Improvements relating to masonry support systems and spacers for masonry support systems
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MASONRY SUPPORT SYST LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
Smart Images
Figure EP2025088639_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO MASONRY SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND SPACERS FOR MASONRY SUPPORT SYSTEMS
[0002] The present invention relates to improvements to masonry support systems and shims for masonry support systems.
[0003] BACKGROUND
[0004] Masonry support systems are widely used to support masonry in the outer leaf of walls. One widely used masonry support system involves the use of brackets which are bolted to an inner leaf of a wall, or a concrete floor of a building. The brackets carry a metal angle support shelf for supporting masonry on the outer leaf of the building. The brackets of such masonry support systems typically have a face that engages the surface to which it is bolted. When masonry is added to the shelf, the weight of the masonry urges the shelf downwards and a force is applied to the surface to which the brackets are fixed.
[0005] It is known to place a plastic shim having similar dimensions to that of the surfaceengaging face of the bracket over the bolt and between the surface and the surfaceengaging face of the bracket. It is also known to use a shim in this manner however being made of other materials such as metal or a composite material rather than plastic. Shims may be wedge-shaped in having a thickness which decreases from one end of the shim to the other, or may alternatively have a constant thickness across the shim’s length / width.
[0006] One purpose of the wedge-shaped shim is to angle the masonry support shelf upwards to counter the downward force of the masonry when it is applied to the shelf, thereby reducing the impact of the masonry on the masonry support system and on the surface to which the brackets are fixed. The wedge-shaped shim can also be used to provide a means for compensating for a supporting surface which has not been manufactured plumb. Yet a further purpose of the shim, when manufactured from a thermally insulating material, is to create a thermal break between the thermally conductive metal bracket and the surface against which it is fixed, thereby improving the insulation of the building. A shim manufactured from a plastic or composite material may be used for providing the thermal break. A further use of the plastic or composite shims may be for preventing direct contact between stainless steel of the support bracket and carbon steel of a building supporting structure, to prevent bi-metallic corrosion therebetween. Shims are used to accommodate increases in cavity width by allowing the support brackets to be mounted a greater distance from the inner leaf / building supporting structure. A single shim may be used for this purpose, or multiple shims may be layered in order to accommodate a greater cavity width. Where one or more stainless steel shims are used, a plastic or composite shim may be used between the one or more steel shim and the support bracket in order to provide a thermal break and / or prevent bi-metallic corrosion as previously described.
[0007] The total thickness of a shim or the layered shim arrangement is limited by the fixing securing the masonry bracket to the building supporting structure. The number of shims in a layered arrangement is also limited and may be a maximum of three in order to limit slippage between shims and between shims and the other components, which can result in creep and settlement. It is advantageous to be able to layer shims as the thickness can be increased and decreased, whereas using a single thicker shim having a thickness equal to multiple layered thinner shims means that the shim thickness cannot be decreased if needed. Therefore, the layered shimming is a more flexible working practice. Shims may be welded together to restrict / prevent slippage however welding is an expensive practice, and it would be advantageous if welding were obviated or mitigated.
[0008] United Kingdom Patent Application Publication No. GB2612115 discloses a masonry support system involving one or more brackets fixable to a surface via a fixing element. The masonry support system further has a masonry support shelf that is engaged with, fixed to, or integrally formed with the one or more brackets. The masonry support system further involves a shim which is configured to be placed around the fixing element and between the bracket and the surface to which the bracket is fixed when in use.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide improvements to masonry support systems and, in particular, shims of masonry support systems.
[0010] SUMMARY
[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided a masonry support system, shim for a masonry support system, and method. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a masonry support system. The masonry support system comprises a bracket. The bracket comprises an aperture for receiving a fixing element for fixing the bracket to a surface. The bracket comprises a bracket engagement means. The masonry support system comprises a shim configured to be placed around the fixing element and between the bracket and the surface to which the bracket is fixed when in use. The shim comprises a shim engagement means. The shim engagement means is configured to engage with the bracket engagement means so as to restrict relative movement between the shim and the bracket when in use.
[0012] Advantageously, the bracket and shim have engagement means that are able to engage with one another to restrict relative movement in use. This beneficially helps prevent movement between the shim and the bracket such as when load is applied to the system. This also obviates the need for welding the bracket to the shim to prevent slippage therebetween.
[0013] The bracket engagement means and the shim engagement means may be arranged to interlock with one another. Advantageously an interlocking engagement provides a secure engagement of the bracket and shim compared with a non-interlocking engagement.
