Joist Bracket

Abstract

A joist bracket is described. Embodiments of the joist bracket can include a combination of joist brackets for recessing a portion of a subfloor in a room a predetermined amount relative to subflooring attached to a top surface of floor joists spanning across the room. The joist bracket can include protrusions for temporarily securing the joist bracket to a floor joist.

Description

BACKGROUND

Traditionally shower pans used in shower stalls are installed on top of a bathroom subfloor. As is typical, shower pans of all types, whether prefabricated or custom configured for a particular space, comprise a surface that is gently sloped towards a drain outlet. The need for a slope and the thickness of the materials comprising the shower pan have a distinct thickness that rises above flooring placed on a subfloor. Further, especially in the instance of a custom shower pan, finish flooring material is installed on top of the shower pan surface adding additional thickness.

Because of the added thickness of the shower pan over the surrounding bathroom floor, there usually must be a lip at the intersection of the pan with the surrounding floor to both provide for a visual transition for a shower user and to contain water from the shower in the stall. These lips can detract from the aesthetics of a shower stall, and even more significantly hinder access to and from the shower by the disabled and elderly.

While processes for recessing the subfloor of a bathroom in the region over which a shower pan is to be installed are known, they are usually very labor intensive, and accordingly expensive. Furthermore, if the recessed subfloor is not properly installed, which typically comprises wood bracing and blocking, the load carrying capacity of the recessed floor might not be adequate to handle the loads incident on it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first joist bracket used to attach a lowered subfloor to a floor joist according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a second joist bracket used to attach a lowered subfloor to a floor joist according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a top view of a first joist bracket used to attach a lowered subfloor to a floor joist according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1D is a top view of a second joist bracket used to attach a lowered subfloor to a floor joist according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is side view of a joist bracket used to attach a lowered subfloor to a floor joist according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a first joist bracket proximate a second joist bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a top view of a second joist bracket proximate a first joist bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a pair of first joist brackets attached to a floor joist according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a top view of a pair of first joist brackets attached to a floor joist according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a joist bracket that can be implemented with a set of differently configured brackets, that when secured to one or more of floor joists, walls, and existing normal height subfloor, can lower a subfloor a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount can typically be sufficient to permit the installation of a shower pan of appropriate slope towards a drain and permit a curb-less transition between the surrounding floor and the shower stall floor. In some variations, part of the floor may be lowered more than some other part to accommodate different types of shower pans and drains.

In one embodiment, a combination of brackets for recessing a portion of a subfloor in a room a predetermined amount relative to subflooring attached to a top surface of floor joists spanning across the room, the combination of brackets can include, but is not limited to, a first set of joist brackets and a second set of joist brackets. The first set of joist brackets can be substantially Z-shaped and include a substantially vertical planar joist bracket leg extending (i) upwardly from an intersection along a bottom edge with a substantially horizontal planar joist bracket bottom flange, and (ii) downwardly from an intersection along a top edge with a substantially horizontal planar joist bracket upper flange. The joist bracket upper flange can be defined by a plurality of evenly spaced outwardly extending tabs further defining a plurality of cutouts between the tabs. Each of the plurality of tabs can include a borehole for receiving a fastener. One or more of the plurality of tabs can include punched protrusions extending downwards substantially perpendicular to the tab. The punched protrusions can include a pointed end for penetrating a floor joist to initially secure the joist bracket to a floor joist before fasteners are passed through the boreholes. The upper flange of the first set of brackets can be defined by a first end including a partial tab and a second end including a portion of a cutout. The second set of joist brackets can be substantially similar to the first set of joist brackets. The upper flange of the second set of brackets can be defined by a first end including a partial cutout and a second end including a portion of a tab. Of significant note, when one of the first set of joist brackets are placed proximate one of the second set of joist brackets proximate one another on a floor joist, a cutout our a tab can be formed from ends of the two joist brackets.

The tabs of a first joist bracket are configured to nest in cutouts of a second joist bracket from the first set of brackets and the tabs of the second joist bracket are configured to nest in the cutouts of the first joist bracket when installed on opposing sides of a floor joist. Of significant note, when a pair of joist brackets from the first set of joist brackets are installed on a floor joist opposite one another, an overhang on either side of both brackets can be limited to approximately 1/32″. More specifically, an overall length of two joist brackets mated opposite one another can be limited to approximately 1/16″ longer than a length of one of the joist brackets. Similar to the first set of joist brackets, brackets from the second set of joist brackets installed on opposing sides of a floor joist, the tabs and cutouts are configured to mate with one another.

