Hangers

Abstract

In one form, a hanger is provided that can accept a construction member comprising two mounting plates each having an extension piece and a plurality of holes disposed on the mounting plates and extension pieces. Also provided is at least one joist plate connected to the mounting plates and extending outward to form an opening to accept at least one construction member and a plurality of holes disposed on the joist plate. Other embodiments provide for the joist plates to pivot about the mounting plates. Also, a swivel support may be movably attached and connect the joist plates at an end distal the mounting plates.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60/856,063, filed Nov. 2, 2006, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hangers, and more particularly to construction hangers that provide for increased strengthening of the structure the hanger is used for and provides for an enhanced structural integrity of the structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hangers for construction purposes of various types are well known in the art. Such devices are typically used in the construction industry to join beams and/or columns to create a variety of different structures. They are used for commercial and residential building construction.

However, previous hangers have some inherent disadvantages. One of the disadvantages with existing hangers is that they do not supply sufficient strength in certain applications and often, too many of them are required which increases construction costs and time to build a structure. Another disadvantage is that they do not provide for flexibility of structures they are used in and do not provide for elasticity of joints and fasteners. Many of the existing hangers are also difficult to work with and expensive to manufacture.

The present invention overcomes these and other problems inherent in existing hangers. The present invention provides construction hangers that provide for increased strengthening of the structure and enhanced structural integrity. The hangers are less expensive to manufacture than most existing construction hangers and provide for ease of use in the field.

In one form, a construction hanger is provided that provides for the length of time to perform a certain project is substantially decreased, the costs associated with the work are also decreased and the overall strengthening of the structure is enhanced. The cantilever hangers introduce flexibility, elasticity of joints and fasteners and at the same time provide for the possibility of different alternative functions required for every building site. Further, since virtually every project requiring hangers uses between 10-30 hangers at a minimum, the low cost of production for high volume of hangers 10 will provide for additional profits.

In one application, the cantilever hangers may be used for floor joists, porch decks, ceiling joists, or roof joists. In one embodiment, a hanger for short segments of final floor joists or ceilings is provided. The hanger may be used for making the final parts of floors or ceilings by means of beams supported only on one side. The hangers enable overhanging of short beams. The hangers may be made of metal plate-gauge 1/16″, ⅛″, 3/16″ or other dimensions depending on expected load capacity.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, a hanger is provided that can accept a construction member comprising two mounting plates each having an extension piece and a plurality of holes disposed on the mounting plates and extension pieces. Also provided is at least one joist plate connected to the mounting plates and extending outward to form an opening to accept at least one construction member and a plurality of holes disposed on the joist plate. Other embodiments provide for the joist plates to pivot about the mounting plates. Also, a swivel support may be movably attached and connect the joist plates at an end distal the mounting plates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hanger of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the hanger of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the hanger of FIG. 1 shown attached to a structure;

FIG. 4 shows an example of a balcony construction using hangers of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a roof construction using hangers of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of a curved balcony using hangers of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a soffit construction using hangers of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows a right side view of an alternate embodiment of a construction hanger;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a construction hanger;

FIG. 10 shows the right side view of an alternate embodiment of a construction hanger mounted to a structure;

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the construction hanger of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows a front view of the construction hanger of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12a shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a hanger;

FIG. 12b shows a perspective of an extension plate for use with one or more hangers;

FIG. 12c shows a perspective view of a connector for use with one or more hangers;

FIG. 12d shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of the hanger of 12a.

FIG. 12e shows a top view of an alternate embodiment of the hanger of 12a whereby the hanger is in a left angle position.

FIG. 12f shows a top view of the hanger of 12d whereby the hanger is in a right angle position.

