Metal Framing System

Abstract

The invention provides lightweight metal studs and tracks for use in wall framing systems produced by passing flexible thin steel between rolls, thereby forming a C-shaped member with defined longitudinal support ribs or projections on the stud members and transverse support ribs or projections on the track members that both increase the span strength, automatically spaces the vertical stud members and locks the stud members into place along the track member with a frictional fit.

1 . A metal framing system comprising:
 a. at least one track member having a c-shaped cross section, defining a web portion with opposing side walls extending from said web portion, having a plurality of transverse ribs defined in said opposing side walls of said tack member, said transverse ribs being spaced at pre-determined intervals along the length of said side walls; and   b. one or more stud members having a C-shape cross section, defining a web portion with opposing side walls extending from said web portion, having one or more longitudinal ribs defined in said opposing side walls of said stud member;   c. wherein said longitudinal ribs of said stud member engage with said transverse ribs of said track member when said stud member is inserted into said track member.   
   
   
       2 . The framing system of  claim 1  wherein said opposing side walls of said track members and said stud members form substantially 90-degree angles with their respective web portions. 
   
   
       3 . The framing system of  claim 2  wherein said stud members further comprise flanges defined on the lateral edge of said opposing side walls opposite said web portion, said flanges extending substantially toward the opposing side wall. 
   
   
       4 . The framing system of  claim 3  wherein said flanges are integral with said opposing sidewalls of said stud member and extend the complete distance between the opposing side walls of said stud member. 
   
   
       5 . The framing system of  claim 1  wherein said transverse ribs defined on one side wall of said track member are aligned with said transverse ribs defined on the opposing side wall of said track member. 
   
   
       6 . The framing system of  claim 1  wherein said longitudinal ribs are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of said opposing side walls of said stud members. 
   
   
       7 . The framing system of  claim 1  wherein said longitudinal ribs defined on said opposing side walls of said stud members are aligned with each other. 
   
   
       8 . The framing system of  claim 1  wherein said longitudinal ribs form a friction fit with said transverse ribs when said stud member is engaged with said track member. 
   
   
       9 . The framing system of  claim 1  wherein each of said longitudinal ribs is engaged with a transverse rib. 
   
   
       10 . The framing system of  claim 1  wherein said track members and said stud members are composed of high-strength steel. 
   
   
       11 . The framing system of  claim 1  comprising:
 a. a first track member;   b. a second track member disposed parallel to said first track member; and   c. a plurality of stud members having one end engaged with said first track member and an opposite end engaged with said second track member, said stud members being substantially perpendicular to said first and said second tack members.   
   
   
       12 . The framing system of  claim 1  wherein said opposing side walls of said track members and said opposing side walls of said stud members are embossed. 
   
   
       13 . The framing system of  claim 12  wherein said opposing side walls of said track members are embossed, and further wherein the embossing pattern on said track members is complementary to the embossing pattern on said stud members. 
   
   
       14 . The framing system of  claim 1  wherein said longitudinal ribs and said transverse ribs have complementary cross sectional shapes. 
   
   
       15 . The framing system of  claim 14  wherein said longitudinal ribs and said transverse ribs have triangular cross sectional shapes. 
   
   
       16 . The framing system of  claim 15  wherein said the apex of said triangular cross sectional shape of said longitudinal ribs and said transverse ribs face the opposing wall of said stud members and said track members respectively. 
   
   
       17 . The framing system of  claim 1  wherein said longitudinal ribs extend the entire length of said stud members. 
   
   
       18 . A method for making metal framing studs comprising passing sheet metal between a set of rollers to form a generally c-shaped stud member having a web portion and two opposing side walls integral with and extending from said web portion, each of said opposing side walls having one or more ribs running longitudinally along the side walls. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein passing said sheet metal between said set of rollers additionally forms one or more flanges originating from the longitudinal edge of the opposing side walls opposite said web portion and extending substantially in the direction of the opposite side wall. 
   
   
       20 . A method for making metal tracks for framing studs comprising passing sheet metal between a set of rollers to form a generally c-shaped stud member having a web portion and two opposing side walls integral with and extending from said web portion, each of said opposing side walls having one or more ribs running transversely across said side walls.