Reusable Adjustable Hanger for Use with Joists and/or Double Wales

Abstract

A reusable adjustable hanger, including multiple embodiments having varied features and attributes, for general use in forming horizontal concrete structures having permanent vertical support, depending on a supporting structure for horizontal support, vertically adjustable from both top and bottom, capable of receiving and supporting any or all of the following primary spanning ledgers: double walers, single joists, and dual joist structures joined at the middle and having a single joist member at each end, optionally comprising a vertical support structure, optionally comprising an attachable and removable central vertical structure allowing the use of 4× lumber as primary spanning ledgers.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]One embodiment of the present invention comprises a reusable adjustable ledger hanger, to be used as part of the formwork for constructing formed-in-place horizontal concrete surfaces, including bridge decks and building slabs such as floors. While the focus of discussion in the specification will be on bridge decks formed with removable and reusable formwork, it will be understood that the reusable adjustable ledger hanger of the present invention (“the present invention”), is of more general application.[0002]With respect to formed-in-place bridge decks, the deck typically comprises spans of steel reinforced concrete, each span supported on two opposite sides by permanent steel or reinforced concrete girders or beams. Formed-in-place deck spans can be poured on stay-in-place formwork, on removable formwork, or on formwork having both stay-in-place and removable elements.[0003]Removable formwork systems include the use of what will be termed primary...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although there is a commercially available reusable adjustable hanger wide enough for 4× nominal lumber, it is not designed for double wales per se.

Limitations in the prior art for reusable adjustable hangers comprise: Lack of a hanger designed specifically for use with double wales; higher cost and more complicated designs when a removable hanger bottom is used; construction site danger of damage and bending of unenclosed threaded rod sections; lack of structural means for maintaining a single joist in a vertical position when used in a double wide ledger housing; lack of a hanger that can be used with either single joists or double wales; lack of a hanger designed to accommodate sections of joist material joined together to form a primary spanning ledger having a required length; inability to pre-attach the hanger to a primary spanning ledger and then subsequently adjust the vertical height of the ledger; and narrow nailing surfaces when sections of plywood formwork sheathing abut over a single joist.

Images