Patent Publication Number: US-2023151604-A1

Title: Two-Part Clamping Building Support Hanger

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/009,494 for “Two-Part Clamp Joist Hanger”, filed Apr. 14, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates generally to the field of building construction connectors, more particularly to a hanger for supporting and attaching an elongate building support member relative to a building support member, and more particularly a two-part laterally clamping building member support hanger optionally with preset fasteners, which may be utilized for attaching joists to a ledger. 
     In construction and building fields, brackets and hangers are common for assisting in the connection of one building member to another, such as an elongate joist to a rear support member, such as a ledger. Hangers are often formed of metal, such as steel and include numerous sides and surfaces used for attaching to a support member and joist, and holding and supporting the joist. 
     One common type of joist is a deck or floor joist used as a substructure to support an overlying deck or floor structure. Deck joists can attach to an end support member, usually on a side of a building, and extend substantially perpendicular therefrom at a height substantially parallel to the other joists. A joist hanger is used as an intermediate member to attach the joists to the support member. Joist hangers are usually formed of a single piece of steel with opposite sides and a bottom web for holding and supporting a joist from underneath, and rear and/or top flange elements for attaching to a support member. Typically, a joist is installed via first attaching a joist hanger to a ledger at a specific height, then placing the end of a joist within the joist hanger supported by the hanger web portion. Once in place, the joist can be secured by driving fasteners through portions of the hanger straight into the joist and/or obliquely so as to pass through the joist and into the ledger for enhanced strength. 
     A common type of fastener attachment technique is referred to in the building industry as “toenailing” or a “toenail” connection, whereby two fasteners are driven obliquely through opposite sides of the joist and into the support member. This technique can be employed with or without a joist hanger to enhance the strength of the connection. 
     One common difficulty associated with installing joists is ensuring that all fasteners are driven at the preferred positions and even angles and positions as required by code. Additionally, there are no known joist hangers that can be attached to a joist prior to the ledger. Additionally, there are no known joist hangers that can be used with joists of varying sizes. Typically, a specifically sized joist hanger is required for each size joist. Thus, it would be useful to provide a joist hanger with capabilities to improve upon these common issues. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a clamping hanger for attaching an elongate building member to a building support member comprises a first member and a second member. The first member defines a first side and a first lateral web section having at least one first locking tooth. The second member defines a second side and a channel with a second locking tooth cooperative with the at least one first locking tooth. The first member and second member are lockingly attachable to one another via cooperation of the at least one first locking tooth and the second locking tooth to trap the elongate building member between the first side and second side in a clamped arrangement with the first web section in abutment with an edge of the elongate building member. 
     In another embodiment, a clamping hanger for attaching an elongate building member to a building support member comprises a first member and second member. The first member comprises a flat first side member and a laterally extending first web member, and the second member comprises a flat second side member and a laterally extending second web member. The first web member and second web member include cooperative ratchet teeth to lock to one another and thereby attach the first member to the second member to trap a joist between the first side member and second side member in a clamped arrangement. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method of attaching an elongate building member to a building support includes the initial steps of providing an elongate building member and providing a two-part hanger. The two-part hanger comprises a first member with a first side panel and a first web section that includes a first locking member. The second member comprises a second side panel and second web section that includes a second locking member that is cooperative with the first locking member. The first member is attached to the second member with an end of the elongate building member between the first side panel and second side panel via connection of the first locking member to the second locking member with the elongate building member clamped between the first side panel and second side pane. The hanger and elongate beam are then attached to a ledger. 
     In one embodiment, the first member and second member may be formed of a polymer or composite material. 
     In one embodiment, the first member and second member are contoured to clampingly trap an I-beam. 
     In one embodiment, a ratchet channel is formed in a second web member of the second member. 
     In one embodiment, the channel includes a plurality of spaced apart locking teeth. 
     In one embodiment, the first member and second member are attachable to one another at a variety of different lateral positions. 
     In one embodiment, the first member and second member each includes a rear flange. The rear flanges may be perpendicular to the first side and the second side and may also define openings for fasteners. 
     In one embodiment, the first member and second member define a plurality of fastener guide openings through which a fastener can be driven. 
