Wall stud

Abstract

A wall stud has two sidewalls interconnected by a spanning web that includes first and second portions connected to respective sidewalls and being connected themselves by a curved member, preferably of semicircular shape. The curved member also has at least one row of longitudinal slots formed along its length. Sound insulating material may be packed within the stud.

1 . A wall stud comprising two opposing sidewalls interconnected by a spanning web, the spanning web comprising first and second substantially planar members connected to the respective sidewalls and a curved member interconnecting the first and second planar members, the curved member having at least one row of elongate slots formed therein along a longitudinal axis thereof.  
     
     
         2 . A wall stud according to  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of rows of elongate slots are formed along a longitudinal axis of a curved member, adjacent rows of elongate slots being longitudinally offset from one another.  
     
     
         3 . A wall stud according to  claim 1 , wherein the length of the elongate slots is at least twice the length of the interposed portions of the curved member.  
     
     
         4 . A wall stud according to  claim 1 , wherein the width of the curved member is approximately equal to the width of each of the first and second planar members.  
     
     
         5 . A wall stud according to  claim 1 , wherein the curved member is substantially semicircular.  
     
     
         6 . A wall stud according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the sidewalls has a longitudinal acute groove.  
     
     
         7 . A wall stud according to  claim 6 , wherein the acute grove is located substantially midway across the width of the sidewall.  
     
     
         8 . A wall stud according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the surfaces of the sidewalls facing away from one another has a plurality of depressions formed therein.  
     
     
         9 . A wall stud according to  claim 8 , wherein said depressions are pyramidal in shape.  
     
     
         10 . A wall stud according to  claim 8  , wherein said depressions are formed by a deep knurling process.  
     
     
         11 . A wall stud according to  claim 1 , wherein a first non-woven tissue extends across opposing edges of the curved member, whereby an enclosed space is defined between said non-woven tissue and the curved member, and wherein a second non-woven tissue extends between said opposing sidewalls.  
     
     
         12 . A wall stud according to  claim 1 , wherein a sheet of material having sound insulating properties extends between the opposing sidewalls.  
     
     
         13 . A wall stud according to  claim 12 , wherein said sheet of material comprises glass or rock mineral wood, spun bonded polyester wool or foamed plastic.