GB2451686A

GB2451686A - Support Bracket

Info

Publication number: GB2451686A
Application number: GB0715580A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Graham Bryant
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-08-08
Filing date: 2007-08-08
Publication date: 2009-02-11
Also published as: GB0715580D0

Abstract

A support bracket comprising: <SL> <LI>a. a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of a floating joist therein: <LI>b. two elongate leg portions located on opposing sides of the receiving portion and extending away from the receiving portion, each leg portion adapted for engagement with a respective structural joist; </SL> such that, in use, the bracket prevents direct contact between the structural joist and the floor structure placed on the floating joist, or the floating joist itself.

Description

1 2451686

SUPPORT BRACKET

Background to the invention

The present invention relates to a support bracket for supporting a floating floor.

Often existing homes and buildings fall short of ever changing government guidelines on acoustic performance. This is of increasing importance in modern times due to the prevalence of noise in home and office environments due to entertainment systems, televisions, electronic office equipment and the like.

In addition, sound transfer between upper and lower rooms in a building, for example between upper and lower flats, can be significant and intrusive. This can be particularly true where the floor in the upper room is a wooden floor, rather than a carpet, but is also true even where a carpet is laid on the top of such a wooden floor if there is insufficient sound attenuation to reduce the noise transfer between the two rooms.

Unfortunately, to address this problem and/or in order to bring existing buildings up to an acceptable standard it is often necessary to move the occupier out of the building whilst extensive renovation work is undertaken. In flats and apartments, it is often necessary to vacate the occupants from both the upper and lower floors in order to undertake the necessary work to upgrade acoustic performance.

There is therefore a need for a device and method to reduce acoustic coupling between floors of existing buildings with minimal disruption to the occupants.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to address the problems of the prior art.

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Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a support bracket comprising: a. a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of a floating joist therein; and b. two elongate leg portions located on opposing sides of the receiving portion and extending away from the receiving portion, each leg portion adapted for engagement with a respective structural joist; such that, in use, the bracket prevents direct contact between the floating and structural joists.

By preventing direct contact between the floating joists and structural joists, acoustic coupling is minimised. The only method of available sound travel between floors is limited to the points of contact of the bracket with the structural and floating joists and airborne sound transmission. Thus, significant sound isolation is achieved.

In one embodiment, each respective leg portion is provided with an engagement portion for engagement with at least a portion of a respective structural joist.

Any suitable engagement means may be used to facilitate engagement between the structural joists and respective leg portions of the support bracket. For example, each respective leg portion engagement portion may comprise an aperture for receiving at least a portion of a securing means therethrough.

It is preferred that each respective leg portion engagement portion comprises a series of apertures. In this way, adjustment is provided which can accommodate variations in spacings between adjacent structural joists. When the support bracket is positioned relative to the structural joists, the appropriate apertures that coincide with the surface of the structural joists can be selected for use in securing the support bracket in place.

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In a further embodiment, the receiving portion is further provided with one or more engagement portions for engagement with at least a portion of a floating joist received therein. In this way, the support bracket may be secured in place relative to the floating joist between adjacent structural joists also, thereby providing additional stability to the arrangement and securing the floating joist in place relative to the structural joists.

Any suitable engagement portion known to the skilled person and appropriate for securing the support bracket to the floating joist may be employed. For example, the or each receiving portion engagement portion may comprise an aperture for receiving at least a portion of a securing means therethrough. Preferably, the receiving portion engagement portion comprises a series of apertures.

The receiving portion is preferably substantially rectangular in cross-section, so as to be appropriate for receiving a transverse portion of a floating joist therein.

However, where a non-conventional floating joist is used, the receiving portion is preferably shaped to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the floating joist so as that the floating joist is suitably received within the receiving portion.

The support bracket is preferably comprised at least in part of metal, such as steel or the like. For example, the support bracket may be cut from a substantially planar sheet of metal and then bent into its three dimensional shape prior to positioning relative to the structural and floating joists. That said, it will be appreciated that the support bracket could be made by casting or any other suitable forming method.

Alternatively, the support bracket could comprise any non-metal material of sufficient strength to support the floating joists, in use. For example, the support bracket may be comprised of strengthened plastic material and could be made by

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injection moulding or extrusion moulding or any other suitable forming process known to the skilled person.

The support bracket preferably comprises a single piece construction, such that the three dimensional form of the support bracket may be assumed by simply bending the single piece cut metal sheet. However, it will be appreciated that the bracket could comprise a number of individual parts secured together, for example by welding or riveting or by any other suitable means known to the skilled person.

In one embodiment, respective opposing leg portions are mirror images of each other. In such embodiments, the support bracket is typically used with adjacent structural joists which are not located at the edges of a room.

Alternatively, the respective opposing leg portions may differ in length. Such support brackets are typically used with a structural joist located adjacent the outer wall of the room as typically the separation between this structural joist and the adjacent structural joist is less than the conventional spacing between structural joists throughout the remainder of the room. In this case, the shorter of the two leg portions is secured to the structural joist located adjacent the outer wall of the room.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a support system comprising a bracket according to any one of Claims 1 to 12 and an elongate brace member adapted for inter-engagement with opposing leg portions, such that, in use, the brace member restricts the lateral movement of the leg portions with respect to one another. In practice, as each leg portion is secured to a structural joist, the brace member serves to restrict the lateral movement of the respective structural joists relative to one another.

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Preferably, the elongate brace member is comprised, at least in part, of metal.

However any other suitable material known to the skilled person and sufficient to provide a bracing strength could be used as an alternative.

The brace member may comprise a single piece construction, such as a single piece metal construction or the like.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of laying a floating floor, the method comprising the steps of: a. Providing a series of space apart structural joists; b. Mounting a series of support brackets in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 12 on the structural joists at spaced intervals and securing in place; c. Mounting a series of floating joists on the support bracket; and d. Laying a flooring surface on top of the floating joists.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing a channel in the uppermost surface of the floating joists through which at least a portion of a bracing member is received prior to mounting the series of floating joists on the support brackets, such that each bracing member may pass through a respective channel, each bracing member being secured to opposing leg portions of the respective support bracket prior to laying the flooring surface of top of the floating joists.

The bracing member is secured to opposing leg portions of the support bracket and thus also the structural joist therebelow. However, the channel in the floating joist is dimensioned such that there is no Contact between the bracing member and the floating joist.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a support bracket in accordance with the present invention after being cut out and before being bent into shape; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1 after being bent into shape for use; Figure 3 is a plan view of a brace member after being cut out; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the brace member of figure 4 after being shaped for use; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 2 and the brace member of figure 4 in use; Figure 6 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a support bracket in accordance with the present invention after being Cut out and before being bent into shape; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 6 after being bent into shape for use; and Figure 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 7 and the brace member of figure 4 in use.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a support bracket 10 in accordance with the present invention.

Support bracket 10 is made from a substantially planar sheet of 18 gauge steel which has been Cut to shape as shown in figure 1. Support bracket 10 comprises a receiving portion 20 and two opposing elongate leg portions 30 extending from receiving portion 20. Receiving portion 20 comprises a base portion 22 and finger portions 24. When the substantially planar cut-out of support bracket 10 (shown in figure 1) is bent into shape (as shown in figure 2), each of finger portions 24 are bent to around 90 ° from the plane of base portion 22 in order to define a substantially U-shaped receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of a floating joist therein, in use. In addition, elongate leg portions 30 are bent as shown in figure 2 in preparation for engagement with structural joists, in use.

Several apertures are defined by fingers portions 24 and elongate leg portions 30.

These apertures are sized to receive fixing means, such as nails or screws in use.

The provision of a plurality of apertures allows the selection of those apertures which most accurately line up with the joists when the support bracket 10 is positioned in place before being secured to the joists. Thus, there is a level of adjustment available to accommodate variations in distance between joists and the like.

Figures 3 and 4 show a bracing member 40 cut from a substantially planar sheet of metal (see figure 3). After being Cut out, the bracing member 40 is shaped to provide a central ridged region 42 bordered by two a substantially planar outer regions 44. The ridged region 42 provides additional strength to the bracing member 40. A plurality of apertures 46 (only some of which are labelled in figures 3 and 4) are defined by outer regions 44.

In use, support bracket 10 is located such that opposing elongate leg portions 30 are passed over the top edge of adjacent structural joists 100. Once in position, elongate leg portions 30 are held in position relative to respective structural joists 100 by means of fixings, such as nails and/or screws passed through selected apertures in elongate leg portions 30 and into respective structural joist members 100.

Once support bracket 10 has been secured in place relative to respective structural joists 100, a floating joist 200 is placed between adjacent structural joists 100 such

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that at least a portion of structural joist 200 is received within receiving portion 20.

Receiving portion 20 is substantially rectangular in cross-section. However, it will be appreciated that the receiving portion 20 may be square in cross-section, U-shaped or any other suitable shape. floating joist 200 is supported in place such that the upper surface of floating joist 200 projects above the upper surface of structural joists 100. Support bracket 10 is then retained in position relative to floating joist 100 by means of fixings, such as nails and/or screws passed through selected apertures in finger portions 24 and into floating joist member 200.

floating joist 200 defines a shallow channel 201 transverse to the long length of elongate body on its uppermost surface in use.

Once support bracket 10 has been secured in place relative to floating joist 200, bracing member 40 is positioned such that opposing end regions 48, 48' of bracing member 40 are adjacent the portions of elongate leg portions 30 that are in engagement with respective structural joists 100. In this position, a portion of bracing member 40 passes through channel 210 defined by floating joist 200.

Channel 210 is dimensioned such that bracing member 40, once received within channel 210 in floating joist 200 does not project above the upper surface 202 of floating joist 200.

Once in place, bracing member 40 is secured in position by passing fixings, such as nails and/or screws through selected apertures 46 at each opposing end of bracing member 40 and respective elongate leg portions 30 and into respective structural joists 100. Once in place, there is no direct contact between bracing member 40 and floating joist 200.

Bracing member 40 now serves to brace the structural joists 100 against excessive lateral movement with respect to one another. *1

Prior to assembly of the support brackets and floating joists arrangement described above, material with acoustic attenuation properties may be laid on top of the ceiling of the room below i.e. between the structural joists 100 to reduce sound transfer between the two rooms. Alternatively, the material may be passed over structural joists 100 and under floating joists 200 to reduce acoustic coupling between structural joists 100 and floating joists 100 on which the new floor will be supported. In this case, a cut out in the material may be provided to accommodate the position at which the support bracket 10 is secured to the structural joists 200.

In use, support brackets 10 are provided at intervals along every structural joist to locate a floating joist in place between adjacent structural joists. Conventional joist hangers are secured to the walls between structural joists to support the ends of the floating joists. The floating joists are supported along their length by the structural joists via the support brackets 10. The floor is then laid on the floating joists 200 and secured in place Floor boards are then secured in position such that the floor boards only make contact with floating joists 100. The only point of acoustic coupling between floating joists 100 and structural joists 200 occur through support bracket 10 at its points of contact with structural and floating joists 100, 200, respectively. Once secured in place, the flooring serves to secure the floating joists 200 in position.

Figures 6 and 7 show a further embodiment of a support bracket 10 in accordance with the present invention.

Support bracket 10 is cut from substantially planar 18 gauge sheet steel, in the same way as for the support bracket of figure 1, before being bent into a three dimensional shape prior to use, in the same way as for the support bracket of figure 2. However, the elongate leg portions 30 are of different dimensions to one another. This is because the support bracket of figure 7 is intended to be used in Connection with the structural joists 100 located close to a build wall.

In this case, due to the reduced distance between the structural joist 100' located close to the way and the next adjacent structural joist 100, the short of the two elongate leg portions 30 contacts the structural joist 100' closest to the build wall and the floating joist 200 is held closer that structural joist 100' that to the structural joist located close to the centre of the room. In this way, the present invention accommodates the altered spacing between structural joists at the outer edgesofa room.

The support bracket 10 is then secured in place as previously described, followed by the positioning and securing in place of the bracing member 40, as previously described. It will be appreciated that the bracing member used may be of reduced length to correspond with the reduced distance between adjacent structural joists.

One particular benefit of the arrangement that is provided using the support bracket of the present invention is that the overall height of the new floor (once laid over the floating joist 200) is less than if a new floor has simply been laid over the existing floor. This i of particular advantage in period homes where conventionally a significant portion of skirting board and/or doors has to be removed in order to accommodate the increased height of the new floor.

It is important to appreciate that the distance between structural joists in a building can vary between, for example, around 305 mm (12 inches) and around 356 mm (14 inches). This variation in spacing is accommodated using the support bracket of the present invention by providing multiple apertures. The appropriate apertures for fixing the support bracket to the structural and floating joists can then be selected from the multiple apertures provided, rather than having to supply the support bracket in a variety of sizes. Thus, one size of support bracket can be produced which can be used with various spacings of structural joists in a building.

In the arrangement described above, it will be appreciated that the support bracket serves to transfer the weight of the final floor laid on the floating joists to the structural joists. Therefore, it is not necessary for the floating joists to be as strong as the structural joists as they do not have to support the full weight of the final laid floor.

Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment shown and that various changes and modifications may be effected without further inventive skill and effort, for example, a rib may be provided running the length of the elongate legs of the support bracket in order to provide additional strength to the support bracket. Such a strengthened arrangement may be used in the present or absence of the aforementioned bracing members.

Claims

1. A support bracket comprising: a. a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of a floating joist therein; b. two elongate leg portions located on opposing sides of the receiving portion and extending away from the receiving portion, each leg portion adapted for engagement with a respective structural joist; such that, in use, the bracket prevents direct contact between the floating and structural joists.

2. A support bracket according to Claim 1, wherein each respective leg portion is provided with an engagement portion for engagement with at least a portion of a respective structural joist.

3. A support bracket according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein each respective leg portion engagement portion comprises an aperture for receiving at least a portion of a securing means therethrough.

4. A support bracket according to Claim 3, wherein each respective leg portion engagement portion comprises a series of apertures.

5. A support bracket according to any preceding Claim, wherein the receiving portion is further provided with one or more engagement portions for engagement with at least a portion of a floating joist received therein.

6. A support bracket according to Claim 5, wherein the or each receiving portion engagement portion comprises an aperture for receiving at least a portion of a securing means therethrough.

7. A support bracket according to Claim 6, wherein the receiving portion engagement portion comprises a series of apertures.

8. A support bracket according to any preceding Claim, wherein the receiving portion is substantially rectangular in cross-section.

9. A support bracket according to any preceding Claim, comprised at least in part of metal.

10. A support bracket according to Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the bracket comprises a single piece construction.

11. A support bracket according to any preceding Claim, wherein respective opposing leg portions are mirror images of each other.

12. A support bracket according to any one of Claims ito 11, wherein the respective opposing leg portions differ in length.

13. A support system comprising a bracket according to any one of Claims 1 to 12 and an elongate brace member adapted for inter-engagement with opposing leg portions, such that, in use, the brace member restricts the lateral movement of the leg portions with respect to one another..

14. A support system according to Claim 13, wherein the elongate brace member is comprised, at least in part, of metal.

15. A support system according to Claim 13 or Claim 4, wherein the brace member comprises a single piece Construction.

16. A method of laying a floating floor, the method comprising the steps of: a. Providing a series of space apart structural joists; b. Mounting a series of support brackets in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 12 on the structural joists at spaced intervals and securing in place; c. Mounting a series of floatingjoists on the support bracket; and d. Laying a flooring surface on top of the floating joists..

17. A method according to Claim 16, further comprising the step of providing a channel in the uppermost surface of the floating joists through which at least a portion of a bracing member is received prior to mounting the series of floating joists on the support brackets, such that each bracing member may pass through a respective channel, each bracing member being secured to respective opposing leg portions of the respective support bracket prior to laying the flooring surface of top of the floating joists.

18. A support bracket substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. A support system substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20. A method of laying a floating floor substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.