U.S. patent application number 11/036878 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for drywall support clip.
This patent application is currently assigned to Construction Solutions, LLC. Invention is credited to Frezza, Joseph A..
Application Number | 20050155317 11/036878 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34825891 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050155317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frezza, Joseph A. |
July 21, 2005 |
Drywall support clip
Abstract
A drywall support clip, the drywall support clip having a first
leg and an opposed second leg connected by a bite portion. The
first leg comprises a first leg first portion and a shelf portion,
with the first leg first portion located between the shelf portion
and the bite portion. The shelf portion extends from the first leg
first portion at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second
leg may comprise a second leg first portion and a tongue portion.
The second leg first portion located between the tongue portion and
the bite portion. The tongue portion extending from the second leg
first portion at an acute angle from a projection of the second leg
first portion. The shelf portion is adapted to support drywall.
Methods of supporting drywall during steel stud frame construction,
as well as kits for steel stud frame construction, are also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Frezza, Joseph A.;
(Flemington, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LERNER, DAVID, LITTENBERG,
KRUMHOLZ & MENTLIK
600 SOUTH AVENUE WEST
WESTFIELD
NJ
07090
US
|
Assignee: |
Construction Solutions, LLC
Old Westbury
NY
|
Family ID: |
34825891 |
Appl. No.: |
11/036878 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60536885 |
Jan 16, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/745.19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2/7457
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/745.19 |
International
Class: |
E04B 001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of supporting drywall during steel stud frame
construction, said method comprising: attaching a first clip to a
sill plate, the sill plate having a first wall extending from a
base, the base section adapted to be affixed to a floor surface,
the first clip having a first clip first leg and an opposed first
clip second leg connected by a first clip bite portion, the first
clip first leg forming a first clip shelf portion adapted to
support drywall above a floor surface; and, supporting drywall on
the first clip shelf portion above the floor surface.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first clip bite portion rests
on an edge of the first wall.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first clip bite portion
forces the first clip first leg and the first clip second leg
toward each other to pinch the first wall therebetween.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching a second
clip to the first wall of the sill plate, the second clip having a
second clip first leg and a second clip second leg connected by a
second clip bite portion, the second clip first leg forming a
second clip shelf portion adapted to support drywall above a floor
surface.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first clip and the second
clip are attached to the first wall at a distance less than 8 feet
from each other.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the first clip shelf portion and
the second clip shelf portion support a single sheet of
drywall.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first clip includes a first
clip tongue portion associated with the first clip second leg, the
first clip tongue portion facilitating attachment with the first
wall of the sill plate.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first clip tongue portion
extends from the first clip second leg at an acute angle to a
projection of the first clip second leg.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the acute angle is between 30
degrees and 60 degrees.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the drywall is supported at
least 3/8-inch above a floor surface.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the drywall is supported
approximately 1/2-inch above a floor surface.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching the drywall
to studs extending from the sill plate.
13. A drywall support clip, said drywall support clip comprising: a
first leg and an opposed second leg connected by a bite portion,
said first leg comprising a first leg first portion and a shelf
portion, said first leg first portion located between said shelf
portion and said bite portion, said shelf portion extending from
said first leg first portion at an angle of approximately 90
degrees, said shelf portion adapted to support drywall.
14. The drywall support clip of claim 13, wherein said second leg
comprises a second leg first portion and a tongue portion, said
second leg first portion located between said tongue portion and
said bite portion, said tongue portion extending from said second
leg first portion at an acute angle from a projection of said
second leg first portion.
15. The drywall support clip of claim 14, wherein said acute angle
is an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.
16. The drywall support clip of claim 13, wherein said support clip
has a natural condition in which said first leg is biased against
said second leg and an open condition in which said first leg is
spaced from said second leg.
17. The drywall support clip of claim 13, wherein said shelf is
less than or equal to 1/2-inch in depth.
18. The drywall support clip of claim 13, wherein said bite portion
is separated from said shelf portion by approximately {fraction
(1/2)}-inch to 3/4-inch.
19. The drywall support clip of claim 13, wherein said first leg
first portion is longer than said second leg.
20. The drywall support clip of claim 13, wherein said second leg
extends beyond the shelf portion of said first leg.
