Framing system of studs and rails connected together by adapter members

Abstract

A framing system ( 1 ) comprises track frame elements ( 3 ) and stud frame elements ( 4 ) which are interconnected at joints ( 2 ). The framing system comprises connection means for interconnecting the frame elements ( 3, 4 ) on assembly. The connection means comprises an adaptor ( 10 ) for a frame element and fixing means for fixing the adaptor to the frame elements. The adaptor conforms to at least part of the profile of at least one of the frame elements. In one case the adaptor ( 10 ) is of generally channel profile comprising a web ( 11 ) and side flanges ( 12 ). The side flanges of the adaptor ( 10 ) are engagable in the end of the stud frame element ( 4 ) such that the flanges ( 12 ) of the adaptor engage with the flanges ( 8 ) of the stud frame element ( 4 ). Rivets ( 30 ) are used to fix the stud frame element ( 4 ) to the adaptor ( 10 ). Track fixing means comprising a fixing bolt ( 25 ) extending to engage with a receiver ( 26 ) which is captive in the web ( 11 ) of the adaptor ( 10 ). The cross section of the stud frame element ( 4 ) has full bearing with the track frame element ( 3 ) for efficient load transfer.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
   
   
       23 . A structural framing system comprising:—
 a stud frame element comprising a web and a pair of side flanges;   a track frame element comprising a web and a pair of side flanges;   an adaptor comprising pair of sides and a connector extending between the sides;   the sides of the adaptor being fixed to the side flanges of the stud by stud fixings to form a sub-assembly; and   a fixing means extending between the web of the track frame element and the connector of the adaptor for drawing the stud frame element and adaptor sub-assembly to the track frame element so that the stud frame element is in full engagement with the track frame element for full bearing load distribution between the stud frame element and the track frame element.   
   
   
       24 . The system as claimed in  claim 23  wherein the fixing means extends substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the stud element. 
   
   
       25 . The system as claimed in  claim 23  wherein the track fixing means comprises an adjustable screw or bolt and a receiver for the screw or bolt. 
   
   
       26 . The system as claimed in  claim 25  wherein the receiver is captive in the adaptor. 
   
   
       27 . The system as claimed in  claim 25  wherein the track has a countersink for receiving a countersunk head of the track fixing screw or bolt. 
   
   
       28 . The system as claimed in  claim 23  wherein the stud fixing means extends between the stud and the adaptor. 
   
   
       29 . The system as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the stud fixing means extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stud. 
   
   
       30 . The system as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the stud fixing means comprises a self piercing rivet. 
   
   
       31 . The system as claimed in  claim 23  wherein the width of the web of the stud frame element is narrower than the width of the web of the track frame element at the joint therebetween. 
   
   
       32 . The system as claimed in  claim 23  wherein the adaptor is substantially channel shaped. 
   
   
       33 . The system as claimed in  claim 23  wherein the connecting member comprises a central part and a pair of side parts extending from the central part to the side flanges of the adaptor. 
   
   
       34 . The system as claimed in  claim 33  wherein the central part is substantially flat. 
   
   
       35 . The building system comprising a framing system as claimed in  claim 23 . 
   
   
       36 . The modular building system comprising a framing system as claimed in  claim 23 .