Patent Publication Number: US-6983569-B1

Title: Modular metal wall framing system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates in general to metal wall frames, and in particular to such frames which include channels and studs having integrally formed connectors, locators and retainers. 
   2. Description of Prior Developments 
   Framing systems have been developed using metal channels and studs in place of more conventional wood frames. Such systems have been adapted to construct various structures including residential and commercial buildings, and particularly the partitions of such buildings. Although these systems function adequately, they may be difficult to use and can take longer to assemble than conventional wood frames. 
   Because of these drawbacks, many builders have been reluctant to adopt prior metal framing systems. Moreover, installers have experienced difficulty in correctly installing prior metal framing systems. Installers also dislike the snipping and cutting of the metal frame members required in such systems, as the sharp metal edges can result in cut hands and torn clothes. For these reasons, wood frames are still the most commonly used frames for residential construction. 
   Although wood frames have been widely accepted by builders and installers, wood frames are not fireproof and wood tends to buckle, warp, split, shrink, and bend out of shape. Moreover, a wood stud is heavier and more awkward to work with than a metal stud, and is currently about twice the price of a metal stud. 
   Even with the drawbacks associated with wood frames, wood is still the material of choice of most builders, particularly since carpenters are familiar with wood frame construction and can nail wood frames together with a nail gun faster than they can screw a nail into a metal frame with a screw gun. 
   The following comparison of existing standard wood and conventional metal study applications may be of value in fully appreciating the advantages of the present invention. 
   Installation of a wall partition constructed of wooden studs, after upper and lower plates have been installed, requires the following steps for each stud:
         1. Measure 16 inches on center or 24 inches on center from the previously installed stud and appropriately mark the measured distance on the upper and lower plate.   2. Measure the distance between upper and lower plates.   3. Measure the length of the stud to be installed to be equal to the measurement in the previous step and mark the stud where it is to be cut.   4. Cut the stud. The cut must be square, using a miter box, skill saw guide, etc.   5. Place the stud into position between the plates. Adjust the position of the stud by applying a level to assure that it is plumb, top to bottom, side to side and front to back.   6. Nail the bottom portion of the stud to the lower plate using two nails which can be nailed manually or with an automatic nailing gun.   7. Climb a ladder or scaffold and nail the top portion of the stud to the upper plate, again using two nails.   8. Usually framers will also install horizontal wood members to serve as braces and spacers between the studs. In such case there are the following additional steps:
           A. Measure and mark a piece of stud lumber to fit between the studs.   B. Cut the piece of lumber square to form a brace.   C. Nail two nails to one end of the brace and into one stud.   D. Nail two nails into the other end of the brace and into the other stud.   
           9. When electricians run electrical cable through the studs, it is necessary for them to first bore a hole through each stud individually, i.e. those studs which will have cable going through them.       

   It can be seen that wood fame construction requires many individual time-consuming steps. Moreover, problems associated with wood studs include:
         1. Wood is not fireproof.   2. Wood buckles, splits, shrinks and bends out of shape.   3. A wood stud is heavier and clumsier to work with than a corresponding metal stud.   4. A wood stud is currently about double the price of a metal stud, and with continuing depletion of natural reserves, prices for lumber will likely continue to rise.       

   Installation of a partition constructed of metal studs, after the upper and lower channels have been installed, requires the following steps for each stud:
         1. Measure 16 inches on center or 24 inches on center from a previously installed stud and appropriately mark the measured distance on the upper and lower channels.   2. Measure the distance between upper and lower channels.   3. Measure the length of the stud to be installed to be equal to the measurement in the previous step and mark the stud where it is to be cut.   4. Cut the two side flanges of the stud with a pair of snippers, then bend the central backbone of the stud back and forth until it breaks off.   5. Place the stud into position between the channels where previously marked. Adjust the position of the stud by applying a level to assure that it is plumb, top to bottom and side to side.   6. Take two screw and individually mount each screw onto a screw gun and screw the bottom portion of the stud into the lower channel.   7. Climb a ladder, and again, take two screws and individually mount each onto a screw gun and screw the upper portion of the stud into the upper channel.   8. Many installers also place a horizontal brace and spacing member which runs through the apertures of several studs. In such case, there are the following additional steps:
           A. Run the bracing member through the apertures of several studs.   B. Cut little tabs to connect and fasten each stud to its section of bracing member.   C. Line up each stud to be properly aligned and plumb with each corresponding section of bracing member.   D. Screw into a precut tab to connect the stud to the bracing member.   
               

   It can be seen that conventional metal frame construction requires many individual time consuming steps. Moreover, problems associated with conventional metal studs include:
         1. There does not seem to be any installation time savings of metal over wood. In fact, one can argue that a wooden frame will go up faster than a metal frame because of the extra time required with metal in the process of cutting the stud to size and the fumbling required with screws as opposed to automatic nailing with a nailing gun and nail cartridges.   2. Since there do not appear to be real economies in time in the conventional installation of metal frames, many framing contractors prefer to use wood, the “old-fashioned” way.   3. When snipping and breaking off a piece of a metal stud, hands and clothing tend to get cut very easily.   4. Fumbling with the individual placement of a screw onto a screw gun and screwing into a conventional metal stud is cumbersome, annoying and more time-consuming than simply applying a cartridge-loaded nailing gun to wood.   5. Tunneling spacing members through holes in a series of studs and then dealing with the connection of the tabs between the studs and the spacing members is cumbersome, awkward and annoying.       

   However, metal stud installation does include the following benefits:
         1. Metal is virtually fireproof.   2. Metal is lightweight and easier to work with than wood.   3. Metal studs remain intact and square and do not warp.   4. Metal studs are currently about half the price of wooden studs.   5. Metal studs have precut holes for electrical and other cable running.       

   Accordingly, a need exists for a framing system which is easy to understand, quick to assemble, which does not require extensive cutting or snipping and which is cost-effective as compared to current alternative methods. 
   A further need exists for such a system which is more economical to use than wood frame systems and which is readily accepted by architects, builders, installers and end users. 
   A further need exists for a framing system which provides accurate spacing between studs and which is available with modular interchangeable components. 
   Still a further need exists for a framing system which offers a complete and simple solution rather than a partial solution to the entire installation process. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention has been developed to fulfill the needs noted above and therefore has as an object the provision of a metal framing system for supporting the walls, floors and ceilings of various building structures including residential and commercial buildings. 
   This invention provides a comprehensive and cost-effective solution to the construction industry in the creation and installation of wall/partition frames by facilitating a much simpler and speedier installation resulting in greatly reduced labor costs while at the same time maintaining quality control in the integrity and accuracy of the installation. 
   The construction industry whose workers are tradition and trade-oriented has been very slow to adopt any innovative methodologies or technologies. On the other hand, there is always a desire on the part of builders and consumers to reduce costs in building. 
   The only way to satisfy both ends of the spectrum is to present a solution which creates significant cost-savings while at the same time having certain key ingredients: simple, easy to learn, practical (makes life easier for the worker) and also provides a complete solution, rather than dribs and drabs. 
   This invention has the key ingredients to satisfy the worker and take away the worker&#39;s opposition to innovation. Those same ingredients have the effect of cutting costs for the builder. Time is money, and a speedy operation becomes a less expensive one. 
   Previous patents and innovations have in most instances offered a solution to only a small part of the process—rather than to the whole thing. This invention provides a complete solution. Importantly, the invention does not seek to “replace” steps in stud-wall building with a “better mouse trap”. Instead it just eliminates some of the steps entirely for the tradesperson. 
   While saving money and streamlining operations, the invention maintains the integrity and accuracy of the installation. Studs must be perfectly square-plumb and on center for drywall installation. 
   Another object of the invention is the provision of a metal framing system which is easy to use, quick to assemble and does not require metal cutting during frame assembly. 
   Another object of the invention is the provision of a complete modular framing system which is simple in form, easy to learn and easy to use. 
   A further object of the invention is the provision of a metal wall framing system which eliminates some of the steps required to construct a conventional metal or wood frame, while providing a square, plumb and on-center metal frame for supporting drywall or other wall materials. 
   Yet another object of the invention is the provision of a metal framing system which is significantly faster and more economical to assemble than other wood and metal framing systems. 
   Still another object of the invention is the provision of a modular metal framing system which is easily used by an unskilled, lower-cost worker. The system is also intended for use by inexperienced do-it-yourself homeowners lacking the tools, knowledge and experience of a skilled professional framer. 
   A further object of the invention is the provision of a metal wall framing system which does not require supplemental hardware, requires no supplemental fasteners, nails, electric tools or other power tools, nor any measuring devices or cutting devices. 
   Still a further object of the invention is the provision of a modular metal framing system which includes a side spacer or bracer which optionally provides spacing and alignment of studs and serves as a larger surface for supporting drywall and into which metal screws can be more conveniently secured to hold the drywall to the frame. 
