U.S. patent application number 11/372688 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-06 for metal framing member with off site manufactured locking tabs.
Invention is credited to Anthony P. Attalla.
Application Number | 20060144009 11/372688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46324049 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060144009 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Attalla; Anthony P. |
July 6, 2006 |
Metal framing member with off site manufactured locking tabs
Abstract
A metal framing member for use as a stud, joist, rafter, truss,
etc. is disclosed. The framing member includes at least one knock
out opening and a corresponding tab that is positioned onto the
metal framing member during the manufacturing process via computer
so that structures built using the studs such as window frames,
door jams, etc. are accurately and quickly fabricated. The knock
out opening can also be used as a chase to allow wiring or a
stiffening rod to pass through the member. Each tab is also
preferably provided with a pair of pre-punched holes so that the
tab can be fastened to other building components using standard
screws.
Inventors: |
Attalla; Anthony P.;
(Amherst, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William B. Ritchie;Law Office of William B. Ritchie
43 Jackson Street
Concord
NH
03301
US
|
Family ID: |
46324049 |
Appl. No.: |
11/372688 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11066678 |
Feb 25, 2005 |
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11372688 |
Mar 10, 2006 |
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10459868 |
Jun 12, 2003 |
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11066678 |
Feb 25, 2005 |
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09885843 |
Jun 20, 2001 |
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10459868 |
Jun 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/831 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2/7457 20130101;
E04C 3/07 20130101; E04C 2003/0434 20130101; E04C 3/32 20130101;
E04C 2003/0473 20130101; E04B 2/767 20130101; E04C 2003/0491
20130101; E04B 2002/7488 20130101; E04C 2003/0421 20130101; E04C
3/11 20130101; E04B 2/789 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/720.1 |
International
Class: |
E04C 3/30 20060101
E04C003/30 |
Claims
1. An off site manufactured attachment apparatus for attaching a
metal stud framing member to a metal track structural channel
member, said apparatus comprising; at least one first pair of
opposing projection portions on said stud member; a corresponding
at least one first pair of opposing receiving portions on said
track member; at least one second pair of projections portions
aligned on a plane of said stud member; a corresponding at least
one second pair of receiving portions on said track member aligned
on said plane parallel to that of said stud member; wherein
inserting said at least first pair of projection portions of said
stud member into the corresponding said at least one first pair of
receiving portions of said track member; and wherein sliding said
stud member over said track member such that said at least one
second pair of projection portions are aligned with said at least
one second pair of said receiving portions of said track member;
such that said at least one first pair of receiving portions are
engaging said at least one projection portions and said at least
one second pair of receiving portions are engaging said at least
one second pair of receiving portions; whereby said stud member and
said track member are locked together.
2. The framing attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at
least one second pair of projection portions and receiving portions
are rectangular in shape.
3. The framing attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at
least one second pair of projection portions and receiving portions
are circular in shape.
4. The framing attachment apparatus of claim 1 further comprising
at least one press pin and whereby said at least one press pin is
inserted into said at least one first pair of opposing openings to
lock said stud member to said track member.
5. The framing attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein said track
member and said stud member each have a u-shaped configuration
having two legs separated by a web and wherein said at least one
first pair of projection portions and receiving portions are
positioned on at least one immediately adjacent leg of said track
member and said stud member.
6. The framing attachment apparatus of claim 5 wherein said at
least one pair of second projection portions is on the web of said
stud member and the corresponding said at least one second pair of
receiving portions is on the web section of said track member.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/066,678 filed on Feb. 25, 2005, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/459,868 filed
on Jun. 12, 2003, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. application Ser. No. 09/885,843 filed Jun. 20, 2001, now
abandoned.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to dwelling framing members, and in
particular, to an attachment locking tab and opening which is used
to attach one stud to another in such members by having the tab and
its corresponding knock out positioned onto the metal stud via
computer in accordance with the layout plans of the structure that
is to be formed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Structural members are frequently made of metal, as it has
advantages over wooden structural members. Compared to wood, metal
is insect proof, fire proof, and has high uniformity and strength.
