Process to Improve the Manufacture and Installation of Metal Assemblies, Used in Building Construction

Abstract

An improved method and component design that makes for a more precise fit between steel studs and steel track, used in cold formed light gauge steel construction.

1 . A “U” shaped track, where the web section has been extended so the inner radius of the track is wider than the stud to be used; and the flange sections have been bent back towards the center of the track, up to 180°, then the flanges bent away from the center, up to 90° forming a double radius bend at the web and flange intersection that results in a “U” shape, where the inner surface of the flanges are at a 90° angle to the web and inboard of the web radius, allowing the stud to fit precisely in between the flanges and make full contact with the web section of the track and not contact the inner radius of the track. 
     
     
         2 . A “U” shaped track of  claim 1 , where the second bend is 85° to 95° so the flanges have a plus or minus 5° camber to the stud. 
     
     
         3 . A “U” shaped track of  claim 1 , where the forming is done on a roll former. 
     
     
         4 . A “U” shaped track of  claim 1 , where the forming is don't with an adjustable swage, crimping or punching tool and only where contact with a stud is needed. 
     
     
         5 . A “U” shaped track of  claim 3 , where the second bend is 85° to 95° so the flanges have a plus or minus 5° camber to the stud. 
     
     
         6 . A “U” shaped track, of standard sized commercially available material, has been crimped, swaged or punched with an adjustable forming tool, so the inner area of the flanges that will contact a stud has been moved inwards so the inner side of the flanges are inboard of the inner radius of the web/flange intersection and the flanges are at 85° to 95° to the web, so a stud that has been swaged or crimped with an adjustable forming tool will fit precisely in between the flanges and make full contact with the web section of the track and not contact the inner radius of the track. 
     
     
         7 . A precise stud and track connection where a recess/depression has been formed in the flanges of the track so the head of a fastener is below or flush with the outer surface of the flanges and an elongated recess/depression in the form of an oval or slot, has been formed at each side of end of the stud, where the length of the oval or slot is up to the same length as the flange of the track and the width and depth of the negative side of the elongated oval or slot fits into the positive side of the flanges recess/depressions allowing the stud to fit down to the web without an interference between the recess/depressions of either the stud or track.