Joist installation assisting device

Abstract

A joist installation assisting device to assist with the installation of a joist on a ledger board or similar device. The joist installation assisting device being constructed of a durable material and being generally u-shaped, such that a pocket is formed for placement of a joist hanger, and then a joist therein. The joist installation assisting device further comprising an upwardly projected point for the quick accurate placement of the device upon the ledger board. The joist installation assisting device having a plurality of openings therethrough for attachment and detachment to the ledger board by anchoring devices. An adjustment mechanism member being positioned in a vertical y-dimensional axis to contact with the lower portion of the joist to allow for precise positioning in the y-dimensional axis prior to securing and installation of said joist.

Claims

1. An assisting device for securing joists, said assisting device comprising: a body member having a front face, and a rear face, wherein a width is defined between the front face and the rear face; the body member further comprising a substantially U-shaped channel defined by a pair of spaced apart side walls and a base wall adapted to receive a portion of a joist; a vertically extending apex point connected to the base wall of the body member and wherein said apex point extends vertically from the base wall towards top ends of the side walls; a defined opening extending from the front face to the rear face of the body member for receiving an anchoring device; a mounting wing extending substantially perpendicularly from the body member front face, wherein the mounting wing comprises an attachment opening; and an adjustment mechanism member comprising a first end and a second end, and further received within the mounting wing attachment opening, the adjustment mechanism member having an adjustment head at the first end.

2. The assisting device of claim 1, wherein said rear face of the body member additionally comprises an external projection.

3. The assisting device of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of defined openings extending from the front face to the rear face of the body member for receiving a plurality of anchoring devices.

4. The assisting device of claim 3, wherein said body member is comprised of one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, and plastic.

5. The assisting device of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of bump stops on the external projection.

6. The assisting device of claim 5, wherein said bump stops are generally linearly positioned with the apex point.

7. The assisting device of claim 4, wherein the assisting device comprises a first assisting device and a second assisting device identical to the first assisting device is provided, and further comprising a connecting rod having a first end and a second end, said first end of the connecting rod is attached to one of the defined openings of the first assisting device by way of an anchoring device therethrough, and wherein said second end of the connecting rod is attached to one of the defined openings of the second assisting device by way of an anchoring device therethrough.

8. A joint installation assisting device adapted for receipt of a joist hanger and a joist, said assisting device comprising: a generally U-shaped body member having a front face, a rear face, two spaced and opposing parallel side walls, and a bridging section base wall connected to one end of each side wall forming a generally U-shaped channel therein; an external projection attached to the rear face of the body member; an apex point projection component comprising of a vertically extending apex point thereon, wherein said apex point projection component is attached to the external projection on the rear face of the body member, wherein said apex point extends from the apex point projection component vertically away from said bridging section; a mounting wing having a top end and a bottom end, said mounting wing extending substantially perpendicularly from the bridging section of the generally U-shaped body member, wherein the mounting wing additionally comprises and defines an attachment opening between the top end and the bottom end of said mounting wing therethrough; a partially threaded adjustment mechanism member positioned and projecting outwardly from the attachment opening of the mounting wing above the top end and below the bottom end thereof, said partially threaded adjustment mechanism member having a first distal end and a second distal end; an adjustment head positioned at the first distal end of the partially threaded adjustment mechanism member and positioned outside the generally U-shaped body member; a striking surface positioned at the second distal end of the partially threaded adjustment mechanism member; and wherein when the adjustment head of the partially threaded adjustment mechanism member rotates one of clockwise and counterclockwise, the first distal end of the threaded member extends farther away from the attachment opening of the mounting wing.

9. The joint installation assisting device of claim 8, wherein the body member is comprised of one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, and plastic.

10. The joint installation assisting device of claim 9 further comprising a plurality of defined openings extending from the front face to the rear face of the body member for receiving a plurality of anchoring devices.

11. The joint installation assisting device of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of bump stops on the external projection.

12. The joint installation assisting device of claim 11, wherein said bump stops are generally linearly positioned with the apex point.

13. The joint installation assisting device of claim 12, wherein the assisting device comprises a first assisting device and a second joint installation assisting device identical to the first assisting device is provided, and further comprising a connecting rod having a first end and a second end, said first end of the connecting rod is attached to one of the defined openings of the first joint installation assisting device by way of an anchoring device therethrough, and wherein said second end of the connecting rod is attached to one of the defined openings of the second joint installation assisting device by way of an anchoring device therethrough.