However, its use is limited due to high cost, erection problems,
and handling difficulties. U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,804, issued to
Attalla, addresses some of these concerns. The patent discloses an
improved metal framing member (STRONG STUD) that utilizes
stiffening sections to enable a lighter gauge of metal to be used.
The framing member also features embossed surfaces that facilitate
fastening using standard self-tapping fasteners. Safety edges are
provided to eliminate the sharp edge problem of handling metal
framing members.
[0004] In addition to the above concerns, a framing member often
must be provided with a chase to allow wiring or other objects to
pass through the member. Introducing this chase after the framing
member has been fabricated, as well as clipping or attaching the
wiring to the member, can be tedious and time consuming. The patent
mentioned above does not address this concern.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,838, issued to Madsen et al. on Aug. 31,
1999, discloses the use of a bendable tab which must be bent on the
job by the metal stud installer. The use of the STRONG STUD taught
in the '804 patent which utilizes heavy gauge, high strength
material would make accurate and effective bending by the installer
costly and difficult. Further, manual bending for even heavier
gauge material that might be necessary in certain construction
environments would be impossible.
[0006] Further, Madsen et al. teaches the use of a tab that is
substantially less than that of the opening or knock-out. However,
the Madsen et al. knock-out opening is substantially greater than
the size of the tab which weakens the stud and potentially can
cause buckling or torsion problems. Nor does Madsen et al. disclose
or suggest the use of pre-punched pilot holes but instead relies
solely on the use of self-tapping screws to connect the tab to
another structure.
[0007] Therefore, what is needed is an improved metal framing
member that includes a manufactured locating tab that is suitable
for all metal studs, irrespective of the gauge of the metal, that
can be placed at predetermined positions within the stud to serve
to locate the attachment of other studs, has a knock-out opening
that is substantially the same size as the size of the tab, that
has pre-formed pilot holes for simplifying the installation of
standard screw fasteners, and can serve as a preformed chase and a
means of clipping objects passing through the chase to the member.
Further, the use of a locking tab that enables one stud to be
attached to a track member which can serve as a plate, header,
footer, etc. without the need for additional fastening is also
needed. A metal framing member including such a chase, locking
tabs, that is low cost and can be handled safely is not found in
the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is a metal framing member including at
least one manufactured locking tab. The framing member has a
substantially rectangular cross-section. Preferentially, at least
two stiffeners run longitudinally along the metal framing member.
Two locking tabs are punched out of the bottom portion between the
two stiffeners. The locking tabs resulting from the punched out
section of the framing member have an angled locking guide which
serves to assist the locking tabs to be mated to corresponding
punched out tab openings in a slotted tab punched out of a track
meant to be attached to said framing member. Once the framing
member locking tab is slid over its mating slotted tab so that tab
openings are aligned with the locking tabs, the framing member is
locked into place along the track. Additional locking tabs are
optionally provided on each leg of the framing member to enable the
framing member to be more securely attached to the track member.
The tab openings that engage by locking tabs on the framing member
can be either round or rectangular. Also, rather than provide
another tab arrangement on the legs of the framing member, an
opening that matches a mating opening in the track member can be
pinned together using press pins well known in the art. Each
locking tab assembly on the framing member and its corresponding
track member is made at the factory using computer software to
accurately match each position in accordance with the building
design. Thus, the two parts can be put together securely and
quickly without the use of screws, bolts or other fasteners.
[0009] Therefore, it is an aspect of this invention to provide an
improved metal stud framing member.
[0010] It is another aspect of the invention to provide a framing
member with a locking tab assembly that will mate with a locking
tab assembly on a track or channel member.
[0011] It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a metal
framing member with a receiving opening for a locking tab that is
preferably rectangular shaped.
[0012] It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a metal
track channel member with a receiving opening for a locking tab
that is circular shaped.