   These and other objects are met by the present invention which is directed to a modular metal framing system for constructing wall frames in virtually any type of building construction. The system is complete insofar as it requires virtually no additional hardware and can be readily used by unskilled labor. Metal wall frames constructed in accordance with the invention can be completed in a fraction of the time and at much lower cost than wood frames as well as other conventional metal frame systems. 
   In accordance with the invention, upper and lower metal channels are formed with a series of evenly spaced locators or stops which accurately locate a series of metal studs along the channels. The channels also include retainers or prongs located adjacent to the locators or stops for fitting within slots formed in the studs. The channels further include scored or notched areas located adjacent to the stops and prongs for allowing a portion of each channel side wall to be crimped inwardly to hold a stud in place on the channel. 
   In order to interconnect and mount a stud on a channel, the stud is simply moved along the channel with a sliding movement until the stud engages a stop. Just before the stud engages a stop, one or more locators or prongs slide into mating slots formed in the stud to hold and guide the stud into alignment with the stop. Notched or perforated portions in the channel sidewalls are then crimped inwardly to hold the stud in place within the channel. This provides a bracing system for spacing and leveling. 
   The aforementioned objects, features and advantages of the invention will, in part, be pointed out with particularity, and will, in part, become obvious from the following more detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which form an integral part thereof. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portion of a metal wall framing channel member constructed in accordance with the invention; 
       FIG. 1(   a ) is a partial central longitudinal sectional view taken through a first embodiment of a retainer member; 
       FIG. 1(   b ) is a view similar to  FIG. 1(   a ) showing an alternative embodiment of a retainer member; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a bottom portion of a stud constructed in accordance with the invention; 
       FIG. 2(   a ) is a perspective view of the stud of  FIG. 2  interconnected to the channel member of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view of  FIG. 2(   a ); 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stud of  FIG. 2  connected to an alternative embodiment of the channel of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4(   a ) is a view similar to  FIG. 4  showing another embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4(   b ) is a top plan view of  FIG. 4(   a ); 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view of the stud and channel of  FIG. 2(   a ) provided with a vertically sliding extender; 
       FIG. 5(   a ) is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the extender of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a partial view of the extender of  FIG. 5(   a ) interconnected to an alternative embodiment of an upper channel member; 
       FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 6  showing another embodiment of an extender connected to an upper channel member similar to that shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of a wall frame constructed in accordance with the invention and showing the use of a pair of horizontally disposed space bars; 
       FIG. 8(   a ) is a top plan view of a portion of one of the spacer bars of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a stud constructed in accordance with the invention and formed with a socket struck out from the central column of the stud; 
       FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIG. 9  showing another embodiment of socket construction and a stud having an indented portion formed along one or both side walls; 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic view similar to  FIG. 9  showing a spacer bar interconnected to a stud constructed with an alternative embodiment of the socket of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a partial schematic top plan view of a pair of spacer bars aligned with a channel member having sockets for receiving each spacer; 
       FIG. 13  is a partial perspective view of a spacer bar formed with an alternative embodiment of a socket; 
       FIG. 14  is a partial schematic top plan view of a spacer bar provided with an alternative tongue configuration for insertion within the socket of  FIG. 13 ; and 
       FIG. 15  is a partial perspective view of a series of studs spaced apart and mutually braced by an alternative embodiment of spacer bar and an alternative embodiment of sockets formed on the studs as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
   

   In the various figures of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention will now be described in conjunction with the drawings, beginning with  FIG. 1  which shows a channel member  10  constructed in accordance with the invention. Channel member  10  is adapted to be installed in a known manner on a lower support surface such as a floor. An identical second or upper channel member  10  is typically installed in a known manner on an overhead support surface such as a ceiling. The upper and lower channel members are aligned parallel with one another and typically aligned within a common vertical plane. 
   Channel member  10  includes a flat, longitudinally-extending central floor  12  and a pair of upstanding parallel side walls  14  which are bent upwardly at right angles from each side of floor  12 . Channel member  10  is formed of a sheet metal material such as steel. A stud locator or stop member in the form of a tab  16  is struck or punched upwardly from the channel floor  12  leaving behind an open aperture  18  in floor  12 . 
