GB2267518A - Combined DPC and wall-tie - Google Patents

Abstract

A combined DPC and wall tie comprising a channel member (4) mounted on anchor means (5) having feet extending laterally in opposite directions for mounting in brickwork (1A, 1B) of a cavity wall. Brick ties (9) are slidably mounted in the channel member (4) and a layer of DPC material (16) is attached to each anchor means (5) by bolt (14). A washer preferably provides a waterproof seal between the bolt (14) and the layer of DPC material (16) and spaces the DPC material from the channel member (4) to provide a clear drainage space thereunder. The combined DPC and wall tie can be used with cavity or solid walls, isolated piers or stop ends to attach a capping thereto. <IMAGE>

Description

COMBINED DAMP-PROOF COURSE AND WALL TIE This invention relates to a combined damp-proof course and wall tie and is particularly suitable for use with cavity walls. It can however be used with a solid wall which has no cavity between its two skins or with a bonded wall. The wall tie of the present invention is particularly suitable for use with parapet walls, plynths, gable ends or at other locations where a course of coping or capping bricks needs to be tied to the top of a wall. It can also be adapted for use with cills, lintels and shelf angles.

One of the problems of incorporating a damp-proof course (hereinafter called a DPC) into a wall is that it is extremely difficult to secure a single layer of coping or capping bricks on top of the DPC material as the mortar does not always bond securely to the DPC material. Thus, they can easily become dislodged if they are not properly anchored to the course of bricks beneath them. It is important therefore that the top course of coping or capping bricks be securely anchored to the remainder of the wall to render it safe.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a combined DPC and wall tie which overcomes or substantially reduces the problems discussed above.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a combined damp-proof course and wall tie for use with a two skin wall comprising an elongate channel member shaped to receive and retain a plurality of movably located ties therein, anchor means connected to said channel member shaped to extend into the space between said pair of facing wall skins to fix the channel member in position therebetween and means for mounting a layer of damp proof course (DPC) material between the anchor means and the channel member to extend laterally therefrom in opposite directions by a distance sufficient to bridge the space between the two facing wall skins.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is to be understood that the wall tie of the invention can be used with a conventional cavity wall in which the cavity extends throughout the whole height of the wall or with a wall having a cavity throughout only part of its height or with a solid wall having a space or cavity only-in the region where the DPC is to be fitted.

Preferably the anchor means comprises at least one anchor member, the or each of said members having a first portion shaped to extend between the facing wall skins and a second portion extending laterally therefrom to be anchored in at least one of said facing wall skins.

In one embodiment, the or each anchor member is top-hat shaped, the flat topped upper section providing the first portion and two laterally extending feet providing the second portion. The flat topped section of the or each anchor member can be substantially horizontal or inclined to the horizontal. Preferably a plurality of discrete anchor members are attached to the channel member at spaced locations along its length but a single anchor member could be used but formed as one continuous length.

Conveniently a water resistant grommet made of a rubber or plastics material such as neoprene is provided between the channel member and the DPC material at each location where it is connected to the or each anchor member. The or each grommet may be circular or lozenge shaped to include a laterally extending offset portion which protrudes from one side of the grommet with a curved edge to assist in directing the layer of DPC material on its correct upward orientation at that side of the grommet.

In another embodiment, the or each anchor member is L-shaped, the upright part thereof providing the first portion and the laterally extending foot providing the second portion, a sliding tie being fitted to the first portion so as to be slidable along its length, said sliding tie extending laterally in both directions with respect to the first portion by a distance sufficient to enable each of said laterally extending portions to be anchored in a respective one of said facing wall skins.

In a still further embodiment, a second elongate channel member shaped to receive and retain a series of movably located ties therein is attached in back-to-back relationship to the first channel member, the or each anchor member being inverted T-shaped, the upright of the T providing the first portion and being connected to the second channel member and the cross-piece of the T providing the second portion.

In yet another embodiment, the anchor means comprises at least one anchor member which includes an inclined central portion to which the channel member is attached and two opposite end portions extending laterally therefrom and adapted to be anchored in a respective one of said facing wall skins, the inclined central portion terminating and joining directly on to one of said end portions.

The combined damp-proof course and wall tie of the present invention can also be adapted for use in a solid wall which does not have a "cavity" therebetween.

Accordingly the invention further provides a combined DPC and wall tie for use with a solid or bonded wall comprising an elongate channel member shaped to receive and retain a plurality of movably located ties therein, anchor means connected to said channel member shaped to extend into the space between adjacent bricks of the wall in at least the top course thereof to fix the channel member in position reltive thereto, and means for mounting a layer of DPC material between the channel member and the anchor means to extend laterally therefrom in opposite directions.

In a preferred embodiment of combined DPC and wall tie for use with a solid wall, the anchor means comprises at least one anchor member in the form of a blade or bonding tang connected to the base of the channel member and extending therefrom for location, in use, in the mortar between the two facing bricks of at least the top course of the solid wall. The bonding tang can be made of deformed metal strip or threaded rod.

In one preferred construction, the anchor means comprises at least one anchor member in the form of a rod or bolt extending from the base of the channel member and provided along its length with means to enable it, in use, to be anchored in the mortar between the two facing bricks of at least the top course of the solid wall.

In another embodiment, a second elongate channel member is connected in back-to-back relationship to the base of the first channel member to define an H-section, the top of the or each blade or bonding tang being shaped to be movably received and retained in said second channel member.

In a preferred construction, a strap extends laterally in opposite directions from the channel member, the free end of each strap having means thereon to releasably mount an edge trim thereto to overhang each upper edge of the wall.

In the embodiments having a single channel shaped member, the DPC material is fitted between the channel member and the anchor means whereas the embodiments using two back-to-back channel members, the DPC material extends between said first and second channel members.

When the invention is adapted for use with gable ends, the anchor means can comprise a plurality of threaded bolts which extend from the base of the channel member into a cavity between the two facing wall skins, the end of the or each bolt being received in pivotable mounting means incorporated in a mortar anchor mounted in the cavity between the pair of facing wall skins.

This embodiment can also be bonded with mortar into a solid wall.

The combined damp-proof course and wall tie can also be used where the cavity wall is formed by the main structural frame of a building which has a cladding skin of brickwork attached thereto. The invention therefore further provides a combined DPC and wall tie comprising an elongate channel member shaped to receive and retain a plurality of movably located brick' ties therein, brickwork support means connected to the channel member to support the brickwork of the cladding skin, anchor means connected to said brickwork support means shaped to extend into the cavity to fix the channel member in position therein, and means for mounting a layer of DPC material between the channel member and the brickwork support means to bridge the cavity.

Preferably the brickwork support means is a length of metal which is L-shaped to include a foot portion and an upright, the channel member being connected to the upright and the foot portion supporting the brickwork.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a combined DPC and wall tie for use with a solid wall comprising an elongate channel member shaped to receive a plurality of movably located brick ties therein, anchor means connected to the channel member at spaced locations along its length, said anchor means being attachable by screws or bolts to the upper course of bricks in said solid wall, and means for mounting a layer of DPC material between the channel member and the anchor means to extend laterally from both sides thereof to cover said upper course of bricks.

The invention further provides a combined DPC and wall tie for use with an isolated pier or end stop having a cavity therein comprising a U-shaped elongate member, anchor means connected thereto and shaped to extend into said cavity, means for mounting a layer of DPC material between the U-shaped elongate member and the anchor means to extend laterally from opposite sides thereof and cover the upper course of bricks immediately adjacent thereto and a plurality of tie members protruding from the anchor means for attaching a respective coping brick or stone thereto.

Preferably the anchor means comprises a plurality of discrete anchor members attached to the U-shaped elongate member at spaced intervals along its length.

Suitably the or each tie member is a threaded rod or bolt.

In a preferred embodiment the side walls of the U-shaped elongate member are inclined towards each other to give the profile a generally dovetail shaped cross section.

In use, a layer of DPC material mounted either between the channel member and the anchor means or between the anchor means and the U-shaped elongate member.

By the term "bricks" or "brickwork" we intend to include any form of building block made of stone, reconstructed stone, precast concrete blockwork etc.

By the term "mortar" we intend to include traditional cement/sand/lime mix or chemically modified cement or grouts or a resin adhesive or any other material which will secure the bricks together.

