U.S. patent application number 10/125293 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for wall construction.
Invention is credited to Surowiecki, Matt.
Application Number | 20030196401 10/125293 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29214772 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030196401 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Surowiecki, Matt |
October 23, 2003 |
Wall construction
Abstract
A downwardly opening upper channel member (10) is positioned
above an upwardly opening lower channel member (12). A lower end
portion of a stud (14) is received in the lower channel member
(12). A clip (54) is received in an upper end portion of the stud
bracket (10). The clip (54) has an upper portion that is connected
to the upper channel member (10). It also has a lower portion that
extends downwardly into an upper end portion of its stud (14). The
upper channel member (10) has opposite side flanges (20, 22) that
include lower edges (32, 34) the stud (14) has an upper butt end
that is positioned above the lower edge (32, 34) is below an upper
web portion (18) of the upper channel member (10). The upper
portion of the clip (54) is connected to the upper channel member
(10). The clip (54) is free to move vertically with respect to the
stud (14). In a wall construction, wallboard sheeting WS is
connected to the stud (14) and the lower channel member (12) but
not to the upper channel member (10). As a result, relative
vertical movement is permitted between the upper channel member
(10) and the rest of the wall which includes the stud (14), the
lower channel member (12) and the wallboard sheeting WS.
Inventors: |
Surowiecki, Matt;
(Sammamisa, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNARD & PAULY, P.S.
P.O. Box 58888
Seattle
WA
98138-1888
US
|
Family ID: |
29214772 |
Appl. No.: |
10/125293 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/481.2 ;
52/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2/7411 20130101;
E04B 2/825 20130101; E04B 2/7457 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/481.2 ;
52/241 |
International
Class: |
E04H 001/00; E04H
003/00; E04H 005/00; E04H 006/00; E04H 014/00; E04C 002/34 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A wall structure, comprising: a downwardly opening upper channel
member including an upper web and a pair of spaced apart side
flanges depending from the upper web to lower edges, said upper web
and side flanges forming a channel space below the upper web and
between the side flanges; a plurality of horizontally spaced apart,
vertically extending studs that are each said stud including an
upper end portion and an upper butt end; said upper end portions of
said studs being received in the channel space, with the butt ends
of the studs being positioned above the lower edges of the side
flanges of the upper channel member; a clip for each said stud,
each said clip comprising an upper portion secured to the upper
channel member and a lower portion that extends downwardly from the
upper portion into the upper end portion of its stud, said lower
end portions of the clips being snugly received within, and
frictionally engaging, the upper end portions of the studs; and
said studs being movable up and down in the channel space relative
to both the clips and the upper channel member upon being subjected
to forces that overcome the frictional forces.
2. The wall construction of claim 1, wherein each stud comprises a
web extending perpendicular to the side flanges of the upper
channel, front and rear flanges connected to the web and extending
parallel to the side flanges of the upper channel, and lips
connected to the flanges and extending towards each other, in
coplanar parallelism, said lips being in spaced parallelism with
the web.
3. The wall construction of claim 2, wherein the clip has front and
rear boundaries that are contiguous the stud flanges.
4. The wall construction of claim 1, wherein each stud comprises a
web extending perpendicular to the side flanges of the upper
channel, and front and rear flanges connected to the web and
extending parallel to the side flanges of the upper channel, said
front and rear flanges of the stud having upper end portions which
are contiguous the side flanges of the upper channel member, and
wherein each said clip comprises a web that is inwardly contiguous
the web of its stud, and front and rear flanges connected to the
web of the clip that are inwardly contiguous the front and rear
flanges of the stud.
5. The wall construction of claim 4, comprising screw fasteners
extending through the side flanges of the upper channel and through
the front and rear flanges in the upper portions of the clips,
wherein upper portions of the front and rear flanges of the stud
are sandwiched between the side flanges of the upper channel and
lower portions of the front and rear flanges of the clip.
6. The wall construction of claim 5, wherein the web and the front
and rear flanges of the clip are vertically straight and the web
and the front and rear flanges of the stud are vertically
straight.
7. The wall construction of claim 2, wherein the clip has front and
rear panels that are inwardly contiguous the front and rear flanges
of the stud, and perpendicular panels that extend between and
interconnect the front and rear panels.
8. The wall construction of claim 1, wherein each stud includes a
web extending perpendicular to the side flanges of the upper
channel member, and the clip includes a web that is inwardly
contiguous the web of the stud, wherein one of said webs includes
at least one vertical slot and a screw fastener extends through the
slot and the other web, and connects the clip to the stud, with the
slot being positioned to allow up and down movement of the clip
relative to the stud and the upper channel member.
9. The wall construction of claim 2, wherein the clip includes lips
that are inwardly contiguous the lips on the stud, wherein at least
one of the contiguous lips includes a vertical slot, and wherein a
screw fastener extends through the slot and connects the clip to
the stud, for vertical movement of the clip relative to the stud
and the upper channel member.
10. The wall construction of claim 2, wherein the clips are
telescopically received within the studs and the clips include
longitudinal channels in which the lips on the studs are
received.
11. The wall construction of claim 1, wherein each clip includes at
least one upper portion that extends perpendicular to the stud and
parallel to the upper web of the upper channel member, and wherein
at least one screw fastener connects said upper portion of the clip
to the upper web of the upper channel member.
12. The wall construction of claim 11, wherein the clip includes
two upper portions which extend perpendicular to the stud and
parallel to the upper web of the upper channel member, wherein one
said upper portion extends along the upper channel member in a
first direction from the clip, and the other upper portion extends
along the upper channel member in the opposition direction from the
clip, and wherein at least one fastener is used to connect at least
one of said upper portions of the clip to the upper web of the
upper channel member.
13. The wall construction of claim 12, wherein each upper portion
of the clip is connected to the upper web of the upper channel
member by at least one fastener.
14. A wall structure, comprising: a downwardly opening upper
channel member including an upper web and a pair of spaced apart
side flanges depending from the upper web to lower edges, said
upper web and side flanges forming a channel space below the upper
web and between the side flanges; an upwardly opening lower channel
member including a lower web and a pair of spaced apart side
flanges extending upwardly from the lower web to upper edges, said
lower web and side flanges forming a channel space above the lower
web and between the side flanges; said upper web being spaced above
the lower web a predetermined distance; a plurality of horizontally
spaced apart, vertically extending studs, each said stud including
an upper end portion with an upper butt end and a lower end portion
with a lower butt end; said lower end portions of said studs being
received in the lower channel space, above the lower web and
between the side flanges of the lower channel member; said lower
butt ends of the studs being supported by the lower web of the
lower channel member; said upper end portions of the studs being
received in the upper channel space with the upper butt ends spaced
below the upper web of the upper channel member a predetermined
distance, said upper butt ends being positioned above the lower
edges of the side flanges of the upper channel member; a clip for
each said stud, each said clip comprising an upper portion secured
to the upper channel member and a lower portion that extends
downwardly from the upper portion into the upper end portion of its
stud, said lower end portions of the clips being snugly received
within, and frictionally engaging, the upper end portions of the
studs; and said upper butt ends of the studs being movable up and
down in the upper channel space relative to both the clips and the
upper channel member.
