GB2211220A - Improvements in or relating to brick ties - Google Patents

Abstract

A brick tie for use in the construction of structures having brick or block walls constructed over wooden framing has a substantially planar retaining 21 part for fixing the tie within the brick or block wall and at least one fixing spike 23, 24 for fixing the tie to the frame. When spike surface 25 is struck with a hammer the fixing spikes are driven into the wooden frame as far as stop means which limit their penetration. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO BRICK TIES This invention relates to brick ties for use in the construction of structures having brick or block walls constructed over wooden framing.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a brick tie which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Accordingly the invention consists in a brick tie having a substantially planar retaining part for insertion within a brick or block structure; at least one fixing spike integrally formed with said retaining part; a strike surface formed, at least in part, by an end of said at least one fixing spike such that, in use, a hammer blow applied to said strike surface may displace said at least one spike into a wooden member; and stop means integrally formed with said fixing spike and said retaining part, said stop means being arranged to, in use, limit the penetration of said spike into said wooden member.

Two spaced, substantially parallel spikes may be provided, the strike surface including the rear edges of both of the spikes. In such embodiments the spikes may be interconnected by a bridge. The rear edge of the bridge, in combination with the rear edges of the spikes preferably defines the strike surface.

The tie preferably further includes a shank section joining the spike or spikes to the retaining part. This shank preferably extends from the bridge and is preferably shaped to shed moisture when in use..

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples.

Various forms of brick tie incorporating the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of one form of brick tie according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the brick tie shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a frontal end view of the brick tie shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of brick tie according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of brick tie according to the invention; Figure 6 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of brick tie according to the invention; Figure 7 shows a plan view of the brick tie shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a frontal end view of the brick tie shown in Figures 6 and 7; Figure 9 shows a plan view of a fifth embodiment of brick tie according to the invention;; Figure 10 shows a side view of a sixth embodiment of brick tie according to the invention; Figure 11 shows a plan view of the brick tie shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 shows a side view of a seventh 'embodiment of brick tie according to the invention; Figure 13 shows a frontal end view of the brick tie shown in Figure 12; Figure 14 shows a side view of an eighth embodiment of brick tie according to the invention; and Figure 15 shows a plan view of the brick tie shown in Figure 14.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, according to the invention a brick tie 20 is provided for supporting a brick or block wall cladding (not shown) relative to a wooden timber frame (not shown).

In the embodiment shown the brick tie 20 includes a substantially planar retaining part 21 which, in use, is inserted and mortared into a space (not shown) between adjacent rows or bricks or blocks (not shown). Thus, while the retaining part 21 is broadly planar in form it is preferably provided with ribbing 22 to enhance the retention of the tie 20 in the cladding structure when encased in mortar.

The tie 20 further includes at least one and, in 'the form shown, two fixing spikes 23 and 24 which, in use, are driven into the wooden framing; and a strike surface 25 which is formed in part by the rear edges 26 and 27 of the spikes 23 and 24 respectively, the strike surface 25 being arranged so that hammer blows thereto will drive the spikes 23 and 24 into the wooden frame. It will be noted from Figure 1 that the alignment of strike surface 25 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the plane or the retaining part 21.

In this embodiment the spikes 23 and 24 are substantially planar, being reinforced by pressed strengthening ribs 28. Further, the spikes 23 and 24 are substantially parallel and, as shown, are interconnected by a bridge 29. The rear edge of the bridge 29 forms part of the strike surface 25.

In this embodiment the spikes 23 and 24 are joined to one end of the retaining part 21 by a shank portion 30. The shank portion 30 tapers upwardly from the retaining part 21 and merges into the forward edge 31 of the bridge 29. The central portion 32 of the shank is raised so that when the tie is correctly positioned, in use, any moisture finding its way into the wall cavity is shed off the tie.

Finally, stop means is provided to limit the penetration of the spikes 23 and 24 within the wall framing. In this embodiment the stop means is defined by forward edge 31 of the bridge 29. The relatively gentle curvature of the edge 31 also serves to retain, and prevent damage to, building paper (not shown) placed over the wooden framing prior to fixing of the tie.

To form the tie 20, the spikes 23 and 24 are cut from metal initially adjacent each side of the shank 30 and the shank and retaining section 21 are then folded back from the front edge 31 of the bridge. The entire tie is preferably hot dip galvanised.

Referring now to Figure 4 a second embodiment of brick tie is depicted having a substantially planar retaining part 36 and a pair of fixing spikes 37 and 38. As with the embodiment previously described the planar retaining part 36 is, in use, mortared into the brick or block wall structure and in order to enhance retention in structure the retaining part 36 is provided with projections 39 which are pressed out of the plane of the retaining part 36 during formation of the tie.

The fixing spikes 37 and~38 are preferably of the same form as the fixing spikes 23 and 24 previously described in that they are preferably substantially planar in form and have longitudinal strengthening ribs 40.

In the embodiment depicted in Figure 4 the shank portion 41 merges into the rear edges 42 and 43 of the spikes 37 and 38 respectively thus eliminating the need to provide a joining bridge. The upper part 44 of the shank 41, in combination with the rear edges 42 and 43 of the spikes 37 and 38, provide the strike surface against which, in use, hammer blows are applied to fix the tie into the framing. The front surface 45 of the shank provides the stop means to limit the penetration of the spikes 37 and 38.

The shank 41 may be provided with a raised central section 45 to assist the tie in shedding moisture which falls upon it when in position.

Referring now to Figure 5 a form of brick tie 50 is shown which is similar in many respects to the tie 20 depicted in, and described with reference to, Figures 1 to 3. It will be readily appreciated that the principal difference with the tie 50 is that it includes a single fixing spike 51. It will be observed, however, that the whole tie is substantially asymmetrical form in that retaining part 52 is provided with a longitudinal strengthening rib 53 along one edge thereof into which merge lateral ribs 54. The ribs 53 and 54 combine to provide the retaining part 52 with means to assist its retention in the brick or block wall structure.

The shank 55 which connects the retaining part to the spike 51 merges into the forward end 56 of bridge section 57. Thus the edge 56 provides the stop means to limit penetration of spike 51. Rear edge 58 of the bridge 57 provides the strike surface for -this embodiment of tie.

Referring to Figures 6 to 8 an embodiment of tie 60 is depicted which includes a substantially planar retaining part 61 and a single fixing spike 62. Stop means 63 and 64 are provided integratly with the fixing spike and the retaining means 61 to limit the penetration the fixing spike 62 during the fixing operation. The rear edge 65 of the fixing spike 62 provides the strike surface against which hammer blows are applied to insert the tie 60 into the building framing.

As can be seen the planar retaining part 61 includes surface dimpling 66 to enhance retention of the retaining part within the brick or block wall structure.

It will be seen from Figure 8 that the fixing spike 62, in this embodiment, is substantially vee-shaped, the apex of the spike being shown at 67.

Extending upwardly from the rear portion of the fixing spike 62 is a tab 68. The forward edge of tab 68 is bent perpendicularly to provide stop means 63. The rear edge 69 of tab 68 extends the strike surface provided, in part, by rear edge 65 of the fixing spike.

Shank 70 which links the retaining part 61 to the fixing spike 62 comprises a downwardly formed extension of the retaining part 61, a forward edge of which is bent downward to define stop means 64. The downward deformation of the shank 70 assists the tie to shed moisture falling on it when positioned.

Figure 9 depicts yet a further embodiment of brick tie 75 which includes a substantially planar retaining part 61 and a pair of fixing spikes 77 and 78. The fixing spikes 77, 78 are folded up about lines 79 and 80 respectively and are thus interconnected by bridge 81. A forward edge of the bridge 81 is bent perpendicularly to provide stop means 82. The rear edges 83 and 84 of the fixing spikes 77 and 78 respectively define the strike surfaces against which hammer blows are applied in order to fix the tie 75 into position.

Referring to Figure 10 and 11 a brick tie 90 is depicted which includes a substantially planar retainer part 91 which includes surface dimpling 92 to enhance fixing of the tie 90 within the brick or block structure. Fixing spike 93 is folded upward from a forward edge 94 of the retaining part about fold line 95. The fixing spike 93 may include a strengthening rib 96. Margin section 97 is defined extending forwardly from the forward edge 94 of the retaining part 91 after the fixing spike 93 has been defined. A part 98 of the margin 97 is, in turn, folded perpendicularly upwardly as shown on Figure 10 to define the stop means which, in use, limits the penetration of the fixing spike 93. The rear edge 99 of the fixing spike 93 defines the strike surface against which hammer blows are applied in order to fix the tie 90.

Referring to Figures 12 and 13, brick tie 100 is depicted including substantially planar retaining part 101 having surface embossing 102. A pair of fixing spikes 103 and 104 are provided which are folded from upwardly extending shank 105. A central section of the shank extends upwardly beyond the fixing spikes 103 and 104 at 106 to define stop means which, in use, retains the building paper used in such structures and also limits the penetration of the fixing spikes 103 and 104. The rear surface 107 of the shank 105 defines the strike surface. The lower central section 108 of the shank 105 may be upwardly formed, as shown, to assist the brick tie in shedding moisture.

Finally, referring to Figures 14 and 15 a brick tie 110 is shown which includes a substantially planar retaining part 111 having surface dimpling 112.

Fixing spike 113 is bent about folding line 114 and includes upwardly extending tab 115. The rear edges of the tab 115 and fixing spike 113 define strike surface 116. The forward section of tab 115 is folded to provide stop means 117 in combination with a further tab 118 which is folded downwardly from margin 119 remaining on the forward edge 120 of the retaining part 111 after formation of the fixing spike 113.

Suitable ribbing 121 may be provided on the retaining part 111 in order to impart strength to the tie.

In use any of the ties as depicted in the accompanying drawings and described above are used as follows: The fixing spike or spikes of the selected tie are positioned against a wooden member forming part of the timber framing in a position such that the retaining part of the tie lies co-planar with, and just above, the upper surface of a row of brick or blocks forming a part of the brick or block structure. Hammer blows are then applied to the appropriate strike surface in order to drive the fixing spike or spikes into the timber framing. The next row of bricks or blocks is then mortared into position.

As an alternative the brick tie may be held in a fixing tool to which hammer blows are applied at a more remote position. The use of a fixing tool may assist the operator to position the brick tie and minimise the possibility of damage either to the tie or to the brick or block structure during fixing of the tie.

It will thus be appreciated that the present invention provides a number of simple yet effective forms of brick tie which are totally unitary yet are simple to fix and are structurally efficient when in use.

Claims (13)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A brick tie having a substantially planar retaining part for insertion within a brick or block structure; at least one fixing spike integrally formed with said retaining part; a strike surface formed, at least in part, by an end of said at least one fixing spike such that, in use, hammer blows applied to said strike surface may displace said at least one spike into a wooden member; and stop means int.egrally formed with said fixing spike and said retaining part, said stop means being arranged substantially perpendicular to the axis of said at least one. spike to, in use, limit the penetration of said spike in to said wooden member.

2. A brick tie as claimed in claim 1 wherein two spaced, substantially parallel spikes are provided, said strike surface including the rear edges of both said spikes.

3. A brick tie as claimed in claim 2 wherein said spikes are interconnected by a bridge.

4. A brick tie as claimed in claim 3 wherein the rear edge of said bridge, in combination with the rear edges of said spikes, defines said strike surface.

5. A brick tie as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims wherein said strike surface is aligned substantially perpendicular to the plane of said retaining part.

6. A brick tie as claimed in anyone of claims 3 to 5 wherein said tie further includes a shank section joining said spikes to said retaining part.

7. A brick tie as claimed in claim 6 wherein said shank extends from said bridge.

8. A brick tie as claimed in claim 7 wherein said shank extends from a front edge of said bridge.

9. A brick tie as claimed in claim 8 wherein said shank is shaped to shed moisture when in use.

10. A brick tie as claimed in claim 1 including a single fixing spike.

11. A brick tie as claimed in claim 10 including a tab extending from said fixing spike in the general plane thereof, part of said tab being formed substantially perpendicularly to define said stop means or part thereof.

12. A brick tie as claimed in claim 11 wherein an edge of said tab forms part of said strike surface.

13. A brick tie when constructed arranged and operable substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.