GB2505155A

GB2505155A - Roof Joist Saddle

Info

Publication number: GB2505155A
Application number: GB201210948A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David James Stead
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-06-20
Filing date: 2012-06-20
Publication date: 2014-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2032-06-20
Also published as: GB2505155B; GB201210948D0

Abstract

A roof joist saddle 10 that provides support for an elevated deck suitable for light weight storage in a roof space. The saddle comprises: a first side plate 12 and a second side plate 14 a seating block 16 located between the first side plate and the second side plate, preferably secured together with two bolts, and co-operate to form a joist receptacle for receiving a joist 20 or 120. The saddle also includes a support block 18 located between the first side plate and the second side plate, preferably secured together with a single bolt, and co-operate to form a platform support ; both the seating and support blocks can be rotated to accommodate joists 20, 120 of different widths. The saddle may also include a set of apertures on each of the side plates enable the relocation of the seating block to accommodate different joist heights whilst maintaining a minimum space between the ceiling 22 and deck 36. Also claimed are a kit, a flooring system, a method of elevating a floor and using the saddles all including the saddles.

Description

A Roof Joist Saddle

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a roof joist saddle that provides support for an elevated floor deck suitable for light weight storage in a loft, thereby creating space above existing roof joists for top-up insulation in particular and the installation or relocation of utility service pipes and cables.

Backcjround The current Building Regulations for the UK specify a minimurri thickneSs of 270mm for mineral wool or fibreglass insulation in a loft roof space.

The cQnstruction of an elevated storage floor deck to accommodate this depth commonly involves the installation of intermediate joists and packing on top of the existing roof jgists, until the required spacing is achieved. The logistics of transferring assorted lengths of timber into the roof space for this purpose can be difficult due to confined loft access panels and complicated structural members within the roof truss design.

Also, the size of roof joist can vary within an individual property and from one property to another. The requirement for these additional timbers will vary for each project and so there is no industry standard design criterion, which in turn can lead to the imposition of significant additional load on the roof structure and possible disruption to the ceiling below.

Alternative solutions involve the installation of polystyrene or similar solid insulation materials, but these create a physical obstacle for the installation or relocation of utility service pipes. In particular electrical power cables in the roof supplying for example wall room heaters or heated showers, run the risk of over heating unless they are relocated towards the top of the insulation layer. In the case of solid sheet insulation there is little alternative but to run cables above the roof deck thus exposing them to damage.

Summary of the Invention

To overcome the problems described above, the present invention proposes a device referred to as a roof joist saddle that sits astride an existing roof joist and provides direct support for the installation of a storage floor deck above It is designed to provide a space between the bottom edge of a roof joist and the underside of the storage deck assembly above, in order to accommodate mineral wool or fibreglass insulation to a thickness that meets current Building Regulation standards and to provide unobstructed space to install or relocate service pipes and electrical cables.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a ràof joist saddle for elevating storage means in a roof space comprising a) a first side plate and a second side plate; b) a seating block located between the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the first side plate, second side plate and seating block co-operate to form a joist receptacle; c) a support block located between the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the first side plate, second side plate and support block co-operate to form a platform support; and wherein the joist receptacle is adapted to accommodate joists of variable width.

The roof joist saddle sits astride existing roof joists and supports the loft deck assembly above. In use it replaces the traditional practice of introducing intermediate packing and cross bracing timber to support the loft deck and so significantly reduces the imposed load on the roof structure. Because the saddle replaces the need for intermediate packing it reduces the demand on valuable timber resources and in turn offers savings in both installation time and cost.

By eliminating the need to custom design the requirement for intermediate joists and packing to accommodate different lofts, the device provides an industry standard solution that can be utilised across a wide range of roof designs.

The static ad imposed by the saddle assembly remains constant irrespective of the roof joist design. In situations where the structural impact of introducing a loft storage deck needs to be verified, it is very easy to calculate and assess.

By eliminating the need for intermediate support members, the saddle provides an unobstructed space within the fibreglass insulation layer for the installation or relocation of utility service pipes and electrical cables.

Preferably the seating block has a first width and a second width and wherein the seating block is adapted to be rotated within the first and second side plates from the first width to the second width to vary the width of the roof joist receptacle. In a further alternative in order to accommodate an even greater range of joist widths a plurality of seating blocks may be provided each adapted to accommodate two different joist widths. This means that each seating block would have a first width which is the same width as a first joist, and a second width, when rotated by 90 degrees, which is the same width as a second joist.

Preferably the support block has a first width and a second width and wherein the support block is adapted to be rotated within the first and second side plates from the first width to the second width. In a further alternative in order to accommodate an even great range of joist widths a plurality of, support blocks may be provided each adapted to accommodate two different joist widths. This means that each support block would have a first width which is the same width as a first joist and a second width, when rotated by 90 degrees, which is the same width as a second joist. When the seating block is rotated or replaced the support block should also be rotated or replaced.

Preferably the roof joist saddle is adapted to maintain a clearance gap between the roof joist saddle and a ceiling below the roof space. When placed astride a roof joist the saddle is designed to maintain a clearance space avoiding contact with the ceiling below. This means that no load is placed directly onto the ceiling at any time.

Preferably the seating block is adapted to be secured in place between the first and second side plates by a fastening means. This allows for easy removal and either rotation or replacement of the seating block. Preferably the support block is also adapted to be secured in place between the first and second side plates by a fastening means which also allows for easy removal and either rotation or replacement of the support block.

Preferably the fastening means comprises an aperture in the seating block, an aperture in each of the first and second side plates, and a bolt adapted to pass there through. By providing this type of fastening means the bolt is readily insertable into and removable from the roof joist saddle for ease of manipulation of the seating block. Preferably the bolt is a wing nut bolt which allows for an even greater ease of manipulation of the seating block without the need for any additional tools.

Preferably the fastening means comprises an aperture in the support block an .aPerture1n.eachof.thefirstandsecon&sideplates; --. --.--through. By providing this type of fastening means the bolt is readily insertable into and removable from the roof joist saddle for ease of manipulation of the support block. Preferably the bolt is a wing nut bolt which allows for an even greater ease of manipulation of the support block without the need for any additional tools.

Preferably the seating block comprises a first aperture corresponding to the first width and a second aperture corresponding to the second width. Preferably the support block also comprises a first aperture corresponding to the first width and a second aperture corresponding to the second width, This allows for the bolt to be replaced through the alternate aperture after the seating or support block has been rotated by 90 degrees.

Preferably the joist receptacle is further adapted to accommodate joists of variable height as well as variable width. Thus a single device can be used no matter what the height or width of the joists in the loft roof space may be.

Preferably the seating block is adapted to be moved linearly within the first and second side plates to vary the height of the roof joist receptacle. By varying the height of the roof joist receptacle the height of joist that it can acbommodate is also varied whilst keeping the distance between the ceiling and the top of the roof joist saddle the same. This means that the height of the floor above the joists can be raised to accommodate the new amount of standard insulation required without unduly raising the floor level beyond that necessary. Space in lofts is restricted in any event and further restricting this unnecessarily by raising the level beyond that needed to accommodate the new amount of standard insulation when high joists have been used does not occur with the roof joist saddle of the present invention.

Preferably the first and second side plates are provided with a plurality of apertures arranged linearly such that when the seating block is moved linearly within the first and second side plates the aperture in the seating block is adapted to correspond with an aperture in each of the first and second side plates such that a bolt can pass through the aperture in the first plate, the aperture in the seating block and the aperture in the second plate at each of the apertures in the first and second side plates. Preferably each side plate is provided with sets of two apertures!ocated parallel to each other in a horizontal direction. This means that the seating block is the roof joist saddle secure. Preferably each side plate is provided with a plurality of apertures located parallel to each other in a vertical direction. Preferably the first side plate is a mirror image of the second side plate such that the apertures in the first side plate line up with the apertures in the second side plate. To accommodate a small joist height the fastening bolt or other suitable fastening means is passed through the lowest most aperture in the first side plate, the aperture in the seating block and the lowest most aperture in the second side plate. This creates a shallow joist receptacle to accommodate a joist with a small height. To accommodate a large joist height the fastening bolt is removed the seating block moved linearly upwards towards, for example, the uppermost set of apertures. The fastening bolt or other suitable fastening means can then be passed through the uppermost aperture in the first side plate, the aperture in the seating block and the uppermost aperture in the second side plate. This creates a deep joist receptacle to accommodate a joist with a large height without unduly raising the final floor height above that necessary to accommodate the new amount of standard insulation.

Preferably the roof joist saddle is further provided with an aperture for the location of electrical wires, cables, conduits and the like. This enables the electrical wires, cables, conduits or the like to be run above the insulation level such that they are readily accessible when required and not covered by too much insulation which might cause overheating and fires.

According toa second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for providing a flooring system said kit of parts comprising: a plurality roof joist saddles according to the first aspect of the present invention; a plurality of joists; and flooring means.

Preferably the kit of parts further comprises insulation means.

Preferably said joists are receivable in said joist receptacles of said roof joist saddles, said insulation means are receivable between said joists and said at least one flooring means is fixable to said support bloc over said insulation means without compressing said insulation means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a flooring system comprising: a plurality of roof joist saddles according to the first aspect of the present invention; a plurality of joists; and flooring means, wherein said joists are received in the joists receptacles of said joists and said flooring means is secured to the support block of said roof joist saddles.

Preferably the flooring system further comprises insulation means located between said joists.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of elevating a floor in a roof space having a plurality of joists, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of roof joist saddles, according to the first aspect of the present invention; positioning each of said plurality roof joist saddles such that the joist receptacle of each roof joist saddle receives a joist; and securing flooring means to said support block of said roof joist saddles.

Preferably the method further comprises the step of inserting insulation means between said joists prior to said step of securing flooring means to said support blocks.

Preferably said step of securing flooring means to said support blocks does not compress said insulation means positioned between said joists.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using the roof joist saddles according to the first aspect of the present invention, kit of parts according to the second aspect of the present invention or system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention to elevate a floor in a roof space.

With the end-user in mind, the roof joist saddle is preferably secured by a single screw fixing into the roof joist and so avoids the use of impact tools that may disrupt the ceiling or structure below the roof.

The roof joist saddle can be installed with equal ease either before of after the placement of top-up insulation.

Preferably, the roof joist saddle should accommodate multiple standard roof joist widths. ---Preferably, the roof joist saddle should accommodate multiple standard roof joist depths Preferably, the roof joist saddle should accommodate obstructions in the roof space such as openings and chimneys, spliced roof joists and structural roof truss members.

Preferably, the design of the roof joist saddle should allow for reverse placement on the roof joists and therefore securing the deck supporl timber and preventing any rotation or movement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a roof joist saddle viewed from the rear in situ over a roof joist providing support for an elevated beam above to which a roof deck is attached; Figure 2 illustrates the roof joist saddle shown in Figure 1 from the left side;

B

Figure 3 iIlu!trates the roof joist saddle shown in Figure 1 can be reconfigured to accommodate a wider joist section; Figure 4 illustrates the roof joist saddle shown in Figure 3 from the left side; Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a roof joist saddle viewed from the rear in situ over a roof joist providing support for an elevated beam above to which a roof deck is attached; and Figure 6 illustrates the roof joist saddle shown in Figure 5 from the left side; Figure 7 illustrates the roof joist saddle shown in Figure 5 can be reconfigured to accommodate a higher joist section; Figure 8 illustrates the roof joist saddle shown in Figure 7 from the left side; Figure 9 illustrates a front perspective view of the second embodiment of the roof joist saddle; Figure 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of the roof joist saddle; Figure 11 illustrates a front perspective view of the second embodiment of the roof joist saddle; Figure 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of the roof joist saddle; Figure 13 illustrates a front exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the roof joist saddle; Figure 14 illustrates the roof joist saddle in situ.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Figures ito 4 illustrate a roof joist saddle 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention in situ about a roof joist 20, 120. The roof joist saddle 10 has a first side plate 12, a second side plate 14, a seating block 16 and support block 18.

The seating block 16 sits on top of the roof joist in use and maintains a set distance between the side plates 12, 14, being the width of the joist. The seating block 16 is positioned such that when the roof joist saddle lOis in situ about a roof joist 20, 120 a clearance space 24 is provided between the bottom of the roof joist saddle 10 and the ceiling 22. Joists 20, 120 traditionally come in to standard widths, namely 35mm and 47mm, and therefore it would be advantageous if both standard widths could be catered for in a single roof joist saddle. Therefore the seating block 16 has a first width which corresponds to the width of a first standard joist and a second width which corresponds to the width of a second standard joist. Two wing nut bolts 40, 42, or other suitable fastening means, pass through apertures 48, 58 provided in the side plates 12, 14 and through the seating block 16 which is also provided with apertures to accept the bolts or other suitable fastening means, The first width of the seating block 16 now matches the width of a first standard roof joist 20. If on the other hand the joist has a width of the second standard roof joist 120 the bolts 40, 42 or other suitable fastening means can simply be removed, the seating block 16 rotated by 90 degrees to its second width and the bolts 40. 42 or other suitable fastening means reinserted through the apertures in the side plates 12, 14 and through the seating block 16 which is provided with a further apertures to accept the bolts 40, 42 or other suitable fastening means in this second position. This second width of the seating block 16 now matches the width of a second standard roof joist 120.

Once the roof joist saddle 10 is located in the desired position it may be retained in position with a screw 26 or other suitable fastening means. The screw 26 provides stability by preventing rotation and movement of the roof joist saddle 10 along the direction of the roof joist 20, 120. In one embodiment an aperture for this screw may be provided in either of the side plates 12, 14 as illustrated in the Figures, which would allow for fixing to take place into the side of the joist 20, 120. In another embodiment an aperture for this screw may be provided in the seating block 16 which would allow for fixing to take place into the top of the joist 20, 120. In both embodiments the apertures are set at an angle above the horizontal plane and offset to the vertical plane in order to facilitate fixing from above.

The support block 18 assists in maintaining a set distance between the side plates 12, 14 at the top of the roof joist saddle 10 as well as providing a support for the timber beam 28. The support block 18 is also provided with two widths a first width which corresponds to the width of a first standard joist and a second width which corresponds to the width of a second standard joist. When the seating block 16 is rotated to cater for joists of different widths, the support block 18 should also be rotated. A wing nut bolt 30, or other suitable fastening means, passes through apertures provided in the side plates 12, 14 and through the support block 18 which is also provided with aperture to accept the bolt 30 or other suitable fastening means. When the seating block 16 is rotated by 90 degrees to its second width the support block 18 is also rotated by 90 degrees to its second width and the bolt 30 or other suitable fastening means is reinserted through the apertures in the side plates 12, 14 and through the support block 18 which is provided with a further aperture to accept the bolt 30 other suitable fastening means in this second position.

The roof joist saddle 10 is adapted to support a timber beam 26 which in turn is secured in place by a screw 34 or other suitable fastening means passing through the support block 18. The timber beam 28 in turn supports the roof floor deck sheet material 36 above.

In addition to providing a support which provides the necessary clearance for the required depth of insulation by efficiently raising the height of the roof floor deck sheet material 36 above the normal fixing level directly onto the joist 20, 120 the roof joist saddle 10 also provides a space 38 above the seating block 16 to enable the relocation or installation of electrical cables towards the upper surface of the insulation layer.

In an alternative the roof joist saddle 10 may further be provided with an additional aperture located in either one or both of side panels 12, 14 which can be used to secure electrical cables through the use of a cable tie or other suitable securing means.

Furthermore in many roofs, loft joists 20, 120 overlap for structural and assembly reasons effectively doubling the width of the joist over part of its span. Yet further at gable end walls there may not be sufficient gap between the final joist 20, 120 and the gable end wall. In such cases one of the side plates 12, 14 may be omitted from the installation and the roof joist saddle reassembled with one side plate, the support block 18 and wing nut bolt 30 and the seating block 16 and the two wing nut bolts 40, 42.

In both the instances of joist overlap and gable end walls wherein one of the side plates is omitted, the roof joist saddle 10 is still able to support the timber beam 28 and roof floor deck sheet material 36 in two ways. Firstly the roof joist saddle 10 is still directly secured to the roof joist 20, 120 as described above with a suitable fastening means. Secondly the roof joist saddles 10 when installed in the loft are placed in alternating opposite directions such that the timber beam 28 is effectively trapped between the roof joist saddles 10 as can be seen in Figure 14. This prevents movement of the timber beam 28 and provides a secure base for the floor deck sheet material 36.

Figures 5 to 13 illustrate a roof joist saddle 110 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention in situ about a number of roof joists 120, 220, 320, 420. The roof joist saddle 110 has a first side plate 112, a second side plate 114, a seating block 116 and support block 118.

The seating block 116 sits on top of the roof joist in use and maintains a set distance between the side plates 112, 114, being the width of the joist. The seating block 116 is positioned such that when the roof joist saddle 110 is in situ about a roof joist 120, 220, 320, 420 a clearance space 124 is provided between the bottom of the roof joist saddle 110 and the ceiling 22. Joists 120, 220, 320, 420 traditionally come in two standard widths, 35mm and 47mm, and therefore it would be advantageous if both standard widths could be catered for in a single roof joist saddle. Therefore the seating block 116 has a first width which corresponds to the width of a first standard joist and a second width which corresponds to the width of a second standard joist.

Two wing nut bolts 140, 142, or other suitable fastening means, pass through apertures provided in the side plates 112, 114 and through the seating block 116 which is also provided with apertures to accept the bolts or other suitable fastening means. The first width of the seating block 116 now matches the width of a first standard roof joist 120: 220, 320, 420. If on the other hand the joist has a width of the second standard roof joist the then bolts 140, 142 or other suitable fastening means can simply be removed, the seating block 116 rotated by 90 degrees to its second width and the bolts 140, 142 or other suitable fastening means reinserted through the apertures in the side plates 112, 114 and through the seating block 116 which is provided with further apertures to accept the bolts or other suitable fastening means in this second position. This second width of the seating block 116 now matches the width of a second standard roof joist 120, 220, 320, 420.

The support block 118 assists in maintaining a set distance between the side plates 112, 114 at the top of the roof joist saddle 110 as well as providing a support for the timber beam 28. The support block 118 is also provided with two widths a first width which corresponds to the width of a first standard joist and a second width which corresponds to the width of a second standard joist. When the seating block 116 is rotated to cater for joists of different widths, the support block 118 should also be rotated. A wing nut bolt 130, or other suitable fastening means, passes through apertures provided in the side plates 112, 114 and through the support block 118 which is also provided with aperture to accept the bolt 130 or other suitable fastening means. When the seating block 116 rotated by 90 degrees to its second width the support block 118 is also rotated by 90 degrees to its second width and the bolt 130 or other suitable fastening means is reinserted through the apertures in the side plates 112, 114 and through the support block 118 which is provided with a further aperture to accept the bolt 130 or other suitable fastening means in this second position.

Joists 120, 220, 320, 420 also traditionally come in a number different heights and therefore it would be advantageous if all the standard heights could be catered for in a single roof joist saddle. Therefore the side plates 112, 114 are provided with four sets of apertures 144, 146, 148, 150, 154, 156, 158, 160 each at a predetermined height for a particular joist height. The wing nut bolts 140, 142, or other suitable fastening means, are simply removed from one set of apertures in the side plates and the aperture in the seating block 116. The seating block 116 is then moved to the desired position within the side plates 112, 114 so that the aperture in the seating block 116 lines up with the apertures, for example sets 146 and 156, in the side plates 112, 114 which adjusts the height of joist that can be safely accommodated by the roof joist saddle 110. Then the wing nut bolts 140, 142, or other suitable fastening means, are simply reinserted through the aperture sets 146 and 156 in the side plates 112, 114 and through the aperture in seating block 116 to retain the seating block 116 in the desired position.

In an alternative, so that any height of joist can be accommodated, the side plates instead may each be provided with one or more elongate apertures which allow the position of the seating block to be adjusted to any height rather than the standard joist heights. The fixing means would clamp the side plates and seating block in position. However such a system would not be as secure because if the fixing means loosened over time there would not be the support provided by a discrete aperture which might result in the seating block moving over time with respect to the side plates which would be undesirable.

In a further alternative additional apertures may be provided in the side plates to accommodate a greater range of joist heights.

Once the roof joist saddle 110 is located in the desired position it may be retained in position with a screw 126 or other suitable fastening means. The screw 126 provides stability by preventing rotation and movement of the roof joist saddle 110 along the direction of the roof joist 120, 220, 320, 420. In one embodiment an aperture for this screw may be provided in either of the side plates 112, 114 as illustrated in the Figures which would allow for fixing to take place into the side of the joist 120, 220, 320, 420. In another embodiment an aperture for this screw may be provided in the seating block 116 which would allow for fixing to take place into the top of the joist 120, 220, 320, 420. In both embodiments the apertures are set at an angle above the horizontal plane and offset to the vertical plane in order to facilitate fixing from above.

The roof joist saddle 110 is adapted to support a timber beam 28 which in turn is secured in place by a screw 134 passing through the support block 118. The timber beam 28 in turn supports the roof floor deck sheet material 36 above.

In addition to providing a support which provides the necessary clearance for the required depth of insulation by efficiently raising the height of the roof floor deck sheet material 36 above the normal fixing level directly onto the joist 120, 220, 320, 420 the roof joist saddle 110 also provides a space 138 above the seating block 116 to enable the relocation or installation of electrical cables towards the upper surface of the insulation layer.

In an alternative the roof joist saddle 110 may further be provided with an additional aperture located in either one or both of side panels 112, 114 which can be used to secure electrical cables through the use of a cable tie or other suitable securing means.

Furthermore in many roofs loft joists 120, 220 320, 420 overlap for structural and assembly reasons effectively doubling the width of the joist over part of its span. In such a case one of the side plates 112 or 114 may be omitted from the installation to accommodate this increased width whilst retaining one of the side plates1 the support block and wing nut bolt 130 and the spacer block and the two wing nut bolts 140, 142.

Yet further at gable end walls, there may not be sufficient gap between the final joist 120, 220, 320, 420 and the gable end wall. In such cases one of the side plates 112, 114 may be omitted from the installation whilst retaining one of the side plates, the support block and wing nut bolt 130 and the spacer block and the two wing nut bolts 140, 142.

In both the instances of joist overlap and gable end walls wherein one of the side plates is omitted, the roof joist saddle 110 is still able to support the timber beam 28 and roof floor deck sheet material 36 in two ways. Firstly the roof joist saddle 110 is still directly secured to the roof joist 120, 220, 320, 420 as described above with a suitable fastening means. Secondly the roof joist saddles 110 when installed in the loft are placed in alternating opposite directions such that the timber beam 28 is effectively trapped between the roof joist saddles 110 as can be seen in Figure 14.

This prevents movement of the timber beam 28 to provide a secure base for the floor deck sheet material 36.

Figure 14 illustrates roof joist saddles of type 10 or 110 in situ in a loft along with the roof joists 20, basic insulation 50, top up insulation 60, timber beam acting as a platform support 25 and roof floor deck sheet material acting as a deck platform 36.

The roof joist saddles 10, 110 of the present invention described herein may be made from any suitable materiaL Suitable materials include but are not limited to natural materials such as wood, composite or engineered wood, metals such as galvanised steel, plastics or a combination of several different materials.

Claims

Claims 1. A roof joist saddle for elevating a storage means in a roof space comprising a) a first side plate and a second side plate: b) a seating block located between the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the first side plate, second side plate and seating block co-operate to form a joist receptacle; c) a support block located between the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the first side plate, second side plate and support block co-operate to form a platform support; and wherein the joist receptacle is adapted to accommodate joists of variable width.
2. A roof joist saddle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the seating block has a first width and a second width and wherein the seating block is adapted to be rotated within the first and second side plates from the first width to the second width to vary the width of the roof joist receptacle.
3. A roof joist saddle as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the support block has a first width and a second width and wherein the support block is adapted to be rotated within the first and second side plates from the first width to the second width.
4. A roof joist saddle as claimed in any of the preceding claims which is adapted to maintain a clearance gap between the roof joist saddle and a ceiling below the roof space.
5. A roof joist saddle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the seating block is adapted to be secured in place between the first and second sides plates by a fastening means.
6. A roof joist saddle as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the fastening means comprises an aperture in the seating block, an aperture in each of the first and second side plates, and a bolt adapted to pass there through. .
7. A roof joist saddle as claimed in Claim 6 when dependent on Claim 2 wherein the seating block comprises a first aperture corresponding to the first width and a second aperture corresponding to the second width.
8. A roof joist saddle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the joist receptacle is further adapted to accommodate joists of variable height.
9. A roof joist saddle as claimed in Claim 7 wherein seating block is adapted to be moved linearly within the first and second side plates to vary the height of the roof joist receptacle.
10. A roof joist saddle as claimed in Claim 9 when dependent on Claim 6 wherein the first and second side plates are provided with a plurality of apertures arranged linearly such that when the seating block is moved linearly within the first and second side plates the aperture in the seating block is adapted to correspond with an aperture in each of the first and second side plates such that a bolt can pass through the aperture in the first plate, the aperture in the seating block and the aperture in the second plate at each of the apertures in the first and second side plates.
11. A roof joist saddle as claimed in any preceding claim further provided with an aperture for the location of electrical wires, cables, conduits and the like.
12. A kit of parts for providing a flooring system, said kit of parts comprising: a plurality roof joist saddles as claimed in any preceding claim; a plurality of joists; and flooring means.
13. The kit of parts of claim 12, further comprising insulation means.
14. The kit of parts of claim 13, wherein said joists are receivable in said joist receptacles of said roof joist saddles, said insulation means are receivable between said joists and said at least one flooring means is fixable to said support block over said insulation means without compressing said insulation means.
15. A flooring system comprising: a plurality of roof joist saddles according to any of claims 1 to 11; a plurality of joists; and flooring means, wherein said joists are received in the joists receptacles of said joists and said flooring means is secured tp the support block of said roof joist saddles.
16. The flooring system of claim 15 further comprising insulation means located between said joists.
17. A method of elevating a floor in a roof space having a plurality of joists, the method comprising the steps of; providing a plurality of roof joist saddles, according to any of claims ito ii; positioning each of said plurality roof joist saddles such that the joist receptacle of each roof joist saddle receives a joist; and securing flooring means to said support block of said roof joist saddles.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of inserting insulation means between said joists prior to said step of securing flooring means to said support bloGks.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said step of securing flooring means to said platforms does not compress said insulation means positioned between said joists.
20. A method of using the roof joist saddles, kit of parts or system of any of claims ito 16 to elevate a floor in a roof space.
21. A roof joist saddle, system, kit of parts or method as herein described, andIor with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.