PIVOTING HANGER ASSEMBLY

DISPOSITIF DE SUPPORT PIVOTANT

English Abstract

Apparatus and methods for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure are described. In one embodiment, a support hanger assembly comprises a joist bracket for fastening to the joist, a support bracket comprising a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure and at least one flange extending from the support bracket base for coupling to the joist bracket, and a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support bracket.

French Abstract

On décrit un appareil et des méthodes pour coupler de manière pivotante une solive à une structure fixe. Dans un mode de réalisation, un support de suspension comprend un support à solive pour fixer à la solive, un support de suspension comprenant une base de support de suspension configurée pour être montée à la structure fixe et au moins une bride s'étendant de la base du support de suspension pour couplage au support de solive, et un élément de raccordement pour coupler de manière pivotante le support de solive et le support de suspension.

Claims

We claim:
1. A support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed
structure, the
support hanger assembly comprising:
a joist bracket for fastening to the joist;
a support bracket comprising:
a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure,
and
at least one flange configured to extend outwardly from the fixed structure
when the support bracket base is mounted to the fixed structure for
coupling to the joist bracket; and
a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support
bracket;
the support hanger assembly configured such that when:
the joist bracket is fastened to the joist,
the support bracket is mounted to the fixed structure, and
the joist bracket is coupled to the support bracket,
the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket.
2. The support hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein:
the joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and
wherein pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support bracket comprises

disposing the connecting member through the at least one joist connector
bore and the support connector bore.
3. The support hanger assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the joist
bracket is
coupled to the support bracket,
the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket without
significant
torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
¨ 17 ¨

4. The support hanger assembly of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the joist
bracket
comprises a joist bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist
bracket base,
and wherein the joist plate has the at least one joist connector bore
extending
therethrough.
5. The support hanger assembly of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the joist
bracket
comprises a joist bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist
bracket
base, and wherein each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector
bore
extending therethrough.
6. The support hanger assembly of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the joist
bracket base is
configured to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist bracket is
fastened to
the joist.
7. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at
least one
flange comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two flanges
are spaced
apart for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
8. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the
connecting
member is further disposed through a bore in the joist.
9. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the
connecting
member includes a bolt.
10. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the
connecting
member includes a bearing.
11. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the
joist bracket
further comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one joist
connector bore
is an inner bore of the at least one bearing.
¨ 18 ¨

12. The support hanger assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one bearing
comprises a spherical bearing.
13. A support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling two or more joists to a
fixed
structure, the support hanger assembly comprising:
two or more joist brackets, each configured to be fastened to one of the two
or
more joists;
at least two support brackets, each support bracket comprising a support
bracket
base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure, and at least one
flange extending from the support bracket base for coupling to the two or
more joist brackets; and
a connecting member for pivotally coupling the two or more joist brackets and
the
at least two support brackets.
14. The support hanger assembly of claim 13, wherein:
each joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each flange includes a support connector bore; and
wherein pivotally coupling the two or more joist brackets and the at least two

support brackets comprises disposing the connecting member through the
at least one joist connector bore and the support connector bores.
15. The support hanger assembly of claim 13 or claim 14, configured such that
when:
the two or more joist brackets are each fastened to one of the two or more
joists,
the at least two support brackets are mounted to the fixed structure, and
the two or more joist brackets are pivotally coupled to the at least two
support brackets,
the two or more joist brackets can be pivoted relative to the at least two
support
brackets without significant torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
¨ 19 ¨

16. The support hanger assembly of claim 14 or claim15, wherein each of the
two or
more joist brackets comprises a joist bracket base and a joist plate extending
from the
joist bracket base, and wherein each joist plate has the at least one the
joist connector
bore extending therethrough.
17. The support hanger assembly of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein each of the
two or
more joist brackets comprises a joist bracket base and two joist plates
extending from
the joist bracket base, and wherein each joist plate has the at least one the
joist
connector bore extending therethrough,.
18. The support hanger assembly of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein each joist
bracket
base is configured to support a lower surface of one of the two or more joists
when that
joist bracket is fastened to one of the two or more joists.
19. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the
connecting
member is further disposed through a bore in each of the two or more joists.
20. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the
connecting
member includes a bolt.
21. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the
connecting
member includes a bearing.
22. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the two
or
more joist brackets each further comprise at least one bearing, and wherein
each of the
at least one joist connector bore is an inner bore of the at least one
bearing.
23. The support hanger assembly of claim 22, wherein the at least one bearing
comprises a spherical bearing.
¨ 20 ¨

24. A support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed
structure, the
support hanger assembly comprising:
a joist bracket for fastening to the joist, the joist bracket having a joist
connector
ball;
a support bracket comprising:
a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure,
and
at least two flanges extending from the support bracket base, at least a
portion of a surface of each flange cooperatively defining a support
connector socket for coupling to the joist connector ball;
wherein the joist bracket and support bracket may be pivotally coupled by
disposing the joist connector ball in the support connector socket.
25. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the
joist is a
floor joist of a deck.
26. A method of attaching a deck to a fixed structure, the method comprising
pivotally
coupling at least one joist to the fixed structure using the support hanger
assembly of
any one of claims 1 to 24.
27. A method for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure, the method
comprising:
fastening a joist bracket to the joist, the joist bracket having a joist
connector
bore;
mounting a support bracket to the fixed structure, the support bracket
comprising
a support bracket base and at least at least one flange that extends
outwardly from the fixed structure when the support bracket base is
mounted to the fixed structure for coupling to the joist bracket, the at least

one flange having a support connector bore extending therethrough;
positioning the joist bracket relative to the support bracket so that the
joist
connector bore and the support connector bore are axially aligned, and
¨ 21 ¨

disposing a connecting member through the joist connector bore and the support

connector bore to pivotally couple the joist bracket to the support bracket,
such that the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket
without significant torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the joist bracket comprises a joist
bracket base
and a joist plate extending from the joist bracket base, and wherein the joist
plate has
the at least one joist connector bore extending therethrough.
29. The method of claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the joist bracket comprises a
joist
bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist bracket base, and
wherein
each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector bore extending
therethrough.
30. The method of claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the joist bracket base is
configured to
support a lower surface of the joist when the joist bracket is fastened to the
joist.
31. The method of any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the at least one flange
comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two flanges are
spaced apart
for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
32. The method of any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the connecting member is

further disposed through a bore in the joist.
33. The method of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the connecting member
includes
a bolt.
34. The method of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the connecting member
includes
a pin.
35. The method of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the connecting member
includes
a bearing.
¨ 22 ¨


36. The method of any one of claims 27 to 35, wherein the joist bracket
further
comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one joist connector
bore is an
inner bore of the at least one bearing.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one bearing comprises a
spherical
bearing.
38. A method for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure, the method
comprising:
fastening a joist bracket to the joist;
mounting a support bracket to the fixed structure, the support bracket
comprising
a support bracket base and at least one flange that extends outwardly
from the fixed structure when the support bracket base is mounted to the
fixed structure for coupling to the joist bracket; and
coupling the joist bracket to the support bracket such that the joist bracket
and
support bracket remain pivotally connected when in use.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein:
the joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and
coupling the joist bracket to the support bracket comprises disposing a
connecting member through the at least one joist connector bore and the
support connector bore such that the joist bracket can be pivoted relative
to the support bracket without significant torque being transferred to the
fixed structure.
40. The method of claim 38 or claim 39, wherein the joist bracket comprises a
joist
bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist bracket base, and
wherein the
joist plate has the at least one joist connector bore extending therethrough.

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41. The method of claim 38 or claim 39, wherein the joist bracket comprises a
joist
bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist bracket base, and
wherein
each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector bore extending
therethrough.
42. The method of claim 40 or claim 41, wherein the joist bracket base is
configured to
support a lower surface of the joist when the joist bracket is fastened to the
joist.
43. The method of any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the at least one flange
comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two flanges are
spaced apart
for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
44. The method of any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the connecting member is

further disposed through a bore in the joist.
45. The method of any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein the connecting member
includes
a bolt.
46. The method of any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein the connecting member
includes
a bearing.
47. The method of any one of claims 38 to 46, wherein the joist bracket
further
comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one joist connector
bore is an
inner bore of the at least one bearing.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the at least one bearing comprises a
spherical
bearing.
49. The method of any one of claims 27 to 48, wherein the joist is a floor
joist of a deck.