21. A kit of components for use in the construction of steel stud
framing, said kit comprising: at least one elongate sill plate,
said sill plate comprising a base section and a first wall
associated with said base section, said base section adapted to
rest on a surface; at least one drywall support clip, said at least
one drywall support clip having an opposed portion adapted to
attach to said first wall of said sill plate and a shelf portion
adapted to support drywall above the floor surface.
22. The kit of claim 21, wherein said opposed portion of said at
least one drywall support clip comprises a first leg and a second
leg separated by a bite portion.
23. The kit of claim 22, wherein said first leg of said at least
one drywall support clip comprises a first leg first portion
between said bite portion and said shelf portion, said shelf
portion extending from said first leg first portion at an angle of
approximately 90 degrees, said second leg comprising a second leg
first portion adjacent said bite portion and a tongue portion, said
tongue portion extending from said second leg first portion at an
acute angle from a projection of said second leg first portion.
24. The kit of claim 22, wherein said first leg of said at least
one drywall support clip comprises a first leg first portion
between said bite portion and said shelf portion, said shelf
portion extending from said first leg first portion at an angle of
approximately 90 degrees, said second leg extending beyond said
shelf portion.
25. The kit of claim 21, wherein said sill plate further comprises
a second wall associated with said base section, said second wall
spaced from said first wall so as to form a C-shaped cross section
with said base and said first wall.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/536,885 filed Jan. 16,
2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Steel stud framing, such as light or heavy gauge steel
framing, is well known and often used in both commercial and
residential construction. Such framing is typically utilized to
construct interior partition walls and generally consists of sill
plates or channels located at the top and bottom of a wall with
studs extending between the channels, much like more traditional
wooden sill plates and wooden studs. Both the studs and the
channels are typically C-shaped. The C-shaped studs are typically
affixed to the channels by self-tapping screws. Drywall my then be
attached to the studs, again with self-tapping screws, to complete
the wall.
[0003] In a majority of construction projects, the lower-most sheet
of drywall is installed first, with the subsequent sheets being
placed on top of the lower sheets for temporary support during
construction. When installed in this manner, installers typically
place the lower-most sheet of drywall directly on the floor surface
adjacent to the sill plate. Because floor surfaces in construction
sites tend to be formed from concrete, particularly commercial
sites and residential basements, moisture may wick through the
concrete and into the drywall. This situation promotes the
formation of mold in the drywall.
[0004] Mold is problematic for drywall in that it causes staining
and general discoloration. Mold may also cause the drywall to
disintegrate over time, or begin to emit an odor. The formation of
certain molds may be a health detriment to individuals exposed to
the mold or spores therefrom which may travel away from the spore
source, for example by being air borne from forced air heating or
cooling. Thus, mold in any area of a structure may taint the entire
structure. Such health problems may range in minor cases from
allergic reactions to actual sicknesses in severe cases.
[0005] Installers with knowledge and concern for the mold growth
phenomenon are careful to avoid contact between the drywall and the
concrete floor. In this regard, some installers may use drywall
shims between the floor and the drywall during construction. Once
the drywall is attached to the studs, the shims should then be
removed to prevent moisture from wicking from the floor to the
drywall through the shims. Often, installers simply leave the shims
in place despite this concern.
[0006] Other methods of temporarily supporting the first sheet of
drywall off of the floor surface during installation of the drywall
are also commonly utilized. One such method is the use of a bent
steel wedge. In this method, an installer places one end of a long
and slender piece of steel, which is typically curved or otherwise
bent, beneath the drywall such that the curved ends face up. The
installer then steps on the free end to elevate the end beneath the
drywall, thus elevating the drywall. Once the drywall is elevated,
the installer may affix the wall to the studs and remove the bent
steel wedge.
[0007] This method is not preferred as it is often difficult to
coordinate use of a bent steel wedge with one's foot while
simultaneously holding and attempting to connect a piece of drywall
to the studs. Additional helpers may be useful, but their use
affects overall project efficiency.
[0008] Regardless of the method utilized by the installer,
irregularities in the floor surface may also cause contact between
the drywall and the floor. For example, even a diligent installer
who places shims on each end of a drywall section may encounter an
uneven floor which is raised in the middle portion such that the
middle portion makes contact with the drywall despite the
installer's best efforts. In such cases, additional shims must be
provided or the drywall will contact the floor. Additional shims
slow the installation and affect overall project efficiency.
[0009] Even where drywall is placed above the surface of a floor,
it is often placed with too little of a gap. Drywall should be
placed approximately {fraction (1/2)}-inch above the floor surface
to prevent moisture from the floor surface wicking to the drywall,
as well as to keep the drywall dry in the case of unintended
spills, floods, or routine cleaning efforts. Even a diligent
installer may only place the drywall approximately {fraction
(1/4)}-inch or less above the floor. Often, this may still lead to
mold growth.
[0010] For some, the presence of mold requires abatement. In a
typical abatement project, the walls are stripped of all drywall
down to the metal studs and sill plates. The metal studs and sill
plates are then cleaned and treated with an anti-mold agent. New
drywall is then installed and the appropriate finishes applied.
[0011] When installing the new drywall, some installers may take
the easy route and simply install the drywall against the floor,
where moisture may again wick into the drywall. More diligent
installers may utilize one of the drywall installation techniques
detailed above. However, those techniques have been found to be
lacking either in effectiveness or efficiency.
[0012] Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a new apparatus and
technique, incorporating a drywall support clip, which may be used
in conjunction with conventional sill plate to prevent drywall from
contacting the floor surface, and which can maintain drywall at a
proper elevation above a floor surface on a consistent basis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the
prior art by providing, in certain embodiments, a drywall support
clip having features designed to elevate drywall on a consistent
basis from a floor surface.
[0014] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of supporting drywall during steel frame
construction, the method comprising attaching a first clip to a
sill plate, the sill plate having a first wall extending from a
base, the base section adapted to be affixed to a floor surface,
the first clip having a first clip first leg and an opposed first
clip second leg connected by a first clip bite portion, the first
clip first leg forming a first clip shelf portion adapted to
support drywall above a floor surface. The method further
comprising supporting drywall on the first clip shelf portion above
the floor surface.
[0015] The first clip bite portion may rest on an edge of the first
wall.
[0016] The first clip bite portion may force the first clip first
leg and the first clip second leg toward each other to pinch the
first wall therebetween.
[0017] The method may further comprise attaching a second clip to
the first wall of the sill plate, the second clip having a second
clip first leg and a second clip second leg connected by a second
clip bite portion, the second clip first leg forming a second clip
shelf portion adapted to support drywall above a floor surface. The
first clip and the second clip may be attached to the first wall at
a distance less than 8 feet from each other. The first clip shelf
portion and the second clip shelf portion may support a single
sheet of drywall.
[0018] The first clip may include a first clip tongue portion
associated with the first clip second leg, the first clip tongue
portion facilitating attachment with the first wall of the sill
plate. The first clip tongue portion may extend from the first clip
second leg at an acute angle to a projection of the first clip
second leg. The acute angle may be between 30 degrees and 60
degrees.
[0019] The drywall may be supported at least 3/8-inch above a floor
surface.
[0020] The drywall may be supported approximately {fraction
(1/2)}-inch above a floor surface.
[0021] The method may further comprise attaching the drywall to
studs extending from the sill plate.
[0022] In accordance with further aspects of the present invention,
a drywall support clip may comprise a first leg and an opposed
second leg connected by a bite portion, the first leg comprising a
first leg first portion and a shelf portion, the first leg first
portion located between the shelf portion and the bite portion, the
shelf portion extending from the first leg first portion at an
angle of approximately 90 degrees, wherein the shelf portion is
adapted to support drywall.
[0023] The second leg may comprise a second leg first portion and a
tongue portion, the second leg first portion located between the
tongue portion and the bite portion, the tongue portion extending
from the second leg first portion at an acute angle from a
projection of the second leg first portion. The acute angle may be
an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.
[0024] The drywall support clip may have a natural condition in
which the first leg is biased against the second leg and an open
condition in which the first leg is spaced from the second leg.
[0025] The shelf may be less than or equal to 1/2-inch in
depth.
[0026] The bite portion may be separated from the shelf portion by
approximately {fraction (1/2)}-inch to 3/4-inch.
[0027] The first leg first portion may be longer than the second
leg.
[0028] The second leg may extend beyond the shelf portion of the
first leg.
[0029] In accordance with still further aspects of the present
invention, a kit of components for use in the construction of steel
stud framing may comprise at least one elongate sill plate, the
sill plate comprising a base section and a first wall associated
with the base section, the base section adapted to rest on a
surface; and at least one drywall support clip, the at least one
drywall support clip having an opposed portion adapted to attach to
the first wall of the sill plate and a shelf portion adapted to
support drywall above the floor surface.
[0030] The opposed portion of the at least one drywall support clip
may comprise a first leg and a second leg separated by a bite
portion. The first leg of the at least one drywall support clip may
comprise a first leg first portion between the bite portion and the
shelf portion. The shelf portion may extend from the first leg
first portion at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second
leg may comprise a second leg first portion adjacent the bite
portion and a tongue portion, the tongue portion extending from the
second leg first portion at an acute angle from a projection of the
second leg first portion. The first leg of the at least one drywall
support clip may comprise a first leg first portion between the
bite portion and the shelf portion, the shelf portion extending
from the first leg first portion at an angle of approximately 90
degrees, the second leg extending beyond the shelf portion.
[0031] The sill plate may further comprise a second wall associated
with the base section, the second wall spaced from the first wall
so as to form a C-shaped cross section with the base section and
the first wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and
method of operation, together with the features, objects, and
advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description when read with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a cut-away perspective view of a conventional
steel stud framing system;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drywall support clip in
accordance with certain aspects of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a drywall support clip in
accordance with further aspects of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a cut-away perspective view of a steel stud
framing system utilizing drywall support clips as shown in FIG. 2;
and,
[0037] FIG. 5 is a cut-away side view of wall construction
utilizing drywall support clips as shown in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] In the following are described the preferred embodiments of
the drywall support clip in accordance with the present invention.
In describing the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific
terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the
invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so
selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term
includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner
to accomplish a similar purpose. Where like elements have been
depicted in multiple embodiments, identical reference numerals have
been used in the multiple embodiments for ease of
understanding.
[0039] Referring to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, a
conventional sill plate 10 is shown affixed to a floor surface 12.
The sill plate 10 comprises a horizontal base 14 with a first wall
16 and a second wall 18 extending vertically upward, generally
perpendicular from the base. At the ends, or edges 17, 19, of each
wall 16, 18, the wall may be bent inward, or toward each other
approximately 180 degrees, to form a first flap 20 and second flap
22. The flaps 20, 22 add to the structural integrity of the sill
plate 10 while also increasing handling safety by eliminating
potentially sharp wall edges.
[0040] Conventional sill plates 10, such as the sill plate shown in
FIG. 1, are common throughout the industry. Typically, such sill
plates are manufactured in lengths "L" measured by the foot, such
as 8-foot, 10-foot, 12-foot, or 16-foot. Overall heights "H" are
typically 1-inch to 11/4-inch. In each case, the dimensions may be
varied depending on the circumstances and the design criteria.
[0041] FIG. 1 also depicts a vertical stud 24 resting on the base
14 of the sill plate 10 between the first wall 16 and the second
wall 18. Although not shown, the studs 24 are typically attached to
the first wall 16 and second wall 18 with fastening means.
Conventionally, such fastening means comprise mechanical fasteners,
such as self-tapping screws. However, chemical fastening systems
may also be utilized. Such systems include various glues and
multi-part epoxies.
[0042] Studs 24 are generally C-shaped, and may comprise a first
side 26 and a second side 28 spanning between a central portion 30.
As shown in FIG. 1, the first side 26 of stud 24 may be installed
adjacent to the first wall 16 of sill plate 10 with the second side
28 of the stud installed adjacent to the second wall 18 of the sill
plate.
[0043] Non-C-shaped studs may also be provided. For example, in
some framing systems, the base portion of the stud, or that portion
which connects to the sill plate 10, may be formed from a
conventional wood stud while the upper section is C-shaped. In
addition, conventional wood studs may be utilized. Notwithstanding,
in a conventional framing system, the studs are preferably
C-shaped.
[0044] Drywall 32, depicted as resting on the floor 12 in the
conventional manner, is then secured to the exterior of the second
side 28 of stud 24, typically with self-tapping screws 34.
