Blocking clip for construction framing assembly and methods to manufacture and install the same

- Telling Industries, LLC

A blocking clip for a construction framing assembly comprises a web, a first flange, a first back strap, a second flange, a second back strap, a first tab, and a second tab. The first flange has a first flange first edge which is attached to a web first edge with the first flange extending from a web inside surface. The second flange has a second flange first edge which is attached to a web second edge with the second flange extending from the web inside surface. The first back strap has a first back strap first edge attached to a first flange second edge with the first back strap extending from the second flange second edge. The second back strap has a second back strap first edge attached to a second flange second edge with the second back strap extending from the second flange second edge. The first tap is substantially in a plane formed by a first flange second end and a first back strap second end. The second tab is substantially in a plane formed by a second flange second end and a second back strap second end.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCES AND PRIORITIES

None

BACKGROUND

When constructing a building such as a home, office building, industrial building, or warehouse—internal-to-the-wall supports are often needed for the attachment of external-to-the wall cabinets, handrails, and other load bearing items. Such internal-to-the-wall supports are commonly referred to as blocking.

Early blocking—which is still in use today—often consisted of a simple piece of wood block which extended horizontally between two wooden studs with the wooden block fastened (typically by way of screws or nails) directly to the studs. More recently, the proliferation of metal framing assemblies to replace wooden studs brought about different solutions for attaching blocking to the metal studs.

Typically, a metal clip is attached to metal studs to hold and locate a wooden blocking element. These metal clips are often referred to as blocking clips. Current blocking clips come in two general forms. One is a front-loaded clip in which the wooden blocking member is inserted from the user-facing side of the wall. The other is a rear-loaded clip in which the wooden blocking member is inserted from the side of the wall opposite the user. Front-loaded clips are considered easier for installation.

Many rear-loaded clips come in the form of a flat plate which attaches to the stud by a series of screws. Two tabs extend from the bottom surface of the plate on opposing edges of the stud. The blocking member is then rear-loaded onto the tabs and connected to the flat plate by additional screws. In some field installations, the rear-loading nature of this device can result in increased labor time and therefore higher installation cost.

Many front-loaded clips come in the form of a flat plate which attaches to the stud by a series of screws. Flanges extend from the bottom surface of the plate on opposing edges of the stud with back straps extending away from the stud off each of the flanges. In practice, the front-loading nature of this device is an improvement over rear-loaded clips. However, the installer must then manually hold the blocking member in alignment with the back strap members while attaching the blocking member to the clips. This can make it difficult for a single installer to attach the blocking member to the blocking clip.

The need exists, therefore, for an improved blocking clip which is simple to manufacture and install while still being capable of withstanding the weight loads of external-to-the wall cabinets, handrails, and other load bearing items.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a blocking clip for a construction framing assembly. The blocking clip will comprise a web, a first flange, a first back strap, and a first tab.

The web will have a web first edge and a web second edge substantially parallel with and opposite the web first edge. The web will also have a web outside surface and a web inside surface opposite the web outside surface.

The first flange will have a first flange first edge, a first flange second edge substantially parallel with and opposite the first flange first edge, a first flange first end substantially perpendicular with the first flange first edge, and a first flange second end substantially parallel with and opposite the first flange first end. The first flange first edge will be attached to the web first edge with the first flange extending from the web inside surface at the web first edge.

The first back strap will have a first back strap first edge, a first back strap second edge substantially parallel with and opposite the first back strap first edge, a first back strap first end substantially perpendicular with the first back strap first edge, and a first back strap second end substantially parallel with and opposite the first back strap first end. The first back strap first edge will be attached to the first flange second edge.

The first tab will have a first tab first edge, a first tab second edge substantially parallel with and opposite the first tab first edge, a first tab first end substantially perpendicular with the first tab first edge, and a first tab second end substantially parallel with and opposite the first tab first end. The first tab will be substantially in a plane formed by the first flange second end and the first back strap second end.

In some embodiments, the web may comprise at least one web screw hole. When present, the web screw hole(s) may pass from the web outside surface through the web inside surface.

In certain embodiments, the first tab first end may be attached to the first back strap second end. In some embodiments, the first tab second edge may be attached to the first flange second end. In still other embodiments the first tab first end may be attached to the first back strap second end and the first tab second edge may be attached to the first flange second end.

In some embodiments, a first angle may be formed between the web and the first flange. The first angle may have a first measurement angle of approximately 90° measured between the web inside surface and a first flange inside surface.

In certain embodiments, a third angle may be formed between the first flange and the first back strap. The third angle may have a third measurement angle of approximately 90° measured between a first flange outside surface and a first back strap outside surface.

In some embodiments, a fifth angle may be formed between the first back strap and the first tab. The fifth angle may have a fifth measurement angle of approximately 90° measured between a first back strap outside surface and a first tab inside surface.

In certain embodiments, the first tab may comprise at least one first tab screw hole. When present, the first tab screw hole(s) may pass from a first tab outside surface through a first tab inside surface.

In some embodiments, the first back strap may comprise at least one first back strap screw hole. When present, the first back strap screw hole(s) may pass from a first back strap outside surface through a first back strap inside surface.

The blocking clip may comprise a material of construction which is metal. The material of construction of the blocking clip may be of a first gauge which is greater than a second gauge of a material of construction of a stud to which the blocking clip may be attached.

In certain embodiments, the blocking clip may further comprise a second flange, a second back strap, and a second tab. When present, the second flange may have a second flange first edge, a second flange second edge substantially parallel with and opposite the second flange first edge, a second flange first end substantially perpendicular with the second flange first edge, and a second flange second end substantially parallel with and opposite the second flange first end. The second flange first edge may be attached to the web second edge with the second flange extending from the web inside surface at the web second edge.

When present, the second back strap may have a second back strap first edge, a second back strap second edge substantially parallel with and opposite the second back strap first edge, a second back strap first end substantially perpendicular with the second back strap first edge, and a second back strap second end substantially parallel with and opposite the second back strap first end. The second back strap first edge may be attached to the second flange second edge with the second back strap extending from the first flange second edge substantially parallel with the web.

When present, the second tab may have a second tab first edge, a second tab second edge substantially parallel with and opposite the second tab first edge, a second tab first end substantially perpendicular with the second tab first edge, and a second tab

second end substantially parallel with and opposite the second tab first end. The second tab may be substantially in a plane formed by the second flange second end and the second back strap second end.

In some embodiments, the second tab first end may be attached to the second back strap second end. In other embodiments, the second tab first edge may be attached to the second flange second end. In still other embodiments, the second tab first end may be attached to the second back strap second end and the second tab first edge may be attached to the second flange second end.

In certain embodiments, a second angle may be formed between the web and the second flange. The second angle may have a second measurement angle of approximately 90° measured between the web inside surface and a second flange inside surface.

In some embodiments, a fourth angle may be formed between the second flange and the second back strap. The fourth angle may have a fourth measurement angle of approximately 90° measured between a second flange outside surface and a second back strap outside surface.

In certain embodiments, a sixth angle may be formed between the second back strap and the second tab. The sixth angle may have a sixth measurement angle of approximately 90° measured between a second back strap outside surface and a second tab inside surface.

In some embodiments, the second tab may comprise at least one second tab screw hole. When present, the second tab screw hole(s) may pass from a second tab outside surface through a second tab inside surface.

In certain embodiments, the second back strap may comprise at least one second back strap screw hole. When present, the second back strap screw hole(s) may pass from a second back strap outside surface through a second back strap inside surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an invented blocking clip.

FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of an invented blocking clip.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of one embodiment of an invented blocking clip.

FIG. 4 is a first side view of one embodiment of an invented blocking clip.

FIG. 5 is a second side view of one embodiment of an invented blocking clip.

FIG. 6 is an end view of one embodiment of an invented blocking clip.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an invented blocking clip installed with blocking between two studs of a construction framing assembly.

FIG. 8 is an assembled perspective view of the embodiment of an invented blocking clip installed with blocking between two studs of the construction framing assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an invented blocking clip.

FIG. 10 is an assembled perspective view of two embodiments of an invented blocking clip installed with blocking between two studs of a construction framing assembly.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a blocking clip for a construction framing assembly. The blocking clips are described below with reference to the Figures. As described herein and in the claims, the following numbers refer to the following structures as noted in the Figures.

    • 10 refers to a construction framing assembly.
    • 20A refers to a first stud.
    • 20B refers to a second stud.
    • 30 refers to a screw.
    • 50 refers to a blocking member.
    • 100 refers to a blocking clip.
    • 110 refers to a web.
    • 111 refers to a web first edge.
    • 112 refers to a web second edge.
    • 113 refers to a web outside surface.
    • 114 refers to a web inside surface.
    • 115 refers to a web screw hole.
    • 120 refers to a first flange.
    • 121 refers to a first flange first edge.
    • 122 refers to a first flange second edge.
    • 123 refers to a first flange first end.
    • 124 refers to a first flange second end.
    • 130 refers to a second flange.
    • 131 refers to a second flange first edge.
    • 132 refers to a second flange second edge.
    • 133 refers to a second flange first end.
    • 134 refers to a second flange second end.
    • 140 refers to a first tab.
    • 141 refers to a first tab first edge.
    • 142 refers to a first tab second edge.
    • 143 refers to a first tab first end.
    • 144 refers to a first tab second end.
    • 145 refers to a first tab screw hole.
    • 150 refers to a second tab.
    • 151 refers to a second tab first edge.
    • 152 refers to a second tab second edge.
    • 153 refers to a second tab first end.
    • 154 refers to a second tab second end.
    • 155 refers to a second tab screw hole.
    • 160 refers to a first back strap.
    • 161 refers to a first back strap first edge.
    • 162 refers to a first back strap second edge.
    • 163 refers to a first back strap first end.
    • 164 refers to a first back strap second end.
    • 165 refers to a first back strap screw hole.
    • 170 refers to a second back strap.
    • 171 refers to a second back strap first edge.
    • 172 refers to a second back strap second edge.
    • 173 refers to a second back strap first end.
    • 174 refers to a second back strap second end.

175 refers to a second back strap screw hole.

    • α1 refers to a first angle.
    • α2 refers to a second angle.
    • α3 refers to a third angle.
    • α4 refers to a fourth angle.
    • α5 refers to a fifth angle.
    • α6 refers to a sixth angle.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a blocking clip (100) for a construction framing assembly (10 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 1, the blocking clip may comprise a web (110), a first flange (120), a second flange (130), a first tab (140), a second tab (150), a first back strap (160), and a second back strap (170).

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the embodiment of a blocking clip (100) shown in FIG. 1 with FIG. 3 showing a bottom view of the embodiment of a blocking clip shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 details of the web (110) may be seen. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the web will have a web first edge (111) and a web second edge (112) substantially parallel with and opposite the web first edge. The web will also have a web first end substantially perpendicular with and extending between the web first edge and the web second edge, and a web second end substantially parallel with and opposite the web first end. This gives the web a substantially quadrilateral (i.e.—square or rectangular) shape.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 also shows the web (110) having a web outside surface (113 as shown in FIG. 2). Opposite the web outside surface is a web inside surface (114 as shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the web may also include at least one web screw hole (115) passing from the web outside surface through the web inside surface. As the web screw hole(s) pass from the web outside surface through the web inside surface, the web screw hole(s) may also be referred to as web through hole(s). These web screw hole(s) or web through hole(s) provide an access point through which a fastener—such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or the like—may pass to attach the blocking clip (100) to a stud (20A or 20B as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) of a construction framing assembly (10 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8).

Further shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are details of the first back strap (160). As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the first back strap will have a first back strap first edge (161) and a first back strap second edge (162) substantially parallel with and opposite the first back strap first edge. The first back strap will also have a first back strap first end (163) substantially perpendicular with and extending between the first back strap first edge and the first back strap second edge, and a first back strap second end (164) substantially parallel with an opposite the first back strap first end. This gives the first back strap a substantially quadrilateral (i.e.—square or rectangular) shape.

The first back strap first edge (161) will be attached to the first flange second edge (121) as shown in the Figures. The first back strap will then extend away from the second flange second edge substantially parallel with the web (110). As such, an angle (sometimes referred to as a third angle (α3)) will be formed between the first flange and the first back strap with said angle having a measurement angle (sometimes referred to as a third measurement angle) of approximately 90°—preferably exactly 90°—measured between the first flange outside surface and a first back strap outside surface.

In some embodiments, the first back strap (160) may include at least one optional first back strap screw hole (165). When present, the first back strap screw hole(s) may pass from a first back strap outside surface through a first back strap inside surface. As the first back strap screw hole(s) pass from the first back strap outside surface through the first back strap inside surface, the first back strap screw hole(s) may also be referred to as first back strap through hole(s). These first back strap screw hole(s) or first back strap through hole(s) provide an access point through which a fastener—such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or the like—may pass to attach a blocking member (50 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) of a construction framing assembly (10 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) to the blocking clip (100).

Also shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are details of the second back strap (170). As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the second back strap will have a second back strap first edge (171) and a second back strap second edge (172) substantially parallel with and opposite the second back strap first edge. The second back strap will also have a second back strap first end (173) substantially perpendicular with and extending between the second back strap first edge and the second back strap second edge, and a second back strap second end (174) substantially parallel with and opposite the second back strap first end. This gives the second back strap a substantially quadrilateral (i.e.—square or rectangular) shape.

The second back strap first edge (171) will be attached to the second flange second edge (132) as shown in the Figures. The second back strap will then extend away from the first flange second edge substantially parallel with the web (110). As such, an angle (sometimes referred to as a fourth angle (α4)) will be formed between the second flange and the second back strap with said angle having a measurement angle (sometimes referred to as a fourth measurement angle) of approximately 90°—preferably exactly 90°—measured between the second flange outside surface and a second back strap outside surface.

In some embodiments, the second back strap (170) may include at least one optional second back strap screw hole (175). When present, the second back strap screw hole(s) may pass from a second back strap outside surface through a second back strap inside surface. As the second back strap screw hole(s) pass from the second back strap outside surface through the second back strap inside surface, the second back strap screw hole(s) may also be referred to as second back strap through hole(s). These second back strap screw hole(s) or second back strap through hole(s) provide an access point through which a fastener—such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or the like—may pass to attach a blocking member (50 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) of a construction framing assembly (10 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 to the blocking clip (100).

FIG. 4 shows a first side view of the embodiment of a blocking clip (100) shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 4 details of the first flange (120) may be seen. As shown in FIG. 4, the first flange will have a first flange first edge (121) and a first flange second edge (122) substantially parallel with and opposite the first flange first edge. The first flange will also have a first flange first end (123) substantially perpendicular with and extending between the first flange first edge and the first flange second edge, and a first flange second end (124) substantially parallel with and opposite the first flange first end. This gives the first flange a substantially quadrilateral (i.e.—square or rectangular) shape.

The first flange first edge (121) will be attached to the web first edge (111) as shown in the Figures. The first flange will then extend away from the web inside surface. As such, an angle (sometimes referred to as a first angle (α1)) will be formed between the first flange and the web with said angle having a measurement angle (sometimes referred to as a first measurement angle) of approximately 90°—preferably exactly 90°—measured between the first flange inside surface and the web inside surface.

Similarly, FIG. 5 shows a second side view of the embodiment of a blocking clip (100) shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 5 details of the second flange (130) may be seen. As shown in FIG. 5, the second flange will have a second flange first edge (131) and a second flange second edge (132) substantially parallel with and opposite the second flange first edge. The second flange will also have a second flange first end (133) substantially perpendicular with and extending between the second flange first edge and the second flange second edge, and a second flange second end (134) substantially parallel with and opposite the second flange first end. This gives the second flange a substantially quadrilateral (i.e.—square or rectangular) shape.

The second flange first edge (131) will be attached to the web second edge (112) as shown in the Figures. The second flange will then extend away from the web inside surface. As such, an angle (sometimes referred to as a second angle (α2)) will be formed between the second flange and the web with said angle having a measurement angle (sometimes referred to as a second measurement angle) of approximately 90°—preferably exactly 90°—measured between the second flange inside surface and the web inside surface.

FIG. 6 shows an end cap view of the embodiment of a blocking clip (100) shown from the first flange first end (133). FIG. 6 includes details of the first tab (140) and the second tab (150). As shown in FIG. 6, the first tab may have a first tab first edge (141) and a first tab second edge (142) substantially parallel with and opposite the first tab first edge. The first tab may also have a first tab first end (143) substantially perpendicular with and extending between the first tab first edge and the first tab second edge, and a first tab second end (144) substantially parallel with and opposite the first tab first end. This gives the first tab a substantially quadrilateral (i.e.—square or rectangular) shape. While a substantially quadrilateral shape is shown in FIG. 6, the first tab may have other shapes including—but not limited to—a substantially triangular shape, a substantially hexagonal shape, or a substantially octagonal shape.

The first tab (140) will be substantially in a plane formed by the first flange second end (124) and the first back strap second end (164) as shown in the Figures. In some embodiments the first tab first end (143) may be attached to the first back strap second end while in other embodiments the first tab second edge may be attached to the first flange second end (124). Other embodiments may exist where the first tab first end is attached to the first back strap second end and the first tab second edge is attached to the first flange second end. As such, an angle (sometimes referred to as a fifth angle (α5)) will be formed between the first back strap (160) and the first tab with said angle having a measurement angle (sometimes referred to as a fifth measurement angle) of approximately 90°—preferably exactly 90°—measured between the first back strap outside surface and the first tab inside surface.

In some embodiments, the first tab (140) may include at least one optional first tab screw hole (145). When present, the first tab screw hole(s) may pass from a first tab outside surface through a first tab inside surface. As the first tab screw hole(s) pass from the first tab outside surface through the first tab inside surface, the first tab screw hole(s) may also be referred to as first tab through hole(s). These first tab screw hole(s) or first tab through hole(s) provide an access point through which a fastener—such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or the like—may pass to attach a blocking member (50 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) of a construction framing assembly (10 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 to the blocking clip (100).

Similarly, the second tab may have a second tab first edge (151) and a second tab second edge (152) substantially parallel with and opposite the second tab first edge as shown in FIG. 6. The second tab may also have a second tab first end (153) substantially perpendicular with and extending between the second tab first edge and the second tab second edge, and a second tab second end (154) substantially parallel with and opposite the second tab first end. This gives the second tab a substantially quadrilateral (i.e.—square or rectangular) shape. While a substantially quadrilateral shape is shown in FIG. 6, the second tab may have other shapes including—but not limited to—a substantially triangular shape, a substantially hexagonal shape, or a substantially octagonal shape.

The second tab (150) will be substantially in a plane formed by the second flange second end (134) and the second back strap second end (174) as shown in the Figures. In some embodiments the second tab first end (153) may be attached to the second back strap second end while in other embodiments the second tab first edge (151) may be attached to the second flange second end (134). Other embodiments may exist where the second tab first end is attached to the second back strap second end and the second tab first edge is attached to the second flange second end. As such, an angle (sometimes referred to as a sixth angle (α6)) will be formed between the second back strap (170) and the second tab with said angle having a measurement angle (sometimes referred to as a sixth measurement angle) of approximately 90°—preferably exactly 90°—measured between the second back strap outside surface and the second tab inside surface.

In some embodiments, the second tab (150) may include at least one optional second tab screw hole (145). When present, the second tab screw hole(s) may pass from a second tab outside surface through a second tab inside surface. As the second tab screw hole(s) pass from the second tab outside surface through the second tab inside surface, the second tab screw hole(s) may also be referred to as second tab through hole(s). These second tab screw hole(s) or second tab through hole(s) provide an access point through which a fastener—such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or the like—may pass to attach a blocking member (50) as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) of a construction framing assembly (10 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 to the blocking clip (100).

An alternative embodiment of a blocking clip (100) for a construction framing assembly (10 as shown in FIG. 10) is shown in FIG. 9. In the embodiment in FIG. 9, the blocking clip may comprise a web (110), a first flange (120), a first tab (140), and a first back strap (160).

Like the embodiment of a blocking clip (100) shown in FIG. 1, in the embodiment in FIG. 9 the web (110) will have a web first edge (111) and a web second edge (112) substantially parallel with and opposite the web first edge. The web will also have a web first end substantially perpendicular with and extending between the web first edge and the web second edge, and a web second end substantially parallel with and opposite the web first end. This gives the web a substantially quadrilateral (i.e.—square or rectangular) shape. The web (110) has a web outside surface (113 as shown in FIG. 2). Opposite the web outside surface is a web inside surface (114 as shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the web may also include at least one web screw hole (115) passing from the web outside surface through the web inside surface. As the web screw hole(s) pass from the web outside surface through the web inside surface, the web screw hole(s) may also be referred to as web through hole(s). These web screw hole(s) or web through hole(s) provide an access point through which a fastener—such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or the like—may pass to attach the blocking clip (100) to a stud (20A or 20B as shown in FIG. 10) of a construction framing assembly (10 as shown in FIG. 10).

