NZ787524A - Construction or fabrication of an assembly comprising a joist or rafter - Google Patents

Abstract

method of connecting a joist or rafter to a side of a timber supporting member such that the joist or rafter extends transverse to the supporting member, the joist or rafter having top and bottom flange or chord members and a web interconnecting the top and bottom members, comprises securing an end of the rafter or joist to the side via a mounting member. The securing of the end to the side comprises driving into the supporting member at least one fastener extending along a respective passage preformed in the mounting member. The fastener is guided by the passage to be located correctly with respect to the mounting member in a connection thus formed between the mounting member and the side. d of the rafter or joist to the side via a mounting member. The securing of the end to the side comprises driving into the supporting member at least one fastener extending along a respective passage preformed in the mounting member. The fastener is guided by the passage to be located correctly with respect to the mounting member in a connection thus formed between the mounting member and the side.

Description

A method of connecting a joist or rafter to a side of a timber supporting member such that the joist or rafter extends transverse to the supporting member, the joist or rafter having top and bottom flange or chord members and a web interconnecting the top and bottom members, comprises securing an end of the rafter or joist to the side via a ng member. The securing of the end to the side comprises driving into the supporting member at least one fastener extending along a respective e preformed in the mounting member. The fastener is guided by the e to be located correctly with respect to the mounting member in a connection thus formed between the mounting member and the side.

NZ 787524 [Link] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_veneer uction or fabrication of an ly comprising a joist or rafter Construction or fabrication of an assembly comprising a joist or rafter TheThe presentpresent applicationapplication claimsclaims prioritypriority fromfrom AustralianAustralian ProvisionalProvisional PatentPatent ApplicationApplication No. 2021901192,No. 2021901192, filed 22 April 2021, whichfiled 22 April 2021, which isis entitled "Construction or fabrication of anentitled ruction or fabrication of an assembly comprising a joist or rafter" and the contents of which are incorporated herein byassembly comprising a joist or rafter" and the contents of which are incorporated herein by nce in their entirety. reference in their entirety.

The t invention relates to uction of building support frameworks, including inThe present invention relates to uction of building support frameworks, including in particularparticular such frameworkssuch frameworks forfor timber framedtimber framed ngs,buildings, suchsuch asas timber-framed .timber-framed houses.

MoreMore particularly,particularly, thethe inventioninvention relatesrelates toto connectionconnection ofof aa joistjoist oror rafter toto aa timbertimber supportingsupporting member,member, toto an assembly sing the joist or rafter and which includes thean assembly sing the joist or rafter and which includes the mountingmounting , andmember, and toto an assembly, comprising the mounting member,an assembly, comprising the mounting member, inin which thewhich the mountingmounting membermember isis connectableconnectable toto thethe joist orjoist or rafterrafter toto mountmount itit toto aa saidsaid supportingsupporting member. member.

The word "timber" as used herein refers, except where context otherwise requires, to bothThe word "timber" as used herein refers, except where context otherwise requires, to both solid or natural timber and "mass timber", the latter comprising wood constituents – such assolid or l timber and "mass timber", the latter comprising wood constituents — such as veneers, boards, strands, fibres or particles – and adhesive or other substances/means holdingveneers, boards, strands, fibres or particles — and adhesive or other substances/means holding the wood constituents together, and including laminated , such as glulam, laminatedthe wood constituents together, and including laminated timber, such as glulam, laminated veneer,veneer, suchsuch asas laminatedlaminated veneerveneer lumberlumber (LVL),(LVL), fibreboard,fibreboard, suchsuch asas medium-densitymedium-density fibreboard and high-density oard, particleboard and oriented strand board (OSB). oard and high-density fibreboard, particleboard and oriented strand board (OSB).

A roof, ceiling or floor frame for a timber framed building tionally includes opposedA roof, ceiling or floor frame for a timber framed building conventionally includes d timbertimber supportsupport membersmembers andand parallelparallel elongateelongate structuralstructural members —members – typicallytypically termedtermed "rafters" in the case of a roof or ceiling frame and s" in the case of a floor frame – each"rafters" in the case of a roof or ceiling frame and "joists" in the case of a floor frame — each ofof which extends between andwhich s between and isis securedsecured toto thethe support members sosupport members so asas toto be supportedbe supported therefrom. therefrom.

SuchSuch a frame can be assembleda frame can be assembled inin situ,situ, inin which case the support members are typicallywhich case the support members are typically installed prior to the securing of the s/joists thereto, or prefabricated, in which case theinstalled prior to the securing ofthe rafters/joists thereto, or prefabricated, in which case the rafters/joists are secured to the support members – typically in the fabrication of a "cassette" rafters/joists are secured to the support members — typically in the fabrication of a tte" comprised of the support members and joists/rafters interconnected, such as a floor cassettecomprised ofthe t members and joists/rafters interconnected, such as a floor cassette or roof cassette, which may be carried out in a factory and thus to a relatively high degree ofor roof cassette, which may be carried out in a y and thus to a relatively high degree of precision/accuracy. precision/accuracy.

In either case, referring to Figures 1A and 1B, securing of each end E of a rafter/joist M to aIn either case, referring to Figures 1A and 1B, securing of each end B ofa rafter/joist M to a respective support member S (typically a beam) conventionally comprises connection of arespective support member S (typically a beam) conventionally comprises connection of a bracket B (commonly termed a "hanger") to the member S and connection of the end E tobracket B (commonly termed a "hanger") to the member S and connection of the end B to the bracket B.the bracket B. The bracket B is typically formed from metal plate and connected to the beamThe bracket B is typically formed from metal plate and connected to the beam (as(as well as to the end B) by ers F — typically nails and/or screws — which, once thewell as to the end E) by fasteners F – typically nails and/or screws – which, once the bracket is positioned against a side face A of the member S, are positioned within mountingbracket is positioned t a side face A ofthe member S, are oned within mounting holes in the plate/bracket B and driven into the member S (and end E) to fix the bracket B holes in the plate/bracket B and driven into the member S (and end B) to fix the bracket B against the side face (and to the rafter/joist M). against the side face (and to the rafter/joist M).

AnAn advantage of using such bracketsadvantage of using such ts isis thatthat they can be sightedthey can be sighted in thein the interconnectionsinterconnections between the joists/rafters and beams, so that there can be some degree of confidence as tobetween the /rafters and beams, so that there can be some degree of confidence as to the integrity of the interconnections.the integrity ofthe interconnections. However, securing a given t B to member S, andHowever, securing a given bracket B to member S, and thethe joist/rafter end Bjoist/rafter end E toto the bracketB,the bracket B, isis a time-consuming and cumbersomea time-consuming and cumbersome task.task. Also,Also, although appropriatealthough appropriate onlocation ofof thethe bracketsbrackets may bemay be le toto bebe confirmedconfirmed byby visualvisual tioninspection after the fter the frame isis assembled, adequacy of the fastening of the bracketsassembled, adequacy of the ing of the brackets toto thethe beams often cannot be.beams often cannot be. Heavy reliance must beHeavy reliance must be placed on installer skill and diligence forplaced on installer skill and diligence for reliable interconnection of the beams and joists/rafters. reliable onnection ofthe beams and joists/rafters. ing to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of connectingAccording to a first aspect ofthe present ion, there is provided a method of connecting a joist or rafter to a side of a timber supporting member such that the joist or rafter extendsa joist or rafter to a side of a timber ting member such that the joist or rafter extends transverse to the supporting member, the joist or rafter having top and bottom flange or chordtransverse to the ting member, st or rafter having top and bottom flange or chord members and amembers and a web interconnecting the top and bottom members, the method comprisingweb interconnecting the top and bottom members, the method comprising securing an end of the rafter or joist to the side via a mounting member, wherein ng of securing an end ofthe rafter t to the side via a mounting member, wherein securing of the endthe end to the sideto the side comprises drivingcomprises driving intointo thethe supportingsupporting membermember atat leastleast oneone fastenerfastener extendingextending alongalong a passagea passage preformedpreformed inin thethe mounting member, whereby the fastenermounting member, whereby the fastener isis guidedguided by the eby the passage toto be located correctly with respect to the mounting member in abe d correctly with respect to the mounting member in a connection thus formed between the mounting member and the side. connection thus formed between the mounting member and the side.

AccordingAccording toto aa secondsecond aspectaspect of the presentof the present invention,invention, therethere isis providedprovided aa methodmethod ofof ting a joist or rafter to a timber supporting member such that the joist or rafter extendsconnecting ajoist or rafter to a timber supporting member such that the joist or rafter extends transverse to the supporting member, the joist or rafter having top and bottom flange or chordtransverse to the supporting member, thejoist or rafter having top and bottom flange or chord members and amembers and a web interconnecting the top and bottom s, the method comprisingweb interconnecting the top and bottom members, the method comprising securingsecuring thethe rafterrafter or joistor joist toto thethe supportingsupporting member viamember via aa mounting member, whereinmounting member, wherein securing of the rafter or joist to the supporting member comprises driving into the supportingsecuring ofthe rafter orjoist to the supporting member comprises driving into the supporting member atat leastleast oneone fastenerfastener extendingextending along a respectivealong a tive passagepassage preformedpreformed inin thethe mountingmounting member, whereby the fastenermember, y the fastener isis guided by the passageguided by the passage toto be d correctlybe located correctly withwith respect to the mounting member in a tion thus formed n the mountingrespect to the mounting member in a connection thus formed between the mounting member and the supporting member. member and the supporting member.

