Framing System for Steel Stud Framing

Abstract

The present invention is a framing system for resolving vertical and horizontal movements in light gage, cold formed, steel stud framing. It utilizes at least one corner hinge and a plurality of pivoting stud clips (one for each stud) that accommodate for the deflection of a building as it encounters environmental changes. Additional hinges may be placed axially, along the wall and at the top and bottom of the corner for increased flexibility. Two embodiments of stud pivot clips, one utilizing direct attachment and arcuate slots, the other utilizing a pivotable connection plate, are disclosed; as are two hinge embodiments.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A stud pivot clip for a metal framing system, the stud pivot clip comprising:
 a. a generally L-shaped bracket having a two legs at an approximately 90° angle to each other;   b. a backing plate pivotably connected to one leg of the stud pivot clip by a pivoting element, said pivoting element passing through the one leg of the stud pivot clip by means of a round, central pivot hole approximately equidistant from opposing edges of the one leg of the stud pivot clip and simultaneously being fixedly positioned on the backing plate while the L-shaped bracket is freely rotatable about the pivoting element when the stud pivot clip is assembled;   
       wherein vertical and horizontal movement of the L-shaped bracket with relation to the backing plate is prohibited and the pivoting element is located along a central longitudinal axis of the backing plate. 
     
     
         2 . The stud pivot clip of  claim 1 , the backing plate being bent in a manner to accommodate the pivoting element and not hinder a range of motion of the pivoting element when the backing plate is attached to the metal framing system. 
     
     
         3 . The stud pivot clip of  claim 1 , the L-shaped bracket being bent to accommodate rotational motion relative to the backing plate.