Bar clamp joist hanger placement tool

Abstract

A joist hanger placement tool includes a bar clamp having a body, a handle, and a bar movably coupled to the body by operation of the handle, the bar defining a longitudinal axis. A top plate is coupled to the body and includes a contact member extending laterally from a side of the bar, the contact member having a bottom surface configured to rest on a top surface of a ledger. A bottom bracket is coupled to a distal end of the bar and extends laterally from the same side of the bar as the top plate; the bottom bracket being configured to receive a joist hanger. Actuation of the handle causes relative movement between the top plate and the bottom bracket along the longitudinal axis to apply a clamping force to a joist and a joist hanger positioned therebetween.

Description

Atty docket: GJT116PCTBAR CLAMP JOIST HANGER PLACEMENT TOOLCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 790,390, filed April 17, 2025, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technical field relates to construction tools, and, more particularly, to a joist hanger placement tool.BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0003] In residential and commercial construction, floor joists and deck joists are commonly fastened to ledger boards using joist hangers. Joist hangers are metal connectors, such as those commercially available from Simpson Strong-Tie of Pleasanton, California, USA and similar manufacturers, that are designed to support the end of a joist against a ledger board or beam. Proper installation requires that the joist hanger be positioned so that the top of the joist is substantially flush with the top of the ledger, and that the joist hanger be correctly aligned both vertically and horizontally before fastening.

[0004] Conventional installation methods typically may require two workers: one to hold the joist and joist hanger in proper position relative to the ledger, and one to drive the fasteners. Even when a single worker attempts the operation, maintaining precise vertical and horizontal alignment while simultaneously operating a nail gun or screwdriver is difficult and prone to error. Misalignment of the joist hanger can compromise structural integrity and may require costly rework.Atty docket: GJT116PCTBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Objects, features, and advantages disclosed herein will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters / descriptions refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles disclosed herein. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a joist hanger placement tool consistent with the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a right side perspective view of the joist hanger placement tool of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a left side perspective view of the joist hanger placement tool of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view showing insertion of a joist hanger into the joist hanger placement tool of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view showing a joist hanger inserted into the joist hanger placement tool of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view showing a joist placed in a joist hanger that is inserted into the joist hanger placement tool of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing a joist placed in a joist hanger that is inserted into the joist hanger placement tool of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a right side perspective view showing a joist and joist hanger being positioned relative to a ledger using the joist hanger placement tool of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a left side perspective view showing alignment of a joist and joist hanger relative to a ledger using the joist hanger placement tool of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a left side perspective view showing alignment of a joist and joist hanger relative to a ledger using the joist hanger placement tool of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view showing alignment of a joist and joist hanger relative to a ledger using the joist hanger placement tool of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a top view of a portion of the joist hanger placement tool of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a right side perspective view showing alignment of a joist and joist hanger relative to a ledger using the joist hanger placement tool of FIG. 1.Atty docket: GJT116PCTDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or earned out in various ways. The phraseology and terminology used herein is for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting, as may be understood by one of skill in the art. Like reference characters indicate like structure throughout the several views. Features between the various exemplary embodiments described herein are interchangeable and not exclusive.

[0020] Existing tools and methods for joist hanger placement do not adequately allow for facile installation of a joist hanger. A joist hanger placement tool consistent with the present disclosure allows a single installer to quickly and reliably position a joist hanger and joist at the correct height relative to a ledger, while keeping both hands free for fastening operations.I. Overview of Example Embodiment of Joist Hanger Placement Tool

[0021] FIGS. 1-13 illustrate one example embodiment of a joist hanger placement tool 100 consistent with the present disclosure. The tool 100 is configured to hold a joist hanger 400 (FIG.4) and a joist 600 (FIG. 6) in proper position relative to a ledger 900 (FIG. 9) so that a single installer may fasten the joist hanger 400 to the ledger 900 without requiring a second person to maintain alignment.

[0022] The tool 100 incorporates aspects of a bar clamp 102. As used herein, the term "bar clamp" refers to any clamp comprising a bar on which at least one jaw or bracket is movably mounted, or relative to which a jaw or bracket is otherwise movable, to apply a clamping force to a workpiece. The term "bar clamp" encompasses, without limitation, one-handed bar clamps, sliding bar clamps, trigger clamps, ratcheting clamps, quick-release clamps, and squeeze clamps. The term "squeeze clamp," as used in the related provisional application and as may be used elsewhere in the art, refers to a one-handed bar clamp, and in particular a trigger clamp, and is used interchangeably with those terms herein.

[0023] The bar clamp 102 includes an elongated member referred to herein as the bar 106, a first jaw associated with a body 104 of the bar clamp 102, and a second jaw movable relative toAtty docket: GJT116PCTthe first jaw. In the illustrated example embodiment, the first jaw is implemented as a top plate 110, which is coupled to the body 104 and provides the upper clamping surface of the tool 100, and the second jaw is implemented as a bottom bracket 112, which is coupled to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 and provides the lower clamping surface of the tool 100. The top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 are thus the functional jaws of the bar clamp 102 as configured for use as the joist hanger placement tool 100 and are specifically adapted to receive and retain the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600 as described in further detail below.

[0024] The bar clamp 102 is configured so that relative movement between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 along a longitudinal axis A of the bar 106 applies a clamping force to the joist 600 positioned between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112. The bar clamp 102 may be configured in at least two general arrangements with respect to how this relative movement is achieved. In a first arrangement, the body 104 and the top plate 110 are fixed relative to the bar 106, and the bottom bracket 112 is configured to translate along the longitudinal axis A of the bar 106 toward and away from the top plate 110 to apply and release the clamping force. In a second arrangement, which is exemplified by trigger clamps and is the arrangement illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the bottom bracket 112 is fixed relative to the distal end 114 of the bar 106, and the bar 106 itself is configured to translate along its longitudinal axis A relative to the body 104 and the top plate 110, which are fixed in space when the bar clamp 102 is in use. In this second arrangement, actuation of a handle 108 causes the bar 106 to retract through the body 104, drawing the bottom bracket 112 toward the body 104 and the top plate 110 and thereby applying the clamping force to the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600 between the bottom bracket 112 and the top plate 110. Both arrangements produce the same functional result of relative movement between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 along the longitudinal axis A of the bar 106 to apply a clamping force to the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600. and both are encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the bar clamp 102 is of the second arrangement described above, namely a trigger clamp configuration in which the bar 106 translates relative to the body 104. The body 104 includes or is associated with the top plate 110 functioning as the first jaw and with the handle 108. The handle 108 is a pistol-grip trigger handle configured to be gripped by the hand of the user and actuated by repeated squeezing of the handle 108 rearwardly relative to the body 104 to drive the bar 106 through the body 104 in discrete increments.Atty docket: GJT116PCTSpecifically, each actuation of the handle 108 advances the bar 106 in a rearward retraction direction relative to the body 104 by a discrete increment, drawing the bottom bracket 112 toward the body 104 and the top plate 110 and increasing the clamping force applied to the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600. The handle 108 may be biased toward a default or released position and movable against the bias during actuation.

[0026] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism of the bar clamp 102 includes a known ratcheting assembly that permits movement of the bar 106 in the retraction direction relative to the body 104 while resisting movement of the bar 106 in the opposite direction. The ratcheting assembly may include one or more engagement members, such as pawls or teeth, that interact with corresponding features on the bar 106 or on a component coupled to the bar 106, to permit incremental retraction of the bar 106 while preventing unintended extension of the bar 106 under the clamping load.

[0027] In some embodiments, the bar clamp 102 further includes a known release mechanism 109 configured to selectively disengage the ratcheting assembly to permit movement of the bar 106 in the extension direction relative to the body 104. The release mechanism 109 may be actuated independently of the handle 108 and may allow rapid extension and repositioning of the bar 106 relative to the body 104. In the context of the tool 100, actuation of the release mechanism 109 extends the bar 106, releasing the clamping force applied to the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600 between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 and allowing the tool 100 to be removed from the installed joist hanger 400.

[0028] In some configurations, the bar clamp 102 may be operable as a one-handed clamp, allowing a user to both position and actuate the bar clamp 102 using a single hand. In the context of the tool 100, this allows the installer to carry the loaded tool 100 with the bar clamp 102 gripped in one hand while positioning the tool 100 adjacent the ledger 900 before fastening. However, it should be appreciated that other modes of operation are also contemplated.

