Hanger device

Abstract

A hanger device and method for connecting together I-beams which have first and second flanges connected by a web. The hanger is constructed from a first bracket ( 20 ) having first and second side members ( 22, 24 ) and an intermediate member ( 26 ) connected between the side members which is capable of supporting a second flange of a first I-Beam. At least one second bracket ( 30 ) is provided, having first and second side members ( 32, 34 ) and an intermediate member ( 36 ) connected between the side members. The first and second side members are provided with fixing apertures ( 40 a, b ; 60 a, b ) arranged thereon to facilitate connection of the first and/or second side members to the first and/or second flanges of a second I-beam. The first and second side members of the first bracket are connected to each of the at least one second bracket(s) at the first side member thereof and at a pre-determined angle with respect to the first side member of the second bracket.

1 . A hanger device for connecting together I-beams having first and second flanges connected by a web, the hanger comprising a first bracket having first and second side members and an intermediate member connected between the side members, the intermediate member being capable of supporting a second flange of a first I-Beam, at least one second bracket having first and second side members and an intermediate member connected between the side members, the first and second side members being provided with fixing apertures arranged thereon to facilitate connection of the first and/or second side members to the first and/or second flanges of a second I-beam, 
 wherein the first or second side member of the first bracket is connected to the second bracket at the first side member thereof and at a pre-determined angle with respect to the first side member of the second bracket.    
     
     
         2 . A hanger device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first and second side members of the first bracket are provided with fixing apertures arranged to facilitate connection of said first and/or second side member to the first and/or second flange of a first I-beam.  
     
     
         3 . A hanger device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the fixing apertures arranged on the first and second side members of the first bracket are positioned to provide a connection to the first and/or second flange substantially in the centre of the flange, the fixing apertures located on the first side member being offset with respect to the fixing apertures on the second side member.  
     
     
         4 . A hanger device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the intermediate member is provided with a fixing aperture located substantially in the centre thereof.  
     
     
         5 . A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the fixing apertures of the second bracket is provided with a pair of diagonally arranged fixing apertures located on the first side member being offset with respect to a pair of diagonally arranged fixing apertures on the second side member, for connection to the first flange of a second I-beam at substantially in the centre of the flange.  
     
     
         6 . A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the fixing apertures are arranged on the first and second side members for connection to the second flange of a second I-beam, substantially in the centre of the flange, with three triangularly arranged fixing apertures located on the first side member being offset with respect to a pair of diagonally arranged fixing apertures on the second side member.  
     
     
         7 . A hanger device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second bracket is substantially inverted j-shaped when in use.  
     
     
         8 . A hanger device as claimed any one of  claims 1  to  6  wherein the second bracket is substantially inverted U-shaped when in use.  
     
     
         9 . A hanger device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is formed from a single piece of material.  
     
     
         10 . A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the hanger is constructed from metal.  
     
     
         11 . A hanger device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the predetermined angle is substantially 90°.  
     
     
         12 . A hanger device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first bracket is contiguous with the second bracket.  
     
     
         13 . A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first bracket is integrally formed with said second bracket.  
     
     
         14 . A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least a part of said second bracket is pre-formed to suit the thickness of an I-beam.  
     
     
         15 . A method of connecting I-beams each having first and second flanges connected by a web, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a hanger having first and second brackets arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to one another;    supporting the second flange of the first I-beam on an intermediate member connected between first and second side members of a first bracket; and    connecting the first and second side members of a second bracket to the first and/or second flanges of a second I-beam, through fixing aparatus arranged thereon.    
     
     
         16 . A method as claimed in  claim 15  further comprising the step of connecting the first and/or second flange of the first I-beam to the first and/or second side members of the first bracket through fixing apertures arranged thereon.  
     
     
         17 . A hanger device as described herein before with reference to FIGS. 3, 3 a ,  4   a ,  4   b ,  5  and  6  of the accompanying drawings.  
     
     
         18 . A method of connecting together I-beams substantially as described herein before with reference to FIGS. 3, 3 a ,  4   a ,  4   b ,  5  and  6  of the accompanying drawings.  
     
     
         19 . A pre-formed hanger device for distributing a load between load carrying members, said device provided with means for connecting said members, said means comprising a first bracket and a second bracket adjacent thereto, said first bracket connecting to a first member and said second bracket connecting to a second member, wherein said second bracket is contiguous with at least a front and back surface of said second member.