Support assembly

Abstract

There is disclosed a support assembly for providing support to a through-hole in a stud wall and configured for installation into a head track of the stud wall, and comprising: a set of engineered timber elements comprising first and second engineered timber columns; and a set of deflection brackets, each deflection bracket comprising: a base wall; a first side wall at a first edge of the base wall and a second side wall at a second edge, the first and second side walls provided so as to form a bracket channel in combination with the base wall; and a connection portion extending orthogonally, or close to orthogonally, away from the base wall, and comprising one or more slotted holes, wherein: each deflection bracket is configured to fit snugly within a width of a head track channel.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support assembly for providing support to a through-hole in a stud wall, and for providing support to a frame to be installed in the through-hole. The present disclosure also relates to a method of providing an opening in a stud wall comprising a head track.Background

[0002] Certain walls of a building structure may be stud walls. For example, a stud wall has a plurality of studs in the form of solid vertical columns comprising wood or metal. Either side of the studs may be wall panels which define the faces of said wall. In some examples, it may be desired to create a through-hole in a stud wall, for example, for a doorway, glazed screen, or builder's work hole (i.e., for service penetration). Such structures are typically provided with a frame which is installed in the through-hole to support said structure. However, if a through-hole is made in the stud wall that requires a frame, the boundaries of the through-hole may not line up with the position of the studs. In this case, the studs are not present at the vertical boundaries of the through-hole for a frame to be fixed to the studs. For example, this may be the case due to the desired position of the through-hole and / or the desired dimensions of the through-hole.

[0003] It is also to be considered that certain frames are configured to support an associated unit. For example, the frame may be configured to support a door, a glazed screen or services penetrations. The frame and the associated unit may have significant weight and may require a relatively large amount of structural support. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that manufacturers of stud walls may specify particular structures and methods for creating through-holes. However, such stud wall manufacturer specified structures and methods may be misaligned with the requirements of a particular frames and associated unit from another manufacturer.

[0004] The present disclosure seeks to provide solutions to at least some of these problems, among other advantages, as will become apparent from the following description.Summary

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a support assembly for providing support to a through-hole in a stud wall and for providing support to a frame to be installed in the through-hole, the support assembly being configured for installation into a head track of the stud wall and comprising: a set of engineered timber elements comprising a first engineered timber column and a second engineered timber column, both configured to extend from a base of the stud wall to the head track of the stud wall; and a set of deflection brackets, each deflection bracket comprising: a base wall; a first side wall provided at a first edge of the base wall and a second side wall provided at a second edge of the base wall opposite to the first edge, the first and second side walls provided so as to form a bracket channel in combination with the base wall; and a connection portion extending orthogonally, or close to orthogonally, away from the base wall, and comprising one or more slotted holes, wherein: each deflection bracket, from the first side wall to the second side wall, is configured to fit snugly within a width of a head track channel of the head track, the width being the smaller of the internal spatial dimensions of the head track channel parallel, or close to parallel, to the base wall when in use.

[0006] Advantageously, there is provided a support assembly which provides engineered timber elements, which can be deployed onto a through-hole in a stud wall, and to which frames can be fixed. For example, engineered timber is a strong structure which may support relatively heavy frames and associated units. The connection portion of the deflection brackets allow engineered timber columns to be connected to the head track in a way so that, by virtue of the slotted holes, relative movement between the deflection brackets and the engineered timber columns is allowed. In this way, when connected to the head track using the deflection brackets, the first and second engineered timber columns can be installed in a way so as to allow movement of the soffit above (to which the head track is fixed) when loads are placed on the floor above, for example. In this manner, the through-hole need not align its boundaries exactly with studs of the wall. Instead of having to use the wall stud to install a frame, the first and second engineered timber columns are used to install the frame, which first and second engineered timber columns can be positioned anywhere in the stud wall. This provides not only a very strong way of installing frames, but also great flexibility in the position and the size of the through-hole.

[0007] Optionally, the connection portion comprises one or more circular holes in addition to the one or more slotted through-holes.

[0008] Advantageously, the provision of circular holes in addition to the slotted holes means that the connection portion could also be fixed to an article, rather than being slidably connected. For example, the same deflection bracket may be used to fix the first and second engineered timber columns at the base of the stud wall. In this way, by providing both kinds of holes in the connection portion, the uses of the deflection brackets are expanded from slidable connection to also include fixed connection.

[0009] Optionally, each deflection bracket is configured such that the base wall abuts an internal base surface of the head track channel, the internal base surface being parallel, or close to parallel, to the width of the head track channel.

[0010] Advantageously, not only can the deflection bracket be fixed to the head track via the side walls, it can also optionally be fixed to the head track (and to an above lying structure) via the base wall which can sit flush to the uppermost part of the head track channel. For example, the deflection bracket may be fixed via both the side walls and the base wall to provide enhanced strength, e.g., for relatively heavy door frames and the like.

[0011] Optionally, the one or more slotted holes comprise two slotted holes spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel, or close to parallel, to the width of the head track channel, when the respective deflection bracket is fitted, from the first side wall to the second side wall, within the width of the head track channel.

[0012] Advantageously, the two slotted holes spaced apart from one another provide for improved stability against twisting and the like when the first and second engineered timer columns are subject to torsional forces, for example.

[0013] Optionally the set of engineered timber elements comprises an engineered timber beam configured to extend between the first and second engineered timber columns in orthogonal, or close to orthogonal relation.

[0014] Advantageously, there may be provided an engineered timber beam which can form a horizontal part of the support assembly to which a frame for a door, glazed screen, service hole, etc. may be attached, for example. The engineered timber beam may be positioned at any height, depending upon the size of the desired through-hole.

[0015] Optionally, the support assembly comprises a set of angled cleats, each angled cleat configured to fix one of the first and second engineered timber column to an article in orthogonal relation, or close to orthogonal relation to said one of the first and second engineered timber columns.

[0016] Advantageously, the angled cleats provide a robust way of connecting the engineered timber elements. For example, the angled cleats provide a robust way of connecting the engineered timber beams and columns in perpendicular relation.

[0017] Optionally, the support assembly comprises a set of chock elements, each chock elements configured to be installed at the base of the stud wall, and configured to be fixed to one of the first and second engineered timber columns.

[0018] Advantageously, the chock elements can be used to provide a robust connection of the first and second engineered timber columns at the base. In some examples, where there is also a bottom track, the chock elements may be robustly fixed inside of the bottom track channel and thus allow fixation of the first and second engineered timber columns to said bottom track.

[0019] Optionally, the set of engineered timber elements fit between a first face panel and a second face panel of the stud wall, wherein the first and second face panels define respective faces of the stud wall.

[0020] Advantageously, the engineered timber elements can be hidden within the space between the face panels of the wall. Just as the wall studs are covered, so too may the engineered timber elements be covered up. In this way, the support assembly can be seamlessly integrated into the stud wall structure, while at the same time, there is provided very strong support for a frame.

[0021] Optionally, the first and second engineered timber columns are configured to moveably fit within the width of the channel of the head track.

[0022] Advantageously, the first and second engineered timber columns can be seated / received inside of the channel of the head track so that movement (e.g., lateral movement and / or twisting) is inhibited. In this way, it is not only the deflection bracket that is relied upon to keep the beams in the desired position.

[0023] Optionally, the set of engineered timber elements comprise glued laminated timber, or laminated veneer lumber.

[0024] Advantageously, there is used a type of engineered timber suitable for construction applications and strong so as to be able to support heavy frames.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of providing an opening in a stud wall comprising a head track, the opening being for installation of a frame, the method comprising deploying a support assembly configured for installation into the head track, the support assembly comprising: a set of engineered timber elements comprising a first engineered timber column and a second engineered timber column, both configured to extend from a base of the stud wall to the head track of the stud wall; and a set of deflection brackets, each deflection bracket comprising: a base wall; a first side wall provided at a first edge of the base wall and a second side wall provided at a second edge of the base wall opposite to the first edge, the first and second side walls provided so as to form a bracket channel in combination with the base wall; and a connection portion extending orthogonally, or close to orthogonally, away from the base wall, and comprising one or more slotted holes, wherein: each deflection bracket, from the first side wall to the second side wall, is configured to fit snugly within a width of a head track channel of the head track, the width being the smaller of the internal spatial dimensions of the head track channel parallel, or close to parallel, to the base wall.

[0026] Advantageously, there is provided a method of deploying the support assembly to thereby realise the above-described advantages, at least.

[0027] Optionally, the method comprises erecting the first engineered timber column and the second engineered timber column respectively at first and second vertically oriented boundaries of a through-hole formed in the stud wall such that: the first engineered timber column is at least partly positioned between a first face and a second face of the stud wall immediately adjacent the through-hole; and the second engineered timber column is at least partly positioned between the first face and the second face of the stud wall immediately adjacent the through-hole.

[0028] Optionally, erecting the first and second engineered timber columns comprises: slidably connecting the first engineered timber column to a first deflection bracket of the set of deflection brackets, using the respective one or more slotted holes, wherein the first deflection bracket is fixed to the head track; and slidably connecting, the second engineered timber column to a second deflection bracket of the set of deflection brackets, using the respective one or more slotted holes, wherein the second deflection bracket is fixed to the head track.

[0029] Optionally, the method comprises securing a frame to the erected first and second engineered timber columns.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a first simplified schematic sketch of a support assembly, according to examples; Figure 2 is a simplified schematic perspective view of a deflection bracket, according to examples; Figure 3 is a simplified schematic cross-sectional view of a head track of a stud wall, according to examples; Figure 4 is a second simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly, according to examples; Figure 5 is a third simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly, according to examples; Figure 6 is a fourth simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly, according to examples; and Figure 7 is a fifth simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly, according to examples. Detailed Description

[0031] In examples according to this disclosure, there is a provided a support assembly for providing support to a through-hole in a stud wall, and for providing support to a frame to be installed in the through-hole, the support assembly being configured for installation into a head track of the stud wall. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the head track of a stud wall (for example, a partition wall inside a building structure) provides a channel in which studs of the stud wall are received.

[0032] It will be appreciated that the head track is fixed to the underside of a floor (hereafter referred to as an upper floor for simplicity - because it is above the building structure level with the stud wall being referred to) above the space where the stud wall is deployed. For example, the upper floor may bare the weight of structures above it and may be deflected downwards. For example, the upper floor may be usable space where furniture is placed, and people move about, for example.

[0033] To allow for the vertical displacement of the upper floor, the head track fixed to the underside (in other words, fixed to the soffit) of the upper floor may connect to the stud in a movable manner. For example, the head track may be allowed to move downwards, while the stud remain stationary without the studs obstructing said vertical movement, but also remaining connected and supported by the head track.

[0034] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic sketch of a support assembly 100, according to examples. Examples of the support assembly 100 comprise a set 102 of engineered timber elements comprising a first engineered timber column 104 and a second engineered timber column 106, both configured to extend from a base 108 of the stud wall 110 to the head track 112 of the stud wall 110. The base 108 of the stud wall may be taken to be any structure which supports the stud wall 110 at its bottom. For example, the base 108 may comprise a bottom track, or some other structure provided as part of the stud wall assembly. In some examples, the base 108 may simply be considered to be the floor of the space of the building structure where the stud wall 110 is deployed. In some examples, a section of the floor exposed when the through-hole for the doorway, for example, is made may also be considered as part of the base 108, as referred to herein.

[0035] There may be various kinds of structures provided at the base 108 of the stud wall 110, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In the examples of Figure 1, a very simple depiction of the base 108 is provided. It should also be noted that panels which would form the faces of the stud wall 110 are not shown in Figure 1. Elements which are behind a portion of the head track 112 are shown in dashed line in Figure 1.

[0036] For example, the first and second engineered timer columns 104, 106 span most of the vertical extent of the stud wall 110. Therefore, the first and second engineered timber columns 104, 106 are supported by those same structures of the stud wall 110 which support studs (not shown in Figure 1) of the stud wall 110. In this way, the first and second engineered timber (hereafter shortened to ET for brevity) columns 104, 106 are support by support structures already present in the stud wall 110, and do not need to be supported by the studs or require additional support structures to be added.

[0037] The first and second ET columns 104, 106 are configured to extend from the base 108 to the head track 112 by virtue of their shape and dimensions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that "engineered timber" has a particular meaning in the art. Differently to e.g., a solid / natural wood articles, an article made of engineered wood (or timber, as referred to herein) comprises wood elements with additives, such as adhesive, for example. In this way, an ET article is "engineered". ET columns and beams (where included) may provide relatively strong structural support and may allow relatively heavy frames and associated units to be securely fixed to them. In some examples, the set 102 of ET elementscomprise glued laminated timber, or laminated veneer lumber.

[0038] In examples, the support assembly 100 also comprises a set of deflection brackets 200. Figure 2 is a simplified schematic perspective view of a deflection bracket 200, according to examples. The deflection bracket 200 comprises a base wall 202. The deflection bracket 200 also comprises a first side wall 204 provided at a first edge 202a of the base wall 202, and a second side wall 206 provided at a second edge 202b of the base wall 202, the second edge 202b being an edge opposite to the first edge 202a. As referred to herein, the side walls being at the edge of the base wall 202 means that the side walls connect to said edges. However, this does not exclude that the side walls 204, 206 may be in contact with portions of the base wall 202 other than the edges of the base wall 202 (for example, due to the thickness of the first and second side walls 204, 206, and the like). In other words, the base wall 202 does not jut out past the first and second side walls 204, 206, for example.

[0039] The first and second side walls 204, 206 are provided so as to form a bracket channel 208 in combination with the base wall 202. In other words, the base wall 202, the first side wall 204 and the second side wall 206 together form the bracket channel 208. In some examples, the base wall 202, the first side wall 204 and the second side wall 206 form a C-channel, a U-channel, or the like, as put simply.

[0040] In this example, the deflection bracket 200 also comprises a connection portion 210 extending orthogonally, or close to orthogonally, away from the base wall 202. For the purpose of clarity, it should be noted that the connection portion 210 is the part of the deflection bracket 200 further in the direction into the page and the base wall 202, for example, extends generally in the direction out of the page. In these examples, the first side wall 204, the second side wall 206 and the connection portion 210 all extend away from the base wall 202 in the same / similar direction. The base wall 202 may also be referred to as the web 202 of the bracket channel 208. For example, as referred to herein, orthogonality is within acceptable tolerances given the function to be performed by the deflection bracket 200, as described herein. For example, the connection portion 210 may be close to orthogonal to the base wall 202, where "close" is within a tolerance which allows for the intended functioning of the connection portion 210, which relates to a slidable connection to the vertically oriented columns of the set 102 of ET elements, which connect to the head track 112.

[0041] The connection portion 210 comprises one or more slotted holes 212. In some examples, there is one slotted hole 212. In other examples, there may be two or more slotted holes 212.

[0042] In examples, the deflection bracket 200 is configured to fit snugly, from the first side wall 204 to the second side wall 206, within a width of a head track channel (further described below). For example, the spatial dimension from the outside of the first side wall 204 to the outside of the second side wall 206 is small enough to fit inside of said width of the head track channel. However, the spatial dimension from the outside of the first side wall 204 to the outside of the second side wall 206 is also big enough such that the fit is snug. The width of the head track channel referred to is the smaller of the internal spatial dimensions of the head track channel parallel, or close to parallel, to the base wall 202 when in use.

[0043] Figure 3 is a simplified schematic cross-sectional view of the head track 112. In these examples, the head track 112 defines a simple head track channel 300 with a head track web 302, a first head track flange 304 and a second head track flange 306. In these examples, the above-referenced width of the head track channel 300 is the width 308 of the head track channel, perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the head track channel 300. For example, in use, the base wall 202 of the deflection bracket 200 is intended to be oriented parallel to the head track web 302 and the first and second side walls 204, 206 are intended to be oriented parallel to the first and second head track flanges 304, 306.

[0044] As described above, the spatial dimension from the outside of the first side wall 204 to the outside of the second side wall 206 is also big enough such that the fit is snug. For example, said spatial dimension is large enough such that there is physical contact between the first and second side walls 204, 206 and the first and second head track flanges 304, 306. However, the physical contact may not create such friction so as to inappropriately impede installation of the deflection bracket 200 inside of the head track channel 300.

[0045] For example, when a through-hole in the stud wall 110 is created, the support assembly 100 may be deployed. Advantageously, a frame such as a doorframe may be fixed to the first and second ET columns 104, 106. Therefore, there is provided a strong structure which may support the frame and the associated unit. The described support assembly 100 provides significant structural strength so that even relatively heavy frames and associated units may be installed, for example, door frames and doors which are typically considered too heavy to be installed in a stud partition wall. These advantages can be realised irrespective of the spacing between wall studs because the wall studs are not relied upon for fixation of structures associated with the frame.

[0046] For example, the deflection bracket 200 may comprise a metal such as steel. For examples, the steel used may be galvanised steel, stainless steel, mild steel, and the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that galvanised steel may provide corrosion protection while being cheaper than other forms of corrosion resistant steel such as stainless steel. Advantageously, steel can be formed into channels and the like, and holes can be formed in a steel article.

