Wall frame elements with insulating panel anchoring prongs

Abstract

Studs and plates used to retain compressible insulating panels against sagging in a hollow wall. Also, bars for securing rigid insulating panels in a wall. All of these elements are made of sheet metal and include struck-out prongs defining a similarly-shaped opening in the sheet metal. These prongs are elongated, with a pointed face end and teeth laterally projecting from one side. The inner end of each prong is integrally retained to the sheet metal and the prong can be bent into an operative position, normal to the sheet metal from an inoperative position nearly parallel to the sheet metal. A stop protrudes from the prong at the bending line to abut the sheet metal and maintain the prong in its operative position. The prong, in its inoperative position, protruding from one side of the sheet metal and offset with respect to the opening in the sheet metal, such as that it can be bent through said opening. Therefore, the user cannot bend the prong in the wrong direction.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.