   Tab  16  may take virtually any shape such as the rectangular tab show in  FIG. 1 . Preferably, tab  16  is aligned vertically perpendicular to floor  12  and laterally or transversely perpendicular to each side wall  14 . In this manner, tab  16  is “square” with both the floor and side walls of the channel member. A series of longitudinally-spaced tabs  16  is formed in channel member  10  with each tab located at regular intervals. Tabs  16  can be located at predetermined longitudinal spacings of, for example, 16 and/or 24 inches. 
   One or more retaining members  20  are also struck out or punched up from channel floor  12 , leaving behind an open aperture  22  in floor  12 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a pair of tapered, pointed retainer members is laterally spaced on each side of tab  16 . The retainer members may be ramped upwardly from floor  12  as seen in  FIG. 1   a  or formed in an “L” shape as seen in  FIG. 1   b.    
   In  FIG. 1   b,  the base  24  of retainer  20  is aligned perpendicularly upwardly from the floor  12  of channel member  10  and is located at the same longitudinal position on floor  12  as is tab  16 . A leg  26  extends from base  24  on retainer  20  and is bent back over floor  12  and aligned parallel with floor  12 . 
   As further seen in  FIG. 1 , a cut, notched, perforated or otherwise weakened crimp portion  28  is formed along one or both sidewalls  14 . As shown, a pair of rectangular crimp portions  28  is formed along the top edge  29  of each side wall  14 . Each crimp portion  28  is longitudinally spaced a predetermined distance away from each tab  16  to allow the crimp portions  28  to be squeezed or crimped inwardly toward each other in order to crimp a stud in place within channel member  10 , as described more fully below. 
   As seen in  FIG. 2 , a stud  30  is formed of a metal material, such as steel, in accordance with the invention. Stud  30  includes a central column portion  32  and a pair of parallel side walls  34  projecting perpendicularly from the column portion. An inturned lip  36  is formed on the outer end portion of each side wall  34 . One or more alignment slots  38  are formed through the end portion  40  of stud  30  for receiving and interconnecting with one or more of the retainer members  20  on channel member  10 . 
   As can be appreciated from a review of  FIG. 2(   a ), the stud  30  is fitted between the side walls  14  of the channel member  10  with the bottom edge of the stud making sliding contact against the channel floor  12  and with the side walls  34  of the stud making sliding contact against the side walls  14  of the channel member. As the stud  30  approaches the tab  16  on the channel member  10 , the tips of the retainer members  20  enter the alignment slots  38  in the stud  30 . 
   When the stud is fully and properly butted flat against the tab  16 , it is also fully seated against the retainer members  20 . In the example of the retainer member  20  of  FIG. 3 , the rear face of column portion  32  abuts the tab  16  as well as the base  24  of each retainer member  20 . Once this three position contact has been achieved, the stud  30  is properly and fully aligned and seated within the channel member  10 . 
   At this point, the crimp portions  28  are bent inwardly from the side walls  14  of channel member  10  to form locking members  44 . An open notch  46  is thus formed in the top edge  29  of each side wall  14 . The locking members  44  can be closely spaced from the lips  36  on stud  30  or in contact with lips  36 . 
   The general spacing of the interconnected channel member  10  and stud  30  is shown in  FIG. 3  wherein the stud is held in position vertically by the retainer members  20 , held laterally by contact with side walls  14  and locked longitudinally by abutment in one direction with tab  16  and in the other by abutment with locking members  44 . 
   A variation of this positioning, locating, aligning and locking stud and channel framing system is shown in  FIG. 4  wherein the retainer members  20  are struck out from the side walls  14  of the channel member  10  and extend inwardly over the floor  12  of the channel member. The stud  30  is modified to locate the elongated alignment slots  38  in a vertical orientation in order to receive and mate with the retainer members  20 . The tab  16  is arranged as in the prior example, and crimp portions  28  are formed in side walls  14  as in the prior example. 
   A further variation of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ) wherein the retainer members  20  enter vertical slots  38  through the inside surface  50  of channel member  10  rather than through the outside or back side  52  as shown in  FIG. 4 . In the example of  FIG. 4 , the back side  52  is slid into and against the retainer members  20  in the direction of arrow  54 . In the example of  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ), the inside surface  50  is slid into and against the retainer members  20  in the direction of arrow  56 . 
   In the example of  FIG. 4(   a ), a cut-out portion  58  can be formed in each lip  36  for providing clearance for the passage of retainer members  20  through the lips  36 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4(   b ), the base  24  of the retainer members can be dimensioned to extend into the channel member to provide clearance of leg  26  over lip  36 . Crimp portions  28  are formed adjacent to lips  36  in  FIG. 4  and adjacent to back surface  52  and to slots  38  in  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ). 