Similarly, a second piece of drywall (not shown) may be attached to
the exterior of first side 26 of the stud 24. The drywall 32 may
also be attached to the stud 24 by various other mechanical or
chemical means.
[0045] As previously discussed, because the floor surfaces 12 may
be formed from concrete, moisture may wick through the concrete and
into the drywall. Even if the floor 12 is relatively free of
moisture, moisture may reach the drywall 32 through other means if
the drywall is installed close to the floor. For example, spills,
either accidental or from routine cleaning, may moisten the
portions of the drywall 32 closest to the floor 12. These
situations promote the formation of mold in the drywall 32.
[0046] Mold is problematic for drywall in that it causes staining
and general discoloration. Mold may also cause the drywall to
disintegrate over time, or begin to emit an odor. The formation of
certain molds may be a health detriment to individuals exposed to
the mold. Such health problems may range in minor cases from
allergic reactions to actual sicknesses in severe cases.
[0047] Installers with knowledge and concern for the mold growth
phenomenon are careful to avoid contact between the drywall and the
concrete floor. The methods utilized presently have proven to be
inconsistently applied, non-efficient, or otherwise lacking. Thus,
many buildings with this type of construction exhibit mold problems
requiring abatement.
[0048] It is preferred that after abating the mold, the installer
install new drywall and other finishes over the existing sill plate
stud framing system. Because conventional sill plates and studs are
typically metallic, they do not sustain mold growth. Thus, they may
be cleansed in place and reused. This represents a tremendous cost
savings for the owner.
[0049] Yet, when installing the new drywall, some installers may
take the easy route and simply install the drywall against the
floor, where moisture may again wick into the drywall. More
diligent installers may utilize one of the drywall installation
techniques previously discussed. However, those techniques have
been found to be lacking either in effectiveness or efficiency. The
use of a novel drywall support clip in conjunction with the
existing conventional sill plate has proven to be an improvement
over the existing techniques.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with certain aspects of
the present invention, a drywall support clip 100 may be formed
from a single piece of material, preferably a metallic material
such as steel. Most preferably, the drywall support clips disclosed
herein are formed from tempered spring steel. Other materials such
as plastics or composites may also be utilized. The formation of
the drywall support clip 100, particularly when formed from metal,
is preferably achieved through bending of an elongate stock.
However, the clip may be formed through casting, molding,
extrusion, or other applicable methods, depending on the material
used.
[0051] The clip 100 may comprise a first leg 102 and an opposed
second leg 104 connected by a bite portion 106. In the natural
condition, the first leg 102 and the second leg 104 are preferably
biased toward each other by the bite portion 106. Preferably, the
first leg 102 and the second leg 104 contact each other in the
natural condition, though they need not. In the meantime, the bite
portion 106 is preferably flexible, such that the first leg 102 and
the second leg 104 may be spread apart into an open condition,
where the second leg is spaced from the first leg. As will be
discussed, the open position facilitates placement of the clip 100
upon a wall 16, 18 of a sill plate 10. The bite portion 106 is
preferably resilient, such that the clip 100 may return to the
natural condition upon release.
[0052] The first leg 102 may further comprise a first leg first
portion 108 and a shelf portion 110, with the first leg first
portion between the shelf portion and the bite portion 106. As
shown in FIG. 2, the shelf portion 110 preferably extends from the
first leg first portion 108 at an angle normal to the first leg
first portion.
[0053] It will be appreciated that the shelf 110 is adapted to
support drywall once the clip 100 is installed onto a wall 16, 18
of a sill plate 10. It is therefore preferred that the shelf 110
have a strength capable of supporting the drywall. Most preferably,
a single clip 100, and therefore a single shelf 110, will be
capable of supporting at least a conventional sheet of
4-foot.times.8-foot drywall which may be upwards of 3/4-inch
thick.
[0054] Preferably, the shelf has a depth "D" of less than 1/2-inch
such that the shelf will not extend beyond the face of a
conventional sheet of drywall, such as 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch
drywall, when placed thereon. In addition, the shelf should be
sufficiently deep, such as at least 1/4-inch, to adequately support
the drywall.