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50. A method for constructing an attached structure including a plurality of
joists,
wherein the attached structure is pivotally coupled to a fixed structure, the
method
comprising:
fastening a plurality of joist brackets to the joists;
mounting one or more support brackets to the fixed structure, each support
bracket comprising a support bracket base and at least one flange that
extends outwardly from the fixed structure when the support bracket base
is mounted to the fixed structure for coupling to at least one of the joist
brackets; and
coupling the joist brackets to the support brackets such that the joist
brackets
and support brackets remain pivotally connected when in use.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein:
each joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the flanges includes a support connector bore; and
coupling each of the joist brackets to at least one of the support brackets
comprises disposing a connecting member through the joist connector
bore of each joist bracket and the support connector bore of one or more
support brackets.
52. The method of claim 50 or claim 51, wherein at least one of the joist
brackets
comprises a joist bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist
bracket base,
and wherein the joist plate has the at least one joist connector bore
extending
therethrough.
53. The method of claim 50 or claim 51, wherein at least one of the joist
brackets
comprises a joist bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist
bracket
base, and wherein each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector
bore
extending therethrough.

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54. The method of claim 52 or claim 53, wherein the joist bracket base is
configured to
support a lower surface of the joist when the joist bracket is fastened to the
joist.
55. The method of any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein the support bracket
comprises at
least two flanges, and wherein the at least two flanges are spaced apart for
supporting
the joist bracket therebetween.
56. The method of any one of claims 50 to 55, wherein the connecting member is

further disposed through a bore in the joist.
57. The method of any one of claims 50 to 56, wherein the connecting member
includes
a bolt.
58. The method of any one of claims 50 to 56, wherein the connecting member
includes
a pin.
59. The method of any one of claims 50 to 56, wherein the connecting member
includes
a bearing.
60. The method of any one of claims 50 to 58, wherein at least one of the
joist brackets
further comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one joist
connector bore
is an inner bore of the at least one bearing.
61. The method of claim 60, wherein the at least one bearing comprises a
spherical
bearing.
62. The method of any one of claims 50 to 61 wherein the attached structure is
selected
from the group consisting of: a deck, awning, pergola and dock.
63. A support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed
structure, the
support hanger assembly comprising:

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a joist bracket for fastening to the joist, the joist bracket comprising a
joist bracket
base and at least one joist plate extending substantially perpendicular
from the joist bracket base, each of the at least one joist plate having a
fastener bore,
wherein the joist bracket is configured to be fastened to the joist by
disposing a mechanical fastener through each fastener bore and
into the joist;
a support bracket comprising:
a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure,
and
at least one flange extending from the support bracket base for coupling to
the joist bracket; and
a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support
bracket;
the support hanger assembly configured such that when:
the joist bracket is fastened to the joist,
the support bracket is mounted to the fixed structure, and
the joist bracket is coupled to the support bracket,
the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket.
64. The support hanger assembly of claim 63, wherein the at least one joist
plate
comprises two joist plates.
65. The support hanger assembly of claim 63 or claim 64, wherein:
the joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and
wherein pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support bracket comprises

disposing the connecting member through the at least one joist connector
bore and the support connector bore.

-27-


66. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 63 to 65, wherein when
the joist
bracket is coupled to the support bracket,
the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket without
significant
torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
67. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 65 or 66, wherein each of
the at
least one joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector bore
extending
therethrough.
68. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 63 to 67, wherein the
joist
bracket base is configured to support a lower surface of the joist when the
joist bracket
is fastened to the joist.
69. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 63 to 68, wherein the at
least
one flange comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two
flanges are
spaced apart for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
70. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 63 to 69, wherein the
connecting
member is further disposed through a bore in the joist.
71. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 63 to 70, wherein the
connecting
member includes a bolt.
72. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 63 to 70, wherein the
connecting
member includes a bearing.
73. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 65 to 72, wherein the
joist
bracket further comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one
joist
connector bore is an inner bore of the at least one bearing.

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74. The support hanger assembly of claim 73, wherein the at least one bearing
comprises a spherical bearing.
75. A support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed
structure, the
support hanger assembly comprising:
a joist bracket for fastening to the joist, the joist bracket comprising a
joist bracket
base and two joist plates extending substantially perpendicular from the
joist bracket base, each of the two joist plates having a fastener bore,
wherein the joist bracket is configured to be fastened to the joist by
disposing a mechanical fastener through each fastener bore and
into the joist;
a support bracket comprising:
a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure,
and
at least one flange extending from the support bracket base for coupling to
the joist bracket; and
a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support
bracket;
the support hanger assembly configured such that when:
the joist bracket is fastened to the joist, and
the joist bracket is coupled to the support bracket,
the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket.
76. The support hanger assembly of claim 75, wherein:
the joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and
wherein pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support bracket comprises

disposing the connecting member through the at least one joist connector
bore and the support connector bore.

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77. The support hanger assembly of claim 75 or claim 76, wherein when the
joist
bracket is fastened to the joist and the joist bracket is coupled to the
support bracket,
the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket without
significant
torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
78. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 75 to 77, wherein at
least one of
the two joist plates has one of the at least one joist connector bore
extending
therethrough.
79. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 75 to 78, wherein the
joist
bracket base is configured to support a lower surface of the joist when the
joist bracket
is fastened to the joist.
80. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 75 to 79, wherein the at
least
one flange comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two
flanges are
spaced apart for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
81. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 75 to 80, wherein the
connecting
member is further disposed through a bore in the joist.
82. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 75 to 81, wherein the
connecting
member includes a bolt.
83. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 75 to 81, wherein the
connecting
member includes a bearing.
84. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 75 to 83, wherein the
joist
bracket further comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one
joist
connector bore is an inner bore of the at least one bearing.

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85. The support hanger assembly of claim 84, wherein the at least one bearing
comprises a spherical bearing.
86. A support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed
structure, the
support hanger assembly comprising:
a joist bracket for fastening to a vertical surface of the joist;
a support bracket comprising:
a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure,
and
at least one flange configured to extend outwardly from the fixed structure
when the support bracket base is mounted to the fixed structure for
coupling to the joist bracket; and
a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support
bracket;
the support hanger assembly configured such that when the joist bracket is
coupled to the support bracket, the joist bracket is pivotable about the
connecting member relative to the support bracket.
87. The support hanger assembly of claim 86, wherein:
the joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and
wherein pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support bracket comprises

disposing the connecting member through the at least one joist connector
bore and the support connector bore.
88. The support hanger assembly of claim 86 or claim 87, wherein when the
joist
bracket is coupled to the support bracket,
the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket without
significant
torque being transferred to the fixed structure.

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89. The support hanger assembly of claim 87 or claim 88, wherein the joist
bracket
comprises a joist bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist
bracket base,
and wherein the joist plate has the at least one joist connector bore
extending
therethrough.
90. The support hanger assembly of claim 87 or claim 88, wherein the joist
bracket
comprises a joist bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist
bracket
base, and wherein each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector
bore
extending therethrough.
91. The support hanger assembly of claim 89 or claim 90, wherein the joist
bracket base
is configured to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist bracket
is fastened to
the joist.
92. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 86 to 91, wherein the at
least
one flange comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two
flanges are
spaced apart for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
93. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 86 to 92, wherein the
connecting
member is further disposed through a bore in the joist.
94. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 86 to 93, wherein the
connecting
member includes a bolt.
95. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 86 to 93, wherein the
connecting
member includes a bearing.
96. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 87 to 95, wherein the
joist
bracket further comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one
joist
connector bore is an inner bore of the at least one bearing.

