WO2019177520A1

WO2019177520A1 - Connector for sheet metal stud

Info

Publication number: WO2019177520A1
Application number: PCT/SE2019/050210
Authority: WO
Inventors: Petar KOVACEVIC
Original assignee: Kovacevic Petar
Priority date: 2018-03-12
Filing date: 2019-03-08
Publication date: 2019-09-19

Abstract

A connector configured to connect a C-shaped sheet metal stud (1.2), called a C-stud, to a U-shaped sheet metal stud (1.1), called a U-stud, in a wall frame construction, wherein said C-stud (1.2) is provided inside U-stud side flanges (101) of the U-stud (1.1) and has a length extension being substantially perpendicular to a length extension for the U-stud, said connector comprising: a hook shaped part (201) configured to embrace a lip (107) of the C-stud when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud (1.2) to a U-stud (1.1); a main body (205) connected to the hook shaped part (201); and a bracket (203) connected to said main body (205), wherein said bracket (203) and said main body (205) are configured to embrace a U-stud side flange (101) of the U-stud when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud (1.2) to a U-stud (1.1), wherein said main body (205) is connected to the bracket (203) such that at least one main slot (V) is provided along a part of a height (h1) of said bracket between the bracket (203) and the main body (205), wherein said main slot (V) is configured to receive said U-stud side flange (101) when the connector is used for connecting the C-stud to the U-stud.

Description

Connector for sheet metal stud

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a connector configured to connect a C-shaped sheet metal stud to a U-shaped sheet metal stud in a wall frame construction and to a wall frame construction.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to the construction area, to the process of making non load-bearing walls frame, drywalls, in which sheet metal studs are used and more particularly to the fasteners for wall frames.

Wall frames for non load-bearing walls, drywalls, have been built for a long time. Sometimes only with wood studs, sometimes only with sheet-metal studs, and sometimes with a combination of wood studs and sheet-metal studs. We will keep our attention on walls in which sheet metal studs are used. Sheet metal studs are also known as ; Structural studs, Light gauge steel studs, Rondo studs, Tin studs, or simple Metal studs or Steel studs.

Fig. l shows the parts and section of a“U” shaped stud, 1.1, and a "C" shaped stud, 1.2, when building wall frames only with sheet-metal studs. It is obvious from the drawing why they are called "U" and "C" shaped studs. Fig.2 shows how they are assembled:

The“U’ shaped stud is usually horizontally fastened to the floor and the second one to the ceiling as a bottom and top track (Fig.2, pointer 1.1). Between them "C" shaped studs are set vertically as shown in Fig.2, (pointer 1.2). In this way, the foundation of the wall, drywall, is set and ready for setting gyps-plaster plates, plywood plates or some other drywall covers on sides of frame (Fig.2, pointer 2.1). Wall covers are usually positioned on both sides of the wall frame. The exact shape and dimension of the studs depend on the manufacturer but, in general, they all manufacture the same or very similar shaped studs. Dimension“X”, Fig. l, as the inner side of a "U" shaped stud and outer side of a "C" shaped stud . The inner side of a "U" shaped stud can be slightly wider, or the outer side of a "C" shaped stud can be slightly narrower, but basically they are produced to fit together. All of those frames are constantly moving under the influence of temperature and weight and deflection caused by themselves, or deflection of wall covering panels. Often, there are engineering requirements for walls in order to allow deflection from the deck above in direction shown in Fig.2 pointer 2.3, under weight. Deflection of the deck or floor or something else above the walls can affect the wall, drywall, beneath. These specific requirements occur more frequently when the main, load-bearing construction for the building is made from wood or metal load-bearing studs.

When constructing that kind of non-bearing wall frames, or drywalls, the most common way to assemble "U" shaped studs and "C" shaped studs is with a screw, or by nailing them with pneumatic hammer, with clamps/crimping tool or by gluing them.

Mistakes often occur while setting“C” studs within "U" shaped studs to a required position or required distance. The distance is determined by the dimension of the wall covers, such as gyps-plaster board or plywood board, so they can be easily mounted on the wall foundation. For example; if wall covering boards are 90 centimeters wide, required distance is usually 45 centimeters. If vertical“C” studs are not in determined position, it can be hard or impossible to set covering panels.

Usually, two covering panel sides should be set on every second side of“C”stud (Fig. T c”) next to each other with assembly point on half of stud side as precisely as possible, and both panel sides should be screwed into the stud. If stud is not in the right position, it can be a hard to set the panels.

