Abstract: A wall stud assembly for a wall of an in-plant/portable building wherein the wall includes interfitting wall stud assemblies and wall panels is disclosed. The stud assembly comprises first and second stud members, each of which is generally U-shaped in cross-section and has an open side and a base side. In addition, a strut is positioned longitudinally between the first and second stud members and affixed to the base sides of the stud members, with the open sides of the stud members facing outwardly. Each stud member has laterally extending flanges. The flanges of one stud member are in spaced generally parallel relation to the flanges of the other stud member to sandwich a wall panel therebetween.

Abstract: A space frame for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of structural members and joint constructions for joining the structural members together such that the outer surfaces of the structural members are substantially flush with each other.

Abstract: An improved mobile housing structure is provided having a pair of side walls with a plurality of vertical support posts extending upward from a chassis. The vertical support posts are connected to an elongated side wall joint member of a honeycomb configuration. A modular roof section having a plurality of roof support members extending between a pair of roof joint members is formed of a sandwich construction with styrofoam block members adhesively connected to overlapping panels. The roof joint members can be riveted to the side joint members to provide an extremely lightweight and rigid structure that can resist transportational torque stresses.

Abstract: A panel system is provided wherein a pair of adjacent display panels are removably interconnected. The system includes a tensioning member disposed within a peripheral track formed in each of the adjacent display panels. The tensioning member cooperates with an elongate link, which slidably engages the tracks of the adjacent panels and retains the link and tracks in a snug interfitting relation.

Abstract: The substantially leak proof glazing system comprises a plurality of sheets of glazing material assembled on a reticulated space frame. Rather than sealing the glazing material to the supporting structure, there is a gasket bridging the gap between adjacent sheets of glazing material and sealing against the inside faces of the sheets to provide a glass-to-glass seal. The gasket has a generally U-shaped transverse cross section with the rounded end of each leg of the U bearing against the face of the glazing material. Belleville springs are provided for resiliently biasing the glazing material toward the gasket to compensate for compression set of the gasket. A Belleville spring is also used for compressing the base of the gasket against an underlying support to provide a reliable seal around a stud that penetrates the gasket for supporting the Belleville springs.

Abstract: A composite partition with several rectangular sections each of which has a panel surrounded by a frame having top, bottom and lateral frame members with channels for the respective edges of the panel. The top frame members extend into an inverted U-shaped rail which is affixed to the ceiling, and the bottom frame members extend into a U-shaped rail which is affixed to the floor. One lateral panel of one of two neighboring sections is separated from the adjacent lateral frame member of the other neighboring section by a narrow clearance which receives interengaged separable male and female detent elements of two elongated strip-shaped coupling members at opposite sides of the partition. The outer portions of the coupling members are recessed into the adjacent sides of the lateral frame members.

Abstract: The prefabricated building element of the present invention is manufactured in a variety of modules. All of the exterior modules have a surface designed to be exposed to the outside environment and fabricated from exterior building materials typically used in the industry. The inside surface is fabricated from interior building materials typically used in the industry. All of the interior modules have both surfaces made from interior building materials.Sheet metal top and bottom channel plates space the inside and outside wall surfaces apart and the inner cavity is filled with insulating material. The lateral end of each building element is closed by a rectangular sheet metal interior support column which also functions as the means to connect each building element to the adjoining building element. Each module has one interior support column per module.

Abstract: A panel connector for interconnecting and supporting panels along their side edges to form space divisions. The panel connector comprises a structural connecting post having a supporting bottom end and a securing top end. The connecting post has opposed parallel side walls with a first pair of side walls having hook receiving apertures spaced in groups along the connecting post. A clamp bracket is secured in the top corner of at least one panel to be secured to the connecting post. A clamp is associated with the bracket and has a hooking element which engages with the apertures in the top end of the connecting post and with hook cavities in the clamp bracket to rigidly connect the panel to the connecting post. The side edge of the panel is also provided with a hooking clamp spaced from the top end to engage with further hook receiving apertures provided along the connecting post.

Abstract: The connecting section includes two metal sections held spaced from each other by at least one isolating bar having at least one recess extending longitudinally therein. Each of the metal sections are provided with at least one isolating bar-receiving groove and at least one grooved longitudinal member. Each of the grooved longitudinal members of the metal sections are fitted in a recess in the isolating bars by elastic deformation and each of the isolating bars have at least one slot opening to the adjacent metal section. The metal wire is sunk into the metal section and the isolating bar on deformation of the grooved longitudinal member.