Further, like the embodiment of a blocking clip (100) shown in FIG. 1, in the embodiment in FIG. 9 the first back strap will have a first back strap first edge (161) and a first back strap second edge (162) substantially parallel with and opposite the first back strap first edge. The first back strap will also have a first back strap first end (163) substantially perpendicular with and extending between the first back strap first edge and the first back strap second edge, and a first back strap second end (164) substantially parallel with an opposite the first back strap first end. This gives the first back strap a substantially quadrilateral (i.e.—square or rectangular) shape. The first back strap first edge will be attached to the first flange second edge (122) as shown in the Figures. As such, an angle (sometimes referred to as a third angle (α3)) will be formed between the first flange and the first back strap with said angle having a measurement angle (sometimes referred to as a third measurement angle) of approximately 90°—preferably exactly 90°—measured between the first flange outside surface and a first back strap outside surface. In some embodiments, the first back strap may include at least one optional first back strap screw hole (165). When present, the first back strap screw hole(s) may pass from a first back strap outside surface through a first back strap inside surface. As the first back strap screw hole(s) pass from the first back strap outside surface through the first back strap inside surface, the first back strap screw hole(s) may also be referred to as first back strap through hole(s). These first back strap screw hole(s) or first back strap through hole(s) provide an access point through which a fastener—such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or the like—may pass to attach a blocking member (50 as shown in FIG. 10) of a construction framing assembly (10 as shown in FIG. 10) to the blocking clip.

Also, like the embodiment of a blocking clip (100) shown in FIG. 1, in the embodiment in FIG. 9 the first flange will have a first flange first edge (121) and a first flange second edge (122) substantially parallel with and opposite the first flange first edge. The first flange will also have a first flange first end (123) substantially perpendicular with and extending between the first flange first edge and the first flange second edge, and a first flange second end (124) substantially parallel with and opposite the first flange first end. This gives the first flange a substantially quadrilateral (i.e.—square or rectangular) shape. The first flange first edge will be attached to the web first edge (111) as shown in the Figures. The first flange will then extend away from the web inside surface. As such, an angle (sometimes referred to as a first angle (α1)) will be formed between the first flange and the web with said angle having a measurement angle (sometimes referred to as a first measurement angle) of approximately 90°—preferably exactly 90°—measured between the first flange inside surface and the web inside surface.

Additionally, like the embodiment of a blocking clip (100) shown in FIG. 1, in the embodiment in FIG. 9, the first tab may have a first tab first edge (141) and a first tab second edge (142) substantially parallel with and opposite the first tab first edge. The first tab may also have a first tab first end (143) substantially perpendicular with and extending between the first tab first edge and the first tab second edge, and a first tab second end (144) substantially parallel with and opposite the first tab first end. This gives the first tab a substantially quadrilateral (i.e.—square or rectangular) shape. While a substantially quadrilateral shape is shown in FIG. 6, the first tab may have other shapes including—but not limited to—a substantially triangular shape, a substantially hexagonal shape, or a substantially octagonal shape. The first tab will be substantially in a plane formed by the first flange second end (124) and the first back strap second end (164) as shown in the Figures. In some embodiments the first tab first end may be attached to the first back strap second end while in other embodiments the first tab second edge may be attached to the first flange second end. Other embodiments may exist where the first tab first end is attached to the first back strap second end and the first tab second edge is attached to the first flange second end. As such, an angle (sometimes referred to as a fifth angle (α5)) will be formed between the first back strap (160) and the first tab with said angle having a measurement angle (sometimes referred to as a fifth measurement angle) of approximately 90°—preferably exactly 90°—measured between the first back strap outside surface and the first tab inside surface.

The difference between the embodiment of a blocking clip (100) shown in FIG. 1 and the embodiment of a blocking clip shown in FIG. 9 is that—in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9—the blocking clip is void of a second flange (130 as shown in FIG. 1), a second back strap (170 as shown in FIG. 1), and a second tab (150 as shown in FIG. 1). This configuration makes the embodiment of a blocking clip shown in FIG. 9 more amenable to corner or end-of-wall run installation applications—one embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is an assembled perspective view of a construction framing assembly (10) comprising two blocking clips (100A and 100B), two studs (20A and 20B), and a blocking member (50). As shown in FIG. 10, the first blocking clip (100A) corresponds to a blocking clip of the type shown in FIG. 1 and is connected to the first stud (20A) by a plurality of fasteners (30). The second blocking clip (100B) corresponds to a blocking clip of the type shown in FIG. 9 and is connected to the second stud (20B) by a plurality of fasteners. The blocking member may then

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the first stud (20A) and first blocking clip (100A) assembly corresponds to an inward location of the wall between two corners or end-of-wall runs. The second stud (20B) and second blocking clip (100B) assembly corresponds to a corner or end-of-wall run location of the wall in which a third stud (not shown) is located adjacent (i.e.—with no other stud in between) to the second stud. An angle formed by the first stud, the second stud, and the third stud will measure less than 180° with a 90° angle measurement between the first stud, the second stud, and the third stud being most common. In this regard, the second blocking clip may be thought of as a terminal blocking clip for use in locations where the blocking member is intended to terminate (in particular where the blocking member is intended to terminate into a corner).