[0029] The top plate 110 functioning as the first jaw and the bottom bracket 112 functioning as the second jaw may include contact surfaces configured to engage the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400, respectively. In the illustrated example embodiment, the bottom surface 116 of a contact member 117 of the top plate 110 is a contact surface of the top plate 110 that contacts the top surface 604 of the joist 600, and the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112 contacts a bottom surface 403 of the joist hanger 400 and supports the joist hangerAtty docket: GJT116PCT400 and the joist 600 from below. Tn the context of the tool 100, the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 and the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112 may be specifically configured for engagement with the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400, respectively, rather than for general-purpose workpiece clamping.

[0030] It should be understood that the specific configurations of the bar clamp 102 described herein are exemplary only. The actuation mechanism may take various forms, including but not limited to ratcheting, cam-based, screw-driven, or other mechanisms capable of generating relative movement between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 to produce a clamping force on the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600. Similarly, the geometry and materials of the bar 106, the top plate 110, the bottom bracket 112, and associated components may vary depending on the intended application. One example of a suitable bar clamp 102 is a trigger clamp, such as the DEWALT 12-inch large trigger clamp commercially available from DEWALT of Towson, Maryland, U.S.A., or equivalent products commercially available from other manufacturers. However, the tool 100 is not limited to use with any particular bar clamp 102 configuration, and a variety of bar clamp 102 sizes and configurations may be employed depending on the application and the size of the joist 600 and joist hanger 400 to be installed with the tool 100.II. Structural Components

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the tool 100 comprises the bar clamp 102 including the body 104, the bar 106, and the handle 108. In the illustrated trigger clamp configuration, the bar 106 is configured to translate along its longitudinal axis A relative to the body 104 and the handle 108 by actuation of the handle 108. The handle 108 is configured to retract the bar 106 through the body 104 in discrete increments by repeated squeezing of the handle 108. The bar 106 is released upon actuation of the release mechanism 109. The top plate 110 is coupled to the body 104 and functions as the first jaw of the bar clamp 102 as configured for use as the tool 100. The bottom bracket 112 is coupled to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 and functions as the second jaw of the bar clamp 102 as configured for use as the tool 100. As the handle 108 is actuated, the bar 106 retracts through the body 104 along the longitudinal axis A, drawing the bottom bracket 112 toward the top plate 110 and applying a clamping force to the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600 positioned between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112.Atty docket: GJT116PCT

[0032] In alternative embodiments of the tool 100 employing a bar clamp 102 of the first arrangement described above, in which the bottom bracket 112 translates along a stationary bar 106 rather than the bar 106 itself translating relative to the body 104, the top plate 110 may be coupled to the body 104 or to a fixed jaw associated with the body 104, and the bottom bracket 112 may translate along the longitudinal axis A of the bar 106 toward and away from the body 104. In either arrangement, the functional relationship between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 is the same: actuation of the handle 108 causes relative movement between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 along the longitudinal axis A of the bar 106, reducing the distance between the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 and the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112 and applying a clamping force to the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600 positioned therebetween.

[0033] The top plate 110 includes the contact member 117 and an extension 119 extending from a top surface 121 of the contact member 117 and toward the body 104. The extension 119 may be integrally formed with the contact member 117 or may be formed as a separate component coupled thereto.

[0034] The extension 119 may be configured to facilitate attachment of the top plate 110 to the body 104. For example, one or more fasteners 123 may extend through the extension 119 and into the body 104 to secure the top plate 110 relative to the body 104. The extension 119 may include one or more apertures, recesses, or other features configured to receive the fasteners 123.

[0035] In some implementations, the extension 119 may be oriented generally perpendicular to the top surface 121 of the contact member 117, although other orientations are contemplated. The geometry of the extension 119 may vary depending on the application and may include planar, curved, or angled configurations.

[0036] It should be appreciated that the configuration of the extension 119 is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. The extension 119 may take various forms suitable for coupling the top plate 110 to the body 104 while maintaining the desired structural integrity and alignment of the tool 100.

[0037] When the top plate 110 is coupled to the body 104, the contact member 117 extends relative to the body 104 in at least two directions: forwardly and laterally to one side. This offset configuration positions the contact member 117 so that the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 can rest on the top surface 902 of the ledger 900 while the bar 106 and the joistAtty docket: GJT116PCThanger 400 remain positioned along the front face 904 of the ledger 900. The dimensions of the top plate 110 may vary depending on the application. In some embodiments, the contact member 117 extends forwardly by a distance in the range of approximately one-quarter of an inch to approximately six inches, and the lateral offset of the contact member 117 may be of similar dimension. These ranges are exemplary and not limiting. In some embodiments, the top plate 110 is adjustably coupled to the body 104, for example by a fastener, a slot-and-bolt arrangement, or other adjustable coupling, to permit the forward or lateral extension of the contact member 117 to be varied by the installer to accommodate ledgers 900 of different dimensions.

[0038] In some embodiments, the top plate 110 includes a lip 118 extending downwardly from the front edge 120 of the contact member 117. The lip 118 is configured to drop behind the rear face 905 of the ledger 900 when the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 is resting on the top surface 902 of the ledger 900, thereby preventing the tool 100 from sliding off the ledger 900 during fastening.

[0039] In other embodiments, the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 is roughened, for example by knurling, in lieu of or in addition to the lip 118. The roughened bottom surface 116 provides frictional engagement with the top surface 902 of the ledger 900 to resist sliding of the tool 100 relative to the ledger 900. In still other embodiments, both the lip 118 and a roughened bottom surface 116 are provided on the contact member 117 of the top plate 110.

[0040] The bottom bracket 112 is coupled to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 and is configured to receive the joist hanger 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom bracket 112 includes the shelf portion 126 and an upright portion 124 coupled to the shelf portion 126. The upright portion 124 extends upwardly from the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126 along a first side 131 of the shelf portion 126, such that the shelf portion 126 and the upright portion 124 collectively define a generally L-shaped configuration. The upright portion 124 may be integrally formed with the shelf portion 126 or may be formed as a separate component coupled thereto by one or more fasteners 127 or other suitable attachment mechanisms.

[0041] The shelf portion 126 may define an opening 129 in the top surface 130 thereof. The opening 129 may be positioned adjacent a second side 133 of the shelf portion 126 opposite the first side 131 from which the upright portion 124 extends. The opening 129 may be sized and configured to receive the distal end 114 of the bar 106.Atty docket: GJT116PCT

[0042] The distal end 114 of the bar 106 may be inserted into the opening 129 in the shelf portion 126. The bottom bracket 112 may further include an aperture extending through a side of the shelf portion 126, and a fastener 135 may be inserted through the aperture to engage the distal end 114 of the bar 106. In this manner, the fastener 135 may releasably secure the bottom bracket 112 to the bar 106. The fastener 135 may include, for example, a threaded fastener, thumb screw, set screw, pin, or other suitable retention element.

[0043] The configuration of the bottom bracket 112 may permit selective attachment and removal from the bar 106 while maintaining a secure connection during operation. The L- shaped arrangement of the shelf portion 126 and the upright portion 124 may provide structural rigidity and support for components coupled to the bottom bracket 112.

[0044] It should be appreciated that the specific geometry and configuration of the bottom bracket 112, including the relative dimensions and orientations of the shelf portion 126 and the upright portion 124, may vary depending on the application. Additionally, the mechanisms for mounting the bottom bracket 112 to the bar 106 are not limited to the embodiments described herein and may include any suitable structure for releasably or permanently securing the bottom bracket 112 to the bar 106. In some embodiments, the bottom bracket 112 is adjustably coupled to the distal end 114 of the bar 106, for example by a fastener 135 passing through a slot in the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112, allowing the lateral position of the bottom bracket 112 relative to the bar 106 to be adjusted to accommodate joist hangers 400 and joists 600 of different widths.

[0045] When the bottom bracket 112 is coupled to the bar 106, the bottom bracket 112 extends rearwardly. i.e. in a direction away from the ledger 900 when the tool 100, relative to the bar 106 such that the bottom bracket 112 extends in a direction opposite that of the top plate 110. The bottom bracket 112 also extends toward the same lateral side of the bar 106 as the top plate 110.