By the term "cavity wall" we mean a wall having two skins of bricks as defined above with a cavity in between which may or may not be filled with an insulating material.

By the term "solid wall" we mean either a wall having two skins of bricks as defined above but without a cavity between them or a one-brick bonded wall.

The anchor means can be made of a metal or plastics material.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross section through a combined DPC and wall tie of the invention; Figure 1A is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing the wall tie in position in a cavity wall with tie wires retaining coping or capping bricks thereon; Figure 1B is a side view of the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and lA; Figure 1C shows the wall tie of Figure 1 but used with the DPC located in coplanar brick courses; Figure 1D shows a variation of the wall tie shown in Figure 1 using a back-to-back channel member.

Figure 1E shows another variation of wall tie; Figure 2 is a perspective view of one form of the tie wire which can be used with the arrangement shown in Figure lA; Figure 3 is a cross section of another form of combined DPC and wall tie of the invention; Figure 3A is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing the wall tie in position in a cavity wall with tie wires retaining the coping or capping bricks thereon; Figure 3B is a side view of the arrangement shown in Figures 3 and 3A although the brick work has been omitted; Figure 4 is a view of yet another form of combined DPC and wall tie of the invention for use at cill or lintel level; Figure 4A is a view similar to Figure 4 but showing the wall tie in position in a cavity wall with tie wires retaining the top course of bricks at cill level in position or the bricks above the DPC at lintel/shelf angle levels;; Figure 4B is a side view of the wall tie of Figures 4 and 4A but with the brickwork omitted for ease of illustration; Figure 5 is a cross section of another form of combined DPC and wall tie of the invention; Figure 6 is a cross section of a still further combined DPC and wall tie of the invention; Figure 7 is a cross section of a combined DPC and wall tie of the invention in use on a solid or bonded wall with no cavity therein, a metal edge trim being connected to the wall tie and supported thereby; Figure 7A is a view of part of the wall tie shown in Figure 7 but modified to use back-to-back channel as illustrated; Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 of another embodiment of combined DPC and wall tie; Figure 8A is a view of part of the wall tie shown in Figures 7 and 8 but modified as illustrated;; Figure 9 is a view of a combined DPC and wall tie of the invention in use with a gable end including an inclined course of bricks; Figure 9A is a cross section through Figure 9.

Figure 10 is a side view of a mortar anchor used in the arrangement shown in Figures 9 and 9A; Figure 10A is a plan view of the mortar anchor shown in Figure 10; Figure 10B is an end view of the swivel nut incorporated in the mortar anchor shown in Figures 10 and 10A; Figure 10C is an alternative form of mortar anchor for bonding into solid walls; Figure 10D is a plan view of the mortar anchor shown in Figure 10C; and Figure 11 shows yet another alternative form of combined DPC and wall tie of the present invention incorporating shelf angle.

Figure 12 is an end view of a still further alternative form of combined DPC and wall tie of the invention; Figure 12A is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 12; Figure 13 is an end view of yet another embodiment of the invention for use with an isolated pier or stop end; Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a coping fixing arrangement similar to that shown in Figure 13; and Figure 15 is an enlarged view similar to Figure 14 but showing another version thereof.

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1, 1A and 1B shows a combined damp-proof course and wall tie of the invention used in conjunction with a cavity wall comprising an outer wall skin of brickwork (1A) and an inner wall skin of brickwork (1B) spaced therefrom to define a cavity (1C) therebetween. Figue 1A shows a course of coping or capping bricks (2) laid along the top of the inner and outer walls (1A,1B) to bridge the cavity (1C).

The combined damp-proof course and wall tie (3) of the invention includes a continuous length of flexible damp-proof course material (16) which extends across the cavity (1C) and is fitted between brick course (la) and brick course (lb) located immediately below it in the outer wall skin (1A) and between the coping or capping (2) and the brick course (laa) located immediately beneath it in the inner wall skin (1B).

Thus, the DPC (16) includes a drop or inclined section where it crosses the cavity (1C) so that any water which gets on to the DPC can travel across it and down the gradient towards the outer wall skin (1A). It may however be located in the wall as shown in Figure 1C.