The blocking clips disclosed herein will preferably be formed of a metal material, such as steel. While the blocking clip may be manufactured using any number of manufacturing methods, the preferred manufacturing method is stamping utilizing conventional metal stamping equipment. Preferably, the blocking clip will be stamped from a coil of steel using a progressive die. The metal material will have a thickness (also known as a gauge) which may be in a range of between 0.030 inches (20 ga) and 0.054 inches (16 ga). Preferably, the gauge of the blocking clip material will be greater than the gauge of the stud to which the blocking clip is attached—although embodiments may exist in which the gauge of the blocking clip material is less than or equal to the gauge of the stud to which the blocking clip is attached.

The blocking clips will preferably be formed as a unitary piece of material. That is to say that the web, first flange, first back strap, first tab, (optional) second flange, (optional) second back strap, and (optional) second tab originate as a single piece of flat material which is then formed (such as by stamping) into the blocking clip.

To install a blocking member using the blocking clip, an installer simply inserts a first blocking clip onto a first stud with the C-shaped channel formed by the web, the first flange, and the second flange extending around a portion of the first stud and the web outside surface facing away from the first stud. The installer then secures the first blocking clip to the first stud by passing one or more fasteners—preferably screws—through the web screw hole(s) and into corresponding stud screw holes.

This process is repeated with a second blocking clip inserted onto a second stud with the C-shaped channel formed by the web, the first flange, and the second flange extending around a portion of the second stud and the web outside surface facing away from the second stud. The installer then secures the second blocking clip to the second stud by passing one or more fasteners—preferably screws—through the web screw hole(s) and into corresponding stud screw holes.

Next, the installer places the blocking member from the user-facing side of the wall (i.e.—front-loaded) in between the two blocking clips with a first portion of the blocking member resting against the second tab of the first blocking clip, and a second portion of the blocking member resting against the first tab of the second blocking clip. The installer then may optionally secure the blocking member to the blocking clips by passing one or more fasteners—preferably screws—through one or more of the first tab screw hole(s), the second tab screw hole(s), the first back strap screw hole(s), and/or the second back strap screw hole(s) and into the blocking member.

In some embodiments, the blocking member may be cut at an angle other than 90° at the ends which abut against the blocking clip when installed. This allows the blocking member to extend at an angle relative to the ground surface between blocking clips which are connected at different heights on opposing studs—thereby allowing for items like stair handrails to be installed at an angle relative to the ground surface.

Once installed, the assembly of blocking clip(s), blocking member, and stud(s) provides a flush surface for ease of mounting gypsum board, drywall, or the like. The blocking clips described herein address many of the issues associated with existing prior art blocking clips. Specifically, the front-loaded nature of the blocking clip disclosed herein makes for easier installation of the blocking component compared to existing back-loaded blocking clips. Additionally, the first tab and second tab allow for the blocking component to rest against the tabs while the installer is attaching screws, thereby reducing the need for the installer to simultaneously align the blocking component with the blocking clip and install the screws.

Claims

1. A blocking clip (100) for a construction framing assembly (10) comprising:

a web (110) having a web first edge (111), a web second edge (112) substantially parallel with and opposite the web first edge, a web outside surface (113) and a web inside surface (114) opposite the outside surface;
a first flange (120) having a first flange first edge (121), a first flange second edge (122) substantially parallel with and opposite the first flange first edge, a first flange first end (123) substantially perpendicular with the first flange first edge, and a first flange second end (124) substantially parallel with and opposite the first flange first end, said first flange first edge attached to the web first edge with said first flange extending from the web inside surface at the web first edge;
a first back strap (160) having a first back strap first edge (161), a first back strap second edge (162) substantially parallel with and opposite the first back strap first edge, a first back strap first end (163) substantially perpendicular with the first back strap first edge, and a first back strap second end (164) substantially parallel with and opposite the first back strap first end, said first back strap first edge attached to the first flange second edge;
a first tab (140) having a first tab first edge (141), a first tab second edge (142) substantially parallel with and opposite the first tab first edge, a first tab first end (143) substantially perpendicular with the first tab first edge, and a first tab second end (144) substantially parallel with and opposite the first tab first end, with the first tab substantially in a plane formed by the first flange second end and the first back strap second end.