Abstract: An edge connector for connecting structural members at their adjacent edges is disclosed, including a base extending transversely between its edges, a support wall integral with the base and extending away from the base on one side thereof, the support wall extending generally parallel to the base edges and being positioned between the transverse center of the base and one edge; and a tongue integrally connected at one end to the support wall, extending from the support wall to a free end thereof; and spaced away from the base and positioned between the transverse center of the base and the other edge of the base on the side of the center opposite the one base edge, the tongue and the base defining a recess therebetween to receive the tongue of a mating connector.

Abstract: Reinforced concrete wall components have top, bottom and side margins of a V-shape, and these margins have cooperative engagement with matching horizontal and vertical frame portions to provide a laterally stable support and connection between the wall components and frame portions. Eyes anchored in the concrete are spaced along the margins of wall components for use in lifting the wall components and for interconnecting them to horizontal and vertical frame components. Connection between the horizontal and vertical frame portions and to footings also comprises anchor projections and cooperating box-like connectors which receive the projections. Various arrangements of anchor projections are provided for connecting adjoining walls of a building.

Abstract: A connector for an office partition panel which has a rectangular panel frame at the edges thereof and a wire management channel formed at an upper portion of the panel. The connector rigidly connects the rectangular panel frames together at the side edges and includes upper and lower wedge blocks on the panel edges and draw blocks adapted to grip the wedge block and draw the wedge blocks of adjacent frames together. A draw tube connects the draw blocks. A wire management channel is formed at an upper portion of the wedge blocks and at least one upper wedge block has a U-shaped configuration with a wedge surface formed at a bight portion of the U, the legs of the wedge block extend up along the upper sides of the panel and in registry with the wire management channel. A change-of-height connector which has a removable wedge block adapter can be mounted to the side of the panel frame for changing height without use of a spacer or corner. A draw tube can form a spacer or corner between adjacent panels.

Abstract: Track members of specific configuration are embedded in the edges of flat panel members. Extrusion members of specific configuration are employed to interlock the track members to one another in differing configurations. Each track member defines a cavity and in a first embodiment, two cavities are brought into abutting relation to one another to form a collective cavity into which a first embodiment of the extrusion member slidably fits. When so interlocked, the panels collectively form a wall or other surface. Additional embodiments enable the panels to be disposed at right angles to one another, to form "+" sign shaped intersections, radial arrays, and the like.

Abstract: A hanging device for hanging an optical rear projection screen comprising means for securing a top portion of the screen, means for non-rigidly restraining a bottom portion of the screen to allow expansion and contraction of the screen, and means for adjusting the screen in a lateral or longitudinal direction. The securing means comprises a pair of upper brackets, compression strips and a fastening element and the restraining means comprises a pair of lower brackets and compression strips to sandwich the screen therebetween. Means for holding and separating contiguously mounted optical rear projection screens may be provided wherein the means comprises a vertical support having an outer and inner longitudinally extending channel formed on opposing surfaces. Means for joining a front lenticular lens piece to a rear fresnel piece of a two piece optical rear projection screen are also provided.

Abstract: A sheet metal profile member (22) for the construction of a frame structure for a box-shaped casing for ventilation or air treatment devices. The sheet metal profile member has a substantially square cross-section with an internal cavity (23) and a guide flange (44), which is retracted in the region of an external corner edge (22a), so as to enable interconnection of adjoining frame structures both vertically and horizontally by means of a guide engagement rod (20).

Abstract: A clean room enclosure comprising wall panels joined together by trim members to support studs, the studs and trim members being slotted to contain a plurality of flexible sealing members therein and means to operatively attach the trim members to the studs in a manner that all sealing members are engaged to prevent passage of air therethrough.

Abstract: A trim system for a wall panel system including first and second panels each having upper, lower and opposite side edges and opposite faces, the panels being connected with respective side edges located adjacent to each other. The trim system includes edge caps for mounting on the panel upper and side edges and includes a plurality of intersection caps adapted for joining the edge caps at panel intersections. The intersection caps have configurations which correspond to various configurations of the panel intersections, such as right angle, three-way tee, four-way cross and obtuse angle. A method of trimming a wall system includes the steps of placing panels in configurations with respective panel side edges adjacent to each other, inserting edge caps into intersection caps, placing the intersection caps over the panel intersections, placing the edge caps over the panel edges, and snapping the panel edge caps into releasable engagement with the panel edges.

Abstract: A compound convective construction matrix having an anterior half-matrix disposed to form the first radiation receiving surfaces of the compound matrix and a posterior half-matrix disposed to form the last radiation receiving surfaces of the compound matrix, each of the said half-matrices consisting of two identical frame members arranged in a stacked relation and each frame member having inclined frame elements disposed in intersecting relation to form a grid having grid intersections forming a plurality of compartments, each compartment housing a transparent component cushioned securely therein. The two identical half-matrices are arranged in paired and opposed mirror-image relation and having opposed half-compartments cooperate to form a plurality of internal hollow chambers. The two opposed half-matrices are joined by compressive devices at grid intersections.

Abstract: There are disclosed building enclosure assemblies consisting of gypsum-based panel members, a support means and a fire-resistant spline, for the construction of fixed or demountable, full or partial, interior or exterior walls, ceilings and floorings, which can meet code-mandated fire-rating and wind-loading requirements, and in which differently sized and shaped panel members can be articulated to one another through the cooperative assembly of the panel members with the support means and spline.

Abstract: A clip for permitting attachment of wallboard to the open side of an outwardly opening C-shaped metal stud, including a clip body portion which engages three sides of the metal stud for increased stability, and a clip hanger portion which extends upwardly and inwardly through the stud open front side and has tabs which engage behind the flanges of the stud open front side.

Abstract: A container for confining hydrocarbon spills and the like is comprised of a plurality of portable concrete wall panels which can be hingedly connected to one another by connector members.

Abstract: A secondary vertical stud or furniture channel for mounting against one side of a plurality of vertically spaced upwardly opening horizontal channels in a hollow partition wall framework, with slots in the secondary stud for engaging the upwardly extending flanges of the horizontal channels. The secondary studs are able to be freely located at any position along the length of the wall, for supporting wall furniture where desired, for locating a perpendicularly extending second partition wall wherever desired, or for receiving fasteners or adding stability to the wall framework wherever desired, by very simple installation procedures.

Abstract: There are disclosed building enclosure assemblies consisting of gypsum-based panel members, a support means and a fire-resistant spline, for the construction of fixed or demountable, full or partial, interior or exterior walls, ceilings and floorings, which can meet code-mandated fire-rating and wind-loading requirements, and in which differently sized and shaped panel members can be articulated to one another through the cooperative assembly of the panel members with the support means and spline.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wallboard panel construction including first and second abutting wallboard panels secured to generic framing members by a series of distortable clip pairs, each of the clips having substantially flat, coplanar plate and tongue portions, extending at substantially right angles and in opposite directions from central web portions, the web portions extending within the wallboard panel joints terminate with wallboard impaling pointed portions extending in the direction of and substantially parallel to the plate portions, the tongue portions are severed or slotted to form a fastener attachment terminal end portion, hinged from the plate portion by leaf spring edge portions, the first wallboard panel having a first series of clips, initially having coplanar plate and tongue portions with the terminal fastener ends mechanically secured (screwed or nailed) to a framing subsurface, the second wallboard panel having a second series of identical clips with tongue portions urged between the first wallboard

Abstract: The specification discloses a partition system in which any gap between an end partition and an existing wall is concealed by a combination rigid channel and flexible cover. The rigid channel embraces and provides firm anchorage for the end of the partition and a flexible cover on each side of said channel conceals the rigid channel and any gap between the partition and a fixed wall from view. Yet, the flexible cover can be deflected to provide access to hanger bracket slots or the like which might be located at the end of the partition.

Abstract: A panel comprising a perimeter frame, a pair of skins spaced apart by the perimeter frame, and load distributing connecting members at the corners of the frame. The perimeter frame is formed from members having two oppositely directed channels so that when a pair of panels are positioned in a side by side relationship one channel of the perimeter frame of one panel will enter the other channel of the perimeter frame of the adjacent panel. The load distributing connecting members have a tongue to engage the inwardly facing channel of the perimeter frame. The invention also comprises a building having a floor, walls, ceiling, and roof wherein at least the walls are formed of panels according to the invention.

