Z-shaped bracket for wood backing and fireproofing

A z-shaped bracket includes a first flange surface, a second flange surface and a connecting web surface. The first flange surface has a plurality of holes therethrough. The connecting web surface connects the first flange surface and the second flange surface at an offset distance. Where the second flange surface is parallel with the first flange surface and is offset the offset distance from the first flange surface. Wherein, the bracket is configured for installing wood blocking between metal studs.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to blocking, and specifically, to wood blocking for metal studs and methods of manufacture and use thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a z-shaped bracket for wood blocking and fireproofing.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, blocking is a term for the use of short pieces (blocks) of dimensional lumber in framed construction. Uses may include filling, spacing, joining, or reinforcing members, and fireproofing. Blocking may typically be made from short off-cuts or defective, warped pieces of lumber. Blocking is also sometimes used by people in construction with the sense of a shim or spacer. Names for similar materials in other forms of English include dwang, nog, noggin, and nogging. Some blocking is used structurally like cross bracing between joists in a subfloor to prevent buckling and stiffen the floor. This use is also called block bridging, solid bridging, and solid strutting. Fire-blocking is a firestop. Blocks may be spacers between studs such as where an interior wall attaches an exterior wall and for framing corners such as a three-stud corner with blocking. Blocking may also be used for panel edge supports such as sheets of drywall or plywood also called back blocking.

Although the disclosure is not limited thereto, the blocking described herein, may be particularly useful for backing, also referred to as grounds. This type of blocking refers to pieces of wood or other material that run between wall studs in order to provide support and attachment sites for mounted hardware or trim such as cabinets, shelving, handrails, vanity tops without a cabinet underneath, bathroom towel bars, moldings, the like, etc. Properly installed blocking is easier to find for attaching wall hardware than studs alone. Once drywall, or any other material, covers the wall it can be difficult to find2x4studs for attachment, and the position of nails and screws must be adjusted to stud location. Thus, if blocking is installed at a uniform and predetermined height, attachment sites can be found without using a stud finder, and the blocking can be utilized anywhere along a wall at that height. This is particularly useful for installing upper cabinets in kitchens or bathrooms as they tend to be heavy and finding appropriate studs for installation can be difficult.

Currently, the practice of installing wood blocking for backing in metal studs, like in commercial construction, is a time-consuming process that requires the installers to make their own blocking. This is obviously very labor intensive and requires not only skilled labor, but also special tools, including power equipment, thereby requiring electricity to be run to the installation location. As such, there is clearly a need to provide wood blocking, and a method of manufacturing and installing thereof, that is quicker and easier to install.

In addition, because blocking may typically be created from scrap wood, or short off-cuts or defective, warped pieces of lumber, the quality and reliability of the backing may be inconsistent and/or weak. This may be especially problematic for providing backing for high weight applications, like handicap railing, and/or for providing backing for applications requiring specific rating, like fire rated materials. As such, there is clearly a need for a better quality and more reliable wood blocking material.

Furthermore, attaching wood blocking to metal studs is difficult because of the shape and material of the metal studs. As such, there is clearly a need for a product and/or method to make attaching wood blocking to metal studs easier and more reliable.

The instant disclosure of a z-shaped bracket for wood backing and fireproofing may be designed to address at least certain aspects of the problems discussed above.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, in a possibly preferred embodiment, the present disclosure overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an apparatus or method by providing of a z-shaped bracket for wood backing and fireproofing. The z-shaped bracket may generally include a bracket having a first flange surface, a second flange surface and a connecting web surface. The first flange surface may have a plurality of holes therethrough. The connecting web surface may connect the first flange surface and the second flange surface at an offset distance, where the second flange surface may be parallel with the first flange surface and may be offset the offset distance from the first flange surface. Wherein, the bracket may be configured for installing wood blocking between metal studs.

In select embodiments of the disclosed z-shaped bracket, the plurality of holes may be punched through the first flange surface. The plurality of holes may be configured for pre-installing the bracket on the metal stud. The first flange surface may be positioned on an outer flange of the metal stud. The connecting web surface may be positioned against a hard side of the metal stud. And the second flange surface may extend approximately perpendicular from the hard side of the metal stud. The second flange surface may be configured for attachment to the wood blocking.

In select embodiments of the disclosed z-shaped bracket, the plurality of holes through the first flange surface may include a first vertical row and a second vertical row. The first vertical row of holes may be positioned approximate a web side of the first flange surface. The second vertical row of holes may be positioned approximate a distal side of the first flange surface. Wherein, the combination of the first vertical row of holes and the second vertical row of holes may be configured for increasing shear strength and pullout strength of the wood blocking. In select embodiments, the first vertical row of holes may include three holes, and the second vertical row of holes may include three holes. In this embodiment, the bracket may be made from a light gauge metal, wherein the light gauge metal may be 20 gauge metal. In addition, in this embodiment, the first flange surface may have a width of 1.25 inches configured to fit on an outer flange of a 1.25 inch wide metal stud. In other select embodiments, the first vertical row of holes may include five holes, and the second vertical row of holes may include five holes. In this embodiment, the bracket may be made from a light gauge metal, wherein the light gauge metal may be 16 gauge metal. In addition, in this embodiment, the first flange surface may have a width of 1.75 inches configured to fit on an outer flange of a structural stud.

One feature of the disclosed z-shaped bracket for wood blocking may be that the offset distance of the connecting web surface may be approximately a thickness of the wood blocking. Accordingly, the first flange surface may be oriented at a slightly acute angle to the connecting web surface, and the second flange surface may be oriented at the same slightly acute angle to the connecting web surface. Whereby, the combination of the first flange surface, the connecting web surface and the second flange surface being formed at the slightly acute angle create a z-shape configured for not allowing interference of a square edge of the blocking at a radius bend of the z-shaped bracket. In select embodiments, the slightly acute angle may be 89 degrees or approximately 89 degrees.

Another feature of the disclosed z-shaped bracket for wood blocking may be that the bracket can be made from a light gauge metal. In select embodiments, the light gauge metal may be equal to or greater than 10 gauge metal. In select possibly preferred embodiments, the light gauge metal may be between 12 gauge metal and 24 gauge metal. In other possibly most preferred embodiments, the light gauge metal material of the z-shaped bracket may be 20 gauge metal or 16 gauge metal.

In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a wood blocking system. the wood blocking system may generally include wood blocking placed between metal studs via the disclosed z-shaped bracket in any of the various embodiments shown and/or described herein. As a result, the wood blocking system may include a panel of a blocking material having a standard width. The standard width of the panel of the blocking material may be sized to a nominal stud width configured to fit between the metal studs. The metal studs may include a first metal stud and an adjacent metal stud. Each of the first metal stud and the adjacent metal stud may be c-channel metal studs including a hard side including a flat web. The z-shaped bracket of the wood blocking system may include a bracket having a first flange surface, a second flange surface and a connecting web surface. The first flange surface may have a plurality of holes therethrough. The connecting web surface connects the first flange surface and the second flange surface at an offset distance. The second flange surface may be parallel with the first flange surface and may be offset the offset distance from the first flange surface. Wherein, the z-shaped bracket may be configured to secure the panel of blocking material between the metal studs.

In select embodiments of the wood blocking system disclosed herein, the plurality of holes may be punched through the first flange surface. The plurality of holes may be configured for pre-installing the bracket on the metal stud. The first flange surface may be positioned on an outer flange of the metal stud. The connecting web surface may be positioned against the hard side of the metal stud. And the second flange surface may extend approximately perpendicular from the hard side of the metal stud. The second flange surface may be configured for attachment to the wood blocking.

In select embodiments of the disclosed wood blocking system, the plurality of holes through the first flange surface of the z-shaped bracket may include a first vertical row and a second vertical row. The first vertical row of holes may be positioned approximate a web side of the first flange surface. The second vertical row of holes may be positioned approximate a distal side of the first flange surface. Wherein, the combination of the first vertical row of holes and the second vertical row of holes may be configured for increasing shear strength and pullout strength of the wood blocking.

One feature of the disclosed wood blocking system may be that the offset distance of the connecting web surface may be approximately a thickness of the wood blocking. The first flange surface may be oriented at a slightly acute angle to the connecting web surface, and the second flange surface may be oriented at the same slightly acute angle to the connecting web surface. Whereby, the combination of the first flange surface, the connecting web surface and the second flange surface being formed at the same slightly acute angles create a z-shape configured for not allowing interference of a square edge of the blocking at a radius bend of the z-shaped bracket.

In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a method of installing wood blocking between metal studs. In general, the disclosed method may include installing wood blocking between metal studs via the disclosed z-shaped bracket in any of the various embodiments shown and/or described herein. As such, the disclosed method of installing wood blocking may include the steps of: providing a panel of wood blocking material for placement between the metal studs, the panel of wood blocking material having an original length and a standard width. where the standard width being sized to a nominal stud width configured to fit between the metal studs; providing the z-shaped bracket in any of the various embodiments shown and/or described herein; and attaching the panel of wood blocking material between the metal studs with fasteners and the z-shaped bracket.

In select embodiments of the method of installing wood blocking between metal studs disclosed herein, the plurality of holes are punched through the first flange surface, wherein the step of attaching the panel of wood blocking material between the metal studs with fasteners and the z-shaped bracket may include the steps of: pre-installing the bracket on the metal stud, where the first flange surface is positioned on an outer flange of the metal stud, the connecting web surface is positioned against the hard side of the metal stud, and the second flange surface extends approximately perpendicular from the hard side of the metal stud; and attaching the wood blocking panel to the second flange surface.

In other select embodiments of the method of installing wood blocking between metal studs, the method may further include installing two wood blocking panels end to end between the metal studs via the z-shaped bracket. This step of installing two wood blocking panels end to end between the metal studs via the z-shaped bracket may include the steps of: attaching one of the two wood blocking panels to the first flange surface of the bracket; and attaching the other of the two wood blocking panels to the second flange surface of the bracket, where the two wood blocking panels are positioned end to end.

In other select embodiments of the method of installing wood blocking between metal studs, the method may further include installing two wood blocking panels on top of one another via two z-shaped brackets. This step of include installing two wood blocking panels on top of one another via two z-shaped brackets may include the steps of: pre-installing one of the two z-shaped brackets on the metal stud, where the first flange surface is positioned on an outer flange of the metal stud, the connecting web surface is positioned against the hard side of the metal stud, and the second flange surface extends approximately perpendicular from the hard side of the metal stud; positioning the other of the two z-shaped brackets on the metal stud, where the first flange surface is positioned on an inner flange of the metal stud, the connecting web surface is positioned against the hard side of the metal stud, and the second flange surface extends approximately perpendicular from the hard side of the metal stud adjacent to the second flange surface of the other z-shaped bracket; positioning the two wood blocking panels on top of one another with the second flange surfaces of each of the two z-shaped brackets pancaked therebetween; and attaching the two wood blocking panels to the second flange surfaces of each of the two z-shaped brackets.

In other select embodiments of the method of installing wood blocking between metal studs, the method may further include installing two wood blocking panels on each side of a metal stud via two z-shaped brackets. This step of installing two wood blocking panels on each side of a metal stud via two z-shaped brackets may include the steps of: pre-installing one of the two z-shaped brackets on the metal stud, where the first flange surface is positioned on an outer flange of the metal stud, the connecting web surface is positioned against the hard side of the metal stud, and the second flange surface extends approximately perpendicular from the hard side of the metal stud; pre-installing the other of the two-z-shaped brackets on the metal stud, where the first flange surface is positioned over the first flange surface of the other z-shaped bracket on the outer flange of the metal stud, the connecting web surface is positioned against a soft side of the metal stud, and the second flange surface extends approximately perpendicular from the soft side of the metal stud; attaching one of the two wood blocking panels to the second flange surface of one of the two z-shaped brackets; and attaching the other of the two wood blocking panels to the second flange surface of the other of the two z-shaped brackets.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the disclosure, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, may become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the prior Summary, and the following Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and Claims when read in light of the accompanying Detailed Drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIGS. 1-38, in describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-10, in a possibly preferred embodiment, the present disclosure overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an apparatus or method by providing of wood blocking blank10for creating wood blocking12for placement between metal studs14(seeFIGS. 4-10). The wood blocking blank10includes panel16of blocking material18. Panel16of blocking material18may be any desired type of blocking material, including any plywood, composites or the like. In select possibly preferred embodiments, the blocking material18may include fire-retardant-treated plywood. This fire-retardant-treated plywood may include plywood impregnated with chemicals to meet building code. As an example, panel16of blocking material18may be plywood with Pyro-Guard® provided by Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc. of McDuffie County, Ga. The panel16of blocking material18may have any desired size, including any desired length and/or width. In select embodiments, the panel16of blocking material18may have original length20and standard width22. The standard width22may be sized to nominal stud width24(seeFIGS. 4-10) configured to fit between the metal studs14.

