GB2385398A

GB2385398A - A blind fastening device

Info

Publication number: GB2385398A
Application number: GB0203469A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Klippel
Original assignee: Tyco European Metal Framing Ltd
Current assignee: Tyco European Metal Framing Ltd
Priority date: 2002-02-14
Filing date: 2002-02-14
Publication date: 2003-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2022-02-14
Also published as: GB0203469D0; GB2385398B; GB2410307B; GB0509658D0; GB2410307A

Abstract

A blind fastening device has a cylindrical slotted sleeve (2) and a threaded fastener (4) receivable in the sleeve (2) and having a head (5) and a tapered threadedly mounted member (7) engageable with the sleeve (2). A washer (6) is positionable between the head (5) and an end of the sleeve (2), and has a portion of a surface in contact with the end of the sleeve (2) adapted to prevent rotation of the sleeve (2).

Description

DEVICE

The present invention relates to a blind fastening device for connecting a structural component (such as a channel bracket) to a surface such as a concrete wall and to a masonry support system comprising the blind fastening device and a channel bracket.

In the construction of buildings, it is common to apply exterior masonry such as brickwork or stone cladding to an interior surface such as a concrete wall, floor or beam, steelwork or a brick wall. For the purposes of supporting the exterior masonry, there may be provided a masonry support system in the cavity between the interior surface and exterior masonry. Typically the masonry support system comprises a channel bracket secured vertically to the interior surface and adapted to support the exterior brickwork horizontally usually by means of an angled bracket. One such channel bracket which is adjustable for building tolerances is disclosed in GB-A-2249816.

Channel brackets may be fixed to the interior surface using various fasteners. For steelwork interior surfaces, a wide range of bolts, set screws, nuts and washers may be used. For concrete interior surfaces, it may be possible to use expansion bolts, resin bonded anchors or cast-in sockets. More often than not, there is a lack of convenient access to the blind side of the channel bracket for completing the fastening operation. In this situation, toggle bolts may be used on both concrete and steelwork. A toggle bolt widely used in the construction industry for blind fastening of channel brackets is disclosed in EP-A-0725219.

In a first (closed) mode the toggle device may be inserted through apertures in the channel bracket and interior surface, after which it may be manipulated into a second (open) mode where it extends across the aperture on the blind face of the interior surface. A disadvantage of this toggle device is that it is expensive and requires a large aperture for insertion in the closed mode. Such a large aperture leads to difficulties in controlling the transition from closed to open mode.

Numerous blind fastening devices which only require access to the exposed face of a structural component have been developed in various industries. One such blind fastening device is described in US-A-5213460 (Sadri et al) . This is a relatively sophisticated device with limited applicability as a very tight tolerance to the clearance hole diameter is required

and special equipment is needed for installation. The blind fastening device consists of a threaded shank and a non-rigid main sleeve which is collapsible to bring an expanding sleeve

-2 into engagement with the blind face of a structural component. The expanding sleeve adopts an expanded bulbous shape as it passes over a taper on the non-rigid main sleeve. In order to collapse the non-rigid main sleeve and complete the fastening operation, a high axial force must be applied through the shank using a tool.

A further blind fastening device is described in WO-A-96/22479 (Glynwed International Plc) and is used primarily for fixing an outer steel ply to an inner steel ply.

This particular blind fastening device comprises a slotted sleeve with a collar seated on the exposed face of the outer steel ply and a body extending through apertures in the outer steel ply and inner steel ply and beyond to the blind side. A threaded fastener passes through the collar and body of the slotted sleeve and threadedly engages a nut at its blind side end.

Progressive tightening of the threaded fastener from the exposed side causes the nut to be drawn axially towards the blind face of the inner steel ply into engagement with the blind side end of the slotted sleeve which radially expands to anchor the blind fastening device.

A blind fastening device working essentially in reverse to that disclosed in WO-A-

96/22479 is described in GB-A-2347185 (Glynwed International Plc). The reverse blind fastening device has a slotted sleeve which (by progressive tightening) is drawn axially towards the blind face of the inner steel ply into engagement with the end of a rigid shank causing it to expand radially towards the blind face of the inner steel ply to anchor the blind fastening device.