FIG. 13 shows several examples of the construction hanger of FIG. 10 in use and connected to a structure;

FIG. 13a shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a hanger mounted to a structure;

FIG. 13b shows a top view of the hanger of FIG. 13a;

FIG. 13c shows the side view of one embodiment of a hexagonal, bolt with an angle cut washer;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a construction hanger;

FIG. 15 shows a right side view of the construction hanger of FIG. 14 mounted to a structure;

FIG. 15a shows the top view of an alternate embodiment of a construction hanger, whereby the hanger is angled to the right of the beam, it is mounted to;

FIG. 15b shows the top view of an alternate embodiment of a construction hanger, whereby the hanger is angled to the left of the beam it is mounted to;

FIG. 16 shows construction hangers of FIG. 14 mounted to various structures;

FIG. 17 shows the construction hanger of FIG. 14 mounted to various structures;

FIG. 18 shows an alternate embodiment of a construction hanger;

FIG. 19 shows the side view of the hanger of FIG. 18; and

FIG. 20 shows the top view of the hanger of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiments in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification for the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. In this disclosure, the use of the disjunctive is intended to include the conjunctive. The use of the definite article or indefinite article is not intended to indicate cardinality. In particular, a reference to “the” object or “a” object is intended to denote also one of a possible plurality of such objects.

In one form, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the invention is a cantilever hanger. In one application, the cantilever hangers may be used for floor joists, porch decks, ceiling joists, or roof joists. In one embodiment, a hanger for short segments of final floor joists or ceilings is provided. The hanger may be used for making the final parts of floors or ceilings by means of beams supported only on one side. The hangers enable overhanging of short beams. The hangers may be made of a metal plate-gauge 1/16″, ⅛″, 3/16″ or other dimensions depending on expected load capacity. The metal plate is bent into rectangular shape with a splice which enables pressure of the beam inserted in the hanger while hammering the nails or screwing in screws which fasten the beams to the hanger. In one embodiment, the hanger can be constructed from a single piece of sheet metal without the requirement of joining two or more pieces at a weld or seam. On one side of this rectangular shape two (2) wings adherent to the carrying beam (ridge beam-DBL Joister BEAM) are bent. The wings have upper splice on the carrying beam. They have top mount fastening features. The loading force of the beam is spread in groups by means of clockwise blocking hanger-top mount with additionally fixed wing and an upper splice which balances the stranding force. In some applications it is recommended to put joists every 12″ O.C. In one form, it is important to use ¾″ PLYWOOD hardware which is screwed into the beam provides for reinforcement of the spread layers. It is also important to ensure that the joist is adherent to the carrying beam. In that way the joist neutralizes the force from the final part of the carrying beam and the hangers only act to hold it in position. The size of hangers used depends on the final length and width of joists. In one application, it is recommended to use 3-4 maximum which enables a great variety of use.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in one embodiment, cantilever hanger 10 may have an open end 12, load bearing mounting plates 16 having holes 14, and load bearing joist plates 18 having opening 19. In one embodiment, joist plates 18 (or wing) are formed to create hole 12 by adapting connector plate 24 as shown in FIG. 1. Plate 24 may be secured to plate 18 by, for example, welding or riveting. A joist 20 may be inserted into hole 12 to achieve a substantially snug fit of the joist 20 placed inside the cantilever hanger. Mounting plates 16 are formed to fit adjacent beams 22 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3-7.

This system of cantilever hangers provides multiple benefits. For example, by using cantilever hangers 10, the length of time to perform a certain project is substantially decreased, the costs associated with the work are also decreased and the overall strengthening of the structure is enhanced. The cantilever hangers introduce flexibility, elasticity of joints and fasteners and at the same time provide for the possibility of different alternative functions required for every building site. Further, since virtually every project requiring hangers uses between 10-30 hangers at a minimum, the low cost of production for high volume of hangers 10 will provide for additional profits.

After joist 20 is inserted into an opening 12 of the cantilever hanger, holes 14 provide for fasteners to be inserted into the joist to maintain the joist in a fixed position within cantilever hanger 10. In one form, bolts, nails or screws may be used and inserted into holes 14 to secure the joist within cantilever hanger 10. In yet other embodiments, different fasteners may be used. Similarly, mounting plates 16 may be fixed to beam 22 by the use of bolts, nails, screws, or other fasteners. See, for example, FIG. 3.