There is also provided, in a further aspect of the invention or a preferred embodiment of theThere is also provided, in a further aspect ofthe invention or a preferred embodiment ofthe first or second aspect, a method of ling, in the construction of a timber frame building,first or second aspect, a method mbling, in the construction ofa timber frame building, a building ure in which a joist or rafter is connected to a ural ent such thata building ure in which ajoist or rafter is connected to a structural component such that it is supported by the component in the building structure, in which method the rafter or joistit is supported by the component in the building ure, in which method the rafter orjoist isis securedsecured toto thethe supportingsupporting membermember viavia aa mounting member,mounting member, thethe methodmethod comprisingcomprising effecting abutment between the mounting member and the enteffecting abutment between the mounting member and the component and fixing togetherand fixing together the abutting mounting member and component with at least one fastener extending along athe abutting mounting member and component with at least one fastener extending along a respective passage preformed in the mounting member, wherein the fixing together of therespective passage preformed in the mounting member, wherein the fixing together ofthe mountingmounting member and componentand ent comprisescomprises advancingadvancing thethe oror eacheach fastenerfastener intointo thethe component,component, wherebywhereby thethe fastenerfastener isis guided byguided by thethe passagepassage toto bebe locatedlocated correctlycorrectly withwith respect to the mounting member, the ing of the fastener comprising driving it into the respect to the ng member, the advancing ofthe fastener comprising driving it into the component. component.

In the preferred embodiments or versions of this method, the at least one passage has beenIn the preferred embodiments or versions ofthis method, the at least one passage has been preformed, with accuracy and precision, in the mounting member before installation of thepreformed, with accuracy and precision, in the mounting member before installation ofthe rafter or joist. rafter t.

Preferably, the structural component is a/the supporting member. Preferably, the structural component is a/the ting member.

Preferably, at least one the fastener extends in a respective the passage. Preferably, the orPreferably, at least one the fastener s in a respective the passage. Preferably, the or eacheach fastener s along or in the passage, wherebyfastener extends along or in the passage, whereby itit isis pre-appliedpre-applied to the mountingto the mounting member, prior to the abutment. member, prior to the abutment.

The orThe or each pre-appliedeach pre-applied erfastener may be arrangedmay be arranged soso asas notnot toto precludepreclude relativerelative slidingsliding between the abutting truss and component/supporting member before the fixing together een the abutting truss and component/supporting member before the fixing together of the truss and component. the truss and component.

InIn preferred embodiments of the invention, the method includes ensuring correct relativepreferred embodiments of the invention, the method includes ensuring correct ve oningpositioning of,of, thethe structuralstructural component/supportingcomponent/supporting member member andand thethe joistjoist oror rafterrafter comprising timber members. comprising timber members.

The abutment may be direct or indirect. The abutment may be direct or indirect.

There is also provided, in a further aspect of the invention or a preferred embodiment of theThere is also provided, in a further aspect ofthe invention or a preferred embodiment ofthe first or second aspect, a method of assembling, in the construction of a timber frame building,first or second aspect, a method ofassembling, in the construction ofa timber frame building, a building structure in which a first structural component, in the form of a joist or , isa building structure in Which a first structural component, in the form of a joist or rafter, is connectedconnected toto aa second structuralstructural component viacomponent via aa mounting member suchmounting member such thatthat thethe firstfirst structuralstructural componentcomponent isis supportedsupported byby thethe secondsecond structuralstructural componentcomponent inin thethe ngbuilding ure,structure, the method comprising positioning the mounting member relative to the secondthe method comprising positioning the ng member relative to the second componentcomponent whereby an exposedwhereby an exposed tiptip of at least one fastener extending along a respectiveof at least one er extending along a respective e preformed in the mounting member penetrates a timber member which the secondpassage preformed in the mounting member penetrates a timber member Which the second structural component comprises, so as to be ed into a surface of the second structuralstructural component comprises, so as to be received into a surface ofthe second structural component,component, thethe surfacesurface beingbeing defineddefined byby the timberthe timber member,member, to precludeto preclude ationaltranslational displacement of the first component in a plane parallel to the surface. displacement ofthe first component in a plane parallel to the surface.

In the preferred embodiments or versions of this method, the at least oneIn the preferred embodiments or versions of this method, the at least one passage has beenpassage has been preformed, with accuracy and ion, in the mounting member before installation of thepreformed, With accuracy and precision, in the mounting member before installation ofthe rafter or joist. rafter orjoist.

In the preferred embodiments or versions of this method, positioning of the first componentIn the preferred ments or versions ofthis method, positioning ofthe first ent relative to the second ent is when the second structural component is in situ. relative to the second component is When the second structural component is in situ.

InIn the preferred embodiments of the invention, the connecting of the joist or rafter to thethe preferred embodiments of the invention, the connecting of the joist or rafter to the supporting member is in the construction of a timber framed ng. supporting member is in the uction ofa timber framed building.

The supportingThe supporting member(s) may bemember(s) may be inin situ whensitu When thethe joistjoist oror rafterrafter isis connectedconnected toto thethe supportingsupporting member(s).member(s). InIn thisthis case,case, itit may bemay be thatthat the appropriate joist/rafter lengththe appropriate rafter length isis determined according to the spacing between the support members. determined according to the spacing between the support members.

Alternatively, the connecting of the joist or rafter to the/each supporting member may lternatively, the connecting of the joist or rafter to ch supporting member may prior to installation of the supporting member(s) – e.g. in the fabrication of a cassette, such a floorto installation ofthe supporting member(s) — e.g. in the fabrication ofa cassette, such a floor cassette or roof cassette, which ses the supporting (s) and the rafters or joistscassette or roof te, which comprises the supporting member(s) and the s orjoists and in which the latter are secured to the former.and in which the latter are secured to the former. In this case, it may be that the appropriateIn this case, it may be that the appropriate joist/rafter lengthjoist/rafter length isis determined according to the spacing between already interconnecteddetermined according to the spacing between already interconnected supportsupport members —members – typically within a "perimeter frame" which includes the supporttypically within a "perimeter frame" which includes the support membersmembers andand withinwithin whichwhich thethe rafters/joists arerafters/joists are thereafterthereafter arrangedarranged forfor securingsecuring toto thethe support s – or instead that the spacing between the support members is determinedsupport members — or instead that the spacing n the support members is determined according to the joist/rafter length (where one or more /rafters are arranged in positionaccording to the joist/rafter length (where one or more joists/rafters are arranged in position prior to there being connections between the opposed ends thereof and the respective supportprior to there being connections between the opposed ends thereof and the respective support members). members).

In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the or each fastener extends in a respective In the preferred ments of the ion, the or each fastener extends in a respective the passage. Preferablythe passage. Preferably,, thethe or each fastener extends along or in the respective passage,or each fastener extends along or in the respective e, y it is pre-applied to the mounting member, prior to installation of the joist or rafter. whereby it is pre-applied to the mounting member, prior to installation ofthe joist or rafter.

InIn the preferred embodiments of the invention, the connecting of the joist or rafter to thethe preferred embodiments of the invention, the connecting of the joist or rafter to the supporting member is in the construction of a building t framework sing the supporting member is in the construction of a building support framework comprising the supporting member and the joist or rafter. supporting member and the joist or rafter.

In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the rafter or truss is factory-fabricated. In the preferred ments ofthe invention, the rafter or truss is factory-fabricated.

Preferably, the supporting member is timber. ThePreferably, the supporting member is timber. The supporting member may be engineeredsupporting member may be engineered ,timber, such as laminated .such as laminated timber. The supportingThe supporting member may be of laminated veneermember may be of ted veneer lumber (LVL). lumber (LVL).

TheThe driving of the fastener(s) may comprise hammeringdriving of the fastener(s) may comprise hammering atat least one the er.least one the fastener. TheThe oror each hammered fastener may comprise a nail. each hammered fastener may se a nail.

The driving of the fastener(s) may comprise screwing at least one the er. The or eachThe driving ofthe fastener(s) may comprise screwing at least one the fastener. The or each screwed fastener may comprise a screw. screwed fastener may comprise a screw.

Preferably, the or each fastener is advanced along a passage formed in the mounting member.Preferably, the or each fastener is advanced along a e formed in the mounting member.

Preferably, the or each passage is pre-formed in the mounting member. Preferably, the or each passage is pre-formed in the ng member.

The, each, or at least one the, passage may be a blind passage.The, each, or at least one the, passage may be a blind e. The, each, or at least one the,The, each, or at least one the, e may be a through-passage. passage may be a through-passage.

Formation of the or each passage mayFormation of the or each passage may comprise forming, preferably drilling, a hole in thecomprise g, preferably drilling, a hole in the mounting member.mounting member. The hole may be a through-hole or a blind hole. The hole may be a through-hole or a blind hole.

Formation of the or each passage may, alternatively or additionally, comprise driving a the Formation ofthe or each passage may, alternatively or additionally, comprise driving a the fastenerfastener withinwithin thethe mounting .mounting member. The orThe or each fastener may be each fastener may be driven intointo and/orand/or through the mounting member in the formation of the e(s). through the mounting member in the formation ofthe passage(s).

Preferably, formation of the passage comprises formation of at least one the hole, the or eachPreferably, formation ofthe passage comprises formation of at least one the hole, the or each hole being a pilot ole being a pilot hole. In one embodiment of the invention, the or each pilot hole defines In one embodiment ofthe invention, the or each pilot hole defines the passage.the passage. In another ment of the invention, the or each fastener is driven withinIn r embodiment of the invention, the or each fastener is driven within the mountingthe mounting member,member, alongalong aa respectiverespective the pilotthe pilot hole,hole, soso asas toto be pre-appliedbe pre-applied toto thethe mountingmounting , whereby formation of the respective passage comprises driving of themember, whereby formation of the respective passage comprises driving of the fastener within the mounting member. fastener within the mounting member.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the web is of plate form.In one preferred embodiment ofthe ion, the web is e form. Preferably, the webPreferably, the web of plate form is of timber.of plate form is of timber. That timber may be engineered timber, such as oriented strandThat timber may be engineered timber, such as ed strand board (OSB). board (OSB).

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, theIn another preferred embodiment of the invention, the web comprises web members.web comprises web members. TheThe web members may be of metal and/or timber. web members may be of metal and/or .

Preferably, either or each of the top and bottom members is timber. ably, either or each ofthe top and bottom members is timber.