15. The wall construction of claim 14, wherein each stud comprises
a web extending perpendicular to the side flanges of the upper
channel, front and rear flanges connected to the web and extending
parallel to the side flanges of the upper channel, and lips
connected to the flanges and extending towards each other, in
coplanar parallelism, said lips being in spaced parallelism with
the web.
16. The wall construction of claim 15, wherein the clip has front
and rear boundaries that are contiguous the stud flanges.
17. The wall construction of claim 14, wherein each stud comprises
a web extending perpendicular to the side flanges of the upper
channel, and front and rear flanges connected to the web and
extending parallel to the side flanges of the upper channel, said
front and rear flanges of the stud having upper end portions which
are contiguous the side flanges of the other channel member, and
wherein each said clip comprises a web that is contiguous the web
of its stud, and front and rear flanges connected to the web of the
clip that are inwardly contiguous the front and rear flanges of the
stud.
18. The wall construction of claim 17, comprising screw fasteners
extending through the side flanges of the upper channel and through
the front and rear flanges of the upper portions of the clips,
wherein upper portions of the front and rear flanges of the stud
are sandwiched between the side flanges of the upper channel and
lower portions of the front and rear flanges of the clip.
19. The wall construction of claim 18, wherein the web and the
front and rear flanges of the clip are vertically straight and web
and the front and rear flanges of the stud are vertically
straight.
20. The wall construction of claim 15, wherein the clip has front
and rear panels that are inwardly contiguous the front and rear
flanges of the stud, and perpendicular panels that extend between
and interconnect the front and rear panels.
21. The wall construction of claim 14, wherein each stud includes a
web extending perpendicular to the side flanges of the upper
channel member, and the clip includes a web that is inwardly
contiguous the web of the stud, wherein one of said webs includes
at least one vertical slot and a screw fastener extends through the
slot and the other web, and connects the clip to the stud, with the
slot being positioned to allow up and down movement of the clip
relative to the stud and the upper channel member.
22. The wall construction of claim 15, wherein the clip includes
lips that are inwardly contiguous the lips on the stud, wherein at
least one of the contiguous lips includes a vertical slot, and
wherein a screw fastener extends through the slot and connects the
clip to the stud, for vertical movement of the clip relative to the
stud and the upper channel member.
23. The wall construction of claim 15, wherein the clip is
telescopically received within the stud and the clip includes
longitudinal channels in which the lips on the stud are
received.
24. The wall construction of claim 14, wherein the clip includes at
least one upper portion that extends perpendicular to the stud and
parallel to the upper web of the upper channel member, and wherein
at least one fastener connects said at least one upper portion of
the clip to the upper web of the upper channel member.
25. The wall construction of claim 14, wherein the clip includes
two upper portions that extend perpendicular to the stud and
parallel to the upper web of the upper channel member, one of said
upper portions extending along the upper channel member in a first
direction from the clip and the other said upper portion extending
along the upper channel member in the opposite direction from the
clip, and wherein at least one fastener connects at least one of
said upper portions of the clip to the upper web of the upper
channel member.
26. The wall construction of claim 25, wherein at least one screw
fastener extends through each one of the upper portions of the clip
and connects it to the upper web of the upper channel member.
27. A wall structure, comprising: a downwardly opening upper
channel member including an upper web and a pair of spaced apart
side flanges depending from the upper web to lower edges, said
upper web and side flanges forming a channel space below the upper
web and between the side flanges; a plurality of horizontally
spaced apart, vertically extending studs that are each said stud
including an upper end portion and an upper butt end; said upper
end portions of said studs being received in the channel space,
with the butt ends of the studs being positioned above the lower
edges of the side flanges of the upper channel member and below the
upper web; a clip for each said stud, each said clip, being secured
to the upper channel member, contiguous the upper end portion of
its stud; wherein one of said clip and said upper end portion of
the stud includes a first panel including at least one elongated
vertical slot and the other includes a second panel; wherein a
screw fastener extends through the slot and connects the two panels
together; and said studs being movable up and sown in the channel
space relative to both the clips and the upper channel member.
28. The wall structure of claim 27, wherein the screw fastener
extends through the slot in the first panel and then screws into
the second panel.
29. The wall structure of claim 28, wherein the screw includes a
head and a shoulder at the base of the head that fits within the
slot, said shoulder having an end surface that bears against the
second panel, said shoulder being of sufficient length to keep the
head of the screw fastener away from clamping the first panel to
the second panel.
30. A wall structure, comprising: an upper track including a pair
of spaced apart side flanges depending from the upper edges to
lower edges, said side flanges forming a track space between the
side flanges; a plurality of horizontally spaced apart, vertically
extending studs that are each said stud including an upper end
portion and an upper butt end; said upper end portions of said
studs being received in the track space, with the butt ends of the
studs being positioned above the lower edges of the side flanges; a
clip for each said stud, each said clip comprising an upper portion
secured to the side flanges and a lower portion that extends
downwardly from the upper portion into the upper end portion of its
stud, said lower end portions of the clips being snugly received
within, and frictionally engaging, the upper end portions of the
studs; and said studs being movable up and down in the track space
relative to both the clips and the upper channel member upon being
subjected to forces that overcome the frictional forces.
31. The wall construction of claim 30, wherein each stud comprises
a web extending perpendicular to the side flanges of the upper
track, front and rear flanges connected to the web and extending
parallel to the side flanges of the upper channel, and lips
connected to the flanges and extending towards each other, in
coplanar parallelism, said lips being in spaced parallelism with
the web.
32. The wall construction of claim 31, wherein the clip has front
and rear boundaries that are contiguous the stud flanges.
33. The wall construction of claim 30, wherein each stud comprises
a web extending perpendicular to the side flanges of the upper
track, and front and rear flanges connected to the web and
extending parallel to the side flanges of the upper track, said
front and rear flanges of the stud having upper end portions which
are contiguous the side flanges of the upper track, and wherein
each said clip comprises a web that is inwardly contiguous the web
of its stud, and front and rear flanges connected to the web of the
clip that are inwardly contiguous the front and rear flanges of the
stud.
34. The wall construction of claim 33, comprising screw fasteners
extending through the side flanges of the upper track and through
the front and rear flanges in the upper portions of the clips,
wherein upper portions of the front and rear flanges of the stud
are sandwiched between the side flanges of the upper channel and
lower portions of the front and rear flanges of the clip.
35. The wall construction of claim 34, wherein the web and the
front and rear flanges of the clip are vertically straight and the
web and the front and rear flanges of the stud are vertically
straight.
36. The wall construction of claim 30, wherein each stud includes a
web extending perpendicular to the side flanges of the upper track,
and the clip includes a web that is inwardly contiguous the web of
the stud, wherein one of said webs includes at least one vertical
slot and a screw fastener extends through the slot and the other
web, and connects the clip to the stud, with the slot being
positioned to allow up and down movement of the clip relative to
the stud and the upper track.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to wall structures composed of metal
framing and wallboard sheeting connected to the framing. More
particularly, it relates to a simple way of providing for relative
movement between an upper channel member, or header, and the rest
of the wall, in response to wall movement such as may occur during
an earthquake, for example.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is well known to use metal framing in building wall
construction. Commonly, the framing comprises a downwardly opening
upper channel, or header, an upwardly opening upper channel, or
footer, and vertical studs extending between the channels and
having end portions that are within the channels. An advantage of
using metal framing members is that they provide a strong frame
structure that can be configured to accommodate for movement of the
buildings such as occurs during an earthquake, without resulting in
damage to the wall of which the framing is a part.
[0003] Typically, the upper channel member is secured to an upper
concrete structure and the lower channel member is secured to a
lower concrete structure. During an earthquake, and at other times
as well, there is relative movement between the two concrete
structures. It is necessary that the framing that extends between
the concrete structures be able to accommodate the relative
movement without damage to the framing and the wall of which it is
a part. Relative movement between the two concrete structures can
be caused by earthquakes, roof loads, expansion and contraction,
loading and unloading upper floors in multi-story buildings,
settling, and wind loads, for example.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,203, granted Jul. 7, 1992, to Robert F.
Paquette, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,760, granted Jul. 7, 1992, to
Todd A. Brady, each discloses the use of vertical slots in the
flanges of overhead channels, for receiving screws that are used to
secure upper end portions of the studs to the overhead channels.
The overhead channels are provided with a plurality of slots so
that a stud can be selectively positioned at a number of locations
along the channel length. Screw fasteners are inserted through the
slots and are then screwed into the upper end portions of the
studs. In response to movement of the building, the upper channel
member is movable relative to the studs and the wallboard that is
connected to the studs. A problem with this use of slots is that
constructing the upper channel members to include the slots is an
added expense. Also, the slots weaken the metal. It often becomes
necessary to use a heavier gauge metal to compensate for the loss
in strength caused by use of the slots. This adds addition expense
as heavier gauge metal is more expensive than lighter gauge
metal.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,121, granted Nov. 11, 1997, to Frank
DeFrancesco and Joseph Domenick Palumbo, discloses a use of a
two-section stud. The upper end of the upper section is an upper
channel and the lower end of the lower section is in a lower
channel. The upper section is telescopically received within the
lower section and includes a pair of slots that extend throughout a
substantial portion of the length of the upper section. A problem
with this construction is that the location of the slots cannot be
determined for sure and the fasteners used may end up securing the
lower section to the upper section. The installers must place the
wallboard sheeting on the studs and then drill through the sheeting
and the outer flange of the lower section of the stud at locations
which are outwardly of the slots in the upper sections of the
studs. If a screw fastener is not in alignment with a slot, it will
screw into the metal bordering the slot. As a result, the upper and
lower sections of the stud will be screwed together and relative
movement between the two will be prevented. In such an event, the
two sections of the stud are not free to move relative to each
other in response to seismic or other forces to which the wall may
be subjected. Also, it is difficult and expensive to make the long
slots, to provide the upper section with a flared upper end, and to
provide the upper section with the longitudinal V-shaped flanges
that are a part of the system. Also, considerable more steel is
needed in a wall that uses the two-section stud of this system.
[0006] There is a need for a wall construction that permits
movement of the upper channel member relative to the rest of the
wall in a positive manner without adding substantial manufacturing
and/or installation costs. A principal object of the present
invention is to provide such a wall structure.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A wall structure to which the present invention relates
comprises a downwardly opening upper channel member that includes
an upper web and a pair of spaced apart side flanges depending from
the upper web to the lower edges. The upper web and the side
flanges form a channel space below the upper web and between the
side flanges. The wall structure also includes a plurality of
vertically extending studs that are horizontally spaced apart. Each
stud includes an upper end portion and an upper butt end. The upper
end portions of the studs are received in the channel space, with
the butt ends of the studs positioned above the lower edges of the
side flanges of the upper channel member. According to the
invention, each stud is provided with a clip. Each clip comprises
an upper portion that is received in and secured to the upper
channel member, and a lower portion that extends downwardly from
the upper portion into the upper end portion of its stud. The lower
end portion of each clip is snuggly received within, and preferably
makes frictional engagement with, the upper end portion of its
stud. The studs are moveable up and down in the channel space
relative to both the clips and the upper channel member when
subjected to a force that overcomes the frictional forces.
[0008] In preferred form, each stud comprises a web extending
perpendicular to the side flanges of the upper channel and front
and rear flanges connected to the web. The front and rear flanges
extend parallel to the side flanges of the upper channel. The studs
include lips that are connected to the flanges and extend inwardly
towards each other, in coplanar parallelism. The lips are in spaced
parallelism with the web. Also in preferred form, the clip has
front and rear boundaries that are contiguous stud flanges.
[0009] In one embodiment, each clip comprises a web that is
inwardly contiguous the web of its stud and front and rear flanges
connected to the web of the clip that are inwardly contiguous front
and rear flanges of its stud. The clip and stud combination of this
invention requires much less steel than the two-section stud
disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,121. More specifically, that
system requires approximately fifty percent more steel than the
clip and stud system provided by the present invention.
[0010] According to an aspect of the invention, screw fasteners
extend through the side flanges of the upper channel and through
the front and rear flanges of the upper portions of the clips.
Upper portions of the front and rear flanges of each stud are
sandwiched between the side flanges of the upper channel and lower
portions of the front and rear flanges of the clip.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide framing
for internal walls, framing for external walls and framing that can
be used in both internal and external walls. External building
walls generally have larger side loads (e.g. wind loads) on them
than interior walls.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the invention, the web of the
clip, or the web of the stud includes at least one vertical slot. A
screw fastener extends through the other web and through the slot
and connects the clip to the stud. The slot is sized and positioned
to allow up and down movement of the clip relative to the stud and
the upper channel member.
[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the clips included
lips that are inwardly contiguous the lips on their stud. A
vertical slot is provided in at least one lip on either the clip or
the stud and for each slot a screw fastener extends through the
other lip and the slot and connects the clip to the stud. The slot
is of a length and is positioned to allow vertical movement of the
clips relative to the studs and the upper channel member.
[0014] In still another embodiment, the clips are telescopically
received within the studs and the clips include longitudinal
channels in which the lips on the studs are received.
[0015] According to a further aspect of the invention, clips are
provided that include at least one upper portion that extends
perpendicular to the stud and parallel to the upper web of the
upper channel member. At least one screw fastener connects said
upper portion of the clip to the upper web of the upper channel
member. Each clip may include two upper portions which extend
perpendicular to its stud and parallel to the upper web of the
upper channel member. In such case one of the upper portions
extends along the upper channel member in a first direction from
the clip. The other upper portion extends along the upper channel
member in the opposite direction from the clip. At least one
fastener is used to connect at least one of said upper portion of
each clip to the upper web of the upper channel member. In one
embodiment, each upper portion of the clip is connected to the
upper web of the upper channel member by at least one fastener.
[0016] In a typical wall, the framing includes an upwardly opening
lower channel member having a lower web and a pair of spaced apart
flanges extending upwardly from the lower web to upper edges. The
lower web and side flanges form a channel space above the lower web
and between the side flanges. The studs include lower end portions
that are received in the channel space. The studs have lower butt
ends that contact the lower web.
[0017] A feature of the invention is that vertical studs are
supported at their lower ends in an upwardly opening lower channel
member and the studs include upper end portions that project
upwardly into an upper channel space formed in a downwardly opening
upper channel member. The upper end portions of the studs are
contiguous side flanges of the upper channel member and include
butt ends that are spaced downwardly from an upper web portion of
the upper channel member. A clip is provided for each stud. Each
clip includes an upper portion that is connected to an upper
channel member and a lower portion that extends downwardly into its
stud. This construction allows the upper end portions of the studs
to be braced longitudinally and laterally of the upper channel
member while at the same time permits the studs and the rest of the
wall below the upper channel member to move up and down relative to
the upper channel member, and also allows the upper channel member
to move up and down relative to the studs and the rest of the
wall.
[0018] According to an aspect of the invention, the upper end
portions of the clips can be adapted to be connected to the web of
the upper channel member or can be adapted to be connected to the
side flanges of the upper channel member.
[0019] According to a further aspect of the invention, fasteners
that secure sheeting to the studs enter into the studs but not into
either the clips or the upper channel member.
[0020] The present invention includes providing a wall framing
system in which there are yieldable connections between the studs
and an overhead channel member. There is telescopic engagement of
the studs with clips that are connected to the overhead channel
member. This connection transfers longitudinal and lateral wall
forces between the studs and the clips. The clips then transfer
these forces to the upper channel member. In the connection, front
and rear wall parts of the upper portions of the studs are
sandwiched between lower end portions of the clips and side flange
portions of the upper channel member.
[0021] The upper channel member forms what is sometimes referred to
as an upper track. The essential parts of the upper track are the
side panels that form a channel or track space between them. It is
within the scope of the present invention to employ an upper track
that is composed of two angle iron members. Each angle iron member
includes a horizontal upper flange that is used to secure it to the
overhead structure and a vertical flange that provides the side
flange of the track.
[0022] Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will
become apparent from the detailed description that is set forth
below, from the drawings and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0023] Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts
throughout the several views of the drawing, and:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary pictorial view looking towards the
assembly of an upper channel member, a lower channel member, a stud
having an upper end portion, and a clip in said upper end portion,
said clip being shown connected to the upper channel member, said
view being taken from above, with the mid portion of the stud being
broken away for purposes of indicating indeterminate length;
[0025] FIG. 2 is an exploded pictorial view of the framing assembly
shown by FIG. 1, such view including a fragmentary portion of some
sheeting that is connected to the stud;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view looking
towards framing composed of an upper channel, a lower channel, a
plurality of spaced apart, parallel studs extending between the two
channels, and wallboard sheeting connected to the studs;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line
4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along line
5-5 of FIG. 3;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a view like FIG. 4 but showing additional layers
of wallboard sheeting;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a view like FIG. 6 and also showing additional
layers of wallboard sheeting;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of the clip that is shown in
FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 7;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a view like FIG. 8 but of a modified form of
clip;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a view like FIGS. 8 and 9 but of another form of
clip;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a view like FIGS. 8-10 but of yet another form of
clip;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a view like FIGS. 8-11 but of a further form of
clip;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a view like FIGS. 8-12 but of a yet another form
of clip;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a view like FIGS. 8-13 but of yet another form of
clip;
[0038] FIG. 15 is an end elevational view of the stud shown in FIG.
14;
[0039] FIG. 16 is an end elevational view of the clip shown in FIG.
14;
[0040] FIG. 17 is an end view of the clip shown by FIG. 14 when
telescopically received within the stud shown by FIG. 14;
[0041] FIG. 18 is a pictorial view of an upper end portion of a
stud and another form of clip;
[0042] FIG. 19 is a view like FIG. 18 showing still another form of
clip;
[0043] FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a screw adapted to
drill its way into metal, with it leading end spaced from two
thicknesses of metal;
[0044] FIG. 21 is an end view of the head end of the screw shown by
FIG. 20;
[0045] FIG. 22 is a view like FIG. 20 but showing the screw
extended through both thicknesses of metal;
[0046] FIG. 23 is an end view at the forward end of the screw shown
by FIGS. 20-22;
[0047] FIG. 24 is a view of a screw like the screw shown in FIGS.
20 and 22, shown spaced from two metal members, the nearest one of
which has a preformed opening in it;
[0048] FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 24, but showing a screw
that includes a shoulder adjacent the head, adapted to enter a slot
and keep the head from clamping down on the metal member that
includes the slot;
[0049] FIG. 26 is a view like FIG. 25, but showing the screw
installed;
[0050] FIG. 27 is a pictorial view of a clip in telescopic
engagement with the upper portion of a stud, such view showing a
longitudinal slot in the web of the stud that is contiguous the web
of the clip;
[0051] FIG. 28 is a view like FIG. 27, but showing the clip spaced
endwise outwardly from the stud, and showing a screw fastener in a
spaced relationship with the slot in the stud and an opening in the
clip;
[0052] FIG. 29 is a view like FIG. 27, but showing two longitudinal
slots in the web of the stud;
[0053] FIG. 30 is a view like FIG. 28, but showing two longitudinal
slots in the web of the stud and two screw fasteners used for
connecting the stud to the clip;
[0054] FIG. 31 is an end view of a clip inside of a stud, such view
showing the clip having relatively wide lips and showing broken
lines where screw fasteners extend through the lips of the clip and
the web of the stud;
[0055] FIG. 32 is a view like FIG. 31, but showing the stud having
relatively wide lips and including broken lines indicating where
screw fasteners extend through the stud lips and the web of the
clip;
[0056] FIG. 33 is a pictorial view of an embodiment of the
invention in which the clip is positioned within the upper channel
space on the outside of the web of the stud, such view showing
slots in the web of the stud and screw fasteners extending through
the slots and screwing into the web of the clip;
[0057] FIG. 34 an elevational view looking towards the inside of
the stud web and showing the heads of the screw fasteners;
[0058] FIG. 35 is a fragmentary view showing an upper end portion
of a stud, a portion of the upper channel member and a clip in the
channel member positioned next to the upper end portion stud, such
view including a broken line showing the location of a screw
fastener that extends through a slot in the stud web and screws
into the web of the clip; and
[0059] FIG. 36 is a view like FIG. 7, but showing an upper track
that is formed by a pair of angle members, arranged with their
upper legs or flanges projecting laterally outwardly from their
vertical legs or flanges which form the track space between
them.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0060] FIGS. 1-7 show wall framing comprising an upper sheet metal
channel member 10, a lower sheet metal channel member 12 and a
plurality of studs 14 that are supported at their lower ends in the
lower sheet metal channel 12 and at their upper ends project into a
channel space 16 formed below an upper web 18 and between a pair of
side flanges 20, 22 that depend from the web 18. The lower channel
12 includes a channel space 24 that is defined above a lower web 26
and between a pair of side flanges 28, 30 that project upwardly
from the lower web 26. The upper flanges 20, 22 include lower edges
32, 34. The lower flanges 28, 30 include upper edges 34, 36. As
shown by FIG. 3, a plurality of sheet metal studs 14 are spaced
apart along the channels 10, 12. The studs 14 are parallel to each
other and are perpendicular to the channels 10, 12.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in particular, each studs 14
preferably has a web 40, front and rear (or first and second)
flanges 42, 44 and a pair of lips 46, 48. The flanges 42, 44 are
parallel to each other and are perpendicular to the web 40. The
lips 46, 48 are in spaced, coplanar parallelism with and are
perpendicular to the flanges 42, 44. They are also parallel to the
web 40. The front to rear dimension of the studs substantially
equals the distance between the side flanges 28, 30 of the lower
channel member 12. Web 40 and lips 46, 48 extend perpendicular to
the upper side flanges 20, 22 and the lower side flanges 28,
30.
[0062] Each stud 14 includes a lower butt end 50 and an upper butt
end 52. Butt end 50 preferably rests on the web 26. Butt end 52 is
spaced above the lower edges 32, 34 a distance x and below the
upper web 18 a distance y. As will hereinafter be explained, the
dimensions x, y are variable dimensions. This is because the
framing permits relative vertical movement between the upper
channel 10 and the rest of the wall structure that includes the
studs 14 and the lower channel member 12. FIG. 1 shows an at rest
position. When the wall structure is in this position, the
dimension x is smaller than the dimension y but is large enough to
provide substantial lateral bracing between the upper end portions
of the studs 14 and the side flanges 20, 22 of the upper channel
member 10.
[0063] According to the invention, a separate clip 54 is provided
for each stud 12. Each clip 54 has an upper portion that extends
upwardly into the channel space 16 and a lower portion that extends
downwardly into the upper end of its stud 14. As will hereinafter
be described, the upper portions of the clips 54 are connected to
the upper channel members 10 whereas the lower portions of the
clips 54 extend downwardly into the upper end portions of the studs
14 and make a relatively snug fit with the interior surfaces of the
stud 14.
[0064] FIGS. 1-8 show a first embodiment of a clip 54. It has an
upper butt end 56, a lower butt end 58, a web 60, a pair of flanges
62, 64 and a pair of lips 66, 68. As can be readily seen, the cross
sectional configuration of the clip 54 is like the cross sectional
configuration of the studs 14 except that its dimensions are
smaller so that its lower portion can snugly fit within the upper
portion of the stud 14. When this form of clip 54 is within the
upper end portion of a stud 14, its flanges 62, 64 are inwardly
contiguous the flanges 42, 44 of the stud 14. Its web 60 is
inwardly contiguous the web 40 of the stud 14. Its lips 66, 68 are
inwardly contiguous the lips 46, 48 of the stud 14.
[0065] Preferably, the lower end portion of each clip 54 is
dimensioned such that it frictionally engages the inner surfaces of
the upper end portions of its stud 14. As best shown by FIGS. 5 and
7, when the lower end portion of each clip 54 is within the upper
end portion of its stud 14, the outer surfaces of the stud flanges
62, 64 are spaced inwardly from the side flanges 20, 22 of the
upper channel member 10 a distance substantially equal to the
thickness of a stud flange 62, 64. Upper portions of the stud
flanges 42, 44 are sandwiched between lower portions of the side
flanges 20, 22 of the upper channel 10 and adjacent portions of the
clip flanges 62, 64.
[0066] As shown by FIGS. 1 and 2, screw fasteners are inserted at
locations SF through the sidewalls 20, 22 of the upper channel
member 10. The screw fasteners and screw into the clip flanges 62,
64 at a location between the upper web 18 and the upper butt end 52
of the stud 14. No fasteners are inserted through the upper side
flanges 20, 22 and the stud flanges 42, 44. When the screw
fasteners are tightened, the side flanges 20, 22 of the upper
flange 10 are drawn towards the clip flanges 62, 64. This increases
the frictional forces acting between the stud flanges 46, 48, the
clip flanges 62, 64 and the side flanges 20, 22 of the upper
channel 10.
[0067] The distance x is always sufficiently long that contact is
made between the stud flanges 42, 44 and the side flanges 20, 22 of
the upper channel 10. This allows the use of a short clip 54. Also,
the clip 54 can have a cross sectional dimension that is smaller
than the cross sectional dimension of the stud 14.
[0068] The contact between the squared upper end 56 of the clip 54
and the web 18 will lock the clip 54 substantially perpendicular to
the web 18 by the use of only two screw fasteners. This
perpendicular orientation of the clip 54, and the telescopic
engagement of the lower portion of the clip 54 with the upper
portion of the stud 14, and the containment of the upper end
portion of the stud 14 in the channel space 16 between the side
flanges 20, 22, will provide a connection that is substantially
fixed (will carry a moment) in all directions except the vertical
direction. Relative movement in the vertical direction is permitted
because of the telescopic engagement of the clip 54 with the stud
14. The contact between the squared lower end 50 of the stud 44
with the lower web 26 also helps maintain the stud 14 in a
substantially vertical position.
[0069] In a typical installation, the upper channel members 10 are
connected to an upper concrete structure 70. This is usually done
by inserting screw fasteners through the web 18 at a plurality of
longitudinally and laterally spaced apart locations. In FIG. 5, two
screw fastener locations are designated SF. In similar fashion, the
lower channel member 12 is connected to a lower concrete structure
(not shown). This is typically done by the use of laterally and
longitudinally spaced apart screw fasteners (not shown) that extend
between the lower web 24 and the lower concrete structure.
[0070] The upper and lower concrete structures are fixed relatively
to each other most of the time. However, during earthquakes, and
other times as well, there will be some vertical movement of the
two concrete structures relative to each other. At times they may
move relatively toward each other and at other times they may move
relatively apart. As previously described, the studs 14 are
connected to the lower channel member 12 and thus are in that
manner connected to the lower concrete structure. However, they are
not connected to either the upper channel member 10 or the upper
concrete structure 70. The upper channel member 10 is connected to
the upper concrete structure and thus can and will move with the
upper concrete structure whenever it moves.
[0071] As best shown by FIGS. 3-7, the framing is covered (usually
on both sides) by wallboard sheeting WS or some other form of
sheeting. Typically, the sheeting comes in sheets measuring four
feet by eight feet, or four feet by ten feet or four feet by twelve
feet, for example. The thickness varies, for example, from one-half
inch to five eights of an inch to three-quarters of an inch. The
wallboard sheeting WS is secured to the studs 14, preferably by
screw fasteners SF. Herein, "SF" is used to designate both the
screw fasteners and openings which receive the screw fasteners. The
screw fasteners SF extend through the wallboard sheeting WS and
screw into the flanges 42, 44 of the studs 14.
[0072] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a single thickness of wallboard sheeting
WS. The sheeting may, for example, be five eights (5/8") GWB gypsum
wallboard. A single thickness of wallboard sheeting WS (FIGS. 4 and
5) provides what is referred to as a one-hour wall system. This
means that the wall will prevent fire from moving through it for
about one hour. FIGS. 6 and 7 show two thicknesses of wallboard
sheeting WS. This provides a two-hour wall system. That is, the
wall will prevent fire from passing through it for about two hours.
In either system, the upper edges 76, 78 are spaced below the lower
edges 32, 34 of the upper channel member 10. In the illustrated
embodiment, wallboard strips 80 are provided immediately outwardly
of the side flanges 20, 22 of the upper channel member 10. Wider
wallboard strips 82 are provided outwardly of the wallboard strips
80. Screw fasteners are used to secure the wallboard strips 80, 82
to the side flanges 20, 22 of the upper channel member. The wider
strips 82 extend downwardly and overlap edge portions of the
wallboard sheeting WS.
[0073] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the wallboard sheeting WS is secured
to the studs 10 and at its lower edge may be secured to the side
flanges 28, 30 of the lower channel member 12. In any event, the
studs 10 are connected to the side flanges 28, 30 of the lower
channel members 12 and the sheeting is connected to the studs 14.
