Abstract: Generally, a structural building system has a header, a header distant from the footer, and a plurality of vertical members spanning the footer and the header. The footer includes two support members, each having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, positioned in an interior space of the footer for additional strength and stability. The header includes a corrugation, or brace member positioned in an interior space for strength and stability that has an upwardly offset central portion between horizontal portions. The vertical members are preferably I-beams that support a wall height at maximum wind loads. The footer and the header include races for ready wiring without drilling or cutting the vertical members. The system is augmented by mechanical fasteners or adhesives.

Abstract: An enclosed structure, such as a patio enclosure, sunroom, or solarium, is attachable to the exterior wall of a building, has a high proportion of windows and a roof, and constructed from a framework of composite members and insulating wall panels, wherein header and post beams of the room wall assemblies are extruded from material having improved thermal characteristics and stability. Importantly, the beams enable wire services to be routed in concealed fashion from a power source associated with the building to accessible locations in the room and remote to the building. The header and post beams are configured to enable the wire services to be concealed but yet accessible for repair and routing through the header beams and into one or more post beams, as desired.

Abstract: A device for suspending equipment such as a lighting fixture or public address speaker from a ceiling mounted track (5) used to suspend a movable partition and including an extruded rail (4) defining a channel having a longitudinal slot opening (8) between flanges (9) projecting inwardly from opposite lateral walls(6) of the rail. The device comprises a threaded stem (13) capped by an enlarged head (14) passes through the slot opening (8) and is engaged by a lug (17) which cooperates with the head to forcibly bear against or capture one or more of the flanges. In an alternate embodiment of the invention the axial movement of the lug along the stem and the rotational movement of the head in reference to the slot are accurately limited for ease of alignment. The device can be quickly loosened to allow horizontal adjustment of the suspended structure along the rail.

Abstract: The current invention provides a runner for constructing curved surfaces. The runner has at least two sections with each section having at least two layers. The layers used to prepare the sections are substantially identical. However, when assembled to form a section one layer is reversed compared to another layer. Alternatively, each section may be integrally formed. Adjacent sections are pivotal with respect to one another until secured on a desired radius. The runner of the current invention is suitable for constructing curved walls, archways and other curved structures.

Abstract: A modular wall panel system including a series of wall panels connectable to each other. Each of the wall panels is formed from a support frame having a pair of spaced vertical posts and an upper header and a lower sill extending between the vertical posts. The lower sill is received within attachment notches formed in each of the vertical posts near the bottom end of each post. The attachment notches are spaced along the length of the vertical post such that the position of the sill can be adjusted. The lower sill includes a trim channel that receives the bottom of a tile mounted to the support frame. A top cap is attached to the header and engages a top end of the tile to aid in retaining the tile on the support frame. The tile may be a segmented tile having a lower portion and an upper portion joined to each other by a segmented trim channel. The segmented trim channel between the upper and lower portions is not connected to the support frame.

Abstract: A seamless wall finishing system has a plurality of wall panels which are spaced apart from an exterior wall. The spacing creates an air gap which provides an airflow passage between the exterior wall and the second surface of the wall panels. The wall panels have a mold resistant non-organic thread or yarn wall covering which is adhered to a central portion of a first surface of each of the wall panels. The wall panels define a pair of uncovered areas on opposite sides of each of the plurality of wall panels. A vertically extending seam is created between adjacent wall panels which is filled with a seam tape made from the mold resistant nylon yarn wall covering. An air circulation system is provided for circulating air behind the wall panels. A method of assembling the modular basement wall finishing system is also provided.

Abstract: Large span buildings without ordinary beams and columns are formed of vertical load-bearing composite wall-panels and composite floors, both including two concrete layers interconnected by steel strip webs. The stiff horizontal plane formed of assembled roof/ceiling units, supported by wall-panels, connected to both gables restrains transversal movement of longitudinally arranged wall-panels attached tops, bracing them simultaneously against sideway forces and lessening their buckling lengths. Floors, if any applied, being rigidly connected to the vertical panels additionally improve stability of the global structure. The structure, being braced in that way, behaves as a rigid box made of slender panels.

