Abstract: A curved metal track for receiving a series of metal studs and forming a part of a curved metal wall. The track comprises a plurality of sections with each section being pivotally connected to an adjacent section. Structurally each section comprises a base plate having opposed first and second end portions. Formed in the first end portion is a slit or opening. The second end portion of each section is adapted to be inserted into the slit or opening of an adjacently disposed section. A pivot connector is utilized to pivotally connect the first end portion of one section with the second end portion of another section. There is also provided a pair of opposed stud tabs that extend normal to the base plate and which are adapted to be secured to the sides of a stud. By pivotally connecting the individual sections of the track, the track can be curved and accordingly can be configured to form a part of a curved metal wall.

Abstract: A wall frame is constructed with a pair of horizontally disposed metal channel members and a series of vertical studs spaced at predetermined intervals along the channel members. The studs are accurately located within the channel members by vertically upstanding tab stops which are struck out from the channel members. Pronged retainers are also struck outwardly from the channel members to fit through alignment slots formed in the studs. Weakened areas on the channel members can be crimped against the studs to lock the studs in place on the channel members. Horizontally disposed spacer bars are adapted to interconnect with a series of studs to strengthen and further align the studs and to provide a support surface against which dry wall or the like may be fastened.

Abstract: A space-dividing wall panel arrangement having a plurality of upright wall panels serially connected one with the other by an upright support post. The wall panel arrangement additionally includes an open-frame structure which allows routing of cabling therethrough to provide power and communication capabilities to a workstation defined by the wall panels, and a removable and rigid top cap which is capable of supporting various furniture-type accessories at selected locations along the longitudinal extent of the panel arrangement, and which also permits mounting of return wall panels to permit greater flexibility in configuring a workstation.

Abstract: A fabric wall panel system includes fabric wall panels mounted on a wall of a room by means of a ceiling track with a downwardly open channel mounted adjacent the ceiling and extending the length of the wall and a base track with an upwardly depending support surface mounted adjacent the floor and extending the length of the wall. Each fabric wall panel comprises a fabric cover overlaying a panel insert. Each fabric wall panel is mounted by inserting the top of the fabric wall panel into the downwardly open channel of the ceiling track and supporting the bottom of the fabric wall panel on the upwardly depending support surface of the base track. In one embodiment, the fabric wall panel is fabricated on-site and sized to have a length approximately equal to the length of the wall so that no vertical seams are created. In another embodiment, standard size panels are used with abutting vertical mid-wall seams between adjacent panels.

Abstract: A metal stud and clip assembly is designed for use in a non-load-bearing wall to allow a horizontal ceiling to vertically float thereon. This is accomplished by an elongated receiving channel on the stud spaced inwardly from its edges. A clip member has an elongated stabilizing bar slidably inserted into the channel, and the stabilizing bar itself then is secured to a horizontal ceiling or a track system mounted to the ceiling. Thus, relative movement of the ceiling with respect to the wall allows the stabilizing bar to move up and down in the receiving channel on the stud member.

Abstract: A composite wall panel having continuous upper and lower hollow horizontal chases and spaced hollow vertical chases formed throughout the panel to permit passage of electrical wiring and the like. The chases have protective barriers to protect the wiring from penetration and damage due to mechanical fasteners used to manufacture the panel and to construct load bearing walls using a plurality of manufactured panels. Further, the panel has a continuous header to provide structural rigidity and to permit rapid manufacturing of the panel without the need to frame openings, such as doors and windows, at the time of manufacture. Openings are cut in the panels and finished after the walls are constructed.