[0047] As described above, the connection portion 210 comprises one or more slotted holes 212. By virtue of being elongate, as shown in Figure 2 for example, the one or more slotted holes 212 allow a fixing to move relative to the connection portion 210 and therefore the deflection bracket 200. The connection portion 210 is to be connected to the first and second ET columns 104, 106. For example, the one or more slotted holes 212 are oriented such that the connection portion 210 is configured to slidably connect to one of the first and second engineered timber columns 104, 106. Therefore, the one or more slotted holes 212 provide that the first and second ET columns (as the case may be) 104, 106 can be slidably connected to the deflection bracket 200. In this manner, when the bracket channel 208 is fixed fast to the head track 112, the slidable connection provides for substantially vertical movement of the deflection bracket 200 relative to the said one of the first and second engineered timber columns 104, 106. It should be noted that in the examples of Figure 1, the set of deflection brackets comprises two deflection brackets 200. In these examples, there is one of the deflection brackets 200 used to slidably connect each of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 to the head track 112.

[0048] The connection portion 210 of the deflection brackets 200 allow the engineered timber columns 104, 106 to be connected to the head track 112 in a way so that, by virtue of the slotted holes 212, relative movement between the deflection brackets 200 and the first and second engineered timber columns 104, 106 is allowed. In this way, when connected to the head track 112 using the deflection brackets 200, the first and second engineered timber columns 104, 106 are installed in a way so as to allow movement of the structure (i.e., the soffit) above (to which the head track 112 is fixed) when loads are placed on the floor above, for example. For example, when in use, the one or more slotted holes 212 have their longitudinal axes (along which they are elongate) aligned in the direction of the vertical displacement of the soffit described above.

[0049] An advantage of the described snug fit of the deflection bracket 200 within the head track chamber 300 is that lateral movement of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 is inhibited, and twisting motions due to torsional forces may also be inhibited. For example, the first and second side walls 204, 206 are fixed to the first and second head track flanges 304, 306. For example, the first and second side walls 204, 206 may be screwed into the first and second head track flanges 304, 306. In some examples, self-tapping screws may be used. In some examples, the first and second side walls 204, 206 may be provided with holes (not shown) to receive fixings such as screws and / or bolts. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various ways of fixing surfaces together in the context of stud walls and the like.

[0050] As described above, the support assembly 100 comprises a set of deflection brackets 200. In some examples, the set may comprise at least two deflection brackets 200 (as described), one for connecting each of the first and second ET columns 104, 106. As referred to herein, features described in relation to the deflection bracket 200 (singular) may apply to each of the set of deflection brackets 200 provided as part of the support assembly 100.

[0051] In some examples, the deflection bracket 200 is configured such that the base wall 202 abuts an internal base surface of the head track channel 300, the internal base surface being parallel, or close to parallel, to the width 308 of the head track channel 300. For example, the internal base surface is the surface 310 indicated in Figure 3, which is the inner surface of the head track web 302. For example, the deflection bracket 200 may be so configured by having dimensions and arrangement of the one or more slotted holes 212 so that the base wall 202 abuts the internal base surface 310, while at the same time, the slidable connection between the connection portion 210 and the relevant ET column allows for the desired amount of vertical deflection.

[0052] In the examples of Figure 1, the first and second ET columns 104, 106 are configured to moveably fit within the width 308 of the head track channel 300. However, in other examples, the deflection bracket 200 may be dimensioned and configured such that the first and second ET columns 104, 106 need not fit inside of the head track channel 300. However, the configuration of the examples of Figure 1 may be advantageous to guard against lateral movement, twisting, and the like of the ET columns 104, 106.

[0053] For example, the bottom most part of the one or more slotted holes 212 may be positioned relative to the internal base surface 310 such that there is provided the maximum intended distance between the top-most part of the relevant ET column and the internal base surface 310. In addition, in this case, the top-most part of the one or more slotted holes 212 is positioned such the maximum expected deflection downwards of the deflection bracket 200 is accommodated by the fixings sliding in the one or more slotted holes 212. As a mere example, the connection portion 210 may be made bigger in the direction perpendicular to the base wall 202 to allow for the described abutment, as compared to a case in which there is a gap between the base wall 202 and the internal base surface 310.

[0054] Advantageously, the abutment of the base wall 202 and the internal base surface 310 also provides that the base wall 202 of the deflection bracket 200 may be fixed to the head track web 302, and optionally also to the soffit. In some examples, fixation of the base wall 202 to the soffit may be desired for additional structural robustness. In some examples, both the side walls 204, 206 and the base wall 202 may be fixed to the head track 112. The base wall 202 may be fixed in a similar or different manner to how the side walls 204, 206 may be fixed, as previously described (e.g., using screws, self-tapping screws, receiving fixing through pre-made holes, etc.). Accordingly, the described shape of the deflection bracket 200 provides many options for fixing the deflection bracket 200 to the head track 112. A selection from these options may be made according to accessibility and / or the desired amount of structural robustness. It will be appreciated that accessibility in this context means which parts of components a construction engineer performing the installation can physically access in order to deploy the relevant fixing method.

[0055] In some examples, such as the examples depicted in Figure 2, the one or more slotted holes 212 comprise two slotted holes spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel, or close to parallel, to the width 308 of the head track channel 300, when the deflection bracket 200 is fitted, from the first side wall 204 to the second side wall 206, within the width 308. Accordingly, there may be provided two parallel slots 212 for slidable connection. Advantageously, two slots, as opposed to just one slot, may improve resistance to twisting due to torsional forces, for example.

[0056] In the above description, there are described examples in which the set 102 of ET elements comprises the first and second ET columns 104, 106. In some examples, the set 102 of ET comprises an engineered timber beam configured to extend between the first and second ET columns 104, 106 in orthogonal, or close to orthogonal relation. In some examples, there may be provided more than one engineered timber beam configured to extend between the first and second ET columns 104, 106 in orthogonal, or close to orthogonal relation.

[0057] For example, the desired frame intended for installation into the support assembly 100 may not reach all the way up to the head track 112. In such examples, the ET beam may be positioned for installation of the top-most part of said frame and to provide support to the top-most part of the frame. It will be appreciated that some frame arrangements (such as door frames, for example) have three sides - two vertical side and one horizontally oriented side at the top. In some examples (not shown), there may be desired through-holes with two sections, i.e., for a frame arrangement configured to provide two opening, one above the other. Such an arrangement may be constructed and supported by the first and second ET columns 104, 106 and a first and a second ET beams which are in horizontal relation to the ET columns. In some examples, there may be a through-hole which is positioned away from the base 108 and the head track 112. For example, said through-hole may be away from a boundary of the stud wall 110. In this case, the through-hole may have four sides. In such examples, the first and second columns 104, 106 may positioned at the vertically oriented boundaries of the through-hole, and there may be two ET beams positioned at the horizontally oriented boundaries of the through-hole. For example, this may be the case where the through-hole is for a glazed screen, a window, a service / builder's work hole and the like. When four ET elements such as the first and second ET columns 104, 106 are deployed together with a first and a second ET beams in horizontal relation, it may be for a four sided frame to be installed therein.

[0058] Figure 4 is a second simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly 100, according to examples. The examples of Figure 4 are more specific examples of the support assembly 100 shown in Figure 1. The examples of Figure 4 additionally include the first ET beam 400. In these examples, a few of the studs 402 of the stud wall 110 are also shown. For example, it may be the case that a through-hole is larger in width than the inter-stud spacing. Figure 7 is a fifth simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly 100, according to examples. In these examples, there is also provided a second ET beam 700. In these examples, therefore, there is provided an engineered timber element on all four sides of the rectangular through-hole.

[0059] In these examples, there is created a through-hole which does not reach all the way up to the head track 112. There is a wall stud 402 which is in the way of the desired doorway position and has been cut, for example. The first and second ET columns 104, 106 and the first ET beam 400 outline where the frame may be installed. For example, the vertical sides of the frame may be fixed to the first and second ET columns 104, 106, and the top of the frame may be fixed to the first ET beam 400.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the many ways in which an orthogonal joint between engineered timber elements may be secured. For example, various fixings such as nails, screws, and the like, may be used to secure the first and second ET columns 104, 106 to the horizontally oriented first ET beam 400. However, in some examples, there is provided a set of angled cleats, each angled cleat configured to fix one of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 to an article (e.g., the first ET beam 400) in orthogonal relation, or close to orthogonal relation, to said one of the first and second ET columns 104, 106.

[0061] In the examples of Figure 4, there are provided angled cleats 404. In these examples, there is a pair of angled cleats 404 used to fix the first ET beam 400 to the first and second ET columns 104, 106. For example, the angled cleats 404 may be metal pieces with two planar sections at right angle to one another. The angled cleats 404 may be fixed to the ET elements using fixings such as screw, bolts, and the like. In some examples, the angled cleats 404 may have holes for receiving fixings.

[0062] Figure 4 illustrates certain examples of arrangements which involve the first ET beam 400. However, various other examples are possible. For example, Figure 5 is a third simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly 100, according to examples. In these examples, the first ET beam 400 is positioned towards the bottom of the assembly 100, in other words at the base 108. For simplicity, the wall studs 402 are not shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the first ET beam 400 is fixed to the first and second ET columns 104, 106. For example, see also Figure 7.