   In each of the prior examples, a pair of identical channel members  10  is aligned with one channel member directly above another. One channel member may be attached by fasteners to a floor and the other similarly attached to a ceiling. The tabs  16  on each channel member are vertically aligned one directly over the other and the channel members are carefully plumbed longitudinally parallel with one another as well. 
   The aligned channel members provide for the accurate vertically plumbed alignment of the studs when the studs are pushed against a pair of aligned tabs  16 ; one tab being on the upper channel member and one on the lower channel member. In this case, the alignment slots  38  on each opposite end of the stud  30  are identical so that both ends of the studs are aligned by sliding the studs against a pair of stops or tabs  16  and interengaging the slots  38  with retainer members  20  on each channel member  10 . Crimp portions  28  are then bent inwardly as described above. 
   A further embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 5  wherein the lower end of the stud  30  is the same as shown in any of the prior examples and in this case, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The channel member  10  is shown as in  FIG. 1  to match the slot pattern on the stud. What is different about the stud  30  in  FIG. 5  is the addition of an extender member  60  which is telescopically held within and between the side walls  34  of the top portion  62  of stud  30 . 
   Rather than secure the upper or top portion  62  of stud  30  directly to an overhead channel member  10 , the extender  60  is vertically adjusted by sliding within the top portion  62  to engage the tabs  16  and retainer members  20  on the channel member  10 . The side walls  64  on extender  60  may be slightly inwardly tapered toward one another to form a snug sliding friction fit against the side walls  34  of top portion  62 . This prevents the extender from having a loose slack fit within the stud  30 . 
   The upper portion  66  of the extender  60  may be transversely or laterally enlarged along outwardly tapered portions  68  to prevent the extender  60  from sliding completely into the stud  30  by interfering with or abutting against the top edge  70  of stud  30 . As further seen in  FIG. 5 , the extender  60  is formed with a pair of upper alignment slots  72  and a pair of lower alignment slots  74 . 
   Normally, the lower alignment slits  74  are engaged with retainer members  20  on an upper channel member  10  attached to a ceiling. The retainer members  20  are thus spaced below the ceiling on which the upper channel member is fastened and spaced below the floor  12  of the upper channel member  10 . With this arrangement, the top edge  78  of the extender  60  fits snugly against the floor  12  of the upper channel member. When the upper slots  72  are engaged with the retainer members  20 , the top edge  78  of the extender  60  is spaced a small distance below the floor  12  of the upper channel member. This spacing accommodates settling of the ceiling and floors of the building structure and/or allows for additional loading which can compress and lower a ceiling. 
   When a stud  30  is attached directly to an upper channel member without an extender  60 , it is suitable for use in load bearing walls, providing the gauge of the metal stud meets the strength requirements for a load bearing partition. However, when the extender  60  is used, it is loosely telescopically positioned within the stud and as such is not suitable for use in load bearing walls. 
   As seen in  FIG. 5(   a ), the pairs of upper and lower alignment slits  72 ,  74  of  FIG. 5  may each be replaced with a single elongated slot  72 ,  74 . This single slot concept can also be used in place of the alignment slots  38  formed on the stud  30 . In these cases, the retainer members  20  can be replaced with a single wider retainer which extends across substantially the entire width of each single elongated alignment slot. 
   The extender  60  of  FIG. 5(   a ) is shown in  FIG. 6  mounted to an upper channel member  10  having a large single retainer member struck out from the floor  12  of the channel member and inserted through the upper alignment slot  72  on extender  60 . The extender  60  is formed with a push hole  80  to allow an installer to push the extender  60  upwardly with a rod or the like engaged within hole  80  while pushing the lower end of stud  30  against a tab  16  as shown in  FIG. 5  and inserting the retainer members  20  through the stud slots  38 . This can be done without the use of a ladder, with an installer standing on the floor. 
   A variation of the horizontally or transversely elongated alignment slots  72 ,  74  of  FIG. 5  is shown in  FIG. 7  wherein the alignment slots  72 ,  74  are elongated vertically and the mating retainer members  20  are formed as in  FIG. 4 . Push holes  80  can be alternatively formed in the side walls  64  of extender  60 . 
   In each of the embodiments discussed above, the upper and lower portions of each stud  30  are secured in place between the upper and lower channels  10  and held in place by stops such as tabs  16  which are accurately positioned on, for example, 16 inch or 24 inch spacings. An alternative embodiment of this arrangement is to secure the bottom portion of each stud  30  as described in any of the examples above, but to allow the upper portion of each stud to slide longitudinally within the upper channel member without being locked in place. 
