Versa-track wall/floor joist assembly and method

Abstract

A versa-track structure and wall/floor joist assembly and method is provided which consists of an elongated versa-track member comprising a planar web and a first and second legs in perpendicular alignment defining generally a C-shape or J-shape in cross section. A plurality of horizontally elongated openings are spaced lengthwise on the planar web between the first and second ends of the versa-track and receive perpendicularly related vertical stud members or horizontal floor joist members in forming a wall or floor assembly.

6 . The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
     
         1 . A generally U-shaped elongated versa-track channel for a wall assembly, comprising: 
 a first end and a second end;    a planar web;    a first leg and a second leg perpendicular to the web and defining generally the U-shaped cross-section; and    a plurality of openings spaced lengthwise on the planar web between the first and second ends.    
     
     
         2 . The versa-track channel of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of openings are punched within the planar web having diameter dimensions between the first and second legs equal to or greater than ½ of the width of the web.  
     
     
         3 . The versa-track channel of  claim 1 , wherein the first leg and the second leg provide means for positive attachment to a stud or floor joist located within the opening in the planar web.  
     
     
         4 . The versa-track channel of  claim 1 , wherein said versa-track channel is made of light gauge steel or a high strength material having the strength at least as great as steel of thickness between 0.015 inches and 0.098 inches.  
     
     
         5 . A versa-track wall assembly, comprising: 
 a top track and a bottom track;    a plurality of generally U-shaped elongated versa-track channel members horizontally positioned and containing a plurality of elongated openings;    a plurality of framing members fitting through said elongated openings;    a means for fixedly attaching the versa-track channel members to the framing members at desired locations; and    a means for attaching the framing members to the top track and to the bottom track.    
     
     
         6 . The versa-track wall assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the framing members are vertical metal studs.  
     
     
         7 . The versa-track wall assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the framing members are vertical wood studs.  
     
     
         8 . The versa-track wall assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the framing members are horizontal floor joists.  
     
     
         9 . The versa-track wall assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the versa-track channel members align the framing members, provide horizontal and vertical stabilization, is a backing device, and provides fire blocking and draft dampening.  
     
     
         10 . A method of constructing a wall assembly in a commercial or residential building, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a plurality of versa-track members of  claim 1;     positioning a plurality of stud members through the plurality of elongated openings in the versa-track members;    positioning the versa-track members up and down into desired positions in relation to the stud members; and    positively attaching the stud members to the versa-track members.