Fixing those mistakes can be done by taking out the screws or nails, removing the glue and moving studs to the required position, or cutting the covering boards to fit the required dimension, but it is a waste of time and material. Considering engineering requirements for allowing deflection from the deck above, in top track, studs can be fastened with a so called temporary screw, which should be taken out just before setting the wall covering panels. However, workers can forget to take them out and it can constitute a violation of the specific requirements if they are any. And there is the matter of time: If workers secure the "U" shaped stud and "C" shaped stud with screws or nails, they must approach to the wall frame from both sides. That can present a challenge especially if they make facade walls, which means that securing must be done from a scaffold. Using glue takes a lot of time because the glue has to get dry.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to improve the process of connecting C-studs to U-studs. A further object of the invention is to improve a wall frame construction. This is achieved by a connector, a set of two connectors and by a wall frame construction according to the independent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention connector configured to connect a C-shaped sheet metal stud, called a C-stud, to a U-shaped sheet metal stud, called a U-stud, in a wall frame construction is provided, wherein said C-stud is provided inside U-stud side flanges of the U- stud and has a length extension being substantially perpendicular to a length extension for the U-stud, said connector comprising: a hook shaped part configured to embrace a lip of the C-stud when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud to a U-stud; a main body connected to the hook shaped part; and - a bracket connected to said main body, wherein said bracket and said main body are configured to embrace a U-stud side flange of the U-stud when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud to a U-stud, wherein said main body is connected to the bracket such that at least one main slot is provided along a part of a height of said bracket between the bracket and the main body, wherein said main slot is configured to receive said U-stud side flange when the connector is used for connecting the C-stud to the U-stud.

According to another aspect of the invention a wall frame construction is provided comprising at least two U-studs provided along the same length direction with a distance between and at least one C-stud provided along a length direction which is substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the U-studs, wherein said at least one C-stud is provided between said two U-studs connecting said two U-studs with C-stud side flanges in each end of the C-stud provided against U-stud side flanges, wherein said wall frame construction further comprises at least one connector as described above wherein each connector is connecting a C-stud to a U-stud side flange such that the U-stud side flange is received in said main slot of the connector and the C-stud lip is embraced by the hook shaped part.

According to another aspect of the invention a set of two connectors as described above is provided, wherein one connector is a mirror reflection of the other connector. In one embodiment of the invention the two connectors are connected by a weak connection which can be broken.

Hereby a connector is provided which allows for a more flexible connection of C-studs and U-studs. The position of the connector and C-stud can be easily adjusted which is a great advantage compared to for example screws and glue which are complicated and time consuming to release when they have been provided. Furthermore with a connector according to the invention deflection of the walls will be allowed in a suitable amount which may be problematic when using prior art attaching means. Furthermore a wall frame construction is hereby provided which is more flexible and which allows for adjustment and allows suitable deflection of wall and wall covering panels attached to the wall frame. The use of a connector according to the invention will reduce mounting time of wall frame and it will allow for easy adjustments during the mounting.

In one embodiment of the invention said hook shaped part comprises at least one hook slot configured to receive the lip of the C-stud when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud to a U-stud.

In one embodiment of the invention the main slot and/or the hook slot is shaped pointy, in such a way that it begins less wide and widens out towards an opening. Hereby a better grip can be achieved and metal sheet flanges of different sizes can be received in the main slot and hook slot.

In one embodiment of the invention at least a part of the bracket is provided in the same plane as and abuts against an outside of a U-stud flange when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud to a U-stud and the main body is extending from the bracket and holds the hook shaped part at a distance from the bracket such that an inner end of the hook slot of the hook shaped part is provided at a distance from the bracket which substantially corresponds to a size of the lip of the C-stud.

In one embodiment of the invention the main body and/or the bracket comprises

reinforcements in the form of frames, elevations and/or indentations for provide more strength to the connector.

In one embodiment of the invention the hook shaped part comprises more than one hook slot which are provided with their inner ends at different distances from the bracket. Hereby C- studs having different sizes of the lip can be connected with the same connector.

In one embodiment of the invention the hook shaped part comprises more than one hook slot which are provided in different directions hereby allowing connection of a C-stud to a U-stud regardless of in which angle the C-stud lip is bent.