This assembly by itself effectively unites the wallboard sheeting
WS, the studs 14 and the lower channel members 12.
[0074] As shown by FIGS. 4-7, a vertical space exists between the
upper edges 76, 78 of the wallboard sheeting WS, WS'. This allows
the upper edges 76, 78 to move relatively upwardly into this space
during relative upward movement of the channel members 10, 12 and
the concrete structures to which they are connected. The wallboard
sheeting WS, WS' is connected to the studs 14 but is not connected
to the clips 54. The clips 54 have a substantially rigid
configuration. When the lower portion of a clip is telescopically
received in the upper portion of its stud 14, the telescopic
connection that is created resists most bending. The connection is
reinforced by the cross sectional constructions of the stud 14 and
the clips 54. FIGS. 9-12, 14-17 and 27-30 disclose telescopic
connections between the clips and the studs 14 that are stiffened
and further strengthened by additional structure. The clips shown
by FIGS. 9 and 10 have what may be referred to as a "box" shape.
They include a lipped channel and a panel that is secured to the
lips of the channel by either screws or weld beads. Clips 54a, 54b
each comprise a web 90, first and second flanges 92, 94 that are
connected to the web 90 and extend perpendicular from it, and lips
96, 98. The lips 96, 98 are connected to the flanges 92, 94 and
extend perpendicular to them, and parallel to the web 90. Lips 96,
98 are in coplanar parallelism. Clip 54a includes a panel 100 that
is fastened by screw fasteners SF to the lips 96, 98. In clip 54b,
the panel 102 is connected to the lips 96 by welds W. The "box"
shape of clips 54a, 54b provides a more rigid dowel than the lipped
channel shown by FIG. 8. These clips 54a, 54b are particularly
suited for use in exterior wall structures that are subjected to
large side loads (e.g. high velocity wind loads).
[0075] FIG. 11 shows providing the lips of the clip with
longitudinal slots that are adapted to receive shank portions of
screw fasteners that extend through openings in the stud web and
then extend through the slots. Specifically, clip 54c includes a
web 104, flanges 106, 108 connected to the web 104 and lips 110,
112 connected to the flanges 106, 108. As in the earlier
embodiments, the flanges 106, 108 are parallel to each other and
are perpendicular to the web 104 and the lips 110, 112. In this
embodiment, the lips 110, 112 may be wider than the lips 66, 68 in
the clip 54 shown by FIG. 8. This is so that the lips 110, 112 can
be provided with longitudinal slots 114. The slots 114 receive the
shank portions of screw fasteners that are screwed into the on the
stud web 14. In this embodiment, vertical movement of the clip 54c
relative to the stud 14 is limited by the length of the slots
114.
[0076] FIG. 12 discloses providing elongated slots in the web of
the clip 54d. Clip 54d comprises a web 16, a pair of flanges 118,
120 and a pair of lips 122, 124. Web 116 is parallel to lips 122,
124 and is perpendicular to flanges 118, 120. At least one (but
preferably two) slot 126 is formed in the web 116. Slot(s) 126
receive shank portions of screw fasteners used to secure the clip
54d to a stud 14. As in the last embodiment, the relative movement
between the clip 54d and the stud 14 is limited by the length of
the slot(s) 126.
[0077] FIG. 13 shows a simpler clip 54e comprising a web 128 and
two flanges 130, 132. This clip 54e is not as rigid as the other
clips and should only be used in internal wall systems that
experience relatively low side loads. Clip 54e is telescopically
received within the upper end portion of a stud 14, in the manner
shown by FIG. 1. The only difference is that in the system that
includes a clip 54e, the free edges of the flanges 130, 134 extend
substantially to the inner surfaces of the lips 46, 48 on the stud
14.
[0078] FIGS. 14-17 show providing the clip 54f with longitudinal
channels 134 outwardly of its lips 136, 138. The stud lips 46, 48
are received in the channels 134. This fit strengthens the
telescopic connection. As illustrated, the clip 54f includes a web
140 flanges 142, 144 and the channels 134. As best shown by FIGS.
16 and 17, the channels 134 are formed by and between inner lips
146, 148 and outer lips 150, 152. The lips 146, 148 and 150, 154
are substantially parallel to each other and the web 140 and are
substantially perpendicular to the flanges 144, 142. FIG. 17 is a
cross sectional view through the stud 14 and the clip 54f. This
view clearly shows the stud lips 46, 48 received within the
channels 134. This provides an interlock between the two members
and results in a stiffened connection, capable of withstanding
substantial bending force at the connection.
[0079] FIG. 18 shows a clip 150 that includes an upper portion 152
and a lower portion 154 that is telescopically received in the stud
14. Upper portion 152 is a flat panel that is adapted to extend
horizontally. It is connected to a vertical panel 156 that has a
width substantially equal to the distance between the stud flanges
42, 44. At its lower end, panel 156 connects to a panel 158.
Another panel 160 is connected to panel 158. Panel 152 is
perpendicular to panels 156 and 160. It is parallel to panel 158.
Panels 156 and 160 have a common width that is equal to the width
of panel 156. The distance between the side of panel 156 that is
contiguous the web 40 and the side of panel 160 that is
contiguously webs 46, 48 is substantially equal to the distance
between the web 40 and the webs 46,48. Panel 156 is substantially
the length of the clips that have already been described e.g. clip
54 in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the panel 152 is moved
upwardly against the upper web 18 of the upper channel member 10.
Then, screw fasteners are inserted through the openings designated
as SF. The screws are inserted upwardly from below panel 152,
through the openings SF. They are then screwed into the upper web
18. When the screws are tightened, they draw the panel 152 into
tight engagement with the web 18. This secures the clip 152 to the
upper channel member 10. The lower portion of the clip 152,
composed of panels 154, 156, and 160 are snuggly received within
the stud 14. The shape of the panels 154, 158, 160, and their snug
fit within the stud 14, substantially restrains the stud 14 and
clip 150 from movement relative to each other in all directions
except for the vertical direction. The telescopic connection
between the clip 150 and the stud 14 permits relative vertical
movement between the two members 150, 14.
[0080] FIG. 19 shows a modified clip 162. In this embodiment, the
panel 160' extends upwardly from panel 158 on its side of panel 158
in the same manner that panel 156 extends up from the opposite side
of panel 158. The upper end of panel 160' is connected to another
panel 164. Panels 152, 164 are in coplanar parallelism. Both of
these panels are connected to the upper web 18 of the upper channel
member 10 by screw fasteners SF which are inserted upwardly through
the openings SF. In this embodiment, the panels 156, 158, 1601 form
the lower portion of the clip 150 that is telescopically received
in the upper portion of the stud 14. Preferably, the structure
formed by panels 156, 158, 160' is snuggly received within the stud
14. It substantially restrains relative movement between clip 150
and stud 14 in all directions except the vertical direction.
Relative movement is possible in the vertical direction because of
the telescopic connection between the two members.
[0081] FIGS. 27-30 show providing at least one longitudinal slot in
the web of the stud. Screw fasteners SF extend through the slots
and then screw into the webs of the clips. In FIGS. 27-30 the same
reference numerals will be used that are used in FIGS. 1-2 except
for where there is a difference. In FIGS. 27 and 28 the difference
is the existence of a single slot 180 in the stud web 40. In FIGS.
29 and 30, the difference is the presence of two slots 180 in the
stud web 40. In these embodiments, a screw fastener 182 extends
first through the slot 180 and then screws into the web 60 of clip
54 at location 184 (FIG. 28). In FIGS. 29 and 30, two screw
fasteners 182 extend through the two slots 180 and then screw into
the web 60 of the clip 54 at location 186. In the two embodiments
shown by FIGS. 27-30, relative vertical movement can occur between
the clip 54 and the stud 14 within limits set by the ends of the
slots 180.
[0082] FIGS. 20-24 show a screw fastener 190 (also SF) that
includes a slotted head 192 adapted to receive a tip of a
screwdriver in the slot 194 (FIG. 21). A threaded shank 196 is
connected. No the head 192 and extends away from it on the side of
the head 192 opposite the slots 194. At its end opposite the head
192, the shank 196 includes a tip 198 that is in the nature of a
drill bit tip. It is adapted to drill a hole through one or more
sheet metal members in response to rotation of the screw fastener
190.
[0083] FIG. 20 shows the screw fastener 190 with its tip 198 spaced
from a pair of sheet metal members. By way of example, these
members may be side flange 20 of the upper channel member 10 and
flange 42 of the stud 14. In a manner known per se, when the screw
fastener 190 is moved to place its tip 198 against the first member
20, and then a power driver is used to rotate the screw fastener
190, the tip 190 drills a hole first through member 20 and then
through member 42. Then, upon further rotation of the screw
fastener 190, the threaded portion of the shank 196 moves the screw
fastener 198 through the openings until its head 192 is against
member 20. This connects the two members 20, 42 together with the
head 192 bearing tight against the member 20, as shown by FIG.
22.
[0084] FIG. 24 shows the screw fastener tip 198 spaced from a
pre-drilled opening 200 in the member 20. In this embodiment, the
tip 198 only has to drill through the metal member 42. The
provision of pre-drilled holes 200 in one of two members that are
to be connected together substantially reduces the installation
time of the screw fasteners. Again, this is because the tip 198
does not have to drill its way through two members. It only has to
drill its way through one member.
[0085] When clips 54c, 54d are used, the screw fastener is used to
form an opening in a stud panel at a location immediately outwardly
from a slot 114, 26. When clip 54c is used, the lips 110, 112 are
preferably inwardly contiguous the stud web 40. Thus, the screw
fastener drills a hole for itself through the web 40 and then it
moves through the slots 114. The screw fastener 190 can be driven
until its head 192 is tight against the web 40. Each slot 114 is
wider than the threaded shank of the screw fastener 190. As a
result, the threads of the screw fastener 190 do not engage the
lips 110, 112 of the clip 54c. As a result, the clip 54c is able to
move up and down freely relative to the stud 14 between the two
ends of the slots 114.
[0086] In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the web 116 is inwardly
contiguous the stud web 40. Again, the screw fasteners 190 bite
into the web 40 but not the web 116. The threaded shanks of the
screw fasteners 190 pass through the slots 196, resulting in clip
54d being freely movable vertically relative to the stud 14.
[0087] FIGS. 25 and 26 show a modified screw fastener 204 that is
for use with the embodiments shown by FIGS. 27-30. Screw fastener
204 includes a threaded shank 206, a drill tip 208 and a head 210.
It also includes a spacer member 212 between the head 210 and the
threaded shank 206. The diameter 214 of member 212 is smaller than
the width dimension of the slot 180. The axial dimension 216 of
member 212 is greater than the thickness of web 40. When this
embodiment is used, the screw fastener is aligned with a slot 180,
with its tip at one of the locations 184, 186. Then the screw
fastener is rotated and moved axially through the slot 180 and
against the web 60, causing tip 208 to drill its way through the
web 60. Following the making of an opening in web 60, the threaded
shank 206 engages the edges of the opening and pulls the threaded
fastener 204 through web 60 until member 212 is within the slot
180. In this embodiment, when the screw fastener 204 is tightened,
the surface 218 is moved tight against web 60 where it surrounds
the opening. This is shown by FIG. 26. FIG. 26 also shows that the
spacer member 212 is narrower that the slot and when the surface
218 is against web 60, the head 210 is spaces axially from the web
40. Thus, the screw fastener 204 can be screwed in as far as it
will go without web 40 being clamped between head 210 and web 60.
As a result, the clip 54 is free to move longitudinally relative to
the stud 14, within the limits of the end of the slots 180.
[0088] The clips may be united with the studs in the factory or the
clips and studs may be sent to the job site unassembled and
assembled there. The lower end portion of each stud is inserted
into the channel space of the lower channel member 12. The stud 14
is put into a vertical position with its lower butt end resting on
the lower web 24 of the lower channel member 12. When the stud 14
is substantially vertical, its upper butt end 52 is spaced above
the lower edges 32, 34 of the side flanges 20, 22 of the upper
channel member 10 and below the upper web 18 of the upper channel
member 10. The upper portions of the web side flanges 42, 44 are
sandwiched between the side flanges 20, 22 of the upper channel
member 10 and contiguous portions of the clip. In most of the
embodiments, this portion of the clip is a side flange of the clip.
See flanges 18, 20 in FIG. 12, for example. Next, the upper end
portion of the clip is connected to the upper channel member. In
most of the embodiments, a screw fastener SF is inserted through
the side flanges 20, 22 of the upper channel member 10 and then
through the adjacent side flanges of the clip. In the other
embodiments, the upper portion or portions of each clip is secured
to the web 18 of the upper channel member 10, by the use of screw
fasteners. Next, the wallboard sheeting WS is connected to the
studs 14 but not in the regions of the clips or the side flanges
20, 22 of the upper channel member.
[0089] As previously stated, the lower channel member 12 is
typically secured to a lower concrete structure, e.g. a concrete
slab in the building. The upper channel member 10 is in a similar
fashion secured to an upper concrete structure, e.g. another
concrete slab that is positioned above the first slab. The
connection of the upper channel member 10 to the upper concrete
structure will result in the upper concrete structure and the
channel member 10 moving together if there is any reason for either
one of them to move. The same is true with respect to the lower
concrete structure and the lower channel member 12. Over time,
buildings settle and their floor structures move relative to each
other. Also, during an earthquake, there can be substantial
movement of the concrete structures relative to each other. The use
of the clips together with the shortened studs provides a
telescopic connection between the clip and the stud that will
accommodate the movement that will occur under most circumstances.
At the same time, the stud is firmly connected to both the upper
channel member 10 and the lower channel member 12 for movement
normal to the plain of the wall and parallel to the plain of the
wall. As has been described, there are a number of ways of
constructing the clips so that they well strengthen the telescopic
connection and resist any tendency of the assembly to bend at the
connection. This is all accomplished without the use of slots in
the side flanges 20, 22 of the upper channel member, or the clip,
that must be located by the installer so that he will avoid placing
a screw fastener at a location where it will secure the stud to the
upper channel member in such a way that relative vertical movement
between them is prevented.