Groove26may be included in panel16of blocking material18. Groove26may be cut down the entire original length20of the panel16of blocking material18approximate first side28of the panel16of blocking material18. Groove26may be cut into wood blocking blank10to make sure that each wood blocking12cut or made from wood blocking blank10includes groove26so that each wood blocking12can be oriented and mounted between metal studs14. By cutting groove26into blank10, prior to making each wood blocking12, not only are a lot of time and resources saved (1cut versus multiple cuts), but also the groove can be more consistent from one wood blocking12to the next. The groove26may be configured for orienting the first side28of the panel16of blocking material18, or blocking12created therefrom, in soft side30of a first metal stud32and a second side34of the panel16of blocking material18, or blocking12created therefrom, against the hard side36of an adjacent metal stud35(seeFIGS. 4-10). The groove26may be sized to receive lip38of soft side30of the first metal stud32. In select embodiments, the groove26may be cut in the wood blocking blank10may be a through dado40running the entire original length20of the panel16of blocking material18. The through dado40may run across grain from top edge42to bottom edge44. As an example, and clearly not limited thereto, the through dado40may be approximately 0.3 inches deep by 0.75 inches wide along the entire original length20of the panel16of blocking material18. In select embodiments, the groove26may be cut approximately 1.5 inches at its center from the first side28of the panel16of blocking material18.

Continuous stamp46may be included as one feature of the wood blocking blank10disclosed herein. Continuous stamp46may be applied or printed on wood blocking blank10to make sure that each wood blocking12cut or made from wood blocking blank10includes the origination information of each wood blocking12made therefrom, like the desired information of what, where, how, ingredients, rating etc. wood blocking12was made. Continuous stamp46may be included at any position on panel16of blocking material18. Continuous stamp46may be positioned along the entire original length20of the panel16of blocking material18. The continuous stamp46may include repeated information48of the blocking material18that is configured to be visible on each piece of blocking12created from the panel16of blocking material18. In select embodiments, the repeated information48of the continuous stamp46along the entire original length20of the blocking material18may include, but is not limited to, manufacturer50, rating of blocking material52(i.e. treated, fire retardant, etc.), and location54(i.e. where the blocking material18was manufactured). The continuous stamp46may be configured so that each piece of blocking12created from the panel16of blocking material18may include at least manufacturer50, rating of blocking material52, and location54. In select embodiments, the continuous stamp46may be positioned approximate the groove26of the panel16of blocking material18in horizontal orientation56. Whereby, the continuous stamp46may be configured to be visible when installed between the metal studs14for inspection. By placing the continuous stamp46approximate the groove26, the blocking12may be cut at the second side34for various widths of metal studs14, where the continuous stamp46may still be visible even when the blocking12is cut.

The wood blocking blank10disclosed herein may be that the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18may be configured to be cut to a desired height58of blocking12or left at the original length20. In select embodiments, the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18may be configured to be cut in ninths60, eighths62, sevenths64, sixths66, fifths68, fourths70, thirds72, halves74, combinations thereof, or left at the original length20. SeeFIGS. 1-2. As examples, and clearly not limited thereto, when the original length20is 48 inches, the cut lengths may be: approximately 5 and ⅛ inches when cut in ninths60; approximately 5 and ⅞ inches when cut in eighths62; approximately 6 and ¾ inches when cut in sevenths64; approximately 7 and ⅞ inches when cut in sixths66; approximately 9 and ½ inches when cut in fifths68; approximately 11 and ¾ inches when cut in fourths70; approximately 15 and ¾ inches when cut in thirds72; approximately 23 and ⅞ inches when cut in halves74; and approximately 48 inches when left at original length20. As such, when the original length is 48 inches and the standard width22is 15.75 inches, which is sized to the nominal stud width24between the metal studs14of 16 inches, the example blockings created may be, but are not limited to: a number five blocking76of approximately 5 and ⅛ inches by 15.75 inches when cut in ninths60; a number six blocking78of approximately 5 and ⅞ inches by 15.75 inches when cut in eighths62; a number seven blocking80of approximately 6 and ¾ inches by 15.75 inches when cut in sevenths64; a number eight blocking82of approximately 7 and ⅞ inches by 15.75 inches when cut in sixths66; a number ten blocking84of approximately 9 and ½ inches by 15.75 inches when cut in fifths68; a number twelve blocking86of approximately 11 and ¾ inches by 15.75 inches when cut in fourths70; a number sixteen blocking88of approximately 15 and ¾ inches by 15.75 inches when cut in thirds72; a number twenty-four blocking90of approximately 23 and ⅞ inches by 15.75 inches when cut in halves75; and a number forty-eight blocking92of approximately 48 inches by 15.75 inches when left at original length20. Other examples include, but are not limited thereto, when the original length20is 48 inches and the standard width22is 11.75 inches, 13.25 inches, 15.75 inches, 19.05 inches, or 23.75 inches being sized to the nominal stud width24between the metal studs of 12 inches, 13.5 inches, 16 inches, 19.2 inches or 24 inches, respectively, the blockings created may be: approximately 5 and ⅛ inches by 11.75 inches, 13.25 inches, 15.75 inches, 19.05 inches, or 23.75 inches, when cut in ninths60; approximately 5 and ⅞ inches by 11.75 inches, 13.25 inches, 15.75 inches, 19.05 inches, or 23.75 inches, when cut in eighths62; approximately 6 and ¾ inches by 11.75 inches, 13.25 inches, 15.75 inches, 19.05 inches, or 23.75 inches, when cut in sevenths64; approximately 7 and ⅞ inches by 11.75 inches, 13.25 inches, 15.75 inches, 19.05 inches, or 23.75 inches, when cut in sixths66; approximately 9 and ½ inches by 11.75 inches, 13.25 inches, 15.75 inches, 19.05 inches, or 23.75 inches, when cut in fifths68; approximately 11 and ¾ inches by 11.75 inches, 13.25 inches, 15.75 inches, 19.05 inches, or 23.75 inches, when cut in fourths70; approximately 15 and ¾ inches by 11.75 inches, 13.25 inches, 15.75 inches, 19.05 inches, or 23.75 inches, when cut in thirds72; approximately 23 and ⅞ inches by 11.75 inches, 13.25 inches, 15.75 inches, 19.05 inches, or 23.75 inches, when cut in halves74; and approximately 48 inches by 11.75 inches, 13.25 inches, 15.75 inches, 19.05 inches, or 23.75 inches, when left at original length20. Although the disclosure is directed toward even cuts down the original length20of panel16of blocking material18, the disclosure is not so limited, and various lengths, or combination of lengths, may be cut from wood blocking blank10, like one blocking12of ½ the original length20, and2blockings12of ¼ of the original length20, and so forth.