14. A joint installation assisting device for securing boards to a structure, said device comprising: a generally U-shaped body having a front face and a rear face, an exterior portion, and an interior tool pocket portion adapted to receive a board; wherein said interior tool pocket portion comprises a lower base wall portion having a first distal end and a second distal end; a first interior side wall having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said first interior side wall is connected to said lower base wall portion first distal end at said first interior side wall bottom end and extends vertically away therefrom; a second interior side wall having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said second interior side wall is connected to said lower base wall portion second distal end at said first second interior side wall bottom end and extends vertically away therefrom; wherein said exterior portion comprises a lower face and a bottom portion having a first distal end and a second distal end; a first exterior side wall having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said first exterior side wall is connected to said exterior bottom portion first distal end at said first exterior side wall bottom end and extends generally diagonally-vertically away therefrom; a second exterior side wall having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said second exterior side wall is connected to said exterior bottom portion second distal end at said second exterior side wall bottom end and extends generally diagonally-vertically away therefrom; a first exterior upper wall segment having a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein said first exterior upper wall segment lower portion is connected to the top end of the first exterior side wall, and the first exterior upper wall segment is connected to the first interior side wall top end; a second exterior upper wall segment having a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein said second exterior upper wall segment lower portion is connected to the top end of the second exterior side wall, and the second exterior upper wall segment is connected to the second interior side wall top end; a mounting wing extending substantially perpendicularly from the generally U-shaped body front face, wherein the mounting wing additionally comprises an attachment opening; an adjustment mechanism partially threaded member comprising a first end and a second end, and further received within the mounting wing attachment opening, the adjustment mechanism partially threaded member having an adjustment head at the first end; and a positioning member attached to the rear face of the generally U-shaped body, wherein said positioning member comprises a front face, a rear face, a lower portion, and an upper portion, wherein said upper portion consists of an apex point, wherein the lower portion of the positioning member is substantially parallel with the lower face of the exterior portion of the generally U-shaped body, and wherein said positioning member apex point extends vertically beyond the interior tool pocket portion lower portion of the generally U-shaped body.

15. The joint installation assisting device of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of defined openings extending from the front face to the rear face of the body member for receiving an anchoring device.

16. The joint installation assisting device of claim 15, wherein the body member is comprised of one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, and plastic.

17. The joint installation assisting device of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of bump stops on the external projection.

18. The joint installation assisting device of claim 17, wherein said bump stops are generally linearly positioned with the apex point.

19. The joint installation assisting device of claim 18, wherein the assisting device comprises a first assisting device and a second joint installation assisting device identical to the first assisting device is provided, and further comprising a connecting rod having a first end and a second end, said first end of the connecting rod is attached to one of the defined openings of the first joint installation assisting device by way of an anchoring device therethrough, and wherein said second end of the connecting rod is attached to one of the defined openings of the second joint installation assisting device by way of an anchoring device therethrough.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) One or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a preferred embodiment of the Joist Installation Assisting Device.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective rear view of a preferred embodiment of the Joist Installation Assisting Device.

(4) FIG. 3 is a view of a generic deck in a partially constructed state.

(5) FIG. 4 is a view of a preferred embodiment of the Joist Installation Assisting Device being mounted in position with an attachment device through a mounting opening.

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a mounted Joist Installation Assisting Device wherein a joist hanger has been positioned within the channel.

(7) FIG. 6 is a view of a human user actuating an adjustment member of the Joist Installation Assisting Device of the present disclosure.

(8) FIG. 7 is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of the Joist Installation Assisting Device highlighting optional additional bump stop positioning components.

(9) FIG. 8 is a plurality of the Joist Installation Assisting Devices utilizing a connection rod.

(10) Before explaining one or more embodiments of the disclosed invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited in its application to the details or modes of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or previously disclosed illustrations. This invention is capable of multiple embodiments and modes, which can be practiced or carried out in many various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description, and should not be regarded as limiting, or used as an absolute.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure wherein the body member 20 highlights the generally U-shaped nature, at the front face 30. As has been previously mentioned, with the generally U-shaped nature, the body member 20 consists of a width thickness 50. The u-shape is formed by way of side walls 70a 70b with a lower connecting base wall 80, all together forming said u-shape. Said side walls 70a 70b are spaced and opposing in nature, with the base wall 80 being the bridging section creating the shape of the “U” therefrom. The previously mentioned width 50 creates a tool pocket, otherwise known as a U-shaped channel 60 as to the side walls 70a 70b and the base wall 80.

