Systems and methods for framing components including brackets with flex-fit flanges

Abstract

A bracket is disclosed. The bracket is coupled to a joist by rotating the bracket relative to the joist until the longitudinal axis of the bracket is aligned in parallel orientation with the longitudinal axis of the joist to achieve a snap-in engagement. The bracket includes a first bracket section having a first lateral wing and an opposite second lateral wing extending outwardly from a base of the first bracket section and a second bracket section that is aligned in perpendicular orientation relative to the first bracket section. The first lateral wing is configured to flex relative to the base, and the second lateral wing is configured to flex relative to the base during engagement of the bracket to a joist.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for interlocking framing components comprising:
 a joist comprising a web in communication with a first joist flange and an opposite second joist flange that collectively define a joist interior portion; and   a bracket configured to be disposed within the joist interior portion and engaged to the first and second joist flanges, respectively, the bracket comprising a first bracket section in communication with a second bracket section, a bracket bend defined between the first and second bracket sections, the first bracket section defining a base, a first lateral wing, and an opposing second lateral wing extending outwardly from opposite sides of the base of the first bracket section,   wherein the first bracket section is aligned in perpendicular relation relative to the second bracket section.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the bracket further comprises:
 a first notch and a second notch defined along opposite sides of the second bracket section.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first lateral wing and the second lateral wing are oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the base. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first lateral wing and the second lateral wing are configured to be engaged to the first and second joist flanges, respectively, of the joist. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the first lateral wing and the second lateral wing are configured to flex when engaged to the first and second joist flanges, respectively, of the joist. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first joist flange defines a first return formed along a free end of the first joist flange and the second joist flange defines a second return formed along a free end of the second joist flange. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the first lateral wing is disposed between the web and the first return of the joist and the second lateral wing is disposed between the second return and web of the joist. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first bracket section is configured to contact the web of the joist when the bracket is engaged to the joist. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first bracket section comprises a plurality of openings configured to receive a respective securing member for engaging the bracket to the joist. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second bracket section comprises a plurality of apertures configured to receive a respective securing member. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the bracket is configured to be initially disposed within the joist interior portion at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the joist and then the bracket is rotated relative to the joist until a longitudinal axis of the bracket is aligned in parallel orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the joist. 
     
     
         12 . A bracket, comprising:
 a first bracket section, comprising:
 a base, 
 a first lateral wing of the first bracket section extending outwardly from a first side of the base, and 
 a second lateral wing extending outwardly from a second side of the base opposite the first side, the first lateral wing and the second lateral wing configured to flex relative to the base; and 
   a second bracket section, the second bracket section aligned in perpendicular relation relative to the first bracket section along a bracket bend.   
     
     
         13 . The bracket of  claim 12 , wherein the second bracket section defines a first portion formed along the bracket bend, and a second portion in communication with the first portion and formed a predetermined distance from the bracket bend, the second portion defining a width greater than a width of the first portion. 
     
     
         14 . The bracket of  claim 13 , wherein a first notch is defined along a first side of the second bracket section, and a second notch is defined along a second side of the second bracket section opposite the first side. 
     
     
         15 . The bracket of  claim 12 , wherein the first lateral wing defines a plurality of linear sides. 
     
     
         16 . The bracket of  claim 12 , wherein the first bracket section defines an arcuate recess. 
     
     
         17 . The bracket of  claim 12 , wherein the first lateral wing flexes relative to the base in a vertical direction. 
     
     
         18 . A method for interlocking framing components comprising:
 providing a joist comprising a web in communication with a first joist flange and an opposite second joist flange that collectively define a joist interior portion;   inserting a bracket within the joist interior portion at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the joist, the bracket comprising a first bracket section in communication with a second bracket section and a bracket bend defined between the first and second bracket sections, the first bracket section defining a base, a first lateral wing, and an opposing second lateral wing extending outwardly from opposite sides of the base; and   positioning the base of the first bracket section along the web of the joist such that the first lateral wing contacts the first joist flange and the second lateral wing contacts the second joist flange.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 disposing the bracket over the web of the joist at an angle relative to the joist;   inserting at least a portion of the first bracket section within the joist interior portion; and   applying a downward force to the first bracket section, the downward force causing the first lateral wing and the second lateral wing to flex inwardly relative to the base.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the first lateral wing flexes in a vertical direction away from the web of the joist.