     The fastener guide openings may be formed by cylindrical projections. 
     In one embodiment, fastener guide openings extend obliquely through each side member of the first and second member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    shows an embodiment of a two-part joist hanger with preset fasteners; 
         FIG.  2    is a front perspective view of the joist hanger of  FIG.  1    with fasteners removed; 
         FIG.  3    is a front elevation view of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIGS.  4  and  5    show the disclosed joist hanger separated into its two distinct parts; 
         FIG.  6    is a graphical representation of a clamping attachment of the joist hanger to a joist; 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of a building connection using the disclosed joist hanger; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of a half portion of the joist hanger of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a top elevation view of the disclosed joist hanger; 
         FIG.  10    shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the disclosed joist hanger with first and second members unattached; 
         FIG.  11    is a front elevation view of the hanger of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of the hanger of  FIG.  10    with the first and second members attached to each other; 
         FIG.  13    is a front elevation view of the hanger of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the disclosed hanger configured for clamping engagement with an I-beam; 
         FIG.  15    is a front elevation view of the hanger of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of the hanger of  FIG.  14    with first and second member attached; and 
         FIG.  17    is a front elevation view of the hanger of  FIG.  16   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Among the benefits and improvements disclosed herein, other objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the following wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several figures. Detailed embodiments of clamping hanger for use in securing building support members are disclosed; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention which are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. 
     Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in some embodiments” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), though it may. The phrases “in another embodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. 
     In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on”. 
     Further, the terms “substantial,” “substantially,” “similar,” “similarly,” “analogous,” “analogously,” “approximate,” “approximately,” and any combination thereof mean that differences between compared features or characteristics is less than 25% of the respective values/magnitudes in which the compared features or characteristics are measured and/or defined. 
     Additionally, the embodiments described herein are done so with primary reference to a preferred embodiment that is a joist hanger for attaching a joist beam to a rear ledger. However, it is understood that the embodiments are not limited as such, and the inventive concepts embodied in the disclosed embodiments apply to a wide variety of hangers or brackets for use in attaching elongate building support members or beams to another support member. Herein, the term “joist” is synonymous with and shall encompass a beam or elongate building member. Likewise, the term “ledger” is synonymous with and shall encompass any building support member or structure to which a beam may be attached. 
     With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the figures, a laterally clamping joist hanger  10  is shown and described. The hanger  10  includes two cooperative half portions (referred to herein as a left member  12  and right member  14 ) that attach via a locking ratchet engagement. When the left member and right member are attached, they combine to form the joist hanger  10  with opposite left and right side panels,  20  and  22 , separated from each other by a laterally extending web  17  and defining a cavity  13  for maintaining an end of a beam (i.e., joist J). As will be discussed in detail below, the web is formed by an outer web member  16  in one portion (left) and an inner web member  18  in the opposite portion (right) that engage cooperatively with one another in a ratchet locking attachment. In the depicted embodiments, the outer member  16  is part of the left member  12  and the inner member  18  is part of the right member  14 , however, embodiments exist wherein this relative configuration is reversed. 
     Each of the half portions includes a rear flange  24 / 26  extending at an approximately right angle from the left and right side panels,  20 / 22 , respectively. The depicted embodiments employ outer rear flanges  24 / 26 , however, embodiments exist with rear flanges that extend at right angles from the sides  20 / 22  to the inside of the joist hanger  10 . The inner surfaces of the left and right sides  20 / 22  can be provided with a plurality of prongs or teeth  36  for puncturing the surface of a wooden joist and assisting a robust locking attachment of the hanger  10 . As shown in the Figures, the rear flanges  24 / 26  include one or more tubular support surfaces defining rear fastener openings  28 / 32 , which extend substantially perpendicularly through the flange. Each of the side members  20 / 22  includes one or more tubular support surfaces defining side fastener openings  30 / 34 . In contrast to the rear openings  28 / 32 , the side fastener openings  30 / 34  preferably extend obliquely through the respective side member  20 / 22 . The oblique relationship is specifically configured to assist in creating a toenail connection between the hanger  10 , joist J and ledger L. With reference to  FIG.  1   , each of the respective tubular support surfaces that form the rear openings  28 / 32  and side openings  30 / 34  are configured to support a fastener  40  that may come preset within the respective opening. Providing a hanger with at least some preset fasteners aligned within the openings in this manner improves installation time and can improve preciseness of the angle at which the fasteners are driven. 
