Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to construction and associated technologies; and more particularly, to various construction connections components configured to provide more efficient framing interconnections.

Traditional methods for constructing residential and commercial buildings remain, for the most part, unchanged. During construction of a building, it is common to frame walls using light gauge steel framing components. Most metal frame walls are built onsite by skilled carpenters and installation involves a labor-intensive process. For rough framing projects in the United States, it is common for labor costs to exceed three times the material cost. In addition, labor costs may increase with a reduction in workforce availability.

In a standard configuration, frame assemblies such as metal frame walls include "tracks" and "studs" (or "joists") which may be fastened together to form a wall frame. In general, a pair of tracks may be horizontally aligned in parallel along opposite ends of the wall, and studs may be positioned vertically between the tracks, typically at regular intervals (e.g., <NUM>- inches (<NUM>) on center). Each of the studs may then be manually secured to the tracks by engaging fasteners through the flanges of the tracks and the stud. Other joining methods may be used, such as welding and riveting. This process generally forms the supporting structure of the wall frame. <CIT> describes a method of connection, specifically a type of clip, for use in metal framing applications.

Connecting the studs with the tracks at the job site or during manufacturing presents various technical challenges. For example, it is generally critical to fasten the studs to the tracks using a fastening process that is capable of limiting lateral movement of the studs relative to the corresponding tracks so as to protect the integrity of the wall during building movement caused by expansion and contraction, wind forces, and seismic events. Yet, the fastening process must be cost and labor efficient. Studs and tracks widely available in the marketplace and/or commonly deployed for installation are shipped in large bundles of "raw" material and have standard dimensions and shape configurations (e.g., U-shaped or C-shaped); however, a cost-efficient and mechanically sound fastening process for these widely available components is lacking.

It is with these observations in mind, among others, that various aspects of the present disclosure were conceived and developed.

The invention is defined by the features of appended claim <NUM>.

The present disclosure provides a number of examples that describe construction framing systems and in particular a construction framing system with snap-fit connections that accommodates efficient and secure interconnections between a fastener (e.g., track anchor) and a track, and further between the track and a stud.

In one set of illustrative examples, the present disclosure takes the form of a framing system comprising a first connection assembly. The first connection assembly comprises a first connector including a base and a spring clasp defined along the base, with the first connector positioned along a track. The spring clasp includes a first spring flange defining at least one spring member and a first retention edge, and a second spring flange defining at least one spring member and a second retention edge, wherein the first connection assembly is configured such that a fastener engages the first and second retention edges and deflects the first and second spring flanges temporarily away from an original configuration, the first and second spring flanges biased to return to the original configuration to lock the first and second retention edges along the fastener. Engaging the track with the fastener interconnects the track with a substrate (e.g., foundational cement) supporting the fastener.

The base may define a first section, a second section, and a center section between the first section and the second section and may further define an opening extending through the center section that receives a portion of the fastener.

In some examples, to lock the first and second retention edges along the fastener the first and second retention edges are positioned along a groove of the fastener and abut a bottom edge of the fastener, restricting movement of the first connector from the fastener.

In some examples, each of the spring flanges may include a tail member seated along a bottom side of the base. The first plurality of spring members includes a first spring member extending vertically from the tail member and a second spring member in communication with the first spring member along an apex, the first spring flange configured to deflect as the first retention edge contacts the fastener such that the first spring member is temporarily brought closer to the second spring member. The first retention edge is defined at a terminal end of the first spring flange along a third spring member in communication with the second spring member of the first plurality of spring members. The first retention edge is oriented towards the second retention edge and at least a portion of the first retention edge underlaps and is visible through an opening formed through the base. The first connection assembly is seated along a web of a track, and the fastener is mounted to a substrate, such that the first connection assembly interconnects the substrate with the track.

The framing assembly further includes a second connection assembly that engages with the first connection assembly to interconnect framing components, the second connection assembly comprising a connector including: a body defining a first portion, and a second portion along opposite lateral sides of a center portion, a first aperture defined along the first portion, and a second aperture defined along the second portion, a first spring tab defined along the first aperture, and a second spring tab defined along the second aperture, wherein the second connection assembly is configured to assume a locked configuration over the first connection assembly such that the first tab and the second tab engage a locking arrangement defined along the spring clasp thereby interconnecting the first connection assembly to the second connection assembly.