In one embodiment of the invention the bracket is a plate having a height and a width and the main body is a part extending from the bracket and provided along substantially the whole height of the bracket but only connected to the bracket along a part of the height and provided with a recess along the rest of the height thereby providing the at least one main slot open for receiving the U-stud side flange when the connector is connecting a C-stud to a U-stud.

In one embodiment of the invention said main body is connected to the bracket such that two main slots which are configured to receive said U-stud side flange are provided between the bracket and the main body, said two main slots are provided from opposite sides such that the one and same connector can be used for connecting a C-stud to a U-stud from both sides.

In one embodiment of the invention at least a part of the bracket will be provided outside the U-stud and the hook shaped part will be provided inside the U-stud when the connector is used for connecting the C-stud to the U-stud.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows schematically a U-stud and a C-stud .

Figure 2 shows schematically a wall frame construction comprising two U-studs and three C- studs. Figure 3 shows schematically a connector according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figures 4a-f show different views of the connector shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows schematically a C-stud to be mounted in a U-stud.

Figure 6 shows schematically a C-stud provided in a U-stud and two connectors according to one embodiment of the invention to be provided for connecting the C-stud to the U-stud.

Figure 7 shows schematically two connectors according to one embodiment of the invention connecting a C-stud to a U-stud.

Figure 7.4 is a closer view of a part of Figure 7.

Figure 8 shows schematically a connector according to one embodiment of the invention. Figures 8.2, 8.3.1, 8.4, 8.5 and 8.6 show different embodiments of connectors according to the invention.

Figure 9 shows schematically a set of two connectors according to one embodiment of the invention connected to each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

According to the invention a connector 6.1 for sheet metal stud is provided. The connector is also called a coupling, a clip or Sheet Metal Stud Clip, hereinafter: SMSC.

Reference is made to all the drawings. Reference numbers for U-stud and C-stud parts are shown in Figure 1 and most reference numbers for the connector 6.1 are shown in Figure 3.

The connector 6.1 according to the invention is configured to connect a C-shaped sheet metal stud 1.2, called a C-stud, to a U-shaped sheet metal stud 1.1, called a U-stud, in a wall frame construction, wherein said C-stud 1.2 is provided inside U-stud side flanges 101 of the U-stud 1.1 and has a length extension being substantially perpendicular to a length extension for the U-stud, said connector comprising: a hook shaped part 201 configured to embrace a lip 107 of the C-stud when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud 1.2 to a U-stud 1.1; a main body 205 connected to the hook shaped part 201; and a bracket 203 connected to said main body 205, wherein said bracket 203 and said main body 205 are configured to embrace a U-stud side flange 101 of the U-stud when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud 1.2 to a U-stud 1.1, wherein said main body 205 is connected to the bracket 203 such that at least one main slot V is provided along a part of a height hl of said bracket between the bracket 203 and the main body 205, wherein said main slot V is configured to receive said U-stud side flange 101 when the connector is used for connecting the C-stud to the U-stud.

Said hook shaped part 201 comprises at least one hook slot W configured to receive the lip 107 of the C-stud when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud to a U-stud.

In one embodiment of the invention the main slot V and/or the hook slot W can be shaped pointy, in such a way that it begins less wide and widens out towards an opening. This is shown in Figure 8.2.

In the embodiment of the connector 6.1 as shown in Figure 3 at least a part of the bracket 203 is provided in the same plane as and abuts against an outside of a U-stud flange 101 when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud to a U-stud and the main body 205 is extending from the bracket and holds the hook shaped part 201 at a distance from the bracket 203 such that an inner end 209 of the hook slot W of the hook shaped part 201 is provided at a distance from the bracket 203 which substantially corresponds to a size Y of the lip 107 of the C-stud 1 2

In some embodiments of the invention the main body 205 and/or the bracket 203 can comprise reinforcements in the form of frames, elevations and/or indentations for provide more strength to the connector. Examples of this is shown in Figures 8 and 8.5.

In one embodiment of the invention the hook shaped part 201 comprises more than one hook slot Wl, W2 which are provided with their inner ends 209a, 209b at different distances from the bracket 203. This is shown in Figure 8 and hereby C-studs with different sizes of lips 107 can be connected by the same connector.

In one embodiment of the invention the hook shaped part 201 comprises more than one hook slot W10, Wl 1, W12 which are provided in different directions hereby allowing connection of a C-stud to a U-stud regardless of in which angle the C-stud lip 107 is bent. This is shown in Figure 8.3.1.

