IE54407B1

IE54407B1 - A lintel

Info

Publication number: IE54407B1
Application number: IE17483A
Authority: IE
Original assignee: Philip Stephen Doyle
Priority date: 1983-01-31
Filing date: 1983-01-31
Publication date: 1989-09-27
Also published as: GB2171430B; GB2171430A; GB8603674D0; GB2134560A; GB2134560B; IE830174L; GB8402042D0

Abstract

A lintel comprises a pair of plate members (7 and 8) joined by a channel member (11) having webs (14 and 15). A lower portion (16) of the web (15) is substantially perpendicular to form a locating member against which a window frame (17) is located. The plate member (8) is in a plane lower than the plate member (7) to accommodate the locating member. An insulating material (34) maybe provided in the channel (11).

Description

The present invention relates to a lintel, and in particular to a lintel for supporting a cavity wall above an opening for, for example, a window, door or the like.

According to the invention there is provided a lintel for supporting a cavity wall over an opening, the lintel comprising: a pair of spaced-apart elongate plate members for supporting the inner and outer leaves of the wall, the plate members being joined by an elongate inverted channel member whose configuration is of inverted substantially V-shaped cross section with apex of the V removed and comprising a pair of side webs providing the limbs of the V and an elongate cross member extending horizontally or in a slightly inclined disposition between the side webs, the lower longitudinal side edges of the side webs of the channel joining with the inner longitudinal edges of the 4 1 0 7 - 2 plate members so that the plate members extend away from each other and outwardly of the channel member, and a heat insulating material being provided on one of the side webs of the inverted channel member.

Preferably, one of the plate members is in a plane below the other.

In one embodiment of the invention the lower portion of the web adjacent the lower plate member extends substantially perpendicularly from the lower plate member to form a locating member.

Preferably, the perpendicular portion of the web forming the locating member extends to at least the plane of the higher plate member, and preferably to a distance of five millimetres from the lower plate member, and in many cases may extend ten millimetres or more from the lower plate member.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the lintel is formed from a single sheet of material, while alternatively it can be formed from two sheets of material, one sheet of material forming the lower member and its adjacent web, while the other sheet forms the upper plate member and its adjacent web. Preferably, the two sheets of material are joined adjacent the upper webs, and preferably by spot welding. 4 4 ’) < - 3 Straps may be provided between the plate members to add to the rigidity of the lintel.

In another embodiment of the invention, a plaster keying strip of perforated metal is attached to at least one of the plate members.

In one embodiment of the invention, the lintel is of sheet metal, and may be galvanised, while in an alternative embodiment, it is of stainless steel.

In one aspect of the invention the lower portion of one side 10 web extends generally upwardly from the lower plate member to form a locating member for abutting and locating a frame in the opening.

In one embodiment of the invention the locating member extends substantially perpendicularly from the lower plate member to form the locating member.

Preferably, the lower perpendicular portion of the web forming the locating member extends to at least the plane of the higher plate member, and preferably to a distance of five millimetres from the lower plate member, and in many cases may extend ten millimetres or more from the lower plate member. 4 .·; ο - 4 In one embodiment of the invention, the lintel is formed from a single sheet of material, while in an alternative embodiment of the invention it is formed from two sheete of material, one sheet of material forming the lower member and its adjacent web, while the other sheet forms the upper plate member and its adjacent web, preferably, the two sheets of material are joined adjacent the upper webs, and preferably by spot welding. In another embodiment of the invention, straps are provided between the plate members to add to the rigidity of the lintel.

In one embodiment of the invention, the lintel is of sheet 15 metal, and may be galvanised, while in an alternative embodiment, it is of stainless steel.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a heat insulation material is provided on one of the webs of the channel, and preferably, on the inner face of the channel extending from the upper plate member.

The invention will be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: ·2 ‘ί J 7 - 5 Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a lintel which is not according to the invention, but which assists in the understanding thereof, as also do Figs. 2, 3 and 4 referred to below; Fig. 2 is an end view of the lintel of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view illustrating the lintel of Figs. 1 and 2 in use; Fig. 4 is a part-sectional perspective view corresponding to Fig. 3, but to a smaller scale; Fig. 5 is an end view illustrating a first embodiment of the lintel of the invention; Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 but illustrating a second embodiment of the lintel of the invention; Fig. 7 is a view similar to Figs. 5 and 6, but to a 15 larger scale than the latter, illustrating a third embodiment of the lintel of the invention; Fig. 8 is an end view illustrating another embodiment of the lintel of the invention; - 6 Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 but illustrating another embodiment of the lintel of the invention; and Fig. 10 is a view similar to Figs. 8 and 9 illustrating yet a further embodiment of the lintel of the invention.

Referring initially to Figs. 1 to 4 these figures assist the understanding of the present invention and illustrate a lintel 1 which is suitable for supporting the inner and outer leaves 3 and 4 respectively of a cavity wall 5 above an opening 6.

The lintel 1 comprises a pair of elongate plate members 7 and 10 8 for supporting the leaves 3 and 4 respectively. An elongated structural element, in the case an inverted channel member 11 of substantially V-shaped cross section, having a pair of side webs 14 and 15 join the plate members 7 and 8.

The inner plate member 7 Is in a plane higher than the outer 15 plate member 8, as can be seen in Fig. 2. In this case, the distance between the planes of the higher and lower plate members 7 and 8, is approximately ten millimetres. The web 14 is substantially perpendicular to the upper plate member 7, and both the web 14 and the plate member 7 are formed integrally from a single sheet of galvanised sheet metal. The web 15 is inclined, and a lower portion 16 of the web 15 extends substantially perpendicular from the lower plate member 8 to form a locating member for abutting and locating a window frame 17, see Fig. 3. In this case, the portion 16 » 4 4 Ο Ί - 7 extends approximately thirty five millimetres from the lower plate member 8. The web 15 and plate member 8 are also formed integrally from a single sheet of galvanised sheet metal. Upper portions 18 and 19 of the webs 14 and 15 respectively, project upwardly parallel to each other, arid the webs are joined by spot welding the portions 18 and 19 together.

The outer free edges of both plate members 7 and 8 are bent downwardly at approximately an angle of ten degrees to the horizontal at 20 to form drip means which facilitate water run off from the plates.

Straps 22 also of sheet metal, join the plate members 7 and 8 together, and add to the rigidity of the lintel. Although, only one strap is illustrated in Fig. 4, it will be appreciated that many more straps are used. The straps 22 are spot welded to the plate members, and the straps are cranked downwardly adjacent the lower plate member 8 to accommodate the plate member 8. A sheet of perforated metal 25 is secured to the upper plate member 7 by spot welding, to form a plaster keying strip, as can be seen in Figs. 3 and 4 the perforated metal strip 25 extends partly acrose the channel member 11.

Depending on the load which the lintel has to carry, the sheet metal material of the lintel may be one, two or three standard wire gauge. In general, it is envisaged that the material forming the plate member 7 and web 14 which supports the inner - 8 leaf of the cavity wall, will be of a heavier gauge than the other sheet. A typical example would be a sheet forming the plate member 7 and web 14 wold be of 3mm, while the other sheet forming the plate member 8 and web 15 would be of 2mm.

In certain cases it is envisaged that the lintel may be made from stainless steel. It is also envisaged that the sheet metal may be of sizes in the range of 0.5 to 5 millimetres.

In use, the cavity wall 5 is constructed as illustrated In Figs. 3 and 4. When the wall 5 has been constructed to the top of the opening 6, the lintel is then placed across the opening and the ends of the plate members 7 and 8 rest of the constructed inner and outer leaves 3 and 4. The lower plate member 8 is placed on the outer leaf 4 while the higher plate member 7 is placed on the inner leaf 3. The remainder of the wall is then constructed with the plate members 7 and 8 supporting the higher courses of brick forming the inner and outer leaves 3 and 4. This can be clearly seen in Figs. 3 and 4. The bent portions 20 facilitate water run-off and prevent water travelling beneath the plates 7 and 8, which could cause subsequent corrosion leading to collapse of the wall.

Before constructing the inner and outer leaves above the lintel, a damp proof course 27 is positioned as illustrated in Fig. 3. &440 7 - 9 The window frame 17 is inserted in the opening 6 so that the frame abuts the locating member 16 of the lintel 1. The window is secured in position and a mastic seal 30 is then provided around the outer portion of the window frame 17.

The inner surface of the inner leaf 3 is plastered, and the plastering is continued beneath the upper plate member 7 and is retained securely by the plaster keying strip 25.

The advantage of having the portion 16 forming a locating member, is that it provides a positive location for the window frame, and removes all elements of trial and error from fixing a window frame into the opening 6.

Needless to say, while the opening in the cavity wall has been described to accommodate a window frame, it will of course be appreciated that it could accommodate a door frame or any other frame.

Referring now to Figs. 5, 6 and 7, lintels according to the invention are illustrated. These lintels are somewhat similar to that just described and similar components of each lintel are identified by the same reference numerals.

In each case, the wall is constructed in a manner similar to that described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4, and the lintel is positioned in the upper portion of the cavity wall. 4 4 0 Τ' - 10 Fig. 5 shows a lintel 38 according to a first embodiment of the invention. In this case, the channel member 11 is of substantially V-shaped cross section with the apex of the V removed. The tops of the webs 14 and 15 are joined by a substantially horizontal elongate cross member 39. In this case, the lintel is formed from one continuous sheet of material which is bent to form the plate member 7 and 8, the webs 14 and 15 and the cross member 39. A sheet of heat insulating material 34 is provided against the inner surface of the web 14.

Fig. 6 illustrates a lintel 40 according to second embodiment of the invention. This lintel 40 is substantially similar to the lintel 38 of Fig. 5, with the exception that the straps 22 extend between the webs 14 and 15. As can be seen, the strap is substantially vertical and is spot welded to the webs 14 and 15.

Fig. 7 illustrates a lintel 47 according to another embodiment of the invention. This lintel is substantially similar to those of Figs. 5 and 6 with the exception that the plate members 7 and 8 are in the same plane, and the locating member has been dispensed with. Insulating material 34 is provided in the channel member 11.

Referring now to Figs. 8 to 10, lintels according to the invention are illustrated. These lintels are somewhat similar - 11 to that just described and similar components of each lintel are identified by the same reference numerals.

In each case, the wall is constructed in a manner similar to that described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4, and the lintel is put in position whereafter the upper portion of the cavity wall is constructed above the lintel.

Fig. 8 illustrates a lintel 41 according to another embodiment of the invention. The lintel 41 is formed from two sheete of material, which are joined by spot welding the upper portions 18 and 19 of the webs 14 and 15. As can be seen, the upper portions 18 and 19 are parallel to each other, and form a slightly inclined cross member 39 joining the webs 14 and 15. In this case straps 22 have been dispensed with and only one drip means 20 is provided on the lower plate member 8.

Fig. 9 illustrates a lintel 42 according to a still further embodiment of the invention. In this case, the lintel is of substantially similar cross section to the lintel 41 of Fig. 7, with the exception that this lintel 12 is manufactured from a single sheet of material, being bent to form the plates 7 and 8, the webs 14 and 15, and the slightly inclined cross member 39.

Fig. 10 illustrates a lintel 44, which is formed from two sheets of material. One sheet forms the plate member 7 and -ί 4 Ο 7' - 12 the web 14, and the second sheet forms the plate member 8 of the web 15 and the cross member 29. The two sheets are joined by spot welding the upper portions 18 and 19 of the webs 14 and 15.

It is appreciated that in the lintels according to various embodiments of the invention just described straps have been illustrated as having been provided for joining the plate members to increase rigidity of the lintel. These straps if desired, could be dispensed with, and in certain cases, the straps could be replaced by a continuous plate member extending over the length of the lintel.

Further, it will be appreciated that while the locating member has been described in all cases as being formed by a portion 16 of the web 15, this is not necessary, it could be formed by an elongated strip of material extending over the length of the plate member, which could in certain cases depend downwardly from the plate member, or could be formed by an extension of the web 15. Further, it will of course be appreciated that it is not necessary for the locating member to be a continuous plate at all, it could be formed by one or more lugs extending from a plate member or the structural element.

Further, it will be appreciated that while one plate member has been described as being lower than the other, this would 4 4 0 7 - 13 not be necessary if the locating member were not formed by portion of the web 15. If, for example, the locating means were formed by lugs or any elongated plate extending from the plate member 8, then it is envisaged that the two plate members 7 and 8 would be in the same plane.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that materials other than sheet metal or stainless steel, could be used, for example, in certain cases, it is envisaged that a plastics material could be used, and in other cases, possibly wood may be an alternative. It is envisaged that in certain cases, the structural member joining the plate members could be of timber material. Further, It will be appreciated that while particular gauge thicknesses of material have been described, materials of any other suitable gauge could be used.

Additionally, it is envisaged that in certain cases the perforated sheet metal forming the plaster keying strip, could be dispensed with altogether, or other suitable material to form a plaster keying strip could be used. Of course it will be appreciated that while in certain embodiments of the invention the plaster keying strip has been described as extending partially, and in one case entirely over the channel member, this is not necessary. It will be appreciated that the plaster keying strip may be provided on one plate member, or it could extend acrose both plate members in all cases. a -1 4 0 7 Such variations of course will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Further, it will be appreciated that while the outer free edges of the plate members have been described as being bent to form a drip means, any other suitable form of drip means could be provided, indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the drip means may he dispensed with altogether on possibly one or indeed in certain cases both plate members.

It will of course be appreciated that while the lintels in 10 some of the embodiments of the invention have been described for supporting a cavity wall above a window opening in a cavity wall, it would be used for any opening, for example, an opening for a door frame or the like.

Claims

1. A lintel for supporting a cavity wall over an opening, the lintel comprising: a pair of spaced-apart elongate plate members for

2. 5 supporting the inner and outer leaves of the wall, the plate members being joined by an elongate inverted channel member whose configuration is of inverted substantially V-shaped cross section with apex of the V removed and comprising a pair of side 10 webs providing the limbs of the V and an elongate cross member extending horizontally or in a slightly inclined disposition between the side webs, the lower longitudinal side edges of the side webs of the channel joining with the inner longitudinal 15 edges of the plate members so that the plate members extend away from each other and outwardly of the channel member, and a heat insulating material being provided on one of the side webs of the inverted channel member. 20 2. A lintel as claimed in claim 1 in which one of the plate members is in a plane below the other. 5 4 4 0 7 - 16 3. A lintel as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the heat insulating material is provided on the inner face of the web adjacent the plate member for supporting the inner leaf of the cavity wall. 5 4. A lintel as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 in which the insulating material is polystyrene. 5. A lintel as claimed in claim 2, in claims 2 and 3, or in claims 2 and 4 in which the lower portion of the web adjacent the lower plate member extends substantially 10 perpendicularly from the lower plate member.

3. 6. A lintel as claimed in any preceding claim in which one of the side webs is substantially perpendicular to one of the plate members.

4. 7. A lintel as claimed in claim 5 in which the perpendicular 15 side web extends from the higher plate member.

5. 8. A lintel as claimed in any preceding claim in which the lintel Is formed from a single sheet of material.

6. 9. A lintel as claimed in any preceding claim in which the plate members are joined by straps. 5 » 4 Ο - 17 10. A lintel as claimed in claim 9 in which the straps extend from the plate members. 11. A lintel as claimed in claim 10 in which the straps are cranked downwardly adjacent the lower plate member. 5 12. A lintel as claimed in claim 9 in which the straps extend between the lower portions of the two webs. 13. A lintel as claimed in claim 12 in which the straps are in a substantially vertical plane. 14. A lintel as claimed in any preceding claim in which the

7. 10 outer free edge of one of the plate members is directed outwardly downwardly to form a drip means.

8. 15. A lintel as claimed in claim 14 in which the outer free edge of each plate member is directed outwardly downwardly. 15

9. 16. A lintel as claimed in any preceding claim in which the lintel is of sheet metal.

10. 17. A lintel as claimed in claim 16 in which the sheet metal is galvanised. 5 «1 4 Ο -

11. 18 18. A lintel as claimed in any preceding claim in which the lintel is of stainless steel.

12. 19. A lintel as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heat insulating material is provided on the web adjacent 5 the upper plate member.

13. 20. A lintel as claimed in any preceding claim in which the upper plate member supports the inner leaf of the cavity wall.

14. 21. A lintel as claimed in any preceding claim in which a 10 plaster keying strip is provided on a portion of the under surface of the lintel.

15. 22. A lintel as claimed in claim 21 in which the plaster keying strip is provided on one of the plate members.

16. 23. A lintel as claimed in claim 21 or 22 in which the 15 plaster keying strip extends at least partly across the channel member.

17. 24. A lintel as claimed in any of claims 21 to 23 in which the plaster keying strip extends between both plate members. 5 4 4 0 - 19

18. 25. A lintel as claimed in any of claims 21 to 24 in which the plaster keying strip is perforated metal.

19. 26. A lintel substantially as hereinbefore^with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 7 of the accompanying drawings.

20. 27. A lintel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lower portion of one side web extends generally upwardly from the lower plate member to form a locating member for abutting and locating a frame in the opening. 10

21. 28. A lintel as claimed in claim 27 in which the locating member extends substantially perpendicularly from the lower plate member.

22. 29. A lintel as claimed in claim 28 in which the lower perpendicular portion of the web forming the locating 15 member extends to at least the plane of the higher plate member.

23. 30. A lintel as claimed in claim 29 in which the perpendicular portion of the web extends at least five millimetres. A lintel as claimed in claim 30 in which the perpendicular portion extends at least ten millimetres. Ο 4 -ί Ο 7' - 20 32. A lintel as claimed in any of claims 27 to 31 in which one of the side webs is substantially perpendicular to one of the plate members.

24. 33. A lintel as claimed in claim 32 in which the 5 perpendicular web extends from the higher plate member.

25. 34. A lintel as claimed in any of claims 27 to 33 in which the lintel is formed from a single sheet of material.

26. 35. A lintel as claimed in any of claims 27 to 34 in which the plate members are joined by straps. 10

27. 36. A lintel as claimed in claim 35 in which the straps extend from the plate members.

28. 37. A lintel as claimed in claim 36 in which the straps are cranked downwardly adjacent the lower plate member.

29. 38. A lintel as claimed in claim 35 in which the straps 15 extend between the lower portions of the two webs.

30. 39. A lintel as claimed in any of claims 27 to 38 in which the outer free edge of one of the plate members is directed outwardly downwardly to form a drip means. - 21

31. 40. A lintel as claimed in claim 39 in which the outer free edge of each plate member is directed outwardly downwardly.

32. 41. A lintel as claimed in any of claims 27 to 40 in which 5 the lintel is of sheet metal material.

33. 42. A lintel as claimed in claim 41 in which the sheet metal material is galvanised.

34. 43. A lintel as claimed in any of claims 27 to 42 in which the lintel is of stainless steel material. 10

35. 44. A lintel as claimed in any of claims 27 to 43 in which a heat insulating material is provided in the lintel.

36. 45. A lintel as claimed in claim 44 in which the heat insulating material is provided along one side web of the inverted channel. 15

37. 46. A lintel as claimed in claim 45 in which the heat insulating material is provided on the face of the side web facing the other side web.

38. 47. A lintel as claimed in claim 45 or 46 in which the heat insulating material is provided on the web adjacent the 20 upper plate member. 5440 - 22

39. 48. A lintel as claimed in any of claims 44 to 47 in which the heat insulating material is polystyrene.

40. 49. A lintel as claimed in any claimB 27 to 48 in which the upper plate member supports the inner leaf of the cavity 5 wall.

41. 50. A lintel as claimed in any of claims 27 to 49 in which a plaster keying strip is provided on portion of the under surface of the lintel.

42. 51. A lintel as claimed in claim 50 in which the plaster 10 keying strip is provided on one of the plate members.

43. 52. A lintel as claimed in claim 51 in which the plaster keying strip extends at least partly across the inverted channel member.

44. 53. A lintel as claimed in any of claims 50 to 52 in which 15 the plaster keying strip is perforated metal.

45. 54. A lintel as claimed in claim 53 in which the perforated metal extends between both plate members.