A common drawback with blind fastening devices of the slotted sleeve type is that there is a tendency for rotary tightening of the threaded fastener to cause the slotted sleeve to spin against the surface with which it is in contact thereby impeding the fastening operation. Known attempts to eliminate this undesirable effect involve additional tools and/or sophisticated structural modifications or additional components of the fastening device or require tight tolerances in the formation of the sleeve with respect to the apertures through which it is passed (see inter alla FR-A-945387 and GB-A-553124). By way of example, WO-A-96/22479 (supra) prevents rotation of the slotted sleeve using a spanner or special tool to restrain the collar which for this purpose has one or more fiat portions.

The present invention seeks to address certain deficiencies of blind fastening devices of the slotted sleeve type in an elegantly simple manner by providing a surface in contact with the non-expandable end of the slotted sleeve which is adapted to substantially prevent rotation thereof In particular, the present invention relates to a blind fastening

device in which the non-radially expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve contacts a surface of a washer containing a non-conformity.

Thus viewed from one aspect the present invention provides a blind fastening device for fastening a structural component from its exposed side to an interior surface positioned on its blind side, wherein each of said structural component and said interior surface have an aperture, said blind fastening device comprising: a substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve capable of passing from the exposed side through the aperture of the structural component to the blind side and through or into the aperture of the interior surface, said substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve having a plurality of slots extending axially from an expandable end towards a non-expandable end; a threaded fastener non- threadedly receivable in the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve, said threaded fastener having at its exposed side end a head for tightening the threaded fastener from the exposed side and on its blind side end an at least partially tapered threadedly mounted member engageable with the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve; and a washer positionable between the head of the threaded fastener and the exposed face of the structural component, wherein a portion of the surface of the washer in contact with the non- expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve is adapted to substantially prevent rotation thereof, whereby progressive tightening of the threaded fastener from the exposed side causes the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve to radially expand so as to anchor the blind fastening device and fasten the structural component to the interior surface.

By utilising the surface of a washer to substantially prevent spinning of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve, the blind fastening device of the invention is rendered more reliable. The blind fastening device of the invention has the added advantage that an enlarged aperture is not required and that it may be installed more straightforwardly and quickly than a toggle device. The blind fastening device of the invention is further advantageous in that it may be undone and re-tightened for adjustment of the structural component relat*e to the interior surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the surface of the washer contains a non-

conformity capable of substantially preventing rotation of the nonexpandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve. The nonconformity may be at least one projection or

-4 at least one depression. The depression may be a cavity or groove. The projection may be a pip or rib. Particularly preferably the portion of the surface of the washer is undulant.

In a preferred embodiment, at least the portion of (preferably the whole of) the surface of the washer comprises a plurality of substantially parallel troughs separated by substantially parallel crests. The substantially parallel crests may be chamfered at one end.

The crests may adopt an essentially V-shaped section, preferably a flattened or rounded V-

shaped section. The troughs may adopt an essentially V-shaped section.

Preferably at least a portion of the non-expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve adopts a profile capable of mating with the non-conformity. For example, where the non-conformity is a pip, the non-expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve may include a hollow. For example, where the non-conformity is a rib, the non-expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve may include a radial channel.

Preferably the non-expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve includes one or more teeth capable of engaging a depression (eg a cavity or groove) in the portion of the surface of the washer. Particularly preferably the non-expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve includes at least one pair of teeth capable of engaging at least one depression in the portion of the surface of the washer. More preferably the non-

expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve includes a pair of diametrically opposed teeth capable of engaging at least one depression (eg a groove or two cavities) in the portion of the surface of the washer. The (or each) tooth may be V-shaped, U-shaped or square. The opposing face of the washer (ie not in contact with the exposed face of the structural component) is generally flat and may be in contact with the head of the threaded fastener. Alternatively there may be a conventional ring washer in between the head of the threaded fastener and the washer.

Whilst any number of slots may be used on the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve, four or more are generally preferred. Particularly preferably, the substantially cylindrical sleeve is provided with four slots. The four slots are advantageously located substantially equidistantly around the perimeter of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve defining two pairs of arcuate legs of substantially equal width which are radially and diametrically aligned. The slot length may be varied to accommodate the required load. In a

-5 preferred embodiment, one slot extends along the full length of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve.