   This can be achieved by eliminating the tabs  16  from the upper channel member  10 . One or more “L” shaped retainer members  20  as shown in  FIG. 1(   b ) serve as the stop against which the stud is positioned. The base  24  of retainer member  20  acts as a stop like tab  16 , and the leg  26  of retainer member  20  acts as a longitudinally-extending guide over which the top portion of the stud  30  or extender  60  freely slides. 
   In this embodiment, the upper channel member  10  need not be accurately aligned horizontally from wall to wall with the lower channel member  10 . The lower channel member  10  is spaced and positioned where desired and the upper channel member  10  is simply approximately located above the lower channel member. Although the upper and lower channel members are aligned vertically in a common plane, they are not necessarily spaced and aligned accurately on 16 inch or 24 inch centers with one another. This allows for wall variations which may be wider on top than at the bottom or vice versa. 
   In this case, the lower ends of the studs  30  are secured within a channel member  10  as discussed in connection with the previous embodiments. The upper ends of the studs  30  (or extenders  60 ) are simply slid onto the retainer members  20  and left to freely slide or “float” along the length of retainer legs  26 . Accurate spacing of the studs  30  can still be achieved, however, by the use of one or more central spacer or bracer bars  84  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
   In  FIG. 8 , the upper ends of the studs  30  are provided with extenders  60  which are free to slide longitudinally or “float” along retainer members  20  as noted above. The lower end of each stud  30  is positioned and locked in place as in  FIG. 2(   a ). After two or three of the studs  30  are so arranged and placed in the upper and lower channel members  10 , one or more spacer bars  84  are connected to the central or middle portion  86  of each stud  30 . 
   As seen in  FIGS. 8 and 8(   a ), each spacer bar  84  has a series of accurately spaced tongue members  88  struck out of the sheet metal spacer material leaving behind an opening  90 . The tongue members are spaced apart, for example, on 16 inch and/or 24 inch centers, and are dimensioned to fit or snap within receiving members of sockets formed on the studs  30 . 
   One example of such receiving members is shown in  FIG. 9  wherein a vertically, elongated receiving slot  92  is punched through the side wall  34  of stud  30  directly and immediately adjacent to the inner surface  50  of channel member  10 . Arched shaped bands or loops  94  are punched through the central column portion  32  of stud  30  from the outer surface or back side  52  toward the inner surface  50  to form a socket  96  which receives the free end  98  of tongue members  88 . 
   Socket  96  is dimensioned to receive each tongue member  88  with a tight locking fit or a snap fit. While the tongue members in  FIGS. 8 and 8(   a ) are shown with a rectangular shape, they can also be formed with a triangular shape similar to the retainer members  20  shown in  FIG. 1 . Although only one spacer bar  84  is required, two can be used as shown in  FIG. 8  attached to opposite side walls  34  of each stud  30 . 
   A further variation of the spacer bar assembly is shown in  FIG. 10  wherein a rectangular indented or recessed portion  100  is formed in the side wall  34  of stud  30  adjacent to a pair of sockets  96 . The recessed portion  100  receives the flat spacer bar  84  with a flush fit so that the spacer bar does not extend outwardly from the plane of side wall  34 , or extends only slightly outwardly. In either case, the spacer bar  84  will not interfere with the placement of drywall. 
   A variation of the socket  96  of  FIG. 9  is shown in  FIG. 11  wherein one or more loops or bands  94  are stuck out from the central column portion  32  from the inner face  50  of stud  30  toward its outer face  52 . In this manner, the bands  94  project from outer face  52  and therefore the receiving slot  92  of  FIG. 9  is not required. 
   In  FIG. 12 , a pair of spacers  84  is shown aligned for insertion within two pairs of sockets  96  formed on the outer or backside  52  of column portion  32 . In  FIGS. 13 and 14  the spacer bar  84  is formed with an L-shaped tongue member  88  and the stud  30  is formed with a single elongated slot  102  for receiving the tongue member  88 . 
   As seen in  FIG. 15 , two triangular tongue members  88  are struck out perpendicularly from spacer bar  84  to enter a pair of receiving slots formed in sidewalls  34  in the same manner as receiving slots  92  shown in  FIG. 9 . 
   There has been disclosed heretofore the best embodiment of the invention presently contemplated. However, it is to be understood that the various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention.