GB2449624A

GB2449624A - Joist end seal

Info

Publication number: GB2449624A
Application number: GB0624051A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dean Stanley Allen
Original assignee: Simpson Strong Tie International Inc
Current assignee: Simpson Strong Tie International Inc
Priority date: 2006-08-14
Filing date: 2006-12-01
Publication date: 2008-12-03
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-01
Also published as: GB2449624B; GB0624051D0; GB0616090D0

Abstract

A joist end seal 10 comprises a back plate 20 in the form of a vertically elongate member with an upper end and a lower end. The end seal includes at least two pairs of substantially vertically orientated protrusions 30 which extend from, and are substantially perpendicular to, the back plate 20. Each pair of protrusions 30 defines a joist receiving space 32 therebetween, and each pair of protrusions 30 is vertically spaced from the other pair or pairs. Preferably the joist end seal may be used with a solid joist or an I-shaped joist. The joist end seal may be adapted to fit an I -shaped joist where the first pair of protrusions receives one flange of the joist and a second pair of protrusions receives the second flange of the joist. With reference to Figure 5, a further invention defines a joist end seal 100 which comprises: a back plate 200 in the form of a vertically elongate member with an upper end and a lower end; and at least one pair of substantially vertically orientated plates 300 which extend from and are substantially perpendicular to, the back plate 200. In this embodiment each pair of plates 300 defines a joist receiving space 500 therebetween; and the back plate 200 is provided with fastening means 210 to secure, in use, the joist end seal 100 to the joist.

Description

JOIST END SEAL

The present invention relates to a joist end seal and in particular to a joist end seal for an i-joist.

Joists are routinely used in the construction of buildings and other structures. Typically, joists are either built into masonry walls or are received by and supported in metal joist hangers which are hung from, supported by or built into masonry walls.

A particular problem experienced when building joists into masonry walls is the ability to provide an effective seal between the joist and the surrounding masonry. It is increasingly important to obtain an effective seal in order to reduce air leakage from the inside of a building to the outside and/or to reduce the transfer of sound. Furthermore, with the increased use of i-joists, this problem is exacerbated because of the very cross-section an i-joist has. The resulting gaps between the i-joist and surrounding masonry are usually filled with mortar or a mastic sealant. However, over time, or even on drying of the mortar and/or the mastic sealant, shrinkage detrimentally affects the seal to the extent that the seal is breached, resulting in leakage of air and transmission of sound. * * * *

A number of joist "end-caps" have been proposed as a solution to the **..

above problem, with varying degrees of success. There still remains a need for a *. : joist end seal which effectively prevents air leakage and/or sound transmission *,. 25 whilst at the same time is practical and user friendly in the construction/installation process. These features are critical to the quality and :.: * effectiveness of the seal achieved. I... * * * **

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a joist end seal comprising: a back plate in the form of a vertically elongate member having an upper end and a lower end; at least two pairs of substantially vertically orientated protrusions extending from, and substantially perpendicular to, the back plate, wherein: each pair of protrusions defines a joist receiving space therebetween; and each pair of protrusions is vertically spaced from the other pair or pairs.

Preferably, a pair of protrusions is positioned at or near the upper end of the back plate.

Preferably, a pair of protrusions is positioned at or near the lower end of the back plate.

Advantageously, at least one pair of protrusions are resiliently biased towards one another.

More preferably, at least one pair of protrusions are adapted to frictionally engage, in use, a joist.

Preferably, one or more of the protrusions of each pair further comprise at least one gripping tooth which, in use, permits entry of a joist into the joist receiving space but resists exit or release of that joist. * * * *

Advantageously, the joist end seal further comprises fastening means for * securing, in use, the joist end seal to a joist. Preferably, the fastening means * : comprises one or more through holes or other holed guides for receiving, in use, *,. 25 a nail, screw or other fastener which engages with a joist.

Optionally, the joist end seal is for use with a solid joist.

Preferably, the joist end seal is for use with an i-joist.

Advantageously the joist end seal is for use with an open channel or open web joist.

Optionally, the joist end seal is for use with a wooden joist.

Alternatively, the joist end seal is for use with a composite joist.

Alternatively, the joist end seal is for use with a metal joist.

Preferably, the joist end seal is for use with an i-joist comprising two flanges separated by a web, and the joist end seal is adapted such that a first pair of protrusions receives one flange of the i-joist and a second pair of protrusions receives the second flange of the i-joist. More preferably, respective pairs of protrusions engage the vertical walls of the respective flanges.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of sealing the end of a joist in and/or against a supporting wall using the joist end seal.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a joist end seal comprising: a back plate in the form of a vertically elongate member having an upper end and a lower end; and at least one pair of substantially vertically orientated plates extending from, * S. and substantially perpendicular to, the back plate, wherein: S...

each pair of plates defines a joist receiving space therebetween; and the back plate is provided with fastening means to secure, in use, the joist end seal to the joist. * S

Preferably, the fastening means comprises one or more through holes or ** other holed guides for receiving, in use, a nail, screw or other fastener which engages with a joist.

Preferably, the fastening means comprises one or more holes or other fastener means positioned at or near the upper end of the back plate.

Alternatively or additionally, the fastening means comprises one or more holes or other fastener means positioned at or near the lower end of the back plate.

Advantageously, the at least one pair of plates are resiliently biased towards one another but do not engage, in use, a web of an i-joist.

Optionally, the joist end seal is adapted such that the at least one pair of plates receives one flange of an i-joist and/or the second flange of the i-joist.

Additionally, the at least one pair of plates may engage the vertical walls of the respective flanges.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a joist end seal according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates the joist end seal of Figure 1 installed on the end of an i-joist; Figure 3 is a schematic view of an i-joist located on a masonry block wall; Figures 4a-4f illustrate the installation of an i-joist and joist end seal according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a joist end seal according to a * second preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a rear elevation view of the joist end seal of Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the joist end seal of Figure 5. ** * * * S * S.

S

* Referring first to Figure 1, there is illustrated a schematic view of a joist :.:.30 end seal 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. *555

The joist end seal 10 is formed from sheet metal, preferably steel, and galvanised. It comprises a back plate 20 and four protrusions 30. The protrusions 30, arranged in pairs, extend perpendicular to the back plate 20, each in a vertical orientation. A number of gripping teeth 34 are provided on each protrusion 30 by stamping out an area 36 and bending out of line an end tab/ portion 38 of the protrusion 30. The gripping teeth 34 face inward and backward.

Each pair of protrusions 30 define a space 32 for receiving a joist (as shown in Figure 2) and are bent inward at their juncture with the back plate 20 so as to be resiliently biased towards one another.

Figure 2 illustrates the joist end seal 10 of Figure 1 in use. An i-joist 50 comprises upper and lower flanges 52, 54 separated by a web 58. The joist end seal 10 is fixed in position on the i-joist 50 such that flanges 52, 54 of the i-joist are received by and frictionally engage with respective pairs of protrusions 30 of the joist end seal 10. In addition, the gripping teeth 34 permit entry of the i-joist into the joist receiving spaces 30, but then bite into the flanges 52, 54 under the action of the resilient bias so as to resist exit or release of the i-joist 50.

The back plate 20 can be either the full or partial height of the joist, but is of at least the height of the web 58 in the case of an i-joist 50. As such, the respective pairs of protrusions 30 can cover the sidewalls of flanges 52, 54 fully or at least partially. Furthermore, the back plate 20 may extend above and/or below the respective pairs of protrusions 30 in a vertical direction, and/or extend wider than the protrusions 30 in a horizontal direction.

* Figure 3 shows an i-joist 50 located on a masonry block wall 60 (only one ***25 joist is shown for clarity). Figures 4a-4f illustrate the installation of an i-joist 50 *S.. a *

and joist end seal 10 according to the present invention. First, in Figure 4a, the joist end seal 10 is fitted to the end of i-joist 10 as shown and described above.

Next, in Figure 4b, mortar 62 is applied to the void between the two flanges 52, 54 on both sides of the i-joist 50, ensuring mortar 62 is packed against the joist :.:.30 end seal 10. Then, in Figure 4c, a bed of mortar 62 is laid on top of the blocks 60 a...

ensuring the mortar 62 is laid tight up against the end of the i-joist 50. Blocks 60 are then laid either side of the i-joist 50, ensuring sufficient mortar 62 is applied to the block ends, as in Figure 4d. Next, in Figure 4e, a further bed of mortar 62 is laid on top of the blocks 60. Finally, the block wall 60 is continued and built in the normal way, as shown in Figure 4f.

Referring next to Figure 5, there is illustrated a schematic view of a joist end seal 100 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate rear and side elevation views of the joist end seal 100, respectively. The joist end seal 100 is formed from sheet metal, preferably steel, and galvanised. It comprises a back plate 200, two side plates 300 and two front plates 400. The side plates 300, arranged in a pair, extend perpendicular to the back plate 200, each in a vertical orientation. The front plates 400, again arranged in a pair, extend perpendicular to the side plates 300 and parallel to the back plate 200, each in a vertical orientation. The front plates 400 do not extend to the full width of the back plate 200, but instead stop short of one another so as to define a web receiving/entry space 500 therebetween. The web receiving/entry space 500 is dimensioned so as to enable the web of an i-joist (not shown) to pass through unhindered and abut the rear plate 200. At the top of each side plate 300 and/or front plate 400 there may be provided tab portions or regions 310, 410 which extend in the plane, but are free to be bent in or out of the plane to enable the joist end seal 100 to accommodate different size i-joists. The back plate 200 is dimensioned such that it extends, in the plane, above and below the side plates 300 and front plates 400, thereby providing back plate regions 205 which, in use, abut the top and bottom flanges of an i-joist.

* * One or both back plate regions 205 may be provided with one or more fastener holes 210 for affixing, in use, the joist end seal 100 to the flanges of the i-joist (e.g. using nails). *. * * US * *S

In use, the web receiving/entry space 500 of joist end seal 100 enables the web of the i-joist (not shown) to pass through the joist end seal 100 unhindered :.:.3Q and abut the rear plate 200. The back plate regions 205 abut the top and bottom flanges of the i-joist, enabling the joist end seal 100 to be fixed in position on the i-joist by, for example, nailing through one or more of the fastener holes 210 provided. The resulting assembly of i-joist and joist end seal 100 may then be built into a masonry block wall as described above. Alternatively, the joist end seal 100 may be fitted during construction, or may be retrofit.

The back plate 200 can be either the full or partial height of the joist, but is of at least the height of the web in the case of an i-joist. As such, the respective side and front plates 300, 400 substantially infill the gaps between the flanges of the i-joist. Furthermore, the back plate 200 may extend above and/or below the joist in a vertical direction, and/or extend wider than the joist in a horizontal direction.

Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above and illustrated in the drawings, these are by way of example only and non-limiting. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many alternatives are possible within the ambit of the invention. For example, the joist end seal may be manufactured by many different processes and using different or many different materials. The joist end seal could be formed from separate parts. The number of protrusions or plates may be increased, and their relative positions, as pairs or otherwise, varied. Indeed, each protrusion or plate in a pair may be offset vertically or horizontally with respect to one another. Supplemental protrusions or plates may be provided. Additional or alternative gripping means may be provided. Indeed, fastening means may be used in place of or as well as the gripping means. The joist end seal could be used or adapted for use with * different types of joist and/or different material types of joists or, indeed, other *.*25 structural members. As such, the true scope of the invention is that as set out in **..

the appended claims. ** * * S S * S.

S 5.... * S * S * S S *5 * *.S* S 5 S..,

Claims

1. A joist end seal comprising: a back plate in the form of a vertically elongate member having an upper end and a lower end; at least two pairs of substantially vertically orientated protrusions extending from, and substantially perpendicular to, the back plate, wherein: each pair of protrusions defines a joist receiving space therebetween; and each pair of protrusions is vertically spaced from the other pair or pairs.

2. A joist end seal as claimed in claim I wherein a pair of protrusions is positioned at or near the upper end of the back plate.

3. A joist end seal as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a pair of protrusions is positioned at or near the lower end of the back plate.

4. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one pair of protrusions are resiliently biased towards one another.

5. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one pair of protrusions are adapted to frictionally engage, in use, a joist.

6, A joist end seal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one * or more of the protrusions of each pair further comprise at least one gripping tooth which, in use, permits entry of a joist into the joist receiving space but resists exit or release of that joist. ** . * * a

*;..:

7. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further : comprising fastening means for securing, in use, the joist end seal to a joist.

*a. * 30 *..a * * S...

8. A joist end seal as claimed in claim 7 wherein the fastening means comprises one or more through holes or other holed guides for receiving, in use, a nail, screw or other fastener which engages with a joist.

9. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims for use with a solid joist.

10. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 for use with an joist.

11. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or claim 10 for use with an open channel or open web joist.

12. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims for use with a wooden joist.

13. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 for use with a composite joist.

14. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 for use with a metal joist.

15, A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the i-joist * comprises a two flanges separated by a web, and the joist end seal is adapted *.*25 such that a first pair of protrusions receives one flange of the i-joist and a second pair of protrusions receives the second flange of the i-joist. I. S * * *

*;..:

16. A joist end seal as claimed in claim 15 wherein the respective pairs of : protrusions engage the vertical walls of the respective flanges.

*s. * 30

17. A method of sealing the end of a joist in and/or against a supporting wall using the joist end seal of any one of the preceding claims.

-10 -

18. A joist end seal comprising: a back plate in the form of a vertically elongate member having an upper end and a lower end; and at least one pair of substantially vertically orientated plates extending from, and substantially perpendicular to, the back plate, wherein: each pair of plates defines a joist receiving space therebetween; and the back plate is provided with fastening means to secure, in use, the joist end seal to the joist.

19. A joist end seal as claimed in claim 18 wherein the fastening means comprises one or more through holes or other holed guides for receiving, in use, a nail, screw or other fastener which engages with a joist.

20. A joist end seal as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the fastening means comprises one or more holes or other fastener means positioned at or near the upper end of the back plate.

21 A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein the fastening means comprises one or more holes or other fastener means positioned at or near the lower end of the back plate.

22. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21 wherein the at * least one pair of plates are resiliently biased towards one another but do not engage, in use, a web of an i-joist.

23. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22 for use with a solid joist.

:.:.30

24. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22 for use with an i- *....* joist.

-ii -

25. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22 or claim 24 for use with an open channel or open web joist

26. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 25 for use with a wooden joist.

27. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 25 for use with a composite joist.

28. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 25 for use with a metal joist.

29. A joist end seal as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 24 or claims 26 to 28 for use with a joist wherein the joist is an i-joist comprising two flanges separated by a web, and the joist end seal is adapted such that the at least one pair of plates receives one flange of the i-joist and/or the second flange of the i-joist.

A joist end seal as claimed in claim 29 wherein the at least one pair of plates engage the vertical walls of the respective flanges.

31. A method of sealing the end of a joist in and/or against a supporting wall using the joist end seal of any one of claims 18 to 30.

* *

32. A joist end seal substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings. ** * * I S * S.

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