     With reference to  FIG.  9   , preferably, each of the fastener openings,  30  and  34 , has a central axis, A L /A R  that extends at an angle, α and β, within an approximate range of 15-60° relative to the respective flat side member,  20  and  22 , through which it extends. More preferably, each of the axes, A L  and A R , extends within an approximate range of 25-45° relative to the respective flat side. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each of the axes, A L  and A R , extends at approximately 35° relative to the respective flat side. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , the first (left) member  12  and second (right) member  14  that form the hanger  10  are actually two separate members that attach to each other to form the hanger. As shown, the right member  14  includes an inner web member  18  with a series of teeth  38  in its outer surface. The left member  12  includes an outer web member  16  with a flat outer surface  42  and defining an inner ratchet channel  39  with a series of notches or reversed acute teeth configured to lockingly receive the teeth  38  of the inner web member  18  to lock the left and right members laterally. As shown in the cross-sectional view of the left member in  FIG.  8   , the notches in the ratchet channel  39  have an acute configuration which creates a permanent or near permanent attachment with the teeth  38  with similar acute outer surfaces, i.e., the configuration and shape of the teeth and channels prevents reverse pullout of the inner member  18  from the outer member  16  once engaged. Other embodiments exist that incorporate a release lever to actuate a locking tooth in one or both of the outer web member  16  or inner web member  18  to optionally release the ratchet engagement. 
     Unlike any known joist hangers, the disclosed hanger  10  is configured to be pre-attached to a joist prior to attaching the joist and hanger to a ledger.  FIG.  6    shows a representation of an attachment of the hanger  10  to a joist J. The left member  12  and right member  14  are pushed together with teeth  38  of the inner web member  18  received within the inner ratchet channel  39  to clamp the joist J between the left and right sides,  20  and  22 , with the lower edge of the joist J against the flat outer surface  42  of the outer web member  16 . When the left member  12  and right member  14  are clamped together tightly, the prongs  30  may penetrate the surfaces of the joist to assist in effecting a tight attachment. While not present in the depicted embodiments, the side panels,  20  and  22 , may include additional holes for driving fasteners straight (left and right in the view of  FIG.  6   ) into the joist after making an initial tight ratchet attachment. 
     After clamping attachment of the hanger  10  to the joist J, the joist J can be positioned as desired and attached to a ledger L via fasteners  40  driven straight through the rear flanges,  24  and  26  (see  FIG.  7   ). Finally, fasteners  40  are driven through the oblique openings,  30  and  34 , through a rear portion of the joist J and into the ledger L to form a toenail connection. Notably, the vertical positioning of the right side oblique openings  34  is offset from the vertical positioning of the left side oblique openings  30  to prevent the obliquely driven fasteners from colliding or obstructing one another. The process of attaching the hanger  10  to the joist J first, instead of to the ledger L, as is common in the art, helps installers level the joists relative to one another as there is often a natural variability in the actual dimensions of lumber used for joists. 
     The preferred embodiment of the joist hanger is made from a molded polymeric or composite material, which allows optional pre-setting of the fasteners  40 . The fasteners are typically steel, which may be treated in any known manner to improve strength, hardness and corrosion resistive properties (i.e., heat treating, coating, etc.). The hardware is not limited in terms of dimension. Other elements can be incorporated into the hanger  10  to improve strength, such as for example, ribs in the outer surface and/or raised dimple portions around the fastener openings. 
       FIGS.  10 - 13    show another embodiment of a hanger  100 . This embodiment is substantially similar to the hanger  10  of  FIGS.  1 - 9   , including a first (left) member  112  with a left panel  120  and left rear flange  124  and a second (right) member  114  with a right panel  122  and right rear flange  126 . Likewise, each of the rear flanges includes a plurality of rear fasteners openings,  128  and  132 . The side panels additionally preferably include side fastener openings like those shown as reference numerals  30  and  34  in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , which are configured to allow driving of fasteners obliquely through the panels and into the elongate building member (joist) and building support (ledger) to establish a toenail connection. 
