track 110, the locking track 110 includes locking tabs 112 spaced apart lengthwise along a length of the locking track 110. Moreover, referring to FIGS. 13-15, the upper end portion 122 of each post 120 includes slots 129, where each one of the slots 129 is configured to receive a corresponding one of the locking tabs 112. Generally, engagement between the locking tabs 112 and the slots 129 of a post 120 attaches the post 120 to the locking track 110 with a retention and a lateral shear transfer mechanism similar to that associated with fasteners.
Referring to FIGS. 4-12, the locking track 110 includes a top panel 114 and two side panels 116 extending substantially transversely relative to the top panel 114. The side panels 116 are on opposite sides of the top panel 114 such that the side panels 116 are spaced apart from each other across a width of the top panel 114. The locking track 110 defines a channel 140 between the top panel 114 and the two side panels 116. The top panel 114, side panels 116, and channel 140 extend along an entire length of the locking track 110. The channel 140 is open on a side opposite the top panel 114, which allows the posts 120 to be received within the channel 140.
The locking tabs 112 protrude from the side panels 116 inwardly into the channel 140 and extend upwardly, in a bottom-to-top direction (i.e., in a direction toward the top panel 114), at an oblique angle. Each one of the locking tabs 112 can be formed by cutting a U-shaped cut into a corresponding one of the side panels 116 and then bending the portion defined by the cut into the channel 140. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11, after the locking tab 112 is bent into the channel 140, a hole 113 is formed in the side panel 116 where the bend portion was originally located.
In some examples, each one of the locking tabs 112 in one of the side panels 116 corresponds with another one of the locking tabs 112 in the other one of the side panels 116. More specifically, the longitudinal position of each one of the locking tabs 112 in one of the side panels 116 is the same as that of another one of the locking tabs 112 in the other one of the side panels 116. The locking tabs 112 are paired in this manner at spaced apart intervals lengthwise along the locking track 110. The intervals between pairs of locking tabs 112 can be uniform or non-uniform. In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the intervals alternate. More specifically, the locking tabs 112 are arranged in multiple sets of four locking tabs 112 (e.g., two locking tabs 112 on one side panel 116 and two locking tabs 112 on the opposite side panel 116). The longitudinal spacing between locking tabs 112 of a given set are the same for all sets of locking tabs 112. However, the spacing between the sets of locking tabs 112 are different than the spacing between the locking tabs 112 of a given set. However, as shown in FIG. 12, in some examples, the locking tabs 112 are not arranged in multiple sets of locking tabs 112, but are all spaced apart evenly or uniformly lengthwise along the length of the locking track 110.
The spacing between adjacent locking tabs 112 corresponds with the spacing between the slots 129 of the upper end portion 122 of the posts 120. In other words, the spacing between the locking tabs 112 and the spacing between the slots 129 are such that each one of the slots 129 of a post 120 is alignable with corresponding one of the locking tabs 112 of the locking track 110.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 13-15, each one of the posts 120 includes a web 126 and two flanges 128, extending transversely relative to the web 126. The slots 129 are formed in the flanges 128 of the posts 120. In some examples, each flange 128 of a post 120 includes two slots 129 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 14). In other examples, each flange 128 includes one slot 129 (see, e.g., FIG. 15). In yet further examples, each flange 128 of a post 120 includes more than two slots 129. The web 126 and the flanges 128 of a post 120 can be arranged or shaped relative to each other such that the post 120 can have any of various cross-sectional shapes. As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 13, and 14, the posts 120 can have an I-shaped cross-section, such that the post 120 is an I-beam. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the posts 120 can have a C-shaped cross-section, such that the post is a C-beam. In yet other examples, the posts 120 can have other cross-sectional shapes, such as Z-shaped. Additionally, the posts 120 are single ply in some examples (see, e.g., FIGS. 14 and 15) and double ply in other examples (see, e.g., FIG. 13). Posts having a double ply can be constructed in a manner as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,932,717, issued Apr. 3, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Referring to FIG. 16, according to one example, attachment of a post 120 to the locking track 110 includes orienting the post 120 such that the flanges 128 are parallel with the side panels 116 of the locking track 110 and the web 120 is perpendicular to the top panel 114 of the locking track 110. The post 120 is positioned along the locking track 110 at a desired location where the slots 129 are aligned with corresponding ones of the locking tabs 112. When the slots 129 and the locking tabs 112 are aligned, and with the post 120 oriented as disclosed above, the post 120 is fully inserted into the channel 140 until the locking tabs 112 engage and are received in the corresponding slots 129. In some examples, the locking tabs 112 resiliently retract as the post 120 is inserted through the channel 140 and then resiliently extend into the slots 129 as the slots 129 pass over the locking tabs 112 to lock in the locking tabs 112. The posts 120 are all engaged with different and corresponding locking tabs 112 of the locking track 110 to attached the posts 120 to the locking track 110 at desired locations along the locking track 110 relative to each other.
To promote the attachment of the posts 120 to the locking track 110, in some examples, one or both of the side panels 116 of the locking track 110 is angled inwardly toward the other such that an angle θ between the side panel 116, that is angled, and the top panel 114 is less than 90 degrees (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 9). Referring to FIG. 17, as the post 120 is inserted into the channel 140, the side panel 116, that is angled, resiliently flexes outwardly away from the other side panel 116. The resilient flexibility of the side panel 116 results in an inwardly directed clamping force on the flange 128 of the post 120, which helps to clamp the post 120 in the channel 140 and further lock the post 120 to the locking track 110. Additionally, the angled side panel 116 accommodates for potential variances in the size of the posts 120 relative to the locking track 110, such as those inherent to manufacturing limitations and tolerances. According to some examples, to facilitate insertion of the posts 120 into the channel 140 between the side panels 116, when one or both of the side panels 116 is angled, the angled side panel 116 has a flared end portion 118 that flares outwardly. The flared end portion 118 receives the posts 120 and promotes self-alignment of the posts 120 relative to the channel 140, such that extraneous alignment tools or equipment is not necessary for aligning and inserting the posts 120 into the channel 140.
Depending on the particular application and constraints of the wall 104 being reinforced, the cross-sectional shape of the locking track 110 can be varied. For example, the C-shaped cross-section of the locking track 110 of FIGS. 6 and 7 may be appropriate when less reinforcement is required. However, when more reinforcement is required, the locking track 110 can have a T-shaped cross-section, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The T-shape of the cross-section of the locking track 110 is created by upper ledges 150 formed along the top panel 114 at an intersection between the top panel 114 and the side panels 116. When further reinforcement is needed, the locking track 110 can have a sigma-shaped cross-section, as shown in FIG. 10. The sigma-shape of the cross-section of the locking track 110 is created by a corrugation 152 formed in each of the side panels 116.
In some examples, the locking track 110 also includes features that helps hang and secure the corrugated panel 130. Referring to FIG. 18, in one example, the locking track 110 includes a panel support feature 160 formed in a distal edge of the one of the side panels 116 closest to (e.g., co-planar with) the wall 104. The panel support feature 160 is a hook-like feature in one example that defines a channel or shelf extending lengthwise along the locking track 110. The corrugated panel 130 includes a corresponding hook-like feature 131 that is in a reverse orientation as the panel support feature 160. The panel support feature 160 and the hook-like feature 131 are configured to interlock in a clasping arrangement, as shown in FIG. 19. More specifically, the corrugated panel 130 can be brought upward and toward the panel support feature 160 until the hook-like feature 131 is above the panel support feature 160. Then, the corrugated panel 130 can be lowered until the hook-like feature 131 is received in the panel support feature 160. When interlocked in this manner, the panel support feature 160 maintains the corrugated panel 130 in place against the wall 104 while the corrugated panel 130 is attached (e.g., fastened) to the locking track 110. Accordingly, the panel support feature 160 and the hook-like feature 131 enable installation and attachment of the corrugated panel 130 to the locking track 110 by a single operator. In contrast, without the panel support feature 160 and the hook-like feature 131, three operators are required to install and attach the corrugated panel 130 to the locking track 110 (e.g., two operators hold the corrugated panel 130 in place while the third operator fastens the corrugated panel 130 to the locking track 110. The panel support feature 160 can be integrated into a locking track 110 having any of various cross-sectional shapes. After attachment of the corrugated panel 130 to the locking track 110 the post 120 can be attached to the locking track, as shown in FIG. 20.
In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “over,” “under” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, the term “plurality” can be defined as “at least two.”
Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element.
As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. The item may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “at least one of” means any combination of items or number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination.
Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.
As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, “configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” perform that function.
The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described examples are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the examples herein are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A locking track for a wall reinforcement system, the locking track comprising:

