Abstract: An integral generally channel-form runner for securing and supporting one or more wallboard panels in a demountable structure, the runner having an integral platform for supporting the lower edges of the wallboard panels in a position spaced above the bottom of the runner to prevent absorption of water and formation of mildew at the edges of the wallboard panels.

Abstract: An integral clip for use in combination with a lower channel-form runner for securing and supporting a pair of spaced-apart wallboard panels in a demountable structure, the clip having flanges for engaging and being supported upon the edges of the flanges of the runner, and having a platform for supporting the lower edges of the wallboard panels in a position spaced above the bottom of the runner to prevent absorption of water and formation of mildew at the edges of the wallboard panels.

Abstract: Fireproofing of I-beams in building structures is necessary to prevent the loss of strength in the event of a fire. Gypsum board liners for elevator shafts and the like rest in runners attached to the I-beams. Proper placement of the runners is especially critical in the construction of elevator shafts but the correct location of the runners may not be known until after the I-beams have been fireproofed. The furring clip disclosed herein snaps onto the bottom flange of an I-beam and is fireproofed along with the beam. The ceiling runner may be screw attached to the furring clip after the hoistway rails in the elevator shaft are in place.

Abstract: A clip for connecting a curtain wall stud to the load bearing framework of a building is provided with detents so that the clip may be pushed onto the stud and does not have to be supported by hand while it is being welded to the framework.

Abstract: Sheet metal is processed by providing one or more corrugations longitudinally along the sheet in a position spaced from both lateral edges of the sheet while the lateral edges are maintained in fixed relationship to each other, thereby causing the sheet metal portion containing the corrugations to be stretched. The corrugated portion is subsequently rolled or otherwise pressed to flatten out the corrugations either partially or completely, resulting in a sheet which is wider than the original, but which still has certain areas having the original thickness. The sheet metal thus processed may be utilized to form structural members such as channels or studs which are less expensive for a given size than conventional structural members, but which still exhibit sufficient supportive strength by virtue of the portions thereof which retain their original thickness.

Abstract: A resilient metal runner for attaching gypsum wallboard to a supporting structure including a base attaching flange with a curved over section merging into a flexible web which is integral with a first flange extending at an inclined angle from an edge of the flexible web and a support portion having one edge coextensive with the adjoining edge of such angled flange in laterally offset relation to the flexible web with an inclined stop flange coextensive with the opposite edge of the support portions and extending at an opposite angle to the first flange and of substantially similar width to the first flange. The flexible web is provided with cutout portions for the securement of fastenings through the base attaching flange.

Abstract: A metal stud for constructing a fire-rated wall and the wall structure formed of a plurality of studs mounted in runners and having at least a pair of spaced-apart layers of wallboard panels with adjacent panels in abutting relationship, the stud being formed of an integral piece of sheet metal and comprising a single layer web having a first plurality of oppositely directed flange means at one edge thereof and a second pair of oppositely directed flange means connected to the web means at the other end thereof and spaced-apart from the first pair of flange means a sufficient distance to provide a pair of oppositely directed channels receiving the edges of adjacent panels of a single layer, and means extending away from the second pair of oppositely directed flange means and being connected to and supporting a panel spaced apart from the first and second pairs of flange means and adapted to have the wallboard panels of a second layer affixed thereto in parallel spaced-apart relationship with regard to the fir

Abstract: A support runner for use in suspended ceiling grid systems is disclosed with the support runner being useful in ceiling systems having an exposed flange for decorative purposes. The support runner comprises: a lower decorative trim member; an upper inverted T-runner; and, an intermediate spline member. The decorative trim member has a decorative lower surface and an engageable upper surface. A spline member is engaged about the engageable upper surface of the decorative trim and extends substantially along the full length of the decorative trim. The upper surface of the spline is an engageable slot. An inverted T-runner is supportingly engaged to the engageable upper surface slot of the spline and extends along the spline a distance sufficiently less than the length of spline and trim members to accommodate heat expansion distortion of the inverted T-runner.

Abstract: A clip and the assembly of the clip with a structural member and insulative layers, the clip being releasibly self-attached to projecting edge portions of the member so as to have two impaling projections for impaling the layers.

Abstract: A support runner for use in a suspended ceiling system is disclosed with the support runner being useful in ceiling systems having an exposed flange for decorative purposes. The support runner has a decorative trim having a decorative lower surface and an engageable upper surface. An inverted-T runner is supportingly engaged about the engageable upper surface of the decorative trim and extends along the decorative trim a distance sufficiently less than the length of the trim to accomodate heat expansion distortion of the inverted-T runner. When the ceiling system is exposed to heat, the inverted-T runner continues to hold the ceiling panels even though the decorative trim becomes inoperable due to expansion caused by the heat.

Abstract: A common area separation wall structure for separating adjacent occupancy areas is provided having a centrally located vertical fire barrier member comprised of a plurality of steel studs supporting a plurality of gypsum drywall panels, and wood-framed wall structures on each side of the vertical fire barrier having outer wall panels affixed thereto. The fire barrier member is supported by the wall structures on each side and affixed thereto by means of aluminum break-away clips. In the event of a fire in one occupancy area, the heat of the flames melts the break-away clips on that side, permitting the burning wall to separate from the vertical fire barrier member and collapse, while the vertical fire barrier member remains supported by the opposite non-burning wall, thereby preventing the fire from igniting the wall structure of the occupancy area on the other side.

Abstract: A unitary integral metal stud formed of sheet metal for constructing a fire-retardant wall and the wall structure formed of a plurality of studs and a pair of spaced-apart layers of gypsum wallboard panels in abutting relationship, the stud comprising a web having a pair of flanges defining a wallboard panel-engaging channel on one side, and a kerf-engaging flange substantially centrally locatead on the other side, and means extending from the web and having a supporting surface adapted to have a second layer of gypsum wallboard panels affixed thereto. A first row of panels is engaged by the channel and kerf-engaging flange, whereas a second layer of gypsum wallboard panels is affixed to the supporting surface extending from the roof. Additionally apertures may be provided in the web to inhibit heat conduction through the metal stud, and additionally to provide space into which the edges of the wallboard panels may dissipate heat if they should become hot, as for example during a fire.

Abstract: A metal stud for constructing a fire-rated wall and the wall structure formed of a plurality of studs mounted in runners and having at least two spaced-apart layers of wallboard panels with adjacent panels in abutting relationship, the stud being formed of an integral piece of sheet metal and comprising a single layer web having a first plurality of oppositely directed flange means at one edge thereof, a web substantially perpendicular to the flange means, and a panel at the other edge of the web for supporting wallboard panels.