In another illustrative example, the present disclosure takes the form of a framing system comprising a first connection assembly comprising a first connector, including: a spring clasp defined along a base, including a first spring flange defining a plurality of first spring members and a first retention edge, and a second spring flange defining a plurality of second spring members and a second retention edge, wherein the first and second retention edges are configured to temporarily shift laterally from an original configuration and then return to the original configuration to lock the first and second retention edges along a bottom edge defined by a fastener.

In some examples, the fastener engages the first and second retention edges and deflects the first and second spring flanges. In some examples, the fastener includes a stem, a sidewall formed over the stem, and a tapered end formed over the sidewall. The bottom edge of the fastener is defined at an intersection between the stem and the sidewall. The first spring flange include a plurality of ridges defined adjacent the first retention ridge. The first retention edge is defined between a first ridge of the plurality of ridges and a second ridge of the plurality of ridges. A portion of each of the plurality of ridges abuts the base along a center section, restricting upward movement of the first retention edge and facilitating a lateral movement of the first retention ridge as the first spring flange is deflected.

In another illustrative example, the present disclosure takes the form of a method of making a framing system comprising the steps of: forming a first connection assembly comprising a first connector, including: providing a base, and forming a spring clasp along the base, including forming a first spring flange defining a first retention edge, and forming a second spring flange defining a second retention edge, wherein the first and second retention edges are configured to temporarily shift laterally from an original configuration and then return to the original configuration to lock the first and second retention edges along a fastener.

The exemplary method may further include the steps of forming a second connection assembly including a second connector that engages with the first connection assembly to interconnect framing components including: forming a body defining a first portion, and a second portion along opposite lateral sides of a center portion, a first aperture defined along the first portion, and a second aperture defined along the second portion, forming a first spring tab along the first aperture, and forming a second spring tab along the second aperture, wherein the second connection assembly is configured to assume a locked configuration over the first connection assembly such that the first tab and the second tab engage a locking arrangement defined along the spring clasp thereby interconnecting the first connection assembly to the second connection assembly.

The foregoing examples broadly outline various aspects, features, and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. It is further appreciated that the above operations described in the context of the illustrative example method, device, and computer-readable medium are not required and that one or more operations may be excluded and/or other additional operations discussed herein may be included. The conception and specific examples illustrated and described herein may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The examples herein may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate the same or functionally similar elements. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary examples of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding elements among the view of the drawings. The headings used in the figures do not limit the scope of the claims.

It is desirable to introduce an efficient and mechanically sound framing system with snap-fit engagements that interconnects various framing components. According to one or more examples or examples of the present disclosure, the framing system described herein generally includes a first connection assembly. The first connection assembly includes a first connector and a track. At least one spring flange defined by the first connector engages with a fastener (e.g., track anchor) positioned along a substrate to maintain the first connection assembly in a fixed position relative to the substrate and to interconnect the substrate with the track. The framing system further includes a second connection assembly defining a second connector engaged to a stud. The second connection assembly engages with the first connection assembly to interconnect the stud with the track.

Various examples of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

As used herein, the terms "building," "structure," and/or "construction site" may be used interchangeably and generally refer to a physical structure on real property such as residential or commercial properties.

Referring to <FIG>, a framing system <NUM> is presented that accommodates the interconnection of various framing components described herein. In some examples, the framing system <NUM> includes a first connection assembly <NUM> including a first connector mounted to or formed integrally with a track <NUM>. In general, the first connection assembly <NUM> is configured for engagement with a fastener <NUM> (e.g., track anchor) mounted along a substrate <NUM> such as a concrete block or other foundational construction component via an anchor mechanism <NUM> to interconnect the track <NUM> with the substrate <NUM> as described herein. The framing system <NUM> further includes a second connection assembly <NUM> including a second connector mounted to or formed integrally with a stud <NUM>. When implemented, the second connection assembly <NUM> engages with the first connection assembly <NUM> to interconnect the track <NUM> to the stud <NUM>. It should be understood and appreciated that example implementations of the framing system <NUM> may include two or more of any combination of the first connection assembly <NUM>, the second connection assembly <NUM>, and the substrate <NUM>. In other words, one example of the framing system <NUM> may include the first connection assembly <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> (devoid of the second connection assembly <NUM>), another example may include the first connection assembly <NUM> and the second connection assembly <NUM> (devoid of the fastener <NUM> and substrate <NUM>), and another example may include all of the first connection assembly <NUM>, the fastener <NUM> and substrate <NUM>, and the second connection assembly <NUM>. The components of <FIG> may be formed using steel or any number or type of metal or composition thereof, and/or may be formed using any material capable of providing structural framing for a building of any kind.

<FIG> illustrate further detail followed by exemplary engagement of the first connection assembly <NUM> to the fastener <NUM> to interconnect the track <NUM> with the substrate <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the substrate <NUM> and fastener <NUM> are illustrated prior to engagement. As stated previously, the substrate <NUM> includes any foundational structure of the framing system <NUM>, and may define a rectangular prism shape configuration, with the fastener extending from a surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. As further shown, the fastener <NUM> generally includes a stem <NUM>, a sidewall <NUM>, and a tapered end <NUM>. As indicated, the sidewall <NUM> is wider than the stem <NUM>, extends axially away from the stem <NUM>, and defines a bottom edge <NUM>. As such, an annular groove <NUM> is further defined around the fastener <NUM> along the bottom edge <NUM> of the sidewall <NUM> and the stem <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first connection assembly <NUM> generally includes a first connector <NUM> that may be positioned, seated, or formed along a web <NUM> of a track <NUM> between a first track flange 126A and a second track flange 126B as shown. The first connector <NUM> includes a base <NUM> defining a first section 134A, a second section 134B, and a center section 134C between the first section 134A and the second section 134B. In some examples, the base <NUM> further defines an opening <NUM> extending through the center section 134C. Likewise, the web <NUM> of the track <NUM> includes a track opening <NUM> that may be vertically aligned over the opening <NUM> of the first connector <NUM> to form a channel <NUM> through the first connection assembly <NUM>, that receives at least a portion of the fastener <NUM> as further described herein.

In addition (more conveniently illustrated in <FIG>), the first connector <NUM> includes a spring clasp <NUM> defined along the base <NUM>. In general, the spring clasp <NUM> includes at least one of a spring flange <NUM> defining at least one retention edge <NUM> that engages with the fastener <NUM> as described herein. While the example presented illustrates a pair of spring flanges (142A and 142B), it is contemplated that additional other example implementations of the first connection assembly <NUM> may include one or three or more spring flanges without departing from the spirit and scope of the connection features described herein. In addition, the spring clasp <NUM> may be integrally formed with the base <NUM>.

Continuing with the non-limiting example shown, the spring clasp <NUM> includes a first spring flange 142A and a second spring flange 142B in general parallel alignment over the web <NUM> of the track <NUM>. The first spring flange 142A includes a tail member 146A seated along the web <NUM> of the track <NUM> and along a bottom side of the base <NUM>, and a plurality of spring members including a first spring member 148A extending vertically from the tail member 146A. The first spring flange 142A further includes a second spring member 150A in communication with the first spring member 148A along an apex 152A, such that the second spring member 150A extends back towards the web <NUM>. The first spring flange 142A further includes a third spring member 154A in orthogonal relation relative to the second spring member 150A that extends along the web <NUM> similar to the tail member 146A. As shown, a retention edge 144A of the first spring flange 142A is defined along the third spring member 154A (retention edge 144A more visible in <FIG> and <FIG>).

Similarly, the second spring flange 142B includes a tail member 146B seated along the web <NUM> of the track <NUM>, and a first spring member 148B extending vertically from the tail member 146B. The second spring flange 142B further includes a second spring member 150B in communication with the first spring member 148B along an apex 152B, such that the second spring member 150B extends back towards the web <NUM>. The second spring flange 142B further includes a third spring member 154B in orthogonal relation relative to the second spring member 150B that extends along the web <NUM> similar to the tail member 146B. As shown, a retention edge 144B of the second spring flange 142B is defined along the third spring member 154B. In the example shown (<FIG>), the first retention edge 144A is oriented towards the second retention edge 144B. However, in other exemplary implementations the retention edges <NUM> can be positioned in different locations.

