Devices and methods for aligning furring

Abstract

Devices for aligning furring are disclosed herein. The devices have an elongate body with a first face and an opposing second face spanning between a first end and a second end, an adjustment tab connected to the elongate body at the first end, and at least two alignment members extending from the first face, a first of the at least two alignment members being configured to abut and align a corresponding furring strip that is placed on the elongate body, wherein a second alignment member of the at least two alignment members extends from the first face at the second end. Methods of aligning a furring strip are also disclosed. The methods herein describe attaching a first device to a structure, abutting the furring strip to alignment members of the first device to align the furring strip, and fastening the furring strip to the first device and the structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for aligning furring strips, the device comprising:
 an elongate body spanning between a first end and a second end, the elongate body having a first face and an opposing second face;   an adjustment tab connected to the elongate body at the first end; and   at least two alignment members extending from the first face, a first of the at least two alignment members being configured to abut and align a corresponding furring strip that is placeable on the elongate body,   wherein a second alignment member of the at least two alignment members extends from the first face at the second end.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment tab is connected to the elongate body via a connecting portion of the device, the connecting portion defining a slit spanning a width of the elongate body. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the slit is a kerf. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a plurality of connecting portions. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment tab can be removed by cutting to change the offset of the alignment members relative to the first end of the elongate body. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two alignment members each span a width of the elongate body. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two alignment members each only partially span a width of the elongate body. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two alignment members each comprise a plurality of posts. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising attachment means disposed on the second face. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the attachment means comprises: at least one adhesive strip, at least one fastener, at least one cleat, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second end of the elongate body and the adjustment tab respectively have male and female parts configured for end-to-end alignment of two adjacent devices in use. 
     
     
         12 . A method of aligning a furring strip, the method comprising:
 attaching a first device, as defined in  claim 1 , to a first structure;   abutting the furring strip to the first of the at least two alignment members of the first device to align the furring strip; and   attaching the furring strip to the first device and the first structure.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising, prior to attaching, cutting an adjustment tab from an elongate body of the first device, the elongate body having a first end and an opposing second end. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising, after attaching the first device:
 aligning a first end of a second device, as defined in  claim 1 , to the second end of the first device; and   attaching the second device to the structure adjacent to the first device.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the structure is a truss, beam, wall stud, or rafter. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 attaching a second device to a second structure adjacent to the first structure;   abutting the furring strip to an alignment member of the second device to align the furring strip; and   attaching the furring strip to the second device and the second structure,   wherein the furring strip is substantially perpendicular to the first device and the second device after fastening.   
     
     
         17 . Use of the device of  claim 1  for building construction. 
     
     
         18 . The use of  claim 17 , wherein the building construction comprises drywall installation, roof construction, deck construction, wall construction, floor construction, siding installation or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         19 . A package comprising one or more devices of  claim 1 , optionally with instructions for use thereof.