Top Flange Hanger With Strengthening Embossment

Structural connector for connecting first and second structural members has a substantially planar first flange and an embossment in the first flange, and the embossment in the first flange is formed with first and second sections.
The first section generally extending uniformly to a first level above the top surface of the substantially planar first flange, that is different from a level to which the second section generally uniformly extends, the first and second sections being joined to each other at a distinct transition portion where the embossment sharply descends from the level of the first section to the level of the second section. The structural connector can be made with a bend that forms a first member adjacent the first flange and the embossment can extend through the bend into the first member.
The structural connector of the present invention has particular application in the field of structural hangers where an elongated, generally horizontally disposed structural member is hung from a supporting structure, both being part of thestructural frame of a building.
In light frame construction, it is common to hang the joists supporting the floors of the building from horizontally disposed members often called headers, beams or ledgers. The joists can be supported by hangers which are attached to theheaders, beams or ledgers. One type of hanger used is called a top flange hanger. A top flange hanger has a portion or member that rests on the top surface of the supporting structure, increasing the strength of the connection.
Unfortunately, the presence of the top flange can interfere with the setting of the sub-flooring members on top of the joists and the headers and ledgers. The top flanges create an unevenness in the surface upon which the sub-flooring isinstalled.
Preferably, the flat top surfaces of the joists, headers and ledgers will all be uniformly level and set at the same elevation, once the members are set in place, although deviations are often made to allow for shrinkage of members made from woodor having wood sub-components. Also, preferably, the sub-flooring used is made up of large sheets of relatively thin planar material, such as plywood or oriented strand board, that can be laid down on the level top surfaces of the headers and ledgersresulting in a uniformly flat surface for laying down the flooring.