In one embodiment, a substantially Z-shaped joist bracket can include, but is not limited to, an upper flange, a lower, a vertical planar leg, a first end, and a second end. The upper flange can be defined by (i) a plurality of evenly spaced outwardly extending tabs, (ii) a plurality of cutouts each located between the tabs, (iii) one or more boreholes for receiving a fastener therethrough, and (iv) one or more protrusions extending downwardly and substantially perpendicular to the plurality of tabs. The vertical planar leg can extend (i) upwardly from an intersection along a bottom edge with the bottom flange, and (ii) downwardly from an intersection along a top edge with the upper flange. The first end can be defined by the upper flange having a partial cutout. The second end can be defined by the upper flange having a partial tab.

In another embodiment, a joist bracket system can include, but is not limited to, a first joist bracket and a second joist bracket. The first joist bracket can be defined by an upper flange, a lower flange, a vertical planar leg, a first end, and a second end. The upper flange defined by (i) a plurality of evenly spaced outwardly extending tabs, (ii) a plurality of cutouts each located between the tabs, (iii) one or more boreholes for receiving a fastener therethrough, and (iv) one or more protrusions extending downwardly and substantially perpendicular to the plurality of tabs. The vertical planar leg can extend (i) upwardly from an intersection along a bottom edge with the bottom flange, and (ii) downwardly from an intersection along a top edge with the upper flange. The first end can be defined by the upper flange having a partial cutout. The second end can be defined by the upper flange having a partial tab. The second joist bracket can be substantially similar to the first joist bracket but can have a first end defined by an upper flange having a partial tab and a second end defined by the upper flange having a partial cutout.

In yet another embodiment, a combination of brackets for recessing a portion of a subfloor in a room a predetermined amount relative to subflooring attached to a top surface of floor joists spanning across the room can include a combination of brackets. The combination of brackets can include, but is not limited to, a first set of Z-shaped brackets adapted to be installed on opposing sides of a floor joist and a second set of Z-shaped brackets adapted to be installed on opposing sides of the floor joist and proximate one of the first set of Z-shaped brackets. Each of the at least two substantially Z-shaped brackets can be defined by an upper flange, a lower flange, and a vertical planar leg. The upper flange can have (i) a plurality of evenly spaced outwardly extending tabs, (ii) a plurality of cutouts each located between the tabs, (iii) one or more boreholes for receiving a fastener therethrough, and (iv) one or more protrusions extending downwardly and substantially perpendicular to the plurality of tabs. The vertical planar leg can extend (i) upwardly from an intersection along a bottom edge with the bottom flange, and (ii) downwardly from an intersection along a top edge with the upper flange. A first end of the first set of Z-shaped brackets can each be defined by the upper flange having a partial cutout and a second end defined by the upper flange having a partial tab. A first end of the second set of Z-shaped brackets can each be defined by the upper flange having a partial tab and a second end defined by the upper flange having a partial cutout.

The brackets are typically comprised of steel but can be made of aluminum or a fiber reinforced plastic in variations. When two joist brackets are installed on opposing sides of a floor joist, an overhang from a first joist bracket when opposing a second joist bracket can be minimal (e.g., 1/32″). As can be appreciated, this can allow for more precise placement of the joist brackets in proximity to one another.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled.

The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given.

The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.

The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of a applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

Embodiments of Joist Brackets for a Set of Brackets for Recessing a Subfloor in a Room

Referring generally to FIGS. 1A-3D, several different views of a first embodiment 100 of a joist bracket and a second embodiment 100′ of a joist bracket are illustrated. Of note, the joist brackets 100, 100′ can be configured to couple to a floor joist with multiple joist brackets being able to be secured to the floor joist. Opposing joist brackets can be nestled such that they can be on opposing sides of the joist beams (e.g., joists, floor joists). Further, the joist brackets 100, 100′ are configured to be secured to the joist beam proximate one another while forming a cutout or tab from two adjacent joist brackets. In one instance, the first joist bracket 100 can be a substantially Z-shaped bracket with horizontal upper and lower flanges extending from a top and bottom edge of a vertical leg. The upper flange of the joist bracket can be characterized by a plurality of tabs spaced and separated by a plurality of cutout sections. The second joist bracket 100′ can be substantially similar to the first joist bracket 100 but have different ends. Of note, various combinations and sets of the first joist bracket 100 and the second joist bracket 100′ are contemplated. Typically, job requirements may dictate how many of each type of bracket may be implemented. It is to be appreciated that instances are contemplated where only one type of joist bracket may be implemented. Sets of brackets can include both of the joist brackets 100, 100′ or a plurality of one of the brackets 100, 100′.

As generally shown in FIG. 1A, the first joist bracket 100 can include, but is not limited to, a lower flange 102, a vertical leg 104, and an upper flange 106. The first joist bracket 100 can typically include a first end 107 and a second end 109. The lower flange 102 can be a substantially horizontal planar flange. The vertical leg 104 can be a substantially vertical planar leg. The upper flange 106 can be a horizontal planar flange. In one embodiment, the substantially vertical planar leg 104 can extend upwardly from an intersection along a bottom edge with the substantially horizontal planar lower flange 102. The substantially vertical planar leg 104 can extend downwardly from an intersection along an upper edge with the substantially horizontal planar upper flange 106. The first end 107 can be defined by the upper flange 106 having a partial tab. The second end 109 can be defined by the upper flange 106 having a partial cutout.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the second joist bracket 100′ can be substantially similar to the first joist bracket 100. Of note, the second joist bracket 100′ can include a first end 107′ defined by the upper flange 106 having a partial cutout and a second end 109′ defined by the upper flange 106 having a partial tab.

The joist brackets 100, 100′ can have a generally “Z” shape and can have varying lengths. The joist brackets 100, 100′ can each include means for temporarily securing to a joist beam and a means for more permanently securing to the joist beam. As can be appreciated, by temporarily securing the joist brackets 100, 100′ to a joist beam, one or more additional joist brackets can be temporarily secured to ensure proper spacing and placement. In an instance where a joist bracket may be wrongly placed, the joist bracket can be removed and placed in a correct location with minimal effort prior to the joist bracket being more securely coupled to the joist beam.

As generally shown, the upper flange 106 can be defined by a plurality of cut-outs 110, a plurality of tabs 112, a plurality of tab boreholes 114, and a plurality of tab nails 116. The plurality of cut-outs 110 can be implemented to allow for opposing joist brackets to be placed on either side of a joist opposite each other and nestle. The cut-outs 110 can generally be sized slightly larger than each of the tabs 112 such that a tab can fit within an area defining the cutout. Typically, each of the plurality of tabs 112 can include one of the plurality of tab boreholes 114 for receiving fasteners therethrough. It is to be appreciated that at least two or more of the tabs may include boreholes for receiving fasteners. The plurality of tab boreholes 114 can be provided in a center of each upper flange tab for purposes of securing the bracket to a top surface of a floor joist beam. In another variation, additional boreholes can be provided through each upper flange tab giving an installer more options when attaching the upper flange to a joist permitting him/her to avoid any fasteners that may already have been driven into the joist.

As shown in FIG. 2, one or more of the plurality of tabs 112 can include a tab nail 116 (e.g., a stamped/punched protrusion) for initially securing the joist bracket to a joist beam. In one instance, the tab nails 116 can be punched from material of the tabs and can extend down perpendicular to the tabs. As shown generally, the tab nails 116 can be punched/stamped in a triangular shape such that a tip of the triangle can be pointed down parallel with the vertical leg 104 of the joist bracket 100.

Of significant note, and as shown in Figures IC-1D, one of the vertices of the triangular protrusion (tab nail 116) can extend into and include a portion of the vertical leg 104. The tab nails 116 can be implemented to serve as a “third hand” when screwing the joist bracket down such that the bracket would may not move out of place. The tab nails 116 can be hammered into the floor joist beam and keep the bracket in place prior to more permanent securement to a floor joist beam. Of note, the tab nails 116 are not intended to replace screws or nails but provide stability when securing the bracket to a joist beam.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, top views of a first joist bracket 100 proximate a second joist bracket 100′ are illustrated. In FIG. 3A, the second end 109 of the first joist bracket 100 is located proximate the first end 107′ of the second joist bracket 100′. As shown, a cutout can be formed from the second end 109 and the first end 107′ when placed proximate one another. Of note, this can allow for a joist bracket to be nested in the cutout when a joist bracket is installed on an opposite side of a joist beam. In FIG. 3B, the first end 107 of the first joist bracket 100 is located proximate the second end 109′ of the second joist bracket 100′. As shown, a tab can be formed from the first end 107 and the second end 109′ when placed proximate one another. Of note, the tab can be nested in a cutout of an opposing joist bracket installed on an opposite side of a joist beam.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, a pair of first joist brackets 100 are shown secured to a joist beam 150. FIG. 4A includes a perspective view of the pair of first joist brackets 100 secured to the joist beam 150. FIG. 4B includes a top view of the pair of first joist brackets 100 secured to the joist beam 150. The pair of first joist brackets 100 can nest together on a single floor joist beams with a bottom flange of one of the first joist bracket 100 extending outwardly to the left and a bottom flange of the other first joist bracket extending outwardly to the right. By using tabs and corresponding cutouts, each of the pair of first joist brackets 100 can be firmly secured to the floor joist beam with screws (or nails) proximate a longitudinal center of the joist beam for maximum purchase and strength. In typical embodiments, the joist brackets can be used on either the left or right side of a joist by simply rotating it 180 degrees.