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97. The support hanger assembly of claim 96, wherein the at least one bearing
comprises a spherical bearing.
98. A support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed
structure, the
support hanger assembly comprising:
a joist bracket for fastening to the joist;
a support bracket comprising:
a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure,
and at least one flange configured to extend outwardly from the
fixed structure when the support bracket base is mounted to the
fixed structure for coupling to the joist bracket,
the at least one flange configured to not be fastened to the joist;
and
a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support
bracket.
99. The support hanger assembly of claim 98, wherein:
the joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and
wherein pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support bracket comprises

disposing the connecting member through the at least one joist connector
bore and the support connector bore.
100. The support hanger assembly of claim 98 or claim 99, wherein when the
joist
bracket is coupled to the support bracket,
the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket without
significant
torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
101. The support hanger assembly of claim 99 or claim 100, wherein the joist
bracket
comprises a joist bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist
bracket base,

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and wherein the joist plate has the at least one joist connector bore
extending
therethrough.
102. The support hanger assembly of claim 99 or claim 100, wherein the joist
bracket
comprises a joist bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist
bracket
base, and wherein each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector
bore
extending therethrough.
103. The support hanger assembly of claim 101 or claim 102, wherein the joist
bracket
base is configured to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist
bracket is
fastened to the joist.
104. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 98 to 103, wherein the
at least
one flange comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two
flanges are
spaced apart for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
105. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 98 to 104, wherein the
connecting member is further disposed through a bore in the joist.
106. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 98 to 105, wherein the
connecting member includes a bolt.
107. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 98 to 105, wherein the
connecting member includes a bearing.
108. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 99 to 107, wherein the
joist
bracket further comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one
joist
connector bore is an inner bore of the at least one bearing.
109. The support hanger assembly of claim 108, wherein the at least one
bearing
comprises a spherical bearing.

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110. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 63 to 109, wherein the
joist is a
floor joist of a deck.
111. A method of attaching a deck to a fixed structure, the method comprising
pivotally
coupling at least one joist to the fixed structure using the support hanger
assembly of
any one of claims 63 to 109.
112. A method for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure, the method
comprising:
fastening a joist bracket to the joist, the joist bracket having a joist
connector
bore;
mounting a support bracket to the fixed structure, the support bracket
comprising
a support bracket base and at least at least one flange that extends
outwardly from the fixed structure when the support bracket base is
mounted to the fixed structure for coupling to the joist bracket, the at least

one flange having a support connector bore extending therethrough;
positioning the joist bracket relative to the support bracket so that the
joist
connector bore and the support connector bore are axially aligned, and
disposing a connecting member through the joist connector bore and the support

connector bore to pivotally couple the joist bracket to the support bracket,
without fastening the support bracket to the joist, such that the joist
bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket.
113. The method of claim 112, wherein the joist bracket comprises a joist
bracket base
and a joist plate extending from the joist bracket base, and wherein the joist
plate has
the at least one joist connector bore extending therethrough.
114. The method of claim 112 or claim 113, wherein the joist bracket comprises
a joist
bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist bracket base, and
wherein
each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector bore extending
therethrough.

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115. The method of claim 113 or claim 114, wherein the joist bracket base is
configured
to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist bracket is fastened to
the joist.
116. The method of any one of claims 112 to 115, wherein the at least one
flange
comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two flanges are
spaced apart
for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
117. The method of any one of claims 112 to 116, wherein the connecting member
is
further disposed through a bore in the joist.
118. The method of any one of claims 112 to 117, wherein the connecting member

includes a bolt.
119. The method of any one of claims 112 to 117, wherein the connecting member

includes a pin.
120. The method of any one of claims 112 to 117, wherein the connecting member

includes a bearing.
121. The method of any one of claims 112 to 120, wherein the joist bracket
further
comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one joist connector
bore is an
inner bore of the at least one bearing.
122. The method of claim 121, wherein the at least one bearing comprises a
spherical
bearing.
123. A method for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure, the method
comprising:
fastening a joist bracket to the joist;
mounting a support bracket to the fixed structure, the support bracket
comprising
a support bracket base and at least one flange that extends outwardly

-36-


from the fixed structure when the support bracket base is mounted to the
fixed structure for coupling to the joist bracket; and
coupling the joist bracket to the support bracket without fastening the
support
bracket to the joist such that the joist bracket and support bracket remain
pivotally connected when in use.
124. The method of claim 123, wherein:
the joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and
coupling the joist bracket to the support bracket comprises disposing a
connecting member through the at least one joist connector bore and the
support connector bore such that the joist bracket can be pivoted relative
to the support bracket without significant torque being transferred to the
fixed structure.
125. The method of claim 123 or claim 124, wherein the joist bracket comprises
a joist
bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist bracket base, and
wherein the
joist plate has the at least one joist connector bore extending therethrough.
126. The method of claim 123 or claim 124, wherein the joist bracket comprises
a joist
bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist bracket base, and
wherein
each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector bore extending
therethrough.
127. The method of claim 125 or claim 126, wherein the joist bracket base is
configured
to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist bracket is fastened to
the joist.
128. The method of any one of claims 123 to 127, wherein the at least one
flange
comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two flanges are
spaced apart
for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.

-37-


129. The method of any one of claims 123 to 128, wherein the connecting member
is
further disposed through a bore in the joist.
130. The method of any one of claims 123 to 129, wherein the connecting member

includes a bolt.
131. The method of any one of claims 123 to 129, wherein the connecting member

includes a bearing.
132. The method of any one of claims 123 to 131, wherein the joist bracket
further
comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one joist connector
bore is an
inner bore of the at least one bearing.
133. The method of claim 132, wherein the at least one bearing comprises a
spherical
bearing.
134. The method of any one of claims 112 to 133, wherein the joist is a floor
joist of a
deck.
135. A method for constructing an attached structure including a plurality of
joists,
wherein the attached structure is pivotally coupled to a fixed structure, the
method
comprising:
fastening a plurality of joist brackets to the joists;
mounting one or more support brackets to the fixed structure, each support
bracket comprising a support bracket base and at least one flange that
extends outwardly from the fixed structure when the support bracket base
is mounted to the fixed structure for coupling to at least one of the joist
brackets; and
coupling the joist brackets to the support brackets without fastening the
support
brackets to the joists such that the joist brackets and support brackets
remain pivotally connected when in use.

-38-


136. The method of claim 135, wherein:
each joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the flanges includes a support connector bore; and
coupling each of the joist brackets to at least one of the support brackets
comprises disposing a connecting member through the joist connector
bore of each joist bracket and the support connector bore of one or more
support brackets.
137. The method of claim 135 or claim 136, wherein at least one of the joist
brackets
comprises a joist bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist
bracket base,
and wherein the joist plate has the at least one joist connector bore
extending
therethrough.
138. The method of claim 135 or claim 136, wherein at least one of the joist
brackets
comprises a joist bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist
bracket
base, and wherein each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector
bore
extending therethrough.
139. The method of claim 137or claim 138, wherein the joist bracket base is
configured
to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist bracket is fastened to
the joist.
140. The method of any one of claims 135 to 139, wherein the support bracket
comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two flanges are
spaced apart
for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
141. The method of any one of claims 135 to 140, wherein the connecting member
is
further disposed through a bore in the joist.
142. The method of any one of claims 135 to 141, wherein the connecting member

includes a bolt.

-39-


143. The method of any one of claims 135 to 141, wherein the connecting member

includes a pin.
144. The method of any one of claims 135 to 141, wherein the connecting member

includes a bearing.
145. The method of any one of claims 135 to 144, wherein at least one of the
joist
brackets further comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one
joist
connector bore is an inner bore of the at least one bearing.
146. The method of claim 145, wherein the at least one bearing comprises a
spherical
bearing.
147. The method of any one of claims 135 to 146, wherein the attached
structure is
selected from the group consisting of: a deck, awning, pergola and dock.
148. A support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed
structure, the
support hanger assembly comprising:
a joist bracket for fastening to the joist;
a support bracket comprising:
a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure,
and
at least one flange extending from the support bracket base for coupling to
the joist bracket; and
a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support
bracket;
the support hanger assembly configured such that when:
the joist bracket is fastened to the joist,
the support bracket is mounted to the fixed structure, and
the joist bracket is coupled to the support bracket,

-40-


the joist bracket can be pivoted vertically relative to the support bracket.
149. The support hanger assembly of claim 148, wherein:
the joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and
wherein pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support bracket comprises

disposing the connecting member through the at least one joist connector
bore and the support connector bore.
150. The support hanger assembly of claim 148 or claim 149, wherein when the
joist
bracket is coupled to the support bracket,
the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket without
significant
torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
151. The support hanger assembly of claim 149 or claim 150, wherein the joist
bracket
comprises a joist bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist
bracket base,
and wherein the joist plate has the at least one joist connector bore
extending
therethrough.
152. The support hanger assembly of claim 149 or claim 150, wherein the joist
bracket
comprises a joist bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist
bracket
base, and wherein each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector
bore
extending therethrough.
153. The support hanger assembly of claim 151 or claim 152, wherein the joist
bracket
base is configured to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist
bracket is
fastened to the joist.
154. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 149 to 153, wherein the
at least
one flange comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two
flanges are
spaced apart for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.

-41-


155. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 149 to 154, wherein the
connecting member is further disposed through a bore in the joist.
156. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 149 to 155, wherein the
connecting member includes a bolt.
157. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 149 to 155, wherein the
connecting member includes a bearing.
158. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 149 to 157, wherein the
joist
bracket further comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one
joist
connector bore is an inner bore of the at least one bearing.
159. The support hanger assembly of claim 158, wherein the at least one
bearing
comprises a spherical bearing.
160. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 149 to 159, wherein the
joist is
a floor joist of a deck.
161. A method of attaching a deck to a fixed structure, the method comprising
pivotally
coupling at least one joist to the fixed structure using the support hanger
assembly of
any one of claims 149 to 159.
162. A method for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure, the method
comprising:
fastening a joist bracket to the joist, the joist bracket having a joist
connector
bore;
mounting a support bracket to the fixed structure, the support bracket
comprising
a support bracket base and at least at least one flange extending from the
support bracket base for coupling to the joist bracket, the at least one
flange having a support connector bore extending therethrough;

-42-

positioning the joist bracket relative to the support bracket so that the
joist
connector bore and the support connector bore are axially aligned, and
disposing a connecting member through the joist connector bore and the support

connector bore to pivotally couple the joist bracket to the support bracket,
such that the joist bracket can be pivoted vertically relative to the support
bracket without significant torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
163. The method of claim 162, wherein the joist bracket comprises a joist
bracket base
and a joist plate extending from the joist bracket base, and wherein the joist
plate has
the at least one joist connector bore extending therethrough.
164. The method of claim 162 or claim 163, wherein the joist bracket comprises
a joist
bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist bracket base, and
wherein
each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector bore extending
therethrough.
165. The method of claim 163 or claim 164, wherein the joist bracket base is
configured
to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist bracket is fastened to
the joist.
166. The method of any one of claims 162 to 165, wherein the at least one
flange
comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two flanges are
spaced apart
for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
167. The method of any one of claims 162 to 166, wherein the connecting member
is
further disposed through a bore in the joist.
168. The method of any one of claims 162 to 167, wherein the connecting member

includes a bolt.
169. The method of any one of claims 162 to 167, wherein the connecting member

includes a pin.

-43-

170. The method of any one of claims 162 to 169, wherein the connecting member

includes a bearing.
171. The method of any one of claims 162 to 170, wherein the joist bracket
further
comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one joist connector
bore is an
inner bore of the at least one bearing.
172. The method of claim 171, wherein the at least one bearing comprises a
spherical
bearing.
173. The method of any one of claims 162 to 172, wherein the joist is a floor
joist of a
deck.
174. A support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed
structure, the
support hanger assembly comprising:
a joist bracket for fastening to a vertical surface of the joist;
a support bracket comprising:
a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure,
and
at least one flange extending from the support bracket base for coupling to
the joist bracket; and
a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support
bracket;
the support hanger assembly configured such that when the joist bracket is
coupled to the support bracket, the joist bracket is pivotable about the
connecting member relative to the support bracket in a vertical direction.
175. The support hanger assembly of claim 174, wherein:
the joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and

-44-

wherein pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support bracket comprises

disposing the connecting member through the at least one joist connector
bore and the support connector bore.
176. The support hanger assembly of claim 174 or claim 175, wherein when the
joist
bracket is coupled to the support bracket,
the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket without
significant
torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
177. The support hanger assembly of claim 175 or claim 176, wherein the joist
bracket
comprises a joist bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist
bracket base,
and wherein the joist plate has the at least one joist connector bore
extending
therethrough.
178. The support hanger assembly of claim 175 or claim 176, wherein the joist
bracket
comprises a joist bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist
bracket
base, and wherein each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector
bore
extending therethrough.
179. The support hanger assembly of claim 177 or claim 178, wherein the joist
bracket
base is configured to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist
bracket is
fastened to the joist.
180. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 174 to 179, wherein the
at least
one flange comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two
flanges are
spaced apart for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
181. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 174 to 180, wherein the
connecting member is further disposed through a bore in the joist.

-45-

182. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 174 to 181, wherein the
connecting member includes a bolt.
183. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 174 to 181, wherein the
connecting member includes a bearing.
184. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 175 to 183, wherein the
joist
bracket further comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one
joist
connector bore is an inner bore of the at least one bearing.
185. The support hanger assembly of claim 184, wherein the at least one
bearing
comprises a spherical bearing.
186. A support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed
structure, the
support hanger assembly comprising:
a joist bracket for fastening to the joist;
a support bracket comprising:
a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure,
and at least one flange extending from the support bracket base for
coupling to the joist bracket,
the at least one flange configured to not be fastened to the joist;
and
a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support
bracket such that the joist bracket can pivot vertically relative to the
support bracket.
187. The support hanger assembly of claim 186, wherein:
the joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and

-46-

wherein pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support bracket comprises

disposing the connecting member through the at least one joist connector
bore and the support connector bore.
188. The support hanger assembly of claim 186 or claim 187, wherein when the
joist
bracket is coupled to the support bracket,
the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket without
significant
torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
189. The support hanger assembly of claim 187 or claim 188, wherein the joist
bracket
comprises a joist bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist
bracket base,
and wherein the joist plate has the at least one joist connector bore
extending
therethrough.
190. The support hanger assembly of claim 187 or claim 188, wherein the joist
bracket
comprises a joist bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist
bracket
base, and wherein each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector
bore
extending therethrough.
191. The support hanger assembly of claim 189 or claim 190, wherein the joist
bracket
base is configured to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist
bracket is
fastened to the joist.
192. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 186 to 191, wherein the
at least
one flange comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two
flanges are
spaced apart for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
193. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 186 to 192, wherein the
connecting member is further disposed through a bore in the joist.

-47-

194. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 186 to 193, wherein the
connecting member includes a bolt.
195. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 186 to 193, wherein the
connecting member includes a bearing.
196. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 99 to 195, wherein the
joist
bracket further comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one
joist
connector bore is an inner bore of the at least one bearing.
197. The support hanger assembly of claim 196, wherein the at least one
bearing
comprises a spherical bearing.
198. The support hanger assembly of any one of claims 174 to 197, wherein the
joist is
a floor joist of a deck.
199. A method of attaching a deck to a fixed structure, the method comprising
pivotally
coupling at least one joist to the fixed structure using the support hanger
assembly of
any one of claims 174 to 197.
200. A method for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure, the method
comprising:
fastening a joist bracket to the joist, the joist bracket having a joist
connector
bore;
mounting a support bracket to the fixed structure, the support bracket
comprising
a support bracket base and at least at least one flange extending from the
support bracket base for coupling to the joist bracket, the at least one
flange having a support connector bore extending therethrough;
positioning the joist bracket relative to the support bracket so that the
joist
connector bore and the support connector bore are axially aligned, and
disposing a connecting member through the joist connector bore and the support

connector bore to pivotally couple the joist bracket to the support bracket,

-48-

without fastening the support bracket to the joist, such that the joist
bracket can be pivoted vertically relative to the support bracket.
201. The method of claim 200, wherein the joist bracket comprises a joist
bracket base
and a joist plate extending from the joist bracket base, and wherein the joist
plate has
the at least one joist connector bore extending therethrough.
202. The method of claim 200 or claim 201, wherein the joist bracket comprises
a joist
bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist bracket base, and
wherein
each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector bore extending
therethrough.
203. The method of claim 201 or claim 202, wherein the joist bracket base is
configured
to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist bracket is fastened to
the joist.
204. The method of any one of claims 200 to 203, wherein the at least one
flange
comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two flanges are
spaced apart
for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
205. The method of any one of claims 200 to 204, wherein the connecting member
is
further disposed through a bore in the joist.
206. The method of any one of claims 200 to 205, wherein the connecting member

includes a bolt.
207. The method of any one of claims 200 to 205, wherein the connecting member

includes a pin.
208. The method of any one of claims 200 to 207, wherein the connecting member

includes a bearing.

-49-

209. The method of any one of claims 200 to 208, wherein the joist bracket
further
comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one joist connector
bore is an
inner bore of the at least one bearing.
210. The method of claim 209, wherein the at least one bearing comprises a
spherical
bearing.
211. A method for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure, the method
comprising:
fastening a joist bracket to the joist;
mounting a support bracket to the fixed structure, the support bracket
comprising
a support bracket base and at least one flange extending from the support
bracket base for coupling to the joist bracket; and
coupling the joist bracket to the support bracket without fastening the
support
bracket to the joist such that the joist bracket can be pivoted vertically
relative to the support bracket and such that the joist bracket and support
bracket remain pivotally connected when in use.
212. The method of claim 211, wherein:
the joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and
coupling the joist bracket to the support bracket comprises disposing a
connecting member through the at least one joist connector bore and the
support connector bore such that the joist bracket can be pivoted relative
to the support bracket without significant torque being transferred to the
fixed structure.
213. The method of claim 211 or claim 212, wherein the joist bracket comprises
a joist
bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist bracket base, and
wherein the
joist plate has the at least one joist connector bore extending therethrough.

-50-

214. The method of claim 211 or claim 212, wherein the joist bracket comprises
a joist
bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist bracket base, and
wherein
each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector bore extending
therethrough.
215. The method of claim 213 or claim 214, wherein the joist bracket base is
configured
to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist bracket is fastened to
the joist.
216. The method of any one of claims 211 to 215, wherein the at least one
flange
comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two flanges are
spaced apart
for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
217. The method of any one of claims 211 to 216, wherein the connecting member
is
further disposed through a bore in the joist.
218. The method of any one of claims 211 to 217, wherein the connecting member

includes a bolt.
219. The method of any one of claims 211 to 217, wherein the connecting member

includes a bearing.
220. The method of any one of claims 211 to 219, wherein the joist bracket
further
comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one joist connector
bore is an
inner bore of the at least one bearing.
221. The method of claim 220, wherein the at least one bearing comprises a
spherical
bearing.
222. The method of any one of claims 200 to 221, wherein the joist is a floor
joist of a
deck.

-51-

223. A method for constructing an attached structure including a plurality of
joists,
wherein the attached structure is pivotally coupled to a fixed structure, the
method
comprising:
fastening a plurality of joist brackets to the joists;
mounting one or more support brackets to the fixed structure, each support
bracket comprising a support bracket base and at least one flange
extending from the support bracket base for coupling to at least one of the
joist brackets; and
coupling the joist brackets to the support brackets without fastening the
support
brackets to the joists such that the joist bracket can be pivoted vertically
relative to the support bracket and such that the joist brackets and support
brackets remain pivotally connected when in use.
224. The method of claim 223, wherein:
each joist bracket has at least one joist connector bore,
each of the flanges includes a support connector bore; and
coupling each of the joist brackets to at least one of the support brackets
comprises disposing a connecting member through the joist connector
bore of each joist bracket and the support connector bore of one or more
support brackets.
225. The method of claim 223 or claim 224, wherein at least one of the joist
brackets
comprises a joist bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist
bracket base,
and wherein the joist plate has the at least one joist connector bore
extending
therethrough.
226. The method of claim 223 or claim 224, wherein at least one of the joist
brackets
comprises a joist bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist
bracket
base, and wherein each joist plate has one of the at least one joist connector
bore
extending therethrough.
-52-

227. The method of claim 225 or claim 226, wherein the joist bracket base is
configured
to support a lower surface of the joist when the joist bracket is fastened to
the joist.
228. The method of any one of claims 223 to 227, wherein the support bracket
comprises at least two flanges, and wherein the at least two flanges are
spaced apart
for supporting the joist bracket therebetween.
229. The method of any one of claims 223 to 228, wherein the connecting member
is
further disposed through a bore in the joist.
230. The method of any one of claims 223 to 229, wherein the connecting member

includes a bolt.
231. The method of any one of claims 223 to 229, wherein the connecting member

includes a pin.
232. The method of any one of claims 223 to 229, wherein the connecting member

includes a bearing.
233. The method of any one of claims 223 to 232, wherein at least one of the
joist
brackets further comprises at least one bearing, and wherein the at least one
joist
connector bore is an inner bore of the at least one bearing.
234. The method of claim 233, wherein the at least one bearing comprises a
spherical
bearing.
235. The method of any one of claims 223 to 234, wherein the attached
structure is
selected from the group consisting of: a deck, awning, pergola and dock.

-53-

Description

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
Title: PIVOTING HANGER ASSSEMBLY
Field
[1] Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a support hanger
assembly for
pivotally securing one or more joists to a fixed structure, and to methods of
securing one
or more joists to a fixed structure using the support hanger assembly.
Background
[2] Support hangers (also known as joist hangers) are commonly used to
provide a
fixed structural connection between a joist and a fixed structural assembly.
Summary
[3] According to one broad aspect, some embodiments of the invention
provide a
support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure,
the support
hanger assembly comprising: a joist bracket for fastening to the joist; a
support bracket
comprising: a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed
structure, and
at least one flange extending from the support bracket base for coupling to
the joist
bracket; and a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and
the
support bracket.
[4] In some embodiments, the joist bracket has at least one joist connector
bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and
pivotally coupling
the joist bracket and the support bracket comprises disposing the connecting
member
through the at least one joist connector bore and the support connector bore.
[5] In some embodiments, the support hanger assembly is configured such
that
when: the joist bracket is fastened to the joist, the support bracket is
mounted to the
fixed structure, and the joist bracket is pivotally coupled to the support
bracket, the joist
bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket without significant
torque being
transferred to the fixed structure.
[6] In some embodiments, the joist bracket comprises a joist bracket base
and a joist
plate extending from the joist bracket base, and wherein the joist plate has
the at least
one joist connector bore extending therethrough.
¨ 1 ¨

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
[7] In some embodiments, the joist bracket comprises a joist bracket base
and two
joist plates extending from the joist bracket base, and wherein each joist
plate has one
of the at least one joist connector bore extending therethrough.
[8] In some embodiments, the joist bracket base is configured to support a
lower
surface of the joist when the joist bracket is fastened to the joist.
[9] In some embodiments, the at least one flange comprises at least two
flanges,
and wherein the at least two flanges are spaced apart for supporting the joist
bracket
therebetween.
[10] In some embodiments, the connecting member is further disposed through a
bore in the joist.
[11] In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a bolt.
[12] In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a bearing.
[13] In some embodiments, the joist bracket further comprises at least one
bearing,
and wherein the at least one joist connector bore is an inner bore of the at
least one
bearing.
[14] In some embodiments, the at least one bearing comprises a spherical
bearing.
[15] According to another broad aspect, some embodiments of the invention
provide
a support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling two or more joists to a fixed
structure,
the support hanger assembly comprising: two or more joist brackets, each
configured to
be fastened to one of the two or more joists; at least two support brackets,
each support
bracket comprising a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the
fixed
structure, and at least one flange extending from the support bracket base for
coupling
to the two or more joist brackets; and a connecting member for pivotally
coupling the
two or more joist brackets and the at least two support brackets.
[16] In some embodiments, each joist bracket has at least one joist connector
bore,
each flange includes a support connector bore; and pivotally coupling the two
or more
joist brackets and the at least two support brackets comprises disposing the
connecting
member through the at least one joist connectorbore and the support connector
bores.
[17] In some embodiments the support hanger assembly is configured such that
when: the two or more joist brackets are each fastened to one of the two or
more joists,
the at least two support brackets are mounted to the fixed structure, and the
two or
¨2¨

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
more joist brackets are pivotally coupled to the at least two support
brackets, the two or
more joist brackets can be pivoted relative to the at least two support
brackets without
significant torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
[18] In some embodiments each of the two or more joist brackets comprises a
joist
bracket base and a joist plate extending from the joist bracket base, and
wherein each
joist plate has the at least one the joist connector bore extending
therethrough.
[19] In some embodiments, each of the two or more joist brackets comprises a
joist
bracket base and two joist plates extending from the joist bracket base, and
wherein
each joist plate has the at least one the joist connector bore extending
therethrough.
[20] In some embodiments, each joist bracket base is configured to support a
lower
surface of one of the two or more joists when that joist bracket is fastened
to one of the
two or more joists.
[21] In some embodiments, the connecting member is further disposed through a
bore in each of the two or more joists.
[22] In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a bolt.
[23] In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a bearing.
[24] In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a pin.
[25] In some embodiments, the two or more joist brackets each further comprise
at
least one bearing, and each of the at least one joist connector bore is an
inner bore of
the at least one bearing.
[26] In some embodiments, the at least one bearing comprises a spherical
bearing.
[27] According to another broad aspect, some embodiments of the invention
provide
a support hanger assembly for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure,
the support
hanger assembly comprising: a joist bracket for fastening to the joist, the
joist bracket
having a joist connector ball; a support bracket comprising: a support bracket
base
configured to be mounted to the fixed structure, and at least two flanges
extending from
the support bracket base, at least a portion of a surface of each flange
cooperatively
defining a support connector socket for coupling to the joist connector ball;
wherein the
joist bracket and support bracket may be pivotally coupled by disposing the
joist
connector ball in the support connector socket.
[28] In some embodiments, the joist is a floor joist of a deck.
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CA 02796340 2012-11-23
[29] According to another broad aspect, some embodiments of the invention
provide
a method for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure, the method
comprising:
fastening a joist bracket to the joist, the joist bracket having a joist
connector bore;
mounting a support bracket to the fixed structure, the support bracket
comprising a
support bracket base and at least two flanges extending from the support
bracket base
for coupling to the joist bracket, each flange having a support connector bore
extending
therethrough; positioning the joist bracket relative to the support bracket so
that the joist
connector bore and the at least two support connector bores are axially
aligned, and
disposing a connecting member through the joist connector bore and the at
least two
support connector bores to pivotally couple the joist bracket to the support
bracket, such
that the joist bracket can be pivoted relative to the support bracket without
significant
torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
[30] According to another broad aspect, some embodiments of the invention
provide
a method for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure, the method
comprising:
fastening a joist bracket to the joist; mounting a support bracket to the
fixed structure,
the support bracket comprising a support bracket base and at least one flange
extending from the support bracket base for coupling to the joist bracket; and
coupling
the joist bracket to the support bracket such that the joist bracket and
support bracket
remain pivotally connected when in use.
[31] In some embodiments, the joist bracket has at least one joist connector
bore,
each of the at least one flange includes a support connector bore; and
coupling the joist
bracket to the support bracket comprises disposing a connecting member through
the at
least one joist connector bore and the support connector bore such that the
joist bracket
can be pivoted relative to the support bracket without significant torque
being
transferred to the fixed structure.
[32] According to another broad aspect, some embodiments od the invention
provide
for a method for constructing an attached structure including a plurality of
joists, wherein
the attached structure is pivotally coupled to a fixed structure, the method
comprising:
fastening a plurality of joist brackets to the joists; mounting one or more
support
brackets to the fixed structure, each support bracket comprising a support
bracket base
and at least one flange extending from the support bracket base for coupling
to at least
¨4¨

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
one of the joist brackets; and coupling the joist brackets to the support
brackets such
that the joist brackets and support brackets remain pivotally connected when
in use.
[33] In some embodiments, each joist bracket has at least one joist connector
bore,
each of the flanges includes a support connector bore; and coupling each of
the joist
brackets to at least one of the support brackets comprises disposing a
connecting
member through the joist connector bore of each joist bracket and the support
connector bore of one or more support brackets.
[34] In some embodiments, at least one of the joist brackets comprises a joist
bracket
base and a joist plate extending from the joist bracket base, and wherein the
joist plate
has the at least one joist connector bore extending therethrough.
[35] In some embodiments, at least one of the joist brackets comprises a joist
bracket
base and two joist plates extending from the joist bracket base, and wherein
each joist
plate has one of the at least one joist connector bore extending therethrough.
[36] In some embodiments, the joist bracket base is configured to support a
lower
surface of the joist when the joist bracket is fastened to the joist.
[37] In some embodiments, the support bracket comprises at least two flanges,
and
wherein the at least two flanges are spaced apart for supporting the joist
bracket
therebetween.
[38] In some embodiments, the connecting member is further disposed through a
bore in the joist.
[39] In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a bolt.
[40] In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a pin.
[41] In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a bearing.
[42] In some embodiments, at least one of the joist brackets further comprises
at least
one bearing, and wherein the at least one joist connector bore is an inner
bore of the at
least one bearing.
[43] In some embodiments, the at least one bearing comprises a spherical
bearing.
[44] In some embodiments, the attached structure is selected from the group
consisting of: a deck, awning, pergola and dock.
¨5--

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
Brief Description of the Drawings
[45] For a better understanding of embodiments of the systems and methods
described herein, and to show more clearly how they may be carried into
effect,
reference will be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in
which:
Figure 1A is an exploded perspective view showing a support hanger assembly
according to one embodiment;
Figure 1B is a plan view showing a support hanger assembly according to one
embodiment;
Figure 1C is a side view showing a support hanger assembly according to one
embodiment;
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a joist pivotally coupled to a fixed
structure using a support hanger assembly according to one embodiment;
Figure 3A is a plan view showing the joist bracket shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3B is a side view showing the joist bracket shown in Figure 1;
Figure 30 is an end view showing the joist bracket shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4A is a plan view showing a joist bracket according to an embodiment;
Figure 4B is an end view showing the joist bracket shown in Figure 4A;
Figure 40 is a side view showing the joist bracket shown in Figure 4A;
Figure 5A is a plan view showing a support bracket shown in Figure 1;
Figure 5B is a side view showing a support bracket shown in Figure 1;
Figure 50 is an end view showing a support bracket shown in Figure 1;
Figure 6A is a plan view showing a support bracket according to an embodiment;

Figure 6B is an end view showing the support bracket shown in Figure 6A;
Figure 60 is a side view showing the support bracket shown in Figure 6A;
Figure 7 is an end view showing two or more joists pivotally coupled to a
fixed
structure using a support hanger assembly according to one embodiment;
Figure 8A is a plan view showing a support hanger assembly according to one
embodiment;
Figure 8B is a side view showing the support hanger shown in Figure 8A;
Figure 80 is a plan view showing a support hanger assembly according to one
embodiment;
¨6¨

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
Figure 8D is a side view showing the support hanger shown in Figure 80;
Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a joist pivotally coupled to a fixed
structure using the support hanger assembly of Figure 8A;
Figure 10A is a perspective view showing a joist bracket according to an
embodiment;
Figure 10B is an end view showing the joist bracket shown in Figure 10A;
Figure 100 is a side view showing the joist bracket shown in Figure 10A;
Figure 10D is a perspective view showing a joist pivotally coupled to a fixed
structure using a support hanger assembly according to one embodiment.
Description of Exemplary Embodiments
[46] The construction industry has utilized many types of fixed support
hangers to
support joists or other types of structural members, light metal framing
hangers or joist
hangers being perhaps the most common example. However, fixed support hangers
do
not allow for relative movement between the attached structural members. In
fact,
support hangers are often designed to minimize or eliminate relative motion
between
the attached structural members.
[47] For example, a typical joist hanger comprises a rigid frame for securing
a joist to
a supporting member; once the joist hanger has been secured to both the joist
and the
supporting member (typically by nailing), relative motion between the joist
and the
supporting member is prevented. While some support hangers provide for a
limited
degree of relative movement between a joist and a supporting member during
installation (e.g. to adjust the slope and/or skew between the joist and the
structural
member), these support hangers are designed to provide a fixed, rigid
connection
following installation.
[48] However, in some situations it may be desirable to provide a pivoting
connection
to allow relative movement between a joist and a supporting member following
installation.
[49] For example, in regions with soil susceptible to frost heaving, it may be
desirable
to provide a continuously pivoting connection between a fixed structure such
as a house
and the floor joists of an attached structure such as a deck, awning, pergola
or dock, so
¨7¨

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
that a support pier for a distal end of the attached structure (i.e. distal to
the connection
between the fixed structure and the attached structure) can be vertically
displaced
relative to the fixed structure without significant torque being transferred
to the fixed
structure.
[50] To prevent structural damage resulting from frost heaving, foundations
typically
include footings located below the frost line. In many jurisdictions, local
building codes
provide minimum requirements for the design and installation of foundations in
frost
susceptible soil; these minimum requirements are generally more onerous than
for
foundations in non-frost susceptible soil.
[51] To reduce the potential impact of frost heave, it is common practice that
when
attaching a new structure, such as a deck, to a structure comprising a frost
heave-
resistant foundation, such as a house, using a rigid connection (e.g. a
connection using
rigid support hangers), the foundation for the new structure is also provided
with a frost
heave-resistant foundation. This may be a building code requirement in some
jurisdictions. For example, if a deck is attached to a house ¨ either as part
of a new
house construction, or as a subsequent addition ¨ all of the deck supports may
require
frost heave-resistant piers and footings. In most cases, installing frost
heave-resistant
footings adds significant complexity and cost to the installation of a deck.
[52] If distal deck footings are not provided with frost heave-resistant
foundations, the
relative vertical motion between these deck footings and the structure to
which the deck
is attached (due to frost heave) may impart a significant torque to the rigid
connection
between the deck joists and the structure to which the deck is attached. This
torque
may cause distress to the fixed structure and/or the deck.
[53] In the past, this issue was addressed in one of two ways: either i) the
distal deck
supports were provided with frost heave-resistant footings, often increasing
the cost of
installing the deck; or ii) the deck was not attached to the house at all.
While providing a
'free floating' deck adjacent to, but not attached to, a house may eliminate
the
requirement for frost heave-resistant footings for the deck supports, such a
deck may
not provide an aesthetically pleasing interface between the deck and the
house.
[54] Also, providing a 'free floating' deck adjacent to, but not attached to,
a house
typically requires additional support piers and columns to be installed to
support the
¨8¨

