Resilient brace

Abstract

A resilient brace ( 7 ) has first and second attachment portions ( 9, 11 ) formed at either end and a resilient portion ( 13 ) located therebetween, the resilient portion comprising a plurality of planar sections ( 15 ) orientated in a corrugated manner. The attachment portions lie on the same plane on which a stress axis is also located. The planar sections ( 15 ) are angled relative to one another and to the attachment portions so that each planar section ( 15 ) extends laterally of the stress axis.

1 . A resilient brace for connecting together first and second elements of a stud wall, the resilient brace comprising first and second attachment portions attachable to the first and second stud wall elements respectively, the first and second attachment portions being located substantially on a stress axis along which stresses act between said stud wall elements, the resilient brace further comprising an intermediate resilient portion extending between the attachment portions as a continuous extension thereof with at least three successive planar portions angled relative to one another and the attachment portions by means of respective folds so that each planar portion extends laterally of the stress axis, characterized in that wherein: 
 each fold between adjacent planar portions is perforated by two holes arranged in two rows equally spaced about the central axis of the brace, with the exception of outer folds between the planar sections at the extremities of the resilient portion and the respective attachment portions, said outer folds being arranged to pass equidistant between two pairs of holes.    
     
     
         2 . A resilient brace as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein successive planar portions extend laterally one way and then the other relative to said stress axis and progressively in one direction along said stress axis.  
     
     
         3 . A resilient brace as claimed in  claim 1  or, wherein one or more of said planar portions extends across said stress axis.  
     
     
         4 . A resilient brace as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said brace is symmetrical about a central plane normal to said stress axis.  
     
     
         5 . A resilient brace according to  claim 1 , wherein said successive planar portions are angled relative to one another at substantially the same angle.  
     
     
         6 . A resilient brace according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of resilient portions interconnected by one or more further elements extending along or in parallel with the stress axis.  
     
     
         7 . A resilient brace according to  claim 1 , wherein said brace is manufactured from spring steel.  
     
     
         8 . (canceled)  
     
     
         9 . A stud wall comprising first and second wall portions and a resilient brace connecting together said first and second wall portions, wherein the resilient brace comprises a resilient brace according to  claim 1.