Abstract: A sheet-metal header beam is constructed from a single sheet of sheet metal (10). It is folded to form an upper channel (58) having a bottom wall (12) and inner sidewalls (14, 16). The upper boundaries of the sidewalls (14, 16) form corners (24, 28) with top walls (30, 32) which in turn form corners (26, 28) with outside walls (38, 40). Lower portions of the outside walls (30, 40) and regions (50, 52) form sidewalls of a lower channel (60). Regions (50, 52) are bent at corners (42, 44) to form flanges (46, 48) which form a top for the lower channel (60).

Abstract: A prefabricated building component, e.g. for incorporation in a wall, a floor, a roof or another building component, comprises a frame formed by lengths of lumber with heat insulating foam material provided in spaces between the lumber so as to form a heating insulating barrier. To reinforce the frame against racking forces, a reinforcement sheet of fiber reinforced composite material is provided on the barrier and the lumber at least one side of the frame.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a top frame structure defining an upward-opening channel extending lengthwise along the upper edge of the panel. An elongate header member is normally disposed within this channel. The header member is vertically slidably supported on supports fixed to the top frame structure so that the header member, in a storage position, is retained in the space. When the panel has been swung upwardly so that the upper edge is aligned below a preinstalled ceiling track, then the header member is manually displaced upwardly until the header telescopes over the ceiling track. A fixed connection is then formed between the header and the ceiling track to provide lateral stability at the upper edge of the wall panel.

Abstract: A J-runner, used in the construction of shaft walls in buildings is provided with a lifting element or ledge or both to permit simple centering of studs or shaft walls or both. By providing a lifting member in a lower J-runner, the studs or shaft walls or both can rest upon the lifting member to assist in vertically centering the studs or shaft walls or both when the shaft is fully constructed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for track for use in constructing metal stud walls. The track is a generally U-shaped channel having a base and upstanding side walls extending along either side of the base. The base is provided with a plurality of embossed indicator means evenly spaced along the length of the base. The spacing of the embossed indicator means provides a guide for the proper spacing of the studs placed in the base.

Abstract: An off-module connector system for a partition system detachably connects a first partition with a second partition in a non-parallel, angular relationship at a location on the first partition between the opposite side members thereof. The off-module connector system includes a top connector bracket which engages the attachment slots on the panel frames and a bottom connector bracket which engages an associated rack to securely, yet removably, mount the two partition panels in an off-modular relationship.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: The present invention describes a fire stop system for wall board construction. The patent addresses the problem of a gap between the head of a wall and a metal fluted deck. Described here-in is a fire resistance assembly made of multiple components of: a fire stop panel and a mounting channel. The fire stop panel or wall has a wallboard geometry manufactured to match the contour shape of a metal fluted deck in a “cookie cutter” fashion. This provides the advantages of saving time and material of wallboard construction, with a product that is novel, simple, and easy to manufacture and implement. The mounting channel of the fire stop system provides for an effective way to provide compliance of the stresses from the roofing/ceiling deck's stresses, easy assembly of the fire stop system, while allowing for a meeting of the fire safety rating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing steel studs to make a wall includes a first and second track each having a center portion, an inner lip extending from the center portion and an outer lip extending from the center portion. A first flange goes on each side of the inner lip of the first track. A second flange goes on each side of the inner lip of the second track. A U-shaped stud is provided having at least a portion of an inner lip of the stud being disposed between the first tab and the inner lip of the first track and at least a portion of the inner lip of the stud being disposed between the second tab and the inner lip of the second track.

Abstract: A structural framing system comprising at least one first framing component having upper and lower flange elements separated by a web element having a depth measured between the upper and lower flange elements, the upper and lower flange elements having positioning dimples spaced therealong, the upper dimples protruding from the upper flange element toward the lower flange element and the lower dimples protruding from the lower flange element toward the upper flange element in such manner that a distance between the upper and lower dimples is less than the depth of the web, at least one second framing component having a depth adapted to fit between the upper and lower flange elements of the first framing component and extending from positions along the first framing component substantially corresponding to the locations of the corresponding upper and lower positioning dimples, and at least one third framing component for securing together the first and second framing components, comprising a first plate membe

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a track assembly comprising two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall. The system may further comprise a strap or series of engaging surfaces on the inner and outer tracks that generally restrain the inner track relative to the outer track.