     In this embodiment of the hanger  100 , rather than including two cooperative web members like the earlier embodiment, one member  114  includes a web member  116  with a series of spaced teeth  138  in at least a distal portion. The other member  112  includes a slot  118  extending laterally through a portion of the member with at least one locking tooth  139  configured to cooperate with the teeth  138  in the web member  116  to lock the left and right members,  112  and  114 , together. The teeth  138  in slot  118  locking configuration is comparable in operation and function to a cable tie (also referred to as a zip tie). 
     The hanger  100  operates much like the earlier embodiment. The left member  112  and right member  114  are attached to one another via extending the web member  116  with the teeth  138  through the slot  118  to lock with the tooth  139 , thereby forming a cavity between the right panel  122 , left panel  120  and web member  116  for an elongate beam (joist). The right and left members are moved together with the teeth of the web member  116  pulled through the slot  118  until the beam is trapped tightly between the respective panels in a clamped configuration. Beams of differing thicknesses can be attached in this manner simply by pulling the web through the slot until the beam is clamped between the side panels. Any excess portion of the web  16  extending through the slot  18  can optionally be cut and removed. After attaching the hanger  100  to the beam, they can be attached to a rear support via fasteners driven through the rear fastener openings/guides,  128  and  132 , and then the side fastener openings/guides,  130  and  134 , which extend obliquely through the side panels,  120  and  122 . Like the earlier embodiments, each of the left and right side openings are vertically offset from each other to allow fasteners to cross when driven through them into the beam and support member. 
     Additionally, while the depicted embodiment includes a set of teeth  138  in both the upper and lower surfaces of the web member  116 , other embodiments exist with teeth in only one surface (upper or lower). Likewise, the slot  118  with tooth  139  can be configured to cooperate with the particular web member (i.e., tooth in bottom or top of slot or teeth in both top and bottom). 
     Another embodiment of a hanger  200  is depicted generally in  FIGS.  14 - 17   . As shown, this embodiment includes a left member  212  and right member  214  with surfaces and panels specifically designed to combine to form an I-shaped cavity to accommodate an end of an I-beam. As can be seen, the hanger  200  is formed from a first member  212  and second member  214  with similar general characteristics as the earlier embodiments, including side panels,  220  and  222 , in each configured to clampingly trap an end of a beam when the first and second members are attached to one another. As shown, the first and second members,  212  and  214 , include contours that define upper and lower slots,  270  and  272 , respectively, to accommodate the flanges of an I-beam. As can be seen, in the depicted exemplary embodiment, the second member  214  includes a laterally extending section with spaced teeth  238  configured to be received within a slot  218  and cooperate with at least one locking tooth  239  in the first member  212  in a ratchet locking engagement. 
     Each of the first and second members includes a rear flange,  224  and  226 , with fastener openings,  228  and  232 , for assisting in attaching the I-beam and hanger to a support structure, much like the joist J and ledger L shown in  FIG.  7   . 
     Alternate embodiments of the I-beam hanger  200  exist with a ratchet mechanism like that of the hanger  10  in  FIGS.  1 - 7   . In such embodiments, a ratchet channel is defined within a laterally extending web section in the first member  212 , in place of the slot  218  shown in  FIGS.  14 - 17   . 
     Like the hanger  10 , the hangers,  100  and  200 , are preferably made from a molded polymeric or composite material and may optionally include pre-set fasteners in any of the fastener openings. 
     The disclosed embodiments of the clamping hanger,  10 ,  100  and  200 , provide substantial variability by being usable to clamp beams having virtually any thickness or double beams. The ratchet locking mechanism provides a robust rigid clamping attachment to the beam. Additionally, the embodiments allow optional presetting of fasteners to improve efficiency and accuracy of installation. 
     While preferred embodiments of the foregoing have been set forth for purposes of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed a limitation of the invention herein. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention.