Patent Abstract:
A one piece web stiffener that may be easily and quickly installed between the upper and lower flanges of a joist without having to slide the web stiffener in from and end of the joist is disclosed. One embodiment of the web stiffener includes a web and a pair of protruding flanges. Opposing upper and lower corners are provided at angles to enable the web stiffener to be inserted between returns formed on the upper and lower flanges of the joist and then rotated to fit relatively tightly between the upper and lower flanges of the joist. In other embodiments, one corner is radiused and an opposing corner is angled. Other embodiments include radiuses on two diagonal corners or radiused ends to enable the web stiffeners to be inserted between the upper and lower flanges of a joist and then rotated into a final web stiffening position wherein it can be attached to the joist web.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The invention relates to building construction components and, more particularly, to devices for stiffening the webs of metal joists to provide reinforcement and prevent crippling of the joist web.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Invention Background  
         [0004]     Traditionally, the material of choice for new residential and commercial building framing construction has been wood. However, over the years, the rising costs of lumber and labor required to install wood framing components have placed the dream of owning a newly constructed home out of the economic reach of many families. Likewise such increasing costs have contributed to the slowing of the development and advancement of urban renewal plans in many cities. Other problems such as the susceptibility to fire and insect damage, rotting, etc. are commonly associated with wood building products.  
         [0005]     In view of the foregoing problems and shortcomings of wood construction, steel is rapidly gaining acceptance among homebuilders and homeowners alike due to its cost effectiveness, dimensional stability, noncombustibility, insect resistance, durability, high strength-to-weight ratio and recycleability. These advantages have long been recognized by the commercial construction industry wherein steel has been the material of choice for several decades.  
         [0006]     Regardless of whether a building comprises a multistory commercial structure or a single story residence, the floor of a structure is commonly formed from a series of support members that span the distance between support structures or support walls. These support members are known in the industry as floor joists and commonly have a web portion and an upper flange and a lower flange. Short “returns” or bends are provided on the ends of the upper and lower flanges. Such floors are generally constructed with steel joists having depths that range from 8 to 14 inches (203 to 356 mm) with a steel thickness from 43 mil to 97 mil (1.1 to 2.5 mm).  
         [0007]     The ends of the joists are coupled to C-shaped tracks referred to as rim joists that are either supported on a wall or other structure by one of their flanges or have their webs attached to the wall or structure. The joists are commonly attached to the joist rims by conventional L-shaped clips or by tabs that are integrally formed in the web of the rim joist. Web stiffeners (sometimes also called bearing stiffeners or transverse stiffeners) are used to strengthen the web of the joist member by increasing its web crippling strength and preventing the joist from crumpling due to applied loads.  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates a prior web stiffener  10  that has a web portion  12  and two outwardly protruding flange portions  14 .  FIG. 2  illustrates the use of one conventional web stiffener  10  in connection with a conventional rim joist  20  and a conventional joist  30 . In practice, it is usually desirable for the web stiffener  10  to extend across the depth of the web  32  of the joist  30 . Such stiffeners  10  can be installed on either side of the web  32  of the joist  30  (either on the outside of the joist web  32 — FIG. 1  or on the inside of the joist web  32 — FIG. 3 ). When installed on the inside (between the lower flange  34  and the upper flange  36  of the joist  30 ), the web stiffener  10  is installed by sliding it in from the end of the joist  30 . Such installation method can be cumbersome and time consuming. Moreover, the web stiffener  10  must be properly sized relative to the joist  30  to enable it to be installed between the joist flanges  34 ,  36 . Consequently, such one-piece web stiffeners  10  are often installed on the outside of the joist  30  ( FIG. 3 ). Such installation method is not always available and the web stiffener  10  lends no support to the upper flange  36  of the joist  30 .  
         [0009]     In an effort to address such installation shortcomings when installing one-piece web stiffeners on the inside of the joist, two piece web stiffeners were developed.  FIG. 4  illustrates a prior two-piece web stiffener  40 . When using such web stiffener  40 , the stiffener  40  is inserted into position between the flanges  24  and  26  of the joist  20  and then one piece  42  of the stiffener is moved relative to the other piece  44  of the stiffener  40  until at least piece  42  abuts the lower flange  24  and the other piece  44  abuts the upper flange  26 . Screws  38  are then installed through slots  46  in the pieces  42 ,  44  to retain the pieces  42 ,  44  in position. Such two-piece embodiment, while effective, is more difficult to manufacture and requires extra screws to install.  
         [0010]     Thus, as can be appreciated from the forgoing discussion, there is a need for a simple one-piece web stiffener that can be easily and quickly installed on the inside of a floor joist between the upper and lower flanges, after the joist has already been installed, which eliminates the traditional requirement of pre-installed stiffeners.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0011]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a web stiffener that comprises a substantially C-shaped member that has a web portion. In one embodiment, the web portion has a top edge and a bottom edge and first and second lateral sides that extend between the top edge and the bottom edge. A first flange protrudes outward from the first lateral side of the web portion and extends between the top edge and the bottom edge. A first portion of the top edge that intersects the first flange extends at a first substantially acute angle relative to a remaining portion of the top edge. A second flange protrudes from the second lateral side of the web portion and extends between the top edge and the bottom edge. A second portion of the bottom edge that intersects the second flange extends at a second substantially acute angle relative to a remaining portion of the bottom edge.  
         [0012]     Another embodiment of the subject invention comprises a support wall and a rim joist that is attached to the support wall. At least one joist is attached to the rim joist. Each joist has a joist web and upper and lower joist flanges protruding therefrom. At least one web stiffener is oriented adjacent to the joist web of a corresponding joist. The web stiffener comprises a web portion that has a top edge and a bottom edge and first and second lateral sides that extend between the top edge and the bottom edge. A first flange protrudes outward from the first lateral side of the web portion and extends between the top edge and the bottom edge. A first portion of the top edge that intersects the first flange extends at a first substantially acute angle relative to a remaining portion of the top edge. A second flange protrudes from the second lateral side of the web portion and extends between the top edge and the bottom edge. A second portion of the bottom edge that intersects the second flange extends at a second substantially acute angle relative to a remaining portion of the bottom edge.  
         [0013]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a floor structure that includes a support wall and a first joist that has a first joist end that is supported on the support wall. The first joist has a first joist web and upper and lower first joist flanges protruding therefrom. A second joist that has a second joist end is also supported on the support wall adjacent to the first joist end. The second joist has a second joist web and upper and lower second joist flanges. At least one web stiffener is oriented adjacent to one of the first and second joist webs and is attached thereto. The web stiffener comprises a web portion that has a top edge and a bottom edge and first and second lateral sides extending between the top edge and the bottom edge. A first flange protrudes outward from the first lateral side of the web portion and extends between the top edge and the bottom edge. A first portion of the top edge that intersects the first flange extends at a first substantially acute angle relative to a remaining portion of the top edge. A second flange protrudes from the second lateral side of the web portion and extends between the top edge and the bottom edge. A second portion of the bottom edge that intersects the second flange extends at a second substantially acute angle relative to a remaining portion of the bottom edge.  
         [0014]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a web stiffener that has a web. The web has a top edge and a bottom edge. The top edge has a non-radiused portion and a radiused portion wherein the radiused portion forms an upper corner portion of the web. The bottom edge has a non-radiused portion and a radiused portion wherein the radiused portion of the lower edge forms a lower corner portion that is diagonally opposite to the upper corner portion. A first flange protrudes from a side of the web and extends from the non-radiused portion of the bottom edge to the radiused portion of the top edge. A second flange protrudes from another side of the web and extends from the non-radiused portion of the top edge to the radiused portion of the bottom edge.  
         [0015]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a web stiffener that has a web. The web has a top edge and a bottom edge and a first lateral side edge that extends between the top edge and the bottom edge. A portion of the first lateral side edge is substantially perpendicular to the top edge and another portion of the first lateral side is not substantially perpendicular to the top edge. The web further has a second lateral side edge that extends between the top and bottom edges such that a portion of the second lateral side edge is substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge and another portion of the second lateral side is not substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge. A first flange protrudes outward from a portion of the first lateral side edge that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge of the web. A second flange protrudes outward from a portion of the second lateral side edge that is substantially perpendicular to the top edge of the web.  
         [0016]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a web stiffener that has a web. The web has first and second lateral side edges and a top edge that extends in a radius between the first and second lateral sides and a bottom edge that extends in a radius between the first and second lateral sides. A first flange protrudes from the first lateral side and a second flange protrudes from the second lateral side.  
         [0017]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a web stiffener that has a web having a first edge and a second edge and a pair of lateral side edges. One side edge extends between the first edge and the second edge such that a portion of the side edge is substantially perpendicular to the second edge and another portion of the side edge is not substantially perpendicular to the first edge. Another side edge extends between the first and second edges and a portion of the another side edge is substantially perpendicular to the first edge and another portion of the another side edge is not substantially perpendicular to the second edge. A first flange protrudes outward from a portion of the first lateral side edge that is substantially perpendicular to the second edge of the web. A second flange protrudes outward from the portion of the second lateral side edge that is substantially perpendicular to the first edge and wherein another portion of the other side edge extends in a radius from the second flange to the second edge of the web.  
         [0018]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a web stiffener that includes a web. The web has a first lateral side edge and a second lateral side edge and top and bottom edges that extend between the first and second lateral side edges. The top edge has a non-radiused top edge portion disposed between a first radiused top edge portion and a second radiused top edge portion. The bottom edge has a non-radiused portion disposed between a first radiused bottom edge portion and a second radiused bottom edge portion. A first flange protrudes from the first lateral side edge and a second flange protrudes from the second lateral side edge.  
         [0019]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for reinforcing a joist that has a web and an upper and a lower flange protruding from the web. In one embodiment, the method includes inserting a web stiffener that has a web and a top edge and a bottom edge and a pair of flanges that protrude from the web between the flanges of the joist such that the web of the web stiffener is adjacent to the web of the joist. The method also includes rotating the web stiffener such that at least a portion of the top edge of the web stiffener is closely adjacent to or in abutting contact with the upper flange of the joist and at least a portion of the bottom edge of the web stiffener is closely adjacent to or in abutting contact with the lower flange of the joist. The method also includes fastening the web of the web stiffener to the web of the joist.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     In the accompanying Figures, there are shown present embodiments of the invention wherein like reference numerals are employed to designate like parts and wherein:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior one-piece web stiffener;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of a conventional joist attached to a portion of a conventional rim joist and utilizing a prior web stiffener attached to an inside surface of the joist web;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of a conventional joist attached to a portion of a conventional rim joist and utilizing a prior web stiffener attached to an outside surface of the joist web;  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a prior two-piece web stiffener;  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a web stiffener embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a partial elevational view illustrating an initial position of a web stiffener embodiment of the present invention prior to be inserted between the upper and lower returns of a joist;  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is an end view of the web stiffener as positioned in  FIG. 6  relative to the joist and prior to insertion between the upper and lower flanges of the joist;  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is another partial elevational view of the joist and rim joist assembly with the web stiffener installed in its final position;  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is an end view of the joist and rim joist assembly and web stiffener of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view of the assemblies of  FIGS. 8 and 9 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a web stiffener of the present invention used to reinforce the web of a joist that spans a wall assembly;  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a web stiffener of the present invention used to reinforce the web of a joist that overlaps and is attached to a second joist to form a continuous joist assembly that spans a wall assembly;  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of another web stiffener embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 14  is a top view of the web stiffener of  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 15  is a front elevational view of another web stiffener embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0036]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the web stiffener of  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 17  is a front elevational view of another web stiffener embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 18  is a top view of the web stiffener of  FIG. 17 ; and  
         [0039]      FIG. 19  is a front elevational view of another web stiffener embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0040]     Referring now to the drawings for the purposes of illustrating the present embodiments of the invention only and not for the purposes of limiting the same,  FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a web stiffener  100  of the present invention that is particularly well-suited for use in connection with a joist arrangement  200  of the type depicted in  FIGS. 6-10 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 6-10 , the joist arrangement  200  includes a rim joist  210  that has a web  212  and an upper flange  214  and a lower flange  216 . The lower flange  216  may be supported on and attached to a top track  222  of a wall assembly  220 . See  FIGS. 6, 8  and  10 . The reader will appreciate that rim joist  210  may be supported on and/or otherwise attached to a variety of different walls and support structures without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0041]     An end of a conventional floor joist  230  is supported between the upper and lower flanges  214 ,  216  of the rim joist  210  and is attached thereto by L-shaped clip angles or tabs that are integrally formed in the web. The floor joist  230  has a web portion  232  and an upper flange  234  and a lower flange  236 . The floor joist  230  is sized such that the end thereof may fit between the upper and lower flanges of the rim joist  210 . An upper return portion  238  is formed on the end of the upper flange  234  and a lower return  240  is formed on the end of the lower flange  236 .  
         [0042]     As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , the web stiffener  100  of this embodiment is substantially C-shaped and has a web portion  102  that has a top edge  104 , a bottom edge  106 , a first lateral side edge  108 , and a second lateral side edge  110 . In one embodiment, for example, the web stiffener  100  may be fabricated from 12 gage (97 mil) 50 ksi, G60 galvanized steel. A first flange  112  protrudes outwardly from the first lateral side  108  at a first flange angle and a second flange  114  protrudes outwardly from the second lateral side  110  at a second flange angle. In one embodiment, the first flange  112  is substantially parallel with the second flange  114  and the first and second flange angles are approximately ninety degrees.  
         [0043]     The first flange  112  protrudes outward from the first lateral side  108  of the web portion  102  and extends between the top edge  104  of the web portion  102  and the bottom edge  106  of the web portion. To facilitate easy insertion of the web stiffener  100  between the upper and lower flanges  234 ,  236  of the joist  230 , a first portion  120  of the top edge  104  that intersects the first flange  112  extends at a first substantially acute angle “A” relative to a remaining portion  122  of the top edge  104 . The first portion may extend from a point “B” that is centrally located along the top edge  104 . Likewise, a second portion  130  of the bottom edge  106  that intersects the second flange  114  extends at a second substantially acute angle “C” relative to a remaining portion  132  of the bottom edge  106 . The second portion may extend from a point “D” that is centrally located along the bottom edge  106 . In one embodiment, the first acute angle “A” and the second acute angle “B” are each approximately 20 degrees. However, other angle arrangements could be employed.  
         [0044]     Also in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , the first flange  112  and the second flange  114  protrude from the web portion  102  a distance “E”. In one embodiment, distance “E” may be approximately 1.25 inches. The distance “H” is sized such that the when the web stiffener  100  is positioned as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the portion  122  of the top edge  104  is closely adjacent to (for example, within approximately ⅛ inch (3.2 mm)) or abuts the bottom surface of the top flange  234  of the joist  230  and the portion  132  of the bottom edge  106  is closely adjacent to (for example, within approximately ⅛ inch (3.2 mm)) or abuts the upper surface of the bottom flange  236  of the joist  230 . The width “W” could conceivably be a variety of different lengths. See  FIG. 5 . The chart provided below provides examples of web stiffener loads for different sizes of joists and stiffeners that have a width “W” of 3.5 inches and 6 inches.  
                                                                                                                           Joist Size   Gage       3.5″ Web Stiffener   6″ Web Stiffener            (In.)   (mils)   Fy (ksi)   Cond. 1   Cond. 2   Cond. 3   Cond. 1   Cond. 2   Cond. 3                    8   16 (43)   33   5.3   5.8   5.6   5.9   6.4   6.2           16 (54)   33   5.4   6.1   5.9   6.0   6.8   6.5               50   5.6   6.6   6.3   6.2   7.3   6.9           14 (68)   33   5.6   6.7   6.3   6.2   7.4   7.0               50   5.8   7.5   6.9   6.4   8.3   7.6           12 (97)   33   6.0   8.4   7.5   6.7   9.3   8.3               50   6.5   10.1   8.7   7.2   11.1   9.6       10   16 (54)   33   5.4   6.0   5.9   6.0   6.7   6.5               50   5.5   6.4   6.2   6.1   7.1   6.8           14 (68)   33   5.6   6.6   6.3   6.1   7.3   6.9               50   5.7   7.3   6.8   6.3   8.1   7.5           12 (97)   33   6.0   8.2   7.4   6.6   9.1   6.2               50   6.4   9.8   8.5   7.1   10.8   9.4       12   16 (54)   33   5.4   5.9   5.8   6.0   6.6   6.4               50   5.5   6.3   6.1   6.0   7.0   6.8           14 (68)   33   5.5   6.5   6.2   6.1   7.2   6.9               50   5.7   7.1   6.7   6.3   7.9   7.4           12 (97)   33   5.9   8.0   7.3   6.5   8.9   8.1               50   6.3   9.5   8.4   6.9   10.5   9.3       14   14 (68)   33   5.5   6.4   6.1   6.1   7.0   6.8               50   5.6   6.9   6.6   6.2   7.0   7.3           12 (97)   33   5.8   7.9   7.2   6.5   6.7   8.0               50   6.2   9.2   6.3   6.8   10.2   9.1                 Notes:            1) 3.5″ web stiffeners can be used with bearing widths of 3.5″-5.5″. 6″ web stiffeners can be used with bearing widths 6″ and greater.            2) Attach the web stiffener to the joist web with at least (3) #10-16 screws. Drive screws through the top, bottom, and middle pre-punched holes.            3) Web stiffeners are 12 gage (97 mil), 50 ksi with 1.25″ flanges.             
 
         [0045]     To facilitate attachment of the web stiffener  100  to the web  232  of the joist  230 , one or more fastener holes  150  are provided through the web portion  102 . Appropriately sized fasteners  152  such as no. 10-16 screws may be inserted through the fastener holes  150  to affix the stiffener  100  to the joist web  232 . In one embodiment, the lowermost hole  150  may be approximately 1.0 inch from the bottom edge  106  (distance “F”). The uppermost hole  150  may also be approximately 1.0 inch from the top edge  104 . The holes  150  may be equally spaced across the height “H” of the web  102 . For example, for an embodiment that has a height “H” of 14 inches, a total of seven holes  150  that are 5/32 inches in diameter and spaced at 2.0 inches on center may be employed. The lower most hole  150  may be 1.0 inch from the bottom edge  104  and the uppermost hole  150  maybe 1.0 inch from the upper edge  106 .  
         [0046]      FIGS. 6-10  illustrate one method for quickly and easily installing the web stiffener  100  without having to slide it in from a free end of the joist  230 . As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , the web stiffener  100  is initially rotated such that the upper edge portion  120  is parallel with the lower edge of the upper flange  238  of joist  230  and the lower edge portion  130  is parallel with the upper edge of the lower flange portion  240  of the joist  230  such that the web stiffener  100  may be inserted between the upper and lower flanges  238 ,  240  in the direction represented by arrows “G” ( FIGS. 7 ). After the web stiffener  100  has been inserted between the upper flange  238  and lower flange  240  and the web  102  is adjacent to the web  232  of the joist  230 , it is rotated (arrow “I” in  FIG. 6 ) to the position illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . When in the position illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , there may be a small amount of space or “play” between the web stiffener  100  and the upper flange  234  and lower flange  236  of the joist  230 . For example, in one embodiment, there may be approximately ¼ inch (6.4 mm) of “play” between the web stiffener  100  and the upper flange  234  and the lower flange  236 . However, other amounts of play could be provided. Installation screws  152  or other suitable fasteners may then be installed through the holes  150  to affix the web stiffener  100  to the web  232  of the joist  230 . In alternative embodiments, the web stiffener  100  may be welded to the joist  230  or attached with other fasteners such as bolts, rivets, adhesive, etc.  
         [0047]      FIG. 11  illustrates the use of a web stiffener  100  to reinforce the web  232  of a joist  230  that spans a wall assembly  220  that comprises a plurality of metal wall studs  224  that are attached to an upper track  222  and a bottom track (not shown). As can be seen in that Figure, the web stiffener  100  is substantially axially aligned with the underlying stud  224  such that the load from the stud  224  is axially transferred to the web stiffener  100 . The web stiffener  100  may be installed and attached to the web  232  of the joist  230  in the manner described above.  
         [0048]      FIG. 12  illustrates the use of a web stiffener  100  to reinforce the ends of two overlapping joists  230  that span a wall assembly  220  that comprises a plurality of metal wall studs  224  that are attached to an upper track  222  and a bottom track (not shown). As can be seen in that Figure, the web stiffener  100  is substantially aligned with the underlying stud  224  such that the load from the stud  224  is axially transferred to the web stiffener  100 . The web stiffener  100  may be installed and attached to the web  232  of one of the joists  230  in the manner described above.  
         [0049]      FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate another web stiffener embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in  FIG. 13 , the web stiffener  300  of this embodiment has a web portion  302  that has a top edge  310 , a bottom edge  320 , a first lateral side edge  330 , and a second lateral side edge  340 . In one embodiment, for example, the web stiffener  300  may be fabricated from 12 gage (97 mil) 50 ksi, G60 galvanized steel. The top edge  310  of this embodiment has a radiused portion  312  and a non-radiused portion  314 . The radiused portion  312  forms an upper corner portion generally designated as  316 . Likewise, the bottom edge  320  has a radiused portion  322  and a non-radiused portion  324 . The radiused portion  322  forms a lower corner portion, generally designated as  326 , that is diagonally opposite from the upper corner portion  316  as shown in  FIG. 13 . In one embodiment, the radiused portions  312 ,  322  may each have a radius “R” of approximately 1.75 inches from the central axis of the web  302 . However, other radiuses “R” and other arcuate edges may be employed. The length of edge portions  314 ,  324 , may be approximately W/2.  
         [0050]     In this embodiment, a first flange  350  protrudes outwardly from the first lateral side edge  330  at a first flange angle and a second flange  360  protrudes outwardly from the second lateral side edge  340  at a second flange angle. In one embodiment, the first flange  350  is substantially parallel with the second flange  360  and the first and second flange angles are approximately ninety degrees.  
         [0051]     The first flange  350  protrudes outward from the first lateral side edge  330  of the web portion  302  and extends from the non-radiused portion  324  of the bottom edge  320  to the radiused portion  312  of the top edge  310 . Likewise, the second flange  360  protrudes outward from the second lateral side edge  340  of the web portion  302  and extends from the non-radiused portion  314  of the top edge  310  to the radiused portion  322  of the bottom edge  320 .  
         [0052]     Also in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the first flange  350  and the second flange  360  protrude from the web portion  302  a distance “E”. In one embodiment, distance “E” may be approximately 1.25 inches. The web stiffener  300  is installed in the manner described above with respect to web stiffener  100 . That is, the web stiffener  300  is oriented in a position to enable it to be inserted between the upper flange  234  (and upper return  238 ) and the lower flange  236  (and lower return  240 ) of the joist  230 . After the web stiffener  300  has been inserted into position between the upper flange  234  and the lower flange  236  such that the web  302  is adjacent to the web  232  of the joist, it is rotated such that the portion  314  of the top edge  310  is closely adjacent (for example, within approximately ⅛ inch (3.2 mm)) or such that it abuts the lower surface of the upper flange  234  and the portion  324  of the bottom edge  320  is closely adjacent to (for example, within approximately ⅛ inch (3.2 mm )) or such that it abuts the upper surface of the lower flange  236 . Distance “H” is sized such that the web stiffener  300  may be inserted between the upper flange  234  and  236  of the joist  230  and then rotated to the above-described position. The width “W” could conceivably be a variety of different lengths. For example, 3.5″, 6.0″, etc. See  FIG. 14 .  
         [0053]     After the stiffener  300  has been rotated into position, installation screws (not shown) or other suitable fasteners may then be installed through the holes  380  in the web  302  to affix the web stiffener  300  to the web  232  of the joist  230 . In alternative embodiments, the web stiffener  300  may be welded to the joist  230  or attached with other fasteners such as bolts, rivets, adhesive, etc.  
         [0054]      FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate another web stiffener embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in  FIG. 15 , the web stiffener  400  of this embodiment has a web portion  402  that has a first edge  410 , a second edge  420 , a first lateral side edge  430 , and a second lateral side edge  440 . In one embodiment, for example, the web stiffener  400  may be fabricated from 12 gage (97 mil) 50 ksi, G60 galvanized steel. The first edge  410  of this embodiment has a radiused portion  412  and a non-radiused portion  414 . The radiused portion  412  forms a first corner portion generally designated as  416 . In one embodiment, the radiused portion  412  may have a radius “R” of approximately 1.75 inches. However, other radiuses “R” and other arcuate edges may be employed. Edge portion  414  may have a length of W/2.  
