Deflection clip for stud wall construction

A deflection clip for connecting a stud to a structural building member, so as to permit relative movement therebetween, the stud having a flange, the flange including an outer surface and a stud flange return, comprising:

• (a) a planar sheet portion having a left side, a right side oppositely disposed from said left side, a front end, and a rear end oppositely disposed from said front end;
• (b) a first panel, said first panel being contiguous with said front end, said first panel extending perpendicularly downward from said planar sheet portion;
• and,
• (c) a second panel, said second panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, said second panel being contiguous with said left side of said sheet, said second panel extending perpendicularly downward from said planar sheet portion said second panel extending laterally a spaced distance forward of said first panel to form a front segment of said second panel, said front segment including a further flange member formed at an angle with said inner surface of said second panel, said further flange member formed in said second panel cooperating with said first panel, said spaced distance of a predetermined value such that when said further flange member is placed over an edge of the stud flange return and said deflection clip is rotated into a predetermined position by an operator, said first panel contacts the outer surface of the flange on the stud such that when said deflection clip is secured to said structural building member, horizontal movement therebetween is resisted, while relative vertical movement between the stud flange return and said further flange member is permitted.