[0014] The shim engagement means may comprise a shim engagement member comprising a protrusion that extends from a face of the shim arranged to face the bracket when in use. The protrusion may be receivable in a corresponding recess / aperture of the bracket. An internal boundary of the recess / aperture may define the bracket engagement means.
[0015] Advantageously, forming a protrusion on the shim allows a recess / aperture of the bracket already used for receiving the fixing element to also be used for the engagement of the shim engagement means and bracket engagement means.
[0016] The bracket engagement means may comprise one or more teeth. The one or more teeth may be arranged to engage with the shim engagement means.
[0017] The teeth may be disposed in one or more rows. By this we mean the bracket engagement means may comprise a plurality of teeth disposed in one or more rows. The teeth may be disposed on opposite sides of the recess. The teeth may be disposed in parallel rows on opposite sides of the protrusion.
[0018] The shim engagement means may comprise two or more rows of teeth. Each row may comprise two teeth disposed on opposite sides of the protrusion.
[0019] The protrusion may have a quadrangular shape.
[0020] The internal boundary of the recess / aperture may at least partially form the bracket engagement means.
[0021] The shim engagement means may be arranged to be at least partially receivable within the aperture of the bracket and may engage with the bracket engagement means formed by the internal boundary of the aperture.
[0022] The internal boundary of the aperture may comprise teeth. The teeth may, at least partially, form the bracket engagement means.
[0023] The shim engagement means may comprise a shim engagement member comprising a protrusion that extends from a face of the shim arranged to face the bracket when in use. The protrusion may be arranged to be at least partially receivable within the aperture of the bracket such that the shim engagement means may engage with the bracket engagement means formed by the internal boundary of the aperture.
[0024] The shim engagement means may comprise one or more teeth. The teeth of the shim engagement means may be arranged to engage with at least one of the teeth of the bracket engagement means.
[0025] The teeth of the shim engagement means may be arranged on the protrusion.
[0026] The teeth of the shim engagement means and the teeth of the bracket engagement means may have complementary shapes.
[0027] The masonry support system may comprise a washer. The washer may comprise an engagement means for engaging with the bracket engagement means formed by the internal boundary of the aperture. The washer may have an aperture for receiving the fixing element. The engagement means of the washer may comprise teeth arranged to engage with corresponding teeth of the bracket engagement means. Advantageously, the bracket engagement means can be used for engagement with the shim and the washer to help hold, at the same time, both the washer and shim in place and reduce relative movement of the washer and shim relative to the bracket. Using the same bracket engagement means for the washer and shim simplifies the bracket construction.
[0028] The shim engagement means may be a first shim engagement means of the shim. The shim may comprise a second shim engagement means. The first and second shim engagement means may be arranged on opposing faces of the shim. The first shim engagement means may be a male engagement means. The second shim engagement means may be a female engagement means.
[0029] The second shim engagement means may be arranged to engage with a shim engagement means of another shim so as to restrict movement between the shims.
[0030] Advantageously, the first and second shim engagement means can be used to create layered arrangements of more than one shim.
[0031] The shim may comprise a recess that extends into a face of the shim. The recess may extend into a face of the shim that opposes the face from which a protrusion of the shim extends.
[0032] The second / female shim engagement means may be formed by the internal boundary of the recess. The second shim engagement means may comprise teeth.
[0033] The teeth may be disposed in one or more rows.
[0034] The teeth may be disposed on opposite sides of the recess. The teeth may be disposed in parallel rows on opposite sides of the recess.
[0035] The shim engagement means may comprise two or more rows of teeth. Each row may comprise two teeth disposed on opposite sides of the recess.
[0036] The shim may be a first shim. The masonry support system may comprise a second shim.
[0037] The second shim may be configured to be placed around the fixing element and between the first shim and the surface to which the bracket is fixed when in use. The shim engagement means of the first shim may be a first shim engagement means of the first shim. The first shim engagement means of the first shim may be a male engagement means. The first shim may comprise a second shim engagement means. The second shim engagement means of the first shim may be a female engagement means. The second shim may comprise a shim engagement means arranged to engage with the second shim engagement means of the first shim so as to restrict movement between the first shim and the second shim. The shim engagement means of the second shim may be a male engagement means.
[0038] The first and second shim engagement means may be arranged on opposing faces of the first shim.
[0039] The second / female shim engagement means and the first / male shim engagement means may extend in the same direction as one another.
[0040] The first shim may comprise a recess that extends into a face of the shim. The recess may extend into a face of the shim that is arranged to face away from the bracket when in use. The internal boundary of the recess may form the second shim engagement means. The second shim may comprise a protrusion that extends from a face of the second shim arranged to face the bracket when in use. The protrusion may form the shim engagement means of the second shim. The protrusion of the second shim may be receivable within the recess of the first shim such that the second shim engagement means of the first shim engages with the shim engagement means of the second shim.