[0055] The shelf 110 may also include surface treatments or
irregularities, such as ridges, dimples, bumps, or the like, to
help prevent the drywall from sliding off of the shelf. In
addition, the surface treatments or irregularities may assist with
the grasping or handling of the shelf 110, particularly during
installation of the clip 100 as will be discussed.
[0056] The second leg 104 may further comprise a second leg first
portion 112 and a second leg tongue portion 114, with the second
leg first portion between the second leg tongue portion and the
bite portion 106. The tongue 114 preferably angles from the second
leg first portion 112 at an acute angle "a" from a projection of
the second leg first portion, as shown in FIG. 2, to facilitate
installation of the clip 100. Such acute angles may range from 1
degree to 89 degrees. Preferably the angle ranges from 30 degrees
to 60 degrees. Most preferably, the angle is 45 degrees. It will be
appreciated that that the acute angle assists with the installation
of the clip 100 by helping to spread the legs 102, 104 apart upon
placement over a wall 16, 18.
[0057] The tongue 114 and the second leg first portion 112
preferably meet and form the angle "a" in a manner which maintains
the tongue and second leg first portion in a planar condition, such
that the intersection is a line. However, the intersection may be
chamfered or otherwise tapered such that the intersection forms a
more rounded profile.
[0058] If provided with a tongue portion 114, it will be
appreciated that the second leg 104 is preferably shorter than the
length of the first leg first portion 108 to assist with
installation of the clip 100 onto a wall 16, 18 of a sill plate 10.
In this regard, the tongue 114 may include an inside surface 116
which may be utilized as a lever to force the clip 100 into the
open condition during installation of the clip onto a wall 16, 18
of the sill plate 10. Preferably, the bite portion 106 is then
resilient such that the first leg 102 and the second leg 104 will
return back to the natural condition, squeezing the wall 16, 18
therebetween.
[0059] In other embodiments, the second leg 104 may be longer than
the first leg 102. If so configured, the addition of a tongue 114
at the end of the second leg 102 may provide little benefit, and
thus may not be included. An example of a clip 100' with the second
leg 104 longer than the first leg 102 is shown in FIG. 3. It will
be appreciated that the inside surface 116 of the second leg 104
may be utilized to assist with the installation of the clip 100' by
assisting with the opening of the clip 100' from the natural
condition to the open condition.
[0060] It will further be appreciated that if the clip 100' is
provided with a second leg 104 of greater length than the first leg
102, it is preferred that the length differential be no greater
than the desired height of the shelf 110 above the floor surface
12. For example, if the preferred height of the shelf 110 above the
floor surface is 1/2-inch, then the second leg 104 should be no
more than 1/2-inch longer than the first leg 102.
[0061] In either case, the clips 100, 100' are designed such that
the bite portion 106 preferably bears on the edge 17, 19 (FIG. 1)
of the wall 16, 18.
[0062] In other embodiments, the clip may include a handle
associated with the second leg, such as handle 118 shown in FIG. 3
associated with second leg 104 of clip 100'. The handle 118 may be
provided such that an installer may grasp the handle 118 and the
first leg 102, preferably by the shelf portion 110, to spread the
first leg and the second leg 104 apart.
[0063] Moving to FIG. 4, there is shown a conventional sill plate
10 mounted to a floor 12 with a stud 24 installed, much like shown
and described with respect to FIG. 1. In addition, clips 100, as
shown and described with respect to FIG. 2, are shown attached to
the walls 16, 18 of the sill plate 10. As previously discussed, the
bite portions 106 of the clips 100 are shown resting on the edges
of the walls 17, 19. This is the preferred arrangement.
[0064] In addition, the shelf 110 is shown at a height "h" above
the floor 12. It is preferred that height "h" be approximately
{fraction (1/4)}-inch to 3/4-inch above the floor 12. In other
embodiments, the height "h" may be 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch above the
floor. In still further embodiments, the height "h" may be 1/2-inch
to 3/4-inch above the floor. In another embodiment, the height "h"
may be at least 3/8-inch above the floor. In a preferred
embodiment, the height "h" is approximately {fraction (1/2)}-inch
above the floor 12. Thus, the length of the first leg first portion
108 is preferably between 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch, for use with a
conventional sill plate having walls with heights "H" in the range
of 1-inch to 11/4-inch.