Abstract: A slotted upper track (10) has double-thick sidewalls (34, 36 and 40, 42) through which the slots (54, 50 and 52, 56) extend. The sidewalls (34, 36 and 40, 42) and an interconnecting web (38) form a central channel in which upper end portions of the studs (12) are received. The upper track or header (10) includes secondary channels outwardly of the central channel that are formed by the flanges of the central channel (34, 36 and 40, 42) and auxiliary flanges (30, 46) and auxiliary webs (32, 44). The header or upper track (10) is of a one-piece construction, making it relatively economically to construct. Upper end portions of wallboard panels (WP) are positioned outwardly of the sidewalls (34, 36 and 40, 42) of the central channel. Trim panels (TP) of wallboard are connected to the auxiliary flanges (30, 46) and are positioned laterally outwardly of the upper end portions of the main wallboard panels (WP).

Abstract: A J-runner, used in the construction of shaft walls in buildings is provided with a lifting element or ledge or both to permit simple centering of studs or shaft walls or both. By providing a lifting member in a lower J-runner, the studs or shaft walls or both can rest upon the lifting member to assist in vertically centering the studs or shaft walls or both when the shaft is fully constructed.

Abstract: Corner studs (10, 10?) have webs that are folded into two parts (16, 18) separated by an angle of between about 150° and 270°. These studs are used at corners formed where two framing walls meet. The first wall has upper and lower channel members with continuous flanges. The second wall has upper and lower channel members with squared ends that abut continuous flanges of upper and lower channels of the first framing wall. Studs (10, 10?) are provided which webs that include flange-receiving slots (12, 28) that extend from the ends of the studs (10, 10?) longitudinally inwardly along a bend line (14) between the two web parts (16, 18). The flanges (36, 52) are received within these slots (12, 28) so that a first portion of the studs (10, 10?) can be installed into the channel space of the first channel member and the remaining portion of the studs (10, 10?) can be installed into the channel space of the channel members of the second wall.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components for use in building construction. The invention provides wall components and systems which have fire-retardant characteristics, as well as wall components which allow for needed ventilation in a building throughout times when no fire is present. Embodiments include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving intumescent material. When the intumescent material becomes hot, it expands rapidly and fills its surrounding area, blocking fire, heat, and smoke from traveling to other areas of a building.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inside corner framing element for supporting wallboard at the intersection of two adjoining walls made from sheet metal framing members. The inside corner framing element may be characterized as either: (1) an elongated sheet metal strip bent lengthwise two times to define a truncated W-shaped cross-sectional profile with at least one linear receiving slot positioned at an end of the elongated sheet metal strip; or (2) an elongated sheet metal strip bent lengthwise three times to define a W-shaped cross-sectional profile with at least one linear receiving slot positioned at an end of the elongated sheet metal strip.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a floor sound-insulating type heating system in which a floor sound-insulating structure for reducing the transmission of an impact sound from upstairs to downstairs in an apartment complex and a dry floor heating structure are integrally formed with each other. The floor sound-insulating type heating system can achieve improvements in construction efficiency as well as sound insulation and heat insulation effects.

Abstract: A thermal wall system for slowing heat transfer through walls. The system includes horizontal top and bottom tracks, horizontal top and bottom plates, and vertical studs mounted to and extending between the top and bottom plates. The top tracks and plates have flanges that extend downward. The bottom tracks and plates have flanges that extend upward. The width of the plates fits within the width of the tracks. Top and bottom tracks and plates are respectively nested along their webs and one flange to form a longitudinal opening between their respective opposing flanges. Rigid insulation may be disposed in the longitudinal opening. Thermal framing components may also be provided, extending between the top and bottom plates, to support vertical edges of insulation sheets. Thermal end caps may be used to treat the terminal edges of insulation.

