Rc channel and related wall system using lightweight metal laminate

Abstract

A wallboard support channel includes a web of metal laminate including a layer of polymer sandwiched between first and second layers of metal, the web being configured into a channel shape for achieving enhanced sound absorption. In the preferred embodiment, the channel shape includes a first, generally planar surface having an elongate edge, and an opposite free edge that is folded over, an inclined web disposed along the elongate edge and projecting at an obtuse angle relative to the first surface, a web edge of the inclined web opposite the first surface is shared with a second, generally planar surface, an arched support rib is formed between adjacent edges of the inclined web and the second surface to provide enhanced structural rigidity, and a second inclined web projecting from an edge of the second surface opposite the inclined web in a complementary direction to the inclined web.

1 . A wallboard support channel constructed and arranged for attachment to a surface of a framing member and for holding a wallboard panel suspended away from the framing member, comprising:
 a web of metal laminate including a layer of polymer sandwiched between first and second layers of metal;   said web being shaped into a channel shape including:
 a first, generally planar surface having an elongate edge, and an opposite free edge that is folded over; 
 an inclined web disposed along said elongate edge and projecting at an obtuse angle relative to said first surface; 
 a web edge of said inclined web opposite said first surface is shared with a second, generally planar surface; 
 an arched support rib formed between adjacent edges of said inclined web and said second surface to provide enhanced structural rigidity; and 
 a second inclined web projecting from an edge of said second surface opposite said inclined web in a complementary direction to said inclined web. 
   
     
     
         2 . The wallboard support channel of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said inclined web and said second, generally planar surface being knurled. 
     
     
         3 . The wallboard support channel of  claim 1 , wherein said web is dipped in galvanizing composition. 
     
     
         4 . The wallboard support channel of  claim 1 , wherein said second inclined web is a stop flange, being shorter than said inclined web, a second arched support rib spaced from said arched support rib and formed between adjacent edges of said second surface and said stop flange. 
     
     
         5 . The wallboard support channel of  claim 1 , wherein said second inclined web is similar in length to said inclined web, and has a third, generally planar surface similar in dimension and configuration to said first, generally planar surface so that said support channel is symmetrical about a vertical axis. 
     
     
         6 . The wallboard support channel of  claim 5 , wherein said inclined web and said second inclined web are made of expanded metal.