[0090] The use of slots such as shown by FIGS. 11,12 and 27-30 does
not present a problem because these slots are used in the
connection of the clip to the stud. This connection does not have
to be done through wallboard sheeting. It is done at a time when
the location of the slot is clearly visible and care can be taken
to see that the screw fastener is properly positioned in the slot.
Also, if a screw fastener should be installed in a position where
it screws the clip to the stud, the workman see this and can remove
the screw fastener and replace it with a properly located screw
fastener before sheeting is place on the wall. Also, when it is
elected to pre-assemble the clips and the studs in the factory,
jigs can be developed that will make the drilling operation exact
and substantially automatic.
[0091] FIG. 31 is an end view of a clip 54c where it is
telescopically received within a stud 14. This system can be
compared with the system shown by FIGS. 29 and 30. The difference
is, in this system the clip 54c is turned around before it is
inserted into the stud 14. Its lips 110, 112 are contiguous the
stud web 40. Screw fasteners are provided at SF. These screw
fasteners can either screw into one of the metal members and then
extend through a slot in the other, or they can first extend
through a slot in one member and then screw into the other member.
For example, the screw fasteners SF may screw through the stud web
40 and then extend through the slots 114 in the lips 110, 112 of
the clip 54c.
[0092] The system shown by FIG. 32 comprises a stud 14' having
relatively wide lips 46', 48'. Either the lips 46',48' include
slots or the slots are formed in the clip web 60. In any event, the
screw fasteners SF either extend through a slot in a first member
and then screw into the second member, or screw into the first
member and then extend through a slot in the second member. When
the screw fastener SF passes through the slot first, a screw
fastener like screw fastener 204 (FIGS. 25 and 26) is used. When
the screw fastener first screws into a metal member and then
extends through a slot in the other member, a screw fastener like
the screw fastener 196 (FIGS. 20-24) is used.
[0093] It is to be understood that in all of the embodiments that
have been shown and described, the screw fastener may first screw
into a first metal member and then extend through a slot in the
second metal member. Or, it may first extend through a slot in a
first metal member and then screw into the second metal member. In
each case, the appropriate screw fastener 196, 204 is used.
[0094] FIGS. 33-35 show another embodiment of the invention. In
this embodiment, a clip is used that is positioned within the
channel space 16 adjacent to but outside of the upper end portion
of the stud 14. The clip may be like any of the clips that have
been illustrated and described. In FIGS. 33-35, by way of an
example, a clip 54e' is used. The difference between clip 54e' and
clip 54e is that in clip 54e' the distance between the outer sides
of the flanges 130, 132 is substantially equal to the distance
between the inner sides of the flanges 20, 22 of the upper channel
member 10. As illustrated, screw fasteners SF are used to secure
the flanges 20, 22 to the flanges 132, 130, respectively. This is
done when the upper butt end of the clip 54e' is up against the
lower surface of the web 18. This abutting relationship of the end
of the clip 54e' and the use of the two screw fasteners SF keeps
the clip 54e' from rotating in position inside the channel space
16. In this embodiment, slots are either provided in the stud web
40 or in the clip web 128. Screw fasteners are used at the
locations of these slots to secure the upper end portion of the
stud 14 to the clip 54e'. As previously described, the screw
fasteners may extend either first through the slots and then into
the other web member. Or they may first screw through a web member
and then extend through the slots in the other web member. A screw
fastener like screw fastener 196 is used when the screw fastener is
first screwed into a web. A fastener like fastener 204 is used when
the screw fastener first extends through a slot and then screws
into the adjacent web. When the parts are assembled, relatively
vertical movement is permitted between the upper channel member 10
and the stud 14 and the wall of which the stud 14 is a part. The
screw fasteners extending through the two webs 40, 128, acting with
the slots, provide a rigid connection in a direction normal to the
wall. This connection also results in the upper end portion of the
stud 14 being restrained against all kinds of movement except
vertical movement relative to the upper channel member 10 and the
clip 54e'.
[0095] Herein, unless otherwise specified, the screw fasteners may
be nut and bolt assemblies rather than screw members. Thus, bolts
may be provided that have shoulder portions adjacent the bolt heads
that are adapted to extend into slots formed in one of the metal
members. The shoulder has an end portion that bears against the
metal member that does not include the slot. The shoulder is long
enough so that when the end of the shoulder is against the metal,
the head of the fastener is spaced away from the slotted member a
small amount, so that the fastener head will not clamp the slotted
member to the other member when it is tightened.
[0096] FIG. 36 is similar to FIG. 7 except that the upper track
member 10 that is in FIG. 7 has in FIG. 36 been replaced by a pair
of angle iron members 200, 202. Angle iron member 200 includes a
horizontal flange 204 and a vertical flange 206. Channel member 202
includes a horizontal upper flange 208 and a vertical flange 210.
Flange 206 makes a right angle connection with flange 204. In
similar fashion, flange 210 makes a right angle connection with
flange 208. Flanges 200, 202 are secured to the overhead structure
212 by suitable fasteners 214. The vertical flanges 206, 210 are
spaced apart substantially the same distance as the side flanges
20, 22 in the previously described upper channel member 10. When
the channel member 10 is used, the side flanges 20, 22 form a
channel or "track" space between them. In like fashion, in the
embodiment of FIG. 36, the vertical flanges 206, 210 form a channel
or "track" space between them. The clip 54 is telescopically
received in the upper end portion of the stud 14. Screw fasteners
216 are used to connect the side flanges 206, 210 to the upper
portion of the clip 54.
[0097] In the embodiment of FIG. 36, the angle iron members 200,
206 may be separately attached to the structure 212, and then the
clips 54 may be inserted and connected to the side flanges 206,
210. Or, a plurality of the clips may be connected to the side
flanges 206, 210 of the angle iron members 200, 202, to form an
assembly composed of the angle iron members 200, 202 and the clips
54. Then, this assembly can be lifted up and set in place and then
secured to the structure 212 by the fasteners 214 that first pass
through the horizontal legs or flanges 204, 208 of the angle iron
members 200, 202.
[0098] The remainder of the assembly shown by FIG. 36 is like the
previously described assembly shown by FIG. 7. Therefore, it will
not be separately described in more detail. In this embodiment,
each of the previously described clips, and also later developed
clips, can be used with the angle iron members 200, 202.
[0099] The studs, the channels, the angle iron members and the
clips are all formed from between twelve and twenty-six gauge sheet
metal. Bend radiuses are formed between the flanges and the webs of
the channel members, between the lips and the flanges of the lip
channel members and between the two legs or flanges of the angle
iron members. Preferably, the clips measure about four inches in
length. Preferably, the side flanges of the channel members 10, 12
and the vertical flanges of the angle iron members 200, 202 are
about 2.5 inches in the vertical direction. The static distance
between the lower edges of the side flanges 20, 22 and the upper
butt ends of the studs 14 is preferably about one and one-half
inches. The slots may be about three-sixteenths inches in width and
about two inches in length.
[0100] The illustrated embodiments are only examples of the present
invention and, therefore, are non-limitive. It is to be understood
that many changes in the particular structure, materials and
features of the invention may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is my intention
that my patent rights not be limited by the particular embodiments
illustrated and described herein, but rather are to be determined
by the following claims, interpreted according to accepted
doctrines of patent claim interpretation, including use of the
doctrine of equivalents and reversal of parts.
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