         [0055]     In this embodiment, a first flange  450  protrudes outwardly from the first lateral side edge  430  at a first flange angle and a second flange  460  protrudes outwardly from the second lateral side edge  440  at a second flange angle. In one embodiment, the first flange  450  is substantially parallel with the second flange  460  and the first and second flange angles are approximately ninety degrees. Other flange angles could be employed.  
         [0056]     The second edge  420  has a straight portion  422  and an angled portion  424 . The angled portion  424  extends at a substantially acute angle “C” relative to the straight portion  422  of the second edge  420 . The angled portion  424  may extend from a point “D” that is centrally located along the second edge  420 . In one embodiment, the angle “C” is approximately 20 degrees. However, other angle arrangements could be employed.  
         [0057]     The first flange  450  protrudes outward from the first lateral side edge  430  of the web portion  402  and extends from the radiused portion  412  of the first edge  410  to the straight portion  422  of the second edge  420 . The second flange  460  protrudes from the second lateral side edge  440  of the web portion  402  and extends from the non-radiused portion  414  of the first edge  410  to the angled portion  424  of the second edge  420 . Also in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the first flange  450  and the second flange  460  protrude from the web portion  402  a distance “E”. In one embodiment, distance “E” may be approximately 1.25 inches.  
         [0058]     The web stiffener  400  is installed in the manner described above with respect to web stiffener  100 . That is, the web stiffener  400  is oriented in a position to enable it to be inserted between the upper flange  234  (and upper return  238 ) and the lower flange  236  (and lower return  240 ) of the joist  230 . After the web stiffener  400  has been inserted into position between the upper flange  234  and the lower flange  236 , it is rotated such that the portion  414  of the top edge  410  is closely adjacent (for example, within approximately ⅛ inch (3.2 mm)) or such that it abuts the lower surface of the upper flange  234  and the portion  324  of the bottom edge  422  is closely adjacent to (for example, within approximately ⅛ inch (3.2 mm)) or such that it abuts the upper surface of the lower flange  236 . Distance “H” is sized such that the web stiffener  400  may be inserted between the upper flange  234  and  236  of the joist  230  and then rotated to the above-described position. The width “W” could conceivably be a variety of different lengths. For example, W may be 3.5″, 6.0″, etc. See  FIG. 16 .  
         [0059]     After the stiffener  400  has been rotated into position, installation screws (not shown) or other suitable fasteners may then be installed through the holes  480  in the web  402  to affix the web stiffener  400  to the web  232  of the joist  230 . In alternative embodiments, the web stiffener  400  may be welded to the joist  230  or attached with other fasteners such as bolts, rivets, adhesive, etc.  
         [0060]      FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate yet another web stiffener embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in  FIG. 17 , the web stiffener  500  of this embodiment has a web portion  502  that has an upper edge  510 , a lower edge  520 , a first lateral side edge  530 , and a second lateral side edge  540 . In one embodiment, for example, the web stiffener  500  may be fabricated from 12 gage (97 mil) 50 ksi, G60 galvanized steel. The upper edge  510  and lower edge  520  are radiused as shown. In one embodiment, the radius “R” may be approximately W/2.  
         [0061]     In this embodiment, a first flange  550  protrudes outwardly from the first lateral side edge  530  at a first flange angle and a second flange  560  protrudes outwardly from the second lateral side edge  540  at a second flange angle. In one embodiment, the first flange  550  is substantially parallel with the second flange  560  and the first and second flange angles are approximately ninety degrees. Other flange angles could be employed. The first flange  450  protrudes outward from the first lateral side edge  530  of the web portion  502  and extends between the upper radiused end  510  and the lower radiused end  520 . The second flange  460  protrudes from the second lateral side edge  540  of the web portion  502  and extends between upper end  410  and the lower end  420 .  
         [0062]     Also in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the first flange  550  and the second flange  560  protrude from the web portion  502  a distance “E”. In one embodiment, distance “E” may be approximately 1.25 inches. The distance “H” is sized such that the when the web stiffener is installed as described above, it is closely adjacent to or in abutting contact with the bottom surface of the top flange  234  of the joist  230  and the upper surface of the bottom flange  236  of the joist  230 . The width “W” could conceivably be a variety of different lengths.  
         [0063]     The web stiffener  500  is installed in the manner described above with respect to web stiffener  100 . That is, the web stiffener  500  is oriented in a position to enable it to be inserted between the upper flange  234  (and upper return  238 ) and the lower flange  236  (and lower return  240 ) of the joist  230 . After the web stiffener  500  has been inserted into position between the upper flange  234  and the lower flange  236 , it is rotated such that a portion of the top edge  510  is closely adjacent (for example, within approximately ⅛ inch (3.2 mm)) or such that it abuts the lower surface of the upper flange  234  and a portion of the bottom edge  520  is closely adjacent to (for example, within approximately ⅛ inch (3.2 mm )) or such that it abuts the upper surface of the lower flange  236 . Distance “H” is sized such that the web stiffener  500  may be inserted between the upper flange  234  and  236  of the joist  230  and then rotated to the above-described position.  
         [0064]     After the stiffener  500  has been rotated into position, installation screws (not shown) or other suitable fasteners may then be installed through the holes  588  in the web  502  to affix the web stiffener  500  to the web  232  of the joist  230 . In alternative embodiments, the web stiffener  500  may be welded to the joist  230  or attached with other fasteners such as bolts, rivets, adhesive, etc.  
         [0065]      FIG. 19  depicts another web stiffener embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the web stiffener  600  is essentially identical in construction as web stiffener  500  described above. However, in this embodiment, a non-radiused top edge portion  580  is formed on the top edge  510  as shown. Thus, in this embodiment, the top edge  510  has a non-radiused top portion  580  that is centrally disposed between a first radiused top edge portion  582  and a second radiused top edge portion  584 . Radiused top edge portion  582  extends from the first lateral side edge  530  to the non-radiused top portion  580  and the radiused top edge portion  584  extends from the second lateral side edge  540  to the non-radiused top edge portion  580 . Also in this embodiment, a non-radiused bottom edge portion  590  may be formed on the bottom edge  520 . Thus, the bottom edge  520  has a non-radiused bottom portion  590  that is centrally disposed between a first radiused bottom edge portion  592  and a second radiused bottom edge portion  594 . The first radiused bottom edge portion  592  extends from the first lateral side edge  530  to the non-radiused bottom edge portion  590  and the second radiused bottom edge portion  594  extends from the second lateral side edge  540  to the non-radiused bottom edge portion  590  as shown. In one embodiment wherein, for example “W” is approximately 3.5 inches, the upper non-radiused portion  580  may have a length “L” of approximately 1.25 inches. The lower non-radiused portion  590  may have a similar length. This embodiment may be installed in the manner described above.  
         [0066]     In particular, the web stiffener  600  is oriented in a position to enable it to be inserted between the upper flange  234  (and upper return  238 ) and the lower flange  236  (and lower return  240 ) of the joist  230 . After the web stiffener  600  has been inserted into position between the upper flange  234  and the lower flange  236 , it is rotated such that the portion  580  of the top edge  510  is closely adjacent (for example, within approximately ⅛ inch (3.2 mm)) or such that it abuts the lower surface of the upper flange  234  and the portion  590  of the bottom edge  520  is closely adjacent to (for example, within approximately ⅛ inch (3.2 mm)) or such that it abuts the upper surface of the lower flange  236 . Distance “H” is sized such that the web stiffener  600  may be inserted between the upper flange  234  and  236  of the joist  230  and then rotated to the above-described position.  
         [0067]     After the stiffener  600  has been rotated into position, installation screws (not shown) or other suitable fasteners may then be installed through the holes  588  in the web  502  to affix the web stiffener  600  to the web  232  of the joist  230 . In alternative embodiments, the web stiffener  600  may be welded to the joist  230  or attached with other fasteners such as bolts, rivets, adhesive, etc.  
         [0068]     The various web stiffener embodiments of the present invention may be used to prevent joist web crippling, while serving to pass loads from above to walls or bearings below. The unique design of the web stiffeners of the present invention allows the web stiffeners to be easily rotated in place between the flanges while providing a minimal amount of play therebetween without having to slide the web stiffener in from a free end of the joist and without having to use a two piece web stiffener.  
         [0069]     The invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments are therefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such equivalents, variations and changes which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims be embraced thereby.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4