Abstract: A building side wall construction including a plurality of expanded polystyrene panels placed edge-to-edge and connected by connecting studs each comprising a pair of C-shaped channels fastened in back-to-back relationship with each C-shaped channel being received in complementary mating relationship in grooves of the adjacent panels, and central reinforcing channels received in mating slots at central portions of the panels, with the opposite ends of the connecting studs and the central reinforcing studs being fastened to lower and upper channels in which they are received.

Abstract: A prefabricated partition wall for use in a room having a floor (11) and a ceiling (12), comprises an upper support (30) fixed on the ceiling (12), a lower support (36, 47, 60) fixed on the floor (11), a metallic joint tube (20, 61) extending vertically and having an upper and lower open ends, a fixture (32, 64) for fixing the upper open end of the joint tube (20, 61) to the upper support (30), a plurality of panels (13-17) each having at both edges there of two opposite vertical grooves of a shape corresponding to that of the joint tube (20, 61), an adjustor (35, 46, 53, 67) placed between the lower support (36, 47, 60) and the lower open end of the joint tube (20, 61) for supporting the joint tube (20, 61) and the panels (13-17) at their bottom portion in such a manner that the adjustor (35, 46, 53, 67) can be actuated to adjust the joint tube (20, 61) and the panels (13-17) together in a vertical direction so as to fix securely them in portion between the floor (11) and the ceiling (12).

Abstract: A cover for enclosing the support post of a space dividing wall panel system is disclosed. The cover is planar and includes a pair of spaced, hook-shaped connectors on the inner surface thereof which coact with annular slots in the support post to mount the cover thereto. One or more of the covers may be mounted to a single post to thereby shield the post from view in most post and panel assembly configurations. The post cover may preferably include a cloth outer covering and a metal impregnated, magnetized vinyl strip on its inner surface.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for joining first and second panels along facing sides, including a tubular member extending along the facing sides of the panels. A recess formed in each of the facing sides of the panels and with each recess of a depth to receive approximately half the width of the tubular member to have the tubular member substantially enclosed by the facing recesses. At least one locking member extending within each recess and with the locking members each having an enlarged head positioned within the recess. The tubular member including locking openings corresponding in number and position to the locking members and with the locking openings formed with an enlarged portion to receive the enlarged head of the locking member to have the enlarged head positioned within the interior of the tubular member.

Abstract: One or more panels of similar construction are formed having a frame on a pair of planar decorative faces are secured. The frame is provided with a centrally located groove in its peripheral edges. One or more connecting bars are provided each having plate-like projections fitting into the grooves. The frames and bars are provided with cooperatively engaging means for removably interlocking the panels and the bars together.

Abstract: A backer clip, a plurality of which may be used to replace a second framing member normally employed for interior corner constructions of wallboard, ceiling and partition panel assemblies, and suitable for installation on a framing member, is of a continuous length of wire bent to shape so that an interior portion (or exterior portions) thereof is (are) substantially in a single plane, and the corresponding exterior portions (or interior portion) are (is) in a substantially parallel plane when the clip is installed on a framing member, with such interior and exterior portions being connected by legs in a plane at about right angles to such other planes when the clip is installed, and being of such length that sides of the interior and exterior portions facing each other can bear against faces of a substantially rectangular longitudinal framing member onto which the clip may be installed, with the legs along a connecting side of the framing member and with a part of the interior portion or exterior portions of

Abstract: A panel system for walls, ceilings, and the like is disclosed in which the panels are provided with a flexible surface material which extends into resilient means that operate to press the surface material of adjacent panels into face-to-face contact to provide a closed, neat joint between adjacent panels. Because of the resiliency along the joints, brackets, screws, and the like may be inserted through the joints and secured to the panel supporting frame structure without damage to the panel materials. Subsequently, if the brackets, screws, and the like are removed, the resilient means returns the flexible sheet material into the face-to-face abutting condition, re-establishing the closed joint and concealing the fact that anything had previously been inserted through the joint. In some embodiments, the surface sheet material is provided with a loose flap which is inserted into the resilient means after the panels are installed.

Abstract: H-splines and electrical raceways useful in an insulation system for the inner side of an exterior wall are substantially identical to those in a partition wall constructed to extend from said exterior wall. Insulation panels in the insulation system and in the partition wall may also be substantially identical.