[0063] In the examples of Figure 5, there is provided a pair of angled cleats 404 as also shown in Figure 4. The pair of angled cleats 404 in Figure 5 are smaller than a second pair of angled cleats 502. In these examples, the first ET beam 400 aligns with the bottom ends of the first and second ET columns 104, 106. The larger angled cleats 502 are used to connect (indirectly, by means of the larger angled cleats 502) sides of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 which are opposite to the sides at which there is contact with the first ET beam 400. On the other hand, the first pair of angled cleats 404 are used in the same manner as in the examples of Figure 4. It should be noted that these are merely examples, and various configurations of angled cleats may be used.

[0064] In some examples, the angled cleats 404 may be used to fix the first and second ET columns 104, 106 to the base 108 (e.g., the floor directly, or to some structure of the stud wall assembly). In these examples, the angled cleats 404 and the large angled cleats 502 are fixed to the inside of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 such that the interior angle of the cleat faces the through-hole. However, the angled cleats may be fixed in other ways. For example, the angled cleats may be fixed to the outside of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 such that the interior angle of the cleat faces away from the through-hole. In these examples, the angled cleat may be fixed to the first or second ET column 104, 106 and the base 108. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various arrangements of both the described cleats and the deflection brackets are possible. For example, the deflection brackets could be slidably connected to the opposite respective sides of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 to that shown in Figure 1.

[0065] Referring again to Figure 2, in some examples, the connection portion 210 of the bracket 200 comprises one or more circular holes 214 in addition to the one or more slotted through-holes 212. For example, whereas the slotted holes 212 are for a slidable connection, the circular holes 214 may be used to make a fixed connection. For example, by virtue of the circular holes 214, the deflection bracket 200 may be used to fix the bottom ends of the first and second ET beams 104, 106 to the base 108. In the examples of Figure 6, there is shown a deflection bracket 200 with which the first ET column 104 is fixed to the base 108. Various arrangements may be provided in which one or more of the set of deflection brackets 200 are used to create fixed connections.

[0066] The set 102 of ET elements is not limited to only two ET columns 104, 106 which extend from the base 108 to the head track 112. The set 102 of the ET may comprise one or more additional ET columns which extend from the base 108 to the head track 112 and connect to the head track 112 using one of the deflection brackets 200, as described. The variations depend on the particular frame and / or associated unit combination to be installed. In some examples, the support assembly 100 described herein may be used for windows and window frames, door frames and doors, a glazed screen, a builder's work hole for services.

[0067] In some examples, the set 102 may comprise ET intended to be oriented vertically which extend from the base 108 but do not extend all the way to the head track 112. Figure 6 is a fourth simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly 100, according to examples. In these examples, the set 102 of ET comprises a third ET column 600 which extends upwardly from the base 108 and meets the first ET beam 400 to create two doorway spaces between the first and second ET columns 104, 106. In these examples, the first ET beam 400, and third ET column 600 are fixed to one another using an angled cleat 404.

[0068] In some examples, the support assembly 100 comprises a set of chock elements, each chock elements configured to be installed at the base 108 of the stud wall 110, and configured to be fixed to one of the first and second ET columns 104, 106. However, the chock elements may also be used for connections elsewhere. For example, the chocks may be cuboidal pieces of solid wood or engineering timber. In the examples of Figure 6, there is a chock element 602 which is used to fix the second ET column 106 to the base 108. For example, the chock element 602 is fixed to the base 108 and fixed to the second ET column 106 using one of the angled cleats 404. In other examples (not shown) the ET column 106 may be fixed directly to the chock element 602, and the angled cleats may be used optionally.

[0069] For example, the chock element 602 may be fixed to the floor acting as the base 108, or a structural component of the stud wall assembly which acts as the base 108. For example, the base 108 may comprises a bottom track of a similar shape to that shown in Figure 3 for example. The chock element 602 may be dimensioned to be received in the channel of the bottom track, and in this way, allow for fixation to the base 108.

[0070] It will be appreciated that the opposing faces of the stud wall 110 may be formed by wall panels which are installed to cover the wall studs 402, and other structures intended to be hidden within the finished stud wall 110 such as the head track 112. In some examples, the set 102 of engineered timber elements fits between a first face panel and a second face panel of the stud wall 110, wherein the first and second face panels define respective faces of the stud wall 110. For example, when a through-hole is cut into the stud wall 110, the ET elements may fit between the first and second face panel at regions which are at the boundaries of said through-hole. In this manner, the support assembly 100 may be hidden from view once the frame has been installed.

[0071] In some examples, there is provided a method of providing a through-hole in a stud wall comprising a head track, the through-hole being for installation of a frame. The method may comprise deploying a support assembly 100 according to any of the examples described herein. For example, starting from a stud wall, such as the described stud wall 110, a through-hole (for example, suitable for a doorway, window, glazed screen or builder's work opening, as the case may be) may be cut into the stud wall 110. For example, then, the support assembly 100 may be deployed into the through-hole. In some examples, certain of the face panels which would normally cover up the studs 402 may be removed to allow for the installation of the support assembly 100.

[0072] In some examples, the method comprises erecting the first ET column 104 at a first vertically oriented boundary of the through-hole, and erecting the second ET column 106 at a second vertically oriented boundary of the through-hole. For example, the erecting may be performed such that the first ET column 104 at least partly positioned between a first face and a second face of the stud wall 110 immediately adjacent the through-hole. For example, in this case, the ET elements are configured (by means of being appropriately dimensioned) to fit between the face panels of the wall. For example, the erecting may also be performed such that the second ET column 106 is also at least partly positioned between the first face and the second face of the stud wall 110 immediately adjacent the through-hole.

[0073] In some examples of the method, erecting the first and second ET columns 104, 106 comprises slidably connecting the first ET column 104 to a first one of the deflection brackets 200 (which form the described set of deflection brackets), using the respective one or more slotted holes 212. For example, as part of the installation, the first deflection bracket 200 is also fixed to the head track 112. For example, the second ET column 106 may also be connected in the same manner using a second deflection bracket 200 of the set.

[0074] For example, the method may also comprise securing a frame to the erected first and second ET columns 104, 106. Thus, the advantages of the disclosed structures and features may be realised.

[0075] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0077] In the above description, various specific examples are described. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing example(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0031]In examples according to this disclosure, there is a provided a support assembly for providing support to a through-hole in a stud wall, and for providing support to a frame to be installed in the through-hole, the support assembly being configured for installation into a head track of the stud wall. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the head track of a stud wall (for example, a partition wall inside a building structure) provides a channel in which studs of the stud wall are received.

[0032]It will be appreciated that the head track is fixed to the underside of a floor (hereafter referred to as an upper floor for simplicity - because it is above the building structure level with the stud wall being referred to) above the space where the stud wall is deployed. For example, the upper floor may bare the weight of structures above it and may be deflected downwards. For example, the upper floor may be usable space where furniture is placed, and people move about, for ex...

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support assembly for providing support to a through-hole in a stud wall, and for providing support to a frame to be installed in the through-hole. The present disclosure also relates to a method of providing an opening in a stud wall comprising a head track.Background

[0002] Certain walls of a building structure may be stud walls. For example, a stud wall has a plurality of studs in the form of solid vertical columns comprising wood or metal. Either side of the studs may be wall panels which define the faces of said wall. In some examples, it may be desired to create a through-hole in a stud wall, for example, for a doorway, glazed screen, or builder's work hole (i.e., for service penetration). Such structures are typically provided with a frame which is installed in the through-hole to support said structure. However, if a through-hole is made in the stud wall that requires a frame, the boundaries of the through-hole may not line up with the position of the studs. In this case, the studs are not present at the vertical boundaries of the through-hole for a frame to be fixed to the studs. For example, this may be the case due to the desired position of the through-hole and / or the desired dimensions of the through-hole.

[0003] It is also to be considered that certain frames are configured to support an associated unit. For example, the frame may be configured to support a door, a glazed screen or services penetrations. The frame and the associated unit may have significant weight and may require a relatively large amount of structural support. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that manufacturers of stud walls may specify particular structures and methods for creating through-holes. However, such stud wall manufacturer specified structures and methods may be misaligned with the requirements of a particular frames and associated unit from another manufacturer.