Generally, the slots are equidistant around the perimeter of the sleeve. For example, four slots at 90 to each other or three slots at 120 to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, a tapered portion of the at least partially tapered, threadedly mounted member adopts a substantially frustoconical profile. Typically the frustoconical tapered portion extends from an end of a cylindrical body. The opposite end of the cylindrical body may be chamfered. At least a part of the surface of the tapered portion may be modified for improved grip. For example at least a part of the surface of the tapered portion may be knurled or serrated. Typically at least a part of the surface of the tapered portion comprises a plurality of axial ridges.

The threaded fastener may be any suitable threaded component. However, for ease and cost-effectiveness, it is preferably a bolt of a standard size. It will be appreciated that the at least partially tapered threadedly mounted member may be a tapered nut. The components of the blind fastening device of the invention are conveniently made of stainless steel. Where the surface of the washer comprises a plurality of substantially parallel troughs separated by substantially parallel crests, the blind fastening device may be used in a masonry support system with certain channel brackets to complement the advantage that it may be undone and re-tightened with the added advantage that the washer renders the system easily adjustable and therefore able to accommodate building tolerances. Such a novel masonry support system is independently patentably significant.

Viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides a masonry support system for supporting exterior masonry adjacent to an interior surface, said masonry support system comprising: a channel bracket having opposed side walls separated by a base containing an elongate slot, said base comprising a plurality of formations on its exposed face, at least one blind fastening device for fastening the channel bracket to the interior . surface comprising: a substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve capable of passing from an exposed side of the channel bracket through the elongate slot to a blind side and through or

-6 into an aperture in the interior surface, said substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve having a plurality of slots extending axially from an expandable end towards a non-expandable end; a threaded fastener non-threadedly receivable in the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve, said threaded fastener having at its exposed side end a head for tightening the threaded fastener from the exposed side and on its blind side end an at least partially tapered, threadedly mounted member engageable with the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve; and a washer positionable between the head of the threaded fastener and the exposed face of the channel bracket, wherein the surface of the washer comprises a plurality of substantially parallel troughs separated by substantially parallel crests capable of substantially preventing rotation of the non-expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve and of engaging the formations on the exposed face of the base of the channel bracket, whereby progressive tightening of the threaded fastener from the exposed side causes the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve to radially expand so as to anchor the blind fastening device and fasten the channel bracket to the interior surface, and means attached to or mounted on the channel bracket for horizontally supporting the exterior masonry.

The interior surface may be a concrete section (eg a hollow concrete section) or a steel section (eg a hollow steel section). The exterior masonry may be brickwork or stone cladding. The formations on the exposed face of the base of the channel bracket may be a plurality of linear, parallel grooves capable of engaging the substantially parallel crests of the washer. Preferably the formations on the exposed face of the base of the channel bracket are at or near to the edges of the elongate slot. For example, the formations may be formed on parallel lips inwardly dependent from the edges of the elongate slot. The formations may take the form of ribs capable of engaging the substantially parallel crests of the washer.

The substantially parallel crests may be chamfered at one end. The crests may adopt an essentially V-shaped section, preferably a flattened or rounded V-shaped section. The troughs may adopt an essentially V-shaped section.

Preferably the means attached to or mounted on the channel bracket for horizontally supporting the exterior masonry is an angled bracket (eg an L section bracket).

The angled bracket may be fixed (eg welded) to at least two spaced apart channel brackets.

Cavity ties may be used to supplement the masonry support system.

The channel bracket may be of the type disclosed in GB-A-22498 16.

Viewed from a yet further aspect the present invention provides a method for supporting exterior masonry adjacent to an interior surface comprising: obtaining a blind fastening device as hereinbefore defined; obtaining a channel bracket as hereinbefore defined; passing the threaded fastener through the aperture in the washer to bring the washer into abutment with the head of the threaded fastener; passing the threaded fastener through the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve; threading the at least partially tapered member onto the threaded fastener; bringing the at least partially tapered member into engagement with the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve; passing the slotted sleeve from the exposed side of the channel bracket through the elongate slot of the channel bracket to the blind side and through or into an aperture in the interior surface; and progressively tightening the threaded fastener from the exposed side so as to anchor the blind fastening device and fasten the channel bracket to the interior surface.

In seeking to address certain deficiencies of blind fastening devices of the slotted sleeve type, the non-expandable end of the slotted sleeve may be separated from the washer by a deformable member to substantially prevent relative rotary movement therebetween.