Abstract: A bracket 13 for use at a node point in a framework between two horizontal members 11, 11' and vertical member 12, said bracket comprising a first channel member 19 having a base 20 and two upstanding side walls 23, 25, the longitudinal axis of which is aligned with the axis of said two horizontal members, said channel member 19 being provided with means defining two transverse partition walls 27, 28 defining a space within the first channel member intermediate the ends thereof for accommodating the base of the substantially vertical member 12, and defining spaces between the partition walls and the ends of the channel to accommodate the ends of the horizontal members, a further element 14 being provided for mounting said channel member 19 on a sub-structure 1.

Abstract: To join together at least two light dividing walls, resisting tensile forces and possibly curved, recourse is had to a plurality of fastenings (4,5) each extending radially in at least one direction from a pivot (6), the pivots of these fastenings being stacked axially along the axis L corresponding to the line of intersection of the mean surfaces of the dividing walls and the contiguous fastenings of the stack being oriented so that they extend alternately along said mean surfaces. The fastenings thus joined together at the level of the pivots form discontinuous wall portions whose roots are mutually imbricated, to which wall portions the dividing walls are then butt-jointed, themselves formed by parallel skins bonded to these wall portions and in which the intermediate space is filled in with foam.

Abstract: A panel of a trailer is adhesively bonded to a plurality of horizontal and vertical support rail structures which are secured to the main body of the trailer. Each of the structures include a pair of rail elements through which loads are transmitted into the panel by means of adhesively bonded joints between edges of the panel and the rail elements to provide sealing and support for the panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a premanufactured corner framing structure adapted to be interposed between two angled framed wall sections to form a corner. In connecting the two framed wall sections, the corner frame structure is inserted vertically between the lower plate and upper plate structures of the respective wall sections. In the particular design disclosed herein, the premanufactured corner framing and support structure includes a plywood web with a pair of vertically extending flanges formed adjacent an inner edge of the web and a pair of vertically extending flanges formed adjacent an opposed outer edge of the web such that said flanges are generally aligned on each side of said plywood web and maintained in spaced apart relationship by the web itself. Consequently, it is appreciated that the corner load of the structure is carried by the flanges and the composite structure of the flanges and plywood web.

Abstract: Readily separable positively locking panel fasteners are described which are useful for holding panels together at sides thereof and to framing members; such as wooden or metal studs, to make walls, partitions or other structures incorporating side-abutting panels, such as wallboard panels. Mounting means for holding the panels together and to the framing member include engageable pairs of different panel fasteners, with one in each such pair being adapted to be held to a wallboard panel at a side thereof and to be fastened to a framing member, which fastener comprises a catch member, and to the other fastener of such pair being adapted to be held to another wallboard panel, which is to be installed in side-abutting or similar relationship to the other panel by means of fasteners which comprise a latch member which is engageable with the catch member of the other type of fastener.

Abstract: Walls and partitions are constructed by securing wallboard panels to a substructure, such as one of conventional metal or other framing members, by a series of concealed fastening clips, some of which are affixed to the framing members by nail or screw fasteners and others of which, while not held to the framing members, help hold adjacent wallboard panels together and in alignment with each other at the panel sides, which are usually in abutting relationship. The fastening clips are made from sheet or strip material and include a base portion having a substructure contacting surface and a panel contacting surface spaced apart by intermediate strengthening walls, a web portion at about a right angle to the base portion and tab means extending from the web portion and suitable for entering the side of the panel to which the clip is to be appended.

Abstract: A movable wall assembly is provided which includes a back panel member and a front panel member releasably attachable to the back panel member. Each panel member includes a wallboard sheet, a L-shaped element, and a layer of wall covering. The L-shaped element of the back panel member includes a female member while the L-shaped element of the front panel member includes a male member. At spaced intervals along the female member, pin members are provided. The male member has locking slots for receiving the pin members to join the back panel member and front panel member together. The back and front panel members are formed away from the actual wall construction site so that a complete wall can be erected at the construction site using a plurality of wall assemblies while minimizing additional construction work at the site.

Abstract: Hazardous or toxic waste material is permanently stored by sealing the material in sealed containers within an otherwise solid concrete block buried in the earth. A concrete chamber with integrated floor and side walls is formed in the ground. A first group of sealed, filled containers is arranged on the floor and covered with concrete. After the poured concrete has been cured, a second layer of containers is placed in the chamber and similarly encased in concrete. A final layer of concrete of substantial depth is poured atop the uppermost layer of containers to seal the chamber. Means can be provided to collect and recycle any leachate which escapes the concrete chamber providing additional safety.