[0004] The present disclosure seeks to provide solutions to at least some of these problems, among other advantages, as will become apparent from the following description.Summary

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a support assembly for providing support to a through-hole in a stud wall and for providing support to a frame to be installed in the through-hole, the support assembly being configured for installation into a head track of the stud wall and comprising: a set of engineered timber elements comprising a first engineered timber column and a second engineered timber column, both configured to extend from a base of the stud wall to the head track of the stud wall; and a set of deflection brackets, each deflection bracket comprising: a base wall; a first side wall provided at a first edge of the base wall and a second side wall provided at a second edge of the base wall opposite to the first edge, the first and second side walls provided so as to form a bracket channel in combination with the base wall; and a connection portion extending orthogonally, or close to orthogonally, away from the base wall, and comprising one or more slotted holes, wherein: each deflection bracket, from the first side wall to the second side wall, is configured to fit snugly within a width of a head track channel of the head track, the width being the smaller of the internal spatial dimensions of the head track channel parallel, or close to parallel, to the base wall when in use.

[0006] Advantageously, there is provided a support assembly which provides engineered timber elements, which can be deployed onto a through-hole in a stud wall, and to which frames can be fixed. For example, engineered timber is a strong structure which may support relatively heavy frames and associated units. The connection portion of the deflection brackets allow engineered timber columns to be connected to the head track in a way so that, by virtue of the slotted holes, relative movement between the deflection brackets and the engineered timber columns is allowed. In this way, when connected to the head track using the deflection brackets, the first and second engineered timber columns can be installed in a way so as to allow movement of the soffit above (to which the head track is fixed) when loads are placed on the floor above, for example. In this manner, the through-hole need not align its boundaries exactly with studs of the wall. Instead of having to use the wall stud to install a frame, the first and second engineered timber columns are used to install the frame, which first and second engineered timber columns can be positioned anywhere in the stud wall. This provides not only a very strong way of installing frames, but also great flexibility in the position and the size of the through-hole.

[0007] Optionally, the connection portion comprises one or more circular holes in addition to the one or more slotted through-holes.

[0008] Advantageously, the provision of circular holes in addition to the slotted holes means that the connection portion could also be fixed to an article, rather than being slidably connected. For example, the same deflection bracket may be used to fix the first and second engineered timber columns at the base of the stud wall. In this way, by providing both kinds of holes in the connection portion, the uses of the deflection brackets are expanded from slidable connection to also include fixed connection.

[0009] Optionally, each deflection bracket is configured such that the base wall abuts an internal base surface of the head track channel, the internal base surface being parallel, or close to parallel, to the width of the head track channel.

[0010] Advantageously, not only can the deflection bracket be fixed to the head track via the side walls, it can also optionally be fixed to the head track (and to an above lying structure) via the base wall which can sit flush to the uppermost part of the head track channel. For example, the deflection bracket may be fixed via both the side walls and the base wall to provide enhanced strength, e.g., for relatively heavy door frames and the like.

[0011] Optionally, the one or more slotted holes comprise two slotted holes spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel, or close to parallel, to the width of the head track channel, when the respective deflection bracket is fitted, from the first side wall to the second side wall, within the width of the head track channel.

[0012] Advantageously, the two slotted holes spaced apart from one another provide for improved stability against twisting and the like when the first and second engineered timer columns are subject to torsional forces, for example.

[0013] Optionally the set of engineered timber elements comprises an engineered timber beam configured to extend between the first and second engineered timber columns in orthogonal, or close to orthogonal relation.

[0014] Advantageously, there may be provided an engineered timber beam which can form a horizontal part of the support assembly to which a frame for a door, glazed screen, service hole, etc. may be attached, for example. The engineered timber beam may be positioned at any height, depending upon the size of the desired through-hole.

[0015] Optionally, the support assembly comprises a set of angled cleats, each angled cleat configured to fix one of the first and second engineered timber column to an article in orthogonal relation, or close to orthogonal relation to said one of the first and second engineered timber columns.

[0016] Advantageously, the angled cleats provide a robust way of connecting the engineered timber elements. For example, the angled cleats provide a robust way of connecting the engineered timber beams and columns in perpendicular relation.

[0017] Optionally, the support assembly comprises a set of chock elements, each chock elements configured to be installed at the base of the stud wall, and configured to be fixed to one of the first and second engineered timber columns.

[0018] Advantageously, the chock elements can be used to provide a robust connection of the first and second engineered timber columns at the base. In some examples, where there is also a bottom track, the chock elements may be robustly fixed inside of the bottom track channel and thus allow fixation of the first and second engineered timber columns to said bottom track.

[0019] Optionally, the set of engineered timber elements fit between a first face panel and a second face panel of the stud wall, wherein the first and second face panels define respective faces of the stud wall.

[0020] Advantageously, the engineered timber elements can be hidden within the space between the face panels of the wall. Just as the wall studs are covered, so too may the engineered timber elements be covered up. In this way, the support assembly can be seamlessly integrated into the stud wall structure, while at the same time, there is provided very strong support for a frame.

[0021] Optionally, the first and second engineered timber columns are configured to moveably fit within the width of the channel of the head track.

[0022] Advantageously, the first and second engineered timber columns can be seated / received inside of the channel of the head track so that movement (e.g., lateral movement and / or twisting) is inhibited. In this way, it is not only the deflection bracket that is relied upon to keep the beams in the desired position.

[0023] Optionally, the set of engineered timber elements comprise glued laminated timber, or laminated veneer lumber.

[0024] Advantageously, there is used a type of engineered timber suitable for construction applications and strong so as to be able to support heavy frames.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of providing an opening in a stud wall comprising a head track, the opening being for installation of a frame, the method comprising deploying a support assembly configured for installation into the head track, the support assembly comprising: a set of engineered timber elements comprising a first engineered timber column and a second engineered timber column, both configured to extend from a base of the stud wall to the head track of the stud wall; and a set of deflection brackets, each deflection bracket comprising: a base wall; a first side wall provided at a first edge of the base wall and a second side wall provided at a second edge of the base wall opposite to the first edge, the first and second side walls provided so as to form a bracket channel in combination with the base wall; and a connection portion extending orthogonally, or close to orthogonally, away from the base wall, and comprising one or more slotted holes, wherein: each deflection bracket, from the first side wall to the second side wall, is configured to fit snugly within a width of a head track channel of the head track, the width being the smaller of the internal spatial dimensions of the head track channel parallel, or close to parallel, to the base wall.

[0026] Advantageously, there is provided a method of deploying the support assembly to thereby realise the above-described advantages, at least.

[0027] Optionally, the method comprises erecting the first engineered timber column and the second engineered timber column respectively at first and second vertically oriented boundaries of a through-hole formed in the stud wall such that: the first engineered timber column is at least partly positioned between a first face and a second face of the stud wall immediately adjacent the through-hole; and the second engineered timber column is at least partly positioned between the first face and the second face of the stud wall immediately adjacent the through-hole.

[0028] Optionally, erecting the first and second engineered timber columns comprises: slidably connecting the first engineered timber column to a first deflection bracket of the set of deflection brackets, using the respective one or more slotted holes, wherein the first deflection bracket is fixed to the head track; and slidably connecting, the second engineered timber column to a second deflection bracket of the set of deflection brackets, using the respective one or more slotted holes, wherein the second deflection bracket is fixed to the head track.

[0029] Optionally, the method comprises securing a frame to the erected first and second engineered timber columns.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a first simplified schematic sketch of a support assembly, according to examples; Figure 2 is a simplified schematic perspective view of a deflection bracket, according to examples; Figure 3 is a simplified schematic cross-sectional view of a head track of a stud wall, according to examples; Figure 4 is a second simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly, according to examples; Figure 5 is a third simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly, according to examples; Figure 6 is a fourth simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly, according to examples; and Figure 7 is a fifth simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly, according to examples. Detailed Description

[0031] In examples according to this disclosure, there is a provided a support assembly for providing support to a through-hole in a stud wall, and for providing support to a frame to be installed in the through-hole, the support assembly being configured for installation into a head track of the stud wall. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the head track of a stud wall (for example, a partition wall inside a building structure) provides a channel in which studs of the stud wall are received.

[0032] It will be appreciated that the head track is fixed to the underside of a floor (hereafter referred to as an upper floor for simplicity - because it is above the building structure level with the stud wall being referred to) above the space where the stud wall is deployed. For example, the upper floor may bare the weight of structures above it and may be deflected downwards. For example, the upper floor may be usable space where furniture is placed, and people move about, for example.

[0033] To allow for the vertical displacement of the upper floor, the head track fixed to the underside (in other words, fixed to the soffit) of the upper floor may connect to the stud in a movable manner. For example, the head track may be allowed to move downwards, while the stud remain stationary without the studs obstructing said vertical movement, but also remaining connected and supported by the head track.