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
portion of the deck proximate to the house, adding expense in material and
installation
costs. Also, support piers located adjacent to the foundation of a house may
experience
different degrees of frost heave relative to support piers located for a
distal end of the
attached deck (i.e. distal to the connection between the house and the deck).
For
example, support piers located adjacent to the foundation of the house may not
rise as
much due to frost heave relative to deck supports located away from the house.
In this
case, it is possible that the deck may pivot or jam against the house, which
may cause
distress to the house and/or the deck.
[55] In contrast, unlike typical support hangers, which provide a fixed/static
connection between a joist and a fixed structure after installation,
embodiments
disclosed herein provide a pivotal coupling between a joist and a fixed
structure when in
use, so that when the joist is coupled to the fixed structure via the support
hanger
assembly, the joist can be pivoted relative to the fixed structure without
significant
torque being transferred to the fixed structure.
[56] By providing a pivotal coupling, relative movement between a joist and a
supporting member may be accommodated after installation. For example, by
securing
the joists of a deck to a house using one or more support hanger assemblies as

disclosed herein, the requirement to provide frost heave-resistant footings
for distal
deck supports may be eliminated. In this case, the pivotal coupling may
accommodate
distal deck supports that 'float' up and down due to frost heaving, without
causing
distress to the deck and/or the fixed structure. This may greatly simplify
and/or reduce
the cost of installing decks in regions with soil susceptible to frost
heaving.
[57] Aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in greater
detail
below. Embodiments of the present application provide support hangers and
methods
for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure. In order to aid in the
understanding of
the general methods, specific embodiments are described below as an example of
the
general method; it is to be understood that alternate embodiments are
feasible.
[58] Referring first to Figures 1A-1C, support hanger assembly 100 includes
joist
bracket 110 and support bracket 120. At least one joist connector bore 116
extends
through joist bracket 110, and support connector bores 126 extend through each
of at
least two flanges 124 of the support bracket 120. In use, joist bracket 110 is
positioned
¨9¨

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
relative to support bracket 120 so that the at least one joist connector bore
116 and the
support connector bores 126 are aligned, and connecting member 130 is inserted

through joist connector bores 116 and support connector bores 126 to pivotally
couple
joist bracket 110 to support bracket 120. That is, when coupled by connecting
member
130, joist bracket 110 is able to pivot back and forth about connecting member
130
relative to support bracket 120.
[59] As shown in Figure 2, when support bracket 120 is mounted to a fixed
structure
400 such that the axis of rotation provided by connecting member 130 is
generally
horizontal, a distal end of joist 500 - fastened to joist bracket 110 - may be
raised or
lowered in a vertical direction relative to fixed structure 400 without
significant torque
being transferred to fixed structure 400 via support assembly 100. In general,
support
bracket 120 permits movement of the joist bracket in a direction generally
perpendicular
to the direction of the connection member.
[60] For example, if the fixed structure is a ribbon joist attached to a house
having a
foundation designed to minimize or eliminate vertical displacement due to
frost heave,
connecting the floor joists of a deck using one or more support assemblies 100
may
obviate the need to provide foundations designed to minimize or eliminate
vertical
displacement due to frost heave for one or more distal deck supports, as any
differential
vertical movement between distal ends of the deck joists relative to the
ribbon joist will
result in the deck joists pivoting in the support bracket without significant
torque being
transferred to the fixed structure. As a result, the one or more distal deck
supports may
not require piers connected to footings installed below the frost line.
[61] As shown in Figures 3A-3C, joist bracket 110 may comprise joist bracket
base
112 and a pair of joist plates 114 extending from the joist bracket base 112.
That is, the
joist bracket base 112 and a pair of joist plates 114 may form a substantially
U-shaped
joist bracket 110. Such a U-shaped joist bracket may be dimensioned to receive
an end
of a typical 2 x 8 or 2 x 10 floor joist.
[62] For example, the joist bracket base 112 may be wide enough to provide a
clearance of 1 5/8 inches between inner faces of joist plates 114, and joist
plates 114
may extend approximately 7 inches from the joist bracket base 112. In some
embodiments, joist bracket base 112 may be 2 inches by 2 5/8 inches deep (i.e.
joist
¨10¨

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
plates 114 may be approximately 7 inches tall by 2 5/8 inches deep). Those
skilled in
the art will understand that any suitable dimensions may be selected based on
loading
or other requirements of a particular application.
[63] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3B, joist bracket 110 may also
include
bearing 117, and joist connector bore 116 may be an inner bore of this
bearing. This
may decrease the friction between joist bracket 110 and connecting member 130
as
joist bracket 110 pivots relative to support bracket 120.
[64] In some embodiments, bearing 117 may be a spherical bearing. By providing
a
spherical bearing, joist bracket 110 may more readily accommodate one or more
components of rotation (e.g. yaw or roll) in addition to pivoting (e.g.
pitching) about the
axis of connecting member 130.
[65] In addition to joist connector bore 116, joist plates 114 may also have
one or
more fastener bores 118 to accommodate mechanical fasteners (e.g. nails,
screws) for
securing the joist bracket 110 to joist 500. Any suitable size of fastener
bore may be
provided. For example, 3/8 inch diameter bores may be provided, for
accommodating 2"
to 3" lag screws.
[66] Fastener bores 118 are preferably spaced apart along the joist plate 114,
and in
embodiments where joist bracket 110 comprises more than one joist plate,
fastener
bores 118 are preferably offset such that there is no interference between
fasteners
inserted through opposing joist plates. Although three bores 118 are
illustrated for each
joist plate 114, those skilled in the art will understand that any suitable
number of bores
118 may be provided.
[67] As shown in Figures 3A-3C, the joist bracket base 112 and a pair of joist
plates
114 may form a substantially U-shaped joist bracket 110. In other embodiments,
only
one joist plate 114 may extend from the joist bracket base 112, forming a
generally L-
shaped joist bracket 110, as shown in Figures 4A-4C. Alternatively, joist
bracket 110
may consist solely of joist plate 114 (not shown).
[68] As shown in Figures 5A-5C, support bracket 120 may comprise support
bracket
base 122 and a pair of flanges 124 extending from the support bracket base.
That is,
support bracket base 122 and flanges 124 may form a substantially C-shaped
support
bracket 120. Support connector bore 126, dimensioned to receive connecting
member
¨11¨

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
130, extends through each flange 124. Such a C-shaped joist bracket may be
dimensioned such that the flanges 124 are spaced apart to receive at least a
portion of
joist bracket 110 and/or at least a portion of an end of joist 500
therebetween.
[69] For example, the support bracket base 122 may be approximately 2 1/2
inches
wide by 7 inches tall, and flanges 124 may extend approximately 31/2 inches
from the
support bracket base 122 (i.e. flanges 124 may be approximately 7 inches tall
by 31/2
inches deep). Those skilled in the art will understand that any suitable
dimensions may
be selected based on loading or other requirements of a particular
application.
[70] Support bracket base 122 may have one or more fastener bores 128 to
accommodate mechanical fasteners (e.g. nails, screws) for securing the support
bracket
120 to fixed structure 400. Any suitable size of fastener bore may be
provided. For
example, 7/16 inch diameter bores may be provided, for accommodating standard
1 1/2
inch joist nails. Fastener bores 128 are preferably spaced apart along the
support
bracket base 122. Although two bores 128 are illustrated, those skilled in the
art will
understand that any suitable number of bores 128 may be provided.
[71] As shown in Figures 5A-5C, the support bracket base 122 and at least two
flanges 124 may form a substantially C-shaped support bracket 120. In other
embodiments, only one flange 124 may extend from the support bracket base 122,

forming a generally L-shaped support bracket 120, as shown in Figures 6A-6C.
[72] Connecting member 130 may be dimensioned to be received in joist
connector
bore(s) 116 and support connector bore(s) 126 while allowing joist bracket 110
to pivot
back and forth relative to support bracket 120 without significant torque
being
transferred via support assembly 100.
[73] In some embodiments, connecting member 130 may comprise a bolt with a
flared head at one end and threads disposed on the other end for receiving a
complementary nut, so that when the threaded end of the bolt is inserted
through the
joist connector bore(s) 116 and support connector bore(s) 126 and the
complementary
nut threaded onto the threaded end of the bolt, the flared head and the nut
act to retain
the connecting member 130 in the joist connector bore(s) 116 and support
connector
bore(s) 126.
¨ 12 ¨