Preferably, the or each fastener comprises a shank. Preferably, the or each er comprises a shank.

Preferably, the or each fastener comprises a sharp tip to facilitate driving thereof. Preferably, the or each fastener comprises a sharp tip to facilitate driving thereof.

Preferably, the or each fastener extends along an axis along which it is driven. Preferably, the or each er s along an axis along Which it is driven.

Preferably, the or each fastener is elongate. Preferably, the or each fastener is elongate.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting member is dAccording to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting member is defined byby thethe rafterrafter oror joist.joist. Preferably,Preferably, thethe mounting member defined bymounting member defined by thethe rafterrafter oror joistjoist comprises an end web of the joist or rafter. comprises an end web ofthejoist or rafter.

Preferably, the or each e is formed in the mounting member prior to connecting of thePreferably, the or each passage is formed in the mounting member prior to connecting ofthe mounting member to the joist or rafter. mounting member to the joist or .

AccordingAccording toto anotheranother preferred embodiment of thepreferred embodiment of the invention,invention, thethe mounting membermounting member isis additionaladditional toto the joist or rafter andthe joist or rafter and isis connectedconnected toto the joist or rafter.the joist or rafter. TheThe securing maysecuring may se comprise connectingconnecting thethe mountingmounting membermember toto thethe joistjoist oror rafter.rafter. InIn aa particularly particularly advantageousadvantageous such embodiment, connection of the mounting member to the joist or raftersuch embodiment, connection of the mounting member to the joist or rafter cancan be orbe or isis ed on-siteeffected on-site (/at(/at aa sitesite atat Which a the buildingwhich a the building isis ucted),constructed), e.g.e.g. by anby an lerinstaller of the joist or rafter, Who connects the joist or rafter toof the joist or rafter, who connects the joist or rafter to thethe supporting member.supporting member.

Alternatively,Alternatively, connection of the mounting member to the joist or rafter could be factory-connection of the mounting member to the joist or rafter could be factoryeffected. effected.

Preferably, the mounting member during connection thereof to the joist or rafter is part of a Preferably, the mounting member during connection thereof to the joist or rafter is part of a pre-assemblypre-assembly comprising,comprising, inin onaddition toto thethe mounting ,mounting member, thethe fastener(s)fastener(s) dapplied thereto. o.

Preferably, tion of the mounting member to the joist or rafter comprises bonding thePreferably, connection ofthe mounting member to the joist or rafter comprises bonding the mounting member to the joist or rafter.mounting member to the joist or rafter. ably, the mounting member during connectionPreferably, the mounting member during tion thereof to the joist or rafter is part of pre-assembly comprising, in addition to the mountingthereofto the joist or rafter is part of pre-assembly comprising, in addition to the mounting member, at least one bonding material layer arranged (preferably to contact the joist or rafter)member, at least one g material layer arranged (preferably to contact the joist or rafter) toto bond the mounting member thereto.bond the mounting member thereto. Preferably,Preferably, thatthat pre-assemblypre-assembly is the pre-assemblyis the pre-assembly comprising the mounting member and fastener(s) applied o. comprising the mounting member and fastener(s) d thereto.

Preferably, at least one cover overlying the bonding material layer(s) is removed to exposePreferably, at least one cover overlying the bonding material layer(s) is removed to expose the bonding material layer(s) for contact with the joist or rafter. the bonding al layer(s) for contact with the joist or rafter.

AccordingAccording toto aa r aspect of the present ion,further aspect of the present invention, therethere isis provided an assembly orprovided an assembly or component comprising a mounting member via which a joist or rafter, having top and bottomcomponent comprising a mounting member via which ajoist or rafter, having top and bottom flangeflange oror chord memberschord members andand aa webweb interconnectinginterconnecting thethe toptop andand bottom members,bottom members, isis securablesecurable toto aa timbertimber supportingsupporting membermember soso asas to extendto extend transversetransverse toto thethe supportingsupporting member, n at least one passage is formed in the mounting member to guide therein amember, n at least one passage is formed in the mounting member to guide therein a respectiverespective fastener,fastener, during driving of the fastener intoduring driving of the fastener into thethe supporting member to form asupporting member to form a connection between the mounting member and the supporting member, such that the fastenerconnection between the mounting member and the supporting member, such that the fastener is located correctly with respect to the ng member in the connection. is located correctly with respect to the mounting member in the connection.

TheThe assembly accordingassembly according toto thethe preferred embodiments of the invention sespreferred embodiments of the invention comprises a the a the pre-assembly. pre-assembly.

InIn aa preferred embodiment of thepreferred embodiment of the invention,invention, thethe assemblyassembly includesincludes atat leastleast oneone over overlyingoverlying thethe bondingbonding material layer(s)material layer(s) andand removableremovable toto exposeexpose thethe bondingbonding material material layer(s)layer(s) for bonding the mounting member to the joist or rafter.for bonding the mounting member to the joist or rafter. TheThe assembly may thusassembly may thus comprise a pre-assembly, comprising the mounting member and bonding material layer(s) comprise a pre-assembly, comprising the mounting member and bonding material layer(s) (and(and ablypreferably also the fastener(s)also the fastener(s) appliedapplied to the mountingto the ng member), andmember), and the cover(s)the s) overlying the bonding material layer(s) and removable from the pre-assembly whereby theoverlying the bonding material layer(s) and removable from the pre-assembly whereby the pre-assembly is bondable to the joist or rafter via the g material. pre-assembly is bondable to the joist or rafter via the bonding material.

Preferably, the mounting member during connection thereof to the joist or rafter is part ofPreferably, the mounting member during connection thereof to the joist or rafter is part of a/the sembly comprising, in addition to the mounting member, the fastener(s) and/ora/the sembly sing, in on to the mounting member, the fastener(s) and/or bonding material layer(s). bonding material layer(s).

Preferably, an upper end of the mounting member ses a face securable against a facePreferably, an upper end ofthe ng member comprises a face securable t a face ofof thethe top member.top member. Preferably,Preferably, connectingconnecting thethe mounting membermounting member toto thethe joist orjoist or rafterrafter comprises securing a face of an upper end of the mounting member against a face of the topcomprises securing a face of an upper end ofthe mounting member against a face ofthe top member. .

Preferably, a lower end of the mounting member comprises a face ble against a facePreferably, a lower end ofthe mounting member comprises a face securable against a face ofof the bottom . Preferably, connecting the mounting member to the joist or rafterthe bottom member. Preferably, connecting the mounting member to the joist or rafter comprisescomprises securing a face of a lower end of the mounting member against a face of thesecuring a face of a lower end of the mounting member t a face of the bottom . bottom member.

Preferably, the securing of the/each face of the mounting member to the ctive) face ofPreferably, the ng ofthe/each face ofthe mounting member to the (respective) face of the joist or rafter comprises bonding the faces one-to-the-other. the joist or rafter comprises bonding the faces one-to-the-other.

Preferably, connectingPreferably, connecting the mounting memberthe mounting member toto thethe joist or rafter comprises urgingjoist or rafter comprises urging the the face(s) of the mounting member t the face(s) of the joist or rafter such that bondingface(s) of the mounting member against the face(s) of the joist or rafter such that bonding material pre-applied to the face(s) of the mounting member contacts the face(s) of the joistmaterial pre-applied to the face(s) of the mounting member contacts the face(s) of the joist or rafter to effect bonding. or rafter to effect bonding.

Preferably, the mounting member comprises a proximal section which is arranged to abut aPreferably, the mounting member comprises a proximal section which is arranged to abut a side face of the supporting member and an end face of either or each of the top and bottomside face ofthe supporting member and an end face of either or each ofthe top and bottom members,members, andand aa distaldistal nsection supported fromsupported from thethe proximalproximal sectionsection and arrangedand arranged toto bebe received between the top and bottom members. received between the top and bottom members.

Preferably, the distal section projects from the proximal n. Preferably, the distal section projects from the al section.

Preferably, the distal section is arranged to abut, at an upper end thereof, a lower face of the Preferably, the distal section is arranged to abut, at an upper end thereof, a lower face ofthe top member and/or to abut, at a lower end thereof, an upper face of the bottom member. top member and/or to abut, at a lower end thereof, an upper face ofthe bottom member.

Preferably, aPreferably, a n of the mounting member is arranged to underlie a portion of the tion of the mounting member is arranged to underlie a portion of the top membermember such that loading in one of the top member and mounting membersuch that loading in one of the top member and mounting member isis transferredtransferred vertically to the other of the top member and mounting member.vertically to the other ofthe top member and mounting member. The loading may compriseThe loading may comprise loading in the top member, whereby the loading in the top member is transferred through theloading in the top , whereby the loading in the top member is erred through the mounting member to the supporting member. mounting member to the supporting member.

Preferably, the portionPreferably, the portion of the mounting member comprises an upper end face arranged toof the mounting member comprises an upper end face arranged to abut a lower face of the n of the top member. abut a lower face ofthe n ofthe top .

Preferably, the upperPreferably, the upper end faceend face isis arrangedarranged toto abut the lower face such that the mountingabut the lower face such that the mounting member is located to the joist or rafter along a vertical axis. member is located to the joist or rafter along a vertical axis. 10 Preferably, the portionPreferably, the portion of the mounting member defines a ledge to underlie the portion ofof the mounting member defines a ledge to underlie the portion of the top . the top . ably, an upper end of the ng member is configured with a rebate defining a facePreferably, an upper end ofthe mounting member is ured with a rebate defining a face of the proximal section arranged to abut the end face of the top member and a face of the of the proximal section arranged to abut the end face of the top member and a face of the n of the mounting member arranged to abut the portion of the top member. portion ofthe mounting member ed to abut the portion ofthe top member.

Preferably, an upper end of the mounting member is configured with a rebate defining a eferably, an upper end ofthe mounting member is configured with a rebate defining a face of the proximal section. ofthe proximal section.