In some examples, the tail members <NUM> of the spring flanges <NUM> are fixed relative to the base <NUM> and/or the track <NUM>. By contrast, the third spring members <NUM> are devoid of any such fixation to the web <NUM> or base <NUM> and are capable of some predetermined degree of lateral movement along the web <NUM>. As such, and as further described herein, while the first spring members <NUM>, second spring members <NUM>, and third spring members <NUM> are biased to the original position shown in <FIG>, at least a portion of the subject components are configured for deflection or compression relative to respective tail members <NUM>. In other words, compression or deflection of the spring flanges <NUM> temporarily shifts the retention edges <NUM> away from one another and from the opening <NUM>, and consequently further shifts the third spring members <NUM> away from the opening <NUM> and towards the tail members <NUM>.

As indicated in <FIG>, a pair of rivets <NUM>, designated rivet 160A and rivet 160B may be passed through the web <NUM> and may be implemented to mount the first connector <NUM> along the web <NUM> in examples where the first connector <NUM> is not formed together or integral to the track <NUM>. The rivets <NUM> may extend partially below the web <NUM> to create some separation between the track <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> during engagement, or bottom sides of the rivets <NUM> may be flush with the bottom of the web <NUM>. Alternatively, the first connector <NUM> may be welded to the track <NUM>, formed together with the track <NUM> as a single component, or otherwise mounted via an adhesive, any other types of fasteners, and the like.

Referring to <FIG>, in some examples, the spring flanges <NUM> include s-shaped ridges defined along opposite ends of the third spring members <NUM> adjacent the retention edges <NUM>. Specifically, for example, a ridge 162A may be defined along the third spring member 154A of the spring flange 142A adjacent the retention edge 144A and proximate to one side of the opening <NUM>, and a ridge 162B may be defined along the third spring member 154A proximate to an opposite side of the opening <NUM> as indicated. In this configuration, the retention edge 144A is essentially defined between the ridge 162A and the ridge 162B. Similarly, a ridge 164A may be defined along the third spring member 154B of the spring flange 142B adjacent the retention edge 144B and proximate to one side of the opening <NUM>, and a ridge 164B may be defined along the third spring member 154B proximate to an opposite side of the opening <NUM> as indicated. In this configuration, the retention edge 144B is essentially defined between the ridge 164A and the ridge 164B. In these examples, a portion of the ridges <NUM> and <NUM> abuts the base <NUM> along the center section 134C as indicated, restricted upward movement of the retention edges <NUM> and instead facilitating the lateral movement of the spring members <NUM> and deflection of the spring flanges <NUM> as described.

<FIG> detail an example of the first connection assembly <NUM> being engaged with the fastener <NUM> to interconnect the track <NUM> to the substrate <NUM> such that the bottom side of the web <NUM> extends over the surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> (e.g., <FIG>), referred to herein as an "anchor mechanism" (<NUM>). <FIG> illustrate the initial stages of the anchor mechanism as the first connection assembly <NUM> is positioned and aligned over the substrate <NUM>. Specifically, the first connection assembly <NUM> may be positioned over the substrate <NUM> such that the fastener <NUM> is vertically aligned with the channel <NUM> and at least partially visible from a top view as indicated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate various stages for connecting the first connection assembly <NUM> with the fastener <NUM> once the components are aligned as previously indicated in <FIG>. In <FIG>, a bottom side <NUM> of the first connection assembly <NUM> is brought over the surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> such that the tapered end <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> partially passes through the channel <NUM> and contacts the retention edges <NUM> as shown. The dashed arrows of <FIG> indicate that application of a force <NUM> to the first connection assembly <NUM> in the direction shown causes the retention edges <NUM> to contact the fastener and then shift away down along the tapered end <NUM>, and temporarily deflects the spring flanges <NUM> such that the retention edges <NUM> spread apart and the second spring members <NUM> temporarily compress and/or shift towards the first spring members <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a mid-connection stage where the spring flanges <NUM> are temporarily deflected as described, with the retention edges <NUM> passing beyond the tapered end <NUM> and down along the sidewall <NUM> of the fastener <NUM>. As indicated, the tapered end <NUM> facilitates the engagement and deflection of the retention edges <NUM> and the deflection of the spring flanges <NUM> generally.