Abstract: A plurality of studs (14) are spaced apart relative to each other. Upper end portions (32) of the studs fit into an upper channel space (22) and lower end portions (34) fit into a lower channel space (30). The lower channel space (30) is defined in part by a pair of spaced apart sidewalls (24, 26). Screw fasteners (52) extend through the sidewalls (24, 26) and connect them to the lower end portion (34) of the stud (14). The studs (14) have upper ends that are spaced from a web (20) forming the upper boundary of the upper channel space (22). Vertical elongated slots (48, 50) are provided in the sidewalls (38, 40) of the studs (14). Screw fasteners extend through the sidewalls (16, 18) of the upper channel member (10) and then extend into and through the slots (48, 50). The heads of the screw fasteners (52) bear against the sidewalls (16, 18) when the screw fasteners (52) are tightened.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least two panel elements which are configured for contiguous placement adjacent to one another. Each of the panel elements defines a hollow internal passageway. The panels are configured to permit a contiguous placement whereby the respective passageways of the panels are brought into registration with one another. A connection element is positioned within one of the passageways. The connection element is accessible through a slot defined within the sidewall of the panel wherein the connection element resides. The connection element is slidable whereby it may be displaced partially into the second panel element. The connection element is thereafter actuatable whereby its lateral dimension is decreased to form a pressure fit union with the interior sidewalls of the two passageways. In its spatially decreased configuration, the connection element provides a means of interconnecting the two panel elements together.

Abstract: A deflection clip comprising a planar base plate comprising a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a guide depending from the base plate. The guide comprises a first arm extending along a longitudinal axis substantially transverse to the base plate from a proximal end adjacent the second surface. The guide further comprises a second arm extending away from the base plate oriented in the same direction as the first arm defining a channel between the arms.

Abstract: A reconfigurable office partition system that includes movable rigid panels each comprised of a core panel mounted within a perimeter frame. Said core panel comprised of a matrix of compressed straw or other cellulose-based natural fiber lined by paper or paperboard suitable for accepting a variety of surface treatments, and also suitable for accepting nails, screws or other means for hanging or otherwise attaching articles thereon. Frames comprised of vertical and horizontal rails specially adapted to engage said core panels and further adapted to releasably and slidably attach to a series of specialty connectors.

Abstract: An adjustable mid-panel spillover fitting is disclosed. The fitting includes a base, a cover securable to the base, and a cover cap securable to the base and the cover. The base has a spillover side, and the cover has an opening on a side wall thereof for receiving the spillover side. The cover has a shelf extending toward the side wall, and the cover cap has a groove for receiving the shelf therein. The cover cap includes at least one latch on an inside surface thereof for securing the cover cap to the base in a plurality of predetermined positions, and the cover cap is adjustable between the plurality of predetermined positions.

Abstract: A wall structure includes at least two studs that are designed to support panels front and back, and end caps or raceway channel defining members on the leading and trailing edges of the panel wall structure. Each of the studs includes sets of oppositely arranged flanges that in turn cooperate with marginal edges of both the panels and the raceway defining members. Cross bracing is provided to allow wiring either within the enclosed space between the panels, or more preferably in the wireways defined in the raceway members so that the power and data communication conductors can be isolated from one another. The feature of the panel structure is that the panels themselves can support light fixtures or other lightweight electrical devices, and heavier electrical devices or units can be accommodated from the cross bracing or from shelves secured to the cross bracing and to the studs.

Abstract: A metal framing member for use as a stud, joist, rafter, truss, etc. is disclosed. The framing member includes at least one knock out opening and a corresponding tab that is positioned onto the metal framing member during the manufacturing process via computer so that structures built using the studs such as window frames, door jams, etc. are accurately and quickly fabricated. The knock out opening can also be used as a chase to allow wiring or a stiffening rod to pass through the member. Each tab is also preferably provided with a pair of pre-punched holes so that the tab can be fastened to other building components using standard screws.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems, and devices for installing thermal barriers in openings or gaps in or between structures such as walls, ceilings, and floors. At least one thermal barrier molding bag is positioned in the hole or gap, and a flowable firestop material that is operative to cure or harden, such as a hydratable cementitious slurry, is introduced into the bag to mold a barrier in the hole or gap.

Abstract: A slotted M-shaped support track structure and method in which a M-shaped support track having a planar web and U-shaped flange members and a plurality of slotted openings spaced lengthwise is mounted on the underside of a beam or other overhead building support structure. The plurality of elongated slotted openings are spaced lengthwise and defined by the planar web and adjacent inner legs of the rectangular flange members, and receive perpendicularly related vertical stud members, and thereby allow relative vertical movement between the M-support track and the vertical studs, while holding the studs in place horizontally.

