U.S. patent application number 11/339768 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for joist hanging apparatus, and associated method for mounting joists.
Invention is credited to Robert D. Lewis.
Application Number | 20070193193 11/339768 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38426733 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070193193 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lewis; Robert D. |
August 23, 2007 |
Joist hanging apparatus, and associated method for mounting
joists
Abstract
A joist hanging apparatus includes a rigid body forming a
support region, a joist contact region and a first pair of opposing
flanges. The flanges and joist contact region form a first U-shaped
region for positioning a joist therebetween, wherein an edge of the
joist coupled to the contact region is level with a support beam
when the support region rests on the support beam. In a related
method for mounting joists, a top edge of a joist is mounted within
a U-shaped region formed by a monolithic rigid body. An end of the
rigid body rests upon a support beam, the top edge of the joist
level with the top of the support beam, and an end of the joist
flush with a side of the beam. A joist hanger is mounted with the
support beam, around a bottom edge of the joist, and the rigid body
is removed from the joist and the support beam.
Inventors: |
Lewis; Robert D.;
(Allenspark, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LATHROP & GAGE LC
4845 PEARL EAST CIRCLE
SUITE 300
BOULDER
CO
80301
US
|
Family ID: |
38426733 |
Appl. No.: |
11/339768 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/702 ;
52/289 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 5/12 20130101; E04B
1/2612 20130101; E04G 21/1891 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/702 ;
052/289 |
International
Class: |
E04B 5/00 20060101
E04B005/00; E04B 1/38 20060101 E04B001/38 |
Claims
1. Joist hanging apparatus, comprising: a rigid body forming a
support region, a joist contact region, and a first pair of
opposing flanges, the flanges and joist contact region forming a
first U-shaped region for positioning a joist therebetween, wherein
an edge of the joist coupled to the contact region is level with a
support beam when the support region rests on the support beam.
2. Apparatus of claim 1, the joist contact region forming at least
one hole for coupling the edge with the joist contact region.
3. Apparatus of claim 1, the flanges facilitating mounting of the
joist to the joist contact region by preventing side-to-side
movement of the joist within the U-shaped region.
4. Apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support region and joist
contact region form a flat surface.
5. Apparatus of claim 1, the support region comprising one or more
support region markings for aligning an end of the joist for
mounting with the support beam.
6. Apparatus of claim 5, wherein the support region markings
indicate a distance to an end of the rigid body.
7. Apparatus of claim 1, the support beam comprising a header, a
ledger or a rim joist.
8. Apparatus of claim 1, the rigid body being reusable with
multiple joists.
9. Apparatus of claim 1, the rigid body comprising metal.
10. Apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second pair of
opposing flanges forming a second U-shaped region with the support
region, the second pair of flanges extending away from the rigid
body in a direction that is opposite extension of the first pair of
flanges away from the rigid body.
11. Apparatus of claim 10, wherein the rigid body is functionally
reversible.
12. Apparatus of claim 10, the support region forming at least one
hole for mounting an edge of the joist within the second U-shaped
region.
13. Apparatus of claim 10, wherein the rigid body is a monolithic
rigid body.
14. Apparatus of claim 10, the joist contact region comprising one
or more contact region markings for aligning an end of the joist
for mounting with a support beam.
15. Apparatus of claim 14, wherein the contact region markings
indicate a distance to a second end of the rigid body.
16. Apparatus of claim 14, wherein one or both of the support
region markings and the joist contact markings are disposed on the
first or second pair of flanges.
17. Apparatus for coupling a joist to a joist hanger and a support
beam, comprising a rigid body forming a support region, a joist
contact region, and a first pair of opposing flanges, the flanges
and joist contact region forming a first U-shaped region for
positioning a joist therebetween, wherein an edge of the joist
coupled to the contact region is level with a support beam when the
support region rests on the support beam.
18. Apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a second pair of
opposing flanges forming a second U-shaped region, for positioning
a joist therebetween, with the support region, the second pair of
flanges extending away from the rigid body in a direction that is
opposite extension of the first pair of flanges away from the rigid
body.