As illustrated in <FIG>, continued application of the force <NUM> results in the retention edges <NUM> clearing the sidewall <NUM>, decompressing, and snapping back to the original (nondeflected) configuration (example in <FIG>) with the retention edges <NUM> aligned along the groove <NUM>. As indicated, in this stage, the retention edges <NUM> abut and are locked below the bottom edge <NUM> of the fastener <NUM>, thereby maintaining the first connection assembly <NUM> in a fixed position relative to the substrate <NUM>. In addition, the subject engagement interconnects the substrate <NUM> with the track <NUM>. Accordingly, the first connection assembly <NUM> is configured to receive the fastener <NUM> through the channel <NUM>, the retention edges <NUM> are configured to engage the fastener <NUM> thereby consequently deflecting the spring flanges <NUM> away from one another and away from an original configuration, and the spring flanges <NUM> are biased to return to the original configuration to lock the retention edges <NUM> along the fastener <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the framing system <NUM> further includes the second connection assembly <NUM>. The second connection assembly <NUM> generally includes a second connector <NUM> that may be positioned, seated, or formed along a terminal end <NUM> of the web <NUM> of the stud <NUM> between a first stud flange 206A and a second stud flange 206B as shown. In some examples, at least a portion of the second connector <NUM> is mounted to the stud <NUM> using rivets <NUM> or other fasteners, shown as rivet 208A and rivet 208B in <FIG>. Alternatively, the second connector <NUM> may be formed integrally with the stud <NUM>, or fastened to the stud <NUM> by welding, an adhesive, and the like.

As shown in <FIG>, the second connector <NUM> of the second connection assembly <NUM> generally includes a body <NUM> defining a first side portion 212A and a second side portion 212B along opposite sides of a center portion 212C. In some examples, the body <NUM> further includes a first spring aperture 214A defined along the intersection of the first side portion 212A and the center portion 212C, and a second spring aperture 214B defined along the intersection of the second side portion 212B and the center portion 212C. In general, each of the spring apertures <NUM> is shaped such that at least a portion of the first spring member <NUM> and the second spring member <NUM> of a respective spring flange <NUM> can pass through each spring aperture <NUM>. As further shown, additional examples of the second connector <NUM> include a connection opening <NUM> formed through the center portion 212C of the body <NUM>. The connection opening <NUM> is formed to accommodate vertical alignment with the channel <NUM> formed by the opening <NUM> and the opening <NUM> of the first connection assembly <NUM>, as further described herein.

In addition, the second connector <NUM> includes a first tab 218A formed along the first spring aperture 214A, and a second tab 218B formed along the second spring aperture 214B. As illustrated by the following examples, the tabs <NUM> are configured for connection with the spring flanges <NUM>. In general, as further described herein, the second connection assembly <NUM> defines a connection mechanism whereby the body <NUM> of the second connector <NUM> is positioned over the first connection assembly <NUM>, and the tabs <NUM> engage the spring flanges <NUM> to maintain the second connection assembly <NUM> in a fixed position relative to the first connection assembly <NUM>, interconnecting the track <NUM> to the stud <NUM> (as further described herein).

Referring to <FIG>, various stages of the connection mechanism for engaging the second connection assembly <NUM> with the first connection assembly <NUM> to interconnect the stud <NUM> with the track <NUM> are illustrated. Referencing <FIG>, in an initial stage of the connection mechanism, the second connection assembly <NUM> is aligned over the first connection assembly <NUM> as shown such that the opening <NUM> of the body <NUM> is vertically aligned over the fastener <NUM> and the channel <NUM>. In addition, the spring apertures <NUM> are aligned over the spring flanges <NUM> as shown. As further shown, by nature of the previous engagement of the second connector <NUM> to the stud <NUM>, the stud <NUM> is positioned with the terminal end <NUM> oriented towards the web <NUM> of the track <NUM>, such that the stud <NUM> is in perpendicular alignment relative to the track <NUM>. In this manner, at least a portion of the second connection assembly <NUM> extends between the first track flange 126A and the second track flange 126B.

Referring to <FIG>, a force <NUM> applied to the second connection assembly <NUM> (in the direction shown in <FIG>) brings a portion of the spring flanges <NUM> through respective apertures <NUM>. As this occurs, the tabs <NUM> begin to contact and slide along the second spring members <NUM> of the spring flanges <NUM>. Ultimately, as the body <NUM> of the second connection assembly <NUM> is brought closer to the base <NUM>, the tabs <NUM> shift towards a locking arrangement <NUM> defined along the spring flanges <NUM>. In general, the locking arrangement <NUM> includes some predefined structure that lock the tabs <NUM> along the spring flanges <NUM>, thereby locking the second connection assembly <NUM> in place relative to the first connection assembly <NUM>. For example, the locking arrangement <NUM> includes any grooves, slots, openings, edges, and the like that engage with the tabs <NUM>. In the specific example shown, the locking arrangement <NUM> includes a pair of slots <NUM> extending through a portion of the second spring member <NUM> of each spring flange <NUM>. Moving from <FIG>, the slots <NUM> receive the tabs <NUM> to lock the body <NUM> against the base <NUM>. In some examples, the spring flanges <NUM> deflect as the tabs <NUM> navigate down along the spring members <NUM> of the spring flanges <NUM>. <FIG> provide additional views of the different stages of the subject connection mechanism.

Referring to <FIG>, a header assembly and jamb assembly are illustrated, which may be engaged as described to interconnect other framing components of the framing system <NUM> or otherwise. Referring to <FIG>, a header assembly <NUM> as shown includes at least one header connector <NUM> positioned along a header segment <NUM>. The header segment <NUM> includes a web <NUM>, a pair of flanges <NUM> designated flange 308A and flange 308B extending orthogonally from the web <NUM>, and a pair of stiffening lips <NUM> designated lip 310A and lip 310B extending orthogonally from the flange 308A and the flange 308B, respectively. As indicated, a header connector <NUM> is seated along each of the flanges <NUM>, such that a portion of each header connector <NUM> extends or protrudes out from the end of the header segment <NUM>.

In the present example, a pair of header connectors <NUM> designated header connector 302A and header connector 302B are mounted, positioned along, or formed integrally with the header segment <NUM> in the positions shown. The header connector 302A includes a connector web <NUM>, and a pair of connector flanges <NUM> (designated connector flange 322A and connector flange 322B) defined along opposite respective ends of the connector web <NUM>. In addition, the connector 302A includes a notch <NUM> defined along the connector web <NUM>, and a spring clip <NUM> engaged to an outer surface of the connector web <NUM>. The connector 302A is generally positioned along the header segment <NUM> such that the connector web <NUM> overlaps the flange 308A, the connector flange 322A overlaps the lip 310A, and the connector flange 322B overlaps a portion of the web <NUM>. Similarly, the header connector 302B includes a connector web <NUM>, and a pair of connector flanges <NUM> (designated connector flange 332A and connector flange 332B) defined along opposite respective ends of the connector web <NUM>. In addition, the connector 302B includes a notch <NUM> defined along the connector web <NUM>, and a spring clip <NUM> engaged to an outer surface of the connector web <NUM>. The connector 302B is generally positioned along the header segment <NUM> such that the connector web <NUM> overlaps the flange 308B, the connector flange 332A overlaps the lip 310B, and the connector flange 332B overlaps a portion of the web <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the spring clip <NUM> of the header connector 302A includes a mounted portion <NUM> in communication with an engagement member <NUM>. In some examples the mounted portion <NUM> extends planarly over the web <NUM> of the header connector 302A. The engagement member <NUM> extends from the mounted portion <NUM> of the spring clip <NUM> at a predetermined angle away from the web <NUM> and is biased to maintain this original shape configuration. The engagement member <NUM> may further include an L-shape as shown. While not directly visible in <FIG>, the spring clip <NUM> includes the same features as the spring clip <NUM>, as supported by the figures and description of <FIG>. The spring clips <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed integrally with respective header connectors <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a jamb stud assembly <NUM> as presented includes a jamb connector <NUM> positioned along a stud segment <NUM>. Similar to the header connectors <NUM>, the jamb connector <NUM> may be mounted along the stud segment <NUM> in the position shown or formed integrally with the stud segment <NUM> during manufacturing. In either case, the jamb connector <NUM> is positioned along a back surface <NUM> of a web <NUM> of the stud segment <NUM> as shown; with the stud segment further defining at least a pair of stud flanges <NUM> (designated stud flange 412A and stud flange 412B) defined along opposite ends of the web <NUM>. In general, the jamb connector <NUM> is configured to engage with the header connector <NUM> to interconnect the stud segment <NUM> with the header segment <NUM>, as further described herein.