Abstract: Components for constructing wooden frames for structures include top and bottom plates with transverse notches. The notches capture the ends of studs and tongues formed that extend from the ends of posts. The overall plate thickness equals a nominal plate thickness plus depth of the notch. For example, with two-by-fours and two-by-sixes, the actual plate thickness is 1½″ lumber thickness plus ½″ for notch depth. That is, the plate has an actual thickness of 2″.

Abstract: A system (100) for positioning and securing angularly directed structural support members (20) to a longitudinally extended structural member (30) of a building includes at least a pair of mounting devices (105, 105′, 105″) respectively mounted to at least one longitudinally extended structural member (30). Each mounting device (105, 105′, 105″) includes a base plate (110) having a plurality of pairs of fixing members (120, 120′, 120″) disposed in spaced longitudinal relationship. A space (118) between each of the pairs of fixing members (120, 120′, 120″) is provided for receiving the angularly directed structural support member (20) therein. Each of the fixing members (120, 120′, 120″) are formed by angularly directed C-shaped channel members. Each channel member has a central web portion (130) bounded on two vertically directed sides by a pair of flanges (132) expending in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Components for constructing wooden frames for structures include top and bottom plates with transverse notches. The notches capture the ends of studs and tongues formed that extend from the ends of posts. The overall plate thickness equals a nominal plate thickness plus depth of the notch. For example, with two-by-fours and two-by-sixes, the actual plate thickness is 1½″ lumber thickness plus ½″ for notch depth. That is, the plate has an actual thickness of 2″.

Abstract: An improved structural combination for a free-standing panel wall system and comprises first and second pluralities of elongated channel members which meet one another at various locations along the length of the channel members to define an intersection, and a cap member overlying or underlying the intersections of the channel members, and means for anchoring the cap member to the intersecting portions of the channel members at their intersection. Preferably, the materials of construction of the channel member and the cap members are noncombustible.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming curved structures comprises a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having a track portion, and a strap member adapted for slidably engaging the track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature. A method of forming a curved structure comprises providing runners having a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having track portions, and each runner further having two strap members slidably engaging each of the track portions. The method also includes oppositely placing the runners in a curved position such that the runners are substantially aligned and attaching studs between the runners.

Abstract: A downwardly opening upper channel member (10) is positioned above an upwardly opening lower channel member (12). A lower end portion of a stud (14) is received in the lower channel member (12). A clip (54) is received in an upper end portion of the stud bracket (10). The clip (54) has an upper portion that is connected to the upper channel member (10). It also has a lower portion that extends downwardly into an upper end portion of its stud (14). The upper channel member (10) has opposite side flanges (20, 22) that include lower edges (32, 34) the stud (14) has an upper butt end that is positioned above the lower edge (32, 34) is below an upper web portion (18) of the upper channel member (10). The upper portion of the clip (54) is connected to the upper channel member (10). The clip (54) is free to move vertically with respect to the stud (14). In a wall construction, wallboard sheeting WS is connected to the stud (14) and the lower channel member (12) but not to the upper channel member (10).

Abstract: The modular supporting structure is intended to support juxtaposed panels in order to form a modular partition wall adapted to subdivide and define a space to be used as office into independent working zones. The modular supporting structure comprises a lower cross member, a plurality of intermediate cross members, an upper cross member and a plurality of upright spacers, each upright spacer connecting a pair of adjacently arranged cross members. Only one joining element is provided for the interconnection of each intermediate cross members to a pair of lower and upper upright spacers, respectively, at their point of concurrence, in order to form a supporting structure consisting of a framework of rectangular elementary cells intended to frame the juxtaposed panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming curved structures comprises a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having a track portion, and a strap member adapted for slidably engaging the track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature. A method of forming a curved structure comprises providing runners having a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having track portions, and each runner further having two strap members slidably engaging each of the track portions. The method also includes oppositely placing the runners in a curved position such that the runners are substantially aligned and attaching studs between the runners.

Abstract: A free-standing panel wall system which includes at least an elongated floor rail and an elongated top rail, each of a generally U-shaped cross section, and first and second sets of upright standards of generally U-shaped cross-section and having respective side wings that project laterally from the standard, there being one set of standards releasably secured at their top and bottom ends on respective ones of the opposite side webs of the floor rail and top rail. At spaced apart locations intermediate the floor and top rails and disposed between the standards of the first and second sets of standards there is provided a plurality of horizontal connectors, each of which is removably secured to respective ones of the standards on the opposite sides of the horizontal connectors. In one embodiment, there is provided one or more wall system sections which extend generally laterally of the plane of the main wall system section.

Abstract: The invention concerns a structural profiled section, in particular for partitions. Said profiled section is characterized in that its cross-section comprises two parallel U-shaped parts, designed to receive the partition (14) panels, and the inner branches of the U-shaped parts are assembled by a transverse junction element (5) arranged at short distance from their respective bases (3c).

Abstract: A wall panel includes an outer surface layer, an oriented strand board layer, and mounting channels. The outer surface layer includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and edges. The oriented strand board layer includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and edges, with the outer surface of the oriented strand board layer being attached to the inner surface of the outer surface layer. The mounting channels are defined along and between the edges of the outer surface layer and the oriented strand board layer, and define a region recessed from the edges of the outer surface layer and the oriented strand board layer.

Abstract: A workstation for a work environment having a floor is disclosed. The workstation includes a plurality of frame sections, and a latch mechanism releasably and rigidly securing at least one frame section to the floor. The latch mechanism includes a latch coupled to one of the frame sections, a wedge coupled to the latch, and a clip disposed between the latch and the wedge. The clip has a pair of flanges with ends capable of being disposed at least partially beneath the floor. The latch is configured to move the wedge between the flanges of the clip to operate the latch mechanism between a latched position and a released position so that the workstation may be quickly and easily disassembled. A workstation for a work environment having a floor having an aperture is also disclosed. The workstation includes among other features a latch mechanism having a sleeve and a wedge that may be inserted into the sleeve so that an end is at least partially disposed within the aperture.

Abstract: A framing system and related framing section assembly includes at least one first member, preferably in the form of a U-shaped track or channel, that receives at least one second member, such as a stud. The stud is captured on or between spaced protrusions or pairs of protrusions projecting inwardly from the opposed sidewalls of the receiver. The protrusions securely, but releasably, hold the corresponding end of the stud in place in the receiver. To form a framing section assembly using this system, two opposed receivers are provided for engaging and supporting each end of a plurality of studs. To permit variable positioning of the studs in the receivers and enhance flexibility during installation, the protrusions may be equidistantly spaced at frequent intervals. Surface indicia may also be provided on the receivers at certain conventional intervals to allow the installer to easily determine the proper location for the studs.

Abstract: A support device for stabilizing a hanging wall above a floating slab. In areas having expansive soils, basement slabs and surface slabs will rise and fall with increases and decreases in soil moisture. Walls mounted on such slabs would be damaged when the slab rises. Therefore, such walls are made to hang from overhead structures such as joists with the bottom wall end spaced from the slab. The support device in mounted on a bottom plate within such a wall above a base plate fastened to the slab. The device includes a bracket having a flange for fastening to the bottom plate and an tubular extension extending downwardly through a hole in the bottom plate. A sleeve slidingly fits through the tubular extension and includes at least one nail (preferably two nails) extending through the sleeve and engaging the base plate. When the nails are hammered into the base plate, the wall can move up and down with the slab, but is stabilized against lateral movement due to lateral forces on the wall.