Another feature of the wood blocking blank10disclosed herein may be that the blank10and/or blocking12created therefrom may be combined to create longer lengths. As an example, and clearly not limited thereto, a 48 inch blank10and a 24 inch blocking12may be combined for a total length of 72 inches, like for a toilet partition. As another example, an 8 inch blocking12may be combined with a 5 inch blocking12for a total length of 13 inches. Z-shaped brackets93may be included between panel to panel connections for easier assembly.

Referring toFIGS. 1-2, bundles104may be created from wood blocking12cut from wood blocking blank10. Each bundle104may include the number of wood blocking12cut from wood blocking blank10. As such, as shown inFIGS. 1-2, each bundle may include: a single wood blocking12when panel16of blocking material18is left at its original length20; two wood blockings12when panel16of blocking material18is cut in halves74with a length of original length20divided by 2; three wood blockings12when panel16of blocking material18is cut in thirds72with a length of original length20divided by 3; four wood blockings12when panel16of blocking material18is cut in fourths70with a length of original length20divided by 4; five wood blockings12when panel16of blocking material18is cut in fifths68with a length of original length20divided by 5; six wood blockings12when panel16of blocking material18is cut in sixths66with a length of original length20divided by 6; seven wood blockings12when panel16of blocking material18is cut in sevenths64with a length of original length20divided by 7; eight wood blockings12when panel16of blocking material18is cut in eighths62with a length of original length20divided by 8; and nine wood blockings12when panel16of blocking material18is cut in ninths60with a length of original length20divided by 9. As a result, the total weight of each bundle104will be approximately equal to the weight of the blank10. In addition, the total square footage that each bundle will cover will be approximately equal to the square footage of the blank10. As such, each bundle104purchased or required may be easily used for a commercial estimate for calculating labor and material. However, the disclosure is not limited to just be cut into ninths or less, as 10ths, 11th, 12ths, 13ths, etc. may be desired. For example, if blank10is 96 inches, of if there is a 10 foot sheet of blocking material12by five feet wide, the blank10may clearly be cut in more pieces of blocking12.

Referring now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, pallet100of wood blocking12is shown. Pallet100of wood blocking12may be created from multiple wood blocking blanks10or wood blockings12cut therefrom. Pallet100of wood blocking12may generally include first row102of wood blocking bundles104(seeFIG. 1), second row110of wood blocking bundles104, and base pallet116. First row102of wood blocking bundles104on the pallet100may have first row width106and first row length108. Likewise, second row110of wood blocking bundles104on the pallet100may have second row width112and second row length114. As such, the base pallet116may have pallet width118of approximately the first row width106plus the second row width112. The base pallet116may also have pallet length120of approximately the first row length108and/or the second row length114. Whereby, the base pallet116may be configured for supporting the first and second rows102,110of wood blocking bundles104side by side.

One feature of the pallet100of wood blocking12described herein may be that the pallet width118may be small enough to allow the pallet100of wood blocking12to be pulled through a door. This may allow for easy transportation and/or storage of pallet100and wood blocking12from various locations and jobsites. As an example, when the first row102of wood blocking12may have first row width106of approximately 15.75 inches and the second row110of wood blocking may have second row width112of approximately 15.75 inches, the pallet width118may be approximately 32 inches or less. As such, the pallet width118of approximately 32 inches or less may be small enough to allow the pallet100of wood blocking12to be pulled through a standard 3/0 door (approximately 34.5 inches). In select embodiments of the pallet100of wood blocking12disclosed herein, the first row102of wood blocking bundles104may have the first row length108being equal to original length20of panel16of blocking material18and first row width106of standard width22of the panel16of blocking material18, and the second row110of wood blocking bundles104may have the second row length114being equal to the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18and the second row width112of the standard width22of the panel16of blocking material18. Wherein, the base pallet116may have pallet width118of twice the standard width22of the panel16of blocking material18, and pallet length120of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18. Whereby, the base pallet116may be configured for supporting the first and second rows102,110of wood blocking bundles104side by side.

In select embodiments of the pallet100of wood blocking12disclosed herein, the first row102of wood blocking bundles104and the second row110of wood blocking bundles104may include, but are not limited to: a single blank10of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18(as shown inFIG. 3A); two bundles104of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in halves74; three bundles104of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in thirds72(middle layer of pallet100inFIG. 3B); four bundles104of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in fourths70; five bundles104of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in fifths68; six bundles of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in sixths66(bottom layer of pallet100inFIG. 3B); seven bundles104of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in sevenths64; eight bundles104of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in eighths62; nine bundles104of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in ninths60(top layer of pallet100inFIG. 3B); or combinations thereof that equal the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18(as shown inFIG. 3B).

Referring now specifically to the embodiment of pallet100shown inFIG. 3A, first row102and second row110are each made of a single blank10of blanks10. Each bundle104of blanks10has 36 blanks10for a total of 72 blanks10on each pallet100.