19. Apparatus of claim 18, wherein the rigid body is functionally
reversible.
20. Apparatus of claim 19, the rigid body forming at least one hole
for mounting the joist within the first or the second U-shaped
region.
21. Apparatus of claim 18, one or both of the support region and
the joist contact region comprising at least one marking for
aligning an end of the joist for mounting with the support
beam.
22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the apparatus is
reusable.
23. A method for mounting joists, comprising: mounting a top edge
of a joist within a U-shaped region formed by a monolithic rigid
body; resting an end of the monolithic rigid body on top of a
support beam, with the top edge of the joist level with a top of
the support beam and a first end of the joist flush with a side of
the support beam; mounting a joist hanger with the support beam and
around a bottom edge of the joist, at the first end; and removing
the monolithic rigid body from the joist and the support beam.
24. The method of claim 23, the monolithic rigid body comprising: a
support region comprising the end of the monolithic body; a joist
contact region; and a first pair of opposing flanges, the flanges
and joist contact region forming the U-shaped region for
positioning the joist therebetween.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Hanging joists is an integral and important step in
constructing a floor, ceiling, roof or deck. As the joists are
load-carrying members, they must be hung straight and level in
order to properly support the overlying floor, ceiling, roof or
deck. Crooked, twisted or non-level joists may lead to problems
such as squeaky floors, uneven ceilings, a wavy appearance of
composite decking, sagging roofs and even structural
instability.
[0002] The process of hanging joists includes the installation of
joist hangers. Builders frequently draw one or more lines on a
ledger or rim joist (hereinafter, "ledger" or "rim") to mark the
desired position of the hanger, and the hanger may be installed
directly. A builder installing hangers in this manner must take
care to insure that the hanger is installed accurately--at the
proper level on the ledger or rim--or the surfaces of the joist and
the ledger or rim will not be level. The builder must further
insure that joist hangers are installed at the accurate width, to
provide a snug fit for the joist hung therein. If opposing flanges
of a joist hanger are too closely spaced, the joist will not fit,
and the builder must either remove and re-install the hangers, or
chisel the joist, which may weaken it. If the flanges are too far
apart, they will not offer the necessary support to the joist, as
the joist may shift or tilt in the hangers. A hanger that is too
wide should also be removed and re-installed.
[0003] In an effort to reduce the incidence of improperly installed
hangers, builders may temporarily insert a block of joist material
into a hanger, hold the hanger and the joist material up to the
ledger or rim, such that the applicable surfaces of the joist
material and the ledger or rim are flush, and then nail the joist
hanger into position. While this method may reduce the need to
remove and re-install hangers, it is nonetheless awkward and
inaccurate, given that one hand must support both the hanger and
the joist while the other must wield a nail gun or hammer. Where a
hammer is used, the hand supporting the hanger and the joist must
also hold a nail in its proper place. A builder's hands may easily
shift while attempting to install hangers in this manner, thus
resulting in crooked or non-level joists.
[0004] A further method for installing joists is to hold a joist in
its proper position and drive a temporary nail diagonally through
the top or side of the joist into the ledger or rim. The nail is
then removed after the joist hanger is installed around the joist,
or is hammered home prior to installation of the hanger. This
method is also problematic and prone to failure, since the builder
(or builders) must both hold the joist in place and drive in a
nail. The joist may easily shift during this process, resulting in
inaccurately installed hangers. In addition, the builder must take
care to drive the nail far enough into the ledger or rim to
securely fasten the joist thereto. Further, removing the nail often
results in splitting of the joist end.
SUMMARY
[0005] The system and method for mounting joists and joist hangers
disclosed herein may increase the accuracy and efficiency of joist
installation.
[0006] In one embodiment, a joist hanging apparatus has a rigid
body forming a support region, a joist contact region, and a first
pair of opposing flanges. The flanges and the joist contact region
form a first U-shaped region, for positioning a joist therebetween.
An edge of the joist coupled to the contact region is level with a
support beam, when the support region rests on the support
beam.