Abstract: A combination partition screen includes at least two upright supports, each upright support having a plurality of longitudinal coupling portions in corners thereof and a plurality of spacers respectively mounted between each two adjacent upright supports to support partition panels, each spacer having a flat base wall, a flat bearing wall and a flat supporting wall respectively extended from the base wall, an upward stop flange extended from the flat bearing wall and adapted to hold with the flat base wall a partition panel on the flat bearing wall, a downward stop flange extended from the flat supporting wall and adapted to hold with the flat base wall a partition panel below the flat supporting wall, a downward locating flange extended from the flat bearing wall and defining with the flat supporting wall an elongated coupling chamber for hanging things, a flat positioning wall perpendicularly extended from an opposite side of the flat base wall on the middle, an elongated clamping wall extended from the fla

Abstract: A partition system for subdividing a building space includes a spine partition having a horizontal frame member defining a first horizontal row of apertures for supporting a furniture unit, and a floor channel configured to stably engage a floor surface and supporting the partition. The floor channel defines a second horizontal row of apertures corresponding to the first horizontal row of apertures for supporting the furniture unit. A fin partition has an end positioned adjacent a front of the spine partition at an off-module position located between vertical side edges of the spine panel, with a top and bottom of the end attached to selected apertures in the first and second rows of apertures. A method related to the above is also claimed.

Abstract: Wall constructions and methods for constructing walls. In one embodiment, the wall is constructed from studs that each having a web that has at least one opening therein. The studs are oriented such that the openings in their webs are aligned to permit at least one spacer member to extend therethrough. The spacer members are formed with structure for engaging portions of the webs through which they extend. Retainers are provided on the webs of the studs for retaining the spacer members in position. In another embodiment at least two studs that have webs with openings therethrough are oriented such that the openings are aligned with each other. At least one spacer member is inserted through the aligned openings to engage a portion of each web through which they extend. The spacers are then brought into engagement with retainers on the webs of the studs.

Abstract: A partition including a panel element with a front face and a rear face separated by a dimension termed thickness. The front and the rear surfaces are delineated at least in part by an edge of the panel element. The partition further includes a profile with a ridge deployed substantially in abutment with the edge of the panel element, a substantially planar attachment surface integrally formed with the ridge and extending therefrom so as to be adjacent to the rear face, the attachment surface attached to the panel element, and a substantially planar flange surface integrally formed with the ridge and extending therefrom substantially parallel to the attachment surface and in a direction primarily away from the panel element so as to form a flange extending for at least about 1 cm beyond the edge of the panel element.

Abstract: A wall panel system of the present invention includes a plurality of inter-connecting tongue-and-groove panels which are framed by top, bottom, and side channel members to form walls which may be easily erected and taken down. The bottom channel member has a back leg, a front leg, and a bottom surface extending between the back and front legs. The top channel member can either be an integral, one-piece assembly or a two-piece assembly. In the one piece assembly, the top channel member is substantially similar to the bottom channel member. The two piece top channel member includes a fixed member and a locking leg mountable to the fixed member. The fixed member includes a back leg, an upper surface, and a rearwardly facing groove in the upper surface. The locking leg includes a finger which is received in the groove. The locking leg can have either a single panel or have or a pair of spaced apart arms.

Abstract: A partition panel includes a rigid panel frame having a lower portion configured to support the partition panel freestanding on a floor surface. The rigid panel frame defines a horizontal upper edge and an intermediate height between the upper edge and the lower portion. A utility trough extends horizontally adjacent the horizontal upper edge, and the utility trough defines a utilities passageway having an upwardly facing elongated opening extending along substantially the entire length of the utility trough and providing access to the utilities passageway. A horizontally repositionable vertically extending utility support member is adapted to support utility lines extending from the utilities passageway of the utility trough to the intermediate height.

Abstract: A modular exhibit panel and lock system includes a first wedge secured within a first channel of a first object, such as a modular exhibit panel. A second wedge is secured within a second channel of a second object, such as a second panel. The first and second objects are securely associated with one another by placing the first wedge in the first channel, and the second wedge in the second channel in an orientation generally opposite of a first wedge and sliding the first and second channel relative to one another so that the first and second wedges interlock causing the first and second objects to be connected to one another. A multi-faceted panel connector having channels in at least two facets thereof, and a third wedge within these channels, can be used to securely associate panels of the system with one another.

Abstract: Floor and a ceiling adapter assemblies for a frame-based workspace definition system for interconnecting a gap between a floor surface and the workspace definition system, and a ceiling surface and the workspace definition system, to provide a full floor-to-ceiling height wall.

Abstract: A moveable and demountable wall panel system including a plurality of panels used for defining an office space. Each panel has opposite top and bottom distance channels, opposite left and right vertical posts, a panel covering, a ceiling rail, and an articulating floor channel. The top and bottom distance channels extend along a direction substantially parallel to a horizontal axis of the panel. The left and right vertical posts extend along a direction substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the panel. The distance channels and vertical posts are affixed to one another by means of connecting studs in order to form a rectangular support frame of the panel. The panel covering is removably mountable onto receiving means of the rectangular support frame. The ceiling rail is operatively connected to a top portion of the rectangular support frame and is used for operatively securing the rectangular support frame of the panel to a ceiling surface.

Abstract: A grooved construction lumber element for use in constructing lumber structures such as wall framing, roof trusses, load bearing beams, deck and stair railings, and the like, is described. The construction lumber element is comprised of a straight lumber piece having a plurality of spacing grooves disposed in at least one surface of the lumber piece. The spacing grooves have a predetermined depth and are configured to receive therein an associated further lumber element to construct a specific building structure. At least some of the spacing grooves are disposed at common spaced intervals. The lumber element is preferably an elongated straight wood lumber piece of rectangular cross-section and defines opposed flat parallel surfaces and opposed flat parallel side edge surfaces. The spacing grooves are formed in one of the flat surfaces.

Abstract: A modular partition system is based upon a panel frame structure formed of vertical members of substantially lesser thickness than the panels to be formed, which may be joined end-to-end in a modular manner, and side-by-side to join vertical ends of adjacent panels, and horizontal C-section rails secured to opposite sides of the vertical rails with mouths of the C-sections facing outwardly. Cladding panels are secured by vertically-spaced sets of spring clips engaging respectively upper and lower surfaces of vertically-spaced horizontal rails, and panels and other furnishings are secured to brackets engaged within the C-section of horizontal rails. The relationship of the horizontal and vertical members allows for easy cabling, and the use of the clamps permits panels and furnishings to be located without substantial regard to the horizontal modularity of the system. The basic panelling system requires a minimum number of different modular parts.

Abstract: A nonload bearing partition wall including spaced apart wood top and bottom plates and a plurality of metal studs bridging the top and bottom plates. The metal studs have U-shaped rectangular cross section with two parallel spaced apart side walls and a central web bridging the side walls and connected to one edge of each of the side walls. The central web has an extension on each end thereof. The extensions are contained within the slots of the top and bottom plates the slots of the top and bottom plates having a depth less than one half the height of the edge of the top and bottom plates. One of the sidewalls has a first extension extending from either end over and attached to the edge of the top and bottom plates. The second side wall has second extensions extending from either end perpendicularly inwardly from the side wall to lie over and be attached to the inner face of the top and bottom plates.

Abstract: A modular partition includes a compartment frame located beneath a lower horizontal strut of the partition. The compartment frame has a vertical wall and side flanges extended from the vertical wall to form separate cable shelves for holding cables inside in an organized fashion to avoid interference. The compartment frame further has two side panels each is pivotally engaged with a bulged flange formed at the upper section of the compartment frame so that the side panels may be opened or closed easily to facilitate cable laying and rearrangement. A plurality of fastening elements are provided to fasten the compartment frame with the partition struts securely.

Abstract: Partitions are provided, in particular for exhibition or show stands. These partitions can be assembled from a plurality of inherently rigid wall elements, which are each essentially formed from a frame and at least two panel plates covering the frame on the outside. The individual wall elements are releasably connectable to one another by coupling members. Each coupling member is essentially constructed from three partial elements, namely two frame connections (7, 49) and a connecting element (8, 46). The two frame connections are arranged in each case in the region of the outside of the vertical frame limbs (6) of two wall elements which are to be connected. The frame connections (7, 49) and the connecting element (8, 46) can engage behind one another in a clamping fashion. In this manner, individual wall elements can be removed from an already assembled partition by the controlled removal of individual connecting elements.