Referring now specifically to the embodiment of pallet100shown inFIG. 3B, first row102and second row110are each made of multiple various bundles104of wood blocking12created from blanks10. As shown, the bottom layer includes 6 bundles104of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in sixths66, the middle layer includes 3 bundles104of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in thirds72, and the top layer includes 9 bundles104of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in ninths60. As should be clearly understood, the disclosure is not so limited to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3A and 3Bof pallet100, and other various combinations of bundles104may be created. In select embodiments, pallet100may be manufacture with 72 blanks10. When cut up, we have 72 bundles104. 1 blank10may be equal to 1 bundle104. The pallet100shown inFIG. 3Brepresents a mixed pallet in which there are 72 bundles of different sizes. Bundles104may include color coding101(like red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, etc.), where a different color is used for each size of blocking12in bundles104. This may include, but is not limited to,101.9, as shown inFIG. 1and the top layer inFIG. 3Bfor bundles104of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in ninth60,101.6, as shown in the bottom layer ofFIG. 3Bfor bundles104the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in sixths66, and 101.3, as shown in the middle layer ofFIG. 3Bof bundles104of the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18cut in thirds72. This color coding101may be for supplier/installer to recognize the size difference, as a bundle of wood may look the same if this is not done.

A weight of each bundle104may be equal to a nominal weight of the panel of blocking material. As a result, a total weight of the first row102of wood blocking12and a total weight of the second row110of wood blocking12may be approximately equal to a row of the panel16of blocking material18. In addition, an area or square footage of each bundle104may be equal to a nominal area or square footage of the panel16of blocking material18. As a result, a total volume or cubic footage of the first row102of wood blocking12and a total volume or cubic footage of the second row110of wood blocking may be approximately equal to a row of the panel16of blocking material18. As such, each pallet100, row102and110, purchased or required may be easily used for a commercial estimate for calculating labor and material.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-10, method200of installing wood blocking12between metal studs14is disclosed herein. Method200of installing wood blocking12may generally include step202of creating wood blocking blank10for creating wood blocking12for placement between metal studs14, in any of the various embodiments shown and/or described herein of wood blocking blank10. SeeFIGS. 1-2. As a result, the method200may include the step204of cutting groove26down the entire original length20of the panel16of blocking material18approximate first side28of panel16of blocking material18. SeeFIGS. 1-2. The groove26may be configured for orienting the first side28of panel16of blocking material18, and any wood blocking12created or cut therefrom, in soft side30of first metal stud32and second side34of the panel16of blocking material18, and any wood blocking123created or cut therefrom, against the hard side36of an adjacent metal stud25. Groove26cut in step204may be sized to receive lip38of the soft side of the metal stud. In addition, method200of installing wood blocking12between metal studs14may include step206of cutting the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18to a desired height58of wood blocking12or leaving the original length20of the panel16of blocking material18at the original length20for the desired height58of the wood blocking12.

Step204of cutting groove26down the entire original length20of the panel16of blocking material18may include step208of cutting through dado40running the entire original length20of the panel16of blocking material18across grain from top edge42to bottom edge44. The through dado cut in step208may be, but is not limited to, approximately 0.3 inches deep by 0.75 inches wide along the entire original length20of the panel16of blocking material18. In select embodiments, the center of the groove26may be cut a distance from the first side28of the panel16of blocking material18that is approximately a width of the stud flange. As examples, the center of the groove26may be cut approximately 1.25″, 1.375″, 1.625″, 2.0″, 2.5″, 3.0″, etc. from the first side28of the panel16, to fit stud flanges with widths of 1.25″, 1.375″, 1.625″, 2.0″, 2.5″, 3.0″, etc. However, the width of the groove may be cut wide enough to receive the lip from multiple size widths of stud flanges. As such, as a first example, when the center of the groove26may be cut approximately 1.375″ from the first side28of the panel16, the groove may be wide enough to fit stud flanges with widths of 1.25″, 1.375″, and 1.625″. As another example, when the center of the groove26may be cut approximately 2.5″ from the first side28of the panel16, the groove may be wide enough to fit stud flanges with widths of 2.0″, 2.5″, and 3.0″.

Step210of applying continuous stamp46along the entire original length20of the panel16of blocking material18may be included in method200of installing wood blocking12between metal studs14. The continuous stamp46applied in step210may be applied with repeated information48of the blocking material18that is configured to be visible on each piece of blocking12created from the panel16of blocking material18. The repeated information48of the continuous stamp46applied along the entire original length20of the blocking material18may include, but is not limited to, manufacturer50, rating of blocking material52, and location54, wherein each piece of blocking12created from the panel16of blocking material18may include at least the manufacturer50, the rating of blocking material52, and the location54. The continuous stamp46applied in step210may be positioned approximate the second side34of the panel16of blocking material18in horizontal orientation56, whereby the continuous stamp46may be configured to be visible when installed between the metal studs14.

Step214of bundling the wood blocking12into bundles104of the wood blocking12may be included in method200of installing wood blocking12between metal studs14. SeeFIGS. 1-2.

Step216of creating pallet100of the wood blocking12from the bundles104for transportation may be included in select embodiments of method200of installing wood blocking12between metal studs14. SeeFIG. 3.

In select embodiments of the method200of installing wood blocking12disclosed herein, the method200may further include step218of putting the wood blocking12, the bundles104, the pallet100of wood blocking12, or combinations thereof into a commercial estimate for calculating labor and material.

Referring now toFIGS. 4-10, step219of mounting the wood blocking12between metal studs14may be included in select embodiments of method200of installing wood blocking12between metal studs14. This step219of mounting the wood blocking12between metal studs14may include any methods, tools, devices, etc. for mounting wood blocking12between metal studs14. In select embodiments, as shown in the figures, step219of mounting the wood blocking12between metal studs14may include: step220of orienting the groove26on the first side28of the blocking12in soft side30of first metal stud32, where lip38of the soft side30of the metal stud32is positioned in the groove26(seeFIG. 4); step222of orienting second side34of the blocking12against the hard side36of adjacent metal stud35(seeFIG. 4); and step224of securing the wood blocking12between the metal studs14(seeFIGS. 5-7). In select embodiments, the step224of securing the wood blocking12between the metal studs14may include: step226of clamping the first side28of the wood blocking12to the soft side30of the first metal stud32(seeFIG. 4); step228of clamping the second side34of the wood blocking12to the hard side36of the adjacent metal stud35(seeFIG. 4); step230of attaching the first side28of the wood blocking12to the soft side30of the first metal stud32with fasteners, like screws (seeFIG. 5); and step232of attaching the second side34of the wood blocking12to the hard side36of the adjacent metal stud35with fasteners, like screws) and z-shaped bracket93(seeFIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10). Z-shaped bracket93may be installed by positioning the z-shaped bracket93between the second side34of the wood blocking12and the hard side36of the adjacent metal stud35, and then using fasteners to fasten one side of the z-shaped bracket93to the second side34of the wood blocking12and the other side of the z-shaped bracket93to the adjacent metal stud35. Best shown inFIG. 6.