[0007] In one embodiment, an apparatus for coupling a joist to a
joist hanger and a support beam includes: a rigid body forming a
support region, a joist contact region, and a first pair of
opposing flanges. The flanges and the joist contact region form a
first U-shaped region for positioning a joist therebetween. When
the support region rests on the support beam, an edge of the joist
that is coupled to the contact region is level with the support
beam.
[0008] In one embodiment, a method for mounting joists, includes
mounting a top edge of a joist within a U-shaped region formed by a
monolithic rigid body, and resting an end of the monolithic rigid
body on top of a support beam, with the top edge of the joist level
with a top of the support beam and a first end of the joist flush
with a side of the support beam. A joist hanger is mounted with the
support beam and around a bottom edge of the joist, at the first
end, and the monolithic rigid body is removed from the joist and
the support beam.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one joist hanging apparatus,
in accord with an embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top construction view of the apparatus of FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with
exemplary dimensions
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with
exemplary dimensions.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1,
coupled with a joist and positioned on a support beam
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating one method for mounting
a joist, in accord with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Before proceeding with the detailed description, it is to be
appreciated that the present teaching is by way of example, not
limitation. The illustrations herein are not limited to use or
application with a specific type of system for mounting joists and
joist hangers. Thus, although the instrumentalities described
herein are for the convenience of explanation, shown and described
with respect to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that
the principals herein may be equally applied in other systems for
mounting joists and joist hangers.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a joist hanging apparatus
100 having a rigid body 102. Rigid body 102 is for example a metal
or durable plastic body forming a joist contact region 104A, a
first pair of opposing flanges 106A and a support region 104B.
Joist contact region 104A and support region 104B for example form
opposing first and second flat surfaces 105A, 105B of rigid body
102, with opposing flanges 106A extending away from first flat
surface 105A and forming a U-shaped region 108A (see also FIG. 4)
with the joist contact region 104A. U-shaped region 108A is sized
to fit a joist therein (see, e.g., FIG. 5). Opposing flanges 106A
for example facilitate mounting of a joist to joist contact region
104A by preventing side-to-side movement once the joist is fit
within U-shaped region 108A. At least one attachment point 110A is
provided with rigid body 102, for attaching an edge of the joist
within U-shaped region 108A to joist contact region 104A.
Attachment point 110A is for example a hole, sized to accommodate a
fastener 112A, which couples a top edge of a joist (e.g., joist
500, FIG. 5) to joist contact region 104B. Fastener 112A is shown
in FIG. 1 as a screw 112A; however, it is to be understood that
other fasteners such as clamps, nails and the like, may be employed
to attach apparatus 100 to a joist. Attachment point 110A may thus
be a marking to indicate a proper point for such an alternate
fastener. Apparatus 100 may alternately incorporate a clamp, for
example formed by opposing flanges 106A, to secure a joist within
U-shaped region 108A via a pressure fit.
[0017] As further described with respect to FIG. 5, herein below,
one or more support region markings 114 facilitate alignment of the
joist with body 102, for mounting with a support beam. Markings 114
are for example disposed upon one or both of opposing flanges 106A,
and indicative of distance to a first end 116 of rigid body 102. A
user for example aligns an end of the joist with the desired
support region marking 114, and an edge of the joist within
U-shaped region 108A. A fastener such as screw 112A is aligned with
attachment point 110A and screwed into the joist until the joist is
securely fastened against joist contact region 104A.
[0018] Apparatus 100 may be functionally reversible; in this
embodiment a second pair of opposing flanges 106B extends from body
102 to form a second U-shaped region 108B (see FIG. 4) with support
region 104B. Second pair of opposing flanges 106B extends from
rigid body 102 in a direction opposite the direction in which first
pair of opposing flanges 106A extend from rigid body 102. Opposing
flanges 106B for example point up when opposing flanges 106A point
down.
[0019] As shown in the top, construction view of FIG. 2, rigid body
102 may be a monolithic rigid body 102. First pair of opposing
flanges 106A are for example formed by bending flanges 106A
downwards, where indicated by dotted lines 200, and second pair of
opposing flanges 106B are for example formed by bending flanges
106B upwards along dotted line 200. Alternately, monolithic rigid
body 102 is poured or otherwise molded to form apparatus 100 in its
intended shape.
