Support channel

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for securing a wall are disclosed herein. A wall can be secured by attaching a support system to the wall. The support system can include a channel support, an affixation plate, and one or several securement features. The channel support can include a bearing surface that is divided into two portions by a rigidity structure. The rigidity structure can include two rigidity members that together form an M shape. The bearing surface of the channel support can be held against the wall by the affixation plate and the one or several securement features.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A support channel comprising:
 an elongate member having opposing first and second ends, a top and an opposing bottom, opposing first and second sides, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, wherein the elongate member comprises:
 a rigidity structure comprising a first rigidity member having a first width and a second rigidity member, wherein the first and second rigidity members extend in the same direction from the bottom of the elongate member, wherein the first and second rigidity members are separated by a distance that is less than three times the first width, and wherein the first and second rigidity members are located about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member; 
 a first angular protrusion extending from the bottom of the elongate member and in the same direction as the first and second rigidity members; and 
 a second angular protrusion extending from the bottom of the elongate member and in the same direction as the first and second rigidity members. 
   
     
     
         2 . The support channel of  claim 1 , wherein the first rigidity member comprises a first half and a second half extending from different points along the bottom of the elongate member and joining at an apex of the first rigidity member; and
 wherein the second rigidity member comprises a first half and a second half extending from different points along the bottom of the elongate member and joining at an apex of the second rigidity member.   
     
     
         3 . The support channel of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second rigidity members are triangle-shaped. 
     
     
         4 . The support channel of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second halves of the first rigidity member extend from the bottom of the elongate member at the same angle. 
     
     
         5 . The support channel of  claim 2 , wherein the second half of the first rigidity member and the first half of the second rigidity member extend from the bottom of the elongate member at the same angle. 
     
     
         6 . The support channel of  claim 5 , wherein the first and second halves of the first rigidity member extend from the bottom of the elongate member at an angle of between 40 and 60 degrees. 
     
     
         7 . The support channel of  claim 2 , wherein the first half of the first rigidity member and the first half of the second rigidity member are parallel. 
     
     
         8 . The support channel of  claim 7 , wherein the second half of the first rigidity member and the second half of the second rigidity member are parallel. 
     
     
         9 . The support channel of  claim 1 , wherein the distance between the top and the bottom of the elongate member defines a thickness of the elongate member, and wherein the thickness is between 0.05 and 0.135 inches. 
     
     
         10 . A support system comprising:
 a support channel comprising an elongate member having opposing first and second ends, opposing top and bottom, opposing first and second sides, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, wherein the elongate member comprises:
 a rigidity structure comprising a first rigidity member having a first width, and a second rigidity member, wherein the first and second rigidity members extend in the same direction from the bottom of the elongate member, wherein the first and second rigidity members are separated by a distance that is less than three times the first width, and wherein the first and second rigidity members are located about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member; 
 a first angular protrusion extending from the bottom of the elongate member and in the same direction as the first and second rigidity members; and 
 a second angular protrusion extending from the bottom of the elongate member and in the same direction as the first and second rigidity members; and 
   an affixation plate comprising:
 first and second contact arms having first and second contact surfaces; and 
 a rigidity structure channel extending between the first and second contact arms, wherein the rigidity structure channel is sized and shaped to receive the rigidity structure of the support channel. 
   
     
     
         11 . The support system of  claim 10 , wherein the affixation plate comprises an aperture. 
     
     
         12 . The support system of  claim 11  comprising a securement feature configured to extend through the aperture. 
     
     
         13 . The support system of  claim 10 , wherein the rigidity structure channel is sized and shaped such that the first and second contact surfaces of the attachment plate contact the top bearing surfaces of the support channel when the rigidity structure channel receives the rigidity structure. 
     
     
         14 . The support system of  claim 10 , wherein the support channel comprises an opening sized and shaped to receive the securement feature. 
     
     
         15 . A method of supporting a wall, the method comprising:
 creating a hole in a wall;   positioning a channel support on the wall, the channel support comprising:
 an elongate member having an opening, opposing first and second ends, opposing top and bottom, opposing first and second sides, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, wherein the elongate member comprises:
 a rigidity structure comprising a first rigidity member having a first width and a second rigidity member, wherein the first and second rigidity members extend in the same direction from the bottom of the elongate member, wherein the first and second rigidity members are separated by a distance that is less than three times the first width, and wherein the first and second rigidity members are located about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member; 
 a first angular protrusion extending from the bottom of the elongate member and in the same direction as the first and second rigidity members; and 
 a second angular protrusion extending from the bottom of the elongate member and in the same direction as the first and second rigidity members; 
 
   aligning the opening of the channel support with the hole; and   inserting a securement feature through the opening in the channel support and into the hole in the wall.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  comprising positioning an affixation plate over the channel support, the affixation plate comprising an aperture and a rigidity structure channel sized and shaped to receive the rigidity structure, and aligning the aperture of the affixation plate with the opening of the elongate member. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , comprising inserting the securement feature through the aperture of the affixation plate. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the channel support comprises a bearing surface, wherein the channel support is positioned such that the bearing surface contacts the wall. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the channel support comprises a bearing top surface. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the affixation plate contacts the bearing surface when the securement feature is inserted into the hole in the wall.