Patent ID: 6176053
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: E04B

Abstract:
A track assembly for use with a fire resistant wall structure, the track assembly adapted for attachment to atop structural member and to a plurality of wall studs, the track assembly comprising:(a) a longitudinal track having:(i) a first end and a second end;(ii) a top wall, and first and second opposed side walls each depending downwardly from and generally perpendicular to the top wall, each side wall having a top end and a bottom end, and the top wall and side walls defining a substantially U-shaped configuration;(iii) an angled lip extending outwardly from the bottom end of each of the side walls and extending as an angle with respect to said top wall;(iv) an end tab at the first end of the track, the end tab depending downwardly from the top wall of the track;(v) a plurality of top tabs spaced an equal distance apart along the top wall of the track, each top tab depending downwardly from the top wall of the track;(vi) a plurality of longitudinal openings formed within the end tab and top tabs;(b) a plurality of first attachment means passing through the top wall of the track and adapted to be attached to the top structural member for securing the top wall of the track to the top structural member;(c) a plurality of second attachment means passing through the longitudinal openings of the end tab and top tabs and adapted to be attached to the studs for securing the end tab and top tabs of the track to the studs, while also allowing vertical movement of the studs with respect to the longitudinal openings of the tabs; and,(d) a fire resistant material extending along the outer side walls of the track and supported on the lip of each of the side walls;wherein during deflection, the track assembly is adapted to slidably receive within the track the studs and a plurality of gypsum wallboards adjacent the studs, while maintaining attachment of the track assembly to the top structural member.