In the embodiment of the connector 6.1 as shown in Figure 3 the bracket 203 is a plate having a height hl and a width wl and the main body 205 is a part extending from the bracket and provided along substantially the whole height hl of the bracket 203 but only connected to the bracket 203 along a part of the height hl and provided with a recess 231 along the rest of the height hl thereby providing the at least one main slot V open for receiving the U-stud side flange 101 when the connector is connecting a C-stud to a U-stud.

In one embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 8.4 said main body 205 is connected to the bracket 203 such that two main slots Va, Vb which are configured to receive said U- stud side flange 101 are provided between the bracket 203 and the main body 205, said two main slots Va, Vb are provided from opposite sides such that the one and same connector can be used for connecting a C-stud to a U-stud from both sides.

According to one aspect of the invention a set of two connectors according to the invention is provided, wherein one connector is a mirror reflection of the other connector. This is shown in Figure 9. Suitably the two connectors can be connected by a weak connection which can be broken.

According to another aspect of the invention a wall frame construction is provided comprising at least two U-studs 1.1 provided along the same length direction with a distance between and at least one C-stud 1.2 provided along a length direction which is substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the U-studs, wherein said at least one C-stud is provided between said two U-studs connecting said two U-studs with C-stud side flanges 105 in each end of the C-stud provided against U-stud side flanges 101, wherein said wall frame construction further comprises at least one connector according to any one of the claims 1-10 wherein each connector is connecting a C-stud to a U-stud side flange 101 such that the U-stud side flange 101 is received in said main slot V of the connector and the C-stud lip 107 is embraced by the hook shaped part 201.

Present invention, clip; SMSC 6.1 Fig.3 , can have Front side shaped as a hook, hook shaped part 201, pointer“a”, with a slot, Hook Slot ( pointer "W"), with wideness slightly bigger then thickness of the sheet-metal, from which stud“C” is made (Fig.1 pointer”w”), made to fit when positioned on lip 107 of the“C” stud (Fig.1“Y”) . Also, Clip SMSC can have a back side, with bracket 203 (Fig.3 view“b”) which has the purpose to embrace the side of“U” stud (Fig. l,“fu”). Hook from front side and bracket are connected with main body 205 of SMSC ( Fig.4“MB”). Between Main body of SMSC and Bracket there is a slot, Main Slot ( pointer

"V") with wideness slightly bigger than the thickness of sheet-metal, from which stud“U” is made (Fig.l pointer”v”), made to fit when positioned on.

The present invention is a clip SMSC, Fig.3. When "C" shaped studs are placed in the projected position in relation to the "U" shaped studs, which are positioned as a top and bottom track, in process of making non-bearing walls, drywalls ( Fig.2), the usage of clip SMSC allows for deflection of studs. This also allows deflection of the whole frame.

Clip SMSC can have Hook 201 on its front side with a Hook slot, and Bracket 203 on back side. Hook and bracket can be connected with Main Body 201. And a slot, Main slot, is provided between Main Body and the bracket.

When it is positioned, clip SMSC is embracing lip of“C”stud with its Hook from front side on the way to lip (Fig.1“Y”) fit into Hook slot. And embracing flange of“U” stud with Bracket, on the way to flange of“U” stud fit into Main slot (Fig.3“V”) between Bracket and Main Body of SMSC.

These features of the SMSC, when positioned, reduce the need for securing with screw or a nail or glue.

The clip, SMSC, can be positioned on top and bottom track, securing "C" shaped studs on "U" shaped studs, with or without the aid of screws or nails. Using the clip, SMSC provides easy lateral moving of "C" shaped stud all together with a SMSC clip, on the edge of "U" shaped sheet-metal stud. That allows easy positioning of the "C" shaped studs at required position determined by the width of the wall covering panels. It saves time and material if a mistake is made when positioning "C" shaped studs. Lateral moving should be used to adjust studs on exact position, if“C” studs are set on approximately required distance, there is no need to slide them along whole length of the track, they just need to be adjusted. Using the clip SMSC reduces the need for temporary screws in the top or bottom track, and reduces possible violations of engineering requirements for deflection.

Using the clip, SMSC, reduces the time it takes to make a wall frame, and makes them cheaper to produce.

