Quick frame construction system and method

Abstract

A structural wall system including a plurality of structural members, a plurality of preformed connecting elements and a skin positioned thereover. The plurality of structural members include a first structural member having a first receiving channel and a second structural member having a second receiving channel. The plurality of preformed connecting elements include a connecting element positioned in the first receiving channel and in the second receiving channel. The skin is positioned over a side of the plurality of structural members and the connecting element.

1 . A structural wall system, comprising: 
 a plurality of structural members including a first structural member having a first receiving channel and a second structural member having a second receiving channel;    a plurality of preformed connecting elements, at least one of said connecting elements being positioned in said first receiving channel and said second receiving channel, and    a skin positioned over a side of said plurality of structural members and a side of said connecting element.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said first receiving channel and said second receiving channel each include a first wall and a shorter second wall, said second wall being substantially parallel with said first wall.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said receiving channel includes at least one protrusion along a side of at least one of said first wall and said second wall.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said connecting element includes a plurality of engaging portions including a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, said first engaging portion being inserted into said first receiving channel and said second engaging portion being inserted into said second receiving channel.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein said plurality of engaging portions each include an edge enhancement that coacts with said at least one protrusion to cause said connecting element to be retained in said first receiving channel and said second receiving channel.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said edge enhancement is at least one of a bent edge and a thickened portion.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising an other skin positioned on an other side of said plurality of structural members and at least a portion of said plurality of connecting members.  
   
   
       8 . A construction joint, comprising: 
 a plurality of structural members proximate to each other including a first structural member having a first receiving channel and a second structural member having a second receiving channel; and    a preformed connecting element positioned in said first receiving channel and said second receiving channel.    
   
   
       9 . The construction joint of  claim 8 , wherein said first receiving channel and said second receiving channel each include a first wall and a shorter second wall, said second wall being substantially parallel with said first wall.  
   
   
       10 . The construction joint of  claim 9 , wherein said receiving channel includes at least one protrusion along a side of at least one of said first wall and said second wall.  
   
   
       11 . The construction joint of  claim 10 , wherein said connecting element includes a plurality of engaging portions including a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, said first engaging portion being inserted into said first receiving channel and said second engaging portion being inserted into said second receiving channel.  
   
   
       12 . The construction joint of  claim 11 , wherein said plurality of engaging portions each include an edge enhancement that coacts with said at least one protrusion to cause said connecting element to be retained in said first receiving channel and said second receiving channel.  
   
   
       13 . The construction joint of  claim 12 , wherein said edge enhancement is at least one of a bent edge and a thickened portion.  
   
   
       14 . A construction method, comprising the steps of: 
 positioning a plurality of structural members proximate to each other including a first structural member having a first receiving channel and a second structural member having a second receiving channel; and    inserting a preformed connecting element into said first receiving channel and said second receiving channel.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said first receiving channel and said second receiving channel each include a first wall and a shorter second wall, said second wall being substantially parallel with said first wall.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said receiving channel includes at least one protrusion along a side of at least one of said first wall and said second wall.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said connecting element includes a plurality of engaging portions including a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, said first engaging portion being inserted into said first receiving channel and said second engaging portion being inserted into said second receiving channel during said inserting step.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said plurality of engaging portions each include an edge enhancement that coacts with said at least one protrusion to cause said connecting element to be retained in said first receiving channel and said second receiving channel.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said edge enhancement is at least one of a bent edge and a thickened portion.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising the step of attaching a skin on top of said plurality of structural members and said connecting member.