Preferably, a portion of the mounting member is arranged to overlie a portion of the bottomPreferably, a portion ofthe mounting member is arranged to overlie a portion of the bottom member such that loading in one of the bottom member and mounting member is transferredmember such that loading in one ofthe bottom member and mounting member is transferred vertically to the other of the bottom member and mounting member. vertically to the other ofthe bottom member and mounting member.

Preferably, the portion of the mounting member arranged to overlie a portion of the bottomPreferably, the portion of the mounting member arranged to overlie a portion of the bottom membermember comprises a lower end face arrangedcomprises a lower end face arranged toto abut an upper face of the portion of theabut an upper face of the portion of the bottom member. bottom member.

Preferably, the lowerPreferably, the lower end faceend face isis arrangedarranged toto abut the upper face such that the mountingabut the upper face such that the ng member is located to the joist or rafter along a vertical axis. member is located to the joist or rafter along a vertical axis. ably, a lower end of the mounting member is configured with a rebate defining a facePreferably, a lower end ofthe mounting member is configured with a rebate defining a face of the proximal n arranged to abut the end face of the bottom member and a face of the ofthe proximal n arranged to abut the end face ofthe bottom member and a face ofthe portion of the mounting member arranged to abut the portion of the bottom member. portion ofthe mounting member arranged to abut the portion ofthe bottom member.

Preferably, the distal section ses a distally opening channel and is arranged such that Preferably, the distal section comprises a distally opening channel and is arranged such that the web is received by the channel. the web is received by the channel. ably, the channel is dimensioned for close receipt of the web therein. ably, the channel is dimensioned for close receipt ofthe web n.

Preferably, the fastenersPreferably, the fasteners comprise ones pre-appliedcomprise ones plied toto laterallateral sideside portions of theportions of the distaldistal section defined to either side of the channel. section defined to either side ofthe channel. 11 11 Preferably,Preferably, thethe channel haschannel has aa width matchedwidth matched toto aa thickness of the web whereby therethickness of the web whereby there isis formedformed aa fitfit betweenbetween thethe web and mounting member whenweb and mounting member when thethe webweb isis received by thereceived by the channel, such that the mounting member is located to the joist or rafter translationally alongchannel, such that the mounting member is located to the joist or rafter translationally along an axis which is perpendicular to both an axis of the channel and a udinal axis of thean axis which is perpendicular to both an axis of the l and a udinal axis of the joist or rafter, and rotationally about an axis el to the longitudinal axis.joist or rafter, and rotationally about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.

The assembly according to one preferred embodiment of the invention further comprises the The assembly according to one preferred ment ofthe invention further comprises the joist or .joist or rafter.

In the description in this specification, reference may be made to subject matter which is notIn the description in this specification, reference may be made to subject matter which is not within the scope of the appended claims.within the scope ofthe appended . That subject matter should be readily identifiableThat subject matter should be readily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and may assist in putting into practice the invention as definedby a person skilled in the art and may assist in putting into practice the invention as defined in the presently appended . in the presently appended claims.

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with referenceThe invention will now be described, by way of miting example only, with reference to the accompanying gs, in which: to the accompanying drawings, in which: s 1A and 1B (discussed above) are left and right perspective views showing aFigures 1A and 1B (discussed above) are left and right perspective views showing a conventional interconnection between a joist or rafter and a support member; tional interconnection between a joist or rafter and a support member; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising an open-web joist or rafterFigure 2 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising an open-web joist or rafter andand fastenersfasteners pre-appliedpre-applied theretothereto inin accordance with aaccordance with a firstfirst preferred embodiment of thepreferred embodiment of the present invention; present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the end of the assembly at which the fastenersFigure 3 is a perspective view showing the end ofthe ly at which the ers are pre-applied; are pre-applied; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an end web member of the open-web joist/rafter inFigure 4 is a perspective view of an end web member ofthe open-web joist/rafter in which the pre-applied ers are ed; which the pre-applied fasteners are provided; Figure 5 is a perspective view which ponds to Figure 4 and shows respectiveFigure 5 is a perspective view which corresponds to Figure 4 and shows respective passagespassages inin the end web member within whichthe end web member within which thethe pre-appliedpre-applied fastenersfasteners extend end and areare advancedadvanced when drivenwhen driven intointo aa support membersupport member toto securesecure thethe open-web joist/rafteropen-web joist/rafter toto thethe support member; support member; Figures 6A to 6D are perspective views showing successive stages in the arrangingFigures 6A to 6D are perspective views showing successive stages in the arranging and interconnection of the support member and the open-web rafter in accordance withand interconnection ofthe support member and the open-web joist/rafter in accordance with 12 12 the first embodiment; the first embodiment; FigureFigure 7 is7 is aa perspective view of an assembly comprisingperspective view of an assembly comprising an I-joist/rafteran l-joist/rafter andand pre-appliedpre-applied fastenersfasteners inin accordance withaccordance with aa second preferred embodiment of the presentsecond preferred embodiment of the t invention; invention; Figures 8A to 8D are ctive views showing successive stages in the arrangingFigures 8A to 8D are perspective views showing successive stages in the arranging andand interconnection of theinterconnection of the tsupport member andmember and thethe I-joist/rafterl-joist/rafter inin accordance withaccordance with thethe second embodiment; second embodiment; Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the t/rafter and an assembly comprisingFigure 9 is a perspective view g the l-joist/rafter and an ly sing a ng member, the fasteners applied to the mounting member, a bonding material layera mounting member, the fasteners applied to the mounting member, a bonding material layer providedprovided on the mounting , andon the mounting member, and a peel-offa ff backing removable from the bondingbacking removable from the bonding material layer to expose it for connection of the mounting member to the I-joist/rafter; material layer to expose it for tion ofthe ng member to the t/rafter; Figure 10 isFigure 10 is a perspective view showing the mounting member, bonding materiala perspective view showing the mounting member, bonding material layer and backing and passages in the mounting member within which the fasteners extendlayer and g and passages in the mounting member within which the fasteners extend whenwhen appliedapplied toto thethe mounting member andmounting member and areare ed when drivenadvanced when driven intointo the supportthe support member to connect the mounting member/I-joist/rafter to the support member; member to connect the mounting member/l-joist/rafter to the support ; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the assembly comprising the mounting member,Figure 11 is a perspective view of the assembly sing the ng member, fasteners, g material layer and removable backing; and fasteners, bonding material layer and removable backing; and Figures 12AFigures 12A and 12Band 12B areare perspectiveperspective viewsviews showingshowing successivesuccessive stagesstages inin thethe tion of the mounting member to the I-joist/rafter. connection ofthe mounting member to the l-joist/rafter.

ShownShown (partially)(partially) inin Figures 2 and 3Figures 2 and 3 isis an assemblyan ly 1,1, comprising an open-web joist orcomprising an open-web joist or rafter 10 and fasteners 50 pre-applied to the joist/rafter 10 thereto, in accordance with a firstrafter 10 and fasteners 50 pre-applied to the joist/rafter 10 thereto, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. red embodiment of the present invention.

The joist/rafter 10 is in the form of a truss, comprising parallel top 12 and bottom 14 timberThejoist/rafter 10 is in the form ofa truss, comprising parallel top 12 and bottom 14 timber rably solid(preferably solid timber)timber) chordschords andand aa web 20web 20 interconnectinginterconnecting thethe chords 12, 14.chords 12, 14. TheThe web 20 in the joist/rafter 10 exemplified comprises, on each side of the joist/rafter 10, steelweb 20 in the joist/rafter 10 exemplified comprises, on each side ofthe joist/rafter 10, steel web members 22, provided with nail plate portions 24 having teeth driven into side faces ofweb members 22, provided with nail plate portions 24 having teeth driven into side faces of the chords 12, 14 to secure the members 22 to the chords 12, 14, and, at opposed ends of thethe chords 12, 14 to secure the members 22 to the chords 12, 14, and, at opposed ends ofthe joist/rafter 10, a timber (preferably solid timber) end web members 26.joist/rafter 10, a timber (preferably solid timber) end web members 26. The web membersThe web members between the ends could be timber rather than steel without departure from the invention. between the ends could be timber rather than steel without departure from the invention.

ReferringReferring toto Figures 4 and 5,Figures 4 and 5, the ers 50the fasteners 50 areare driven fasteners, extending through andriven fasteners, extending through an 13 l3 axially inner face 27 of the member 26 and within respective passages 30 formed in – andaxially inner face 27 of the member 26 and within respective passages 30 formed in — and preferably through – that member. In the assembly exemplified, the fasteners 50 comprisepreferably through — that member. In the assembly exemplified, the fasteners 50 comprise nails 52nails 52 and screws 54 appliedand screws 54 applied toto the member 26 — and lly likewisethe member 26 – and typically likewise toto the oppositethe opposite (unillustrated) end web . (unillustrated) end web member.

Each of the passages 30 – which comprise es 32 for the nails 52 and passages 34 forEach ofthe es 30 — which comprise passages 32 for the nails 52 and passages 34 for the screws 54 – is formed by drilling a pilot hole in/through the member 26 and then insertingthe screws 54 — is formed by drilling a pilot hole in/through the member 26 and then inserting andand advancing/drivingadvancing/driving thethe respectiverespective fastener 50fastener 50 inin andand alongalong thethe pilot hole. Withoutpilot hole. Without departuredeparture from the invention, the passages 30 for the nails 52 and/or the screws 54 couldfrom the invention, the passages 30 for the nails 52 and/or the screws 54 could instead be formed solely by driving the latter into/within/through the member 26 (i.e. withoutinstead be formed solely by driving the latter into/within/through the member 26 (i.e. without first forming pilot holes therefor).first forming pilot holes or). Also without departure from the invention, the holes mayAlso without departure from the invention, the holes may se ones (e.g. the holes for the screws 54) dimensioned to form a nce or transitioncomprise ones (e.g. the holes for the screws 54) dimensioned to form a clearance or transition fit with the fastener received therein, in which case the hole(s) so dimensioned may define afit with the fastener received therein, in which case the hole(s) so dimensioned may define a said passage – into which the respective fastener is inserted. said passage — into which the respective fastener is inserted.