The clip SMSC can be of various dimensions and shapes depending on the shape and dimension of the sheet metal stud; for example, of the thickness of the sheet metal. It can be produced for the left and/or for the right side, depending on which side of the sheet metal stud it needs to be used for. The clip SMSC can be produced in various colors and from different materials, for example from plastic.

All these features will be clarified in the following description of drawings.

Fig.l ;

Pointer 1.1 is a partial view of“U” shaped sheet-metal stud, most common used for the top and bottom horizontal track in a process of making non-bearing walls, drywalls .Pointer“X” is inner wideness of stud. Pointer“v” is thickness of sheet-metal from which the stud is made. Pointer“fu” is Flange, side of the stud.

Pointer 1.2 is a partial view of“C” shaped sheet-metal stud, most common used for vertical frames in a process of making non-bearing walls of this kind. Pointer“X” is wideness of the stud, produced to fit in“U” shaped stud. Pointer“w” is thickness of the sheet-metal from which stud is made. Pointer“fc” is Flange, side of stud. Pointer“Y” is wideness of the bent end of“C” stud. So called lip, or sometimes ; return. In drawing lip is shown as“Y”, bent in 90 degree angle regarding flange of stud“fc”, but can be bent in different angles.

Fig-2 ;

Is a partial, perspective view of wall frame; pointer 1.1“U” shaped studs, pointer 1.2“C” shaped studs, and the way how they should be assembled. Pointer 2.1 shows wall covering panel with pointers how it should be positioned. Pointers 2.2 and 2.3 show two of many possible direction of deflections of wall.

Fig.3 ;

is a perspective view of basic shape of clip SMSC, with pointers of view as follows :

Pointer“a” is a front view of the clip SMSC .

Pointer“b” is back view of the clip SMSC

Pointer“c” is right view of the clip SMSC

Pointer“d” is left view of the clip SMSC

Pointer“e” is top view of the clip SMSC

Pointer“f’ is bottom view of the clip SMSC

Pointer“W” is the Hook Slot

Pointer“V” is the Main Slot

Fig.4 ;

Above“a”- Front view of the clip SMSC; Where can be seen Hook shaped part of SMSC and bracket in the background.

Above“b” - Back view of SMSC; Where can be seen bracket of SMSC.

Above“c”” Right view of SMSC ; Where can be seen hook shaped part of

SMSC on left

side, bracket on the right side, and Main Slot in right lower area of SMSC, pointer“V”.

Above“d” - Left view of SMSC ; Where can be seen bracket, Main Slot in left lower area of

SMSC, pointer“V”, and Main Body of SMSC.

Above“e” - Top view of SMSC ; Where can be seen bracket in the upper zone, hook

shaped part of SMSC in lower zone and Hook Slot, pointer“W”.

Above“f’ - Bottom view of SMSC ; Where can be seen bracket in the upper zone, hook

shaped part of SMSC in lower zone, Main Slot pointer“V” and Hook Slot pointer“W”.

“MB” is the Main body of the SMSC

Fig-5;

Is a sectional perspective view of“U”( 1.1) and“C” (1.2) shaped studs, with pointers how they should be positioned. Drawing shows bottom assembling which is the same as the top assembling.

Fig-6;

Is a sectional perspective view of“U” shaped stud placed as a bottom track. “C” shaped stud placed into“U” stud. Clips SMSC, pointer 6.1, with pointers showing how SMSC should be mounted: First on“C” stud, embracing stud in such a way that that lip of “C” stud fits into the Hook Slot“W”, and then SMSC should be slid on“U” stud, on the edge, the flange of the sheet-metal stud (Fig.1 "fu"), in such a way that flange of“U” stud fits into Main Slot“V”of SMSC. Bracket from back side of SMSC is staying on outside area of “U” shaped sheet-metal stud.

Fig.7;

Is a sectional perspective view of assembled studs, and clips SMSC (6.1) on their position.

Positioned on this way SMSC allows deflection of both studs ; pointer 7.1 and 7.2. Also allows adjustment of“C” shaped studs on the required distance between them (pointer 7.3) ,with sliding“C”stud and clip SMSC together, laterally on the edge of“U” stud. Drawing shows bottom assembling which is the same as top assembling.

7.4 is perspective view of mounted SMSC.“Y”-Lip of“C” stud fit into“W” Hook slot,“fu” Flange of“U” stud fit into“V” Main Slot,“B” Bracket embracing flange “fu”, and“MB” Main Body of SMSC connecting Hook and Bracket.