Abstract: This invention reveals new metal stud perimeter wall and load-bearing wall systems that support, without eccentricity, concrete-topped floors on open-web-steel-joists, deep-profiled composite metal decks and channel-shaped joists and allow upper floor framing to complete before floor concreting; a new composite steel beam for open-web-steel-joist support; a new shear-connection-ready open-web-steel joist; and a new perimeter metal stud wall system that incorporates an in-wall wheel-stopper. The new wall systems incorporate web-perforated studs, and/or web-perforated tracks doubling as concrete closures, and other concrete closure devices. The composite beam incorporates shear connectors protruding through a special web-perforated track fitted with a load-bearing block and cutouts in the legs for open-web-steel-joist support.

Abstract: A connector or clip is provided for connecting a metal stud or other member to a support structure. The connector or clip includes a connecting plate for connecting to the stud or other member. A base plate extends from the connecting plate and is adapted to mount to the support structure. A juncture or fold line is defined between the connecting plate and the base plate. One or more ribs are formed in the base plate and extend generally perpendicular to the juncture. In one embodiment, an upturned edge is formed along one side of the base plate opposite the juncture. Further, a reinforcing member is adapted to be secured to the base plate such that both the base plate and reinforcing member can be secured to an adjacent support surface or structure via a connecting fastener.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for reducing the transmission of acoustical energy between a first and second wall surface of a wall comprising a first and a second beam for supporting a sound panel. Each of the first and second beams comprises first and second flanges interconnected by an inner connector with a fold defined in the inner connector for reducing the transmission of acoustical energy between the first and second flange. The fold cooperates with one of the flanges for defining a pocket for receiving an edge of a sound panel. The first and second flange support the first and second wall surface of the wall with the sound panel.

Abstract: A base connection is provided for supporting a concrete wall panel on an underlying support structure. The base connection comprises a generally vertical mounting plate, a wall plate, a pair of slips, and a cover plate secured to and extending upwardly from the support structure. The mounting plate includes one or more generally vertically-elongated slots. The wall plate is embedded within the concrete wall panel toward a lower end defined by the concrete wall panel. The cover plate is located outwardly of the mounting plate. An inner slip plate is located between the mounting plate and the wall plate, and an outer slip plate is located between the cover plate and the mounting plate. Threaded connectors extend interconnect the cover plate and the embedded wall plate, extending through openings in the slip plates and through one of the generally vertically aligned slots in the mounting plate.

Abstract: A sill plate adapted to support drywall above a floor surface to prevent the formation of mold in the drywall. The sill plate has a base section and a first wall associated with the base section. A first shelf is associated with the first wall. The first shelf is adapted to support drywall. The sill plate may also include a second wall associated with base section where the second wall is opposed from the first wall. The second wall may include a second shelf associated with the second wall. Each of the first shelf and second shelf may extend along a plane parallel to a plane passing through the base section. Drywall may rest on the first shelf prior to being affixed to vertical studs extending from the sill plate.

Abstract: A slotted M-track or building wall support structure generally characterized by a metal M-shaped channel beam member is disclosed. The M-shaped channel beam member is defined by a pair of elongated confronting sidewalls integrally connected to an open end of an elongated and generally V-shaped stud receiving track. The V-shaped stud receiving track is positioned between the pair of confronting sidewalls and a pair of elongated and spaced apart coplanar legs. The legs are perpendicularly connected to the sidewalls and to the open end of the generally V-shaped stud receiving track. The V-shaped stud receiving track includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots, with each slot sized and configured to receive a stud.

Abstract: A floor system includes a pair of joist rim assemblies each having a web defining a first surface. The web also includes a mounting portion defining a second surface offset from the first surface. The joist rim may also include a prong defining a slot along with the web. A joist connector bracket is received within the slot and is connectable to the mounting portion of the web. A joist extends between the pair of joist rim assemblies and is connected to the joist connector bracket of each joist rim assembly.

Abstract: A glass rail design in which the glass infill panels extend vertically beyond the top rail. To achieve this, a new vertical post system has to be created. These vertical posts hold the glass panels in front of the posts. To do this, each post has an extruded form extending forward of the post. The glass panels fit into the extruded form. The top rail is attached to the top of the posts and then runs behind the glass panels. The tops of the panels are covered with a protective cap.