Referring now toFIGS. 11-30, z-shaped bracket93for wood blocking12(like wood backing and fireproofing) is shown in various embodiments (also shown inFIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10). Referring specifically toFIGS. 11-18 and 27, z-shaped bracket93may generally include bracket93having first flange surface300, second flange surface302and connecting web surface304. First flange surface300may have plurality of holes97therethrough. Connecting web surface304may connect first flange surface300and second flange surface302at offset distance306, where second flange surface302may be parallel with first flange surface300and may be offset the offset distance306from first flange surface300. Wherein, z-shaped bracket93may be configured for installing wood blocking12between metal studs14(as shown inFIGS. 5, 6, 9, 10, 19-26, and 28-34).

The plurality of holes97in first flange surface300of z-shaped bracket93may be for attaching first flange surface300of z-shaped bracket93to metal studs14, or the like. Plurality of holes97may be any size, shape, location, or type of holes in first flange surface300of z-shaped bracket93. In select embodiments, plurality of holes97may be punched through first flange surface300, i.e. plurality of holes97are punched holes. As an example, and clearly not limited thereto, plurality of holes97may have a diameter of 0.13 inches plus or minus 0.02 inches. Plurality of holes97may be sized and shaped to fit the desired fasteners95and97used for attaching or fastening z-shaped brackets93to metal studs14, wood blocking12, or the like. As such, plurality of holes97may be configured for pre-installing z-shaped bracket93on metal stud14. As best shown inFIGS. 20-26, in select embodiments, first flange surface300may be positioned on outer flange310of metal stud14. Connecting web surface304may be positioned against hard side36of metal stud14. And second flange surface302may extend approximately perpendicular from hard side36of metal stud14. Second flange surface302may thus be configured for attachment to wood blocking12for securing the wood blocking12between adjacent metal studs14.

Plurality of holes97through first flange surface300may include first vertical row318and second vertical row320. First vertical row318of holes97may be positioned approximate web side322of first flange surface300. In select embodiments, as an example, and clearly not limited thereto, first vertical row318of holes97may be positioned 0.18 inches (plus or minus 0.02 inches) from web side322of first flange surface300. In other select embodiments, as another example, and clearly not limited thereto, first vertical row318of holes97may be positioned 0.25 inches (plus or minus 0.02 inches) from web side322of first flange surface300. Likewise, second vertical row320of holes97may be positioned approximate distal side324of first flange surface300. In select embodiments, as an example, and clearly not limited thereto, second vertical row320of holes97may be positioned 0.18 inches (plus or minus 0.02 inches) from distal side324of first flange surface300. In other select embodiments, as another example, and clearly not limited thereto, second vertical row320of holes97may be positioned 0.25 inches (plus or minus 0.02 inches) from distal side324of first flange surface300. Wherein, the combination of first vertical row318of holes97and second vertical row320of holes97may be configured for increasing shear strength326and pullout strength328of wood blocking12.

Referring specifically toFIGS. 11-18, in select embodiments, first vertical row318of holes97may include three of holes97equally spaced approximate web side322, and second vertical row329of holes97may include three of holes97equally spaced approximate distal side324. In this embodiment, bracket93may be made from light gauge metal330, wherein light gauge metal may be 20 gauge metal. In addition, in this embodiment, first flange surface300may have a width of 1.25 inches configured to fit on an outer flange310of a 1.25 inch wide metal stud14.

Referring now specifically toFIG. 27, in other select embodiments, first vertical row318of holes97may include five of holes97equally spaced approximate web side322, and second vertical row320of holes97may include five of holes97equally spaced approximate distal side324. In this embodiment, bracket93may be made from light gauge metal330, wherein light gauge metal330may be 16 gauge metal. In addition, in this embodiment, first flange surface300may have a width of 1.75 inches configured to fit on an outer flange310of a structural stud, as commonly known by one skilled in the art. As such, in this embodiment, z-shaped bracket93may be configured for structural uses.

Offset distance306between first flange surface300and second flange surface302may be created via connecting web surface304. Offset distance306may provide enough space to fit wood blocking12onto second flange surface302and be flush with first flange surface300or slightly recessed from first flange surface300. As such, one feature of the disclosed z-shaped bracket93for wood blocking12may be that offset distance306created by connecting web surface304may be approximately thickness332of wood blocking12. To prevent interference of square edge336of blocking12at radius bend338of z-shaped bracket93(as best shown in the zoomed in portion ofFIG. 26), first flange surface300may be oriented at slightly acute angle334(as best shown inFIGS. 14 and 15) to connecting web surface304, and second flange surface302may be oriented at the same slightly acute angle334(as best shown inFIGS. 14 and 15) to connecting web surface304. Whereby, the combination of first flange surface300, connecting web surface304and second flange surface302being formed at slightly acute angle334create the z-shape configuration of z-shaped bracket93. This z-shaped configuration may be configured to prevent interference of square edge336of blocking12at radius bend338of z-shaped bracket93when affixing blocking12on second flange surface302. Slightly acute angle334may be any desired angle that is slightly less than 90 degrees. In select embodiments, slightly acute angle334may be 89 degrees or approximately 89 degrees.

Z-shaped bracket93can be made from various desired materials configured for securing wood blocking (like wood backing or fireproofing) between metal studs14. In select possibly preferred embodiments, z-shaped bracket93can be made from light gauge metal330. In this light gauge metal330embodiment, z-shaped bracket93may be formed from an integral piece of light gauge metal330that is bent to create first flange surface300, connecting web surface304and second flange surface302with slightly acute angle334between each bend. In addition, plurality of holes97may be punched into the light gauge metal330in first flange surface300of z-shaped bracket93. In select embodiments, light gauge metal330may be equal to or greater than 10 gauge metal. In select possibly preferred embodiments, light gauge metal330may be between 12 gauge metal and 24 gauge metal. In other possibly most preferred embodiments, light gauge metal330material of z-shaped bracket93may be 20 gauge metal (as shown inFIG. 11-18) or 16 gauge metal (as shown inFIG. 27).

