Framing Alignment Tool

Abstract

A cast framing alignment tool configured for efficient and accurate construction framing of perpendicularly-oriented framing components in their proper spacing and configuration in framed structures in residential and commercial construction applications. The framing alignment tool has two appropriately spaced parallel framing component alignment guide channels that guide and hold common framing components (including but not limited to wall studs) in a parallel alignment with a desired spacing. The framing alignment tool has a perpendicular framing component alignment guide channel that orients and guides and holds a framing component (including but not limited to a wall plate) perpendicularly to the parallel framing components in the parallel alignment guide channels, holding the framing components in correct alignment and operable contact for fastening the parallel framing components to the perpendicular framing component. The framing alignment tool has a handle by which the framing alignment tool can be transported or moved to facilitate framing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cast framing alignment tool configured for efficient and accurate construction framing of perpendicularly oriented framing components in framed structures in residential and commercial applications, comprising:
 (a) two appropriately spaced parallel framing component alignment guide channels at each lateral end of and equidistant from the central axis of the framing alignment tool, configured to guide and hold common framing components in parallel alignment;   (b) an alignment guide channel oriented on plane perpendicular to the upper end of the parallel framing component alignment guide channels, configured to orient and guide and hold common perpendicular framing component in perpendicular alignment and operable contact with the parallel framing components in the parallel framing component alignment guide channels for fastening;   (c) a handle for transport and tool movement while framing.   
     
     
         2 . The framing alignment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the parallel framing component alignment guide channels are configured such that the centers of the parallel framing components are 16 inches apart. 
     
     
         3 . The framing alignment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the parallel framing component alignment guide channels are configured such that the centers of the parallel framing components are 12 inches apart. 
     
     
         4 . The framing alignment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the parallel framing component alignment guide channels are configured such that the centers of the parallel framing components are 24 inches apart. 
     
     
         5 . The framing alignment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the parallel framing component alignment guide channels are configured such that the centers of the parallel framing components are 400 millimeters apart. 
     
     
         6 . The framing alignment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the parallel framing component alignment guide channels are configured such that the centers of the parallel framing components are 600 millimeters apart. 
     
     
         7 . The framing alignment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the parallel framing component alignment guide channels have an essentially U-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         8 . The framing alignment tool of  claim 1 , where the alignment guide channel oriented on an axis perpendicular to the upper end of the parallel framing component alignment guide channels has an essentially U-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         9 . The framing alignment tool of  claim 1  further comprising structural support features for durability. 
     
     
         10 . The framing alignment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the framing alignment tool is made of cast aluminum or a metal with similar properties. 
     
     
         11 . The framing alignment tool of  claim 1 , wherein the framing alignment tool is made of cast or printed plastic.