Abstract: A joist hanger is described which comprises one or more open-topped joist receiving sockets, each socket being defined by two side cheeks and a bridge section which joins the lower ends of the two side cheeks, the joist hanger further comprising one or more flanges by which the hanger can be secured to an abutting face and/or upper edge of a wall or beam, characterised in that the two side cheeks diverge from the bridge section to the open top of the joist receiving socket, so that the width of the socket is greater at the top than the bottom, such that a joist will fit snugly in the socket between the two side cheeks in the region of the bridge section but the upper portion of the socket is wider to facilitate entry thereinto of the joist.

Abstract: 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.