[0020] One or both of opposing flanges 106A for example include one
or more joist contact region markings 118, indicating a distance or
distances to a second end 120 of rigid body 102. FIG. 2 shows
support and contact region markings 114, 118 as single extrusions;
however, markings 114, 118 may also be notches, indentations.
Optionally, laser-cut or painted markings 114, 118 may be
provided.
[0021] Where apparatus 100 is functionally reversible, support
region 104B includes at least one attachment point, for example a
hole 110B, sized to accommodate a screw 112B. In this embodiment
therefore apparatus 100 may be turned over and positioned with an
edge of a joist between opposing flanges 106B (within second
U-shaped region 108B) and against support region 104B. An end of
the joist may be aligned with a joist contact region marking 118,
at a desired distance from second end 120 of rigid body 102, prior
to attaching the joist to rigid body 102 via one or both attachment
points 110A, 110B and respective fasteners 12A, 112B. Markings 114,
118 may indicate a length to end (l.sub.e) 116, 120, respectively,
for example about one inch; however, additional markings 114, 118
provide additional measurements to ends 116, 120.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a simplified side view, showing exemplary
dimensions of apparatus 100. In one embodiment, apparatus 100 has a
total length (l.sub.T) of about 12 inches (about 305 mm), with
joist contact and support regions 104A, 104B having equal lengths
(l.sub.A) and (l.sub.B), respectively) of about six inches (about
153 mm). First and second pairs of opposing flanges 106A, 106B may
have equal heights (h.sub.A) and (h.sub.B), each extending about
5/8 inch (about 16 mm) from first and second flat surfaces 105A,
105B of rigid body 102 (see also FIG. 4). For example, as shown in
FIG. 4, first pair of opposing flanges 106A extends from first flat
surface 105A, to height h.sub.A, and second pair of opposing
flanges 106B extend from second flat surface 105B to height
h.sub.B
[0023] As shown in the simplified front view of FIG. 4, U-shaped
regions 108A, 108B thus have depths (d.sub.A) and (d.sub.B) of
about 5/8 inch (about 25 mm). Rigid body 102 has a thickness
(t.sub.b) of for example 1/4 inch (about 6 mm), lending to a total
height (h.sub.T) of about 13/8 inch, or about 35 mm, for apparatus
100. However, t.sub.b, h.sub.A, h.sub.B and thus h.sub.T may vary
as a matter of design preference, for example to vary the weight,
size and/or load-bearing capacity of apparatus 102. Widths w.sub.A,
w.sub.B of respective U-shaped regions 108A, 108B are sized at
about two inches, to securely fit an edge of most joists,
regardless of joist length or height.
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of apparatus 100 coupled
with a joist 500. Joist 500 is shown with an edge 502 positioned
within U-shaped region 108A and between first pair of opposing
flanges 106A. Since joist contact region 104A and support region
104B form flat surfaces, joist 500 coupled to apparatus 100 is
flush with the entirety of first flat surface 105A (see FIG. 4) and
joist contact region 104A. An end 506 of joist 500 is aligned with
a support region markings 114. Joist contact region 104A and
support region 104B for example form a flat surface, such that
joist 500 is also flush with support region 104B, when fastened to
joist contact region 104A. Screws 112A, 112B fasten rigid body 102
to joist 500, via attachment points 110A, 110B.
[0025] Apparatus 100 and joist 500 are for example positioned upon
a support beam 508, with support region 104B resting on a top
surface 510 of beam 508, and end 506 flush with a side 512 of the
support beam. Edge 502 is level with top surface 510 when support
region 106B rests upon support beam 108. Support beam 508 is for
example a ledger, rim joist, header or a previously-installed
standard joist (e.g., where joist 500 is a piece of blocking).
