Framing bracket

Abstract

A construction bracket is provided for connecting two perpendicular structural members. The bracket comprises an elongated, substantially rectangular top piece; an end piece at one end of the top piece and folded approximately 90° relative to a bottom surface of the top piece; and an elongated, substantially rectangular flange along one side of the top piece. The flange has an inner end separated from the end piece by approximately an integer multiple of 1½ inches. The end piece is configured to be attached to an outer surface of a first structural member and the flange is configured to be attached to a side surface of a second structural member with an end abutting an inner surface the first joist, thereby securing the first and second structural member together.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A construction bracket for connecting two perpendicular structural members, comprising:
 an elongated, substantially rectangular top piece;   an end piece at one end of the top piece and folded approximately 90° relative to a bottom surface of the top piece; and   an elongated, substantially rectangular flange along one side of the top piece and having an inner end separated from the end piece by approximately an integer multiple of 1½ inches;   wherein the end piece is configured to be attached to an outer surface of a first structural member and the flange is configured to be attached to a side surface of a second structural member with an end abutting an inner surface the first joist, thereby securing the first and second structural member together.   
     
     
         2 . The construction bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the end piece is approximately one-fourth of a circular disk. 
     
     
         3 . The construction bracket of  claim 2 , wherein the end piece has a radius of approximately 1.2 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The construction bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the end piece is rectangular in shape. 
     
     
         5 . The construction bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the flange further comprises a tab removably attached to the inner end of the flange, the tab having a length approximately equal to an integer multiple of 1½ inches. 
     
     
         6 . The construction bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the flange is folded approximately 90° relative to a bottom surface of the top piece. 
     
     
         6 . The construction bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the flange is folded approximately 90° relative to a top surface of the top piece. 
     
     
         7 . The construction bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the flange is folded approximately 25° relative to the top surface of the top piece. 
     
     
         8 . The construction bracket of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the top piece is approximately 7 inches long and approximately 1 inch wide; and   the flange is approximately 4.5 inches long and approximately 1 inch wide.