The wall tie (3) incorporates an elongate channel member (4) formed with a slot in one face thereof which extends along its length between two inwardly facing lips. The channel member (4) can be made of stainless or galvanised steel but it could be made of other materials such as plastics resins, extruded or pulltruded such as aluminium. A suitable steel channel member is manufactured and sold by the Applicant in various sizes and is well known so it will not be described further here. However, any channel configuration can be used provided that it is shaped to receive and retain a plurality of movably located tie therein. The channel member (4) has anchor means (5) attached to it at spaced locations along its length.

In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor means (5) comprises one or more stools which are top-hat shaped and include a first portion (6) with second portions extending laterally therefrom in the form of feet (7).

The apex of the first portion (6) includes a horizontal central portion (8). The channel member (4) is attached to the flat central portion (8) of the anchor means (5) by a bolt, rivet or other fastening (15) which passes through a hole in the channel member (4) and through a similar hole (not shown) in the flat section (8). A disc shaped waterproof grommet (13) made of a natural or synthetic rubber material or a plastics material such as Neoprene is mounted between the channel member (4) and the DPC (16) and the flat section (8) and the whole assembly is clamped together by means of the nut (14). Thus, the grommets (13) retain the waterproof seal in the DPC (16) where the bolts (15) pass through it and also space the channel member (4) from the DPC (16) so that water can run underneath the channel member (4).However, lozenge shaped grommets such as that shown in Figures 5 and 6 could also be used. This assembly would preferably be made with a fastening as illustrated but it could also be made by crimping, gluing or pressing.

As can be seen more clearly from Figure lB, several anchor members (5) are provided along the length of the channel member (4) which are inserted at spaced locations along the length of the inner and outer wall skins (lA,lB).

The arrangement described with reference to Figures 1, 1A and 1B can be modified as shown in Figure 1D to include a second channel member 4a mounted in back-to-back relationship with the channel member 4.

This gives total flexibility of assembly and location of the anchor members 5 along the length of the channel member 4a using the sliding mounting bolts 17.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 1E, a channel member 4c formed with wings 17a is attached to anchor members (5) in any suitable manner. Separate lengths of DPC material 16a are stuck to each of the wings 17a and the back-to-back channel members 4,4a are connected to channel member 4c by bobbins 17B made of a plastics material such as nylon.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a known tie (9) which is pivotally attached at (12) to an attachment member (10), the head of the tie wire being formed as a triangular shape (11). This shape could however be of any other configuration such as circular.

A plurality of ties (9) are inserted in the channel member (4) along its length and these extend upwardly or laterally therefrom to anchor the coping or capping (2) to the upper brickwork course (la-laa) as shown in Figure 1B. The tie could however also be made of split or deformed strip.

Although the anchor member (5) shown in Figures 1, 1A and 1B has a flat horizontal top section (8), this section could be inclined to the horizontal to improve water drainage as shown in Figures 1E and 6.

The way in which the combined damp-proof course and wall tie of the invention is used will now be described with reference to Figure 1A.

Firstly, the bricklayer would lay the courses of bricks for the parapet wall up to level (lc,lcc). He would then lay a length of wall tie of the present invention incorporating the DPC (16) on top of the brickcourses (lc,lcc) with the lateral feet (7) of the anchor members (5) resting thereon. A layer of mortar would then be placed on top of the brick courses (lc,lcc) to cover the feet (7). The next course of bricks (lb,lbb) would then be laid on top of the course (lc,lcc).

During this step, the part of the DPC (16) extending over the front wall skin (1A) would need to be folded back to allow the laying of the course (lb). Once the brick course (lb) is laid, then a layer of mortar would be placed on top of this layer and the DPC (16) folded down on to it. The inner brick course (laa) would then be laid. The portion of the DPC extending over the inner wall skin (1B) would need to be folded inwardly to permit the laying of this course. Once the course (laa) had been laid, then the DPC would be laid on top of the mortar as illustrated.The ties (9) would then be fitted into the channel member (4) as required and the coping or capping bricks (2) would then be laid on top of the brick courses (la,laa), the ties (9) being fitted into the gaps between the bricks (2) as illustrated in Figure 1B, the correct locations for the wires (9) being easily achieved as they are readily slidable along the channel member (4). They can also be inclined at any suitable inclination to suit the coping or capping bricks (2) due to the pivotal connection (12) on each attachment member (10).

The embodiment shown in Figure 3 is very similar to that shown in Figure 1A except that the anchor means (5) are of a slightly different configuration in that each anchor member is substantially L-shaped to include a first portion (6a) and a single laterally extending second portion or foot (7a). A sliding tie (20) is movable along the length of the first portion (6a).

The way in which the wall tie illustrated is used can be seen in Figure 3A. Figure 3B is a side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 3A although the brick courses have been omitted for ease of illustration.

The grommet 13 can be disc shaped as illustrated or lozenge shaped as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 4 shows another form of wall tie of the invention for use with a window cill or at lintel/shelf angle level. In this arrangement, the channel member (4) has a second channel member (4a) fitted thereto in back-to-back relationship, the DPC (16) extending between said two channel members as illustrated. The anchor means (5) comprises an inverted T-shaped member having a first portion (6b) and two laterally extending feet (7b) forming the second portion thereof. The anchor means (5) are attached to the front face of the second channel member (4a) at spaced locations along its length and ties (9) are inserted in the channel members (4,4a) as illustrated to anchor the top course of bricks (la,laa) in position.The DPC (16) is fitted between the inner and outer wall skins 1A and 1B as illustrated in much the same way as has already been described with reference to earlier embodiments.

The embodiment of Figure 5 has a slightly different configuration of anchor means (5) which includes a first portion (6c) and two laterally extending second portions (7c) at each end thereof. Top portion (8c) is flat and substantially horizontal. The difference between this arrangement and that shown in Figure 1 is that the foot (7c) on one side of each anchor member (5) is fitted between brick courses (la,lb) at the same level as the adjacent end of the DPC (16).

The arrangement shown in Figure 6 is very similar to that shown in Figure 5 except that the anchor means (5) has a first portion (6d), an inclined upper portion (8d) to which the channel member (4) is attached, laterally extending second portions (7d) being provided at each end to be anchored in the inner and outer wall skins (lA,lB). As with the arrangement shown in Figure 5, the foot (7d) on one side of each anchor member (5) is anchored in the same layer of mortar that anchors the DPC (16) in the outer wall (1A) between courses (la and lib).

All the embodiments just described with reference to Figures 1-6 concern the use of a combined DPC and wall tie in cavity walls. Thus, the anchor means (5) support the channel member (4) in the cavity in a very convenient way and ties (9) can readily be fitted to the channel member to anchor the capping bricks-(2) firmly onto the inner and outer wall skins (1A,1B).

It should be understood that the grommet (13) shown in the embodiments of Figures 1-6 can be omitted altogether. The grommet in all of these embodiments can be lozenge shaped in cross section as shown in Figure 5 to allow the DPC to curve upwards in the correct way and thereby keep the drainage zone clear or circular as illustrated in Figures 1-3.

It should also be noted that the anchor means (5) shown in the Figures 1-6 embodiments can also include a tensioning member 7C as shown in Figure 1C. This can either be a separate plate welded between the feet (7) as shown by the dotted line or it can be an integral part of the anchor means (5) if it is manufactured by an extrusion or pulltrusion process in metal or a plastics material.

It should further be noted that the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6 can equally well be used with a solid wall of the type shown, by way of example only, in Figure 1C by the dotted lines 1D.

The combined DPC and wall tie of the present invention can however be used with a wall which has no cavity, for instance boundary walls, parapet walls or garden walls. A wall tie of the invention suitable for use with such walls is shown in Figures 7 and 8. The difference between these embodiments and those described with reference to Figures 1-6 is that the anchor means (5) is of a different configuration and can comprise either a blade or bonding tang (5a) to extend downwardly into the mortar between the outer wall skin (1A) and the inner wall skin (1B). The coping or capping bricks (2) are secured to the channel member (4) by ties (9) at spaced locations along its length.

The channel member (4) is bonded to the mortar between the brick course (la,laa) by means of the bonding tangs (5a). The DPC (16) is positioned between the upper brick courses (la,laa) and the coping or capping bricks (2) as shown in Figure 8. In applications where it may be desirable to have a metal edge trim (26) between the brick courses (la,laa) and the coping or capping bricks (2), of metal or plastics can conveniently be attached to the top of the channel member (4) to extend laterally from either side thereof. Each end of the strap (25) can be formed with a return or rebate to receive a correspondingly shaped return at the end of an elongate metal edging trim (26).

In the arrangement shown in Figure 7, the bonding tang or (5a) can be welded to the bottom of the channel member (4) and this can be difficult to manufacture.

However, it could be made with a spring clip at its upper end constructed and arranged so that the blade can be pushed through a slot in the base of the channel member (4) and retained in the channel member by the spring clip. Alternatively, the blade or bonding tang (5a) can be attached to the channel member (4) as shown in Figure 7A whereby a second channel member (4a) is attached to it in back-to-back relationship. The bonding tang or blade (5a) can then be readily slotted into the second channel member (4a) at any location along its length. Not only is this easier to manufacture but it is also easier to use by the bricklayer.

The arrangement shown in Figures 7 and 8 can bemodified as shown in Figure 8A to replace the bonding tang or blade (5a) with a bolt (5b). This can either be threaded as illustrated or can be formed as a deformed bar or rod or in some other shape which enables it to make a good bond with the mortar between the inner and outer wall skins 1A and 1B.

The wall tie shown in Figures 7 and 8 can be built into the mortar between the brickwork as the wall is built or it can be fixed into the mortar in an existing wall using bolts, grouts, or resin or other adhesives.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 9A, there is shown another application of the combined damp-proof course and wall tie of the present invention on a gable end.

As can be seen from Figure 9, the capping bricks (2) are inclined to the horizontal and the invention can be modified to work with this arrangement as illustrated.

It can be seen from Figure 9A that the gable end includes an outer course of bricks (la) and an inner course (laa). Mortar anchors (28) are fitted in the cavity between the inner and outer courses (la,laa) at suitable locations by mounting the laterally extending anchor straps (31) in the mortar between the bricks. A good bond is ensured because the straps are formed with apertures (32). The front end of the mortar anchors (28) is formed with a nose portion in which a nut (30) is pivotally mounted. Bolts (27) extend through the bottom of channel member (4) at various locations along its length. These bolts are threaded and can be screwed into the swivel nuts (30) to secure the channel in a fixed position relative to the inner and outer walls (lA,lB).Ties (9) are then fitted into the channel member (4) at various locations along its length and these are then mortared into position to retain the capping bricks (2) in a fixed position relative to th & inner and outer courses (lA,lB). A special stop end cleat (34) can also be fitted as illustrated.

Figures 10C and 10D illustrate an alternative configuration of mortar anchor (28a) which includes cut out portions (35) to assist in securing it in position between the inner and outer walls (lA,lB) should the gable end not include a cavity.

Figure 11 shows a variation of the arrangement shown in Figure 4 but using shelf angle of the type made and sold by the Applicants under the name HMA. It will be seen that the combined DPC and wall tie comprises a shelf angle (40) which is L-shaped in cross section to include an upright portion (41) and a foot portion (42) to support the outer skin of brickwork (not shown).

The shelf angle (40) is attached to anchor means in the form of mounting brackets (43) which are attached in known manner to a channel member (44) secured to the main concrete framework (45) of the building. Thus, brickwork (not shown) can be supported on the foot (42) of shelf angle (40) to leave a cavity between it and the main framework (45).

A length of DPC (50) is secured to the shelf angle (40) and extends between the upright portion (41) thereof and a channel member (46) attached thereto into which brick ties (not shown) can be inserted as has already been described to secure the brickwork relative to the framework (45). Spacing washers (not visible) fitted on mounting bolts (49) to space the channel member' (46) from the upright portion (41) of the shelf angle (40).

Figures 12 and 12A show another embodiment of the invention in which a length of channel (51) has laterally extending straps (52) attached to it at regular spaced intervals along its length. Holes (53) are provided at both ends of each strap and screws or bolts (54) attach the straps to the brickwork (55). A layer of DPC (56) is attached to the channel (51) by the nuts and bolts (59) so as to extend laterally from each side thereof to cover the brickwork (55) and overlap its outer edges. Known brick ties (56) are slidably mounted in the channel (51) to attach coping stones (57) thereto. In the illustrated arrangement, the brick ties (56) are made from stamped metal strip so that they can fit in the mortar filling the gaps between adjacent coping stones (57), each tie having a cross pin (58) which fits into an appropriate half recess (not shown) in each coping stone (57).

Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment in which the DPC (56) is mounted by means of nut (62) on the end of threaded bolt (63) between channel member (51) and anchor means (60) having lateral feet (61) located between the brickwork (55). Each coping stone or brick (57) has a recess (64) formed in it to receive bolt (63), said bolt being anchored therein using mortar.

The channel member (51) can be configured as shown in Figure 13 to include inwardly directed lips or it can be U-shaped as shown in Figure 15 which is much easier to manufacture as the lips are omitted. A nylon washer (65) is located between the DPC (56) and the anchor means (60) to provide a waterproof seal between the DPC and the mounting bolt (63). The upstanding side walls (51) of the U-shaped channel member (51) shown in Figure 15 can be bent inwardly towards each other as shown in Figure 14 to provide a dovetail cross section which is beneficial in improving the keying of the channel member (51) in the mortar between the upper course of brickwork (55) and the coping bricks (57).

It will be seen from the foregoing that the present invention provides a very simple and convenient to use method of inserting a damp-proof course into a double skin wall and to securely fix a capping thereto. As the combined DPC and wall tie of the invention is assembled in the factory, it is very easy for the bricklayer to use in the manner already described and there is no need for any assembly on site.

An important advantage of the combined DPC and ties of the present invention is they avoid the need to use special bricks and can therefore be used with any make or colour of standard bricks.

Furthermore, the combined DPC and wall ties provide great flexibility as the anchor means can be attached thereto at any spaced location along their length to suit the type of wall of which the combined wall tie and DPC is to be part of.

Whilst the preferred embodiments just described with reference to the drawings are shown as being used at coping level, it should be noted that the invention can also be used at any level in a wall or a building from the foundations upwards including sloping gable ends.

Claims (31)

1. A combined DPC and wall tie for use with a two skin wall comprising an elongate channel member shaped to receive and retain a plurality of movably located ties therein, anchor means connected to said channel member shaped to extend into the space between said pair of facing wall skins to fix the channel member in position therebetween and means for mounting a layer of damp proof course (DPC) material between the anchor means and the channel member to extend laterally therefrom in opposite directions by a distance sufficient to bridge the space between the two facing wall skins.

2. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 1 wherein the anchor means comprises at least one anchor member, the or each of said members having a first portion shaped to extend between the facing wall skins and a second portion extending laterally therefrom to be anchored in at least one of said facing wall skins.

3. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 2 wherein the or each anchor member is top hat shaped, the flat topped upper section providing the first portion and two feet extending laterally in opposite directions providing the second portion.

4. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 3 wherein the flat topped section of the or each anchor member is substantially horizontal.

5. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 3 wherein the flat topped section of the or each anchor member is inclined to the horizontal.

6. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in any of claims 2-5 wherein a plurality of discrete anchor members are attached to the channel member at spaced locations along its length.

7. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 6 wherein a water resistant grommet is provided between the channel member and the each anchor member.

8. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 7 wherein the grommet is lozenge shaped to include a laterally extending offset portion.

9. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 2 wherein the or each anchor member is L-shaped, the upright part thereof providing the first portion and the laterally extending foot providing the second portion, a sliding tie being fitted to the first portion so as to be slidable along its length, said sliding tie extending laterally in opposite directions with respect to the first portion by a distance sufficient to enable each of said laterally extending portions to be anchored in a respective one of said facing wall skins.

10. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 2 wherein a second elongate channel member shaped to receive and retain a plurality of movably located ties therein is attached in back-to-back relationship to the first channel member, the or each anchor member being an inverted T-shape, the upright of the T providing the first portion and being connected to the second channel member and the cross piece of the T providing the second portion.

11. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 1 wherein the anchor means comprises at least one anchor member having an inclined central portion to which the channel member is attached and coplanar end portions extending laterally therefrom in opposite directions adapted to be anchored in a respective one of said facing wall skins, the inclined central portion terminating and joining directly with one of said end portions.

12. A combined DPC and wall tie for use with a solid or bonded wall comprising an elongate channel member shaped to receive and retain a plurality of movably located ties therein, anchor means connected to said channel member shaped to extend into the space between adjacent bricks of the wall in at least the top course thereof to fix the channel member in position relative thereto, and means for mounting a layer of DPC material between the channel member and the anchor means to extend laterally therefrom in opposite directions.

13. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 12 wherein the anchor means comprises at least one mounting member in the form of a blade or bonding tang connected to the base of the channel member and extending therefrom for location, in use, in the mortar between the two facing bricks of at least the top course of the solid wall.

14. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 13 wherein the bonding tang is made of deformed metal strip or threaded rod.

15. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 12 wherein the anchor means comprises at least one mounting member in the form of a rod or bolt extending from the base of the channel member and provided along its length with means to enable it, in use, to be anchored in the mortar between the two facing bricks of at least the top course of the solid or bonded wall.

16. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 12 wherein a second elongate channel member is connected in back-to-back relationship to the base of the first channel member to define an H-section, the top of the or each blade or bonding tang being shaped to be slidably received and retained in said second channel member.

17. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 12 wherein a strap extends laterally in opposite directions from the channel member, the free edge of each strap having means thereon to releasably mount an edge trim thereto to overhang each upper edge of the wall.

18. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 1 or claim 12 wherein the mounting means comprises a plurality of threaded bolts which, in use, extend from the base of the channel member, the end of the or each bolt being received in rotatable mounting means incorporated in a mortar anchor.

19. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in any of claims 1-9, 11-15 or 18 including a layer of DPC mounted thereon by the mounting means between the channel member and the anchor means.

20. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in any of claims 10, 16 or 17 including a layer of DPC material mounted thereon by the mounting means between the first and second channel members.

21. A combined DPC and wall tie for use with a cavity wall formed by a main structural frame having a cladding skin of brickwork attached thereto to provide the cavity therebetween comprising an elongate channel member shaped to receive and retain a plurality of movably located brick ties therein, brickwork support means connected to the channel member to support the brickwork of the cladding skin, anchor means connected to said brickwork support means shaped to extend into the cavity to fix the channel member in position therein, and means for mounting a layer of DPC material between the channel member and the brickwork support means.

22. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 21 wherein the brickwork support means is a length of L-shaped metal having a foot portion and an upright, the channel member being connected to the upright and the foot portion supporting the brickwork.

23. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22 including a layer of DPC material mounted thereon by the mounting means between the channel member and the brickwork support means, the channel member being spaced from the brickwork support means by spacer means.

24. A combined DPC and wall tie for use with a solid wall comprising an elongate channel member shaped to receive a plurality of movably located brick ties therein, anchor means connected to the channel member at spaced locations along its length, said anchor means being attachable by screws or bolts to the upper course of bricks in said solid wall, and means for mounting a layer of DPC material between the channel member and the anchor means to extend laterally from both sides thereof to cover said upper course of bricks.

25. A combined DPC and wall tie for use with an isolated pier or end stop having a cavity therein comprising a U-shaped elongate member, anchor means connected thereto and shaped to extend into said cavity, means for mounting a layer of DPC material between the U-shaped elongate member and the anchor means to extend laterally from opposite sides thereof and cover the upper course of bricks immediately adjacent thereto and a plurality of tie members protruding from the anchor means for attaching a respective coping brick or stone thereto.

26. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 25 wherein the anchor means comprises a plurality of discrete anchor members attached to the U-shaped elongate member at spaced intervals along its length.

27. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the or each tie member comprises a threaded rod or bolt.

28. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in any of claims 25-27 wherein the side walls of the U-shaped elongate member are inclined towards each other to give the profile a generally dovetail shaped cross section.

29. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in claim 24 wherein a layer of DPC material is mounted thereto between the channel member and the anchor means.

30. A combined DPC and wall tie as claimed in any of claims 25-28 wherein a layer of DPC material is mounted between the anchor means and the U-shaped elongate member

31. A combined DPC and wall tie substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.