[0065] In viewing FIG. 4, it will be appreciated that the bite
portion 106 of the clip 100 may provide additional features to the
clip beyond connecting the first leg 102 and second leg 104. For
example, the clip 100 may be configured such that the bite portion
106 is relatively wide. Such a configuration promotes proper
installation of the clip 100 by helping to prevent the clip from
rotating. In addition, the bite portion 106 preferably rests on the
edge of a wall, for example edge 19 of wall 18. A relatively wide
bite portion 106 spreads the bearing weight on the clip 100 through
a greater surface area along the edge 19, thus permitting greater
loads before deforming the wall 18 of the sill plate 10.
[0066] In order to install the clip 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, it
will be appreciated that one may simply hold the shelf portion 110
of the clip while pushing the clip downward onto the edge 19 of
wall 18, such that interaction between the edge of wall 18 and the
inside surface 116 of the second leg 104 forces the second leg away
from the first leg 102 into the open condition. The clip 100 may
then be slid down the wall 18 toward the floor 12 until the bite
portion 106 contacts the edge 19. The clip 100 may then be released
by the installer, where in a preferred embodiment the bite portion
106 biases the first leg 102 and second leg 104 together to pinch
wall 18.
[0067] Installation of clips 100', as shown and described with
respect to FIG. 3 may be achieved in a similar manner. It will be
appreciated that one may simply hold the shelf portion 110 of the
clip while pushing the clip downward onto the edge 19 of wall 18,
such that the bottom of the shelf contacts the edge. The installer
may then draw the clip 100' along the edge 19 until the inside
surface 116 of the of the second leg 104 contacts the edge.
Continued drawing of the clip 100' will spread the second leg 104
from the first leg 102, moving the clip toward the open condition.
Once moved toward the open position, the installer may slide the
clip 100' downward along the wall 18 until the bite portion 106
contacts the edge 19. The clip 100 may then be released by the
installer, where in a preferred embodiment the bite portion 106
biases the first leg 102 and second leg 104 together, to pinch wall
18. If clips are provided with handles, such as handle 118 of clip
100', the handle may be utilized to open the clip.
[0068] Clips 100 installed onto a sill plate 10 are also shown in
FIG. 5. As shown, once the clips 100 are installed, drywall 32 may
be placed upon the shelves 110 to temporarily support the drywall
above the floor 12. The drywall 32 may then be attached to the
studs 24 through the use of self-tapping screws (not shown) or
other attachment means. The clips are thus left permanently in
place.
[0069] With regard to spacing, it will be appreciated that only a
single clip may be required to support a full 3/4-inch thick
4-foot.times.8-foot sheet of drywall. However, this would likely
require the installer to place the clip in the center of the bottom
edge of the drywall, and would still require attention by the
installer to prevent the drywall from tipping to one side prior to
being affixed to the studs by self-tapping screws. To ease
installation, at least two clips are preferably utilized per full
4-foot.times.8-foot sheet of drywall. It will be appreciated by one
skilled in the art that two clips, spaced appropriately, will
prevent the drywall from rotating during installation. Preferably,
at least three clips will be utilized for a full sized
4-foot.times.8-foot sheet of drywall. For smaller sheets of
drywall, such as sheets less than 8-foot in length, less clips may
be required.
[0070] In certain situations, additional clips may also be
required. For example, if the clips are manufactured from materials
which cannot withstand the weight of a full sheet of drywall with a
pair of clips, additional clips must be provided during
installation to prevent the shelves from bending or breaking.
Additionally, irregular floor surfaces may require the use of more
than two clips, so the drywall is placed at a consistent level
above the floor surface.
[0071] Accordingly, the present invention provides for the proper
installation of drywall in a steel stud framing system without
slowing the efficiency of construction. In fact, because the use of
shims or bent steel wedges is not required, and the installer has a
convenient place to rest drywall during installation, the system
should speed up construction.
[0072] It is anticipated that the drywall support clips shown and
described may be used in conjunction with conventional sill plates.
Such use may be following a mold abatement procedure, or in
conjunction with new construction. In either event, the drywall
support clips permit proper installation of drywall in a
cost-effective and efficient manner.
[0073] Although this invention has been described with a certain
degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present
disclosure has been made by way of example only in that numerous
changes in the detailed construction and the combination and
arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the
spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
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