In some examples, the jamb connector <NUM> includes a body <NUM> defining a first side 422A, a second side 422B, a third side 422C, and a fourth side 422D. The jamb connector <NUM> includes slots <NUM> defined through the body <NUM>, including a first slot 424A defined along the first side 422A, and a second slot 424B defined along the third side 422C. In some examples, the jamb connector <NUM> further includes a first tab 426A formed along the second side 422B, and a second tab 426B formed along the fourth side 422D. The slots <NUM> and tabs <NUM> accommodate engagement with the header assembly <NUM> as further described herein. The tabs <NUM> facilitate extra strength capacity in particular loading conditions. In some examples, as indicated in <FIG>, the slots <NUM> define a receiving portion <NUM> and a locking portion <NUM>, with the receiving portion <NUM> being larger than the locking portion <NUM> to facilitate the engagement with the header assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, various stages for an exemplary engagement of the header assembly <NUM> with the jamb assembly <NUM> are illustrated. In <FIG>, the jamb assembly <NUM> is positioned to initiate engagement with the header assembly <NUM> such that the jamb assembly <NUM> is in vertical alignment in the example, and the header segment <NUM> extends horizontally across the surface <NUM> of the stud segment <NUM> of the jamb assembly <NUM>. In particular, the jamb assembly <NUM> is positioned along the header assembly <NUM> as shown such that the spring clip <NUM> of the connector 302B is aligned over the second side 422B of the body <NUM> of the jamb connector <NUM>. The spring clip <NUM> is further aligned over the slot 424A. Similarly, although not visible in the subject figures, the spring clip <NUM> is aligned over the slot 424B. Like the spring clip <NUM>, the spring clip <NUM> includes a mounted portion <NUM> in communication with an engagement member <NUM> as shown. In some examples the mounted portion <NUM> extends planarly over the web <NUM> of the header connector 302B. The engagement member <NUM> extends from the mounted portion <NUM> of the spring clip <NUM> at a predetermined angle away from the web <NUM> and is biased to maintain this original shape configuration.

Referring to <FIG>, the header assembly <NUM> is lowered onto the jamb assembly <NUM> in the manner shown, urging the mounted portion <NUM> of the spring clip <NUM> towards the tab 426B of the jamb connector <NUM>. As indicated, a portion of the web <NUM> of the connector 302B is received within the slot 424A, such that the notch <NUM> engages with the locking portion 430A of the slot 424A, and the engagement member <NUM> of the spring clip <NUM> slides along structure (<NUM>) of the jamb connector <NUM> defining the slot 424A. The engagement member <NUM> of the spring clip <NUM> is configured to deflect temporarily as it traverses and slides along the structure <NUM> of the jamb connector <NUM> defining the slot 424A.

Claim 1:
A framing system (<NUM>), comprising:
a first connection assembly (<NUM>) comprising a first connector (<NUM>) and a track (<NUM>), the first connector (<NUM>) including:
a base (<NUM>) and a spring clasp (<NUM>) defined along the base, including
a first spring flange (142A) defining at least one spring member (148A) and a first retention edge (144A), and
a second spring flange (142B) defining at least one spring member (148B) and a second retention edge (<NUM>); and
a second connection assembly (<NUM>) that engages with the first connection assembly (<NUM>) to interconnect framing components, the second connection assembly comprising a second connector (<NUM>) engaged to a stud (<NUM>), the second connector including:
a body (<NUM>) defining a first portion (212A), and a second portion (212B) along opposite lateral sides of a center portion (212C), a first aperture (214A) defined along the first portion, and a second aperture (214B) defined along the second portion,
a first spring tab (218A) defined along the first aperture, and
a second spring tab (218B) defined along the second aperture,
wherein the first connection assembly is configured such that a fastener (<NUM>) engages the first and second retention edges and deflects the first and second spring flanges temporarily away from an original configuration, the first and second spring flanges biased to return to the original configuration to lock the first and second retention edges along the fastener; and
wherein the second connection assembly is configured to assume a locked configuration over the first connection assembly such that the first tab and the second tab engage a locking arrangement defined along a spring clasp (<NUM>) thereby interconnecting the first connection assembly to the second connection assembly.