[0034] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic sketch of a support assembly 100, according to examples. Examples of the support assembly 100 comprise a set 102 of engineered timber elements comprising a first engineered timber column 104 and a second engineered timber column 106, both configured to extend from a base 108 of the stud wall 110 to the head track 112 of the stud wall 110. The base 108 of the stud wall may be taken to be any structure which supports the stud wall 110 at its bottom. For example, the base 108 may comprise a bottom track, or some other structure provided as part of the stud wall assembly. In some examples, the base 108 may simply be considered to be the floor of the space of the building structure where the stud wall 110 is deployed. In some examples, a section of the floor exposed when the through-hole for the doorway, for example, is made may also be considered as part of the base 108, as referred to herein.

[0035] There may be various kinds of structures provided at the base 108 of the stud wall 110, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In the examples of Figure 1, a very simple depiction of the base 108 is provided. It should also be noted that panels which would form the faces of the stud wall 110 are not shown in Figure 1. Elements which are behind a portion of the head track 112 are shown in dashed line in Figure 1.

[0036] For example, the first and second engineered timer columns 104, 106 span most of the vertical extent of the stud wall 110. Therefore, the first and second engineered timber columns 104, 106 are supported by those same structures of the stud wall 110 which support studs (not shown in Figure 1) of the stud wall 110. In this way, the first and second engineered timber (hereafter shortened to ET for brevity) columns 104, 106 are support by support structures already present in the stud wall 110, and do not need to be supported by the studs or require additional support structures to be added.

[0037] The first and second ET columns 104, 106 are configured to extend from the base 108 to the head track 112 by virtue of their shape and dimensions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that "engineered timber" has a particular meaning in the art. Differently to e.g., a solid / natural wood articles, an article made of engineered wood (or timber, as referred to herein) comprises wood elements with additives, such as adhesive, for example. In this way, an ET article is "engineered". ET columns and beams (where included) may provide relatively strong structural support and may allow relatively heavy frames and associated units to be securely fixed to them. In some examples, the set 102 of ET elementscomprise glued laminated timber, or laminated veneer lumber.

[0038] In examples, the support assembly 100 also comprises a set of deflection brackets 200. Figure 2 is a simplified schematic perspective view of a deflection bracket 200, according to examples. The deflection bracket 200 comprises a base wall 202. The deflection bracket 200 also comprises a first side wall 204 provided at a first edge 202a of the base wall 202, and a second side wall 206 provided at a second edge 202b of the base wall 202, the second edge 202b being an edge opposite to the first edge 202a. As referred to herein, the side walls being at the edge of the base wall 202 means that the side walls connect to said edges. However, this does not exclude that the side walls 204, 206 may be in contact with portions of the base wall 202 other than the edges of the base wall 202 (for example, due to the thickness of the first and second side walls 204, 206, and the like). In other words, the base wall 202 does not jut out past the first and second side walls 204, 206, for example.

[0039] The first and second side walls 204, 206 are provided so as to form a bracket channel 208 in combination with the base wall 202. In other words, the base wall 202, the first side wall 204 and the second side wall 206 together form the bracket channel 208. In some examples, the base wall 202, the first side wall 204 and the second side wall 206 form a C-channel, a U-channel, or the like, as put simply.

[0040] In this example, the deflection bracket 200 also comprises a connection portion 210 extending orthogonally, or close to orthogonally, away from the base wall 202. For the purpose of clarity, it should be noted that the connection portion 210 is the part of the deflection bracket 200 further in the direction into the page and the base wall 202, for example, extends generally in the direction out of the page. In these examples, the first side wall 204, the second side wall 206 and the connection portion 210 all extend away from the base wall 202 in the same / similar direction. The base wall 202 may also be referred to as the web 202 of the bracket channel 208. For example, as referred to herein, orthogonality is within acceptable tolerances given the function to be performed by the deflection bracket 200, as described herein. For example, the connection portion 210 may be close to orthogonal to the base wall 202, where "close" is within a tolerance which allows for the intended functioning of the connection portion 210, which relates to a slidable connection to the vertically oriented columns of the set 102 of ET elements, which connect to the head track 112.

[0041] The connection portion 210 comprises one or more slotted holes 212. In some examples, there is one slotted hole 212. In other examples, there may be two or more slotted holes 212.

[0042] In examples, the deflection bracket 200 is configured to fit snugly, from the first side wall 204 to the second side wall 206, within a width of a head track channel (further described below). For example, the spatial dimension from the outside of the first side wall 204 to the outside of the second side wall 206 is small enough to fit inside of said width of the head track channel. However, the spatial dimension from the outside of the first side wall 204 to the outside of the second side wall 206 is also big enough such that the fit is snug. The width of the head track channel referred to is the smaller of the internal spatial dimensions of the head track channel parallel, or close to parallel, to the base wall 202 when in use.

[0043] Figure 3 is a simplified schematic cross-sectional view of the head track 112. In these examples, the head track 112 defines a simple head track channel 300 with a head track web 302, a first head track flange 304 and a second head track flange 306. In these examples, the above-referenced width of the head track channel 300 is the width 308 of the head track channel, perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the head track channel 300. For example, in use, the base wall 202 of the deflection bracket 200 is intended to be oriented parallel to the head track web 302 and the first and second side walls 204, 206 are intended to be oriented parallel to the first and second head track flanges 304, 306.

[0044] As described above, the spatial dimension from the outside of the first side wall 204 to the outside of the second side wall 206 is also big enough such that the fit is snug. For example, said spatial dimension is large enough such that there is physical contact between the first and second side walls 204, 206 and the first and second head track flanges 304, 306. However, the physical contact may not create such friction so as to inappropriately impede installation of the deflection bracket 200 inside of the head track channel 300.

[0045] For example, when a through-hole in the stud wall 110 is created, the support assembly 100 may be deployed. Advantageously, a frame such as a doorframe may be fixed to the first and second ET columns 104, 106. Therefore, there is provided a strong structure which may support the frame and the associated unit. The described support assembly 100 provides significant structural strength so that even relatively heavy frames and associated units may be installed, for example, door frames and doors which are typically considered too heavy to be installed in a stud partition wall. These advantages can be realised irrespective of the spacing between wall studs because the wall studs are not relied upon for fixation of structures associated with the frame.

[0046] For example, the deflection bracket 200 may comprise a metal such as steel. For examples, the steel used may be galvanised steel, stainless steel, mild steel, and the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that galvanised steel may provide corrosion protection while being cheaper than other forms of corrosion resistant steel such as stainless steel. Advantageously, steel can be formed into channels and the like, and holes can be formed in a steel article.

[0047] As described above, the connection portion 210 comprises one or more slotted holes 212. By virtue of being elongate, as shown in Figure 2 for example, the one or more slotted holes 212 allow a fixing to move relative to the connection portion 210 and therefore the deflection bracket 200. The connection portion 210 is to be connected to the first and second ET columns 104, 106. For example, the one or more slotted holes 212 are oriented such that the connection portion 210 is configured to slidably connect to one of the first and second engineered timber columns 104, 106. Therefore, the one or more slotted holes 212 provide that the first and second ET columns (as the case may be) 104, 106 can be slidably connected to the deflection bracket 200. In this manner, when the bracket channel 208 is fixed fast to the head track 112, the slidable connection provides for substantially vertical movement of the deflection bracket 200 relative to the said one of the first and second engineered timber columns 104, 106. It should be noted that in the examples of Figure 1, the set of deflection brackets comprises two deflection brackets 200. In these examples, there is one of the deflection brackets 200 used to slidably connect each of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 to the head track 112.

[0048] The connection portion 210 of the deflection brackets 200 allow the engineered timber columns 104, 106 to be connected to the head track 112 in a way so that, by virtue of the slotted holes 212, relative movement between the deflection brackets 200 and the first and second engineered timber columns 104, 106 is allowed. In this way, when connected to the head track 112 using the deflection brackets 200, the first and second engineered timber columns 104, 106 are installed in a way so as to allow movement of the structure (i.e., the soffit) above (to which the head track 112 is fixed) when loads are placed on the floor above, for example. For example, when in use, the one or more slotted holes 212 have their longitudinal axes (along which they are elongate) aligned in the direction of the vertical displacement of the soffit described above.

[0049] An advantage of the described snug fit of the deflection bracket 200 within the head track chamber 300 is that lateral movement of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 is inhibited, and twisting motions due to torsional forces may also be inhibited. For example, the first and second side walls 204, 206 are fixed to the first and second head track flanges 304, 306. For example, the first and second side walls 204, 206 may be screwed into the first and second head track flanges 304, 306. In some examples, self-tapping screws may be used. In some examples, the first and second side walls 204, 206 may be provided with holes (not shown) to receive fixings such as screws and / or bolts. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various ways of fixing surfaces together in the context of stud walls and the like.

[0050] As described above, the support assembly 100 comprises a set of deflection brackets 200. In some examples, the set may comprise at least two deflection brackets 200 (as described), one for connecting each of the first and second ET columns 104, 106. As referred to herein, features described in relation to the deflection bracket 200 (singular) may apply to each of the set of deflection brackets 200 provided as part of the support assembly 100.