Abstract: A slotted upper track (10) has double-thick sidewalls (34, 36 and 40, 42) through which the slots (54, 50 and 52, 56) extend. The sidewalls (34, 36 and 40, 42) and an interconnecting web (38) form a central channel in which upper end portions of the studs (12) are received. The upper track or header (10) includes secondary channels outwardly of the central channel that are formed by the flanges of the central channel (34, 36 and 40, 42) and auxiliary flanges (30, 46) and auxiliary webs (32, 44). The header or upper track (10) is of a one-piece construction, making it relatively economically to construct. Upper end portions of wallboard panels (WP) are positioned outwardly of the sidewalls (34, 36 and 40, 42) of the central channel. Trim panels (TP) of wallboard are connected to the auxiliary flanges (30, 46) and are positioned laterally outwardly of the upper end portions of the main wallboard panels (WP).

Abstract: A structural thermal framing and panel system for assembling finished or unfinished walls with multiple combinations for poured and nonpoured walls. The system includes a permanent structural framing stud which can be adjusted to different wall thickness, a plurality of permanent forms, wherein the pluralities of permanent forms are interchangeable with various other permanent panel forms with or without defined spaces for receiving filler. The framing stud substantially conforms to a portion of the pluralities of panel forms and resists bending in the panel forms. The framing stud is the main structural element in the wall. A structural framing system in combination with insulated panel forms with various defined spaces for receiving filler, and wherein panels may not be prefinished to form a rigid substrate.

Abstract: A deflection clip for erection of partitions in office space and commercial use is disclosed. A deflection clip in accordance with the present invention has a flat base with a left and right clasp that are substantially parallel to the base. The right and left clasps are used to secure the deflection clip to a leg of an open channel track attached to the floor and ceiling. The left and right clasp each have a left and right stud extension tab extending substantially perpendicular from an inside edge of the left and right clasps. The left and right stud extension tabs are used to secure a stud in relation to the open channel track, allowing the ceiling and floor to deflect relative to each other without transferring load to the stud.

Abstract: A decorative floor screen, or partition, according to which one or more panels are inserted into a frame.

Abstract: A channel cover for an aluminum extrusion member or other formed structural member having a channel longitudinally formed in a side of the member includes an upper portion or member having an exterior surface, a first side portion or member connected to and extending from the upper member, a second side portion or member connected to the upper member opposite from the first side member at a first distance from the first side member, and a lower member having an exterior surface, the first side member attaching to the lower member, and the second side member attaching to the lower member at a second distance from the first side member, the second distance being different from the first distance. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second side members converge towards each other as they extend from the upper member towards the lower member.

Abstract: Floor panels are secured to a sub-floor by elongated elements, one of which is secured to the floor itself and has an inverted T-shape, the other of which elements defines downwardly open socket means for receiving an arrow shaped projection on the stem portion of that T-shaped support element. A precise fit is afforded between these elements 1 and 2 so that the floor panels are locked in place by engagement between the arrow shaped projection in the support element and the socket portion of the upper retaining element.

Abstract: A wall surface trim board is provided as a board member having a base section, an adjacent first section, and a second section adjacent to the first section. The sections are separated from each other by cut-through openings which extend partially through the board member. The cuts end at the top and bottom outer surfaces of the board member, the uncut outer surfaces forming two thin membranes, one membrane connecting the base section with the first section, and the second membrane connecting the first section with the second section. The sections are pivotable about the membranes in relation to each other to form various trim board configurations. The trim boards are to be used as window trim boards, cornerboards, and similar wall trim construction applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to header assemblies that support a downwardly directed load above an opening in the framing of a load-bearing wall, as well as to related methods. In one embodiment, a load-bearing framing assembly is disclosed. The load-bearing header assembly comprises: a pair of horizontally positioned header members for receiving a downwardly directed load; and a pair of parallel and vertically positioned sheet-metal jamb members. The header members are disposed within the jamb members. In another embodiment, a method for making a load-bearing wall assembly is disclosed. The method comprises at least the following steps: providing and positioning onto a floor and a ceiling respective bottom and top tracks; providing and vertically positioning within the top and bottom tracks a pair of jamb members; and providing and horizontally positioning within the pair of jamb members a pair of header members.