[0026] Once positioned upon support beam 508, joist hangers 514 are
for example positioned about a second edge 516 of joist 500 and
attached to support beam 508. Apparatus 100 thus allows joist 500
to be positioned in place prior to installing joist hangers 514,
for example facilitating one-time placement of hangers 514 at the
correct width and height. When a second apparatus 100 is attached
to an opposite end (not shown) of joist 500 and positioned in its
place on a second support beam (not shown) that is parallel to
support beam 508, a user is free of the need to support the joist
while placing hangers. Wobbling or shifting of the joist during
hanger installation may thus be eliminated, and level installation
of the joist insured.
[0027] Once hanger 514 is installed, screws 112A and/or 112B may be
unscrewed and apparatus 100 removed from joist 500. Apparatus 100
is durable and reusable with multiple joists, and may thus be
attached to the next joist to be hung. As previously noted,
apparatus 100 may be functionally reversible; thus, a joist may
also be positioned within second U-shaped region 108B, between
opposing flanges 106B, and in contact with support region 104B.
When apparatus 100 is functionally reversible, it may be flipped
over such that first and second pairs of opposing flanges 106A,
106B, first and second U-shaped regions 108A, 108B, attachment
points 110 and joist contact region 104A and support region 104B
are interchangeable.
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a method of mounting joists. Method 600
commences in step 602 with the mounting of a top edge of a joist
within a U-shaped region formed by a rigid body. The rigid body is
for example a monolithic rigid body having at least a first pair of
opposing flanges forming the u-shaped region, e.g., rigid body 102,
first pair of opposing flanges 106A, U-shaped region 108A. The
joist, e.g., joist 500, is secured to the rigid body, in step 604.
For example, one or both of screws 112A, 112B secure the joist to
the rigid body.
[0029] The joist and rigid body are positioned on a support beam
such as a header beam, ledger or rim joist, in step 606. The joist
is for example positioned with its top level with the top of the
support beam, and with a first end flush against a side of the
header beam. The monolithic body is then rested on the support
beam, in step 608. The monolithic body for example extends beyond
the end of the joist to provide a support region for resting on the
support beam.
[0030] A joist hanger is mounted with the support beam, around a
bottom edge of the joist, in step 610. Advantageously, the joist is
already in its optimal, level position relative to the support
beam. The joist hanger may thus be secured in the correct position
while the joist is in place, eliminating the need for re-placement
of crooked hangers, or chiseling or shimming a joist to fit
incorrectly spaced hangers. When the joist hangers have been
secured in place, the rigid body is removed from the joist, in step
612.
[0031] When two workers are installing joists together, mounting
joists may be facilitated if the two workers perform steps 606, 608
at more or less the same time, at opposite ends of the joist. Steps
602-604 and 610-612 may likewise be performed substantially
simultaneously, or at different times. Where one person is hanging
joists alone, straight and level mounting of joists may be further
facilitated by performing steps 602-608 with one rigid body, e.g.,
apparatus 100, at a first end of a joist, and then performing steps
602-608 with a second rigid body (e.g., apparatus 100) at a second
end of the joist. Once the joist is resting upon two support beams
(one at either end of the joist), hangers may be quickly and easily
secured in their proper position. Joist installation is for example
expedited because a single user can hang joists of any dimension at
their optimal position, on the first attempt.
[0032] It will be appreciated that apparatus 100 may be formed with
a composite or metal joist, for example during manufacture. When a
metal or composite joist is formed with an apparatus 100, steps
602, 604 are unnecessary, and joist installation may commence with
step 606.
[0033] Upon completion of step 612, the rigid body, is for example
re-used with another joist. Utilizing the same steps 602-612 with
subsequent joists may insure that the joists are not only hung
level with the support beam, but also with one another. This may
eliminate problems such as squeaky floors, popped nails, raised
screw heads and "wavy" appearance of composite decking, all of
which are associated with crooked or non-level joists.
[0034] Changes may be made in the above systems and structures
without departing from the scope thereof. It should thus be noted
that the matter contained in the above description and/or shown in
the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and
not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover
all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all
statements of the scope of the present method, system and
structure, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall
therebetween.
* * * * *