[0051] In some examples, the deflection bracket 200 is configured such that the base wall 202 abuts an internal base surface of the head track channel 300, the internal base surface being parallel, or close to parallel, to the width 308 of the head track channel 300. For example, the internal base surface is the surface 310 indicated in Figure 3, which is the inner surface of the head track web 302. For example, the deflection bracket 200 may be so configured by having dimensions and arrangement of the one or more slotted holes 212 so that the base wall 202 abuts the internal base surface 310, while at the same time, the slidable connection between the connection portion 210 and the relevant ET column allows for the desired amount of vertical deflection.

[0052] In the examples of Figure 1, the first and second ET columns 104, 106 are configured to moveably fit within the width 308 of the head track channel 300. However, in other examples, the deflection bracket 200 may be dimensioned and configured such that the first and second ET columns 104, 106 need not fit inside of the head track channel 300. However, the configuration of the examples of Figure 1 may be advantageous to guard against lateral movement, twisting, and the like of the ET columns 104, 106.

[0053] For example, the bottom most part of the one or more slotted holes 212 may be positioned relative to the internal base surface 310 such that there is provided the maximum intended distance between the top-most part of the relevant ET column and the internal base surface 310. In addition, in this case, the top-most part of the one or more slotted holes 212 is positioned such the maximum expected deflection downwards of the deflection bracket 200 is accommodated by the fixings sliding in the one or more slotted holes 212. As a mere example, the connection portion 210 may be made bigger in the direction perpendicular to the base wall 202 to allow for the described abutment, as compared to a case in which there is a gap between the base wall 202 and the internal base surface 310.

[0054] Advantageously, the abutment of the base wall 202 and the internal base surface 310 also provides that the base wall 202 of the deflection bracket 200 may be fixed to the head track web 302, and optionally also to the soffit. In some examples, fixation of the base wall 202 to the soffit may be desired for additional structural robustness. In some examples, both the side walls 204, 206 and the base wall 202 may be fixed to the head track 112. The base wall 202 may be fixed in a similar or different manner to how the side walls 204, 206 may be fixed, as previously described (e.g., using screws, self-tapping screws, receiving fixing through pre-made holes, etc.). Accordingly, the described shape of the deflection bracket 200 provides many options for fixing the deflection bracket 200 to the head track 112. A selection from these options may be made according to accessibility and / or the desired amount of structural robustness. It will be appreciated that accessibility in this context means which parts of components a construction engineer performing the installation can physically access in order to deploy the relevant fixing method.

[0055] In some examples, such as the examples depicted in Figure 2, the one or more slotted holes 212 comprise two slotted holes spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel, or close to parallel, to the width 308 of the head track channel 300, when the deflection bracket 200 is fitted, from the first side wall 204 to the second side wall 206, within the width 308. Accordingly, there may be provided two parallel slots 212 for slidable connection. Advantageously, two slots, as opposed to just one slot, may improve resistance to twisting due to torsional forces, for example.

[0056] In the above description, there are described examples in which the set 102 of ET elements comprises the first and second ET columns 104, 106. In some examples, the set 102 of ET comprises an engineered timber beam configured to extend between the first and second ET columns 104, 106 in orthogonal, or close to orthogonal relation. In some examples, there may be provided more than one engineered timber beam configured to extend between the first and second ET columns 104, 106 in orthogonal, or close to orthogonal relation.

[0057] For example, the desired frame intended for installation into the support assembly 100 may not reach all the way up to the head track 112. In such examples, the ET beam may be positioned for installation of the top-most part of said frame and to provide support to the top-most part of the frame. It will be appreciated that some frame arrangements (such as door frames, for example) have three sides - two vertical side and one horizontally oriented side at the top. In some examples (not shown), there may be desired through-holes with two sections, i.e., for a frame arrangement configured to provide two opening, one above the other. Such an arrangement may be constructed and supported by the first and second ET columns 104, 106 and a first and a second ET beams which are in horizontal relation to the ET columns. In some examples, there may be a through-hole which is positioned away from the base 108 and the head track 112. For example, said through-hole may be away from a boundary of the stud wall 110. In this case, the through-hole may have four sides. In such examples, the first and second columns 104, 106 may positioned at the vertically oriented boundaries of the through-hole, and there may be two ET beams positioned at the horizontally oriented boundaries of the through-hole. For example, this may be the case where the through-hole is for a glazed screen, a window, a service / builder's work hole and the like. When four ET elements such as the first and second ET columns 104, 106 are deployed together with a first and a second ET beams in horizontal relation, it may be for a four sided frame to be installed therein.

[0058] Figure 4 is a second simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly 100, according to examples. The examples of Figure 4 are more specific examples of the support assembly 100 shown in Figure 1. The examples of Figure 4 additionally include the first ET beam 400. In these examples, a few of the studs 402 of the stud wall 110 are also shown. For example, it may be the case that a through-hole is larger in width than the inter-stud spacing. Figure 7 is a fifth simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly 100, according to examples. In these examples, there is also provided a second ET beam 700. In these examples, therefore, there is provided an engineered timber element on all four sides of the rectangular through-hole.

[0059] In these examples, there is created a through-hole which does not reach all the way up to the head track 112. There is a wall stud 402 which is in the way of the desired doorway position and has been cut, for example. The first and second ET columns 104, 106 and the first ET beam 400 outline where the frame may be installed. For example, the vertical sides of the frame may be fixed to the first and second ET columns 104, 106, and the top of the frame may be fixed to the first ET beam 400.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the many ways in which an orthogonal joint between engineered timber elements may be secured. For example, various fixings such as nails, screws, and the like, may be used to secure the first and second ET columns 104, 106 to the horizontally oriented first ET beam 400. However, in some examples, there is provided a set of angled cleats, each angled cleat configured to fix one of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 to an article (e.g., the first ET beam 400) in orthogonal relation, or close to orthogonal relation, to said one of the first and second ET columns 104, 106.

[0061] In the examples of Figure 4, there are provided angled cleats 404. In these examples, there is a pair of angled cleats 404 used to fix the first ET beam 400 to the first and second ET columns 104, 106. For example, the angled cleats 404 may be metal pieces with two planar sections at right angle to one another. The angled cleats 404 may be fixed to the ET elements using fixings such as screw, bolts, and the like. In some examples, the angled cleats 404 may have holes for receiving fixings.

[0062] Figure 4 illustrates certain examples of arrangements which involve the first ET beam 400. However, various other examples are possible. For example, Figure 5 is a third simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly 100, according to examples. In these examples, the first ET beam 400 is positioned towards the bottom of the assembly 100, in other words at the base 108. For simplicity, the wall studs 402 are not shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the first ET beam 400 is fixed to the first and second ET columns 104, 106. For example, see also Figure 7.

[0063] In the examples of Figure 5, there is provided a pair of angled cleats 404 as also shown in Figure 4. The pair of angled cleats 404 in Figure 5 are smaller than a second pair of angled cleats 502. In these examples, the first ET beam 400 aligns with the bottom ends of the first and second ET columns 104, 106. The larger angled cleats 502 are used to connect (indirectly, by means of the larger angled cleats 502) sides of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 which are opposite to the sides at which there is contact with the first ET beam 400. On the other hand, the first pair of angled cleats 404 are used in the same manner as in the examples of Figure 4. It should be noted that these are merely examples, and various configurations of angled cleats may be used.

[0064] In some examples, the angled cleats 404 may be used to fix the first and second ET columns 104, 106 to the base 108 (e.g., the floor directly, or to some structure of the stud wall assembly). In these examples, the angled cleats 404 and the large angled cleats 502 are fixed to the inside of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 such that the interior angle of the cleat faces the through-hole. However, the angled cleats may be fixed in other ways. For example, the angled cleats may be fixed to the outside of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 such that the interior angle of the cleat faces away from the through-hole. In these examples, the angled cleat may be fixed to the first or second ET column 104, 106 and the base 108. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various arrangements of both the described cleats and the deflection brackets are possible. For example, the deflection brackets could be slidably connected to the opposite respective sides of the first and second ET columns 104, 106 to that shown in Figure 1.

[0065] Referring again to Figure 2, in some examples, the connection portion 210 of the bracket 200 comprises one or more circular holes 214 in addition to the one or more slotted through-holes 212. For example, whereas the slotted holes 212 are for a slidable connection, the circular holes 214 may be used to make a fixed connection. For example, by virtue of the circular holes 214, the deflection bracket 200 may be used to fix the bottom ends of the first and second ET beams 104, 106 to the base 108. In the examples of Figure 6, there is shown a deflection bracket 200 with which the first ET column 104 is fixed to the base 108. Various arrangements may be provided in which one or more of the set of deflection brackets 200 are used to create fixed connections.

