Frame assembly for supporting a wall panel

Abstract

A frame assembly for supporting a wall panel includes a stud configured to engage and support the wall panel, the stud having an end portion. The frame assembly also includes a track member having a generally U-shaped cross-section defined by a base and two sidewalls. The track member defines a longitudinal axis. The frame assembly further includes an engagement member coupled to the base of the track member and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The engagement member defines a slot that receives the end portion of the stud to support the stud.

1 . A frame assembly for supporting a wall panel comprising:
 a stud configured to engage and support the wall panel, the stud having an end portion;   a track member having a generally U-shaped cross-section defined by a base and two sidewalls, the track member defining a longitudinal axis; and   an engagement member coupled to the base of the track member and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the engagement member defining a slot that receives the end portion of the stud to support the stud.   
     
     
         2 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement member is integrally formed as one piece with the base. 
     
     
         3 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement member, base, and sidewalls are integrally formed as one piece. 
     
     
         4 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement member is removably coupled with the base. 
     
     
         5 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the slot has an orientation substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         6 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the slot comprises a plurality of slots substantially, evenly spaced apart with respect to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         7 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the track member has a longitudinal length, and wherein the engagement member extends substantially the entire longitudinal length. 
     
     
         8 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement member includes a first engagement member and a second engagement member. 
     
     
         9 . The frame of  claim 7 , wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         10 . The frame assembly of  claim 8 , where the first engagement member defines a first slot and the second engagement member defines a second slot, the first slot and the second slot being substantially aligned along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         11 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement member includes a plurality of discrete engagement members substantially, evenly spaced apart with respect to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         12 . The frame assembly of  claim 11 , wherein each of the plurality of discrete engagement members defines a slot. 
     
     
         13 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the stud has a C-shaped cross section defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a web extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. 
     
     
         14 . The frame assembly of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall includes a grooved surface. 
     
     
         15 . A frame assembly for supporting a wall panel, comprising:
 a plurality of studs, each stud having a grooved surface and a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the plurality of studs configured to engage and support the wall panel along the grooved surface;   a first track member having a generally U-shaped cross-section defined by a base and two sidewalls, the first track member defining a first longitudinal axis;   a first engagement member coupled to the base of the first track member and extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis, the first engagement member defining a first plurality of slots spaced apart along the first longitudinal axis, the first plurality of slots receiving the first end portions of the plurality of studs;   a second track member having a generally U-shaped cross-section defined by a base and two sidewalls, the second track member defining a second longitudinal axis; and   a second engagement member coupled to the base of the second track member and extending parallel to the second longitudinal axis, the second engagement member defining a second plurality of slots spaced apart along the second longitudinal axis, the second plurality of slots receiving the second end portions of the plurality of studs to support the plurality of studs between the first track member and the second track member.   
     
     
         16 . The frame assembly of  claim 15 , wherein each stud comprises a first side wall, a second sidewall, and a web extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. 
     
     
         17 . The frame assembly of  claim 16 , wherein at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall includes the grooved surface. 
     
     
         18 . The frame assembly of  claim 15 , wherein each slot of the first plurality of slots has an orientation substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         19 . The frame assembly of  claim 18 , where each slot of the second plurality of slots has an orientation substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         20 . The frame assembly of  claim 15 , wherein each slot of the first plurality of slots is substantially aligned with a slot of the second plurality of slots.