Spring bracket for framing stud installation

Abstract

A spring bracket for installing a framing stud between a ceiling and a floor, the spring bracket including at least one clamping portion configured for gripping an end of the frame stud; and at least one leg attached to the clamping portion and configured for engaging the ceiling or floor, wherein the spring bracket is the sole device for securing the framing stud in place relative to the floor upon installation.

1 . A spring bracket for installing a framing stud between a ceiling and a floor, the spring bracket comprising:
 at least one clamping portion configured for gripping an end of the frame stud; and   at least one leg attached to said clamping portion and configured for engaging the ceiling or floor, wherein said spring bracket is the sole device for securing the framing stud in place relative to the floor upon installation.   
   
   
       2 . The spring bracket of  claim 1  wherein each of said at least one leg is moveable between a preinstalled position and a deformed position, wherein each said leg moves from said preinstalled position to said deformed position upon said ceiling sagging and exerting a downward force on said spring bracket. 
   
   
       3 . The spring bracket of  claim 2  wherein an end of each said leg has at least one friction enhancing formation for engaging said ceiling. 
   
   
       4 . The spring bracket of  claim 1  wherein said at least one clamping portion and said leg are formed out of a continuous planar strip of material. 
   
   
       5 . The spring bracket of  claim 4  wherein said material is spring steel. 
   
   
       6 . The spring bracket of  claim 4  wherein said at least one clamping portion is generally diamond-shaped when viewed from a front side of said spring bracket. 
   
   
       7 . The spring bracket of  claim 1  wherein said at least one clamping portion is generally diamond-shaped when viewed from a front side of said spring bracket. 
   
   
       8 . The spring bracket of  claim 1  wherein said at least one clamping portion is generally double diamond-shaped when viewed from a front side of said spring bracket. 
   
   
       9 . The spring bracket of  claim 1  wherein each said leg is generally “L”-shaped. 
   
   
       10 . The spring bracket of  claim 1  wherein each said leg is generally “S”-shaped. 
   
   
       11 . The spring bracket of  claim 1  wherein each said leg includes at least one angle-forming bend. 
   
   
       12 . The spring bracket of  claim 8  and wherein each said leg is generally “L”-shaped. 
   
   
       13 . The spring bracket of  claim 12  wherein an end of each said leg has at least one generally tooth-shaped friction enhancing formation for engaging said ceiling. 
   
   
       14 . The spring bracket of  claim 13  wherein said material is spring steel. 
   
   
       15 . a framing stud system for use between a ceiling and a floor, comprising:
 A framing stud disposed between the ceiling and the floor;   a spring bracket having at least one clamping portion gripping a first end of the frame stud, and having at least one leg attached to said clamping portion for engaging the ceiling or the floor; and   a friction causing surface disposed between a second end of said framing stud and the ceiling or the floor.