GB2576750A

GB2576750A - Masonry support apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2576750A
Application number: GB1814128.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Maurice Brown William
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-08-30
Filing date: 2018-08-30
Publication date: 2020-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-30
Also published as: GB2576750B; IE20190140A1; GB201814128D0; IE87289B1

Abstract

A masonry support apparatus 10 comprising support brackets 13, a soffit tray 11 with a masonry carrying section 40 and a means 41 for attaching it to the support brackets 13. The apparatus further comprises a beam 12 having a masonry carrying section 42 and means 20 for attaching it to the brackets 13. In an assembled state, soffit tray 11 and beam 12 may be independently connected to the support brackets 13 but not to each other. This removes the need to have bolts extending through the masonry carrying portion 42 of the beam 12, which simplifies the brick laying process. The soffit tray may be slidable onto the brackets 13, which simplifies installation of the system.

Description

Masonry Support Apparatus

Field ofthe Invention

This invention relates to masonry support apparatus, and in particular masonry support apparatus for soffits.

Background ofthe invention

It is well known to provide masonry support devices which extend from a building and provide one or more surfaces onto which masonry may be placed or bonded such that particular features and functions of a building may be formed. One typical use for masonry support devices is to form soffit features above windows, doors, or beneath any overhanging feature of a building. Typically masonry support devices comprise some form of intermediate component which is fixed to the building and supports one or more masonry support components. Whist current designs do satisfactorily create soffit features and the like where required, the installation process associated with masonry support devices can be complicated and lengthy. Given that numerous soffit or overhanging type features are generally required on most buildings, this issue is compounded across multiple installations such that over the life of a build significant time and expense is added. Many existing systems require that the entire masonry support device is constructed before masonry may be applied, thus reducing flexibility ofthe building process. In addition, existing solutions are generally provided as complete units which are bolted or welded together creating large and heavy structures which are difficult to transport and handle on site. Whilst bolting ofthe separate components of masonry supports together to form the overall device is a satisfactory method in terms of structural stability and load bearing capability, mechanical fixtures such as bolts are often placed through surfaces onto which masonry is intended to be placed or bonded. This creates an obstruction on these surfaces such that masonry placed thereon does not sit flush with the surface causing issues including an imperfect finish, misalignment, or a defective bond. This results in a requirement to adapt the masonry by making cuts ordrilling holes. Various configurations of attachment ofthe separate components of a masonry support device also exist. However in some cases a first load carrying masonry support component is directly attached to and supports a second load carrying masonry support component. In this case, the first load carrying masonry support component must carry both its own load and transfer or carry a portion ofthe load from the second load carrying masonry support component, thus increasing the loading demands on the first masonry support component.

It is would be desirable to provide a masonry support apparatus which provides impediment free masonry attachment and a flexible and expedient installation process.

Summary of the invention

According to the invention there is provided a masonry support apparatus comprising: at least one intermediate component; a first masonry support component comprising a masonry carrying section and means for attaching said first masonry support component to the intermediate portion; and a second masonry support component comprising a masonry carrying section and means for attaching the second masonry support component to the intermediate portion, wherein, in an assembled state, said first masonry support component is supported by said at least one intermediate component via said attachment means, and said second masonry support component is supported by said at least one intermediate component via said attachment means.

Ideally, the first masonry support component is not directly connected to the second masonry support component.

Preferably, the first masonry support component is not directly connected to the second masonry support component by fixing means that extends through said masonry carrying section of said second masonry support component.

Ideally, the first masonry support component and the second masonry support component are attachable to the at least one intermediate component independently such that, in use, the first masonry support component and the second masonry support component are not attachable to each other but are retained in a fixed relationship relative to each other by the at least one intermediate component.

Advantageously, surfaces of the masonry support components formed for receiving masonry remain unobstructed by attachments such as bolts or the like allowing for unimpeded attachment/placement of masonry.

Further advantageously, no adaptation of masonry such as cuts or holes formed therein is required to accommodate attachment features which project from the surfaces of the masonry support components formed for receiving masonry.

Ideally, the first masonry support component is an overhanging masonry support component.

Preferably, the overhanging masonry support component is configured to support masonry forming the horizontal and/or vertical components of an overhanging feature of a building.

Preferably, the overhanging feature of a building is a soffit feature.

Ideally, the soffit feature is a soffit adjacent a window, door, or other such opening in a building.

Preferably, the first masonry support component is a soffit tray.

Preferably, the second masonry support component is an upper masonry support component.

Ideally, the upper masonry support component is configured to support masonry forming at least a component of an exterior wall of a building extending above the masonry support apparatus.

Preferably, the at least one intermediate component is at least one bracket component. Ideally, the bracket component is configured for fixable attachment to a supporting structure. Preferably, the bracket component is bolted to the supporting structure. Typically, the supporting structure is a wall of a building.

Alternatively, the supporting structure may be a portion of building sub-structure such as a steel frame substructure or the like.

Preferably, the at least one bracket component is configured to support both the first masonry support component and the second masonry support component. Ideally, the second masonry support component comprises a support angle. Alternatively, the second masonry support component comprises a lintel.

Preferably, the lintel is formed for spanning an opening in a building such that the lintel is supported at first and second ends at either side of said opening.

Ideally, the lintel is supported at first and second ends by the upper sections of wall which form the vertical sides of the opening.

Preferably, the at least one intermediate component is attachable to the lintel such that the lintel supports the intermediate component.

Ideally, the at least one intermediate component depends from and is supported by the lintel.

Preferably, the first masonry support component and the at least one intermediate component are movably attachable to each other.

Ideally, the first masonry support component is slidably mountable on the at least one intermediate component.

Ideally, the first masonry support component and the at least one intermediate component comprise corresponding engagement features.

Preferably, the attachment section of the first masonry support component comprises the corresponding engagement features.

Preferably, the corresponding engagement features are matable such that the first masonry support component is slidaby mountable on the at least one intermediate component.

Ideally, the corresponding engagement features permit relative sliding movement between the first masonry support component and the at least one intermediate component in the longitudinal direction of the first masonry support component.

Preferably, the corresponding engagement features permit relative sliding movement between the first masonry support component and the at least one intermediate component in a direction parallel to the wall of a building to which at least a portion of the masonry support apparatus is attached.

Preferably, the corresponding engagement features prevent relative movement between the first masonry support component and the at least one intermediate component in any direction other than in the longitudinal direction of the first masonry support component.

Ideally, the corresponding attachment features comprise a plurality of female engagement elements formed in the at least one intermediate component.

Preferably, the corresponding attachment features comprise corresponding male engagement elements formed in the first masonry support component for slidable insertion into said female engagement elements.

Ideally, the male engagement elements slide laterally into the female engagement elements.

Preferably, the male and female engagement elements form an interlocking arrangement.

Ideally, the first masonry support component is slidable in its longitudinal direction onto the at least one intermediate component.

Preferably, the first masonry support component is slidable in its longitudinal direction onto the at least one intermediate component when the second masonry support element is already attached to the at least one intermediate component.

Ideally, the masonry support apparatus comprises a plurality of intermediate components arranged, in use, in a spaced apart arrangement along the first and second masonry support components, and attached to the first and second masonry support components.

Ideally, the bracket component is configured to attach to both the first and second masonry support components and maintain the first and second masonry support components in a fixed relationship relative to each other.

Preferably, the second masonry support component comprises a plurality of apertures formed therein.

Ideally, the at least one intermediate component comprises a plurality of projections formed for insertion into the apertures of the second masonry support component.

Preferably, the projections are threaded projections formed for threaded engagement with a mechanical fixing.

Ideally, the threaded projections may be inserted into the apertures of the second masonry support component and the second masonry component and the at least one intermediate component may be attached together by threaded engagement of the mechanical fixings to the threaded projections.

Preferably, the at least one intermediate component comprises a receiving feature.

Ideally, the receiving feature is configured to receive at least a portion of the second masonry support component.

Preferably, the first masonry support component and at least one intermediate component are attachable via bolts or other such suitable mechanical fixings.

Ideally, the bolts attaching the first masonry support component and at least one intermediate component are applied through the attachment section of the first masonry support component.

Preferably, the second masonry support component and at least one intermediate component are attachable via bolts or other such suitable mechanical fixings.

Ideally, the bolts attaching the second masonry support component and at least one intermediate component are applied through the attachment section of the second masonry support component.

Preferably, the first masonry support component supports masonry in the form of brick slices or brick slips.

Ideally, the first masonry support component comprises two surfaces formed for supporting masonry.

Preferably, the first masonry support component may be in contact with the second masonry support component.

Ideally, the first masonry support component at least partially supports the second masonry support component.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a masonry support apparatus comprising: at least one intermediate component; a first masonry support component; and a second masonry support component configured for attachment to the intermediate component; wherein the first masonry support component is slidably mountable to the at least one intermediate component.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of supporting masonry comprising the steps of; attaching either a second masonry support component or at least one intermediate component to a supporting structure, attaching the second masonry support component to the at least one intermediate component, and attaching a first masonry support component to the at least one intermediate component.

Ideally, the method further comprising attaching masonry to the first masonry support component before attachment of the first masonry support component to the at least one intermediate component.

Alternatively, the method further comprising attaching masonry to the first masonry support component after attachment of the first masonry support component to the at least one intermediate component.

Preferably, the method further comprising attaching the first masonry support component to the at least one intermediate component by aligning corresponding engagement portions in the first masonry support component and the at least one intermediate component, and sliding the first masonry support component in its longitudinal direction onto the at least one intermediate portion such that the corresponding engagement portions become engaged.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a masonry support apparatus comprising the steps of: forming an intermediate portion, forming a first masonry support component comprising a masonry carrying section and an attachment section, forming a second masonry support component comprising a masonry carrying section and an attachment section, the attachment portions of the first and second masonry support components being formed such that attachment of the first and second masonry support components to the intermediate component is carried out solely by said attachment portions such that the masonry carrying sections thereof are void of any features of attachment.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are used to denote like parts and in which:

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a first embodiment of a masonry support apparatus;

Figure 2 is a side view of the masonry support apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the masonry support apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of a second embodiment of a masonry support;

Figure 5 is a side view of the masonry support apparatus of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the masonry support apparatus of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of a third embodiment of a masonry support;

Figure 8 is a side view of the masonry support apparatus of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the masonry support apparatus of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a masonry support;

Figure 11 is a side view of the masonry support apparatus of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the masonry support apparatus of Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a masonry support;

Figure 14 is a side view of the masonry support apparatus of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of the masonry support apparatus of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a rear perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a masonry support;

Figure 17 is a side view of the masonry support apparatus of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a front perspective view of the masonry support apparatus of Figure 16;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the masonry support apparatus of Figures 7 to 10, including a modified soffit tray; and

Figure 20 is an alternative perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 19.

Detailed Description of the drawings

The present teaching will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments of a masonry support apparatus. It will be understood that the exemplary masonry support apparatus is provided to assist in an understanding of the present teaching and are not to be construed as limiting in any fashion. Furthermore, elements or components that are described with reference to any one Figure may be interchanged with those of other Figures or other equivalent elements without departing from the spirit of the present teaching.

Referring now in particular to Figs. 1 to 3, there is illustrated a first embodiment of a masonry support apparatus 10 comprising a first masonry support component 11, a second masonry support component 12, and two intermediate components 13. Embodiments of the invention may have any number of intermediate components, this number being dictated by the length of one or both of the masonry support components 11,12 and/or loading requirements, and the desired spacing between intermediate components 13. In a typical installation, the components are assembled such that two or more intermediate components are spaced apart in a one dimensional array, with one or more first support component 11 and one or more second component 12 spanning across the intermediate components 13.

The first masonry support component 11 comprises a masonry carrying section 40 and an attachment section 41 configured for attachment to the intermediate components 13. The second masonry support component 12 comprises a masonry carrying section 42 and an attachment section 43 configured for attachment to the intermediate portions 13. In preferred embodiments, attachment of the first and second masonry support components 11,12 to the intermediate components is carried out solely by the attachment sections 41,43 such that the masonry carrying sections 40, 42 do not include and are unobstructed by any features of attachment (e.g. screws, bolts or the like). Accordingly, masonry (not shown in Figures 1 to 3) may readily be laid by bonding or other conventional methods to the masonry carrying section 42 without cutting, drilling or other such modifications of the masonry. This ensures a quicker installation and correct alignment of the masonry, in addition to a consistent bond.

The first masonry support component 11 and the second masonry support component 12 are attachable to the intermediate components 13 independently of each other. Advantageously, the first masonry support component 11 and the second masonry support component 12 are not attached to each other but are retained in a fixed relationship relative to each other by the at least one intermediate component 13. As no direct attachment between the first masonry support component and the second masonry support component 12 is required, the surfaces 14 of the masonry support components formed for receiving masonry remain undisturbed by attachments such as bolts or the like allowing for unimpeded attachment/placement of masonry.

In some embodiments, the first masonry support component 11 is an overhanging masonry support component configured to support masonry forming the horizontal and/or vertical components of a soffit in a building. As such, the first masonry component 11 may be referred to as a soffit tray. The soffit may be a soffit adjacent a window, door, or other such feature of a building requiring masonry applied to a soffit. It should be understood that the masonry support apparatus 10 could be utilised in any situation wherein masonry must be supported to form a feature of a building. The second masonry support component 12 is an upper masonry support component configured to support masonry forming at least a component of wall, typically an exterior wall, of a building extending above the masonry support apparatus 10. The second masonry support component 12 may be referred to as a load-bearing beam, or load-bearing angle support. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-3, the intermediate components 13 are load-bearing brackets 13. The intermediate components 13 are configured for fixing to a supporting structure (not shown), the supporting structure typically being the wall of a building or some other structure or sub-structure of a building capable of supporting the masonry support apparatus 10. To this end, the load bearing bracket 13 may include, or be configured to receive, one or more fixing components (not shown) such as a bolt or screw. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 13 includes bolt-receiving apertures. In some embodiments, the supporting structure may be a steel frame substructure or the like. The bracket components 13 are configured to support both the first masonry support component 11 and the second masonry support component 12 independently such that the first masonry support component 11 and the second masonry support component 12 may be in contact, or not in contact, but preferably have no direct attachment to each other.

In preferred embodiments, the first masonry support component 11 is slidably mountable to the intermediate components 13, i.e. to a single intermediate component 13 or to an array of two or more aligned intermediate components 13. The first masonry support component 11 and the intermediate components 13 are shaped such that the first masonry support component 11 may be slid onto the intermediate component 13 and retained thereby. The first masonry support component 11 and the intermediate components 13 comprise corresponding engagement means 18, 19 which are matable such that the first masonry support component 11 is slidaby mountable to the intermediate components 13. The corresponding engagement means 18, 19, which typically take the form of corresponding male and female formations, permit relative sliding movement between the first masonry support component 11 and the intermediate components 13 in the longitudinal direction of the first masonry support component 11 and prevent relative movement therebetween in any direction other than in the longitudinal direction of the first masonry support component 11. In preferred embodiments, the corresponding engagement means 18, 19 comprise slots 17 formed in the intermediate components 11 and corresponding flanges 16 formed in the first masonry support component 11 for lateral sliding insertion into the slots 17. The flanges 16 slide laterally into the elongate slots 17 to form an interlocking arrangement. In preferred embodiments, there are first and second sets of corresponding engagement formations, which may be designated as front and rear, or upper and lower as applicable. In Fig. 2, a first set 18 is arranged such that, in use, the flange 16 and the elongate slot 17 into which it slides extend generally vertically. This results in the first set of corresponding engagement features preventing relative lateral horizontal movement between the first masonry support component 11 and the intermediate components 13 when the flange 16 of the first set of corresponding engagement features 18 is located in the elongate slot 17 thereof. A second set 19 of corresponding engagement formations is arranged such that, in use, the flange 16 and the elongate slot 17 into which it slides extend generally horizontally. This results in the second set 19 of corresponding engagement features preventing relative vertical movement between the first masonry support component 11 and the intermediate components 13 when the flange 16 of the second set of corresponding engagement features 19 is located in the elongate slot 17 thereof. When the flanges 16 of the first masonry support component 11 are aligned for sliding engagement with the elongate slots 17 of the intermediate components 13, the first masonry support component 11 is slidable in its longitudinal direction onto the intermediate components 13. The first masonry support component 11 is slidable onto the intermediate components 13 in a direction parallel to the wall of a building to which the intermediate component 13 is attached. In addition, the first masonry support component 11 is slidable in its longitudinal direction onto the intermediate components 13 when the second masonry support element 12 is already attached to the intermediate components 13. As a result, the intermediate components 13 and second masonry support component 12 may be preassembled and attached to the building before the first masonry support component 11, with or without masonry attached, is slid into place. This simplifies and provides flexibility to the installation of the masonry support apparatus 10.

In preferred embodiments, the first masonry support component 11 is formed from a sheet or plate of material (typically metal, e.g. steel) that is folded (typically to form a U-shaped channel) along opposite sides to created the engagement formations 18, 19. Typically a further fold is formed between and parallel with the sides to form a masonry carrying section having first and second faces that are substantially perpendicular with each other.

In typical embodiments, the second masonry support component 12 and intermediate component 13 include corresponding male and female connectors for connecting, optionally releasably, the components 12, 13 together. In the illustrated embodiments, the second masonry support component 12 comprises a plurality of apertures 20 formed therein and the intermediate components 13 comprise a plurality of projections 21 formed for insertion into the apertures 20 of the second masonry support component 12. The projections 21 may be threaded projections 21 formed for threaded engagement with a bolt (not shown) or other suitable threaded mechanical fixing. The threaded projections 21 may be inserted into the apertures 20 of the second masonry support component 12 and the second masonry component 12 and the intermediate components 13 may be attached together by threaded engagement of the mechanical fixings to the threaded projections 21. It should be understood that the apertures could be located on the intermediate components 13 and the projections on the second masonry component 12. The intermediate components 13 comprise a receiving feature 22 configured to receive at least a portion of the second masonry support component 12. It is important to note that the apertures are located on the attachment section 43 of the second masonry support component 12 which is not formed for receiving masonry thus leaving the surface 14 which does receive masonry free from attachments or the like.

In preferred embodiments, the second masonry component 12 comprises an elongate beam, typically with a right-angled or obtuse-angled transverse cross-section. The beam may be formed from a folded plate of material, typically metal, e.g. steel.

In typical embodiments, the intermediate component 13 is formed from a folded plate (typically formed from metal, e.g. steel) and has two parallel sides, each shaped to provide formations for connecting to the first and second masonry support components 11, 12.

The first masonry support component 11 supports masonry in the form of bricks 25, brick slices, or brick slips 36. The first masonry support component 11 is typically an L-shaped component comprising a horizontal and a vertical members 23, 24, the members 23, 24 each comprising a surface 14 formed for supporting masonry. The first masonry support component 11 may be in contact with the second masonry support component 12 and at least partially support the second masonry support component 12 even where no attachment exists therebetween.

Figs. 4 to 6 illustrate a second embodiment of a masonry support apparatus 10 which similar to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3 and the same or similar description applies unless otherwise indicated. The second embodiment differs from the first in its overall shape and size of surface 14 provided by the first masonry support component 11 for masonry attachment. As can be seen from Figs. 4 to 6, the horizontal flange 23 of the L-shaped first masonry support component 11 is longer than the equivalent flange 23 of the first embodiment, providing a greater surface area to support masonry and facilitating the creation of a wider soffit. The intermediate components 13 are also shaped to facilitate engagement with the differently shaped first masonry support component 11.

Figs. 7 to 9 illustrate a third embodiment of a masonry support apparatus 10 which is similar to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3 and the same or similar description applies unless otherwise indicated. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second masonry support component 12 is locatable lower on the intermediate components 13, the intermediate component comprising an overhanging receiving portion 22 under which the second masonry support component 12 is located. The third embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in the overall shape of the first masonry component 11, in this case the vertical flange 24 of the first masonry support component 11 being shorter than the equivalent flange 24 of the first embodiment, the horizontal flange 23 being longer than that of the first embodiment and more similar in length to the horizontal flange 23 of the second embodiment.

Figs. 10 to 12 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a masonry support apparatus 10. The fourth embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3 and the same or similar description applies unless otherwise indicated. However in the case of the fourth embodiment, the first masonry support component 11 is bolted to the intermediate components 13. The bolting of the first masonry support component 11 to the intermediate components 13 is carried out in the same manner as the bolting of the second masonry support component 12 to the intermediate components 13 in the first embodiment. The first masonry support component 11 comprises a plurality of apertures 26 formed therein and the intermediate components 13 comprise a plurality of projections 25 formed for insertion into the apertures 26 of the first masonry support component 11. The projections 25 are threaded projections 25 formed for threaded engagement with a bolt or other suitable threaded mechanical fixing. It is noted that the apertures are located on the attachment section 41 of the first masonry support component 11 which is not formed for receiving masonry thus leaving the surface 14 which does receive masonry free from attachments or the like.

Figs. 13 to 15 illustrate a fifth embodiment of a masonry support apparatus 10 which similar to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3 and the same or similar description applies unless otherwise indicated. The first masonry support component 11 forms a tray like structure which is bolted to the underside of the intermediate components 13. The intermediate components 13 and first masonry support component 11 comprise co-operating portions 27, 28, a first co-operating portion 28 projecting from the underside of each intermediate component 13 and being insertable into a second co-operating portion 27 which extends from the first masonry support component 11 upwards towards each intermediate component 13. In this embodiment, the co-operating portion 27 of the first masonry support component 11 forms the attachment section 41 thereof. It should be understood that the second co-operating portion 27 could be insertable into the first co-operating portion 28 in some embodiments. The co-operating portions form two channels, one channel being smaller than the other such that it is insertable therein. The co-operating portions 27, 28 have alignable apertures 29 formed therein such that, upon insertion of one co-operating portion into the other, the apertures 29 are aligned and bolts or other suitable mechanical fixings are inserted through the apertures 29 and secure the intermediate components 13 to the first masonry support component 11. As the connection between the intermediate components 13 and the first masonry support component 11 is made between the co-operating portions 27, 28 and not through the masonry carrying section 40 of the first masonry support component 11, said surface is free from obstructions and masonry may be easily applied thereto without adaptation of the masonry.

Figs. 16 to 18 illustrate a sixth embodiment of a masonry support apparatus 10 which is similar to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3 and the same or similar description applies unless otherwise indicated. In the sixth embodiment, the second masonry support component 12 comprises a lintel 30 formed for spanning an opening in a building such that the lintel 30 is supported at first and second ends at either side of said opening. The lintel 30 is supported at first and second ends by the upper sections of wall which form the vertical boundary of the opening. The intermediate component 13 is bolted to the lintel 30 such that the lintel supports the intermediate component 13. The bolting of the intermediate component to the lintel 30 is carried out in the same manner as the bolting of the second masonry support component 12 to the intermediate components 13 in the first embodiment, in this case the apertures 31 being in the lintel 30. The intermediate component 13 may depend from and be supported by the lintel 30. The intermediate components 13 do not require fixing means to fix them to a wall or similar structure. The first masonry support component 11 comprises opposing flanges 32 which, when in use, extend into elongate slots 33 in the intermediate component. The first masonry support component 11 is slidable onto the intermediate component in a similar manner to that described in relation to the first embodiment. In the case of the sixth embodiment, both flanges 32 extend horizontally into the elongate slots 33, but in opposing directions. As a result, both vertical movement and lateral horizontal movement of the first masonry support component is prevented. It should be understood that, whilst only one intermediate component is depicted in relation to the sixth embodiment, any number may be present and this would be dictated by the loading and/or the length of one or both of the masonry support components 11, 12.

In all embodiments as described above, the masonry carrying surfaces 14 of the first and second masonry support components 11, 12, remain free from attachments such as bolts or the like projecting from their surface. This results in easy attachment of masonry to these surfaces 14 and results in no cutting, drilling, or other such adaptation of the masonry to accommodate such attachments such as bolts or the like.

The skilled person would understand that various shapes and sizes of masonry support surfaces could be provided by changing the shape and/or dimensions of the first and/or second masonry support components 11, 12. The embodiments described above illustrate common examples of typical shapes and the ability to adapt the shapes according to requirements; however the scope of the invention is not limited to these shapes.

The first and/or second masonry support components 11,12 may be provided as sectional or modular components which engage with each other and the intermediate components 13 to form longer sections of masonry support apparatus. An example of this may be seen in Fig. 16 wherein the first masonry support component 11 comprises two sections 45, 46.

In use, to support masonry using the masonry support apparatus 10, either a second masonry support component 12 or at least one intermediate component 13 is attached to a supporting structure, the second masonry support component 12 also being attached to the at least one intermediate component 13. A first masonry support component 11 is then attached to the at least one intermediate component 13. Masonry 35, 36 is attached to the first masonry support component 11 before attachment of the first masonry support component 11 to the at least one intermediate component 13. Alternatively, the masonry may be attached to the first masonry support component 11 after attachment of the first masonry support component 11 to the at least one intermediate component 13. The first masonry support component 11 is attached to the at least one intermediate component 13 by aligning corresponding engagement portions 18, 19 in the first masonry support component 11 and the at least one intermediate component 13, and sliding the first masonry support component 11 in its longitudinal direction onto the at least one intermediate portion 13 such that the corresponding engagement portions 18, 19 become engaged and retain the support component 12 on the intermediate components 13.

Referring to Figures 19 and 20, there is shown the masonry support apparatus 10 of Figures 7 to 9, in respect of which like numerals denote like parts and the same description applies unless otherwise indicated, with a modified first masonry support component 11 (or soffit tray). The first masonry support component 11 includes at least one respective slot 48 that is shaped and dimensioned to receive a portion of the intermediate component 13, preferably a rearward portion of the component 13. In preferred embodiments, the slot(s) 48 are arranged to receive the portion of the intermediate component 13 that includes the rearward slot 17, 33. The slot(s) 48 are conveniently formed in the rearward attachment section 41. In typical embodiments, the intermediate component 13 is formed from a folded plate and has two parallel sides. For such embodiments, a respective slot 48 is provided for receiving a respective side of the intermediate component 13. The slots 48, or pairs of slots in the preferred embodiment, are spaced apart along the support component 11 with a spacing that matches the spacing of the intermediate components 13. In preferred embodiments, the slots 48 are formed in the side of the support component 11 that provides the engagement means. The slots 48 typically extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support component 11.

The slots 48 can assist in fitting the masonry support component 11 to an array of intermediate components 13, especially in circumstances in which it may be difficult or impossible to slide the component 11 onto the array from an end of the array. The masonry support component 11 may be installed from the front of the array by engaging the flange 32 with the front slots 17, 33 of each intermediate component 13, and fitting the rearward side of the support component 11 to the array by fitting the respective rear portion 49 of intermediate components 13 into the respective slot 48. The support component 11 is then slid with respect to the intermediate components (in the left to right direction as viewed in Figures 19 and 20) so that the slots 48 are no longer aligned with the rear portions of the intermediate components 13. This allows the support component 11 to be retained on the intermediate components by engagement of the rear flange 32 with the rear slots 17, 33, as described above.

It will be understood that the slot(s) 48 may similarly be provided in any embodiment of the invention.

As can be seen from Figure 16, for example, each end of the first masonry support component 11 may be provided with a male orfemale formation for mating with a corresponding female or male formation of an adjacent masonry component 11 when placed end-to-end. Optionally, each support component 11 is provided with a male mating formation at one end and a corresponding female formation at the other end.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment®) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A masonry support apparatus comprising:

at least one intermediate component;

a first masonry support component comprising a masonry carrying section and means for attaching said first masonry support component to the intermediate portion; and a second masonry support component comprising a masonry carrying section and means for attaching the second masonry support component to the intermediate portion, wherein, in an assembled state, said first masonry support component is connected to said at least one intermediate component via said attachment means, and said second masonry support component is connected to said at least one intermediate component via said attachment means.

2. The masonry support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first masonry support component is not directly connected to the second masonry support component.

3. The masonry support apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first masonry support component is not directly connected to the second masonry support component by attachment means that extend through said masonry carrying section of said second masonry support component.

4. The masonry support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first masonry support component and the second masonry support component are attachable to the at least one intermediate component independently such that, in use, the first masonry support component and the second masonry support component are retained in a fixed relationship relative to each other by the at least one intermediate component, and are preferably not attached to each other.

5. The masonry support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first masonry support component is an overhanging masonry support component configured to support masonry forming a horizontal and/or vertical component of an overhanging feature of a building.

6. The masonry support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the second masonry support component is an upper masonry support component configured to support masonry forming at least a component of an exterior wall of a building extending above the masonry support apparatus.

7. The masonry support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one intermediate component comprises a bracket for attaching to a supporting structure, the bracket typically including fixing means for attachment to the support structure.

8. The masonry support apparatus of claim 7, wherein, in the assembled state, the bracket supports directly both the first masonry support component and the second masonry support component.

9. The masonry support apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second masonry support component comprises a lintel.

10. The masonry support apparatus of claim 9, wherein, in the assembled state, the at least one intermediate component is connected to the lintel such that the lintel supports the at least one intermediate component.

11. The masonry support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first masonry support component is slidable onto said at least one intermediate component.

12. The masonry support apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first masonry support component and the at least one intermediate component comprise corresponding engagement means that are matable such that the first masonry support component is slidable onto the at least one intermediate component.

13. The masonry support apparatus of claim 12, wherein the corresponding engagement means permit relative sliding movement between the first masonry support component and the at least one intermediate component in a longitudinal direction of the first masonry support component, the corresponding engagement means preferably preventing relative movement between the first masonry support component and the at least one intermediate component in any other direction.

14. The masonry support apparatus of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the corresponding engagement means comprise first and second slots formed in the at least one intermediate component, preferably in a forward and rearward portion of the intermediate component respectively, and corresponding flanges formed in the first masonry support component for slidable insertion into said slots.

15. The masonry support apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first masonry support component is slidable in its longitudinal direction onto the at least one intermediate component when the second masonry support element is attached to the at least one intermediate component.

16. The masonry support apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of intermediate components arranged in an array that extends in a longitudinal direction, the first and second masonry support components each extending in said longitudinal direction and being connected to the intermediate support components.

17. The masonry support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the second masonry support component and said at least one intermediate component comprise corresponding male and female connectors for connecting the second masonry component to said at least one masonry component.

18. The masonry support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first masonry support component is a soffit tray.

19. The masonry support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the second masonry support component is a load-bearing beam.

20. The masonry support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said first masonry support component comprises a length of material folded along opposite sides to provide engagement means at each side for engaging with said at least one intermediate component.

21. The masonry support apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein said engagement means of said first masonry support comprises a U-shaped channel, preferably a respective U-shaped channel at each side of the first masonry support and extending in a longitudinal direction.

22. The masonry support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said masonry carrying section of said first masonry support component comprises first and second substantially perpendicular surfaces.

23. The masonry support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said at least one intermediate component comprises a folded plate and has two substantially parallel sides, each typically being shaped to provide formations for connecting to either one or both of the first and second masonry support components.

24. The masonry support system of any preceding claim, wherein the first masonry support component includes at least one respective slot that is shaped and dimensioned to receive a portion of a respective intermediate component, preferably a rearward portion of the respective intermediate component.

25. A masonry support apparatus comprising:

at least one intermediate component;

a first masonry support component; and a second masonry support component configured for attachment to the intermediate component;

wherein the first masonry support component is slidably mountable on the at least one

10 intermediate component.