Referring now specifically toFIGS. 19-26 and 28-30, wood blocking system350is shown that utilizes z-shaped bracket93for attaching wood blocking12between metal studs14. As such, wood blocking system350may generally include wood blocking12placed between metal studs14via the disclosed z-shaped bracket93in any of the various embodiments shown and/or described herein. As a result, wood blocking system350may include panel of a blocking material12having standard width22. Standard width22of the panel of blocking material12may be sized to nominal stud width24configured to fit between metal studs14. Metal studs14may include first metal stud32and adjacent metal stud35. Each of first metal stud32and adjacent metal stud35may be c-channel metal studs307including hard side36including flat web308. Z-shaped bracket93of wood blocking system350may include bracket93having first flange surface300, second flange surface302and connecting web surface304. First flange surface300may have plurality of holes97therethrough. Connecting web surface304connects first flange surface300and second flange surface302at offset distance306. Second flange surface302may be parallel with first flange surface300and may be offset the offset distance306from first flange surface300. Wherein, z-shaped bracket93may be configured to secure panel of blocking material12between metal studs14.

As shown inFIG. 23, plurality of holes97may be configured for pre-installing bracket93on metal stud14in wood blocking system350. First flange surface300may be positioned on outer flange310of metal stud14. Connecting web surface304may be positioned against hard side36of metal stud14. And second flange surface302may extend approximately perpendicular (may not be exactly perpendicular because of slightly acute angle334) from hard side36of metal stud14. Second flange surface302may be configured for attachment to wood blocking12, as best shown inFIGS. 22, 24 and 26.

Referring specifically toFIG. 25(also shown inFIGS. 21, 24, 26, and 29, z-shaped bracket93may be installed onto metal stud14via fasteners99being inserted through first vertical row318of holes97. Fastener99may be a shorter framing screw that can be inserted through first vertical row318of holes97and be positioned against hard side36of metal stud14. This position of framing screw fastener99may provide valuable benefits to the wood blocking system. First, framing screw fastener99may pre-install or position z-shaped bracket93on metal stud14at the desired position. In addition, framing screw fastener99may also provide for an alignment guide or interference fit for where to position wood blocking12inside metal stud14or under lip38of soft side30of metal stud14, where groove26is properly positioned and aligned with lip38. Furthermore, framing screw fastener99may also push metal stud14back to 16 inch or 24 inch stud centers if framing is slightly off. This may be important because drywall is hung vertically on metal studs14and panels are 48 inches wide. Thus, if stud centers are not maintained then drywall has nothing to hang to at panel edges.

Referring now toFIGS. 31-34, in another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces method400of installing wood blocking12between metal studs14. In general, the disclosed method400may include installing wood blocking12between metal studs14via the disclosed z-shaped bracket93in any of the various embodiments shown and/or described herein of z-shaped bracket93. As such, as shown inFIG. 31, method400of installing wood blocking12may include the steps of: step402of providing a panel of wood blocking material12for placement between the metal studs14, the panel of wood blocking material12having standard width22. where standard width22is sized to nominal stud width24configured to fit between metal studs14; step404of providing z-shaped bracket93in any of the various embodiments shown and/or described herein; and step406of attaching the panel of wood blocking material12between metal studs14with fasteners95and z-shaped bracket93. In select embodiments of method400of installing wood blocking12between metal studs14, the plurality of holes97are punched through the first flange surface300, wherein the step of406of attaching the panel of wood blocking material12between the metal studs14with fasteners95and z-shaped bracket93may include the steps of: step408of pre-installing bracket93on metal stud14, where first flange surface300is positioned on outer flange310of metal stud14, connecting web surface304is positioned against hard side36of metal stud14, and second flange surface302extends approximately perpendicular from hard side36of metal stud14; and step410of attaching wood blocking panel12to second flange surface302(like via fasteners95).

Referring now specifically toFIG. 32, in other select embodiments of method400of installing wood blocking12between metal studs14, method400may further include step412of installing two wood blocking panels12end to end between metal studs14via z-shaped bracket93, as shown inFIG. 28. Step412of installing two wood blocking panels12end to end between metal studs14via z-shaped bracket93may include the steps of: step414of attaching one of the two wood blocking panels12to first flange surface300of bracket93(like via fasteners95and99); and step416of attaching the other of the two wood blocking panels12to second flange surface302of bracket93(like via fasteners95and99). As a result, the two wood blocking panels12are positioned end to end, as shown inFIG. 28.

Referring now specifically toFIG. 33, in other select embodiments of method400of installing wood blocking12between metal studs14, method400may further include step418of installing two wood blocking panels12on top of one another via two z-shaped brackets93, as shown inFIG. 29. Step418of installing two wood blocking panels12on top of one another via two z-shaped brackets93may include the steps of: step420of pre-installing one of the two z-shaped brackets93on metal stud14, where first flange surface300is positioned on outer flange310of metal stud14, connecting web surface304is positioned against hard side36of metal stud14, and second flange surface302extends approximately perpendicular from hard side36of metal stud14; step422of positioning the other of the two z-shaped brackets93on metal stud14, where first flange surface300is positioned on inner flange314of metal stud14, connecting web surface304is positioned against hard side36of metal stud14, and second flange surface302extends approximately perpendicular from hard side36of metal stud14adjacent to second flange surface302of the other z-shaped bracket93; step424of positioning the two wood blocking panels12on top of one another with second flange surfaces302of each of the two z-shaped brackets93pancaked therebetween; and step426of attaching the two wood blocking panels12to the second flange surfaces302of each of the two z-shaped brackets93(like via fasteners95and99). As a result, the two wood blocking panels12are positioned on top of one another, as shown inFIG. 29.

Referring now specifically toFIG. 34, in other select embodiments of method400of installing wood blocking12between metal studs14, method400may further include step428of installing two wood blocking panels12on each side of metal stud14via two z-shaped brackets93, as shown inFIG. 30. Step428of installing two wood blocking panels12on each side of metal stud14via two z-shaped brackets93may include the steps of: step430of pre-installing one of the two z-shaped brackets93on metal stud14, where first flange surface300is positioned on outer flange310of metal stud14, connecting web surface304is positioned against hard side36of metal stud14, and second flange surface302extends approximately perpendicular from hard side36of metal stud14; step432of pre-installing the other of the two-z-shaped brackets93on metal stud14, where first flange surface300is positioned over the first flange surface300of the other z-shaped bracket93on outer flange310of metal stud14, connecting web surface304is positioned against soft side30of metal stud14, and second flange surface302extends approximately perpendicular from soft side30of metal stud14; step434of attaching one of the two wood blocking panels12to the second flange surface302of one of the two z-shaped brackets93(like via fasteners95and99); and step436of attaching the other of the two wood blocking panels12to second flange surface302of the other of the two z-shaped brackets93(like via fasteners95and99). As a result, the two wood blocking panels12are positioned on each side of the metal stud14, as shown inFIG. 31.

Referring now specifically toFIGS. 35A, 35B and 35C, diagrams are shown of z-shaped bracket93used to attach metal studs14to composite deck504that is treated with fire proofing500and/or acoustic spray501. Fire proofing500may be full ¾ inch cementitious fire proofing material according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure. As shown inFIG. 35A, z-shaped brackets93may be first be connected to composite deck504. Next, as shown inFIG. 35B, fire proofing500and/or acoustic spray501may be applied to composite deck504with z-shaped brackets93already attached. Finally, as shown inFIG. 35C, metal studs14may be connected toe z-shaped brackets93via track502. Track502may be a 20 gage track or a 16 gage track in select embodiments of the instant disclosure.

Referring now specifically toFIG. 36, a diagram is shown of wood blocking12being attached back to back to a 3⅝ inch metal stud600according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure. As shown in the Figure, this is done via 2 z-shaped brackets93where the wood blocking12is attached back to back with a space in the middle.

Referring now specifically toFIG. 37, a diagram of wood blocking12being attached between wood studs700with z-shaped brackets93is shown according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure. As shown in this Figure, the wood blocking12can be attached to the wood studs700where insulation704and/or 2 inch plumbing pipe702(or the like) is not compressed behind wood blocking12.

Referring now specifically toFIGS. 38A and 38B, a diagram of metal studs14being attached to a wide flange beam (I-beam)800coated with fire proofing500and/or acoustic spray501via z-shaped brackets93is shown according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure. As shown inFIG. 38A, z-shaped bracket93is first attached to the naked wide flange beam (I-beam)800. After the z-shaped bracket93is attached to the naked wide flange beam (I-beam)800, then the beam can be coated with fireproofing500and/or acoustic spray501. Finally, as shown inFIG. 38B, the metal stud14is attached to the coated wide flange beam (I-beam)600via attachment of track502to z-shaped bracket93.

In sum, the present disclosure is directed to a light gauge metal330z-shaped bracket93for attaching blocking/backing23to the following, and/or the like: Cold formed metal Studs (both drywall and structural) Metal Z furring; and Metal Hat channel, Metal drywall Ceiling Grid, RC-1 Channel. The single stamped light gauge metal Z-shaped bracket93has holes97punched therein for attachment to studs14.

A feature or advantage of the present disclosure may be its ability to pre-install z-shaped bracket93with fasteners99thru first vertical row318of holes97so that z-Shaped Bracket93can be installed prior to wood blocking/backing12and the result is no interference with the fastener/screw99and subsequent installation of the blocking/backing12.

Another feature or advantage of the present disclosure may be that the second vertical row320of holes97may allow for simultaneous installation of the Z-Shaped Bracket and the blocking/backing12(under soft side30of metal stud14).

Another feature or advantage of the present disclosure may be that the multiple holes97in first vertical row318and second vertical row320may increase pull out strength328and shear strength326of the blocking/backing12.

Another feature or advantage of the present disclosure may be that the z-Shaped brackets93can be lapped over one another to align the holes and increase the number of fasteners, thus, increasing the shear strength326and pullout strength328of the blocking12.

Another feature or advantage of the present disclosure may be that holes97can be aligned so that the z-shaped bracket93occurs on both sides of the stud for a single fastener per overlapping holes97(as shown inFIG. 30).

Another feature or advantage of the present disclosure may be that the z-shaped brackets93can be used panel12to panel12(as shown inFIG. 28), whereas the panel12is the blocking/backing12for alignment added composite strength, and when the panel to panel prevents clamping or holding with the hand.

Another feature or advantage of the present disclosure may be that the z-shaped bracket93can be screwed thru the web (connecting web surface304) of the z-shaped bracket93and into the web of the stud14(hard side36of stud14) so as to increase the pull-out value of the blocking by creating a shear value at the z-shaped bracket93to stud14attachment.

Another feature or advantage of the present disclosure may be that the z-shaped bracket93can be screwed to an overhead metal deck or shot to a concrete structure or welded to a beam to allow for an offset equal to the depth/thickness of cementitious fireproofing prior to install of a top track of metal stud framing.

Another feature or advantage of the present disclosure may be that the z-shaped bracket93can be bent so that slightly acute angle334from the flange surfaces (300and302) to the connecting web surface304is at a slightly acute angle (like 98 degrees) so as not to allow interference of the square edge336of blocking12at the radius bend338of the z-shaped bracket93.

Another feature or advantage of the present disclosure may be that the holes97of first vertical row318(closest to the web of the z-shaped bracket) orientates the fastener/screw in metal stud14(as stated in first feature/advantage above) to not create interference. This also intern allows the backing12to but to the shaft of the fastener/screw99. This may realign the studs14that may not be on center due to inadequate framing, bent from cold forming, etc. Thus, the sheathing panels will install correctly when installed vertically (See USG, National Gyp).

Another feature or advantage of the present disclosure may be that the punched holes97in first flange surface300may eliminate or reduce the need for clamping of the z-shaped bracket93to the stud14thus saving labor and equipment cost. This punched holes97may also act as a guide to prevent the screw/fastener from “walking or skating” across the flange of the stud.

Another feature or advantage of the present disclosure may be that the z-shaped bracket93can be sandwiched between 2 layers of blocking12or backing12allowing for increased depth of blocking and the same z-shaped bracket93to be used, as shown inFIG. 29.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.