Abstract: A system (100) for positioning and securing structural members (20, 30) to supporting walls (10) of a building includes at least a pair of mounting devices (105) respectively mounted to a pair of longitudinally extended laterally spaced building supporting walls (10). Each mounting device (105) includes a base plate (110) having a plurality of pairs of fixing members (120) disposed in spaced longitudinal relationship. A space (118) between each of the pairs of fixing members (120) is provided for receiving the structural member (20, 30) therein. Each mounting device also includes a pair of second fixing members (122) disposed adjacent opposing ends of the base plate (110). Each of the fixing members (120 and 122) are formed by vertically directed C-shaped channel members. Each channel member has a central web portion (130) bounded on two vertically directed sides by a pair of flanges (132) expending in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A deflector track tab structure, and method of formation, for positioning studs along a deflector track. Starting with a sheet of metal such as steel, tongues are formed within the sheet such that the tongues are oriented along the length of the sheet. Slats are formed in each tongue, wherein the slats are oriented along the length of the tongue. The tongues are bent away from the sheet resulting in tabs integral with the sheet and normal to the sheet. A flange is formed from the sheet on each side of the sheet such that a track web between the flanges remains. The flanges are normal to the web and oriented parallel to the tabs. A marker pattern may be formed on each tab to denote a position on each slat for subsequent coupling of metal studs to the tabs.

Abstract: A stackable wall panel system including at least one upper and lower wall panel and a first and second post. The second post is disposed on the first post. One or more upper wall panels are connected to a pair of lower wall panels having a rail with a pair of draw blocks and a draw rod.

Abstract: A prefabricated modular wall panel brace is used in the construction of long wall for buildings. Each prefabricated modular panel brace is placed beside another framing component between a top plate and a bottom plate. Every other panel maybe inverted with respect to the adjacent panel so that the ends of a diagonal brace in each panel is adjacent to the diagonal brace in the adjacent panel. Each panel may have a movable/swiveling section to accommodate an angled portion of the wall. The modular wall panel brace may be used in single or multiple floor structures for either interior or exterior walls to provide shear or diaphragm bracing of the wall units of a building to provide bracing for wind or seismic loads.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a fragile item which includes a support frame and a support panel mounted within the support frame. The support frame includes at least one elongated, longitudinal channel on an exterior surface thereof to provide an area of attachment to the support frame. A fastener is provided to attach accessory components to the support frame. The fastener is preferably a spring nut and bolt arrangement, although any suitable fastener may be used. Such accessory components include substantially clear panels for displaying the items, shelf brackets, pipes and pipe fittings, covers, and elongated extensions to create a cavity box formed from at least two spaced apart support frames. The apparatus can be used to store, transport or display fragile items such as paintings, sculptures and tapestries.

Abstract: A channel construction beam, typically metal, comprises a plurality of chutes of rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the beam for receiving a plurality of generally rectangular building studs in sliding relation within the chute. The chute comprises two or more vertical guides on each chute side inward of the beam channel aligned on a line normal to the beam web. Opposing beam ridges projecting inward of the channel may comprise the chute alignment guides. In an alternative embodiment, the chute may comprise projections outward of the beam channel sized to receive a building stud or a stud tongue extending from the stud and running longitudinally along opposing stud sides. Wall board is combined with the beam to provide a fire-rated wall. The wall stud comprises a longitudinal slot in which a screw attached to the beam flange may slide without restricting vertical movement of the stud in the beam.

Abstract: A wall spine assembly for a modular office system comprises a plurality of individual panel assemblies. Each of the panel assemblies includes a vertical support structure and mechanically affixed lower panels in a rigid box-beam structure. Facing panels are removably attached to support brackets mounted on the vertical supports. A cavity exists between the facing panels and vertical supports to permit the lay-in of cabling through the office system. A crown member is provided on the top of the vertical support and is adapted to receive brackets for the mounting of accessories above a desk or other work surface attached to the panel. The panels, and especially the crown, permit the mounting of office components such as shelves, storage cabinets, lighting fixtures and the like anywhere along the horizontal length of the wall. A horizontally telescoping vertical end post is also provided.