Light weight metal framing member

Abstract

The present invention provides for a lightweight metal framing member having a central web and two parallel spaced apart side walls extending upwardly from the sides of the web. The framing member has at least one longitudinally oriented rib extending the length of the web of the framing member to aid in reducing shrinkage and twisting of the framing member when non-symmetrical reinforcing structures are found in the framing member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to metal framing members for use in constructing partition walls. In particular, the invention relates to metal studs and tracks for use in partition walls wherein the stud or track is provided with non-symmetrical patterns of structures to stiffen the material utilized in roll forming the metal stud or track and wherein the stud or track is also provided with longitudinally extending ribs to reduce or eliminate the tendency of the metal from which such stud or track is roll formed to shrink and twist.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]It is common practice in residential and many commercial buildings to separate the various rooms by partition walls to define the space of the room. Such partition walls are generally load bearing and have in the past been constructed of wood members including top and bottom plates and bridging studs. The use of wood members has its shortcomings, the supply of lumber is getting scarce, and costs ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention provides for a lightweight metal framing member having a central web and two parallel spaced apart side walls extending upwardly from the sides of the web. The framing member has at least one longitudinally oriented rib extending the length of the web of the framing member to aid in reducing shrinkage and twisting of the framing member when non-symmetrical reinforcing structures which do not extend across the width of the framing member are formed in the framing member.

Problems solved by technology

The use of wood members has its shortcomings, the supply of lumber is getting scarce, and costs have increased during recent years.

In addition, wood can warp and go out of shape when it becomes wet as well as being susceptible to fire damage and attack by vermin of various kinds.

However, the use of sheet metal framing members has not gained widespread acceptance for various reasons.

For example, the cost of the materials utilized to form metal studs has been increasing and the price advantages of metal studs over wood studs is decreasing.

It is believed this is due to uneven shrinkage in the length of the member across its width caused by the localized shrinkage of the metal as a result of the formation of the reinforcing structures in only a portion of the width of the metal from which the metal framing member is formed.

While the twisting does not affect the structural integrity of the metal framing member, it does detract from the appearance of the stud and makes the storage and installation of the metal framing member more difficult.

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