Following drawings shows possible improvements on SMSC.

Fig.8;

Is a perspective view of SMSC; pointers a,b,c,d,e and f shows points of view as they are shown in Fig.3. Pointer“V” Main Slot,“W” is the Hook Slot, and”B” is the Bracket

8.1 Is possible reinforcement in the shape of the frames, to provide more strength of SMSC. This feature can be helpful when clip SMSC should hold heavy or big dimensioned studs. This reinforcement gives SMSC triangular shape. Adding some other, similar reinforcements can give SMSC different shapes. Reinforcement can be added on any other part of SMSC where ever added strength is needed.

8.2 Slots , Main Slot "V" (and Hook Slot "W"), may be shaped pointy, so that it begins less wide and spreads . That shape of the slot provides better grip on the "U" stud side, on the flange, and allows setting on different kind of studs regardless of the thickness of the material which the studs are made of. The way the slot spreads is shown from left to right side but it can be the opposite way.

8.3 Slot, Hook Slof'W", may be shaped as a double or multiple hook, for holding on different wideness of ends, lip on "C" stud (Fig.l,"Y"), or/and can have several Slots, as shown in circle 8.3.1, therefore the lip of "C" shaped stud,( Fig.1, "Y") may be bent in different angles, which depends on the manufacturer of studs.

8.4 Main Slot "V",may be designed on both side of SMSC, that makes possible SMSC to be mounted on left or right side of the "C" shaped stud .( View is from point“c”

Fig.4 and Fig.8).

8.5 Bracket on back side SMSC, (Fig.4, above”b”), stays on outer side of studs, set up between stud flange and wall covering panel ( see Fig.2 and Fig.7 ). View is from point “b” Fig.4 and Fig.8. The bracket should be as thin as possible to make the installation of covering panels less disturbing, which can affect the stability of the bracket. It is possible to add triangle, round or similarly shaped elevations on the surface of the bracket in order to provide more strength. Elevation or indentations can be single, several or can be all over the entire surface of the bracket. Any other surface of the SMSC may have that kind of added strength elements. Dimension of the bracket is not determined.

8.6 Clip SMSC can be produced in so called mirror reflection, where Hook and

Hook Slot is on opposite/mirror side in relation to Bracket and Main Body, which allows setting SMSC (produced in mirror reflection )on opposite lip of "C" stud.

Fig-9 ;

As SMSC can be produced in mirror reflection (8.6), for setting on left and right side of

"C" stud, basically that gives us two products which can be confusing for workers who should be positioning them. In that case, both of them can be produced connected, with weak connection (9.1). Strong enough to hold them for transport and weak enough for brake just before applied. So worker, when brake that connection, can have one SMSC for left, and second for right side of "C" stud. (View is from point“c” Fig.4 and Fig.8.) Usage of the clip SMSC in the non-bearing wall, drywall, construction process

"U" shaped sheet-metal stud (1.1) is secured horizontally to the floor and ceiling precisely one above the other, forming on that way bottom and top track. Between them are set vertically "C" studs (1.2), in traditional manner, to form wall frame. ( Fig.2)

Clip SMSC should be positioned on every corner where studs meet each other : first on "C" stud to span stud lip with Hook, and then slid on the flange of the "U" stud.

Skilled workers will recognize how to turn SMSC in regards to stud, so lip of“C” stud can fit into Hook Slot, and flange of "U" stud can fit in the Main Slot of SMSC.

Setting of the SMSC can be done approaching to the wall frame from only one side. If there is necessary, on some points for example around opening for doors and windows, the SMSC can be secured with fasteners to stud. Vertical, "C" studs, should be placed in required position, distance, determined by the dimension of the wall covers, (2.1), so they can be easily mounted. If they are not in right position ("C" studs ), they can be easily adjusted sliding SMSC and "C'stud together, laterally.

Using clip SMSC in process of making non-bearing walls, drywalls, reduce the need for securing studs with screw or a nail or glue.

Using the clip SMSC reduces the need for temporary screws in the top or bottom track, and reduces possible violations of engineering requirements for deflection.

Using clip SMSC in process of making non-bearing walls, drywalls significantly accelerates building walls, making them cheaper to build.

The clip SMSC can be produced in different material, for example, plastic.

After settings wall covering panels, the wall is ready for the next treatment.

The words“top”,“bottom”,“left side” and“right side” in description of invention, and the words“sheet metal stud”,“vertical stud”,“horizontal stud”,“top track”,“bottom track”

“C shaped stud”“U shaped stud” and other which are used for description of drawings, and usage of invention, or whole application, are for reference only and are not to be read limiting on the this invention. Also refers to words "inner side", "external side", "upper side"," down side" which depend on the observer's position.

Claims

1. A connector configured to connect a C-shaped sheet metal stud (1.2), called a C-stud, to a U-shaped sheet metal stud (1.1), called a U-stud, in a wall frame construction, wherein said C-stud (1.2) is provided inside U-stud side flanges (101) of the U-stud (1.1) and has a length extension being substantially perpendicular to a length extension for the U-stud, said connector comprising:

a hook shaped part (201) configured to embrace a lip (107) of the C-stud when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud (1.2) to a U-stud (1.1); a main body (205) connected to the hook shaped part (201); and a bracket (203) connected to said main body (205), wherein said bracket (203) and said main body (205) are configured to embrace a U- stud side flange (101) of the U-stud when the connector is used for connecting a C- stud (1.2) to a U-stud (1.1), wherein said main body (205) is connected to the bracket (203) such that at least one main slot (V) is provided along a part of a height (hl) of said bracket between the bracket (203) and the main body (205), wherein said main slot (V) is configured to receive said U-stud side flange (101) when the connector is used for connecting the C-stud to the U-stud.

2. Connector according to claim 1, wherein said hook shaped part (201) comprises at least one hook slot (W) configured to receive the lip (107) of the C-stud when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud to a U-stud.

3. Connector according to claim 2, wherein the main slot (V) and/or the hook slot (W) is shaped pointy, in such a way that it begins less wide and widens out towards an opening.

4. Connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least a part of the bracket (203) is provided in the same plane as and abuts against an outside of a U-stud flange (101) when the connector is used for connecting a C-stud to a U-stud and the main body (205) is extending from the bracket and holds the hook shaped part (201) at a distance from the bracket (203) such that an inner end (209) of the hook slot (W) of the hook shaped part (201) is provided at a distance from the bracket (203) which substantially corresponds to a size (Y) of the lip (107) of the C-stud (1.2).

5. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (205) and/or the bracket (203) comprises reinforcements in the form of frames, elevations and/or indentations for provide more strength to the connector.

6. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hook shaped part (201) comprises more than one hook slot (Wl, W2) which are provided with their inner ends (209a, 209b) at different distances from the bracket (203).

7. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hook shaped part (201) comprises more than one hook slot (W10, Wl 1, W12) which are provided in different directions hereby allowing connection of a C-stud to a U-stud regardless of in which angle the C-stud lip (107) is bent.

8. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket (203) is a plate having a height (hl) and a width (wl) and the main body (205) is a part extending from the bracket and provided along substantially the whole height (hl) of the bracket (203) but only connected to the bracket (203) along a part of the height (hl) and provided with a recess (231) along the rest of the height (hl) thereby providing the at least one main slot (V) open for receiving the U-stud side flange (101) when the connector is connecting a C-stud to a U-stud.

9. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main body

(205) is connected to the bracket (203) such that two main slots (Va, Vb) which are configured to receive said U-stud side flange (101) are provided between the bracket (203) and the main body (205), said two main slots (Va, Vb) are provided from opposite sides such that the one and same connector can be used for connecting a C- stud to a U-stud from both sides.

10. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the bracket (203) will be provided outside the U-stud and the hook shaped part (201) will be provided inside the U-stud when the connector is used for connecting the C-stud to the U-stud.

11. A set of two connectors according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one connector is a mirror reflection of the other connector.

12. A set of at least two connectors according to claim 9, wherein the two connectors are connected by a weak connection which can be broken.

13. A wall frame construction comprising at least two U-studs (1.1) provided along the same length direction with a distance between and at least one C-stud (1.2) provided along a length direction which is substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the U-studs, wherein said at least one C-stud is provided between said two U-studs connecting said two U-studs with C-stud side flanges (105) in each end of the C-stud provided against U-stud side flanges (101), wherein said wall frame construction further comprises at least one connector according to any one of the claims 1-10 wherein each connector is connecting a C-stud to a U-stud side flange (101) such that the U-stud side flange (101) is received in said main slot (V) of the connector and the C-stud lip (107) is embraced by the hook shaped part (201).