There are multiple applications for cantilever hangers 10, FIG. 4 shows an example of the cantilever hangers 10 being used to form a small balcony. FIG. 5 shows a roof being formed by a system of the cantilever hangers 10. FIG. 6 shows the curved end of a balcony being constructed by using cantilever hangers 10. FIG. 7 shows soffit construction formed by use of cantilever hangers 10. There are also many other applications and structures that can be created by use of cantilever hangers 10. For example, this embodiment may be used to provide additional support for larger joists.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show yet another embodiment of cantilever hangers 10 which may be used in applications that require additional mounting support for mounting plates 16. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, additional mounting plate extension pieces 17 may be placed so that they extend from mounting plate 16 to wrap around opposite side of beam 22 for yet increased strength and support of cantilever hanger 10. Extension pieces 17, also have one or more Holes 14 so fasteners can be inserted to attach the hanger 10 to Beam 22.

FIGS. 10-13 show hinge hangers 30. Hinge hangers 30 provide flexible, adjustable angle support for a variety of different joists, trusses and other structural members. As shown in FIG. 13, some examples of how hinge hangers 30 may be used are with standard wood joists, I-joists, floor trusses, roof trusses and other applications. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, one embodiment of hinge hanger 30 may include a joist plate 32 (or wing) having holes 34, whereby joist plates 32 form an opening 33. Also provided are mounting plates 36 having holes 38 and extending to form hinge portions 39. Substantially shown in the drawings, in one form, one or more pins 42 join joist plates 32 to mounting plates 36.

Also shown are extension plates 44 having openings 45 whereby extension plates 44 are attached or formed as a unitary part of joist plate 32. One or more extension plates 46 connect plates 44 and are movably attached to plates 44 whereby a connector 47 (in one form a rivet) passes through opening 45. In one embodiment, the materials used for the hinge hangers may be zinc-coated sheet gauge 1/16″, ⅛″, 3/16″ or other gauges depending on expected load capacity. In yet other embodiments, different materials can be used.

During use, a joist 62 or other structural member is positioned within opening 33 so as to allow for the required angle between the joist and beam. Holes 34 provide for fasteners to be inserted into the joist to maintain the joist in a fixed position within hinge hanger 30. In one form, bolts, nails or screws may be used and inserted into holes 34 to secure the joist within hinge hanger 30. In yet other embodiments, different fasteners may be used. Similarly, mounting plates 36 may be fixed to the beam by the use of bolts, nails, screws, or other fasteners. See, for example, FIGS. 10-13. Hinge hangers 30 may be adjusted to provide for any required angle necessary between the beam and the structural member or joist placed in hanger 30. In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12d, 12e and 12f, the hanger may be supplied whereby one joist plate 32 is longer than the adjacent joint plate in this embodiment, when the hanger is positioned to the right for example as in FIG. 12 f, the ends of plates 32 extend to substantially the same distance along any structural member the hanger is supporting. Thereby this configuration provides even great support and structural integrity.

As shown in FIGS. 13b and 13c, a reinforcement assembly 70 may be provided to provide additional security, strength and rigidity to the hanger, in one form, the assembly 70 comprises a bolt 71 having threads 72, one or more angle cut washers 73 and one or more nuts 74 or fasteners to provide for adjustment of the assembly 70.

In one embodiment, a hinge hanger with only one wing may be supplied. This format could be used with joists for floors, ceilings, porch decks and other construction applications. In one form, the hanger may consist of the following parts: (i) one metal plate adherent to main beam hanging-top mount—for stronger support features; (ii) one “wing” metal plate joined as a hinge to provide for movement; (iii) at the wing there are two or more holders at the top and bottom to keep joists positioned within the metal plate, wing and holders and holes for nails or screws are provided; (iv) this embodiment may be used as single and/or left angle or right angle; and (v) the size of the hangers—height, width and additional elements can be adapted to the size of the beams, ceiling, floors or roof rafters-joists for a particular application.