(12) On the ends of the side walls 70a 70b which is opposing the base wall 80 are the top of the side walls 75a 75b. This may in some instances flare outwards as to the base wall 80 into wings of the body 160, otherwise known as additional material therefrom. The top of the side walls 75a 75b and the upper portion of the wings of the body 165a 165b together form the upper face 170. Opposing said upper face 170 on the lower end of the body member 20 is the lower face 180. The wings of the body 165a 165b as shown here extend away from a vertical axis created from a central point on the base wall 80 bridging section.

(13) Within the width of the body member 20 of the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 is at least one defined opening 100, otherwise known as a mounting hole. This defined opening 100 is an open space between the front face 30 extending through the width 50 of the body member 20 to the rear face 40, as shown in FIG. 2. Turning back to FIG. 1, an apex point 90 is shown, extending above a horizontal plane defined within the width 50 of the base wall 80. Said apex point 90 thus extends partially vertically away from the base wall 80 generally towards the top of the side walls 75a 75b within the U-shaped channel 60. This apex point 90 is outside of the U-shaped channel 60 and is intended generally to contact with a external position for straight alignment of the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10, as can be appreciated by viewing FIG. 4.

(14) Resuming the review of FIG. 1, a mounting wing 110 is shown, which is also known as additional material extending away from the front face 30 of the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10. This additional material has an attachment opening 115 therethrough. This may also be defined as an open space in the vertical direction, or y-dimension, as to a plane created by the top of the mounting wing 110 and base wall 80, and a plane created by the bottom of the mounting wing 110 and the lower face 180. This attachment opening 115 thus allows for an adjustment mechanism member 120 with a first end 121 and a second end 122 to be inserted therethrough as shown.

(15) On the first end 121, an adjustment head 130 is attached, formed, or connected, allowing for a user to rotate said adjustment mechanism member 120 around a central location therefrom, or pull or push said adjustment mechanism member 120 vertically towards or away from the vertical direction, otherwise known as y-direction, which is defined herein as the direction between the upper face 170 and the lower face 180.

(16) On the adjustment member second end 122 is a striking surface 140, which is the uppermost contact point of said adjustment mechanism member 120 and allows for physical adjustment as can be appreciated by viewing FIG. 6.

(17) Returning to FIG. 1, the adjustment mechanism member 120 may be partially threaded, wherein if the attachment opening 115 were to additionally comprise threaded components 150, as is optionally considered and contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, turning or otherwise actuating said adjustment mechanism member 120 either clockwise or counterclockwise will cause the threaded components 150 to so interact and thus the adjustment mechanism member 120 will consequently advance or retreat in the vertical direction, otherwise known as the y-dimension.

(18) Now looking to FIG. 2, the rear face 40 of an embodiment of the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The width 50 of the body member 20 is shown as previously mentioned and creating the pocket of the U-shaped channel 60. On said exterior rear face 40, an external projection 85 is formed, attached, or connected, which allows for extra thickness away from said rear face 40. As can be appreciated by FIG. 6, this will allow for room between the rear face 40 and a contact surface upon which the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 will be mounted upon.

(19) Looking back to FIG. 2, upon the external projection 85, an optional apex point projection 95 is attached to the external projection 85 by way of a mounting component 96. The apex point projection 95 is an additional piece of material to allow for excess room away from said external projection 85. As was previously referred to, the mounting holes 100 of the front face 30 as shown on FIG. 1 are entirely through the width 50 of the body member 20 as shown here, allowing for access through to the rear face 40 of the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10. Further, it can be appreciated here in FIG. 2 the positioning of the adjustment mechanism member 120 and the vertically extended striking surface 140 extending vertically away from the base wall 80, or the plane created by said base wall 80 and the uppermost portion of the mounting wing 110 as shown in FIG. 1.

(20) FIG. 3 illustrates a generic deck 190. The outermost board nearest the building is attached via a ledger board 200. Extending generally perpendicularly away therefrom are a plurality of joists 220. As is shown here, each joist 220 is generally even and creates a plane on the upper portion of said joists 225, which is where boards or a subfloor and then boards are to be placed, which in turn creates the deck flooring 210. As those with skill in the art know, generally the upper portion of a joist 225 is even with the upper portion of a ledger board 205, or rim joist, or similar mounting board as previously discussed. As is now clear, should a joist 220 be off-line as to the created plane of all joist upper portions 225 and with the upper portion of a ledger board 205, then the deck flooring 210 laid upon will have a gap or become otherwise cattywampus.

