(57) Width enlargement means is described, which is adapted to be attached to a joist
end to adapt the latter for use with a joist hanger having a joist receiving socket
with diverging side cheeks therein. When attached, the cross section shape of the
end of the joist becomes trapezoidal so as to form a wedge. The inclined faces engage
the diverging side cheeks of the socket thereby to provide lateral support for the
joist end when fitted in the joist receiving socket. One form of enlargement means
for a conventional rectangular cross section joist comprises triangular cross section
fillets, which are adapted to be fitted to the opposite faces of the end of a the
joist. Alternatively it may comprise a wedge shaped member having a central slot into
which the end of the joist is fitted. Where the joist has an I-beam cross section,
fillets are secured to opposite faces of the central web of the I-beam, or the end
of the latter is fitted into a slot in a slotted wedge. Alternatively at least one
metal structure is adapted to be fitted to one end of the joist, and the outer faces
of the metal structure or structures are spaced by a greater distance in the region
of the upper edge of the I-beam section than they are in the region of the lower edge
thereof. Where the joist has an I-beam cross section the metal structure(s) may be
attached to the web or the upper or lower rails, or all three. However formed the
included angle between the inclined faces of the enlargement means whether formed
by fillets or a wedge shaped member, or one or more metal structures, is substantially
the same as, but not greater, than that between the diverging cheeks of the joist
hanger socket in which the joist is to be received in use.
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