Abstract: The wall insulating and finishing system is a system for finishing a concrete structure to increase the amount of useable space in a building. The finishing system comprises a plurality of connectable panels. An insulation layer is secured to the rear surface of the panels. The insulation layer has a generally flat front surface that is secured to the rear surface of the panels. The insulation layer also provides an uneven rear surface that is positioned adjacent to the existing basement foundation wall, and a pair of uneven side surfaces. The uneven rear and side surfaces of the insulation layer provide a plurality of grooves or dimples that allow moisture and air to move freely between the wall structure and the insulation layer. The panels and insulation layer are mounted to the existing wall structure by mounting brackets.

Abstract: A metal half wall is provided, with the wall including a lower track, an upper track and a series of spaced apart studs extending between the two tracks. A connector is disposed adjacent each stud for connecting the stud to the lower track and to a support structure lying underneath the lower track. Each connector includes an elongated member having opposite end portions. One end portion includes a turned end plate that extends generally perpendicular with respect to the elongated member. In the half wall, a connector is disposed directly adjacent a respective stud. So disposed, the elongated member extends upwardly next to an adjacent stud and the end plate extends over the lower track. A series of fasteners are connected between the elongated member and the adjacent stud, and between the end plate and the underlying lower track and support structure.

Abstract: An elongate flexible track is flexibly positionable from an initial straight configuration to a non-straight configuration having a horizontal, vertical or compound curvature in which it is lockable with locking elements. The track has a plurality of stud receiving components each being formed with a horizontal base wall having a longitudinal edge and a transverse edge, a side wall on a first side of the track and a side wall on a second side of the track, the side walls extending vertically from respective longitudinal edges of the base wall. The base and side walls define a space in which a stud end of an elongate stud can be mounted. Adjacent stud receiving components are joined by linking elements which include pivot elements about which the linking elements are adjustable in one or more directions. At least one locking elements passage is provided on each side of the track.

Abstract: An assembly and process to allow for stud walls to be erected prior to the concrete slab being placed and also used for tenant demising walls before the concrete slab is placed. The Easy Wall Track includes a light gauge channel with a leave in place metal keyway attached to the under side for vertical support. There are metal brackets that support this assembly with a smooth rod or rebar driven in the ground. This allows for the concrete slab to be poured at a later date with almost no formwork needing to be placed. This saves money on material, labor and time on the schedule for the retail development company. The Easy Wall Track is versatile in meeting the needs of retail and commercial construction. With walls being able to be erected proir to the placement of the concrete slab would avert delays related to the concrete work.

Abstract: A joining arrangement for use in the construction of stud frames and for releasable attachment of a first member to a second structural member forming part of the frame. The first member includes in at least one side wall a female recess which, when the members are joined, engages a corresponding male protrusion in at least one wall of the second member. The respective formations in the first and second members engage such that they are generally in alignment thereby securing the first member to the second member and wherein the first member is a stud and the second member is a plate.

Abstract: A free-standing panel wall system adapted for selectively and adjustably mounting wall panels on either or both sides thereof. The wall system includes generally a plurality of horizontally disposed rails, a plurality of vertical supports carried on either or both sides of the horizontal rails, and a registration mechanism for selectively positioning the horizontal rails and vertical supports relative to each other. Each of the horizontal rails defines a plurality of equally spaced-apart first openings. Each of the upright supports defines a plurality of equally spaced-apart second openings. The first and second openings cooperate to receive conventional fasteners such that the horizontal rails are incrementally adjustable along the vertical supports, and the vertical supports are incrementally adjustable along the horizontal rails.

Abstract: In a system for making walls, at least two pairs of connector plates are provided, each including receptacle for receiving an end of a structural member. At least one spacer plate is located between and rotatably coupled to successively positioned connector plates. To form a wall, a pair of connector plates is coupled via the retaining means, one to each of a pair of generally opposing ends defined by structural members. The connector plates are rotatably movable relative to the spacer plates thereby allowing the structural members to be oriented relative to one another so as to form a surface having desired contours.

Abstract: A header of general U-shaped construction having a web and depending flanges normal to the web and separated by the web, and a stud, one end of which is interfitted between the flanges perpendicular to the web. The improvement comprising vertical slots formed in the flanges through which screws are passed uniting the header to the stud whereby the stud may move vertically with respect to the stud in response to environmental forces but not horizontally.