The nails 52 (and passages 32) pass through the face 27 at diametrically opposite positions The nails 52 (and es 32) pass through the face 27 at diametrically opposite positions nt tive lateral sides of the member 26 and are orientated so as to point towardsadjacent respective lateral sides ofthe member 26 and are orientated so as to point towards aa plane 40 which passes through central longitudinal axes 12L, 14L of the chordsplane 40 which passes through central udinal axes 12L, 14L of the chords 12, 14.l2, 14.

The screws 54The screws 54 (and passages 34) pass h the face 27(and passages 34) pass through the face 27 atat positions which are closer topositions which are closer to thethe plane 40 and staggeredplane 40 and staggered aboutabout thethe plane e 40 inin alvertical direction, anddirection, and areare likewiselikewise orientated so as to point towards the plane 40. orientated so as to point towards the plane 40.

Securing of the assembly 1 to an in situ support member 60, which is preferably of timberSecuring of the assembly 1 to an in situ support member 60, which is preferably of timber such assuch as LVL and may be a support beam as previously mentioned, will now be describedLVL and may be a support beam as previously mentioned, will now be described withwith referencereference toto Figures 6AFigures 6A to 6D. Firstly,to 6D. Firstly, ingreferring toto Figures res 6A and 6B,and 6B, thethe rafter/joist 10 is arranged to extend transverse to the member 60 and the end thereof that israfter/joist 10 is arranged to extend transverse to the member 60 and the end thereofthat is to be connected to the member 60 – specifically, an end face of the rafter/joist 10 comprisingto be connected to the member 60 — specifically, an end face ofthe /joist 10 comprising thethe axially outer face 29 of member 26 and end faces of the chordsaxially outer face 29 of member 26 and end faces of the chords 12, 14 – isl2, l4 — is butted upbutted up against a side face 62 of the member 60.against a side face 62 ofthe member 60. Next, referring to Figure 6C, the nails 52 are Next, referring to Figure 6C, the nails 52 are driven (hammered), through the side face 62, into the member 60, whereby initial fixation n(hammered), through the side face 62, into the member 60, y initial fixation between the rafter/joist 10/end thereof and the member 60 is effected.the rafter/joist lO/end thereofand the member 60 is effected. Finally, referring to Figure 6D,Finally, referring to Figure 6D, the screws 54 are driven (screwed), through the side face 62, into the member 60. the screws 54 are driven ed), through the side face 62, into the member 60. 14 14 TheThe endend webweb member 26member26 definesdefines aa mountingmounting member,member, viavia whichwhich thethe assembly 1/rafter/joist 10 is secured to the supporting member 60. assembly l/rafter/joist 10 is secured to the supporting member 60.

Shown (partially) in Figure 7 is an assembly 1’, including an I-joist/rafter 10’, a mountingShown (partially) in Figure 7 is an assembly 1’, including an I—joist/rafter 10’, a mounting member 26’ connectedmember 26’ connected toto an end of thean end of the I-joist/rafter 10’ andl-joist/rafter 10’ and fasteners 50fasteners 50 appliedapplied toto thethe mountingmounting member 26’, in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the presentmember 26’, in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the t ion.invention. ConnectionConnection of the mounting member 26’, whichof the mounting member 26’, which isis of timber rably solidof timber (preferably solid timber), to the I-joist/rafter 10’ is described in further detail later. timber), to the I—joist/rafter 10’ is bed in further detail later.

ReferringReferring to Figure 9, theto Figure 9, the I-joist/rafter 10’ takes thel-joist/rafter 10’ takes the form of a beam, comprising parallelform of a beam, comprising parallel top 12’ and bottom 14’ timber (preferablytop 12’ and bottom 14’ timber (preferably solidsolid timber)timber) flangesflanges andand aa web 20’web 20’ interconnectinginterconnecting thethe s 12’, 14’.flanges l2’, 14’. TheThe web 20’web 20’ in the joist/rafter 10’ exemplifiedin the joist/rafterlO’ exemplified comprises timber board (such as OSB), though could be formed of other plate/sheet/boardcomprises timber board (such as OSB), though could be formed of other plate/sheet/board material withoutmaterial without departure fromdeparture from thethe invention. Theinvention. The I-joist/rafter 10’ is of tionall-joist/rafter 10’ is of tional construction known to a person skilled in the art. construction known to a person skilled in the art.

Referring to Figures 10 and 11, fasteners 50, again comprising nails 52 and screws 54, erring to Figures 10 and 11, ers 50, again comprising nails 52 and screws 54, are appliedapplied toto thethe mounting member 26’mounting member 26’ (and(and typicallytypically likewiselikewise toto aa mounting member 26’mounting member 26’ connected to the opposite end of the I-joist/rafter 10’) in a manner the same as that in whichconnected to the opposite end ofthe t/rafter 10’) in a manner the same as that in which they are applied to the member 26, extending through an axially inner face 27’ thereof y are applied to the member 26, extending through an axially inner face 27’ thereof and within respective passages 30’ – comprising passages 32’ for the nails and passages 34’ forwithin respective passages 30’ — comprising passages 32’ for the nails and passages 34’ for the screws 54 – formed in – and preferably through – that member.the screws 54 — formed in — and preferably through — that member. The nails 52 pass throughThe nails 52 pass through thethe face 27’ atface 27’ at diametricallydiametrically oppositeopposite positions adjacentpositions nt respectiverespective laterallateral sidessides ofof thethe member 26’ and, ing to Figure 12B, are ated so as to point towards a plane 40’ member 26’ and, referring to Figure 12B, are orientated so as to point towards a plane 40’ whichwhich passes throughpasses through centralcentral udinallongitudinal axes l2L’, l4L’axes 12L’, 14L’ ofof the flangesthe flanges 12’, 14’ – and 12’, 14’ — and centrally through the web 20’. The screws 54 pass through the face 27’ at positions closercentrally through the web 20’. The screws 54 pass through the face 27’ at positions closer to the plane 40’ and red about the plane 40’, and are likewise orientated so as to pointto the plane 40’ and red about the plane 40’, and are likewise orientated so as to point towards the plane 40’. towards the plane 40’.

EachEach passage 30’passage 30’ isis formed by drilling a pilot hole in/through the member 26’ and thenformed by drilling a pilot hole in/through the member 26’ and then insertinginserting andand advancing/drivingadvancing/driving thethe respectiverespective er 50fastener 50 inin andand long thethe pilot ilot hole.

Without departure from the invention, the passages 30’ for the nails 52 and/or the screws 54Without departure from the invention, the passages 30’ for the nails 52 and/or the screws 54 could instead be formed solely by driving the latter into/within/through the member 26’ (i.e.could instead be formed solely by driving the latter into/within/through the member 26’ (i.e. 15 t first forming pilot holes therefor). t first forming pilot holes therefor).

Securing of the ly 1’ to the support member 60 will now be described with referenceSecuring ofthe assembly 1’ to the support member 60 will now be described with reference to Figures 8A to 8D.to s 8A to 8D. Firstly, ing to Figures 8A and 8B, the rafter/joist 10’/assembly 1’ Firstly, referring to Figures 8A and 8B, the rafter/joist lO’/assembly l’ is arranged to extend transverse to the member 60 and the end of the ly 1’ that is tois arranged to extend transverse to the member 60 and the end of the assembly 1’ that is to be connected to the member 60 – specifically, an end face of the assembly 1’ comprising thebe connected to the member 60 — specifically, an end face ofthe ly 1’ comprising the axially outer face 29’ of member 26’ (which face can be seen in Figures 12A and 12B) – isaxially outer face 29’ of member 26’ (which face can be seen in Figures 12A and 12B) — is butted upup againstagainst thethe sideside face 62 of the member 60.face 62 of the member 60. Next,Next, referringreferring toto Figure 8C,Figure 8C, thethe nails 52nails 52 areare driven (hammered), throughdriven (hammered), through thethe sideside face 62,face 62, intointo thethe member 60, wherebymember 60, whereby initialinitial fixationfixation nbetween thethe I-joist/rafter 10’/member 26’l-joist/rafter lO’/member 26’ andand thethe member 60member 60 isis effected.effected.

Finally, referring to Figure 8D, the screws 54 are driven (screwed), through the side face 62,Finally, referring to Figure 8D, the screws 54 are driven (screwed), through the side face 62, into the member 60. into the member 60.

TheThe member 26’member 26’ is formed separately from theis formed separately from the I-joist/rafter 10’ forI—joist/rafter 10’ for applicationapplication thereto.thereto.

More particularly, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the member 26’ is provided as part of anMore particularly, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the member 26’ is provided as part of an assembly 100assembly 100 comprising,comprising, inin additionaddition toto thethe member 26’member 26’ andand thethe fasteners 50fasteners 50 appliedapplied thereto (asthereto (as described),described), aa bondingbonding materialmaterial layer 21layer 21 providedprovided onon thethe member 26’member 26’ and aand a g 23 which covers the bonding material layer 21 and can be peeled from it to exposebacking 23 which covers the bonding material layer 21 and can be peeled from it to expose it for contact with the end of the I-joist/rafter 10’. it for contact with the end ofthe l-joist/rafter 10’.

The bonding al, or the layer comprising it, may comprise, for example, double-sidedThe bonding material, or the layer comprising it, may comprise, for example, double-sided tapetape one of the adhesiveone of the adhesive sidessides of which bondsof which bonds itit to the member 26’ and the other of theto the member 26’ and the other of the adhesiveadhesive sides of whichsides of which isis covered by the removable covering 23.covered by the removable covering 23. AA high-strength/bondhigh-strength/bond tape, suchtape, such as VHB (very high bond) tape, ed by 3M,as VHB (very high bond) tape, provided by 3M, is suitable.is suitable. The e tape creates acreates a tight seal and long-lasting bond (which may strengthen over time) and which can withstandtight seal and long-lasting bond (which may strengthen over time) and which can withstand temperaturetemperature tions between -40°C and 66°C, andfluctuations between -40oC and 66oC, and thusthus any ambient temperatureany t ature toto which the mounting member 26’ and rafter 10’ would likely be exposed in service, aswhich the mounting member 26’ andjoist/rafter 10’ would likely be d in service, as ll asas moisture.moisture. TheThe tapetape bonds andbonds and sealsseals onon contact,contact, and hasand has viscoelasticviscoelastic propertiesproperties conducive to energy absorption and resistance to ingress of, or degradation from, moisture,conducive to energy absorption and resistance to ingress of, or degradation from, moisture, dirt or debris and als.dirt or debris and chemicals. The tape also, advantageously, can be cut to shape (includingThe tape also, advantageously, can be cut to shape (including to form the "I" shape illustrated). to form the "I" shape illustrated).

TheThe bondingbonding material,material, oror thethe layerlayer comprisingcomprising it,it, maymay insteadinstead se,comprise, forfor example,example, 16 16 adhesive or glue, such as polyurethane glue, and may be defined by a coating, or by a strip adhesive or glue, such as polyurethane glue, and may be defined by a coating, or by a strip oror pad, of thepad, of the saidsaid material appliedmaterial applied toto thethe member 26’.member 26’. OneOne suitablesuitable adhesive/glueadhesive/glue isis aa polyurethane foam adhesive such Max Bond Pro ve. polyurethane foam adhesive such Max Bond Pro adhesive.

The member 26’ (like the member 26) is configured in the form of a block.The member 26’ (like the member 26) is ured in the form of a block. It ses aIt comprises a basebase or proximal section 26A, which defines the face 29’, receivable t the supportor proximal section 26A, which defines the face 29’, receivable against the support beam side surface 62, and a distal section 26B which projects from the proximal section 26A beam side surface 62, and a distal n 26B which projects from the al section 26A and defines theand defines the axially inner face 27’.axially inner face 27’. The distalThe distal section 26Bsection 26B isis configured with a centralconfigured with a central slot 28, having a width the same as the web thickness, which opens h the face 27’ andslot 28, having a width the same as the web thickness, which opens through the face 27’ and throughthrough opposite (upper and lower) ends of theopposite (upper and lower) ends of the section 26B’,section 26B’, whereby there are definedwhereby there are defined d (left and right) side ns 26B1.opposed (left and right) side portions 26Bl. Rebates 25 are formed at opposite (upper ates 25 are formed at opposite (upper and lower)lower) endsends of the member 26,of the member 26, suchsuch at thethe section 26Bsection 26B isis smaller insmaller in lengthlength thanthan thethe section 26Asection 26A and terminatesand terminates shortshort of each of the (upper and lower) ends of thatof each of the (upper and lower) ends of that n,section, whereby there are defined (upper and lower) end portions 26A1 of the section 26A, axiallywhereby there are defined (upper and lower) end portions 26Al ofthe section 26A, axially inner faces 26A2 of which are coplanar and continuous with an elongate intermediate faceinner faces 26A2 of which are ar and continuous with an elongate intermediate face boundingbounding thethe slot 28slot 28 proximallyproximally andand extendingextending betweenbetween thethe sideside portions 26B1.portions 26Bl. TheThe bonding material 21 is provided on the intermediate face and the faces 26A2. bonding material 21 is ed on the intermediate face and the faces 26A2.

Referring to Figure 9, a portion of the mounting member 26', having rebates 25 formed atReferring to Figure 9, a portion of the mounting member 26‘, having rebates 25 formed at opposite ends thereof, defines an upper end face / ledge 64 arranged to ie a lower faceopposite ends thereof, defines an upper end face / ledge 64 arranged to underlie a lower face ofof a portion of the top membera portion of the top member 12',12‘, suchsuch thatthat loadingloading inin one of the top memberone of the top member 12'12‘ andand mountingmounting membermember 26'26‘ isis transferredtransferred verticallyvertically toto thethe otherother of theof the toptop membermember 12'12‘ andand mounting member 26'. Similarly, a portion of the mounting member 26' defines a lower endmounting member 26‘. Similarly, a portion ofthe mounting member 26‘ defines a lower end face / ledge 66 arranged to overlie a n of the bottom member 14' such that loading inface / ledge 66 arranged to overlie a portion ofthe bottom member 14‘ such that loading in one of the bottom member 14' and ng member 26' is transferred ally to the otherone ofthe bottom member 14‘ and mounting member 26‘ is transferred vertically to the other of the bottom member 14' and mounting member 26'. ofthe bottom member 14‘ and mounting member 26‘.

Formation of mation of the assemblyassembly 1’ comprises,1’ comprises, referring Figures 9, 12A and 12B, peeling of thereferring Figures 9, 12A and 12B, peeling of the backing 23 from the bonding material 21, positioning a resulting pre-assembly – comprisingbacking 23 from the bonding material 2 l, positioning a resulting pre-assembly — comprising the member 26’, fasteners 50 and bonding material 21 – at the end of I-joist/rafter 10’, suchthe member 26’, fasteners 50 and bonding material 21 — at the end of l-joist/rafter 10’, such that the end of the web 20’ is ed by the slot 28 and the ends of the chords 12’, 14’ arethat the end ofthe web 20’ is received by the slot 28 and the ends ofthe chords l2’, 14’ are ed by the rebates 25, urging the member 26’ against the I-joist/rafter end, such that thereceived by the rebates 25, urging the member 26’ against the l-joist/rafter end, such that the gbonding material on the faces 26A2 and the said intermediate facematerial on the faces 26A2 and the said intermediate face isis pressed against thepressed against the 17 17 chordchord end faces and web end face respectively, and driving (by means of a gun device)end faces and web end face respectively, and driving (by means of a gun device) staples 56staples 56 throughthrough thethe endend portions 26A1portions 26A1 (and(and bondingbonding material 21)material 21) andand to thethe chords 12’, 14’. Thechords 12’. 14’. The member 26’member 26’ is thus bonded to theis thus bonded to the I-joist/rafter 10’ byl-joist/rafter 10’ by the bondingthe g material 21 and fastened to the I-joist/rafter 10’ by the staples 56. material 21 and fastened to the l-joist/rafter 10’ by the staples 56.

WithoutWithout departure fromdeparture from thethe ion,invention, thethe fastenersfasteners usedused toto fixfix thethe member 26’member 26’ to theto the t/rafter 10’ could instead comprise, for example, nails or screws. I—joist/rafter 10’ could d comprise, for example, nails or screws.

TheThe member 26’member 26’ providesprovides ningstiffening toto thethe I-rafter/joist 10’ y the assemblyl-rafter/joist 10’ whereby the assembly comprising the former and the latter can in itself be considered a rafter/joist. comprising the former and the latter can in itself be considered a rafter/joist.

Securing of the (/each) member 26’ to the I-joist/rafter 10’ before the former is secured to Securing of the (/each) member 26’ to the I—joist/rafter 10’ before the former is secured to the (respective) member 60 is preferred, ularly given that fastening of the member 26’the (respective) member 60 is preferred, particularly given that fastening ofthe member 26’ toto thethe I-joist/rafter 10’ can that way be readily ed by driving fasteners (56)I—joist/rafter 10’ can that way be readily ed by driving fasteners (56) asas described,described, through the face 29’.through the face 29’. Nevertheless, it is possible in other mentsNevertheless, it is possible in other embodiments of theof the invention, that a said mounting member is d to the supporting member before nvention, that a said mounting member is secured to the supporting member before being secured to the joist/rafter. secured to the joist/rafter.

Advantageously, the I-joist 10’, owing to its being of uniform cross section, can be cut fromAdvantageously, the l-joist 10’, owing to its being ofuniform cross n, can be cut from –— i.e.i.e. formed by cutting to length — a longer section comprising upper 12’ and lower 14’formed by cutting to length – a longer section comprising upper 12’ and lower 14’ flangeflange membersmembers andand webweb ing 20’ therebetween, whereby the length of thepanelling 20’ therebetween, whereby the length of the I-joist/rafter 10’ is set, and the assembly 1’ thus ed in a length matching the separationI—joist/rafter 10’ is set, and the assembly 1’ thus provided in a length matching the separation of the opposed support s it is to interconnect. ofthe opposed support members it is to interconnect.

Also ageous is that the member 26’ is a configuration such that it mates with the endAlso advantageous is that the member 26’ is a configuration such that it mates with the end of the I-joist/rafter 10’, such that it forms a fit therewith, whereby the level of skill necessaryofthe l-joist/rafter 10’, such that it forms a fit therewith, whereby the level of skill necessary to connect it to the end is minimal – allowing for the connection of the member 26’ to theto connect it to the end is minimal — allowing for the connection of the member 26’ to the end to be effected by, for instance, an installer of the I-joist/rafter 10’. end to be effected by, for instance, an installer ofthe l-joist/rafter 10’.

The embodiments described and illustrated, advantageously, enable there to be confidenceThe embodiments described and illustrated, advantageously, enable there to be ence inin oror assurance of theassurance of the integrityintegrity of theof the structuralstructural connection of theconnection of the rafterrafter or joistor joist toto thethe supportingsupporting member, because the application of the fasteners to the mounting member is r, because the ation of the fasteners to the mounting member is a pre-application, carried out with accuracy and precision – e.g. by a fabricator. The installer,pre-application, carried out with accuracy and precision — e.g. by a fabricator. The installer, 18 18 otherother than having to ensure correct relative positioning of the supporting member and thethan having to ensure correct relative positioning of the supporting member and the rafter/joist orrafter/joist or mounting member andmounting member and thatthat thethe fastenersfasteners areare driven me followingfollowing thatthat positioning – albeitpositioning — albeit possibly as well as having to drive the fasteners/staplespossibly as well as having to drive the fasteners/staples toto fasten thefasten the mounting member to the truss/joist (after forming the fit between the former and latter) unting member to the truss/joist (after forming the fit between the former and latter) —has nono input into the formation of the connection. Certification of the connection can thus beinput into the formation of the connection. Certification of the tion can thus be established easily; in particular, an inspector may be able to certify the connection merelyestablished ; in particular, an inspector may be able to certify the connection merely byby confirming visually that the /nails have been drivenconfirming visually that the screws/nails have been driven toto an appropriate extent oran appropriate extent or fully into position – i.e. that the heads thereof are against the mounting member. fully into position — i.e. that the heads thereof are against the ng member.

The embodiments bed and illustrated significantly simplify fabrication and installationThe embodiments described and illustrated significantly simplify fabrication and installation and reduce the time required therefor.and reduce the time required therefor. In cases where the securing of the joist/rafter to theIn cases where the securing of the joist/rafter to the supporting member in situ is d out at height (as is typical), and thus attended by hazardssupporting member in situ is carried out at height (as is typical), and thus attended by hazards (especially(especially risksrisks ofof thethe installerinstaller fallingfalling oror inadvertentlyinadvertently droppingdropping fasteners/otherfasteners/other ents), the time savings and simplification (owing to, inter alia, the installer havingcomponents), the time savings and simplification (owing to, inter alia, the installer having fewer parts to manage), increase safety. fewer parts to manage), increase safety.

While various embodiments of the present ion have been described above, it shouldWhile various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should bebe understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way rstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation.limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various s inIt will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in formform andand detail can be madecan be made thereintherein t departing fromwithout departing from thethe spiritspirit and scope of theand scope of the invention.invention. Thus, the present invention should not be d by any of the above describedThus, the present invention should not be limited by any ofthe above described exemplary embodiments. exemplary embodiments.

ThroughoutThroughout thisthis specificationspecification andand thethe claims whichclaims which ,follow, unlessunless thethe contextcontext requiresrequires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", willotherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and ising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or stepsbe understood to imply the inclusion ofa stated integer or step or group gers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group ofintegers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it),The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment oror to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior ation (or information derived fromadmission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general dge in the field of endeavourit) or known matter forms part ofthe common general knowledge in the field of our to which this ication relates. to which this specification relates. 19 19 Claims

Claims (60)

Claims 1.

1. A method of connecting a joist or rafter to a side of a timber supporting member suchA method of connecting ajoist or rafter to a side ofa timber supporting member such that the joist or rafter extends transverse to the supporting member, the joist or rafter havingthat the joist or rafter extends transverse to the supporting member, the joist or rafter having toptop and bottom flange or chord members andand bottom flange or chord members and aa web interconnecting the top and bottomweb interconnecting the top and bottom s,members, thethe method comprising securing an end of the rafter or joist tomethod comprising securing an end of the rafter or joist to id sideside via avia a mountingmounting , wherein securing of said endmember, wherein securing of said end toto saidsaid sideside comprises drivingcomprises driving intointo thethe supporting member at least one fastener extending along a tive passage preformed insupporting member at least one fastener extending along a respective passage preformed in the mounting member, whereby the fastener is guided by the passage to be located correctlythe mounting member, whereby the er is guided by the passage to be located correctly withwith respect to the mounting member in a connection thus formed between the mountingrespect to the mounting member in a connection thus formed between the mounting member and said side. member and said side.

2. 2. A method of ting a joist or rafter to a timber supporting member such that theA method of connecting ajoist or rafter to a timber supporting member such that the joist or rafter s transverse to the supporting member, the joist or rafter having top andjoist or rafter extends transverse to the supporting , the joist or rafter having top and bottom flange or chordbottom flange or chord members and a web interconnecting the top and bottom members,members and a web interconnecting the top and bottom members, the method comprising securing the rafter or joist to the supporting member via a mountingthe method comprising securing the rafter orjoist to the supporting member via a mounting member, wherein securing of the rafter or joist to the supporting member comprises drivingmember, wherein securing ofthe rafter orjoist to the supporting member comprises driving intointo thethe supportingsupporting membermember atat leastleast oneone fastenerfastener extending alongextending along aa respective passagerespective passage preformedpreformed inin the mounting member, whereby the fastenerthe mounting member, y the fastener isis guided by the passage to ed by the passage to be located correctly with respect to the mounting member in a connection thus formed betweenlocated correctly with respect to the ng member in a connection thus formed between the mounting member and the supporting member. the ng member and the supporting member.

3. 3. AA method according to claimmethod according to claim 11 or 2,or 2, including arranging one of the mounting andincluding arranging one of the mounting and supporting members in abutment with the other prior to driving the or each fastener into thesupporting s in abutment with the other prior to driving the or each fastener into the tingsupporting member, wherein the or each fastenermember, wherein the or each fastener isis extends along the respective passageextends along the respective passage prior to said arranging. prior to said arranging.

4. 4. AA method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one saidmethod according to any one of the preceding claims, n at least one said er is or has been driven within the mounting member in the formation of at least onefastener is or has been driven within the mounting member in the ion of at least one said passage. said passage.

5. 5. AA method ingmethod according toto any one of the ingany one of the preceding claims,claims, whereinwherein thethe mountingmounting member is or has been drilled in the formation of at least one said passage. member is or has been drilled in the formation of at least one said passage. 20 20

6. 6. AA method ingmethod according toto any one of the precedingany one of the preceding claims,claims, whereinwherein thethe mountingmounting member comprises a block. member comprises a block.

7. 7. AA method accordingmethod ing toto any one of the preceding claims, whereinany one of the preceding claims, wherein thethe supportingsupporting member is timber. member is timber.

8. 8. AA method accordingmethod according toto any one of the preceding claims, wherein g of saidany one of the ing claims, wherein driving of said fastener(s) ses ing at least one said fastener. fastener(s) comprises hammering at least one said fastener.

9. 9. AA method accordingmethod according toto any one of the preceding claims, wherein g of saidany one of the preceding , wherein driving of said fastener(s) comprises screwing at least one said fastener. fastener(s) comprises screwing at least one said fastener.

10. 10. AA method accordingmethod according toto any one of the precedingany one of the preceding claims,claims, whereinwherein thethe mountingmounting member is fixed to either or each of the top and bottom members. member is fixed to either or each ofthe top and bottom members.

11. 11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the mounting member is fixed against anA method according to claim 10, wherein the mounting member is fixed against an end face of either or each of the top and bottom members. end face of either or each ofthe top and bottom members.

12. 12. AA method accordingmethod according toto any one of the precedingany one of the preceding claims,claims, whereinwherein thethe mountingmounting member is defined by the rafter or joist. member is defined by the rafter orjoist.

13. 13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the mounting member comprises anA method according to claim 12, wherein the mounting member comprises an endend web of the joist or . web ofthe joist or .

14. 14. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the mounting member isA method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the mounting member is additional to the joist or rafter and is connected to the joist or rafter. additional to the joist or rafter and is connected to the joist or rafter.

15. 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the ting of the mounting member toA method according to claim 14, wherein the connecting ofthe mounting member to the joist or rafter precedes the driving of the fastener(s) into the supporting member. the joist or rafter precedes the driVing ofthe fastener(s) into the supporting member.

16. 16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein connecting of the mounting memberA method according to claim 14 or 15, n connecting ofthe mounting member toto the joist or rafterthe joist or rafter isis such that the mounting member onnects the top and bottomsuch that the mounting member interconnects the top and bottom 21 21 members. members.

17. 17. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the mounting member A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, n the mounting member stiffens the joist or rafter. stiffens the joist or rafter.

18. 18. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein connecting the mountingA method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein connecting the mounting member to the joist or rafter comprises securing at least one face of the ng membermember to the joist or rafter comprises securing at least one face of the mounting member against a (respective) face of the joist or rafter. against a (respective) face ofthe joist or rafter.

19. 19. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein connecting the mountingA method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, n connecting the mounting member to the rafter or joist comprises driving at least one fastener through the mountingmember to the rafter or joist comprises driving at least one er through the mounting member into the rafter or joist. member into the rafter orjoist.

20. 20. AA method accordingmethod according toto claim 19, wherein the or each fastener driven through theclaim 19, wherein the or each fastener driven through the mounting member comprises a staple. mounting member comprises a staple.

21. 21. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein connecting the ngA method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein ting the mounting member to the rafter or joist comprises bonding the mounting member to the rafter or joist. member to the rafter orjoist comprises bonding the mounting member to the rafter orjoist.

22. 22. AA methodmethod accordingaccording toto claim 21,claim 21, wherein thewherein the bondingbonding comprisescomprises compressingcompressing bonding material between the mounting member and the rafter or joist. bonding material between the ng member and the rafter orjoist.

23. 23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the mounting member is provided with aA method according to claim 22, n the mounting member is ed with a layer of said bonding material. layer of said bonding al.

24. 24. AA method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the mounting membermethod according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the ng member isis edprovided with at least one strip and/or pad of said bonding material. with at least one strip and/or pad of said bonding material.

25. 25. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the mounting member isA method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the mounting member is further provided with a protective ng over the bonding material, the method includingfurther provided with a protective covering over the bonding material, the method ing removingremoving thethe coveringcovering toto expose thethe bondingbonding material priormaterial prior toto bondingbonding thethe mountingmounting member to the rafter or joist. member to the rafter orjoist. 22 22

26. 26. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein connecting the ngA method according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein connecting the ng membermember to the joist or rafter comprises securing a face of an upper end of the mountingto the joist or rafter comprises securing a face of an upper end of the mounting member against a face of the top . member against a face ofthe top member.

27. 27. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 26, wherein connecting the mountingA method according to any one of claims 14 to 26, wherein connecting the mounting membermember toto thethe joist or rafter ses ngjoist or rafter comprises securing aa face of a lower end of the mountingface of a lower end of the mounting member against a face of the bottom member. member against a face ofthe bottom member.