(21) As we now turn to FIG. 4, the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 is shown being installed or mounted upon a board such as a ledger board 200, though as it is known and appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the art of construction, that this may be installed on any generally flat surface or board to achieve the same or similar result. The desired position on a ledger board 230 is first ascertained. The apex point 90 is positioned in a linear position under said desired position 230, and contact is made by the apex point 90 with the lowermost portion of the ledger board 200. As is shown, anchoring devices 250 such as screws, nails, bolts, or the like are then inserted through a mounting hole 100 or a plurality thereof. At this point, anchoring devices are secured through the mounting hole 100 to the ledger board 200. A gap 240 is thus created between the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 and the ledger board 200 after mounting thereto.

(22) Reviewing FIG. 5, it is shown how due to the gap 240 created between the ledger board 200 and the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 a joist hanger 260 can fit within the U-shaped channel 60. As the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 is mounted to the ledger board 200 by way of anchoring devices 250, and the joist hanger 260 is placed within the U-shaped channel 60, a pocket still exists within said channel 60, which allows for the receipt of a joist 220, as shown in FIG. 6. In such a fashion, it is evident that a user can place the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 and joist hanger 260 prior to inserting a joist 220, freeing up both of a human user's hands for said step.

(23) As we look closer at FIG. 6, the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 has now been mounted or attached by way of anchoring device 250 to the ledger board 200. A joist hanger 260 has been positioned within the U-shaped channel 60 and the gap 240. Additionally, a joist 220 has been positioned within the U-shaped channel 60 and the joist hanger 260 itself, preparing positioning for installation. Previously discussed, those with skill in the art know it is desirable to level the upper portion of a joist 225 with the upper portion of a ledger board 205. As described in detail above, twists and warps and general not exact measurements of boards may result in differences between said upper portion of a joist 225 and upper portion of a ledger board 205. In such a circumstance, the upper portion of a joist 225 may need to be moved in the y-dimension so as to equal the height of the upper portion of the ledger board 205. As is depicted here, a human user is actuating the adjustment head 130 of the adjustment mechanism member 120, which as previously described will induce the striking surface 140 of the adjustment mechanism member 120 to contact with the lower portion of the joist 220, and thus manipulate the exact positioning of said upper portion of the joist 225 so as to equal the planar positioning of the upper portion of the ledger board 205. At such a position, the joist 220 will then be secured in position with attachment methods such as screws, nails, or the like through the joist hanger attachment openings 265 of said joist hanger 260. The human user will then disengage the adjustment mechanism member 120 from contact with the joist 220, the anchoring devices 250 securing the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 in place on the ledger board 200 will be removed, and the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 itself can be removed therefrom.

(24) FIG. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment of the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10, highlighting the rear face 40 thereof. The body member 20 in this embodiment additionally comprises a plurality of bump stops 270 on the external projection 85. The bump stops 270 allow for rapid positioning of the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 on a mounting position board. As such, the bump stops 270 are generally linearly positioned with each other and with the apex point 90. In this particular embodiment, the apex point 90 is formed attached molded or otherwise attached to the external projection 85 itself, without need for additional materials or projection.

(25) Lastly, we look at FIG. 8, wherein an additional component known as a connection rod 280 is utilized. Two Joist Installation Assisting Devices 10 are positioned on a ledger board 200. The connection rod 280 is attached to each Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 by way of anchoring devices 250 placed through one mounting hole 100 of the first Joist Installation Assisting Device 10, and through one mounting hole on the second Joist Installation Assisting Device 10, creating a connection bridge therebetween. This connection rod thus allows for rapid placement of two Joist Installation Assisting Devices 10 at any one time, for rapid installation of a plurality of joists 220.

(26) Understandably, the present Joist Installation Assisting Device 10 has been described above in terms of one or more preferred embodiments or models. It is recognized that various alternatives and modifications may be made to these embodiments and methods that are within the scope of the present invention. Various alternatives are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

(27) It is also to be understood that, although the foregoing description and drawings describe and illustrate in detail one or more preferred embodiments of the Joist Installation Assisting Device 10, to those skilled in the art of which this invention relates, the present disclosure will suggest many modifications, models, and constructions, as well as widely differing embodiments and applications without thereby departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.