Patent ID: 7305802
Filing Date: 2007-12-11
Classification: E04G

Abstract:
1. A floor squeak eliminator and floor joist stiffening apparatus, comprising: a longitudinal member having opposite ends and a length, the longitudinal member extending along a horizontal length of a floor joist, the longitudinal member further comprising a tri-fold strap, the tri-fold strap further comprising a tri-fold, the tri-fold having a strap center and two outer sections, the strap center terminating in a strap cutout proximal to each end of the tri-fold strap, the outer sections transitioning into spaced apart mounting plates, the mounting plates for fastening on opposite sides of a joist length; means for attaching each end of the longitudinal member to the joist; means for adjustably pre-tensioning the longitudinal member wherein the adjustable pre-tensioning means is a single member pre-tensioning mechanism, the mechanism comprised of a u-channel bracket for fitting around a lower edge and sides of the joist, whereby the pre-tensioning force is vertically perpendicular to the length of the longitudinal member and the joist, whereby the joist is pre-tensioned; a pre-tensioning bolt affixed to the u-channel bracket and extending vertically downwards, the pre-tensioning bolt further comprised of a pre-tensioning nut, a washer, and a stress distributor, respectively, the stress distributor contacting an upper surface of the tri-fold, the tri-fold further comprising at least one pre-tensioning bolt receptacle for receiving the pre-tensioning bolt, the pre-tensioning nut for adjustably pre-tensioning the tri-fold strap, thereby pre-tensioning the joist.