Thus viewed from a yet still further aspect the present invention provides a a blind fastening device for fastening a structural component from its exposed side to an interior surface positioned on its blind side, wherein each of said structural component and said interior surface have an aperture, said blind fastening device comprising: a substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve capable of passing from the exposed side through the aperture of the structural component to the blind side and through or into the aperture of the interior surface, said substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve having a plurality of slots extending axially from an expandable end towards a non-expandable end;

-8- a threaded fastener non-threadedly receivable in the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve, said threaded fastener having at its exposed side end a head for tightening the threaded fastener from the exposed side and on its blind side end an at least partially tapered threadedly mounted member engageable with the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve; and a washer positionable between the head of the threaded fastener and the exposed face of the structural component; a deformable collar positionable between the non-expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve and a portion of the surface of the washer so as to substantially prevent relative rotation therebetween, whereby progressive tightening of the threaded fastener from the exposed side causes the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve to radially expand so as to anchor the blind fastening device and fasten the structural component to the interior surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the deformable washer adopts a substantially frustoconical configuration.

The present invention will now be described in a non-limitative sense with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates in sectional view an embodiment of the masonry support system of the invention; and Figure 2 illustrates an isolated frontal view of the channel bracket and washer of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figures 3a-c illustrate an embodiment of the blind fastening device of the invention and various component parts thereof in isolation; and Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the blind fastening device of the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates in sectional view an. embodiment of the masonry support system of the invention designated generally by reference numeral 1. The masonry support system 1 is situated in a cavity 4 between an inner hollow concrete section 2 and an outerleaf of brickwork 3 and comprises a channel bracket 5 welded to a vertical surace 6a of an L-

section angled bracket 6. The channel bracket 5 is described in greater detail below with reference to Figure 2. A horizontal surface 6b of the Lsection angled bracket 6 supports the brickwork 2.

-9- The channel bracket 5 is fastened to the hollow concrete section 2 by a blind fastening device 7 and is shown in the anchored mode in Figure 1. The blind fastening device 7 comprises a substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 8 having four arcuate legs 9 separated by slots 10 extending from an expandable end 8a towards (but remote from) a non-

expandable end 8b. A bolt 11 with a head 12 passes through and beyond the expandable end 8a ofthe substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 8. Between the head 12 and the non-

expandable end 8b of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 8 is a washer 13 positioned against the exposed face of the channel bracket 5. The surface of the washer 13 is as described below with reference to Figure 2. Contact between the non-expandable end 8b of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 8 and the surface of the washer 13 serves to prevent rotation of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 8 during progressive tightening of the bolt 1 1 so that a tapered nut 14 is drawn axially along the bolt 1 1 and causes the arcuate legs 9 to splay and anchor the blind fastening device 1 into the anchoring position shown in Figure 1.

With reference to Figure 2, there is shown in frontal plan view a channel bracket 20 comprising a base 22 separated by perpendicular side walls 21a, 21b. The base 22 incorporates an elongate slot 23 on each edge of which is a lip 24a,b with a series of horizontal ribs 25a,b (see also Figure 1). A washer 26 as part of a blind fastening device (as described above with reference to Figure 1 but omitted from Figure 2 for clarity) is illustrated in transparency to show a series of parallel troughs 28 and crests 27. on its reverse face (ie the face in contact with the exposed face of the base 22 of the channel bracket 20).

The troughs 28 on the washer 26 engage the horizontal ribs 25a,b for positive mounting and to provide a way of adjusting the relative height of the channel bracket 20 and washer 26 (and therefore the blind fastening device). At the same time, the troughs 28 and crests 27 provide a surface against which the non-expandable end 8b of the substantially slotted sleeve 8 is prevented from spinning during rotary tightening.

Figure 3a illustrates an embodiment ofthe blind fastening device ofthe invention designated by reference numeral 1. The blind fastening device 1 is illustrated in the non-

anchored mode and comprises a substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 2 having three slots 3 extending from an expandable end 2a towards (but remote from) a non-expandable end 2b.

A bolt 4 with a head 5 passes through and beyond the expandable end 2a of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 2. Between the head 5 and the non-expandable end 2b of the

-10 substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 2 is a washer 6. The surface of the washer 6 is as described above with reference to Figure 2. Contact between the non-expandable end 2b of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 2 and the surface of the washer 6 serves to prevent rotation of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 2 during progressive tightening of the bolt 4 so that a tapered nut 7 is drawn axially along the bolt 4 in direction A causing the legs separating the three slots 3 to splay and anchor the blind fastening device 1 (eg in the anchoring position shown in Figure 1).

The tapered nut 7 is illustrated in isolation in Figure 3b. The tapered portion 7a of the tapered nut 7 adopts a substantially Dustoconical profile extending from an end of a substantially cylindrical body 7b. The surface of the tapered portion 7a is knurled for improved grip with the expandable end of a slotted sleeve.

An alternative slotted sleeve is illustrated in isolation in Figure 3c. At its non-

expandable end 2b, the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 2 comprises a tooth 2c. The tooth 2c is suitable for engaging a trough on the surface of a washer (as described with reference to Figure 2). A third slot 2d (shown in outline to the rear) extends the full length of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve.

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the blind fastening device of the invention designated by reference numeral 1. The blind fastening device 1 is illustrated in the non-

A bolt 4 with a head 5 passes through and beyond the expandable end 2a of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 2. In abutment with the head 5 of the bolt 4 is a washer 6. The surface of the washer 6 is as described above with reference to Figure 2. Between the surface of the washer 6 and the non-expandable end 2b of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 2 is a deformable washer 20 of substantially frustoconical configuration. The deformable washer 20 serves to prevent the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve 2 spinning the during progressive tightening of the bolt 4 so that a tapered nut 7 is drawn axially along the bolt 4 in direction A causing the legs separating the three slots 3 to splay and anchor the blind fastening device 1 (eg in the anchoring position shown in Figure 1).

Claims

1. A blind fastening device for fastening a structural component from its exposed side to an interior surface positioned on its blind side, wherein each of said structural component and said interior surface have an aperture, said blind fastening device comprising: a substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve capable of passing from the exposed side through the aperture of the structural component to the blind side and through or into the aperture of the interior surface, said substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve having a plurality of slots extending axially from an expandable end towards a non-expandable end; a threaded fastener non-threadedly receivable in the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve, said threaded fastener having at its exposed side end a head for tightening the threaded fastener from the exposed side and on its blind side end an at least partially tapered threadedly mounted member engageable with the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve; and a washer positionable between the head of the threaded fastener and the exposed face of the structural component, wherein a portion of the surface of the washer in contact with the non- expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve is adapted to substantially prevent rotation thereof, whereby progressive tightening of the threaded fastener from the exposed side causes the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve to radially expand so as to anchor the blind fastening device and fasten the structural component to the interior surface.

2. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim I wherein the portion of the surface of the washer contains a non-conformity capable of substantially preventing rotation of the non-

expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve.

3. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the nonconformity is at least one projection or at least one depression.

4. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the depression is a cavity or groove.

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5. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the projection is a pip or rib.

6. A blind fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the portion of the surface of the washer is undulant.

7. A blind fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least a portion of the surface of the washer comprises a plurality of substantially parallel troughs separated by substantially parallel crests.

8. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the substantially parallel crests are chamfered at one end.

9. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 7 or 8 wherein the crests adopt an essentially V-shaped section.

10. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the crests adopt a flattened or rounded V-shaped section.

1 1. A blind fastening device as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10 wherein the troughs adopt an essentially V-shaped section.

12. A blind fastening device as claimed in any of claims 2 to I 1 wherein at least a portion of the non-expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve adopts a profile capable of mating with the non-conformity.

13. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the nonconformity is a pip and the non-expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve includes a hollow.

14. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the nonconformity is a rib and the non-expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve includes a radial channel.

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15. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the nonexpandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve includes one or more teeth capable of engaging a depression in the portion of the surface of the washer.

16. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the nonexpandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve includes at least one pair of teeth capable of engaging at least one depression in the portion of the surface of the washer.

17. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the nonexpandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve includes a pair of diamekically opposed teeth capable of engaging at least one depression in the portion of the surface of the washer.

18. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the depression is a groove or two cavities.

19. A masonry support system for supporting exterior masonry adjacent to an interior surface, said masonry support system comprising: a channel bracket having opposed side walls separated by a base containing an elongate slot, said base comprising a plurality of formations on its exposed face, at least one blind fastening device for fastening the channel bracket to the interior surface comprising: a substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve capable of passing from an exposed side of the channel bracket through the elongate slot to a blind side and through or into an aperture in the interior surface, said substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve having a plurality of slots extending axially from an expandable end towards a non-expandable end; a threaded fastener nonthreadedly receivable in the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve, said threaded fastener having at its exposed side end a head for tightening the threaded fastener from the exposed side and on its blind side end an at least partially tapered, threadedly mounted member engageable with the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve; and a washer positionable between the head of the threaded fastener and the exposed face of the channel bracket, wherein the surface of the washer comprises a plurality

-14 of substantially parallel troughs separated by substantially parallel crests capable of substantially preventing rotation of the non-expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve and of engaging the formations on the exposed face of the base of the channel bracket, whereby progressive tightening of the threaded fastener from the exposed side causes the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve to radially expand so as to anchor the blind fastening device and fasten the channel bracket to the interior surface; and means attached to or mounted on the channel bracket for horizontally supporting the exterior masonry.

20. A masonry support system as claimed in claim l 9 wherein the interior surface is a concrete section or a steel section.

21. A masonry support system as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein the exterior masonry is brickwork or stone cladding.

22. A masonry support system as claimed in any of claims l 9 to 21 wherein the formations on the exposed face of the base of the channel bracket are a plurality of linear, parallel grooves capable of engaging the substantially parallel crests of the washer.

23. A masonry support system as claimed in any of claims l 9 to 22 wherein the formations on the exposed face of the base of the channel bracket are at or near to the edges of the elongate slot.

24. A masonry support system as claimed in claim 23 wherein the formations are formed on parallel lips inwardly dependent from the edges of the elongate slot.

25. A masonry support system as claimed in any of claims l 9 to 24 wherein the formations take the form of ribs capable of engaging the substantially parallel crests of the washer.

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26. A masonry support system as claimed in any of claims 19 to 25 wherein the substantially parallel crests are chamfered at one end.

27. A masonry support system as claimed in any of claims 19 to 26 wherein the crests adopt an essentially V-shaped section.

28. A masonry support system as claimed in claim 27 wherein the crests adopt a flattened or rounded V-shaped section.

29. A masonry support system as claimed in any of claims 19 to 28 wherein the troughs adopt an essentially V-shaped section.

30. A masonry support system as claimed in any of claims 19 to 29 wherein the means attached to or mounted on the channel bracket for horizontally supporting the exterior masonry is an angled bracket.

31. A method for supporting exterior masonry adjacent to an interior surface comprising: obtaining a blind fastening device as den ned in any of claims 1 to 30; obtaining a channel bracket as defined in any of claims 19 to 20; passing the threaded fastener through the aperture in the washer to bring the washer into abutment with the head of the threaded fastener; passing the threaded fastener through the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve; threading the at least partially tapered member onto the threaded fastener; bringing the at least partially tapered member into engagement with the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve; passing the slotted sleeve from the exposed side of the channel bracket through the elongate slot of the channel bracket to the blind side and through or into an aperture in the interior surface; and progressively tightening the threaded fastener from the exposed side so as to anchor the blind fastening device and fasten the channel bracket to the interior surface.

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32. A blind fastening device for fastening a structural component from its exposed side to an interior surface positioned on its blind side, wherein each of said structural component and said interior surface have an aperture, said blind fastening device comprising: a substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve capable of passing from the exposed side through the aperture of the structural component to the blind side and through or into the aperture of the interior surface, said substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve having a plurality of slots extending axially from an expandable end towards a non-expandable end; a threaded fastener non-threadedly receivable in the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve, said threaded fastener having at its exposed side end a head for tightening the threaded fastener from the exposed side and on its blind side end an at least partially tapered threadedly mounted member engageable with the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve; and a washer positionable between the head of the threaded fastener and the exposed face of the structural component; a deformable collar positionable between the non-expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve and a portion of the surface of the washer so as to substantially prevent relative rotation therebetween, whereby progressive tightening of the threaded fastener from the exposed side causes the expandable end of the substantially cylindrical slotted sleeve to radially expand so as to anchor the blind fastening device and fasten the structural component to the interior surface.

33. A blind fastening device as claimed in claim 32 wherein the deformable washer adopts a substantially frustoconical configuration.