GB2485153A

GB2485153A - Compression lintel apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2485153A
Application number: GB201018453A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shaun Watts
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-11-02
Filing date: 2010-11-02
Publication date: 2012-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 2030-11-02
Also published as: GB201018453D0; GB2485153B

Abstract

Compression lintel apparatus 10 comprises first and second elongate rigid lintel members 12, 14, first engagement means 16 for engaging the first and second lintel members 12, 14 in spaced relationship, and second engagement means 18 which is different from the first engagement means 16 for engaging respective walls 50 abutting the in use first and second lintel members 12, 14. A method using the compression lintel apparatus 10 is also provided. The first engagement means may comprise screw threaded fasteners. The fasteners clamp or pinch the wall between the two lintel members. The second engagement means may comprise one or more lips along edges of the lintel members and may comprise a compressible surface, with a relatively high coefficient of friction, which engages the wall surface in use.

Description

Compression Lintel Apparatus The present invention relates to compression lintel apparatus.

When making an opening in a wall, typically being a doorway but also, for example, a serving hatch or window, a lintel must be installed to take the weight of the wall above.

This is especially critical if the wall is a load bearing wall.

However, a lintel is usually either a very heavy reinforced concrete block or slab, or a metal, typically cast iron, girder. These traditional lintels often require two or more installers, and can easily lead to damage of the property during installation and/or injury to the installer.

Furthermore, before removing wall material, bracing of the wall above the intended opening is required. Typically, two or more large broad through-openings must be formed in the wall above the intended lintel position to accept support timbers, also known as needles, or strong-boy attachments. These are braced by length-adjustable props or acrows, in the case of needles on both sides of the wall. Problematically, the props obstruct unhindered access to the intended wall opening and have to be worked around.

A further problem occurs if the wall opening is being formed on an upper floor rather than a ground floor, or a suspended floor. If the floor is not sufficiently strong to accept the bearing load of the props, then damage to the property can easily result.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided compression lintel apparatus comprising first and second elongate rigid lintel members, first engagement means for engaging the first and second lintel members in spaced relationship, and second engagement means which is different from the first engagement means for engaging respective walls abutting the in use first and second lintel members.

Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 21, inclusive.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming an opening in a wall using compression lintel apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of small through-bores in spaced-apart relationship through the wall above a header of the intended opening and a across a lateral extent of the intended opening; tightly engaging the first and second lintel members with the wall interposed via the first engagement means extending through the small through-bores, the second engagement means forming a positive engagement with the wall surface along at least a majority of a longitudinal extent of each first and second lintel member; and forming the wall opening up to or substantially up to the first and second lintel members, whereby the compression applied by the first and second lintel members prevents or limits movement of the wall material at and/or above the header of the wall opening.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of compression lintel apparatus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows the compression lintel apparatus of Figure 1 when in use; Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of compression lintel apparatus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 4 shows the compression lintel apparatus of Figure 3 when in use; Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of compression lintel apparatus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 6 shows the compression lintel apparatus of Figure 5 when in use; Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of compression lintel apparatus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figures 8a and 8b shows the compression lintel apparatus of Figure 7 when in use; and Figure 9 shows a fifth embodiment of compression lintel apparatus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a first embodiment of compression lintel apparatus 10 which comprises first and second lintel members 12, 14, and first and second engagement means 16, 18. Each first and second lintel member 12, 14 is substantially identical in this case, and is preferably formed of metal, such as cast iron or steel. In this embodiment, each first and second lintel member 12, 14 is an elongate rigid plate, being rectilinear or substantially rectilinear and planar or substantially planar along its longitudinal extent.

Preferably, each first and second lintel member 12, 14 is no more than 2.5 cm thick.

However, a width and length can vary as necessity dictates. Typically, the first and second lintel members 12, 14 include an overhang portion 20 at their ends. This overhang portion 20 should provide at least a 15 cm longitudinal projection beyond the width of the intended wall opening 22.

Each first and second lintel member 12, 14 includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures 24 along at least a majority of the longitudinal extent of the lintel members 12, 14. The apertures 24 are preferably spaced inwardly of and aligned in parallel with the longitudinal edges 26 of the lintel members 12, 14. The apertures 24 are also dimensioned to receive shafts 28 of screw-threaded fastening devices 30 of the first engagement means 16 as a close fit. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, two spaced parallel rows of four apertures 24 are provided. However, a single row or more than two rows of said apertures 24 could be provided, dependent on necessity. For promoting spreading of load and simplifying hole drilling through a mortar course of a wall, utilising at least two rows of said apertures 24 would be more beneficial.

The apertures 32 adjacent to the ends of the first and second lintel members 12, 14 are preferably in the aforementioned overhang portions 20, again to improve load bearing characteristics and safety.

The first and second lintel members 12, 14 shown in Figures 1 and 2 are intended to be viewable once finished, as evidenced in Figure 2, and not embedded, for example, beneath a wall surface finishing 34 such as plasterwork. To this end, each lintel member 12, 14 includes an aesthetic outer surface 36, preferably being patterned. In the present embodiment, this is a wood-effect pattern. The pattern can be applied integrally to the outwardly facing surface 38 of each lintel member 12, 14, for example, by machining or etching, or can be applied as a separately attached layer. In either case, the outwardly facing surface 38 is preferably over-paintable to enable the pattern to be accommodated into a room's decor.

The first engagement means 16, as well as including the apertures 24 mentioned above, also includes a plurality of the said screw-threaded fastening devices 30. In this case, since the lintel members 12, 14 are intended to be viewable and not embedded, each screw-threaded fastening device 30 has two opposable headed shafts 28, one headed shaft 28 having a male screw-threaded element 40 at its tail end remote from the head end, and the other headed shaft 28 having a female screw-threaded element 42 at its tail end. The male and female screw-threaded elements 40, 42 are screw-threadingly engagable with each other. By thereby recessing each aperture 24, either by being stepped or frusto-conically ramped, into the outwardly facing surface 38 of the respective lintel member 12, 14, the head 44 of the headed shaft 28 can be made flush or substantially flush with the lintel member 12, 14, whilst the engagement between the two headed shafts 28 occurs spaced from the lintel members 12, 14.

The second engagement means 18 in this embodiment comprises a tactile compressible layer 46 on the inwardly facing surface 48 of each first and second lintel member 12, 14.

The compressible layer 46 is suitably, preferably elastically, deformable to at least in part conform to an uneven surface. Preferably, the compressible layer 46 extends continuously or substantially continuously over at least the majority of the inwardly facing surface 48 of each lintel member 12, 14. However, it is possible that it may be discontinuous over the longitudinal extent of the lintel member 12, 14, or be provided as a perimeter strip, for example.

The compressible layer 46 typically may have an in use coefficient of friction which is greater than that of the first and second lintel members 12, 14. The material of the compressible layer 46 may be rubber, a polymeric material, or even soft plastics.

Typically, the compressible layer 46 is provided on the inwardly facing surface 48 of the lintel member 12, 14 by bonding or welding.

In use, the size and position of the wall opening 22 is marked onto the wall 50.

Typically an extra 10 mm is then added and a horizontal line is drawn for aligning a S bottom edge 51 of the first lintel member 12. The same is repeated on the other side of the wall 50 for the second lintel member 14. The first and second lintel members 12, 14, when held in place on the wall 50 over the existing wall finish, are drawn around and the positions for the apertures 24 are marked. The lintel members 12, 14 have a length which preferably overhangs the uprights of the proposed wall opening 22 by at least 15 cm. A suitable drill and bit, for example, a masonry bit, are used to form horizontal through-holes or bores through the wall 50 which align with the marked aperture positions. The first lintel member 12 is held in position whilst the female headed shafts 28 of at least two screw-threaded fastening devices 30 are placed through two apertures 24 and into their respective holes to support the first lintel member 12 on the wall 50 above the intended wall opening 22. The second lintel member 14 can then be held in position and the corresponding male headed shafts 28 can be inserted and engaged with their female counterparts. The remaining screw-threaded fastening devices 30 can then be inserted in their respective apertures 24 and engaged.

With the first and second lintel members 12, 14 checked for horizontal positioning, the screw-threaded fastening devices 30 can be engaged and tightened. Tightening compresses the wall material interposed between the first and second lintel members 12, 14. Tightening also brings the compressible layer 46 of the second engagement means 18 into contact with the existing wall surface thereby promoting frictional engagement of the lintel member 12, 14 with the abutting wall surface and accommodating wall surface irregularities. The load-bearing compression lintel is thus installed creating an overhanging exposed timber beam effect or other pattern effect, and the wall opening 22, being a door, hatch or window for example, can now be cut out. A frame can then be installed, and a plaster finish can be made to the disturbed surfaces.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, a second embodiment of compression lintel apparatus 10 is shown. Like references refer to parts similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore further detailed description is omitted. The lintel apparatus 10 comprises the first and second lintel members 12, 14, along with the previously described first and second engagement means 16, 18. However, the first and second lintel members 12, 14 are intended to abut the brick or block work 52 beneath a wall surface finishing 34, such as plaster. To this end, the aesthetic patterned surface on the outwardly facing surface 38 of the lintel members 12, 14 can be dispensed with, if necessary.

As an alternative, a patterned surface on the outwardly facing surfaces 38 may be retained to aid keying of a wall finishing material, such as plaster.

With the wall surface finishing 34 removed above the marked out wall opening 22, as shown in Figure 4, the first and second lintel members 12, 14 can be attached to the wall 50 as described above to compress and hold the wall material above the proposed wall opening 22, thereby allowing removal of the material within the marked wall opening 22.

Although the male and female headed shafts 28 are preferably utilised, since the lintel members 12, 14 are to be hidden from view, it may be feasible to utilise a screw-threaded headed shaft and mating nut which may therefore not be recessed at their respective apertures 24.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a third embodiment of compression lintel apparatus 10 is shown. Again, like references refer to parts similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore further detailed description is omitted. The lintel apparatus 10 comprises the first and second lintel members 12, 14, along with the first and second engagement means 16, 18. However, the second engagement means 18 includes first and second lips 54, 56 at or adjacent to an in use lowermost longitudinal edge 51 of each first and second lintel member 12, 14. The lips 54, 56 are integrally formed as one-piece with the elongate body of the lintel member 12, 14, but may be detachably engagable to provide selectability for an installer on a job-by-job basis.

The lips 54, 56 extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the elongate body of each lintel member 12, 14, and extend in opposite directions to each other. Each lip 54, 56 is elongate and preferably extends continuously along the longitudinal extent of the lintel member 12, 14. However, it is possible that the lips 54, 56 may be discontinuous. In this embodiment, a lateral extent of each lip 54, 56 is uniform or substantially uniform along at least a majority of its longitudinal extent.

A lateral extent of the first lip 54 contiguous with the inwardly facing surface 48 of each lintel member 12, 14 may have a greater lateral extent or width than the second lip 56 which is contiguous with the outwardly facing surface 38 of each lintel member 12, 14.

In use, once the horizontal line has been marked for positioning the lintel member 12, 14, a slot 58, for example using a disc-cutter, is cut along the horizontal line to receive the first lip 54 of the lintel member 12, 14. A depth of this cut substantially matches that of the lateral extent of the first lip 54, but is generally just deep enough so that the structural integrity of the wall material above the proposed wall opening 22 is not compromised. Preferably, the first lip 54 is receivable within the slot 58 to a depth which supports a longitudinal edge portion of the brick or block work 52 of the wall 50.

For example, the first lip 54 may have a lateral extent which is around 30 mm to 40 mm, and therefore a depth of the slot 58 would typically be around 35 mm to 45 mm.

The second lip 56 is utilised to receive the wall surface finishing 34, such as plaster.

The lintel members 12, 14 of the third embodiment are thus utilised in a similar manner to those of the second embodiment by being recessed within the wall surface finishing 34.

The compressible layer of the second engagement means of the first embodiment may be optionally dispensed with in light of the first lip 54.

Furthermore, the second lip 56 may also be optionally dispensed with, if the wall surface finishing 34 can be suitably keyed to the outwardly facing surface 38. In this case, the patterned surface could be utilised.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a fourth embodiment of compression lintel apparatus 10 is shown. Again, like references refer to parts similar to those of the first embodiment, and further detailed description is omitted. The lintel apparatus 10 comprises first and second lintel members 12, 14, along with the first and second engagement means 16, 18.

However, this compression lintel apparatus 10 is temporary and is intended to provide support whilst a traditional lintel 62 is installed. The first and second lintel members 12, 14 are channels 64, in this embodiment, which thereby provide improved resistance against lateral bending forces. The first engagement means 16 is provided with only one row of screw-threaded fastening devices 30, although two or more rows could be utilised.

Each screw-threaded fastening device 30 preferably utilises a screw-threaded shaft 28 and a pair of tri-spoke nuts 66 for engagement at opposite sides. The tn-spoke nuts 66 are intended to enable an installer to manually tighten without the need for tools.

However, if sufficient compression cannot be achieved, then the tn-spoke nuts 66 can be swapped for more standard tool-engagable nuts.

The second engagement means 18 preferably includes the compressible layer 46 as described in the first embodiment. Although the first lips 54, 56 of the second embodiment can be utilised, in this embodiment they are omitted.

The first and second channel-shaped lintel members 12, 14 are intended to be received over an existing wall surface finishing 34, similarly to the first embodiment. With the compression lintel apparatus 10 in place, the wall opening 22 can be formed, the traditional lintel 62 can be installed beneath the temporary compression lintel apparatus 10, and then the compression lintel apparatus 10 can be removed allowing finishing.

The compression lintel apparatus 10 described in the above embodiments all utilise straight or rectilinear lintel members 12, 14. However, as shown in the fifth embodiment of Figure 9, each lintel member 12, 14 may have a longitudinal extent which is non-rectilinear. In this case, at least a portion 68 of the longitudinal extent is curved or arcuate, thereby allowing the wall opening 22 to be formed with an at least in part arcuate header 70. Other shapes can of course be utilised, such as wavy, flat peaked, and ogival.

It is thus possible to provide compression lintel apparatus which can support a wall portion without the need for props and needles whilst a wall opening is being formed. It is also possible to provide compression lintel apparatus which does not obstruct or occlude access to the working area on either side of the wall. The compression lintel apparatus may be temporary or permanent, may provide an aesthetic viewable outwardly facing surface, or may be recessed and enThedded so as to be hidden from view within a wall finishing material. The compression lintel apparatus, by utilising plates or channels, instead of solid blocks of material, is much lighter and less cumbersome to manoeuvre and position, thereby requiring only one installer to erect.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. Compression lintel apparatus comprising first and second elongate rigid lintel members, first engagement means for engaging the first and second lintel members in spaced relationship, and second engagement means which is different from the first engagement means for engaging respective walls abutting the in use first and second lintel members.
2. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second lintel members are plates.
3. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plates are planar or substantially planar.
4. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein each plate has a lip at or adjacent to one longitudinal edge.
5. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lip extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the main body of the lintel member.
6. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the lip is continuous or substantially continuous along at least a majority of a longitudinal extent of the plate.
7. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the lip is at least part of the second engagement means.
8. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein a second said lip extends oppositely the first said lip at or adjacent to the said longitudinal edge.
9. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the in use said second lip abuts a wall finishing surface.
10. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second lintel members are channels
11. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second lintel members are rectilinear along their longitudinal extents.
12. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first and second lintel members have longitudinal extents which are non-rectilinear.
13. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least part of the longitudinal extent of each first and second lintel member is curved.
14. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each first and second lintel member has a patterned in use outwardly facing surface.
15. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the patterned outwardly facing surface is a wood-effect surface.
16. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement means includes a plurality of elongate screw-threaded fastening devices.
17. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein each screw-threaded fastening device includes two opposable headed shafts, one said headed shaft including a male screw-threaded element and the other said headed shaft including an engagable female screw-threaded element.
18. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein each first and second lintel member includes a plurality of spaced recessed apertures adapted to receive the said headed shafts so that a head of each headed shaft is flush or substantially flush with an outwardly facing surface of the respective first and second lintel member for a smooth wall finishing thereover.
19. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second engagement means includes a compressible layer on a wall-abuttable in use inwardly facing surface of each first and second lintel member.
20. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the compressible layer has an in use coefficient of friction which is greater than that of the first and second lintel members.
21. Compression lintel apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the compressible layer extends continuously or substantially continuously over the at least the majority of the inwardly facing surface.
22. Compression lintel apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, Figures 3 and 4, Figures 5 and 6, Figures 7 and 8, or Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.
23. A method of forming an opening in a wall using compression lintel apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of small through-bores in spaced-apart relationship through the wall above a header of the intended opening and a across a lateral extent of the intended opening; tightly engaging the first and second lintel members with the wall interposed via the first engagement means extending through the small through-bores, the second engagement means forming a positive engagement with the wall surface along at least a majority of a longitudinal extent of each first and second lintel member; and fonTning the wall opening up to or substantially up to the first and second lintel members, whereby the compression applied by the first and second lintel members prevents or limits movement of the wall material at and/or above the header of the wall opening.