Modular wall stud brace

Abstract

An apparatus for reinforcing adjacent structural members to each other comprises a ridged member extending between first and second ends and having a length sufficient to extend between two adjacent structural members and a socket at each of the first and second ends of the rigid member. Each socket has a central axis therethrough and is formed of a base panel and first and second side panels. At least one of the sockets is adapted to engage with a socket of an adjacent rigid member so as to interlink successive rigid members across a plurality of structural members wherein the rigid member is connected to the first panels at an end thereof distal to the base panel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of Invention[0002]The present invention relates to structural reinforcement in general and in particular to reinforcing adjacent wall studs to each other.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]In the field of construction, it is often desirable to make a structure as strong as possible. The strength of a building is desirable for the purposes of load bearing ability as well as resistance to outside loads such as earthquakes, wind and other environmental loading.[0005]Building construction typically includes a plurality of elongate members connected each other to form walls, ceilings, floor and the like. In the case of walls, such elongate wall members are often referred to as studs while in ceilings and roofs, they may be referred to as joist.[0006]One difficulty that exists is the tendency of relatively long structural members to lose strength and rigidity as their length increases. This is particularly a difficulty for relatively long sl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an apparatus for strengthening adjacent structural members, such as beams, columns, and frames. It consists of a ridged member and sockets that interlink rigid members across a plurality of structural members. The sockets have base panels and side panels that make contact with structural members to provide stability. The ridged member is inserted between two adjacent structural members and the socket is engaged with the male end of the ridged member using fastener bores. The position of the ridged member is adjusted to ensure stability and strengthening of the structural members. The apparatus provides efficient and effective reinforcing of structural members with minimal impact on the weight or appearance of the structural members.

Problems solved by technology

One difficulty that exists is the tendency of relatively long structural members to lose strength and rigidity as their length increases.

This is particularly a difficulty for relatively long slender members such as wall studs and the like.

Such wall studs may commonly be subject to buckling failure.

Another difficulty that exists with wall studs is that walls formed by conventional wall studs is that such construction techniques may be less resistant to shear loads than they are to compressive loads.

Under such loads, wall studs may be prone to rotate about their end connections to the top and bottom plate.

The resulting deflection of the entire load above such a wall may contribute to an entire building failing or collapsing.

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