[0046] In this configuration, the joist hanger 400 may be received between the bar 106 and the upright portion 124 of the bottom bracket 112. The bottom surface 403 of the joist hanger 400 is configured to engage the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126. When positioned in this manner, the joist hanger 400 may be supported on the shelf portion 126 while being laterally constrained by the upright portion 124.

[0047] In some implementations, the joist hanger 400 may include opposing sidewalls that exhibit an inherent spring bias. The spring tension between the sidewalls may cause the joistAtty docket: GJT116PCThanger 400 to frictionally engage the bar 106 and the upright portion 124, thereby retaining the joist hanger 400 in position between the bar 106 and the upright portion 124 during use. In addition to or instead of spring bias, retention of the joist hanger 400 may be achieved via frictional engagement, an interference fit, a resilient biasing force, or other mechanical interaction between the joist hanger 400 and adjacent structures.

[0048] This arrangement facilitates positioning and securing of the joist hanger 400 relative to the bar clamp 102 during use. The relative orientation of the bottom bracket 112 with respect to the bar 106 and the top plate 110 provides a stable support surface for the joist hanger 400 while allowing unobstructed access for fastening operations.

[0049] In some embodiments, the bottom bracket 112 may alternatively be flat, U-shaped, or otherwise configured to receive and support the joist hanger 400. A U-shaped bottom bracket 112 may provide lateral support on both sides of the joist hanger 400 received therein. The bottom bracket 112 may be configured to accommodate joist hangers 400 and framing members of varying widths, for example from approximately one-half inch to approximately four inches in thickness, and joists 600 or framing members with heights from approximately two inches to approximately thirty-six inches. These ranges are exemplary and not limiting.

[0050] In some embodiments, the bottom bracket 112 includes a stop 134 extending upwardly from the front edge 136 of the shelf portion 126. The stop 134 is configured to abut the front face 602 of the joist 600 when the joist 600 is placed in the joist hanger 400 and the joist hanger 400 is seated in the bottom bracket 112, thereby controlling the depth to which the joist 600 extends within the tool 100 and assisting the installer in achieving consistent and correct positioning of the joist 600 relative to the ledger 900. In some embodiments, the stop 134 is removable or adjustable to accommodate joists 600 of different depths.

[0051] The top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 are configured and positioned relative to the bar 106 such that the bar 106 does not substantially block the fastener openings 407 of the joist hanger 400 when the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600 are installed in the tool 100 and the tool 100 is positioned adjacent the ledger 900. The offset configuration of the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112, each extending laterally from the same side 128 of the bar 106, positions the bar 106 to one side of the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600 rather than directly in front of the fastener openings 407 of the joist hanger 400. This configuration ensures that an installer has unobstructed access to drive fasteners through the fastener openings 407 of the joist hanger 400Atty docket: GJT116PCTinto both the joist 600 and the ledger 900 while the tool 100 is holding the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600 in position.III. Materials and Construction

[0052] The tool 100 may be constructed from metal, non-metal materials, or a combination thereof. Suitable metal materials include, without limitation, steel, aluminum, and alloys thereof. Non-metal materials may include, without limitation, reinforced polymers or composite materials having sufficient strength to support the weight of a floor joist 600 or deck joist 600 substantially flush with the ledger 900 during installation. The bar 106 may be rectangular in cross-section, as is typical of commercial trigger clamps, or may be non-rectangular in cross-section depending on the bar clamp 102 configuration employed.

[0053] In some embodiments, the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 are permanently fixed to the bar clamp 102 as a single integrated assembly forming the tool 100. In other embodiments, the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 may be provided as separate fixtures that can be removably attached to most standard commercially available bar clamps 102, thereby allowing the tool 100 to be retrofitted to existing bar clamps 102. In such embodiments, the extension 119 of the top plate 110 is configured for attachment to the body 104 of the bar clamp 102, and the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112 is configured for attachment to the distal end 114 of the bar 106, as described in further detail in Section VI below.IV. Operation

[0054] FIGS. 4-13 illustrate the use of the tool 100 to position and install the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600 relative to the ledger 900.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, to load the tool 100, the joist hanger 400 is oriented and slid into the tool 100 from above or from the side 128 of the bar 106. As shown in FIG. 5, the joist hanger 400 is slid down to rest on the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112, held snugly between the bar 106 and the upright portion 124 of the bottom bracket 112. The bottom surface 403 of the joist hanger 400 engages the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126. In some implementations, the opposing sidewalls of the joist hanger 400 may exhibit an inherentAtty docket: GJT116PCTspring bias that causes the joist hanger 400 to frictionally engage the bar 106 and the upright portion 124, thereby retaining the joist hanger 400 in position during loading and positioning of the tool 100.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the joist 600 is then placed inside the joist hanger 400, resting on the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112. The joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 are held snug within the bottom bracket 112 between the bar 106 and the upright portion 124, and the front face 602 of the joist 600 is positioned against the stop 134 to establish the correct depth of the joist 600.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, with the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 loaded into the tool 100, the installer actuates the handle 108 by repeated squeezing of the handle 108 rearwardly relative to the body 104. In the illustrated trigger clamp configuration, each actuation of the handle 108 retracts the bar 106 through the body 104 along the longitudinal axis A by a discrete increment, drawing the bottom bracket 112 toward the body 104 and the top plate 110. This urges the top surface 604 of the joist 600 firmly against the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 of the top plate 110, clamping the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 and securing the assembly in the tool 100.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 8-13, the tool 100, with the joist 600 and joist hanger 400 clamped therein, is then carried to the ledger 900 and positioned with the front face 602 of the joist 600 adjacent the front face 904 of the ledger 900. The bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 is brought to rest on the top surface 902 of the ledger 900. As shown in FIG.9, the lip 118 drops down behind the rear face 905 of the ledger 900, preventing the tool 100 from sliding off the ledger 900. With the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 resting on the top surface 902 of the ledger 900 and the lip 118 engaging the rear face 905 of the ledger 900, the joist 600 is held at the correct height so that the top surface 604 of the joist 600 is substantially flush with the top surface 902 of the ledger 900.

[0059] With the tool 100 holding the joist 600 and joist hanger 400 in position, the installer has both hands free to drive fasteners through the fastener openings 407 of the joist hanger 400 into the ledger 900 and into the joist 600, using nails, screws, or other suitable fasteners. Because the bar 106 does not intersect the fastener openings 407 of the joist hanger 400, all fastener locations remain accessible. After the joist hanger 400 is fully fastened, the installer actuates the release mechanism 109 to extend the bar 106 relative to the body 104 along the longitudinal axis A,Atty docket: GJT116PCTreleasing the clamping force on the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400, and removes the tool 100 from the installed joist hanger 400. The tool 100 is then ready for reuse.V. Example Alternative Embodiments

[0060] While the illustrated embodiment employs a trigger- style bar clamp 102 in which the bar 106 translates relative to the body 104 along the longitudinal axis A, the tool 100 consistent with the present disclosure is not so limited. In alternative embodiments employing a bar clamp 102 of the first arrangement described above, the body 104 and the top plate 110 may be fixed relative to the bar 106, and the bottom bracket 112 may be, or may be coupled to, a movable jaw that translates along the longitudinal axis A of the bar 106 toward and away from the body 104 and the top plate 110 in response to actuation of the handle 108. In either arrangement, the functional result is relative movement between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 along the longitudinal axis A to clamp the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 therebetween.

[0061] In some embodiments, the bar clamp 102 is a one-handed bar clamp configured for one-handed operation, allowing a user to both position and actuate the bar clamp 102 using a single hand. In some embodiments, the bar clamp 102 is a trigger clamp comprising the pistolgrip body 104 and the trigger handle 108 configured to advance the bar 106 relative to the body 104 along the longitudinal axis A by repeated squeezing of the handle 108. In some embodiments, the bar clamp 102 further comprises the release mechanism 109 configured to rapidly extend the bar 106 relative to the body 104 along the longitudinal axis A, allowing rapid release of the clamping force and removal of the tool 100 from the joist hanger 400 after fastening.

[0062] While the illustrated embodiment shows the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 offset to the same lateral side 128 of the bar 106, in alternative embodiments the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 may be offset to opposite sides of the bar 106, or may be centered on the bar 106, provided that the bar 106 does not intersect the fastener openings 407 of the joist hanger 400 during use.

[0063] In some embodiments, the top plate 110 is adjustably coupled to the body 104, for example by a fastener, a slot-and-bolt arrangement, or other adjustable coupling engaging the extension 119 of the top plate 110 and the body 104, to permit the forward or lateral extension ofAtty docket: GJT116PCTthe contact member 117 to be varied by the installer to accommodate ledgers 900 of different dimensions.

[0064] In some embodiments, the bottom bracket 112 is adjustably coupled to the distal end 114 of the bar 106, for example by the fastener 135 passing through a slot in the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112, allowing the lateral position of the bottom bracket 112 relative to the bar 106 to be adjusted to accommodate joist hangers 400 and joists 600 of different widths.

[0065] In some embodiments, the tool 100 may include a magnetic element on the bottom bracket 112 or the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 to assist in retaining metal joist hangers 400 within the tool 100 during loading and positioning.

[0066] In some embodiments, the stop 134 may be removable or adjustable to accommodate joists 600 of different depths. In some embodiments, the bottom bracket 112 may be configured without the upright portion 124, providing a flat shelf configuration, or may be configured with upright portions 124 on both the first side 131 and the second side 133 of the shelf portion 126, providing a U-shaped configuration that offers lateral support on both sides of the joist hanger 400 received therein.VI. Kit Embodiments

[0067] Consistent with the present disclosure, there is also provided a kit including the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 as separate fixtures configured for removable attachment to a bar clamp 102. The kit allows an installer to convert a standard commercially available bar clamp 102 into the joist hanger placement tool 100 described herein, and to remove the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 from the bar clamp 102 when the tool 100 is not in use, restoring the bar clamp 102 to its standard configuration for other uses.

[0068] In embodiments of the kit intended for use with a trigger clamp or other bar clamp 102 in which the bar 106 translates relative to the body 104, the top plate 110 is configured for attachment to the body 104 via the extension 119 of the top plate 110. and the bottom bracket 112 is configured for attachment to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 via the opening 129 in the shelf portion 126 and the fastener 135. In alternative embodiments of the kit intended for use with a bar clamp 102 in which the bottom bracket 112 translates along a stationary bar 106, the top plate 110 may be configured for attachment to the fixed jaw or body 104, and the bottomAtty docket: GJT116PCTbracket 112 may be configured for attachment to the movable jaw that translates along the longitudinal axis A of the bar 106. In either case, the kit is configured so that actuation of the bar clamp 102 causes relative movement between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 along the longitudinal axis A to clamp the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 therebetween.

[0069] In some embodiments, the kit comprises the top plate 110 having a mounting portion 142 configured for attachment to the body 104 of the bar clamp 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion 142 is implemented by the extension 119 of the top plate 110. The mounting portion 142 may comprise one or more apertures 144 configured to receive fasteners 123, such as bolts, screws, or pins, for securing the extension 119 of the top plate 110 to the body 104. In other embodiments, the mounting portion 142 may comprise a clamp, a clip, a slot, a channel, or any other attachment mechanism configured to engage the body 104 of the bar clamp 102. In some embodiments, the mounting portion 142 is configured to engage the body 104 without the use of tools. In other embodiments, the mounting portion 142 is configured to be secured to the body 104 using a hand tool.

[0070] In some embodiments, the kit comprises the bottom bracket 112 having a mounting portion 146 configured for attachment to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 of the bar clamp 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion 146 is implemented by the opening 129 in the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112 and the fastener 135. The mounting portion 146 may comprise one or more apertures 148 configured to receive fasteners 135 for securing the bottom bracket 112 to the distal end 114 of the bar 106. In other embodiments, the mounting portion 146 may comprise a clamp, a clip, a slot, a channel, or any other attachment mechanism configured to engage the distal end 114 of the bar 106. In some embodiments, the mounting portion 146 is configured to engage the distal end 114 of the bar 106 without the use of tools. In other embodiments, the mounting portion 146 is configured to be secured to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 using a hand tool.

[0071] In some embodiments, the mounting portion 142 of the top plate 110 and the mounting portion 146 of the bottom bracket 112 are each configured to accommodate bar clamps 102 of different sizes and bar 106 cross-sections, for example by providing adjustment slots, variablewidth channels, or other adjustable engagement features. This allows the kit to be compatible with a range of commercially available bar clamps 102 having different body 104 dimensions and bar 106 dimensions.Atty docket: GJT116PCT

[0072] In some embodiments, the kit may include a plurality of bottom brackets 112 of different sizes, each configured for use with joist hangers 400 and joists 600 of different dimensions. The installer may select the appropriate bottom bracket 112 from the plurality of bottom brackets 112 based on the dimensions of the joist hanger 400 and joist 600 to be installed.

[0073] In some embodiments, the kit may include a plurality of top plates 110 of different sizes, each configured for use with ledgers 900 of different dimensions. The installer may select the appropriate top plate 110 from the plurality of top plates 110 based on the dimensions of the ledger 900.

[0074] In some embodiments, the kit may include a plurality of stops 134 of different sizes, each configured for use with joists 600 of different depths. The installer may select the appropriate stop 134 from the plurality of stops 134 based on the depth of the joist 600 to be installed.

[0075] In some embodiments, the kit may include one or more fasteners 123 for securing the extension 119 of the top plate 110 to the body 104 and one or more fasteners 135 for securing the bottom bracket 112 to the distal end 114 of the bar 106.

[0076] In some embodiments, the kit may include instructions for attaching the top plate 110 to the body 104 of the bar clamp 102 via the extension 119 and for attaching the bottom bracket 112 to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 of the bar clamp 102.

[0077] In some embodiments, the kit does not include a bar clamp 102 and is intended for use with a bar clamp 102 already in the possession of the installer. In other embodiments, the kit includes the bar clamp 102 together with the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112.VII. Methods of Converting a Bar Clamp into a Joist Hanger Placement Tool

[0078] In some embodiments, the bar clamp 102 may be converted into the joist hanger placement tool 100 by attaching the top plate 110 to the body 104 of the bar clamp 102 via the extension 119 of the top plate 110 and attaching the bottom bracket 112 to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 of the bar clamp 102 via the opening 129 in the shelf portion 126 and the fastener 135. The resulting assembly forms the joist hanger placement tool 100 ready for use. This conversion may be performed with or without the use of tools depending on the configuration ofAtty docket: GJT116PCTthe mounting portion 142 of the top plate 110 and the mounting portion 146 of the bottom bracket 112.

[0079] In embodiments employing a trigger clamp or other bar clamp 102 in which the bar 106 translates relative to the body 104, the top plate 110 is attached to the body 104 so that the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 faces downwardly and the front edge 120 of the contact member 117 faces forwardly toward the front face 904 of the ledger 900 when the tool 100 is in use, and so that the lip 118 is positioned to drop behind the rear face 905 of the ledger 900 when the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 rests on the top surface 902 of the ledger 900. The bottom bracket 112 is attached to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 so that the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126 faces upwardly toward the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 and the upright portion 124 extends upwardly from the first side 131 of the shelf portion 126 when the tool 100 is in use. When the handle 108 is actuated to retract the bar 106 through the body 104 along the longitudinal axis A, the bottom bracket 112 is drawn upward toward the top plate 110. clamping the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 between the bottom bracket 112 and the top plate 110.

[0080] In alternative embodiments employing a bar clamp 102 in which the bottom bracket 112 translates along a stationary bar 106, the top plate 110 is attached to the fixed jaw or body 104 and the bottom bracket 112 is attached to the movable jaw. When the handle 108 is actuated to advance the movable jaw along the longitudinal axis A of the bar 106 toward the fixed jaw, the bottom bracket 112 is drawn toward the top plate 110, clamping the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 therebetween.

[0081] To attach the top plate 110 to the body 104 of the bar clamp 102, the mounting portion 142 of the top plate 110, implemented by the extension 119, is aligned with the body 104 of the bar clamp 102. In embodiments in which the mounting portion 142 comprises one or more apertures 144, the apertures 144 are aligned with corresponding apertures in the body 104 of the bar clamp 102, and fasteners 123 are inserted through the apertures 144 and the corresponding apertures in the body 104 and tightened to secure the extension 119 of the top plate 110 to the body 104. In embodiments in which the mounting portion 142 comprises a clamp, clip, slot, channel, or other attachment mechanism, the mounting portion 142 is engaged with the body 104 of the bar clamp 102 in accordance with the configuration of the attachment mechanism.Atty docket: GJT116PCT

[0082] To attach the bottom bracket 112 to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 of the bar clamp 102, the distal end 114 of the bar 106 is inserted into the opening 129 in the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112, and the fastener 135 is tightened to engage the distal end 114 of the bar 106 and releasably secure the bottom bracket 112 to the bar 106. In embodiments in which the mounting portion 146 comprises a clamp, clip, slot, channel, or other attachment mechanism, the mounting portion 146 is engaged with the distal end 114 of the bar 106 in accordance with the configuration of the attachment mechanism.

[0083] In some embodiments, the top plate 110 is attached to the body 104 of the bar clamp 102 before the bottom bracket 112 is attached to the distal end 114 of the bar 106. In other embodiments, the bottom bracket 112 is attached to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 before the top plate 110 is attached to the body 104 of the bar clamp 102. In still other embodiments, the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 may be attached in any order without affecting the resulting assembly.

[0084] After the top plate 110 is attached to the body 104 and the bottom bracket 112 is attached to the distal end 114 of the bar 106, the assembled tool 100 is verified to confirm correct orientation and positioning of the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 relative to the bar 106. Specifically, it is confirmed that the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 and the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112 face one another, that the opening 132 defined between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 is sufficient to receive the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600, that the bar 106 does not intersect the fastener openings 407 of the joist hanger 400 when the joist hanger 400 and joist 600 are positioned in the tool 100 adjacent the ledger 900, and that the lip 118 of the top plate 110 is positioned to drop behind the rear face 905 of the ledger 900 when the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 rests on the top surface 902 of the ledger 900.

[0085] In some embodiments, the method of converting the bar clamp 102 into the joist hanger placement tool 100 further comprises selecting the appropriate bottom bracket 112 from a plurality of bottom brackets 112 of different sizes based on the dimensions of the joist hanger 400 and joist 600 to be installed. The selected bottom bracket 112 is then attached to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 as described above.

[0086] In some embodiments, the method further comprises selecting the appropriate top plate 110 from a plurality of top plates 110 of different sizes based on the dimensions of the ledgerAtty docket: GJT116PCT900. The selected top plate 110 is then attached to the body 104 of the bar clamp 102 as described above.

[0087] In some embodiments, the method further comprises selecting the appropriate stop 134 from a plurality of stops 134 of different sizes based on the depth of the joist 600 to be installed and attaching the selected stop 134 to the front edge 136 of the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112. The stop 134 may be attached to the shelf portion 126 by a fastener passing through an aperture in the stop 134 and a corresponding aperture in the shelf portion 126, or by any other suitable attachment mechanism. In embodiments in which the stop 134 is adjustable, the position of the stop 134 on the front edge 136 of the shelf portion 126 may be adjusted by loosening the fastener, repositioning the stop 134, and retightening the fastener.

[0088] In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting the lateral position of the top plate 110 on the body 104 of the bar clamp 102 by adjusting the position of the extension 119 relative to the body 104, to align the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 with the bottom bracket 112 so that the bar 106 does not intersect the fastener openings 407 of the joist hanger 400 when the joist hanger 400 and joist 600 are installed in the tool 100. In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting the lateral position of the bottom bracket 112 on the distal end 114 of the bar 106 by adjusting the fastener 135 to accommodate the width of the joist hanger 400 and joist 600 to be installed.

[0089] In some embodiments, the method further comprises attaching a magnetic element to the bottom bracket 112 or the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 to assist in retaining metal joist hangers 400 within the tool 100 during loading and positioning.

[0090] In some embodiments, the assembled tool 100 may be disassembled after use by reversing the conversion steps described above, allowing the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 to be removed from the bar clamp 102 and the bar clamp 102 to be returned to its standard configuration for other uses. The top plate 110, the bottom bracket 112, and any stops 134 may be stored separately until needed for subsequent joist hanger 400 installation operations.VIII. Method of Installing a Joist Hanger

[0091] The tool 100 may be used to install the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600 relative to the ledger 900 as described below with reference to FIGS. 4-13.Atty docket: GJT116PCT

[0092] Prior to use, the tool 100 is assembled as described in Section VIT above or is provided as a pre-assembled integrated unit as described in Section III above. In either case, the top plate 110 is coupled to the body 104 of the bar clamp 102 with the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 facing downwardly, and the bottom bracket 112 is coupled to the distal end 114 of the bar 106 with the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126 facing upwardly toward the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117. The bar 106 is in an extended position relative to the body 104 prior to loading, providing sufficient clearance in the opening 132 between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 to receive the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 4, the joist hanger 400 is oriented and slid into the tool 100 from above or from the side 128 of the bar 106. As shown in FIG. 5, the joist hanger 400 is slid down to rest on the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112, held snugly between the bar 106 and the upright portion 124 of the bottom bracket 112. The bottom surface 403 of the joist hanger 400 engages the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126. In some implementations, the opposing sidewalls of the joist hanger 400 may exhibit an inherent spring bias that causes the joist hanger 400 to frictionally engage the bar 106 and the upright portion 124, thereby retaining the joist hanger 400 in position during subsequent loading and positioning steps. In addition to or instead of spring bias, retention of the joist hanger 400 may be achieved via frictional engagement, an interference fit, a resilient biasing force, or other mechanical interaction between the joist hanger 400 and the bar 106 or the upright portion 124.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 6, the joist 600 is then placed inside the joist hanger 400 so that the joist 600 rests on is supported by the top surface 130 of the shelf portion 126 of the bottom bracket 112 within the joist hanger 400. The joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 are held snug within the bottom bracket 112 between the bar 106 and the upright portion 124. In embodiments in which the bottom bracket 112 includes the stop 134, the front face 602 of the joist 600 is positioned against the stop 134 to establish the correct depth of the joist 600 within the tool 100 and to ensure consistent positioning of the joist 600 relative to the ledger 900 during fastening.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 7, with the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 loaded into the tool 100, the installer actuates the handle 108 by repeated squeezing of the handle 108 rearwardly relative to the body 104. In the illustrated trigger clamp configuration, each actuation of the handle 108 retracts the bar 106 through the body 104 along the longitudinal axis A by a discrete increment, drawing the bottom bracket 112 toward the body 104 and the top plate 110 along the longitudinalAtty docket: GJT116PCTaxis A. This urges the top surface 604 of the joist 600 firmly against the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 of the top plate 110, clamping the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 and securing the assembly in the tool 100. The ratcheting assembly of the bar clamp 102 resists unintended extension of the bar 106 under the clamping load, maintaining the clamping force on the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 without further input from the installer.

[0096] In alternative embodiments employing a bar clamp 102 of the first arrangement in which the bottom bracket 112 translates along a stationary bar 106, the installer actuates the handle 108 to advance the bottom bracket 112 along the longitudinal axis A of the bar 106 toward the top plate 110, applying the clamping force to the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 in the same manner described above.

[0097] With the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 clamped in the tool 100, the installer carries the tool 100 to the ledger 900 and positions the tool 100 adjacent the ledger 900 as shown in FIGS. 8-13. In the illustrated trigger clamp configuration, the installer may cany the loaded tool 100 using a single hand gripping the bar clamp 102, with the other hand free for positioning. The front face 602 of the joist 600 is positioned adjacent the front face 904 of the ledger 900. The bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 is brought to rest on the top surface 902 of the ledger 900.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 9. when the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 rests on the top surface 902 of the ledger 900, the lip 118 drops down behind the rear face 905 of the ledger 900, preventing the tool 100 from sliding forwardly off the ledger 900 during fastening. With the bottom surface 116 of the contact member 117 of the top plate 110 resting on the top surface 902 of the ledger 900 and the lip 118 engaging the rear face 905 of the ledger 900, the joist 600 is held at the correct height so that the top surface 604 of the joist 600 is substantially flush with the top surface 902 of the ledger 900. The tool 100 thereby holds the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600 in the correct position for fastening without requiring the installer to maintain alignment manually.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 10-13, with the tool 100 holding the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 in position, the installer has both hands free to drive fasteners through the fastener openings 407 of the joist hanger 400 into the ledger 900 and into the joist 600, using nails, screws, or other suitable fasteners. Because the bar 106 does not intersect the fastener openings 407 of the joistAtty docket: GJT116PCThanger 400, all fastener locations remain accessible to the installer. The offset configuration of the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112, each extending laterally from the same side 128 of the bar 106, positions the bar 106 to one side of the joist hanger 400 and the joist 600 rather than directly in front of the fastener openings 407 of the joist hanger 400, ensuring unobstructed access for fastening.

[0100] After the joist hanger 400 is fully fastened to the ledger 900 and to the joist 600. the installer actuates the release mechanism 109 to extend the bar 106 relative to the body 104 along the longitudinal axis A. Extension of the bar 106 increases the distance between the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 along the longitudinal axis A, releasing the clamping force on the joist 600 and the joist hanger 400 and allowing the tool 100 to be removed from the installed joist hanger 400. The tool 100 is then ready for reuse in a subsequent joist hanger 400 installation operation.

[0101] In embodiments in which the tool 100 is provided as a kit, after use the top plate 110 and the bottom bracket 112 may be removed from the bar clamp 102 by reversing the attachment steps described in Section VII above, restoring the bar clamp 102 to its standard configuration for other uses. The top plate 110, the bottom bracket 112, and any stops 134 may be stored separately until needed for a subsequent installation.

[0102] According to one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a joist hanger placement tool including a bar clamp including a body, a handle, and a bar movably coupled to the body by operation of the handle, the bar defining a longitudinal axis, a top plate coupled to the body of the bar clamp, the top plate including a contact member extending laterally from a side of the bar and having a bottom surface configured to rest on a top surface of a ledger, and a bottom bracket coupled to a distal end of the bar, the bottom bracket extending laterally from the same side of the bar as the top plate and configured to receive a joist hanger, wherein actuation of the handle causes relative movement between the top plate and the bottom bracket along the longitudinal axis of the bar to apply a clamping force to a joist and a joist hanger positioned between the top plate and the bottom bracket, and wherein the bar is positioned relative to the top plate and the bottom bracket so as not to substantially block fastener openings of the joist hanger when the joist hanger and the joist are clamped between the top plate and the bottom bracket and positioned adjacent a ledger.Atty docket: GJT116PCT

[0103] In some embodiments, the bottom bracket includes a shelf portion having a top surface configured to support a bottom surface of the joist hanger and an upright portion extending upwardly from the top surface of the shelf portion along a first side of the shelf portion, the shelf portion and the upright portion collectively defining a generally L-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, the shelf portion defines an opening configured to receive the distal end of the bar. In some embodiments, the bottom bracket further includes a fastener configured to engage the distal end of the bar through an aperture in the shelf portion to releasably secure the bottom bracket to the bar. In some embodiments, the joist hanger is received between the bar and the upright portion of the bottom bracket such that the bottom surface of the joist hanger engages the top surface of the shelf portion and the joist hanger is laterally constrained by the upright portion. In some embodiments, the bottom bracket includes a stop extending upwardly from a front edge of the shelf portion, the stop being configured to abut a front face of a joist when the joist is placed in the joist hanger and the joist hanger is seated in the bottom bracket, to control the depth to which the joist extends within the tool. In some embodiments, the top plate further includes an extension extending from a top surface of the contact member toward the body, the extension being configured to couple the top plate to the body. In some embodiments, the top plate is adjustably coupled to the body via the extension to permit adjustment of at least one of a forward extension and a lateral extension of the contact member relative to the body. In some embodiments, the top plate includes a lip extending downwardly from a front edge of the contact member, the lip being configured to drop behind a rear face of a ledger when the bottom surface of the contact member rests on a top surface of the ledger. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the contact member is roughened to provide frictional engagement with a top surface of a ledger. In some embodiments, the bar clamp is a trigger clamp including a pistol-grip body and a trigger handle configured to advance the bar relative to the body by repeated squeezing of the trigger handle. In some embodiments, the bar clamp further includes a release mechanism configured to rapidly extend the bar relative to the body to release the clamping force.

[0104] According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a joist hanger placement tool including a bar clamp including a body, a pistol-grip trigger handle, and a bar configured to translate along a longitudinal axis relative to the body in response to repeated squeezing of the trigger handle, a top plate coupled to the body of the bar clamp, the top plate including a contact member extending laterally from a side of the bar and having a bottomAtty docket: GJT116PCTsurface configured to rest on a top surface of a ledger and a lip extending downwardly from a front edge of the contact member configured to engage a rear face of the ledger, and a bottom bracket coupled to a distal end of the bar and extending laterally from the same side of the bar as the top plate, the bottom bracket including a shelf portion having a top surface configured to support a bottom surface of a joist hanger and an upright portion extending upwardly from a first side of the shelf portion, the shelf portion and the upright portion collectively defining a generally L-shaped configuration, wherein the joist hanger is received between the bar and the upright portion such that the bottom surface of the joist hanger engages the top surface of the shelf portion and the joist hanger is laterally constrained by the upright portion, and wherein the bar is positioned relative to the top plate and the bottom bracket so as not to substantially block fastener openings of the joist hanger when the joist hanger and a joist are clamped between the top plate and the bottom bracket and positioned adjacent the ledger.

[0105] In some embodiments, the bar clamp further includes a release mechanism configured to rapidly extend the bar relative to the body to release the clamping force. In some embodiments, the bottom bracket further includes a stop extending upwardly from a front edge of the shelf portion configured to abut a front face of a joist when the joist is placed in the joist hanger and the joist hanger is seated in the bottom bracket. In some embodiments, the stop is removable or adjustable to accommodate joists of different depths. In some embodiments, the top plate further includes an extension extending from a top surface of the contact member toward the body, the extension being configured to couple the top plate to the body. In some embodiments, the top plate is adjustably coupled to the body via the extension to permit adjustment of at least one of a forward extension and a lateral extension of the contact member relative to the body. In some embodiments, the shelf portion defines an opening configured to receive the distal end of the bar, and the bottom bracket further includes a fastener configured to engage the distal end of the bar through an aperture in the shelf portion to releasably secure the bottom bracket to the bar. In some embodiments, opposing sidewalls of the joist hanger exhibit an inherent spring bias configured to cause the joist hanger to frictionally engage the bar and the upright portion to retain the joist hanger in position between the bar and the upright portion.

[0106] According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a kit for converting a bar clamp into a joist hanger placement tool, the kit including a top plate configured for removable attachment to a body of a bar clamp, the top plate including a contact memberAtty docket: GJT116PCTconfigured to extend laterally from a side of a bar of the bar clamp when the top plate is attached to the body, the contact member having a bottom surface configured to rest on a top surface of a ledger, and an extension configured to attach the top plate to the body of the bar clamp, and a bottom bracket configured for removable attachment to a distal end of the bar of the bar clamp, the bottom bracket configured to extend laterally from the same side of the bar as the top plate when the bottom bracket is attached to the distal end of the bar, and configured to receive a joist hanger, wherein when the top plate is attached to the body of the bar clamp and the bottom bracket is attached to the distal end of the bar, the bar is positioned so as not to substantially block fastener openings of a joist hanger received in the bottom bracket when the joist hanger and a joist are clamped between the top plate and the bottom bracket and positioned adjacent a ledger.

[0107] In some embodiments, the bottom bracket includes a shelf portion having a top surface configured to support a bottom surface of the joist hanger and an upright portion extending upwardly from the top surface of the shelf portion along a first side of the shelf portion, the shelf portion and the upright portion collectively defining a generally L-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, the shelf portion defines an opening configured to receive the distal end of the bar of the bar clamp. In some embodiments, the bottom bracket further includes a fastener configured to engage the distal end of the bar through an aperture in the shelf portion to releasably secure the bottom bracket to the bar. In some embodiments, the bottom bracket includes a stop extending upwardly from a front edge of the shelf portion configured to abut a front face of a joist when the joist is placed in a joist hanger seated in the bottom bracket. In some embodiments, the stop is removable or adjustable to accommodate joists of different depths. In some embodiments, the extension of the top plate includes a mounting portion including one or more apertures configured to receive fasteners for securing the extension to the body of the bar clamp. In some embodiments, the mounting portion of the top plate is configured to engage the body of the bar clamp without the use of tools. In some embodiments, the bottom bracket includes a mounting portion configured to engage the distal end of the bar of the bar clamp. In some embodiments, the mounting portion of the bottom bracket includes one or more apertures configured to receive fasteners for securing the bottom bracket to the distal end of the bar. In some embodiments, the mounting portion of the bottom bracket is configured to engage the distal end of the bar without the use of tools. In some embodiments, the top plate includes aAtty docket: GJT116PCTlip extending downwardly from a front edge of the contact member configured to drop behind a rear face of a ledger when the bottom surface of the contact member rests on a top surface of the ledger. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the contact member is roughened to provide frictional engagement with a top surface of a ledger. In some embodiments, the mounting portion of the top plate and the mounting portion of the bottom bracket are each configured to accommodate bar clamps of different sizes and bar cross-sections. In some embodiments, the kit further includes a plurality of bottom brackets of different sizes each configured for use with joist hangers and joists of different dimensions. In some embodiments, the kit further includes a plurality of top plates of different sizes each configured for use with ledgers of different dimensions. In some embodiments, the kit further includes a plurality of stops of different sizes each configured for removable attachment to the bottom bracket for use with joists of different depths. In some embodiments, the kit further includes one or more fasteners for securing the extension of the top plate to the body of the bar clamp and for securing the bottom bracket to the distal end of the bar of the bar clamp. In some embodiments, the kit further includes a bar clamp including the body and the bar. In some embodiments, the bar clamp is a one-handed bar clamp configured for one-handed operation. In some embodiments, the bar clamp is a trigger clamp including a pistol-grip body and a trigger handle. In some embodiments, at least one of the top plate and the bottom bracket includes a magnetic element configured to retain a metal joist hanger within the tool during loading and positioning. In some embodiments, the bottom bracket is adjustably coupled to the distal end of the bar to permit adjustment of the lateral position of the bottom bracket relative to the bar to accommodate joist hangers of different widths.

[0108] According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of converting a bar clamp into a joist hanger placement tool, including providing a bar clamp including a body, a handle, and a bar movably coupled to the body, the bar defining a longitudinal axis, attaching a top plate to the body of the bar clamp so that a contact member of the top plate extends laterally from a side of the bar and a bottom surface of the contact member faces downwardly, and attaching a bottom bracket to a distal end of the bar so that the bottom bracket extends laterally from the same side of the bar as the top plate and is configured to receive a joist hanger, wherein after attaching, the bar is positioned relative to the top plate and the bottom bracket so as not to substantially block fastener openings of a joist hanger received in the bottom bracket when the joist hanger and a joist are clamped between the top plate and theAtty docket: GJT116PCTbottom bracket and positioned adjacent a ledger, and actuation of the handle causes relative movement between the top plate and the bottom bracket along the longitudinal axis to apply a clamping force to a joist and a joist hanger positioned therebetween.

[0109] In some embodiments, the bottom bracket includes a shelf portion having a top surface configured to support a bottom surface of the joist hanger and an upright portion extending upwardly from a first side of the shelf portion, the shelf portion and the upright portion collectively defining a generally L-shaped configuration, and attaching the bottom bracket to the distal end of the bar includes inserting the distal end of the bar into an opening defined by the shelf portion. In some embodiments, attaching the top plate to the body includes aligning an extension of the top plate with the body and securing the extension to the body with one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, attaching the top plate to the body includes engaging an extension of the top plate with the body without the use of tools. In some embodiments, attaching the bottom bracket to the distal end of the bar includes inserting the distal end of the bar into an opening defined by a shelf portion of the bottom bracket and tightening a fastener to engage the distal end of the bar and releasably secure the bottom bracket to the bar. In some embodiments, attaching the bottom bracket to the distal end of the bar includes engaging a mounting portion of the bottom bracket with the distal end of the bar without the use of tools. In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning the top plate on the body so that a front edge of the contact member faces forwardly toward a front face of a ledger and the bottom surface of the contact member faces downwardly toward a top surface of the ledger when the tool is in use. In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning the bottom bracket on the distal end of the bar so that a top surface of a shelf portion of the bottom bracket faces upwardly toward the bottom surface of the contact member of the top plate when the tool is in use. In some embodiments, the method further includes verifying that the bar does not substantially block fastener openings of a joist hanger when the joist hanger is received in the bottom bracket and positioned adjacent a ledger. In some embodiments, the method further includes selecting the bottom bracket from a plurality of bottom brackets of different sizes based on dimensions of a joist hanger and a joist to be installed. In some embodiments, the method further includes selecting the top plate from a plurality of top plates of different sizes based on dimensions of a ledger. In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching a stop to a front edge of a shelf portion of the bottom bracket for positioning against a front face of a joist. In someAtty docket: GJT116PCTembodiments, the method further includes selecting the stop from a plurality of stops of different sizes based on a depth of a joist to be installed. In some embodiments, the method further includes adjusting a lateral position of the top plate on the body to align the contact member with the bottom bracket so that the bar does not substantially block fastener openings of a joist hanger received in the bottom bracket. In some embodiments, the method further includes adjusting a lateral position of the bottom bracket on the distal end of the bar to accommodate a width of a joist hanger to be received in the bottom bracket. In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching a magnetic element to at least one of the bottom bracket and the contact member of the top plate to retain a metal joist hanger within the tool during use. In some embodiments, the bar clamp is a one-handed bar clamp and attaching the top plate and the bottom bracket converts the bar clamp into a tool operable with a single hand to position and clamp the joist hanger and joist for fastening. In some embodiments, the bar clamp is a trigger clamp including a pistol-grip body and a trigger handle. In some embodiments, the method further includes, after use of the joist hanger placement tool, removing the top plate from the body of the bar clamp and removing the bottom bracket from the distal end of the bar, thereby restoring the bar clamp to a standard bar clamp configuration.

[0110] According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of installing a joist hanger, including providing a joist hanger placement tool including a bar clamp including a body, a handle, and a bar movably coupled to the body by operation of the handle, the bar defining a longitudinal axis, a top plate coupled to the body and including a contact member extending laterally from a side of the bar and having a bottom surface, and a bottom bracket coupled to a distal end of the bar and extending laterally from the same side of the bar as the top plate, placing a joist hanger on the bottom bracket, placing a joist in the joist hanger, actuating the handle to cause relative movement between the top plate and the bottom bracket along the longitudinal axis of the bar and apply a clamping force to the joist and the joist hanger between the top plate and the bottom bracket, placing the tool adjacent a ledger with the bottom surface of the contact member of the top plate resting on a top surface of the ledger, wherein the bar does not substantially block fastener openings of the joist hanger, and fastening the joist hanger to the ledger through the fastener openings of the joist hanger.

[0111] In some embodiments, the bottom bracket includes a shelf portion having a top surface configured to support a bottom surface of the joist hanger and an upright portion extendingAtty docket: GJT116PCTupwardly from a first side of the shelf portion, the shelf portion and the upright portion collectively defining a generally L-shaped configuration, and the joist hanger is received between the bar and the upright portion such that the joist hanger is laterally constrained by the upright portion. In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning a lip of the top plate behind a rear face of the ledger prior to fastening the joist hanger to the ledger. In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning the joist against a stop on the bottom bracket to control joist depth prior to actuating the handle. In some embodiments, the stop extends upwardly from a front edge of a shelf portion of the bottom bracket and is configured to abut a front face of the joist. In some embodiments, the method further includes verifying that a top surface of the joist is substantially flush with the top surface of the ledger prior to fastening. In some embodiments, the joist hanger is retained in position on the bottom bracket by frictional engagement between opposing sidewalls of the joist hanger and the bar and an upright portion of the bottom bracket. In some embodiments, the opposing sidewalls of the joist hanger exhibit an inherent spring bias that urges the sidewalls against the bar and the upright portion to retain the joist hanger in position. In some embodiments, actuating the handle includes repeatedly squeezing a trigger handle of a trigger clamp rearwardly relative to the body to retract the bar through the body in discrete increments. In some embodiments, the method further includes carrying the tool with a single hand while positioning the tool adjacent the ledger. In some embodiments, fastening the joist hanger to the ledger includes driving fasteners through the fastener openings of the joist hanger into at least one of the ledger and the joist with both hands of the installer free from supporting the tool. In some embodiments, the method further includes, after fastening, actuating a release mechanism of the bar clamp to extend the bar relative to the body along the longitudinal axis, releasing the clamping force and allowing the tool to be removed from the installed joist hanger. In some embodiments, providing the joist hanger placement tool includes converting a bar clamp into the joist hanger placement tool by attaching the top plate to the body of the bar clamp and attaching the bottom bracket to the distal end of the bar. In some embodiments, the method further includes, after fastening, removing the top plate from the body of the bar clamp and removing the bottom bracket from the distal end of the bar, thereby restoring the bar clamp to a standard bar clamp configuration. In some embodiments, the bar clamp is a one-handed bar clamp and the step of placing the tool adjacent the ledger is performed with a single hand. In some embodiments, the bottom bracket includes a shelf portionAtty docket: GJT116PCThaving a top surface that supports a bottom surface of the joist hanger and an upright portion extending upwardly from a first side of the shelf portion that laterally constrains the joist hanger. In some embodiments, at least one of the top plate and the bottom bracket includes a magnetic element that retains the joist hanger on the bottom bracket during the step of placing the tool adjacent the ledger.

[0112] As used herein, the term "bar clamp" refers to any clamp comprising a bar on which at least one jaw or bracket is movably mounted, or relative to which a jaw or bracket is otherwise movable, to apply a clamping force to a workpiece. The term "bar clamp" encompasses, without limitation, one-handed bar clamps, sliding bar clamps, trigger clamps, ratcheting clamps, quickrelease clamps, and squeeze clamps. The term "one-handed bar clamp" refers to a bar clamp configured for one-handed operation in which relative movement between the first jaw and the second jaw is achieved by repeated actuation of a handle operable with a single hand. The term "trigger clamp" refers to a one-handed bar clamp comprising a pistol-grip body and a trigger handle configured to advance the bar relative to the body by repeated squeezing of the trigger handle. The term "squeeze clamp," as used in the related provisional application and as may be used elsewhere in the art, refers to a one-handed bar clamp and in particular a trigger clamp, and is used interchangeably with those terms herein. The terms "bar" and "rod" are used interchangeably herein to refer to the elongated member of the bar clamp along which or relative to which movement occurs to generate the clamping force. These terms are used for convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0113] Unless otherwise stated, use of the word "substantially" may be construed to include a precise relationship, condition, arrangement, orientation, and / or other characteristic, and deviations thereof as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, to the extent that such deviations do not materially affect the disclosed methods and systems.

[0114] The term "coupled" as used herein refers to any connection, coupling, link, or the like by which signals or forces carried by one element are imparted to the coupled element. Such coupled elements are not necessarily directly connected to one another and may be separated by intermediate components or devices. Likewise, the term "coupled" as used herein in regard to mechanical or physical connections or couplings is a relative term and does not require a direct physical connection.Atty docket: GJT116PCT

[0115] Throughout the present disclosure, use of the articles "a," "an," and "the" to modify a noun may be understood to include one, or more than one, of the modified noun, unless otherwise specifically stated. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The phrase "at least one of A and B" should be understood to mean "only A, only B, or both A and B."

[0116] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "upper," "lower," "above," "left," "right," and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the drawings. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings.

[0117] Although the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not to be limited by these terms as they are used only to distinguish one from another.

[0118] While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.

Claims

Atty docket: GJT116PCTCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A joist hanger placement tool comprising:a bar clamp comprising a body, a handle, and a bar movably coupled to the body by operation of the handle, the bar defining a longitudinal axis;a top plate coupled to the body of the bar clamp, the top plate comprising a contact member extending laterally from a side of the bar and having a bottom surface configured to rest on a top surface of a ledger;and a bottom bracket coupled to a distal end of the bar, the bottom bracket extending laterally from the same side of the bar as the top plate and configured to receive a joist hanger;wherein actuation of the handle causes relative movement between the top plate and the bottom bracket along the longitudinal axis of the bar to apply a clamping force to a joist and a joist hanger positioned between the top plate and the bottom bracket, andwherein the bar is positioned relative to the top plate and the bottom bracket so as not to substantially block fastener openings of the joist hanger when the joist hanger and the joist are clamped between the top plate and the bottom bracket and positioned adjacent a ledger.

2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the bottom bracket comprises a shelf portion having a top surface configured to support a bottom surface of the joist hanger and an upright portion extending upwardly from the top surface of the shelf portion along a first side of the shelf portion, the shelf portion and the upright portion collectively defining a generally L-shaped configuration.

3. The tool according to claim 2, wherein the shelf portion defines an opening configured to receive the distal end of the bar.

4. The tool according to claim 3, wherein the bottom bracket further comprises a fastener configured to engage the distal end of the bar through an aperture in the shelf portion to releasably secure the bottom bracket to the bar.Atty docket: GJT116PCT5. The tool according to claim 2, wherein the joist hanger is received between the bar and the upright portion of the bottom bracket such that the bottom surface of the joist hanger engages the top surface of the shelf portion and the joist hanger is laterally constrained by the upright portion.

6. The tool according to claim 2, wherein the bottom bracket comprises a stop extending upwardly from a front edge of the shelf portion, the stop being configured to abut a front face of a joist when the joist is placed in the joist hanger and the joist hanger is seated in the bottom bracket, to control the depth to which the joist extends within the tool.

7. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the top plate further comprises an extension extending from a top surface of the contact member toward the body, the extension being configured to couple the top plate to the body.

8. The tool according to claim 7, wherein the top plate is adjustably coupled to the body via the extension to permit adjustment of at least one of a forward extension and a lateral extension of the contact member relative to the body.

9. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the top plate comprises a lip extending downwardly from a front edge of the contact member, the lip being configured to drop behind a rear face of a ledger when the bottom surface of the contact member rests on a top surface of the ledger.

10. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the contact member is roughened to provide frictional engagement with a top surface of a ledger.

11. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the bar clamp is a trigger clamp comprising a pistol-grip body and a trigger handle configured to advance the bar relative to the body by repeated squeezing of the trigger handle.Atty docket: GJT116PCT12. The tool according to claim 11 , wherein the bar clamp further comprises a release mechanism configured to rapidly extend the bar relative to the body to release the clamping force.

13. A joist hanger placement tool comprising:a bar clamp comprising a body, a pistol-grip trigger handle, and a bar configured to translate along a longitudinal axis relative to the body in response to repeated squeezing of the trigger handle;a top plate coupled to the body of the bar clamp, the top plate comprising a contact member extending laterally from a side of the bar and having a bottom surface configured to rest on a top surface of a ledger and a lip extending downwardly from a front edge of the contact member configured to engage a rear face of the ledger; anda bottom bracket coupled to a distal end of the bar and extending laterally from the same side of the bar as the top plate, the bottom bracket comprising a shelf portion having a top surface configured to support a bottom surface of a joist hanger and an upright portion extending upwardly from a first side of the shelf portion, the shelf portion and the upright portion collectively defining a generally L-shaped configuration;wherein the joist hanger is received between the bar and the upright portion such that the bottom surface of the joist hanger engages the top surface of the shelf portion and the joist hanger is laterally constrained by the upright portion, andwherein the bar is positioned relative to the top plate and the bottom bracket so as not to substantially block fastener openings of the joist hanger when the joist hanger and a joist are clamped between the top plate and the bottom bracket and positioned adjacent the ledger.

14. The tool according to claim 13, wherein the bar clamp further comprises a release mechanism configured to rapidly extend the bar relative to the body to release the clamping force.

15. The tool according to claim 13, wherein the bottom bracket further comprises a stop extending upwardly from a front edge of the shelf portion configured to abut a front face ofAtty docket: GJT116PCTa joist when the joist is placed in the joist hanger and the joist hanger is seated in the bottom bracket.

16. The tool according to claim 15, wherein the stop is removable or adjustable to accommodate joists of different depths.

17. The tool according to claim 13, wherein the top plate further comprises an extension extending from a top surface of the contact member toward the body, the extension being configured to couple the top plate to the body.

18. The tool according to claim 17, wherein the top plate is adjustably coupled to the body via the extension to permit adjustment of at least one of a forward extension and a lateral extension of the contact member relative to the body.

19. The tool according to claim 13, wherein the shelf portion defines an opening configured to receive the distal end of the bar, and wherein the bottom bracket further comprises a fastener configured to engage the distal end of the bar through an aperture in the shelf portion to releasably secure the bottom bracket to the bar.

20. The tool according to claim 13, wherein opposing sidewalls of the joist hanger exhibit an inherent spring bias configured to cause the joist hanger to frictionally engage the bar and the upright portion to retain the joist hanger in position between the bar and the upright portion.

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