JOIST HANGER COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF JOIST SUPPORTS

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention to joist hangers, more particularly, but not exclusively, of the type that in use are attached to a wall or other vertical structure and which are adapted to receive and support a joist during the building or repair of a floor or other structure that is to be supported by the joist.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Wooden joists are conventionally spaced apart and prevented from relative displacement about their longitudinal axes by cross members known variously as a noggins or dwangs (hereinafter jointly referred to as noggins).

[0003] Noggins are usually in the form of short lengths of timber, often off-cuts, which have their ends nailed respectively to the adjacent vertical faces of a pair of timber joists. Each noggin usually has its ends angled in opposite directions so that an upper end will bear against an upper portion of one joist whilst the opposite end will bear against a lower portion of the adjacent joist. Noggins are usually fitted in pairs so that one noggin is inclined in the opposite direction to the other noggin. A pair of joists typically is provided with a series of noggins along their lengths to retain the desired spacing whilst inhibiting any relative rotational movement - that is relative rotation about their respective longitudinal axes.

[0004] As each noggin is usually cut individually from wooden off-cuts, their fitting to the joists is often poor and their function is frequently unsatisfactory. Once a series of joists has been covered by floor boards, or the like, it is impossible to assess the efficiency of the various noggins without lifting at least part of the floor. The adequacy of noggins is further compromised by a reduction in the quality of building timber compared with that used 30 or 40 years ago. Modern building timber is usually kiln dried, has a greater number of wood knots, and can easily twist or otherwise deform, particularly where central heating is used.

Prior Art

[0005] Noggins are notorious for impeding the subsequent insertion of electrical and plumbing services which need to be laid along the joists and to pass through apertures that need to be drilled horizontally through one or more joists. Indeed the drilling of such apertures can be difficult if a noggin has been placed in an inconvenient position, and the proximity of the adjacent joist prevents the formation of a horizontal aperture. Where apertures are required through a series of adjacent joists, one is left with a series of inclined apertures and the problem of drilling these in alignment.

[0006] An example of a joist hanger, referred to as a structural connector, is described in US Patent Application US 2006/0081743 (EVANS et al).

[0007] Another example of a joist hanger, referred to as a perimeter clip for tying an end of a beam (in a dropped ceiling) to an angle of a moulding, is described in US Patent US-B-5 046 294.

[0008] US Patent Application US 2002/0035815 (Daudet) discloses a joist hanger system comprising a joist rim and at least one attachment tab.

[0009] GB-A-2 163 788 (Wordsworth et al) discloses a joist hanger with individually formed pieces.

Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a joist hanger comprising: a rigid support defined by an elongate sheet which is folded and arranged in the form of a prismatic box structure with an abutment plate which in use abuts a vertical surface; characterised in that a plurality of joist supports are formed integrally with the rigid support each being able to receive a joist.

[0011] In one preferred embodiment the joist hanger is hung or suspended from a vertical surface, such as a course of bricks, by way of a wall hanger. The wall hanger includes a horizontal strap or brace, which may be in the form of a flat portion, formed integrally with the joist hanger and optionally extending along substantially the entire length of the rigid support. Where the rigid support is a flat elongate plate, when it is folded into an L-shaped, or S-shaped form, the wall hanger is defined by a flattened face.

[0012] In one embodiment the joist supports are adapted to slide laterally along the rigid support. In an alternative embodiment the joist supports are formed integrally with the rigid support.

[0013] It is seen therefore that use of the invention, where the joist supports are formed integrally with the rigid support, facilitates rapid and precise installation of joists, for example for flooring, as carpenters no longer need to measure gaps between joist, mark and fix individual joist hangers, as these are already in place.

[0014] The rigid support may be in the form of an elongate plate, strut, extrusion, rod or the like.

[0015] Ideally the rigid support is in the form of an elongate plate, strut, extrusion, rod or the like, however as mentioned above it may be generally L-shaped, or S-shaped. In use the rigid support is placed against a wall and hung by way of a wall hanger on a course of bricks. Fixings to the wall can be made after further courses of bricks are laid on the wall hanger. The joist hangers are located on opposite walls of a room and joists are slung between opposite hangers.

[0016] Provided a joist hanger at one end is aligned to the corresponding end of the opposing hanger (and the corners of the room are 'square'), individual joist supports will face opposite one another, thereby speeding the process of installing the joists. A carpenter now only has to ensure that joists are cut to the correct lengths and properly located and fixed in individual supports and this task can be carried out by a less skilled assistant, thereby further reducing costs.

[0017] Joist supports are ideally defined integrally with the joist hanger, as hereinafter described, however individual, or groups of joist supports, may be fitted, connected with or joined to the abutment plate, by way of clips, mechanical fixings or welded joints.

[0018] The rigid support is ideally fabricated from a strong and stiff material, such as: synthetic plastics, steel, mild steel, aluminium or a metal alloy.

[0019] The rigid support is defined by an elongate sheet which is folded and arranged in a prismatic section. The prismatic section may be square, rectangular or triangular.

[0020] Most preferably the rigid support is triangular in cross section, including one corner which is a right angle, which corner, in use rests against a wall or other vertical surface or upright.

[0021] In the alternative embodiment of the rigid support being in the form of a prismatic section, cut-outs in portions of the prismatic section are adapted to define joist supports.

[0022] In another embodiment the locations for joist hangers may even be marked or pre-formed, by way of partially cut or pre-pressed apertures, for example in the prismatic section, ready for a carpenter to press out and define when using the joist hanger. It is seen therefore that use of the invention greatly reduces the time required to install supports and joists from which a raised floor is to be supported. This reduction in time it is felt reduces considerably the cost of building dwellings, offices and similar buildings.

[0023] In the aforementioned particularly preferred embodiment, wherein the support is triangular in cross section and includes one right angle corner, a portion of the side of the prismatic section, that in cross section defines the hypotenuse, may be removed so that a recess is revealed, said recess defines the joist hanger. The portion or portions removed may be folded back so as to defined webs or side panels, which may fold inwards or outwards so as to acts as guides for receiving the joists.

[0024] Furthermore with increasing demand on recycling of materials, as a result of demands on resources (such as wood and steel); as well as increasing legislation on renewable buildings, the fact that at the end of a life of a building, key components can be removed and reused, is felt to be a further unique feature of the joist hanger.

[0025] Individual joist supports may have lateral webs for strengthening. These webs may be welded or to the abutment plate.

[0026] Preferably the joist hanger includes a support mounting, which in use receives a panel or plaster board, defining a ceiling.

[0027] The support mounting is ideally a recess defined by a fillet or projection formed integrally with or supported by the joist hanger. The recess or fillet ideally extends laterally along a length of the joist hanger; preferably the recess or fillet extends along a length less than 10 cm, ideally it extends along a length less than 7 cm and most preferably it extends along a length of less than 5 cm.

[0028] The joist hanger and/or abutment plate optionally includes one or more apertures, such as holes or slots, through which fixing means, such as nails, screws or bolts or may pass in order to attach, fix or anchor the joist hanger to a wall, to bricks, blocks, girders or some other vertical surface or structure.

[0029] The joist hanger optionally includes a sheet of resiliently deformable material having one side adhered to a support face or load plate of the joist support and the opposite side of the sheet has an adhesive surface to adhere to a joist. An advantage of this arrangement is that the sheet of material acts as a pressure pad and behaves as a shock absorber between the plate and a joist, reducing the transmission of vibrations from one to the other.

[0030] The joist hanger is preferably formed as a pressed moulding from a suitably strong material, such as stainless steel; any other suitable steel alloy; a synthetic plastics material (having a high tensile strength) - the plastics material being formed, for example, by a casting or injection moulding process. Alternatively, the joist hanger may be formed as a casting.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the joist hanger preferably includes a screw thread having its axis normal to the abutment plate. A boss, in which a thread is formed, may be defined in the abutment plate or the screw thread may be formed in an insert carried by the abutment plate in such a manner that the insert cannot rotate. Such insert can, for instance, have a square outer cross-section and be a sliding fit within a complementary aperture in the abutment plate or a boss secured to the abutment plate. A noggin preferably comprises a pair of these joist hangers having opposite hand screw threads which engage corresponding threads of a screw adjuster that is operable to brace the joist hangers between a pair of adjoining joists.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, the joist hanger preferably has an opening formed through the abutment plate and/or in the joist support and/or the hanger, the opening being adapted to receive a pipe or an electrical cable or other service, such as a fibre optic or other cabling. In such an embodiment, the joist hanger preferably supports a tube socket positioned around the opening. The tube socket is preferably defined by a plug which fits into the opening, and the plug defines a passage for receiving services, such as pipes, cables or leads.

[0033] In other embodiments, whose advantages are described below, there are features which will become apparent when reading the description, in light of the drawings. For example, according to one embodiment, flaps or tabs are provided on the hanger in order to engage with a layer of cement or mortar.

[0034] In a yet further embodiment, where it may be desirable that openings of one plate are aligned with those of another, joist hangers are ideally arranged to be secured on opposite sides of a joist, wall, vertical structure or partition. One way of achieving this is to provide a joist mounting kit comprising: at least one pair of joist hangers, a template to fit over a joist to define an axis of a bore of an opening, for example to be drilled through the joist in alignment with the openings, whereby in use, a pair of joist hangers to be secured to opposite sides of the joist have their openings in registration with the hole in the joist. Alternatively two joist hangers may be connected, or adapted to be connected, one to another.

[0035] Further embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the Figures, in which:

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] 

Figure 1 a is an overall diagrammatic view showing the principle of how a joist hanger supporting joists on a course of bricks;

Figure 1b is a diagrammatic sectional view of a joist hanger,

Figure 1c is a diagrammatic sectional view of a further aspect of the joist hanger with a spacing stud to space a rear surface of the hanger from a wall,

Figure 1d is a diagrammatic sectional view illustrating a further aspect of the joist hanger with an elongate insert adapted to be received within a space defined in a course of bricks,

Figure 1e is a diagrammatic sectional view of a further aspect of the joist hanger adapted to be received within a space defined by a rolled steel joint ('RSJ') supporting a one or more courses of bricks,

Figure 1f is an overall diagrammatical view and shows a joist hanger atop a course of bricks supporting a joist with a hole for receiving services formed in one face,

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic vertical section through a wall and shows two joists fitted with two joist hangers according to a further embodiment,

Figure 3a is an overall view showing a drilling template,

Figure 3b is an overall view showing a drilling template opened flat,

Figure 4 is a diagrammatical plan view showing a flap adapted to engage a brick,

Figure 5a is a diagrammatical plan view showing how a joist hanger is adapted to engage with a course of bricks,

Figure 5b is a diagrammatical side view of Figure 5a,

Figure 6a is a diagrammatical side view showing a flange defined by a recess,

Figure 6b is a diagrammatical side view of Figure 6a and shows the flange in detail,

Figure 7a is a diagrammatical plan view showing a joist hanger with a wedge adapted to receive a baton and a recess for receiving a ceiling board,

Figure 7b is a diagrammatical side view of Figure 7a with a baton,

Figure 8 is a diagrammatical front elevation showing a joist hanger, ceiling board, ceiling batons and drill holes for services,

Figure 9 is a diagrammatical plan view showing how a baton is located, and shows the joist hanger in situ on a course of bricks,

Figure 10 is a diagrammatical view of a double width joist hanger,

Figure 11 is a diagrammatical view of a double width joist hanger adapted to hang on either side of a wall,

Figure 12 is a diagrammatical view of an assembled arrangement comprising a 'skimmed' plasterboard shown in situ above a window frame,

Figure 13 is a diagrammatical view of an open window frame of the type that is shown in Figure 12,

Figures 14a and Figure 14b show diagrammatical side elevation views of a joist hanger with attachment means (Figure 14b) and a wall, supporting a joist hanger, a joist and a ceiling board (Figure 14a),

Figure 15 is a diagrammatical plan view of the joist hanger of Figure 14, showing details of an aperture through which a screw passes to engage a joist,

Figure 16 is a diagrammatical view of a joist hanger adapted to be inserted between successive layers of bricks and cement, the joist hanger having a fillet to engage with mortar on which a new row of bricks (not shown) is to be laid,

Figure 17 is a diagrammatical plan view of stud, internal or partition wall, mounted on a floor, whose joists are supported by fixing straps attached to joist hangers,

Figure 18 is a diagrammatical side view of a wall and shows how joists can be mounted on both sides of a wall and how a subsequent row of joist can be introduced into an existing structure,

Figure 19 is a diagrammatic view of a spacer for fitting between adjacent joists in order to prevent lateral twist or inadvertent movement between adjacent joists,

Figure 20 is a diagrammatic view of a variable spacer which is adapted to space joists and optionally able to receive a spring for absorbing shocks and preventing transmission of forces between adjacent joists,

Figures 21 a to 21e show various views of an S-shaped section which is used as a rigid support member, in a preferred embodiment of the joist hanger,

Figures 22a to 22d show various views of a joist hanger useful for the understanding of the invention including a rigid support member that is in the form of an S-shaped section and a plurality of joist supports,

Figures 23a to 23h show various views of the joist supports in an unfolded (flat) form and folded, ready for use with the rigid support, and

Figures 24a to 24e show various views of a preferred embodiment of the joist hanger in a triangular prismatic section, with apertures or recesses cut so as to receive joists.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates the principal of a joist hanger, as shown in exemplary form in Figures 21 and 22, and shows a joist hanger abutment plate generally indicated by arrow 10. A trapezoidal plate 11 carries a support mounting which is in the form of rectangular boss 12 braced by four webs 13, 14, 15 and 16. Joists are supported at each end and the hanger rests on a course of bricks.

[0038] The joist hanger abutment plate 10 is preferably formed as a moulding integral with the support mounting boss 12 and the webs 13, 14, 15 and 16. The moulding can be, for instance, an injection moulding using a suitable plastics material such as polypropylene or a fibre reinforced thermoplastic material. Instead of being moulded, the joist abutment plate 10 can be cast from any suitable material, or be fabricated from sheet material. The joist abutment plate 10 is provided with attachment means in the form of four apertures 17, 18, 19 and 20 for receiving fixing means such as nails, screws or other fixings permitting a joist to be secured thereto.

[0039] Other forms of fixing means may be used, for instance staples driven through one or more of the webs 13, 14, 15 or 16, or an adhesive are described below.

[0040] Figure 1b is a diagrammatic sectional view of a joist hanger 10 inserted into a course of bricks 5. A joist 1 is shown being placed in the direction of the arrow onto a joist support which is attached to an abutment plate, the abutment plate, in use abuts a wall from which the hanger is suspended or hung. Ideally a support mounting is provided, which in use receives a panel or plaster board, defining a ceiling, as described below.

[0041] A template is used to drill holes for guides, as described below. A groove is chased for the joist hanger to be retro-fitted or the hanger is laid onto a course of bricks. Once positioned 8mm or 10mm screws or Rawlbolt (Trade Mark) are fixed to connect the hanger to a wall so that it is tightened and lays flush against wood or a brick surface.

[0042] Figure 1c is a diagrammatic sectional view of a joist hanger with a spacing stud 50 to space a rear surface of the hanger 10 from a wall. Figure 1d is a diagrammatic sectional view of a joist hanger 10 with an elongate insert 52 adapted to be received within a space defined in a course of bricks 5.

[0043] Figure 1e is a diagrammatic sectional view of a joist hanger adapted to be received within a space defined by a rolled steel joint ('RSJ') 54 supporting a one or more courses of bricks 5. Use of the hangers provides ideal bespoke flush ceilings as RSJs can be straddled and hidden from view allowing for ceiling continuity and no exposed boxing of RSJs.

[0044] Figure 1f is an overall diagrammatical view and shows a joist hanger atop a course of bricks supporting a joist with a hole 56 for receiving services formed in one face,

[0045] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic vertical section through a wall and shows two joists fitted with two joist hangers and shows a noggin 58 comprising an opposed pair of identical joist abutment plates 10. Each joist abutment plate has one side of a respective sheet of material 21 adhered to its vertical face. The opposite side of the sheet 21 also has an adhesive surface whereby each joist abutment plate can be adhered in position against the vertical face of a joist. Whilst each sheet of material 21 can be a separate component, it is preferably adhered to its joist abutment plate 10 during manufacture, the adhesive joist abutting surface being covered by a tear-off sheet until it is to be fixed to its joist.

[0046] The sheet of material 21 is preferably a pressure pad formed of a spongy material so that it will act as a shock absorber between the joist abutment plate 10 and its joist. This pressure pad also serves to bed the joist abutment plate 10 securely over any irregularities, such as knots, in the abutting vertical surface of the joist. Optionally a sheet 21 a may be placed on an opposite side of a joist hanger to rest against a wall (not shown) or noggin 58.

[0047] Figure 3a is an overall view showing a drilling template and Figure 3b is an overall view showing a drilling template opened flat. The template is placed around a course of bricks so that joist hangers can be aligned on opposite faces of a wall. The template has opposed sides and is formed with respective aligned guide holes for a drill. In use, the template is positioned over the top of each joist and in turn, and the drill (not shown) creates a bore through the joist. In this manner a series of accurately aligned holes can be formed through a series of joists for example for services such as cables and plumbing. This avoids builders being interrupted by installation of services such as electrical cabling and pipework and avoids the problem of drilling holes through fitted joists and the problem of threading cables or pipes through drilled holes that are not properly aligned and are probably inclined.

[0048] Figure 4 is a diagrammatical plan view of a joist hanger 60 showing a lateral flap 62 adapted to engage a brick 5 and which forms part of a roof system with a ridge hanger 64. Figure 5a is a diagrammatical plan view of a joist hanger 70 adapted to engage with a course of bricks 5 by way of a tag or flap 72. Figure 5b is a diagrammatical side view of Figure 5a,

[0049] Figure 6a is a diagrammatical side view of a joist hanger 80, supported on a wall 5. The support hanger 80 has a flange 82 defining a recess 84. Recess 84 receives a ceiling board 86 which is nailed to a wooden joist 88. Figure 6b is a diagrammatical side view of Figure 6a and shows the flange 82 in detail. The flange 82 may alternatively be defined by a fillet or projection formed integrally with or supported by the joist hanger 80. The fillet or flange 82 ideally extends laterally along a length of the joist hanger 80. Typically the fillet extends along a length less than 10 cm and defines a recess of less than 5 cm.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the joist hanger optionally includes one or more apertures, such as holes or slots, through the abutment plate, through which fixing means, such as nails, screws or bolts or may pass in order to attach, fix or anchor the hanger to a wall, to bricks, blocks, girders or some other structure.

[0051] Referring to Figures 7a and 7b there is shown diagrammatical plan and side views of a joist hanger 90 with a wedge 91 adapted to receive a baton 92 and a recess 95, defined by a fillet 97 for receiving a ceiling board (not shown). Figure 8 is a diagrammatical front elevation view of that shown in Figure 7, in which like parts bear the same reference numerals and shows a joist hanger 90a, ceiling board 99, batons 92 as well as drill holes 100 for services.

[0052] Referring now to Figure 9 there is shown a plan view of in which a baton 92 is located, and shows joist hanger 10 in situ on a course of bricks 5. Baton 92 is fixed within the hanger under wedges or fillets as mentioned above.

[0053] The fact that the batons provide an elongate area into which a plasterboard or ceiling board can be nailed, presents a major time saving opportunity to builders and tradesmen as considerably less effort is needed in order to fit ceilings.

[0054] Figures 10 and 11 are diagrammatical views of double width joist hangers and the hanger in Figure 11 is adapted to hang on either side of a wall.

[0055] The hangers shown above are typically 2 to 5 cm in width with curled inward edges. The abutment plate, which in use abuts a wall, is suspended from a wall or course of bricks by way of a hanger with a horizontal strap/brace which can be 400 mm or 600 mm in length. A joist support which is attached to said abutment plate is typically flat but may have edges defied to receive specific thickness joists.

[0056] Joist supports can be of varying length. Straps or braces can be intermittently fixed for example by way of screws, bolts, glue or nails. An advantage of this is that the straps/braces act as guides for a first layer of plaster to be screeded in between fixers. This again provides a better finish and saves time.

[0057] Referring to Figures 12 and 13 there are shown diagrammatical views of an assembled arrangement comprising a 'skimmed' plasterboard shown in situ above a window frame. Joist hangers with flanges receive plaster which is skimmed. This saves time as described above.

[0058] Advantages of the joist hanger are that floors can be laid quickly and can be assembled whilst brick work is being undertaken and then dropped into place on a line of joist hangers, thus internal platforms/scaffolding is no longer required and when laying onto supporting brickwork, work can be resumed to the next level whilst floors are boarded and services fitted. There is therefore a huge saving on labour and build time.

[0059] The joist hangers can be tailor made or sold off the shelf. Other examples of where the joist hangers can be used are as shed bases, foot bridges or raised walkways.

[0060] In addition to the above advantages it will be appreciated that as joist and walls are bolted one to another there is generally a stronger structure provided as a result of the bracing effect of fixings and timber being directly supported by and connected to brickwork, concrete, steel or other rigid fixings on material surfaces by way of them resting on the joist support and ceiling boards being integral therewith as a result of being inserted in the flange.

[0061] Referring to Figures 14a and Figure 14b there is shown diagrammatical side elevation views of a joist hanger with attachment means (Figure 14b) and a wall, supporting a joist hanger, a joist and a ceiling board (Figure 14a). Figure 15 is a diagrammatical plan view of the joist hanger of Figure 14, showing details of an aperture through which a screw passes to engage a joist.

[0062] It is apparent that with internal standalone brick foundations minimal pressure is placed on the existing internal walls and there is reduced work force necessary on-site, as a significant amount of joinery work can be completed off site.

[0063] Figures 16 to 18 inclusive illustrate the principle of how joist hangers can be used to assist in the assembly of larger structures and show diagrammatically how joist hangers are adapted to be inserted between successive layers of bricks and cement. The joist hanger in Figure 16 has a fillet to engage with mortar on which a new row of bricks (not shown) is to be laid. The hanger in Figure 17 is used to support a stud, internal or partition wall, mounted on a floor; and the hanger of Figure 18 is mounted on both sides of a wall and shows how a subsequent row of joists can be introduced into an existing structure.

[0064] Figures 19 and 20 show a spacer for fitting between adjacent joists in order to prevent lateral twist or inadvertent movement between adjacent joists. The spacer includes a variable device which is adapted to space joists and optionally able to receive a spring for absorbing shocks and preventing transmission of forces between adjacent joists. An insert in the form of an internally-threaded nut has a rectangular outer profile which is a close sliding fit within a boss prevents relative rotation, and has an integral flange that can press against the end of the boss.

[0065] A screw handle comprises a central handle fixed to oppositely handed threaded studs which screw into their respective ends. It will be seen that each support mounting comprises a mechanism formed by its support mounting boss. In this manner the handle can be rotated to press against two joists and keep them apart. If desired, this mechanism could be simplified by omitting one of the nuts and replacing the corresponding threaded stud with a cylindrical boss that rotates within its respective boss. Alternatively, this mechanism could be replaced by forming the support boss of each plate as a cylinder having an internal thread to engage the respective threaded stud.

[0066] Figures 21 a to 21e show various views of an S-shaped section which is used as a rigid support member for the abutment plate, in a preferred embodiment of the joist hanger. Rigid support 210 is generally S-shaped and is typically formed from pressed and folded mild steel. Figures 22a to 22d show various views of the joist hanger 210, including a rigid support member that is in the form of an S-shaped section and a plurality of joist supports 220, shown in greater detail in Figures 23a to 23h.

[0067] Figures 23a to 23h show various views of the joist supports 220 in an unfolded (flat) form (Figures 23a and 23e) and folded, ready for use with the rigid support, (Figures 23b, 23c and 23g). Individual joist supports 220 are adapted to slide laterally and then connected to either the support wall (not shown) from which the hanger is slung and/or the rigid support 210 of the joist hanger itself. Alternatively the joist supports 220 are welded to the rigid support 210 at fabrication or on site prior to construction.

[0068] Figures 24a to 24d show various views of a joist hanger in a triangular prismatic section, with apertures or recesses cut so as to receive joists. The rigid support 210 is folded from a flat preform 212 (shown in Figure 24b) into the form of an elongate triangular, prismatic structure 214 and defines an abutment plate 212b, which rests against a wall.

[0069] The structure 214 is triangular in cross section and includes one corner which is a right angle 216, which corner, in use rests against a wall or other vertical surface or upright. Drill holes 218a and 218b are formed in front face 212a and rear panel 212b respectively. These facilitate the insertion of fixing bolts, such as 'rag bolts' or Rawlbolts (Trade Mark), when the joist hanger is placed against a wall (not shown), so that it can be permanently located against the wall.

[0070] Also shown are cut-outs 215 defined by forming an aperture in the prismatic structure 214 by folding tabs 217 and 219, so as to define joist supports 230, as shown in side view in Figure 24d.

[0071] Figure 24c is a plan view and Figure 24e is a front elevational view of the folded pre-form, that is shown (in unfolded flat form) in Figure 24b. It is appreciated that in this particular embodiment, joist hangers can be transported in a flat form - thereby occupying less space - and assembled at a construction site as and when needed. This save transport costs, storage space and time.

[0072] Other embodiments and items, shown in Figures 21 to 24, have like parts and bear the same reference numerals.

[0073] Thus from the above it will be appreciated that use of the invention assists in the construction of buildings, particularly by speeding up the process of building and laying floors and ceilings and provides a flexible solution to problems suffered by existing building techniques.

[0074] It is understood that variation to the aforementioned embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A joist hanger (10) comprising: a rigid support (210) defined by an elongate sheet (11) which is folded and arranged in the form of a prismatic box structure (214) with an abutment plate (212b) which in use abuts a vertical surface; characterised in that a plurality of joist supports (219) are formed integrally with the rigid support (210) each being able to receive a joist (88).

2. A joist hanger according to Claim 1 comprising a wall hanger that includes a horizontal strap or brace formed integrally with the joist hanger (10) extending along substantially the entire length of the rigid support (210).

3. A joist hanger according to either Claim 1 or 2 wherein the strap or brace is in the form of an elongate plate or extrusion with a lip.

4. A joist hanger according to any preceding Claim wherein a tag or flap (72) is provided on the hanger in order to engage with a layer of cement or mortar.

5. A joist hanger according to any preceding Claim wherein the prismatic section is from the group comprising: a square, a rectangle and a triangle.

6. A joist hanger according to Claim 5 wherein the rigid support (210) is triangular in cross section, one corner of which is a right angle, and in use rests against a wall or other vertical surface or upright.

7. A joist hanger according to Claim 6 wherein a portion of the side of the prismatic section, that in cross section defines the hypotenuse, is removed to define a cut-out (215) so that a recess is revealed the recess defining a joist support (230) for receiving a joist (88).

8. A joist hanger according to Claim 7 wherein the portion or portions removed are folded back so as to defined webs (13, 14, 15, 16) or side panels, which in use act as guides for receiving the joist (88).

9. A joist hanger according to any preceding Claim includes a wedge (91) adapted to receive a baton (92) and a recess (95) for receiving a ceiling board (not shown).

10. A joist hanger according to any preceding Claim formed from a stainless steel, a steel alloy or a synthetic plastics material having a high tensile strength.

11. A joist hanger according to any preceding Claim has an opening formed through the abutment plate and/or in the joist support and/or the hanger, the opening being adapted to receive a pipe or an electrical cable or other service, such as a fibre optic or other cabling.

12. A kit comprising: at least one pair of joist hangers according to any preceding Claim, a template to fit over a joist to define an axis of a bore of an opening, for example to be drilled through the joist in alignment with an opening, whereby in use, a pair of joist hangers to be secured to opposite sides of a joist have their openings in registration with the hole in the joist.

13. A kit according to Claim 12 includes a plurality of spacers, which in use, fit between adjacent joists in order to prevent lateral twist or inadvertent movement of joists.

14. A kit according to Claim 13 includes wherein the spacers include a variable device which is adapted to receive a spring for absorbing shocks and preventing transmission of forces between adjacent joists.

Ansprüche

1. Balkenaufhängung (10), umfassend: einen starren Träger (210), der von einem länglichen flächigen Element (11) definiert wird, das in der Form einer prismatischen Kastenstruktur (214) mit einer Anlageplatte (212b), die im Gebrauch an einer vertikalen Oberfläche in Anlage ist; dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mehrere Balkenschuhe (219) am starren Träger (210) angeformt sind, wobei jeder einen Balken (88) aufnehmen kann.

2. Balkenaufhängung nach Anspruch 1, die eine Wandaufhängung aufweist, die ein(e) an die Balkenaufhängung (10) angeformte(s) horizontale(s) Band oder Strebe beinhaltet, das/die sich an im Wesentlichen der gesamten Länge des starren Trägers (210) entlang erstreckt.

3. Balkenaufhängung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das/die Band oder Strebe die Form einer bzw. eines länglichen Platte oder Profils mit einer Lippe hat.

4. Balkenaufhängung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei an der Aufhängung ein Vorsprung oder eine Lasche (72) bereitgestellt ist, um mit einer Zement- oder Mörtelschicht in Eingriff zu kommen.

5. Balkenaufhängung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der prismatische Abschnitt aus der Gruppe ist, die Folgendes umfasst: ein Quadrat, ein Rechteck und ein Dreieck.

6. Balkenaufhängung nach Anspruch 5, wobei der starre Träger (210) im Querschnitt die Form eines Dreiecks hat, dessen eine Ecke rechtwinklig ist, und im Gebrauch an einer Wand oder anderen vertikalen Oberfläche oder aufrechten Stütze anliegt.

7. Balkenaufhängung nach Anspruch 6, wobei ein Teil der Seite des prismatischen Abschnitts, der im Querschnitt die Hypotenuse definiert, entfernt ist, um einen Ausschnitt (215) zu definieren, so dass eine Aussparung freigelegt wird, wobei die Aussparung einen Balkenschuh (230) zur Aufnahme eines Balkens (88) definiert.

8. Balkenaufhängung nach Anspruch 7, wobei der/die entfernte Teil oder Teile zurückgeklappt werden, um Stege (13, 14, 15, 16) oder Seitenplatten zu definieren, die im Gebrauch als Führungen zur Aufnahme des Balkens (88) wirken.

9. Balkenaufhängung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die einen Keil (91), der zur Aufnahme eines Stabs (92) ausgebildet ist, und eine Aussparung (95) zur Aufnahme einer Deckenplatte (nicht gezeigt) beinhaltet.

10. Balkenaufhängung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die aus einem nichtrostenden Stahl, einer Stahllegierung oder einem synthetischen Plastikmaterial mit einer hohen Zugfestigkeit gebildet ist.

11. Balkenaufhängung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die eine Öffnung hat, die durch die Anlageplatte und/oder im Balkenschuh und/oder in der Aufhängung ausgebildet ist, wobei die Öffnung zur Aufnahme eines Rohrs oder eines elektrischen Kabels oder einer anderen Zuleitung, wie Glasfaser- oder anderer Verkabelung, ausgeführt ist.

12. Bausatz, umfassend: wenigstens ein Paar Balkenaufhängungen nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, eine Schablone zum Anbringen über einem Balken, um eine Bohrungsachse einer Öffnung zu definieren, die zum Beispiel mit einer Öffnung fluchtend durch den Balken zu bohren ist, so dass im Gebrauch bei einem an entgegengesetzten Seiten eines Balkens zu befestigendem Paar Balkenaufhängungen ihre Öffnungen mit dem Loch im Balken deckungsgleich sind.

13. Bausatz nach Anspruch 12, der mehrere Abstandshalter beinhaltet, die im Gebrauch zwischen benachbarte Balken passen, um seitliche Verdrehungen oder eine ungewollte Bewegung von Balken zu verhindern.

14. Bausatz nach Anspruch 13, wobei die Abstandshalter eine variable Vorrichtung beinhalten, die zur Aufnahme einer Feder zur Stoßdämpfung und zum Verhüten der Kraftübertragung zwischen benachbarten Balken ausgeführt ist.

Revendications

1. Étrier à solives (10) comprenant : un support rigide (210) défini par une feuille allongée (11) qui est pliée et agencée sous la forme d'une structure en caisson prismatique (214) avec une plaque de butée (212b) qui, en utilisation, vient buter contre une surface verticale ; caractérisé en ce qu'une pluralité de supports de solive (219) sont formés d'un seul tenant avec le support rigide (210), chacun étant apte à recevoir une solive (88).

2. Étrier à solives selon la revendication 1, comprenant un étrier mural qui inclut une attache ou renfort horizontal formé d'un seul tenant avec l'étrier à solives (10) s'étendant le long de sensiblement la totalité de la longueur du support rigide (210).

3. Étrier à solives selon soit la revendication 1 soit la revendication 2, l'attache ou le renfort se présentant sous la forme d'une plaque ou extrusion allongée avec une lèvre.

4. Étrier à solives selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, un tenon ou volet (72) étant prévu sur l'étrier afin de se solidariser avec une couche de ciment ou de mortier.

5. Étrier à solives selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, la section prismatique provenant du groupe comprenant : un carré, un rectangle et un triangle.

6. Étrier à solives selon la revendication 5, le support rigide (210) ayant une coupe transversale triangulaire, un coin duquel étant un angle droit, et en utilisation s'appuyant contre une paroi ou autre surface ou montant vertical.

7. Étrier à solives selon la revendication 6, une portion du côté de la section prismatique, qui en coupe transversale définit l'hypoténuse, étant enlevée afin de définir une découpe (215) pour qu'un évidement soit révélé, l'évidement définissant un support de solive (230) pour recevoir une solive (88).

8. Étrier à solives selon la revendication 7, la portion ou les portions enlevées étant rabattues en arrière de sorte à définir des poutrelles (13, 14, 15) ou des panneaux latéraux qui, en utilisation, servent à agir en tant que guides pour la réception de la solive (88).

9. Étrier à solives selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, incluant une cale (91) conçue pour recevoir un bâton (92) et un évidement (95) pour recevoir un panneau-plafond (non illustré).

10. Étrier à solives selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, formé à partir d'un matériau : soit un acier inoxydable, soit un alliage d'acier, soit un matériau plastique synthétique ayant une résistance élevée à la traction.

11. Étrier à solives selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, possédant une ouverture formée à travers la plaque de butée et / ou dans le support de solive et / ou l'étrier, l'ouverture étant conçue de façon à recevoir une conduite ou un câble électrique ou un autre service, tel une fibre optique ou tout autre câblage.

12. Kit comprenant: au moins une paire d'étriers à solives selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, un gabarit pour s'adapter au-dessus d'une solive afin de définir un axe d'un alésage d'une ouverture, par exemple destiné à être percé à travers la solive en alignement avec une ouverture, ce qui fait, qu'en utilisation, une paire d'étriers à solives destinés à être fixés sur des côtés opposés d'une solive possèdent des ouvertures qui sont en repérage avec le trou dans la solive.

13. Kit selon la revendication 12, incluant une pluralité d'entretoises qui, en utilisation, se logent entre des solives adjacentes afin d'empêcher une torsion latérale ou un mouvement par inadvertance des solives.

14. Kit selon la revendication 13, les entretoises incluant un dispositif variable qui est conçu de façon à recevoir un ressort pour absorber des chocs et empêcher la transmission de forces entre des solives adjacentes.

Drawing