a top panel;

two opposing side panels;

a channel defined between the top panel and the two opposing side panels; and

locking tabs formed in the two opposing side panels and extending into the channel.

2. The locking track of claim 1, wherein the two opposing side panels extend perpendicularly relative to the top panel.

3. The locking track of claim 1, wherein at least one side panel of the two opposing side panels is angled inwardly toward the other one of the two opposing side panels, such that the angle between the at least one side panel and the top panel is less than ninety degrees.

4. The locking track of claim 3, wherein the at least one side panel of the two opposing side panels further comprises a flared end portion that flares outwardly away from the other one of the two opposing side panels.

5. The locking track of claim 1, wherein the locking tabs extend into the channel and upwardly, toward the top panel, at an oblique angle from the corresponding one of the two opposing side panels.

6. The locking track of claim 1, wherein each locking tab comprises a U-shaped portion cut into the corresponding one of the two opposing side panels and bent into the channel to form the locking tab.

7. The locking track of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal position of each one of the locking tabs in one of the two opposing side panels corresponds with the longitudinal position of another one of the locking tabs in the other one of the two opposing side panels.

8. The locking track of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal spacing between each one of the locking tabs in each of the two opposing side panels is uniform along the length of the locking track.

9. The locking track of claim 1, wherein:

a longitudinal spacing between each one of the locking tabs in each of the two opposing side panels is non-uniform along the length of the locking track.

10. The locking track of claim 9, wherein:

the locking tabs are arranged into multiple sets of locking tabs; and

the longitudinal spacing between locking tabs of a given set of the multiple sets is different than the spacing between adjacent ones of the multiple sets.

11. The locking track of claim 1, wherein the two opposing side panels are spaced apart from each other by a width of the top panel, such that the locking track has a C-shaped cross-section.

12. The locking track of claim 1, further comprising an upper ledge formed along the top panel at an intersection between the top panel and each of the two opposing side panels, such that the locking track has a T-shaped cross section.

13. The locking track of claim 1, further comprising a corrugation formed in each one of the two opposing side panels, the corrugation in each one of the two opposing side panels formed inwardly relative to the other one of the two opposing side panels, such that the locking track has a sigma-shaped cross section.

14. A wall reinforcement system, comprising:

a locking track, comprising a top panel, two opposing side panels, a channel defined between the top panel and the two opposing side panels, and locking tabs formed in the two opposing side panels and extending into the channel; and

a post, comprising a web, two flanges extending transversely from the web, and at least one slot formed in each one of the two flanges;

wherein the at least one slot formed in each one of the two flanges receives a corresponding one of the locking tabs to lock the post to the locking track.

15. The wall reinforcement system of claim 14, further comprising a corrugated panel attachable to the locking track and configured to extend vertically from the locking track and parallel to the two flanges of the post, when the post is locked to the locking track.

16. The wall reinforcement system of claim 15, wherein:

the locking track further comprises a panel support feature in a distal edge of one of the two opposing side panels; and

the corrugated panel further comprises a hook-like feature in a top edge of the corrugated panel;

wherein the panel support feature and the hook-like feature are configured to interlock in a clasping arrangement when the corrugated panel is attached to the locking track.

17. The wall reinforcement system of claim 14, wherein:

the post is formed from a first material;

the locking track is formed from a second material; and

the first material is stronger than the second material.

18. The wall reinforcement system of claim 14, wherein:

the locking tabs are arranged into multiple sets of locking tabs;

a longitudinal spacing between locking tabs of a given set of the multiple sets is different than a longitudinal spacing between adjacent sets of the multiple sets;

the post has a corresponding number of slots to the locking tabs of the given set; and

the longitudinal spacing between the locking tabs of the given set corresponds with a longitudinal spacing between the slots of the post.

19. The wall reinforcement system of claim 14, wherein:

the post comprises a plurality of posts; and

the plurality of posts, when locked to the locking track, are spaced apart from each other at uniform intervals along the locking track.

20. A method of attaching parts of a wall reinforcement system, the method comprising:

orienting a post, comprising a web, two flanges extending transversely from the web, and at least one slot formed in each one of the two flanges, such that the flanges are parallel with two opposing side panels of a locking track, the locking track further comprising a top panel, a channel defined between the top panel and the two opposing side panels, and locking tabs formed in the two opposing side panels and extending into the channel;

positioning the post along the locking track at a location where the at least one slot in each one of the two flanges is aligned with a corresponding one of the locking tabs; and

inserting the post into the channel of the locking track until the locking tabs engage with and are received into the corresponding slot.