[0066] The set 102 of ET elements is not limited to only two ET columns 104, 106 which extend from the base 108 to the head track 112. The set 102 of the ET may comprise one or more additional ET columns which extend from the base 108 to the head track 112 and connect to the head track 112 using one of the deflection brackets 200, as described. The variations depend on the particular frame and / or associated unit combination to be installed. In some examples, the support assembly 100 described herein may be used for windows and window frames, door frames and doors, a glazed screen, a builder's work hole for services.

[0067] In some examples, the set 102 may comprise ET intended to be oriented vertically which extend from the base 108 but do not extend all the way to the head track 112. Figure 6 is a fourth simplified schematic sketch of the support assembly 100, according to examples. In these examples, the set 102 of ET comprises a third ET column 600 which extends upwardly from the base 108 and meets the first ET beam 400 to create two doorway spaces between the first and second ET columns 104, 106. In these examples, the first ET beam 400, and third ET column 600 are fixed to one another using an angled cleat 404.

[0068] In some examples, the support assembly 100 comprises a set of chock elements, each chock elements configured to be installed at the base 108 of the stud wall 110, and configured to be fixed to one of the first and second ET columns 104, 106. However, the chock elements may also be used for connections elsewhere. For example, the chocks may be cuboidal pieces of solid wood or engineering timber. In the examples of Figure 6, there is a chock element 602 which is used to fix the second ET column 106 to the base 108. For example, the chock element 602 is fixed to the base 108 and fixed to the second ET column 106 using one of the angled cleats 404. In other examples (not shown) the ET column 106 may be fixed directly to the chock element 602, and the angled cleats may be used optionally.

[0069] For example, the chock element 602 may be fixed to the floor acting as the base 108, or a structural component of the stud wall assembly which acts as the base 108. For example, the base 108 may comprises a bottom track of a similar shape to that shown in Figure 3 for example. The chock element 602 may be dimensioned to be received in the channel of the bottom track, and in this way, allow for fixation to the base 108.

[0070] It will be appreciated that the opposing faces of the stud wall 110 may be formed by wall panels which are installed to cover the wall studs 402, and other structures intended to be hidden within the finished stud wall 110 such as the head track 112. In some examples, the set 102 of engineered timber elements fits between a first face panel and a second face panel of the stud wall 110, wherein the first and second face panels define respective faces of the stud wall 110. For example, when a through-hole is cut into the stud wall 110, the ET elements may fit between the first and second face panel at regions which are at the boundaries of said through-hole. In this manner, the support assembly 100 may be hidden from view once the frame has been installed.

[0071] In some examples, there is provided a method of providing a through-hole in a stud wall comprising a head track, the through-hole being for installation of a frame. The method may comprise deploying a support assembly 100 according to any of the examples described herein. For example, starting from a stud wall, such as the described stud wall 110, a through-hole (for example, suitable for a doorway, window, glazed screen or builder's work opening, as the case may be) may be cut into the stud wall 110. For example, then, the support assembly 100 may be deployed into the through-hole. In some examples, certain of the face panels which would normally cover up the studs 402 may be removed to allow for the installation of the support assembly 100.

[0072] In some examples, the method comprises erecting the first ET column 104 at a first vertically oriented boundary of the through-hole, and erecting the second ET column 106 at a second vertically oriented boundary of the through-hole. For example, the erecting may be performed such that the first ET column 104 at least partly positioned between a first face and a second face of the stud wall 110 immediately adjacent the through-hole. For example, in this case, the ET elements are configured (by means of being appropriately dimensioned) to fit between the face panels of the wall. For example, the erecting may also be performed such that the second ET column 106 is also at least partly positioned between the first face and the second face of the stud wall 110 immediately adjacent the through-hole.

[0073] In some examples of the method, erecting the first and second ET columns 104, 106 comprises slidably connecting the first ET column 104 to a first one of the deflection brackets 200 (which form the described set of deflection brackets), using the respective one or more slotted holes 212. For example, as part of the installation, the first deflection bracket 200 is also fixed to the head track 112. For example, the second ET column 106 may also be connected in the same manner using a second deflection bracket 200 of the set.

[0074] For example, the method may also comprise securing a frame to the erected first and second ET columns 104, 106. Thus, the advantages of the disclosed structures and features may be realised.

[0075] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0077] In the above description, various specific examples are described. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing example(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0031]In examples according to this disclosure, there is a provided a support assembly for providing support to a through-hole in a stud wall, and for providing support to a frame to be installed in the through-hole, the support assembly being configured for installation into a head track of the stud wall. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the head track of a stud wall (for example, a partition wall inside a building structure) provides a channel in which studs of the stud wall are received.

[0032]It will be appreciated that the head track is fixed to the underside of a floor (hereafter referred to as an upper floor for simplicity - because it is above the building structure level with the stud wall being referred to) above the space where the stud wall is deployed. For example, the upper floor may bare the weight of structures above it and may be deflected downwards. For example, the upper floor may be usable space where furniture is placed, and people move about, for ex...

Claims

1. A support assembly for providing support to a through-hole in a stud wall and for providing support to a frame to be installed in the through-hole, the support assembly being configured for installation into a head track of the stud wall and comprising: a set of engineered timber elements comprising a first engineered timber column and a second engineered timber column, both configured to extend from a base of the stud wall to the head track of the stud wall; and a set of deflection brackets, each deflection bracket comprising: a base wall; a first side wall provided at a first edge of the base wall and a second side wall provided at a second edge of the base wall opposite to the first edge, the first and second side walls provided so as to form a bracket channel in combination with the base wall; and a connection portion extending orthogonally, or close to orthogonally, away from the base wall, and comprising one or more slotted holes, wherein: each deflection bracket, from the first side wall to the second side wall, is configured to fit snugly within a width of a head track channel of the head track, the width being the smaller of the internal spatial dimensions of the head track channel parallel, or close to parallel, to the base wall when in use.

2. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the connection portion comprises one or more circular holes in addition to the one or more slotted through-holes.

3. The support assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: each deflection bracket is configured such that the base wall abuts an internal base surface of the head track channel, the internal base surface being parallel, or close to parallel, to the width of the head track channel.

4. The support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the one or more slotted holes comprise two slotted holes spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel, or close to parallel, to the width of the head track channel, when the respective deflection bracket is fitted, from the first side wall to the second side wall, within the width of the head track channel.

5. The support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the set of engineered timber elements comprises an engineered timber beam configured to extend between the first and second engineered timber columns in orthogonal, or close to orthogonal relation.

6. The support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a set of angled cleats, each angled cleat configured to fix one of the first and second engineered timber column to an article in orthogonal relation, or close to orthogonal relation to said one of the first and second engineered timber columns.

7. The support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a set of chock elements, each chock elements configured to be installed at the base of the stud wall, and configured to be fixed to one of the first and second engineered timber columns.

8. The support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the set of engineered timber elements fit between a first face panel and a second face panel of the stud wall, wherein the first and second face panels define respective faces of the stud wall.

9. The support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first and second engineered timber columns are configured to moveably fit within the width of the channel of the head track.

10. The support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the set of engineered timber elements comprise glued laminated timber, or laminated veneer lumber.

11. A method of providing an opening in a stud wall comprising a head track, the opening being for installation of a frame, the method comprising deploying a support assembly configured for installation into the head track, the support assembly comprising: a set of engineered timber elements comprising a first engineered timber column and a second engineered timber column, both configured to extend from a base of the stud wall to the head track of the stud wall; and a set of deflection brackets, each deflection bracket comprising: a base wall; a first side wall provided at a first edge of the base wall and a second side wall provided at a second edge of the base wall opposite to the first edge, the first and second side walls provided so as to form a bracket channel in combination with the base wall; and a connection portion extending orthogonally, or close to orthogonally, away from the base wall, and comprising one or more slotted holes, wherein: each deflection bracket, from the first side wall to the second side wall, is configured to fit snugly within a width of a head track channel of the head track, the width being the smaller of the internal spatial dimensions of the head track channel parallel, or close to parallel, to the base wall.

12. The method according to claim 11, comprising: erecting the first engineered timber column and the second engineered timber column respectively at first and second vertically oriented boundaries of a through-hole formed in the stud wall such that: the first engineered timber column is at least partly positioned between a first face and a second face of the stud wall immediately adjacent the through-hole; and the second engineered timber column is at least partly positioned between the first face and the second face of the stud wall immediately adjacent the through-hole.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: erecting the first and second engineered timber columns comprises: slidably connecting the first engineered timber column to a first deflection bracket of the set of deflection brackets, using the respective one or more slotted holes, wherein the first deflection bracket is fixed to the head track; and slidably connecting, the second engineered timber column to a second deflection bracket of the set of deflection brackets, using the respective one or more slotted holes, wherein the second deflection bracket is fixed to the head track.

14. The method according to claim 13, comprising: securing a frame to the erected first and second engineered timber columns.

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