Telescoping stud

Abstract

The invention provides a stud of any chosen length. The stud has a plurality of sections (preferably two or four), each of which extends for substantially the length of the stud. The sections may be capable of moving relative to one another in a horizontal or vertical direction. In one embodiment, the sections of the stud are adapted to be fixed by fixing means, such as screws, expanded locking mechanisms and ratchet arrangements. The invention also provides the stud section used to make the stud.

1 . A stud of chosen length, the stud having a plurality of sections, each extending for substantially the length of the stud, characterised in that one section is moveable in relation to the other section or another of the sections in a direction parallel to the length of the stud, further characterised in that each section has a longitudinal edge terminating in a U- or V-shaped web and the sections are adapted to connect by mating a U- or V-shaped web of one of the sections with a U- or V-shaped web of the other section or another of the sections, and further characterised in that the stud includes one or more hollow sections, each being of constant cross-section throughout the length of the stud.  
     
     
         2 . The stud of    claim 1   , in which there are two sections.  
     
     
         3 . The stud of    claim 2   , wherein there are two hollow cavities, each being of triangular cross-section.  
     
     
         4 . The stud of    claim 1   , wherein there are four sections.  
     
     
         5 . The stud of any one of    claims 1    to    4   , wherein the sections are adapted to be fixed by fixing means chosen from the group comprising screws, expanded locking mechanisms and ratchet arrangements.  
     
     
         6 . A stud section adapted to form the stud of any one of    claims 1    to    5    by extending for substantially the length of the stud, the section having a longitudinal edge terminating in a U- or V-shaped web, the section being adapted to connect with another section by mating the U- or V-shaped web of the section with a U- or V-shaped web of said another section, the section being adapted to be moveable in relation to said another section in a direction parallel to the length of the stud.  
     
     
         7 . A stud of chosen length, the stud having a plurality of sections, each extending for substantially the length of the stud, characterised in that one section is moveable in relation to the other section or another of the sections to vary breadth of the stud.  
     
     
         8 . The stud of    claim 7    wherein there are two sections.  
     
     
         9 . A stud section adapted to form the stud of    claim 7    or    8    by extending for substantially the length of the stud, the section being adapted to be moveable in relation to another section to vary breadth of the stud.  
     
     
         10 . A stud having first and second sections, the first section having a plurality of fingers adapted to be interlaced with a plurality of fingers on the second section to form the stud.  
     
     
         11 . The stud of    claim 10   , wherein the first and second sections are out from a single piece of material so as to form the plurality of fingers adapted to be interlaced to form the stud.  
     
     
         12 . A stud section adapted to form the stud of    claim 10    or    11   , the section having a plurality of fingers adapted to be interlaced with a plurality of fingers on a second section.  
     
     
         13 . A stud substantially as herein described with reference to FIG. 3 or FIGS. 4 and 5 or FIG. 6 or FIGS. 7 and 8 or FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 or FIG. 11 or FIGS.  12  to  22  of the accompanying drawings.  
     
     
         14 . A stud substantially as herein described with reference to FIGS.  23  to  25  of the accompanying drawings.  
     
     
         15 . A stud substantially as herein described with reference to FIGS.  26  to  31  of the accompanying drawings.