Universal Stud

Abstract

A framing system for a new or existing wall, structure and/or the like is provided that uses just one type of unit or member—the universal stud. The universal stud serves as a stud and plate or track. With a plurality of the universal studs having the same slot configuration at each end and two sides of the universal stud receiving that same slot configuration, allows for a multitude of jobs to be done with just one type of unit. The universal stud flange sides are mended with holes along its length in order to allow wiring and pipes to be hung from the universal stud while not endangering cutting the wiring and/or pipes. Moreover, the universal stud wall has inherent qualities that make it the single solution to many types of framing jobs and job problems. The present universal stud provides walls and/or structures that are thinner, have any profile to each side, soundproof, have chases within it, provide bracing construction, and provides the flexibility to be used within other wall studs.

1 . A framing stud comprising:
 a length of metal defined by a front side, a first lateral side extending perpendicularly from a first edge of the front side, and a second lateral side extending perpendicularly from a second edge of the front side;   the front side having a first end, a second end and a width;   the first lateral side having a first end and a second end and sized at less in width than the width of the front side, one of the first and second ends of the first lateral side having a first slot adjacent the front side; and   the second lateral side having a first end and a second end and sized at less in width than the width of the front side, one of the first and second ends of the second lateral side having a second slot adjacent the front side;   the first and second slots configured to receive a side of a framing track whereby an end portion of the front side extends over the side of the framing track and the first and second lateral sides extend less than a width of the framing track.   
   
   
       2 . The framing stud of  claim 1 , further comprising a first cutout adjacent the first slot and a second cutout adjacent the second slot. 
   
   
       3 . The framing stud of  claim 1 , wherein the first lateral side has a first plurality of holes and the second lateral side has a second plurality of holes. 
   
   
       4 . The framing stud of  claim 3 , wherein the first plurality of holes is situated at first intervals along the first lateral side, and the second plurality of holes is situated at second intervals along the second lateral side. 
   
   
       5 . The framing stud of  claim 4 , wherein the first intervals comprises a hole every 12″ starting from one of the first and second ends of the first lateral side, and the second intervals comprises a hole every 12″ starting from one of the first and second ends of the second lateral side. 
   
   
       6 . The framing stud of  claim 1 , wherein an edge of the first lateral side that is distal the front side is folded, and an edge of the second lateral side that is distal the front side is folded. 
   
   
       7 . The framing stud of  claim 1 , wherein the first lateral side extends 1″ from the front side and the second lateral side extends 1″ from the front side, and the front side has a width between the first and second lateral sides of 1½″. 
   
   
       8 . The framing stud of  claim 1 , wherein the other of the first and second ends of the first lateral side includes a third slot, and the other of the first and second ends of the second lateral side includes a fourth slot. 
   
   
       9 . The framing stud of  claim 8 , further comprising a third cutout adjacent the third slot and a fourth cutout adjacent the fourth slot. 
   
   
       10 . The framing stud of  claim 1 , wherein the stud comes in various lengths of metal. 
   
   
       11 . The framing stud of  claim 1 , further comprising a first front hole disposed in an upper portion of the first end of the front side and upper and a second front hole disposed in a lower portion of the second end of the front side. 
   
   
       12 . The framing stud of  claim 1 , wherein the length of metal comprises a length of steel. 
   
   
       13 . The framing stud of  claim 1 , wherein the length of metal comprises a length of aluminum. 
   
   
       14 . A framing system comprising:
 a plurality of framing studs; and   a plurality of framing tracks;   wherein each one of the plurality of framing studs comprises:
 a length of metal defined by a front side, a first lateral side extending perpendicularly from a first edge of the front side, and a second lateral side extending perpendicularly from a second edge of the front side; 
 the front side having a first end, a second end and a width; 
 the first lateral side having a first end and a second end and sized at less in width than the width of the front side, each one of the first and second ends of the first lateral side having a first slot adjacent the front side; and 
 the second lateral side having a first end and a second end and sized at less in width than the width of the front side, each one of the first and second ends of the second lateral side having a second slot adjacent the front side; 
 each one of the first and second slots configured to receive a side of one of the plurality of framing tracks whereby an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the front side extends over the sides of the framing tracks.