Patent US3844085A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3844085A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Studs for demountable partition assembly
Assignee: United States Gypsum Co
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Filing: 1973-08-02
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Granted: 1974-10-29
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Expires: 1993-08-02
Abstract
Abstract Sheet metal studs in a demountable partition assembly are provided with tabs interlocking adjacent pairs of the studs at each joint against relative lateral movement, to prevent lipping at the panel joints. The tabs are resiliently retractable and are formed with angularly oriented outer surfaces to permit forcible retraction of the tabs by sliding a thin tool blade between a pair of such interlocked studs.
Inventors
- 👤 M Marchello
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 09:50
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B2/00; E04B2/74; E04B2/76; E04B2/78; E04B2/7854; E04B2002/7461; E04B2002/7474
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
203 words
An elongated support member for use in a partition construction, comprising an elongated web and a flange along at least one longitudinal edge of said web, said web being formed with an opening therethrough, a locking tab having one end resiliently attached to said web adjacent said opening and extending longitudinally of said web from said one end as an otherwise unattached cantilever in registry with said opening, said tab including an intermediate locking portion projecting outwardly from the plane of one side of said web and a distal end portion terminating on the opposite side of such plane, said intermediate portion being adapted to be moved into said opening upon flexure of said resilient attachment, said intermediate portion including oppositely inclined outer surfaces extending longitudinally of said tab and positioned to be engaged by a tool moved along said one side of said web in either direction longitudinally of said web for displacing said tab into said slot by cam action in response to such tool engagement and movement, and said support member being of a configuration permitting unobstructed access of such a tool to said locking portion from one longitudinal edge of said web along said plane of said one side.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
203 words
An elongated support member for use in a partition construction, comprising an elongated web and a flange along at least one longitudinal edge of said web, said web being formed with an opening therethrough, a locking tab having one end resiliently attached to said web adjacent said opening and extending longitudinally of said web from said one end as an otherwise unattached cantilever in registry with said opening, said tab including an intermediate locking portion projecting outwardly from the plane of one side of said web and a distal end portion terminating on the opposite side of such plane, said intermediate portion being adapted to be moved into said opening upon flexure of said resilient attachment, said intermediate portion including oppositely inclined outer surfaces extending longitudinally of said tab and positioned to be engaged by a tool moved along said one side of said web in either direction longitudinally of said web for displacing said tab into said slot by cam action in response to such tool engagement and movement, and said support member being of a configuration permitting unobstructed access of such a tool to said locking portion from one longitudinal edge of said web along said plane of said one side.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A support member as in claim 1 formed of sheet metal and wherein one end of said tab is unitary with said web portion at one end of said opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
87 words
A support member as in claim 1 wherein said web portion of said member is formed with a plurality of said openings and is provided with one of said tabs at one end of each said openings, each of said openings being of an extent beyond the respective tab to receive another such tab therein, said openings being symmetrically positioned relative to the longitudinal centerline and to the transverse centerline of said member, and each of said tabs being at the same end of the respective opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A support member as in claim 3 wherein said openings are positioned on such longitudinal centerline.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A support member as in claim 4 wherein each of said openings is elongated and is oriented with its major dimension parallel to the length of said member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-28 | 1978-04-29 | 1978-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-28 | 1982-04-29 | 1982-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-28 | 1986-04-29 | 1986-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |