Self-bailing interior frame

Abstract

A self-bailing, antimicrobial frame construction is disclosed. A lower track including a pair of vertical sections and a gabled center section is connected to a plurality of studs. The studs are connected to an upper track having a pair of vertical sections and a gabled center section. The lower and upper tracks and the studs can be made from recycled metal that is roll-formed into shape and coated with an antimicrobial coating. A closed-cell foam pad can be placed under the lower track to insulate sound and vibration. The lower track can include several perforations at a low point in the lower track to allow moisture to escape the frame.

1 . A self-bailing frame, comprising:
 a first beam having two first vertical sections and a first base section between the two first vertical sections, wherein the first base section comprises an apex portion raised toward the first vertical sections such that the first base section slopes from the apex portion toward an interior side of either first vertical section, and wherein the first beam has a plurality of perforations at a junction between the first vertical sections and either side of the first base section;   a second beam having two second vertical sections and a second center section between the two second vertical sections, wherein the second center section comprises an apex portion raised away from the second vertical sections such that the second center section slopes from the apex portion toward an exterior side of either second vertical section;   a plurality of studs connected to the first beam and the second beam at intervals along the first and second beam.   
     
     
         2 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein individual studs comprise a C-channel with an end profile substantially matching a shape of the first center section at a first end and matching a shape of the second center section at a second end. 
     
     
         3 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein the perforations direct water out of an off of the frame. 
     
     
         4 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein the first and second beams and the studs are coated with an antimicrobial coating. 
     
     
         5 . The frame of  claim 1 , further comprising a gypsum coating on at least one side of the frame. 
     
     
         6 . The frame of  claim 5  wherein the frame is fire-rated to withstand a fire for between one and two hours. 
     
     
         7 . The frame of  claim 5  wherein the frame has a minimum sound rating of 45 STC. 
     
     
         8 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein the frame can flex upward or downward approximately ¾ inch. 
     
     
         9 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first beam, the second beam, or the studs comprises steel meeting the ASTM 645 standard. 
     
     
         10 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein the first and second beams and the studs are made from LEED recycled content. 
     
     
         11 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein the base section slopes from the apex portion at a slope of approximately 0.034. 
     
     
         12 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein the base section slopes from the apex portion at a slope of approximately ⅛ inch vertical rise per 3⅝ inch horizontal run. 
     
     
         13 . The frame of  claim 1  wherein the frame comprises part of a building, and wherein the perforations are situated near corresponding fluid paths in the building such that fluid can flow from the perforations and through the fluid paths in the building. 
     
     
         14 . A frame, comprising:
 a lower track comprising an elongated member having a generally uniform cross-sectional shape comprising—
 a first vertical section; 
 a first ramped section connected to the first vertical section, wherein an interior angle between the first vertical section and the first ramped section is less than approximately 90 degrees; 
 a second ramped section connected to the first ramped section; and 
 a second vertical section generally parallel with the first vertical section and connected to the second ramped section, wherein an interior angle between the second ramped section and the second vertical section is less than approximately 90 degrees; 
   an upper track comprising an elongated member having a generally uniform cross-sectional shape comprising—
 a first vertical section; 
 a first ramped section connected to the first vertical section, wherein an interior angle between the first vertical section and the first ramped section is more than approximately 90 degrees; 
 a second ramped section connected to the first ramped section; and 
 a second vertical section generally parallel with the first vertical section and connected to the second ramped section, wherein an interior angle between the second ramped section and the second vertical section is more than approximately 90 degrees; and 
   a plurality of studs, individual studs having a lower end connected to the lower track and an upper end connected to the upper track, wherein the lower end is shaped to substantially match the cross-sectional shape of the lower track.   
     
     
         15 . The frame of  claim 14  wherein the studs comprise C-channel members having two end sections and a center section, and wherein the end sections fit between the first and second vertical sections of the lower and upper tracks and contacting the first and second vertical sections of the lower and upper tracks. 
     
     
         16 . The frame of  claim 14  wherein the lower track comprises a plurality of perforations between the first vertical section and the first ramped section and between the second vertical section and the second ramped section. 
     
     
         17 . The frame of  claim 14 , further comprising a closed-foam pad under the lower track and shaped to accommodate the first and second ramped section of the lower track. 
     
     
         18 . The frame of  claim 14  wherein the upper track, the lower track, and the studs are made from recycled materials. 
     
     
         19 . The frame of  claim 14  wherein at least one of the upper track, the lower track, and the studs is coated with anti-microbial material. 
     
     
         20 . The frame of  claim 14 , further comprising a first flat section between the first vertical section and the first ramped section and a second flat section between the second ramped section and the second vertical section, wherein an angle between the first flat section and the first vertical section is approximately 90 degrees, and an angle between the second flat section and the second vertical section is approximately 90 degrees. 
     
     
         21 . The frame of  claim 20  wherein an angle between the first flat section and the first ramped section is less than approximately 180 degrees, and wherein an angle between the second flat section and the second ramped section is less than approximately 180 degrees. 
     
     
         22 . A frame, comprising:
 an elongated base track comprising a base gabled section connected to two generally vertical end sections that extend upward from the base gabled section, wherein the base gabled section has perforations between the base gabled section and the end sections;   an elongated upper track comprising an upper gabled section connected to two generally vertical end sections that extend downward from the upper gabled section;   a plurality of studs comprising U-channel members, wherein a lower end of individual studs comprises a recessed edge substantially corresponding to the base gabled section, and wherein an upper end of individual studs comprises a protruding edge substantially corresponding to the upper gabled section; and   a foam pad under the base track.   
     
     
         23 . The frame of  claim 22  wherein the lower gabled section has sufficient slope that fluid can flow down the lower gabled section and through the perforations. 
     
     
         24 . The frame of  claim 22  wherein the upper track comprises a plurality of slots in the vertical end sections that allow the frame to flex under a load. 
     
     
         25 . The frame of  claim 22  wherein the upper gabled section comprises a flat section at a center of the upper gabled section. 
     
     
         26 . The frame of  claim 22  wherein the vertical end sections comprise L-shaped sections having a vertical arm and a horizontal arm connected to the base gabled section. 
     
     
         27 . The frame of  claim 22  wherein the base gabled section includes two flat sections between the base gabled section and the end sections. 
     
     
         28 . The frame of  claim 27  wherein the flat sections are approximately ¼″ in length and accommodate the studs in the base track. 
     
     
         29 . The frame of  claim 22  wherein the foam pad comprises a closed-cell foam. 
     
     
         30 . The frame of  claim 22  wherein the foam pad comprises antimicrobial coating. 
     
     
         31 . The frame of  claim 22  wherein the recessed end comprises a concave edge and the protruding end comprises a convex edge.