[0013] It is still another aspect of the invention to provide a
metal stud and corresponding track member that can be attached
together without the use of screws, bolts or other fasteners well
known in the art.
[0014] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a metal
framing member and track member that has computer generated tabs to
enable the two parts to mate together accurately and easily.
[0015] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a metal
framing member and track member that can also be locked with a
press pin through openings in the respective members.
[0016] Still another aspect of the invention is to provide a metal
framing and corresponding track member that has accurate and
dependable fixed locations to eliminate installation errors and
increase the productivity of the framing process.
[0017] Still another aspect of the invention is to provide a metal
stud framing member that has a punched locking tab having an angled
material guide so that the metal framing member will easily snap
over the mating locking tab openings on the track member.
[0018] These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive
and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art when read in conjunction with the appended claims and
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an isometric view with a partial cut away view of
the stud framing member showing one manufactured layout locating
tab.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a detail showing the knock out opening that can be
used as a chase in the framing member.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a top view of the tab.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the framing member
illustrating the stiffeners used in the preferred embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of
the framing member without the stiffeners.
[0024] FIG. 6 is still another alternative embodiment of the
framing member showing a plurality of manufactured layout locating
tabs.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of one tab positioned within the
framing member shown in FIG. 6.
[0026] FIG. 8 is cross sectional view of the tab within the framing
member shown in FIG. 6.
[0027] FIG. 9 is another embodiment of manufactured layout locating
tab shown in the framing member depicted in FIG. 6.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the tab embodiment shown in
FIG. 9.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the alternative
embodiment of the tab.
[0030] FIG. 12 is front view of a typical wall that is constructed
with framing members in accordance with the invention.
[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a stiffening member that is inserted
through the knock out opening of the framing member and attached to
the tab provided via the knock out.
[0032] FIG. 14 shows a typical stress that may be constructed using
the framing members in accordance with the invention.
[0033] FIG. 15 illustrates that the manufactured layout locating
tab may be positioned anywhere on the framing member including the
end.
[0034] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of locking tabs being used to
connect a stud with a track channel in accordance with the
invention.
[0035] FIG. 17 is a detailed isometric view of the preferred
embodiment of the locking tab that is used on a stud.
[0036] FIG. 18 is a front detailed view of the locking tab shown in
FIG. 17.
[0037] FIG. 19 is a detailed cross sectional view across section
4-4 shown in FIG. 18.
[0038] FIG. 20 is a detailed cross sectional view of the stud
locking tab and its corresponding mating track channel locking tab
in position prior to having the stud inserted on the track
channel.
[0039] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
the locking tabs.
[0040] FIG. 22 is an isometric view of still another alternative
embodiment of the locking tabs that use a press fit pin to improve
the stability of the attachment.
[0041] FIG. 23 illustrates a detailed view of the press pin.
[0042] FIG. 24 illustrates still another embodiment of FIG. 22.
[0043] FIG. 25 illustrates a detailed alternative embodiment of a
method of attachment.
[0044] FIG. 26 illustrates the attached stud using the alternative
embodiment shown in FIG. 25.
[0045] FIG. 27 illustrates the alternative embodiment for the stud
used in the track.
[0046] FIG. 28 illustrates use of a punching locking tab for the
stud in combination with an angled dimple at the track.
[0047] FIG. 29 illustrates an angled dimple at the track.
[0048] FIG. 30 illustrates the use of a round dimple at the
track.
[0049] FIG. 31 illustrates a detailed view of the round dimple.
[0050] FIG. 32 illustrates how a stud with a longitudinal rib at
the flange may be attached.
[0051] FIG. 33 illustrates a detailed view of the oblong dimple
that is used to attach the ribbed stud to the track.
[0052] FIG. 34 illustrates a large oblong dimple on the track.
[0053] FIG. 35 illustrates a top view of an alternative stud.
[0054] FIG. 36 illustrates a bottom view of the alternative stud
shown in FIG. 35.
