Sheet metal framing member having a j-shaped flange

Abstract

A sheet metal framing member having a J-shaped retention flange is disclosed herein. The innovative sheet metal framing member is made from a continuous piece of sheet metal and is especially configured for use in a wall assembly. The sheet metal framing member comprises a U-shaped track section (for receiving a plurality of studs) connected to a J-shaped retention flange (for retaining a piece of drywall). The U-shaped track section includes a first web connected to confronting first and second flanges, and the J-shaped retention flange includes a second web connected to the second flange and a third flange. The second flange confronts and is between the third flange and the first flange, and the height of the second flange is greater than the height of the first flange, while the first web is parallel to the second web.

1 . A sheet metal framing member (for use in a wall assembly) made from a continuous piece of sheet metal, comprising a U-shaped track section (for receiving a plurality of studs) connected to a J-shaped retention flange (for retaining a piece of drywall), wherein the U-shaped track section includes a first web connected to confronting first and second flanges, and wherein the J-shaped retention flange includes a second web connected to the second flange and a third flange, wherein the second flange confronts and is between the third flange and the first flange, and wherein the height of the second flange is greater than the height of the first flange, and wherein the first web is parallel to the second web. 
     
     
         2 . The sheet metal framing member of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the first flange is greater than or equal to the height of the third flange. 
     
     
         3 . The sheet metal framing member of  claim 2 , wherein the width of the first web is greater than the width of the second web. 
     
     
         4 . The sheet metal framing member of  claim 1  or  3 , further comprising a fire retardant strip positioned along an outer surface of the first flange. 
     
     
         5 . A sheet metal framing member consisting of a U-shaped track section connected to a J-shaped retention flange along a common shared flange.