2. The blocking clip of claim 1, wherein the web comprises at least one web screw hole (115) passing from the web outside surface through the web inside surface.

3. The blocking clip of claim 1, wherein the first tab first end is attached to the first back strap second end.

4. The blocking clip of claim 1, wherein the first tab second edge is attached to the first flange second end.

5. The blocking clip of claim 1, wherein a first angle (α1) formed between the web and the first flange has a first measurement angle of approximately 90° measured between the web inside surface and a first flange inside surface.

6. The blocking clip of claim 1, wherein a third angle (α3) formed between the first flange and the first back strap has a third measurement angle of approximately 90° measured between a first flange outside surface and a first back strap outside surface.

7. The blocking clip of claim 1, wherein a fifth angle (α5) formed between the first back strap and the first tab has a fifth measurement angle of approximately 90° measured between a first back strap outside surface and a first tab inside surface.

8. The blocking clip of claim 1, wherein the first tab comprises at least one first tab screw hole (145) passing from a first tab outside surface through a first tab inside surface.

9. The blocking clip of claim 1, wherein the first back strap comprises at least one first back strap screw hole (165) passing from a first back strap outside surface through a first back strap inside surface.

10. The blocking clip of claim 1, wherein the blocking clip comprises a material of construction which is a metal.

11. The blocking clip of claim 1, further comprising:

a second flange (130) having a second flange first edge (131), a second flange second edge (132) substantially parallel with and opposite the second flange first edge, a second flange first end (133) substantially perpendicular with the second flange first edge, and a second flange second end (134) substantially parallel with and opposite the second flange first end, said second flange first edge attached to the web second edge with said second flange extending from the web inside surface at the web second edge;
a second back strap (170) having a second back strap first edge (171), a second back strap second edge (172) substantially parallel with and opposite the second back strap first edge, a second back strap first end (173) substantially perpendicular with the second back strap first edge, and a second back strap second end (174) substantially parallel with and opposite the second back strap first end, said second back strap first edge attached to the second flange second edge with said second back strap extending from the first flange second edge substantially parallel with the web; and
a second tab (150) having a second tab first edge (151), a second tab second edge (152) substantially parallel with and opposite the second tab first edge, a second tab first end (153) substantially perpendicular with the second tab first edge, and a second tab second end (154) substantially parallel with and opposite the second tab first end, with the second tab substantially in a plane formed by the second flange second end and the second back strap second end.

12. The blocking clip of claim 10, wherein the material of construction of the blocking clip is of a first gauge which is greater than a second gauge of a material of construction of a stud to which the blocking clip may be attached.

13. The blocking clip of claim 11, wherein the second tab first end is attached to the second back strap second end.

14. The blocking clip of claim 11, wherein the second tab first edge is attached to the second flange second end.

15. The blocking clip of claim 11, wherein a second angle (α2) formed between the web and the second flange has a second measurement angle of approximately 90° measured between the web inside surface and a second flange inside surface.

16. The blocking clip of claim 11, wherein a fourth angle (α4) formed between the second flange and the second back strap has a fourth measurement angle of approximately 90° measured between a second flange outside surface and a second back strap outside surface.

17. The blocking clip of claim 11, wherein a sixth angle (α6) formed between the second back strap and the second tab has a sixth measurement angle of approximately 90° measured between a second back strap outside surface and a second tab inside surface.

18. The blocking clip of claim 11, wherein the second tab comprises at least one second tab screw hole (155) passing from a second tab outside surface through a second tab inside surface.

19. The blocking clip of claim 11, wherein the second back strap comprises at least one second back strap screw hole (175) passing from a second back strap outside surface through a second back strap inside surface.

20. The blocking clip of claim 11, wherein the blocking clip comprises a material of construction which is a metal.

Patent History
Publication number: 20240115045
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 11, 2022
Publication Date: Apr 11, 2024
Applicant: Telling Industries, LLC (Willoughby, OH)
Inventor: Charles Andrew Haba (Kirtland, OH)
Application Number: 18/045,496
Classifications
International Classification: A47B 96/06 (20060101); E04B 2/74 (20060101);