[0055] FIG. 37 is a side view of an alternative locking clip that
is a punched `louvered` type which is attached to the web member of
the stud.
[0056] FIG. 38 is a punched louvered member that provides an
attachment position for the stud member attachment.
[0057] FIG. 39 is a bottom view of the `louvered` tab embossed
member.
[0058] FIG. 40 is a top view of the `louvered` tab embossed member
showing the triangular shape.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates metal framing member 10 with knock out
opening 12 and tab 14. While tab 14 is usually made so that tab 14
is approximately 90 degrees with surface 16, since tab 14 is made
at the factory using computer assisted machinery, any precise angle
may be selected. (See, e.g. FIG. 13) Tab 14 and its corresponding
knock out opening 12 are preferably located centrally in surface
16, which runs the length of framing member 10. However, since the
stud is manufactured to the design specifications necessary to
ensure precision and ease of fastening, other positions can be
easily selected. In fact, different locations on surface 16 as well
as different tab angles could be provided in each framing member if
desired.
[0060] Surface section 16 is generally 6'' to 8'' wide. In the
preferred embodiment, surface section 16 includes stiffeners 18,
which run longitudinally along surface section 16. Typically, as
noted above, knock out opening 12 is centrally located between
stiffeners 18. Note that the geometry and size of knock out opening
12 and tab 14 are substantially the same, differing primarily due
to the width of the cut. By having opening 12 and tab 14
substantially the same, less material is wasted and the framing
member is stronger thus exhibiting a greater resistance to torsion
forces and axis buckling.
[0061] Knock out opening 12 is shown in detail in FIG. 2. Opening
12 is cut out of surface portion 16 in an area preferably no
greater than two inches by two inches. Because this opening and tab
14 are made during the time of manufacturing the framing member 10,
the gauge of framing member 10 can be far thicker than would be
otherwise possible if the installer had to bend tab 14 at the
construction site.
[0062] In the preferred embodiment, opening 12 is 1 11/16'' by 1
11/16'', with upper end 20 of the chase having a radius of 7/8''
instead of being cut square. Tab 14 is not completely severed from
opening 12, but is connected along lower edge 22. Preferably, tab
14 is folded up at lower edge 22 so that tab 14 is substantially
perpendicular to raised surface section 16. However, as noted
above, other angles are easily selectable depending on the needs of
the construction project.
[0063] FIG. 3 details tab 14. In addition to the primary purpose of
tab 14 to provide an accurate positioning and fastening location
for adjacent framing members, tab 14 can serve as a point of
attachment for any objects passing through opening 12 such as
wiring. Wiring or other objects may be passed from one side of the
framing member to the other through opening 12 thus serving as a
chase. These objects may then be fastened to tab 14 without adding
additional clips.
[0064] In the preferred embodiment, two holes 24 are provided in
tab 14 to serve as fastener holes. One hole 24 is positioned 1/2''
from lower edge 22, while the other is positioned 1/2'' from
rounded edge 26. Holes 24 are otherwise centered on tab 14. Holes
24 preferably have a radius of 3/32'' and are capable of receiving
standard screw fasteners (not shown) to attach wiring, stiffening
rods, or other framing members to tab 14.
[0065] Returning to FIG. 1, stud framing member 10 includes left
and right rectangular sections 28. Rectangular side sections 28 are
preferably at least 1 5/8'' in length, but may vary depending on
the particular need for the framing member. Rectangular side
sections 28 share an edge with surface section 16 and are
substantially perpendicular to surface section 16 while being
parallel to each other. At the distal ends of rectangular side
sections 28 are left and right rectangular returns 30. Left and
right rectangular returns 30 are preferably perpendicular to
rectangular side sections 28 and parallel to bottom section 16.
[0066] FIG. 4 is a cross section of stud framing member 10,
including stiffeners 18 that run the length of the member.
Stiffeners 18 are ideally located on surface section 16 about 1
1/2'' to 2'' from rectangular side sections 28, depending on the
width of bottom section 16. As can be seen from FIG. 4, rectangular
returns 30 do not generally extend out over stiffeners 18. It can
also be seen that corners 32, formed where rectangular side 10
sections 28 meet bottom section 16, and corners 34, formed where
rectangular returns 30 meet rectangular side sections 28, may be
radiused edges rather than sharp comers.
[0067] FIG. 5 is a cross section of an alternate embodiment of
framing member 10. In this embodiment, bottom section 16 does not
include stiffeners 18. Rather, surface section 16 is flat across
its entire width other than opening 12 and tab 14.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 6-8, there is another alternative
embodiment of the framing member 15 showing a plurality of
manufactured layout locating tabs 14. Note that the position of
tabs 14 and the corresponding knock out openings 12 can be located
anywhere along the framing member. That is, it is unnecessary to
use only 16 inches on center as would be required if tabs 14 and
openings 12 were not made specifically to meet the requirements of
each and every construction project.
[0069] FIG. 9 is another embodiment of manufactured layout locating
tabs 14' shown in the framing member depicted in FIG. 6. In this
embodiment, tabs 14' and their corresponding knock out openings 12'
are rectangular in shape. Clearly, other shapes are likewise
possible such as triangular, octagonal, hexagonal, etc. depending
on the job requirements. Since the tabs and openings are made
during the construction process of the framing member, with the tab
aligned at the predetermined angle relative to the web surface of
framing member, a virtual infinite number of tab permutations and
combinations are possible.
[0070] FIG. 12 shows a typical framed wall that uses the tabs 14 to
attach one framing member to the next in precise alignment. Note
that the distance between the respective framing members is not
always a standard (16 inches O.C.) so that the tabs (not shown) on
header framing member 42 are adjusted accordingly. Also, openings
and tabs can be provided so that cross bracing members 44 and 46
are accurately position therethrough thus providing a tab for
attachment as well as making certain the framed wall is square.
This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 13 which shows that tab 14 is
positioned at an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to
surface portion 16.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 14, the framing member invention can even
be used to construct trusses which require joining one framing
member to another at varying angles and positions. The flexibility
of this system is clearly illustrated in FIG. 15 which illustrates
that tab 14 can be positioned at the top of framing member 10 such
that one framing member 10 can be attached to another at
substantially right angles.
[0072] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of locking tabs being used to
connect a stud member 50 with a track channel member 58 in
accordance with the invention. While the stud member 50 is shown as
the applicant's patented STRONG STUD described above, a track
channel, other metal structural members can also be used with the
invention.
[0073] A tab attachment assembly having at least two raised
portions 52 is provided in the web of stud member 50. A punched
locking tab 54 is provided in each of raised portion 52. An angled
material guide 56 is also provided in each of raised portion 52. At
least two punched knock-out tabs openings 62 are provided in the
upper portion of slotted tab 60 in track or channel member 58.
Track or channel member locking assembly is aligned so that tab
opening 62 is aligned with the tab attachment assembly of stud
member 50. Once stud member 50 is inserted over upper portion of
slotted tab 60, the two parts are attached together. The stability
of the attachment is augmented by the use of knock-out locking
surface 64 of stud member 50 which engages locking surface of
locking tab 66 of track channel member 58. This is shown only on
one leg of the respective parts but could also be used as a match
set on both legs.
[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, detailed views of the
preferred embodiment of the locking tab assembly that is provided
on stud member 50 are shown. Note that guide member 56 is angled
slightly to enable the locking tab assembly to be slid over the
upper portion of slotted tab 60 of the track channel member 58.
Punched locking tab 54 engages punched knock-out tab opening 62 of
tab 60 so that the two parts are held firmly together as shown in
FIG. 20.
[0075] FIG. 20 is a detailed cross sectional view of the stud
locking tab and its corresponding mating track channel locking tab
in position prior to having the stud member 50 attached to track
channel member 58. Note that once fully engaged, locking tab 66 is
inserted into punched knock-out tab opening 62 thus holding the two
parts firmly together.
[0076] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
the locking tabs. In this embodiment, the knock-outs are a radius
locking tab 74 and a corresponding circular opening 76. As can be
seen, the tab and its receiving knock-out opening can be any mating
shaped pair such as a rectangle, square, circular, oval, etc. as
long as the opening and its tab are dimensioned so that the tab
fully engages the opening once one member engages the other.
[0077] The remaining drawings show the various permutations and
combinations that can be used to attach stud member 50 to track
channel member 58.
[0078] FIG. 22 is an isometric view of still another alternative
embodiment of the locking tabs that use a press fit pin 72 to
improve the stability of the attachment. Matched openings 68 and 70
are provided wherein press pin 72 is pressed through the two fully
engaged parts to more firmly hold the two together. Press pin 72
may be plastic or metal or another material that has sufficient
structural strength to withstand the forces expected when the two
parts are attached. Press pin 72 is preferably shaped so that once
press pin 72 is inserted, removal is extremely difficult thus
ensuring that the two parts are locked together as is accomplished
with locking tab assembly.
[0079] FIG. 23 illustrates a detailed view of the press pin 72.
[0080] FIG. 24 illustrates still another embodiment of FIG. 22. In
this embodiment, press pin 72 is eliminated. Instead, a square
receiving hole 78 is provided on track channel member 58. The stud
is attached to the track by a square angled dimple 77.
[0081] FIG. 25 illustrates a detailed alternative embodiment of a
method of attachment. It shows a detailed view of the square angled
dimple 77.
[0082] FIG. 26 illustrates the attached stud member 50 using the
alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 25. In this embodiment, the
stud member 50 is attached to track channel member 58 using a
square receiving hole 79 as a dimple which engages a square angled
dimple 80 on track 58.
[0083] FIG. 27 illustrates a detailed view of the square angled
dimple 80 that is positioned on the track channel member 58.
[0084] In this view, FIG. 28 illustrates a squared dimple 82 on
track channel member 58 and a square receiving hole 79 on the stud
member 58.
[0085] FIG. 29 is a detailed view of the squared dimple 82 on track
channel member 58.
[0086] FIG. 30 illustrates the use of a round receiving hole 83 on
stud member 50 as a dimple. Correspondingly on track channel member
58, round dimple 84 is used to attach to receiving hole 83.
[0087] FIG. 31 is a detailed view of the round dimple 84 on track
channel member 58 that is shown being used in FIG. 30.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 32, a stud member 50 that has a
longitudinal rib 85 may also be attached to track channel member 58
using this method. In this embodiment, a large oblong dimple is
provided on track channel member 58. The stud member 50 is attached
by moving the stud member 50 as shown by the arrows so that the rib
85 lines up with dimple 86.
[0089] FIG. 33 is a side view of the dimple that is found on track
channel member 58.
[0090] FIG. 34 is a top view of the oblong dimple 86 on track
channel member 58.
[0091] FIG. 35 illustrates a top view of an alternative stud member
50.
[0092] FIG. 36 illustrates a bottom view of the alternative stud
member 50 shown in FIG. 35.
[0093] FIG. 37 is a side view of an alternative locking clip that
is a punched `louvered` type which is attached to the web member of
the stud.
[0094] FIG. 38 is a punched louvered member that provides an
attachment position for the stud member attachment. The use of the
punched `louvered` type of catch is positioned within the flat
portion of the tab/clip. Thus, it provides a greater holding
power.
[0095] FIG. 39 is a bottom view of the `louvered` tab embossed
member.
[0096] FIG. 40 is a top view of the `louvered` tab embossed member
showing the triangular shape. When attached to the clip shown in
FIG. 37, a more secure lock is provided than can be achieved by
merely the use of the punched version of the tab and dimpled
locking mechanism.
[0097] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other versions
are readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not
be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments
contained herein.
* * * * *