Wall Construction

• US 20170254070A1
• Filed: 02/27/2017
• Published: 09/07/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Designstone, LLC
• Original Assignee: DesignStone Pty Ltd.
• Inventors: Burke, David Allan
• Granted Patent: US 10,577,794 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 1/165 with elongated load-supporting parts, cast in situ E04B1/161, E04B1/163 and E04B1/164 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2/58 with elongated members of metal
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2/64 with elongated members of concrete

Abstract

A wall construction includes a number of spaced apart, upright channel-shaped studs having open upper ends, and a number of panels forming an exterior wall. The panels have tie members that extend into the studs. An elongate support member is attached to the studs adjacent to the upper ends of the studs. The support member does not block access to the upper ends of the studs so that the studs can be filled with concrete with the support member remaining in place attached to the studs.

Claims

1. A wall construction comprising:

a plurality of spaced apart, upright channel-shaped studs and a plurality of panels;

the panels having rear faces having at least one outwardly projecting tie member extending therefrom;

the tie members extending into the studs;

each stud comprising an open upper end, a first side facing the panels, and an opposite second side facing away from the panels; and

an elongate support member being attached to the second sides of the studs adjacent to the upper ends of the studs, the support member not obstructing access to the upper ends of the studs such that the studs can be filled with concrete with the support member remaining in place attached to the studs.

2. The wall construction of claim 1 wherein the support member is a hollow member.

3. The wall construction of claim 2 wherein the support member has a rectangular cross-section.

4. The wall construction of claim 1 wherein the support member is substantially flush with the upper ends of the studs.

5. The wall construction of claim 1 wherein the support member supports at least a portion of the weight of another body on the support member.

6. The wall construction of claim 5 wherein the other body is a concrete slab.

7. The wall construction of claim 5 wherein the support member has a flat surface that engages the other body when supporting the other body.

8. The wall construction of claim 1 wherein the support member is attached to the studs by nuts and bolts.

9. The wall construction of claim 1 wherein the support member is attached to the studs by screws.

10. The wall construction of claim 1 wherein the support member is disposed above furring channels attached to the studs.

11. The wall construction of claim 1 wherein the support member comprises a flat side that abuts the studs.

12. The wall construction of claim 1 wherein the studs are filled with concrete poured into the studs with the support member being attached to the studs.

13. The wall construction of claim 1 wherein the plurality of panels is a plurality of concrete panels.