Abstract: A skeletal framework is provided for supporting furniture, shelf, wall and other types of structural panels. The framework comprises a plurality of elongate frame members, each having a generally rectangular cross section. At least one side of each of the frame members is provided with an axially extending slot. Each of the axially extending slots is provided with a generally dovetail-shaped cross section. A plurality of corner connectors are provided for interconnecting first, second and third frame members which usually extend in mutually orthogonal directions. The corner connectors are each provided with first, second and third extensions for extending into and engaging the axially extending slots disposed on the first, second and third frame members, respectively. A plurality of corner locks are provided, one corner lock being received in each corner member.

Abstract: A building construction assembly has a plurality of vertical posts and horizontal members each formed of a plurality of parallel shell elements and each having on at least one face a pair of flat laterally projecting flanges. The flanges lie generally in a plane and define an opening. Wall panels are secured to these flanges, which are integral with the respective shell elements, by means of C-shaped clips each having one arm engaging the flange in one direction and another arm engaging the panel and pressing it in the opposite direction against the flange. The flanges may be bent back double and received in resilient channels.

Abstract: A method forming, in a simple manner, corner joints or the like in structures, such as articles of furniture incorporating panels of chipboard. A typical corner joint is formed using a connecting member in the form of a length cut from an extrusion of constant cruciform cross-section. Adjacent edges of two panels defining the corner are secured in respective diagonally opposite channels of four V-section channels defined by the extrusion, one of the two remaining channels which faces outwardly from the corner being occupied by a filling member. The longitudinally extending edge faces of the two webs of the cruciform cross-section which extend outwardly may be flush with the adjoining outer surfaces of the panels and the filling member to present the appearance of inlays.

Abstract: A composite structural panel having enhanced load-carrying capacity. The composite panel has a pair of planar panels separated by and bonded to a uniform elastically compressible boundary strip. The boundary strip defines a central core area between the planar panels that includes a core material bonded to each of the planar panels. The thickness of the core is less than the thickness of the boundary strip so that the planar panels are drawn relatively closer together. A compressive force results from the planar panels being urged relatively closer together such force being applied to the boundary strip. An adhesive bonds the planar panels to the boundary strip and in combination with the compressive force renders the central core area essentially impervious to moisture.A plurality of load-bearing and load-transferring clips are secured to the perimetrical edge of a planar panel and the boundary strip.

Abstract: A modular fencing assembly comprising a plurality of posts retained in position at spaced intervals by a foundation, lower channels removably attachable to and extending between adjacent pairs of posts and adapted to engage a fencing panel, upper channels removably attachable to and extending between adjacent pairs of posts and adapted to engage a fencing panel, and fencing panels extending between and retained in position by the upper and lower channels.

Abstract: A formed sheet metal stud having a flange on the opposite side of the wall from that which is exposed to a fire, which flange is formed by a double thickness of the sheet metal which is loosely folded, leaving a finite space between the two thicknesses to function as a chimney, providing a cooling effect on portions of the stud adjacent the highest temperatures of the fire. Small holes are formed in the outer face of the loosely folded flange to permit cooler air from the unexposed side of the stud to enter the void within the loosely folded flange, where the air rises and cools the stud, and/or they permit heated air rising within the void to escape.

Abstract: A partitioning system for segmenting an open area into smaller compartment-like regions includes a grouping of multifunction, interchangeable standardized component parts which are selectively utilized according to the partitioning panel designs to be assembled and the particular configuration desired. The partitioning system includes structural wall panels of a unitized, laminated gypsum sheet construction, window panels, acoustical screens, and door members. Angled joints between adjacent panels include a corner spacer which has a series of radially spaced slots for receipt of face plate members with resultant included angles of either 90.degree., 135.degree. or 180.degree. and the face plate members are configured for snap-fit with variously styled partitioning panel connectors.

Abstract: A formed sheet metal stud having a flange on the opposite side of the wall from that which is exposed to a fire, which flange is formed by a double thickness of the sheet metal which is loosely folded, leaving a finite space between the two thicknesses to function as a chimney, providing a cooling effect on portions of the stud adjacent the highest temperatures of the fire. Small holes are formed in the outer face of the loosely folded flange to permit cooler air from the unexposed side of the stud to enter the void within the loosely folded flange, where the air rises and cools the stud, and/or they permit heated air rising within the void to escape.