Stud wall constructions

Abstract

In a stud wall construction, a U-shaped bracket is fixed within a horizontal channel member and has, at its outer ends, a pair of flanges formed with pockets which receive the inturned flanges of a channel-section upright stud: the horizontal channel member is free to move vertically relative to the stud but the stud is restrained against moving sideways; because the sides of the bracket, between its base and its flanges, are fixed to the opposite sides of the channel member, the bracket effectively secures the two sides of the channel member against sideways deflection.

1 . A stud wall construction which comprises a horizontal channel member and at least one channel-section upright stud having opposite sides which terminate with inturned margins, and a bracket serving to restrain said stud against moving sideways whilst allowing said horizontal channel member to move vertically relative to said stud and also strengthening said horizontal channel member against deflection of its opposite flanges, said bracket comprising a channel-section member having a base and opposite sides projecting from said base, said opposite sides terminating with inwardly-extending flanges which are formed to provide a pair of pockets, the bracket being disposed within said horizontal channel member with its said pockets (P) receiving said inturned margins of said stud and with said sides of the bracket, between its said base ( 10 ) and its said flanges, being fixed to the respective flanges of said horizontal channel member.  
     
     
         2 . A stud wall construction as claimed in  claim 1 , in which said bracket is fixed to said horizontal channel member by means of self-tapping screws inserted into holes drilled through said flanges of said horizontal channel member and through said sides of the bracket.  
     
     
         3 . A bracket for a stud wall, the bracket comprising a channel-section member having a base and opposite sides projecting from said base, said opposite walls terminating with inwardly-extending flanges which are formed to provide a pair of pockets, the bracket being arranged for positioning within a horizontal channel member with its said sides, between its said base and its said flanges, fixed to respective opposite flanges of said horizontal channel member, and with its said pockets receiving respective inturned margins of a channel-section upright stud, such that said horizontal channel member is free to move vertically relative to said stud whilst said stud is restrained from moving sideways and said horizontal channel member is strengthened against deflection of its said opposite flanges.