Generally, in one form, a skew hanger is provided with a regulated angle of fastening of the two beams. It can be used with floors, ceilings, porch decks, etc. The raw material used may be zinc coated sheet gauge 1/16″, ⅛″, 3/16″ depending on expected load capacity. Steel or aluminum rivets, or other alloys rivets enabling hammering of nailheads in the heat after joining all the elements during the production process may be used. Steel rod (diameter ⅛″—or more depending on the size of the hanger and planned load capacity) may be used. At the end of the rod there may be a flat head in the upper portion. In one form, the hanger consists of the following parts: (i) two load bearing metal plates, adherent to mainbeam hanging—top mount or face mount; (ii) two “wing” metal plates joined in a hinge manner with load bearing metal plates; (iii) at the bottom of the “wing” metal plate there is a rectangular “foot” metal plate with a cut-out elliptic hole; (iv) both “wings” are jointed by means of a flat metal plate—“connector” with two rivets inserted in elliptic holes; (v) in the sides of the “wings” there are holes for screws, bolts or nails. For larger load capacity—there may be a screw joined to two rests which are cut in angular form to maintain the angle of junction; (vi) the weight of the beam inserted in the “hanger” is distributed over screws in side wings and on the main screw. “Connectors” supports the beam only while fitting; and (vii) the size of the hanger—height, width and additional elements will be adapted to accept and adapt to the size of the beams, ceilings or rafters.

Swivel hangers 50 are shown in FIGS. 14-17. In yet other embodiments, swivel hangers may be supplied. These hangers may be built by: (i) two separate wings hang to bearing beam-face mount by nails or screw through holes in metal wings; (ii) at the bottom there is a connector-saddle for keeping joist. This saddle is hung on two rivets but can turn and/or rotate. In this embodiment, saddle is hanging joist in any angle; (iii) to reduce load from joist it is necessary to put through wings holes nails or screws; (iv) there are other possibilities for the hangers; left turn, straight or right turn; and (v) the size of the hangers as it relates to height, width and additional elements can be adapted to the standard size of a joist for the roof, ceiling and/or decks, etc.

There are multiple applications for swivel hangers 50, such as for example, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 shows an example of swivel hangers 50 used to support roof rafters and tray ceiling joists. FIG. 17 shows swivel hangers 50 used to support roof joists, metal joists, I-joists and wood standard joists in a roof rafters application. Additional uses for swivel hangers 50 are also available for a variety of applications.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in one form hangers 50 have joist plates 52 and attached beam extension plates 54 each having a plurality of holes 53. One or more swivel support pieces 58 are movably connected to plates 52 using one or more fasteners to enable the swivel supports 58 to rotate with respect to joist plates 52. Opening 56 may be formed between joist plates 52 and swivel support 58 and can accept a joist or other structural member to be positioned in opening 56. In one embodiment, the materials used for the swivel hangers may be zinc-coated sheet thickness 1/16″, ⅛″, 3/16″ or other gauges depending on expected load capacity. In yet other embodiments, still different materials and varying thicknesses can be used. In yet other embodiment as shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b, hanger 50 may be angled to the left or right while still maintaining the benefits of the other embodiments discussed herein.

During use, in one application, a joist or other structural member is positioned in opening 56 and is adjusted to receive the required angle as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. Holes 53 may provide for fasteners to be inserted into the joist to maintain the joist in a fixed position within swivel hanger 50. In one form, bolts, nails, screws or other fasteners may be used and inserted into holes 53 to secure the joist within swivel hanger 50. In yet other embodiments, different fasteners may be used. Similarly, plates 54 may be fixed to the beam by the use of bolts, nails, screws, or other fasteners. See, for example, FIGS. 14-17.

Yet other embodiments shown in FIGS. 18-20. FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 show another alternate embodiment of FIG. 8. In one form, hinged FIG. 80 may have a mounting plate 90, a mounting plate extension 91, extension plate 86 adjacent mounting plate extension 91, one or more hinges 83 positioned and connected to joist plate 81 whereby one or more hinge 42 join hinges 83. Joist plate 81 comprises one or more joist plate portions 82 forming an opening 85 into which a joist can be received. Further included is a top faced plate 92 and holes 88 positioned in numerous places to provide for attachment of the hanger to the structure and to mount joists within the hanger. There are multiple applications for hanger 80, such as for example support for roof rafters and ceiling joists, support for roof joists, metal joists, I-joists and wood standard joists in a roof rafters application. Considerable additional uses for hangers 80 are also available for a variety of different applications. In one embodiment, the materials used for hangers 80 may be zinc coated, sheet thickness 1/16″, ⅛″, 3/16″ or yet other gauges depending on expected load capacity. In yet embodiments, still different materials and varying differences can be used.

Specific embodiments of novel methods and apparatus for construction of hangers according to the present invention have been described for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention is made and used. It should be understood that the implementation of other variations and modifications of the invention and its various aspects will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.

Claims

1. A hanger that can accept a construction member comprising;

two mounting plates each having an extension piece and a plurality of holes disposed on the mounting plates and extension pieces; and

one joist plate connected to each mounting plate and extending outward to form an opening to accept at least one construction member and a plurality of holes disposed on each joist plate.

2. The hanger of claim 1 wherein at least one mounting plate has an extension piece that is joined to the mounting plate to form a right angle with the plate.

3. The hanger of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of hinges attached to the mounting plates whereby the joist plates are attached to the mounting plates at the hinges to enable the joist plates to pivot about the mounting plates.

4. The hanger of claim 3 wherein the joist plates comprise an extension portion disposes on one end of the plate and having an opening to accept an extension plate to rotatably join the two plates.

5. The hanger of claim 4 wherein a first joist plate has different dimensions than a second joist plate.

6. The hanger of claim 4 further comprising a reinforcement assembly joined to each joist plate to maintain a fixed position of the joist plates.

7. The hanger of claim 1 wherein a swivel support is movably attached to each joist plate distal the mounting plates and connects the two joist plates.

8. A hanger that can accept a construction member comprising;

at least two mounting plates each having at least one extension piece and a plurality of holes disposed on the mounting plates and extension pieces; and

at least one joist plate connected to at least one mounting plate and extending outward to form an opening to accept at least one construction member and a plurality of holes disposed on each joist plate.

9. The hanger of claim 8 wherein at least one mounting plate has an extension piece that is joined to the mounting plate to form a right angle with the plate.

10. The hanger of claim 8 further comprising a plurality of hinges attached to the mounting plates whereby the joist plates are attached to the mounting plates at the hinges to enable the joist plates to pivot about the mounting plates.

11. The hanger of claim 10 wherein the joist plates comprise an extension portion disposes on one end of the plate and having an opening to accept an extension plate to rotatably join the two plates.

12. The hanger of claim 11 wherein a first joist plate has different dimensions than a second joist plate.

13. The hanger of claim 11 wherein a first joist plate has different dimensions than a second joist plate.

14. The hanger of claim 8 wherein a swivel support is movably attached to each joist plate distal the mounting plates and connects the two joist plates.

15. A hanger that can accept a construction member comprising;

one mounting plate having an extension piece and a plurality of holes disposed on the mounting plate and extension piece; and

one joist plate movably attached to the mounting plate to allow the joist plate to pivot about the mounting plate and the joist plate configured to form an opening to accept at least one construction member.

16. The hanger of claim 15 wherein at least one mounting plate has an extension piece that is joined to the mounting plate to form a right angle with the plate.

17. The hanger of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of hinges attached to the mounting plates whereby the joist plates are attached to the mounting plates at the hinges to enable the joist plates to pivot about the mounting plates.

18. The hanger of claim 17 wherein the joist plates comprise an extension portion disposed on one end of the plate and having an opening to accept an extension plate to rotatably join the two plates.