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
[74] In some embodiments, connecting member 130 may comprise a generally
cylindrical shaft with a hole at each end for receiving a retaining member
such as a
cotter pin, split pin, split ring, etc., so that when the shaft is inserted
through the joist
connector bore(s) 116 and support connector bore(s) 126, a cotter pin, split
pin, split
ring, etc. may be used to retain the connecting member 130 in the joist
connector
bore(s) 116 and support connector bore(s) 126.
[75] In some embodiments, connecting member 130 may comprise a bearing,
suitable for reducing the torque required to pivot joist bracket 110 relative
to support
bracket 120.
[76] In some embodiments, connecting member 130 may also be disposed through a
bore in joist 500 that is secured to joist bracket 110, the bore in joist 500
being generally
aligned with the joist connector bore(s) 116 of the joist bracket 110.
[77] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 7, support hanger assembly
200
includes two or more joist brackets 110 and at least two support brackets 120.
At least
one joist connector bore 116 extends through each joist bracket 110, and
support
connector bores 126 extend through each of at least two flanges 124 of the
support
brackets 120. In use, joist brackets 110 are positioned relative to support
brackets 120
so that the joist connector bores 116 and the support connector bores 126 are
aligned,
and connecting member 230 is inserted through joist connector bores 116 and
support
connector bores 126 to pivotally couple joist brackets 110 to support brackets
120. That
is, when coupled by connecting member 230, joist brackets 110 are able to
pivot back
and forth about connecting member 230 relative to support brackets 120.
[78] In this way, when support brackets 120 are mounted to fixed structure 400
such
that the axis of rotation provided by connecting member 230 is substantially
horizontal,
the distal end of two or more joists 500 fastened to joist brackets 110 may be
raised or
lowered in a vertical direction relative to fixed structure 400 without
significant torque
being transferred to fixed structure 400 via support assembly 200.
[79] In some embodiments, two or more joists 500, each fastened to joist
brackets
110, may be spaced apart approximately every 16 inches on centre, and support
brackets 120 may be spaced apart approximately every 26 inches on centre. In
this
way, four joist brackets 110 may be coupled to three support brackets 120
using
¨ 13 ¨

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
connecting member 230 with a length of approximately 54 inches. Also, a joist
bracket
110 will line up with a support bracket 120 approximately every 208 inches.
Those
skilled in the art will understand that any suitable dimensions may be
selected based on
loading or other requirements of a particular application.
[80] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 8A-8B, support hanger
assembly
300 includes joist bracket 310 and support bracket 320. Joist connector ball
316
extends from joist bracket base 312, and a portion of a surface 325 of each
flange 324
cooperatively defines a support connector socket 326 of support bracket 320.
In use,
joist connector ball 316 is disposed within support connector socket 326 so
that joist
connector ball 316 is pivotally coupled to support bracket 320. That is, a
joist 500
secured to joist bracket 310 is able to pivot back and forth about more than
one axis
relative to support bracket 320.
[81] Joist bracket 310 may comprise joist bracket base 312 and a pair of joist
plates
314 extending from the joist bracket base 312. That is, the joist bracket base
312 and
joist plates 114 may form a substantially U-shaped bracket, preferably
dimensioned to
receive an end of a typical 2 x 8 or 2 x 10 floor joist. Joist plates 314 may
have one or
more fastener bores 318 to accommodate mechanical fasteners (e.g. nails,
screws) for
securing the joist bracket 310 to joist 500. Any suitable size of fastener
bore may be
provided.
[82] Support bracket 320 may comprise support bracket base 322 and a pair of
flanges 324 extending from the support bracket base. That is, support bracket
base 322
and flanges 324 may form a substantially C-shaped support bracket 320.
Complementary surfaces 325, dimensioned to cooperatively define support
connector
socket 326 to receive joist connector ball 316, are provided on each flange
324. Support
bracket base 322 may have one or more fastener bores 328 to accommodate
mechanical fasteners (e.g. nails, screws) for securing the support bracket 320
to fixed
structure 400. Any suitable size of fastener bore may be provided.
[83] In some embodiments, flanges 324 may be sufficiently flexible to allow
joist
connector ball 316 to be inserted into support connector socket 326 after
support
bracket 320 has been mounted to fixed structure 400. As shown in Figures 80
and 8D,
flanges 324 may also include one or more spacer bores 350. Spacer bores 350
are
¨14¨

CA 02796340 2012-11-23
sized to accommodate a spacer fastener360 (such as a bolt or other suitable
mechanical fastener) that is positioned through spacer bores 350 and a spacer
355. In
use, after joist connector ball 316 has been inserted into support connector
socket 326,
one or more spacers 355 are aligned with one or more spacer bores 350, and
spacer
fastener(s) 360 are disposed through spacer 355 and spacer bores 350 and
secured in
position, for example using nuts and/or washers. By providing spacers of a
predetermined length, the distance between flanges 326 (and therefore the
dimensions
of support connector socket 326) can be controlled, providing a coupling
between joist
bracket 310 and support bracket 320 that is neither too loose nor too tight.
[84] As shown in Figure 9, when support bracket 320 is mounted to fixed
structure
400, a distal end of joist 500 fastened to joist bracket 310 may be raised or
lowered in a
vertical direction relative to fixed structure 400 and/or displaced in a
horizontal direction
without significant torque being transferred to fixed structure 400 via
support assembly
300.
[85] As shown in Figures 10A-100, in some embodiments joist bracket 310 may
comprise an articulating joint, such as rose joint 370, instead of joist
connector ball 316.
Rose joint 370 may include casing 372, ball swivel 374, and joist connector
bore 376. In
some embodiments, rose joint 370 comprises one or more joist plates (not
shown).
Alternatively (or additionally), rose joint 370 may comprise screw 378. As
shown in
Figure 10D, in use screw 378 may be used to fasten joist bracket 310 to joist
500
without the need for joist plates.
[86] To pivotally couple a joist to a fixed structure, typically one would
first fasten joist
bracket 110 to joist 500, preferably at an end of joist 500, and separately
mount support
bracket 120 to fixed structure 400. Alternatively, support bracket 120 may be
mounted
to fixed structure 400 before joist bracket 110 is fastened to joist 500.
[87] Once joist bracket 110 is fastened to joist 500 and support bracket 120
has been
mounted to fixed structure 400, joist bracket 110 is positioned relative to
support bracket
120 so that joist connector bore(s) 116 and support connector bore(s) 126 are
axially
aligned.
[88] Once joist connector bore(s) 116 and support connector bore(s) 126 are
axially
aligned, connecting member 130 is disposed through joist connector bore(s) 116
and
¨ 15 ¨

CA 02796340 2013-05-09
support connector bore(s) 126 to pivotally couple the joist bracket 110 to the
support
bracket 120.
[89] The present invention has been described here by way of example only.
Various
modification and variations may be made to these exemplary embodiments without
departing from the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the
appended claims.
For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the
represented embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each
other.
[90] Also, while the examples described above occasionally make reference to
specific dimensions or materials, those skilled in the art will understand
that any suitable
dimensions and/or materials may be selected based on the loading or other
requirements of a particular application.
[91] As a further example, while joist plates 114 and support flanges 124 are
depicted
as substantially solid rectangular members, persons skilled in the art will
recognize
alternative shapes or configurations (e.g. comprising one or more webs or
truss
members) may alternatively be used. Accordingly, what has been described above
is
intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will
be understood
by persons skilled in the art that variations are possible in variant
implementations and
embodiments.
¨16¨

Representative Drawing