Of significant note, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the pair of first joist brackets 100 are installed on a joist beam opposite one another, an overhang on either side of both brackets can be limited to approximately 1/32″. More specifically, an overall length of two joist brackets mated opposite one another can be limited to approximately 1/16″ longer than a length of one of the joist brackets. Of note, when opposing joist brackets are installed opposite one another, the tab nails can be aligned proximate one another.

In one example, the joist brackets 100, 100′ can be substantially Z-shaped and include a substantially vertical planar joist bracket leg extending (i) upwardly from an intersection along a bottom edge with a substantially horizontal planar joist bracket bottom flange, and (ii) downwardly from an intersection along a top edge with a substantially horizontal planar joist bracket upper flange. The joist bracket upper flange can be defined by a plurality of evenly spaced outwardly extending tabs further defining a plurality of cutouts between the tabs. The tabs can have a generally trapezoidal shape and the cutouts may be defined by a void area having a generally trapezoidal shape. Each of the plurality of tabs can include a borehole for receiving a fastener. One or more of the plurality of tabs can include punched protrusions (or tab nails) extending downwards substantially perpendicular to the tab. The punched protrusions can include a pointed end for penetrating a floor joist to initially secure the joist bracket to a floor joist before fasteners are passed through the boreholes. The upper flange can be defined by a first end including a partial tab and a second end including a portion of a cutout. The tabs of a first joist bracket are configured to nest in cutouts of a second joist bracket and the tabs of the second joist bracket are configured to nest in the cutouts of the first joist bracket when installed on opposing sides of a floor joist.

The joist brackets 100, 100′ can be comprised of any suitable material although brackets comprised of thinner sheet or plate are preferred. Accordingly, the brackets are typically made with a material having relatively high strength and high stiffness permitting thinner planar sections are preferred. Most commonly, the brackets are made of 14-18 gauge steel or stainless-steel plate. The dimensions of the brackets can vary, but embodiments of the set are configured so that when each is installed according to the described process the amount of subfloor drop offered by each relative to the top surface of a floor joist (or any other reasonable reference height) is the same for each bracket. For the specific embodiment(s) described herein, the dimensions given make the brackets suitable for use with standards for residential construction in the United States. As can be appreciated, the various dimensions can be easily adjusted for different construction materials and the standard dimensions of those materials in other embodiments. Pertinent standard dimensions of building materials that affect the dimensions of the illustrated embodiments include the 1½″ thickness of a standard 2×4 framing stud and the 23/32″ thickness of a standard sheet of OSB subfloor sheathing.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A substantially Z-shaped joist bracket comprising: an upper flange defined by (i) a plurality of evenly spaced outwardly extending tabs, (ii) a plurality of cutouts each located between the tabs, (iii) one or more boreholes for receiving a fastener therethrough, and (iv) one or more protrusions extending downwardly and substantially perpendicular to the plurality of tabs;a lower flange;a vertical planar leg extending (i) upwardly from an intersection along a bottom edge with the bottom flange, and (ii) downwardly from an intersection along a top edge with the upper flange;a first end defined by the upper flange having a partial cutout; anda second end defined by the upper flange having a partial tab.

2. The Z-shaped joist bracket of claim 1, further comprising a second Z-shaped joist bracket substantially similar to the Z-shaped joist bracket, the second Z-shaped joist bracket having a first end defined by the upper flange having a partial tab; and a second end defined by the upper flange having a partial cutout.

3. The Z-shaped joist bracket of claim 2, wherein the second Z-shaped joist bracket is configured to be placed proximate the Z-shaped joist bracket on a floor joist.

4. The Z-shaped joist bracket of claim 1, further comprising a second Z-shaped joist bracket substantially similar to the Z-shaped joist bracket, the second Z-shaped joist bracket being configured to be placed proximate the Z-shaped joist bracket on a floor joist.

5. The Z-shaped joist bracket of claim 4, wherein when the joist bracket and the second joist bracket are installed on opposing sides of a floor joist (i) the tabs of the joist bracket are adapted to nest in cutouts of the second joist bracket, and (ii) tabs of the second joist bracket are adapted to nest in the cutouts of the joist bracket.

6. The Z-shaped joist bracket of claim 1, wherein the one or more protrusions are punched protrusions from the tab.

7. The Z-shaped joist bracket of claim 6, wherein the one or more protrusions are adapted to temporarily couple the Z-shaped joist bracket to a floor joist.

8. The Z-shaped joist bracket of claim 1, wherein: (i) the plurality of evenly spaced outwardly extending tabs each are defined by a substantially trapezoidal shape; and (ii) the plurality of cutouts each located between the tabs are defined by a substantially void trapezoidal shape adapted to nestle with one of the plurality of tabs.

9. The Z-shaped joist bracket of claim 1, wherein when the joist bracket and the second joist bracket are installed on a floor joist opposite one another, an overhang on either side of both brackets is approximately 1/32″.

10. A joist bracket system comprising: a first joist bracket defined by: an upper flange defined by (i) a plurality of evenly spaced outwardly extending tabs, (ii) a plurality of cutouts each located between the tabs, (iii) one or more boreholes for receiving a fastener therethrough, and (iv) one or more protrusions extending downwardly and substantially perpendicular to the plurality of tabs;a lower flange;a vertical planar leg extending (i) upwardly from an intersection along a bottom edge with the bottom flange, and (ii) downwardly from an intersection along a top edge with the upper flange;a first end defined by the upper flange having a partial cutout; anda second end defined by the upper flange having a partial tab;a second joist bracket substantially similar to the first joist bracket, the second joist bracket having (i) a first end defined by an upper flange having a partial tab, and (ii) a second end defined by the upper flange having a partial cutout.

11. The joist bracket system of claim 10, the system further including a third joist bracket substantially similar to the first joist bracket.

12. The joist bracket system of claim 11, wherein the tabs of the first joist bracket are adapted to nest in cutouts of the third joist bracket and the tabs of the third joist bracket are adapted to nest in the cutouts of the first joist bracket when the first joist bracket and the third joist bracket are installed on opposing sides of a floor joist.

13. The joist bracket system of claim 12, wherein when the first joist bracket and the third joist bracket are installed on a floor joist opposite one another, an overhang on either side of both brackets is approximately 1/32″.

14. The joist bracket system of claim 11, the system further comprising a fourth joist bracket substantially similar to the second joist bracket.

15. The joist bracket system of claim 14, wherein the tabs of the second joist bracket are adapted to nest in cutouts of the fourth joist bracket and the tabs of the fourth joist bracket are adapted to nest in the cutouts of the second joist bracket when the first joist bracket and the third joist bracket are installed on opposing sides of a floor joist.

16. The joist bracket system of claim 15, wherein when the second joist bracket and the fourth joist bracket are installed on a floor joist opposite one another, an overhang on either side of both brackets is approximately 1/32″.

17. The joist bracket system of claim 16, wherein an overall length of the second joist bracket and the fourth joist bracket mated opposite one another is limited to approximately 1/16″ longer than a length of one of the joist brackets.

18. The joist bracket system of claim 10, wherein the first joist bracket is adapted to be placed proximate the second joist bracket on a floor joist.

19. The joist bracket system of claim 18, wherein a cutout is formed when the first end of the first joist bracket is placed proximate the second end of the second joist bracket.

20. A combination of brackets for recessing a portion of a subfloor in a room a predetermined amount relative to subflooring attached to a top surface of floor joists spanning across the room, the combination of brackets including: a first set of substantially Z-shaped brackets adapted to be installed on opposing sides of a floor joist, each of the at least two substantially Z-shaped brackets defined by: an upper flange having (i) a plurality of evenly spaced outwardly extending tabs, (ii) a plurality of cutouts each located between the tabs, (iii) one or more boreholes for receiving a fastener therethrough, and (iv) one or more protrusions extending downwardly and substantially perpendicular to the plurality of tabs;a lower flange;a vertical planar leg extending (i) upwardly from an intersection along a bottom edge with the bottom flange, and (ii) downwardly from an intersection along a top edge with the upper flange;a first end defined by the upper flange having a partial cutout; anda second end defined by the upper flange having a partial tab;a second set of substantially Z-shaped brackets adapted to be installed on opposing sides of a floor joist, each of the second set of substantially Z-shaped brackets defined by: an upper flange having (i) a plurality of evenly spaced outwardly extending tabs, (ii) a plurality of cutouts each located between the tabs, (iii) one or more boreholes for receiving a fastener therethrough, and (iv) one or more protrusions extending downwardly and substantially perpendicular to the plurality of tabs;a lower flange;a vertical planar leg extending (i) upwardly from an intersection along a bottom edge with the bottom flange, and (ii) downwardly from an intersection along a top edge with the upper flange;a first end defined by the upper flange having a partial tab; anda second end defined by the upper flange having a partial cutout.