28. 28. A method ing to claim 26 or 27, wherein the securing of the/each face of theA method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the securing of the/each face ofthe mounting member to the (respective) face of the joist or rafter comprises bonding the facesmounting member to the (respective) face ofthe joist or rafter comprises bonding the faces one-to-the-other. one-to-the-other.

29. 29. A method ing to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein connecting the mountingA method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein connecting the mounting member to the joist or rafter comprises urging said face(s) of the mounting member againstmember to the joist or rafter comprises urging said face(s) of the ng member against the face(s) of the joist or rafter such that bonding material pre-applied to the face(s) of thethe face(s) of the joist or rafter such that bonding material pre-applied to the face(s) of the mounting member contacts the face(s) of the joist or rafter to effect bonding. mounting member contacts the face(s) ofthe joist or rafter to effect bonding.

30. 30. A method according toA method ing to any one of claims 14any one of claims 14 to 29, wherein the mounting memberto 29, wherein the mounting member comprises a proximal section which is arranged to abut a side face of the supporting membercomprises a proximal section which is arranged to abut a side face ofthe supporting member andand an endan end faceface of either or each of theof either or each of the toptop and bottom s, andand bottom members, and aa distaldistal sectionsection supported from the al section and arranged to be received between the top and bottomsupported from the proximal section and arranged to be received between the top and bottom members. members.

31. 31. AA methodmethod accordingaccording toto claim 30,claim 30, whereinwherein thethe distaldistal sectionsection projectsprojects fromfrom thethe al n. proximal section.

32. 32. A method according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the distal section is arranged to abut,A method according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the distal section is arranged to abut, atat an upper end thereof,an upper end thereof, aa lower face of said top member and/or to abut,lower face of said top member and/or to abut, atat a lower enda lower end thereof, an upper face of the bottom member. thereof, an upper face of the bottom member.

33. 33. AA method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of themethod ing to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the mounting member is arranged to underlie a portion of said top member such that loading in mounting member is arranged to ie a portion of said top member such that loading in one of the top member and mounting member is transferred ally to the other of the topone ofthe top member and ng member is erred vertically to the other ofthe top 23 23 member and mounting member. member and mounting member.

34. 34. AA method accordingmethod according toto claim 33, whereinclaim 33, n said portionsaid portion of the ng memberof the ng member comprises an upper end face arranged to abut a lower face of said portion of the top member. comprises an upper end face arranged to abut a lower face of said portion ofthe top member.

35. 35. A method according to claim 34, wherein said upper end face is arranged to abut saidA method ing to claim 34, wherein said upper end face is arranged to abut said lower facelower face such that the ng member is d to the joist or rafter along a verticalsuch that the mounting member is located to the joist or rafter along a vertical axis. axis.

36. 36. AA method accordingmethod according toto any one of claims 33any one of claims 33 to 35,to 35, whereinwherein saidsaid portion of theportion of the mounting member defines a ledge to underlie said portion of the top member. mounting member defines a ledge to underlie said portion ofthe top .

37. 37. AA method accordingaccording to anyto any one of claims 33one of claims 33 to 36to 36 asas appendedappended toto any one ofany one of claims 30 to 32, wherein an upper end of the mounting member is configured with a rebateclaims 30 to 32, wherein an upper end ofthe ng member is configured with a rebate defining a face of the proximal section arranged to abut said end face of the top member anddefining a face ofthe proximal section arranged to abut said end face ofthe top member and aa face of said portion of the mounting member arrangedface of said portion of the mounting member arranged toto abut said portion of said topabut said portion of said top member. member.

38. 38. AA methodmethod accordingaccording toto anyany one of claims 33one of claims 33 to 36to 36 asas appendedappended toto any one ofany one of claims 30 to 32, wherein an upper end of the mounting member is configured with a rebateclaims 30 to 32, wherein an upper end ofthe mounting member is configured with a rebate defining a face of the proximal section. defining a face ofthe al n.

39. 39. AA method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of themethod ing to any one of the ing claims, n a portion of the mounting member is arranged to overlie a portion of said bottom member such that loadingmounting member is arranged to overlie a portion of said bottom member such that loading in one of the bottom member and mounting member is transferred vertically to the other ofin one ofthe bottom member and mounting member is transferred vertically to the other of the bottom member and mounting member. the bottom member and mounting member.

40. 40. AA methodmethod accordingaccording toto claim 39claim 39 whereinwherein saidsaid portion of the mounting memberportion of the ng member arranged to overlie a portion of said bottom member comprises a lower end face arranged toarranged to overlie a portion of said bottom member comprises a lower end face arranged to abut an upper face of said portion of the bottom member. abut an upper face of said portion ofthe bottom member.

41. 41. A method according to claim 40, wherein said lower end face is arranged to abut saidA method according to claim 40, wherein said lower end face is arranged to abut said upper faceupper face such that the mounting such that the mounting member isis located to the joist or rafter along a verticallocated to the joist or rafter along a vertical 24 24 axis. axis.

42. 42. AA method according to any one of claims 39method according to any one of claims 39 to 41 asto 41 as dependent from any one ofdependent from any one of claims 30 to 32 or from any one of claims 33 to 38 as appended thereto, wherein a lower endclaims 30 to 32 or from any one of claims 33 to 38 as appended thereto, wherein a lower end of the mounting member is configured with a rebate defining a face of the al sectionof the mounting member is configured with a rebate defining a face ofthe proximal section arrangedarranged toto abut said endabut said end faceface of the bottom member andof the bottom member and aa face of said portion of theface of said portion of the mounting member arranged to abut said portion of said bottom member. mounting member arranged to abut said portion of said bottom member.

43. 43. A method ing to claim 30 or any one of claims 31 to 42 as appended thereto,A method according to claim 30 or any one of claims 31 to 42 as appended thereto, wherein thewherein the distal section ses a ly opening channel anddistal section ses a ly opening channel and isis arranged such thatarranged such that said web is received by said channel. said web is received by said channel.

44. 44. AA methodmethod accordingaccording toto claim 43,claim 43, whereinwherein thethe channelchannel isis dimensioneddimensioned forfor closeclose receipt of the web therein. receipt ofthe web therein.

45. 45. A method according to claim 43 or 44, wherein said passages comprise ones formedA method according to claim 43 or 44, wherein said es comprise ones formed in lateral side portions of the distal section defined to either side of the channel. in lateral side portions of the distal section defined to either side ofthe channel.

46. 46. A method according to any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein the channel has a widthA method according to any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein the channel has a width matchedmatched toto aa thickness of the web whereby therethickness of the web whereby there isis formedformed aa fitfit betweenbetween thethe web andweb and mounting member when the web is ed by the channel, such that the mounting mounting member when the web is received by the channel, such that the mounting member is d to the joist or rafter ationally along an axis which is dicular to both anis located to the joist or rafter ationally along an axis which is perpendicular to both an axis of the channel and a longitudinal axis of the joist or rafter, and rotationally about an axisaxis ofthe channel and a longitudinal axis ofthejoist or rafter, and rotationally about an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis. parallel to said longitudinal axis.

47. 47. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the web is of plateA method according to any one ofthe preceding claims, n the web is of plate form. form.

48. 48. A method according to claim 47, wherein the web is timber. A method according to claim 47, wherein the web is timber.

49. 49. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 46, wherein the web comprises webA method according to any one of claims 1 to 46, wherein the web comprises web members. members. 25 25

50. 50. AA method accordingmethod according toto any one of the ingany one of the preceding claims,claims, whereinwherein thethe mountingmounting member is timber. member is .

51. 51. AA method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein either or each ofmethod according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein either or each of the top and bottom members is . the top and bottom members is timber.

52. 52. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each fastenerA method according to any one ofthe preceding claims, n the or each fastener comprises a shank. comprises a shank.

53. 53. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each fastenerA method according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein the or each fastener comprises a sharp tip. ses a sharp tip.

54. 54. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each fastenerA method according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein the or each fastener is driven along an axis thereof. is driven along an axis thereof.

55. 55. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each fastenerA method according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein the or each fastener is elongate. is te.

56. 56. AnAn assembly or component comprisingassembly or component comprising aa mounting member via whichmounting member via which aa joist orjoist or rafter, having toprafter, having top and bottom flange or chord members and a web interconnecting the topand bottom flange or chord members and a web interconnecting the top and bottom members, is securable to a timber ting member so as to extend erseand bottom members, is securable to a timber supporting member so as to extend transverse to the supporting , n at least one passage is formed in the mounting member to the supporting member, wherein at least one passage is formed in the mounting member toto guideguide thereintherein aa tiverespective fastener, fastener, during driving of the fastenerdriving of the er intointo thethe supportingsupporting member to form a connection between the mounting member and the supporting member,member to form a connection between the mounting member and the supporting member, suchsuch thatthat thethe fastenerfastener isis locatedlocated correctlycorrectly withwith respectrespect toto thethe mounting membermounting member inin thethe connection. connection.

57. 57. An assembly according to claim 56, including at least one said fastener disposed inAn assembly according to claim 56, ing at least one said fastener disposed in a respective passage to be guided thereby when driven into the supporting member. a respective passage to be guided thereby when driven into the supporting member.

58. 58. AnAn assemblyassembly oror component accordingcomponent according toto claimclaim 5656 oror 57,57, includingincluding atat leastleast oneone bonding material layer arranged to bond the mounting member to the joist or rafter. bonding al layer arranged to bond the mounting member to the joist or rafter. 26 26

59. 59. AnAn assembly according to claim 58, including at least one covering layer over theassembly according to claim 58, ing at least one covering layer over the bondingbonding materialmaterial layer(s),layer(s), thethe coveringcovering layer(s)layer(s) beingbeing ble wherebyremovable whereby thethe bondingbonding material is exposed for bonding the mounting member to the joist or . material is exposed for bonding the mounting member to the joist or rafter.

60. 60. An assembly according to any one of claims 56 to 59, further comprising said joistAn assembly according to any one of claims 56 to 59, further comprising said joist or rafter. or rafter. 27 27