[0041] The shim engagement means of the second shim may be a first shim engagement means. The second shim may comprise a second shim engagement means such as described above in relation to the first shim.
[0042] The masonry support system may comprise a masonry support shelf angle. The masonry support shelf angle may be engaged with, fixed to, or integrally formed with the bracket. The masonry support shelf angle may be arranged to extend across two or more brackets of the masonry support system.
[0043] The bracket may be one of a plurality of brackets of the masonry support system.
[0044] The masonry support system may comprise one or more fixing elements to fix the bracket to the surface. The fixing element may be a bolt. The bolt may be embedded in or is embeddable in the surface to which the bracket of the masonry support system is to be fixed, or is otherwise attached to or attachable to the surface to which the bracket is to be fixed.
[0045] The shim may have a face that has dimensions similar to that, or identical to that, of a surface engaging face of the bracket.
[0046] The shim may be one of a plurality of shims of the masonry support system locatable between the bracket and the surface to which the bracket is fixed in use. The plurality of shims may be secured to one another using the first and second shim engagement means as previously described. Advantageously, this prevents slippage of the shims relative to one another and / or obviates the need for welding of the shims to prevent slippage.
[0047] The bracket may comprise sidewalls extending from the surface-engaging face. Ideally, the surface-engaging face is planar or substantially planar. Ideally, the sidewalls extend orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the surface-engaging face. Ideally, the sidewalls are mutually opposing and extend from at or about an edge of the surface-engaging face. The sidewalls may have a downwardly sloping upper edge, that extends from the surface-engaging face to the masonry support shelf. The sidewalls may have a quadrangular shape.
[0048] The masonry support system may comprise a masonry support shelf angle. The masonry support shelf angle may be engaged with, fixed to, or integrally formed with the sidewalls of the bracket. The masonry support shelf angle may be an elongate support angle. Ideally, one part of the masonry support shelf angle projects outwards laterally from the bracket thereby defining a shelf to support masonry. A second part of the masonry support shelf angle may be arranged extending upwardly along the bracket when the bracket is orientated for installation. The masonry support shelf angle may be welded to the sidewalls, or it may be captured within opposing surfaces of the sidewall, for example, by a groove that extends through the sidewall.
[0049] The shim may be configured to fit around the fixing element. Ideally, the shim comprises an aperture extending through the shim, the aperture being configured to accommodate the fixing element. The aperture may be enclosed, such that the surfaces of the shim surround the entirety of the aperture. In this embodiment, the shim is inserted over the fixing element before the bracket and fixing element are fixed. In another embodiment, the aperture may extend in from the side of the shim. In this embodiment, the shim can be slotted over the fixing element even after the fixing element and bracket have been fixed together with a nut.
[0050] The aperture may be centrally or substantially centrally located on the shim with respect to the longitudinal sides of the shim.
[0051] The shim engagement means may be centrally or substantially centrally located on the shim with respect to the longitudinal sides of the shim.
[0052] The aperture may have a rounded or pointed upper boundary, wherein the uppermost part of the rounded or pointed upper boundary is centrally or substantially centrally located on the shim with respect to the longitudinal sides of the shim.
[0053] The dimensions of the shim and the dimensions of the surface-engaging face of the bracket may be the same.
[0054] The shim may comprise at least one further recess or cutout portion extending from a face of the shim. The at least one further recess or cutout portion extending from a face of the shim may not be engaged by a shim engagement means of another shim in use. Advantageously, the at least one further recess or cutout portion reduces weight and material usage for manufacturing the shim.
[0055] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a shim for use in a masonry support system. The shim comprises a shim engagement means configured to engage with an engagement means of an element of the masonry support system so as to restrict relative movement between the shim and the element of the masonry support system.
[0056] The shim engagement means may be configured to interlock with the engagement means of the element of the masonry support system.
[0057] The shim engagement means may be configured to engage with an engagement means of a bracket of the masonry support system. By this we mean the bracket is one of the elements of the masonry support system.
[0058] The shim engagement means may be configured to engage with an engagement means of a shim of the masonry support system. By this we mean the bracket is one of the elements of the masonry support system. The shim engagement means may comprise a male shim engagement means.
[0059] The male shim engagement means may comprise a protrusion that extends from a face of the shim.
[0060] The face from which the protrusion extends may be arranged to face the element of the masonry support system when in use.
[0061] The shim engagement means may comprise teeth.
[0062] The teeth may be disposed in one or more rows.
[0063] The teeth may be disposed on opposite sides of the protrusion. The teeth may be disposed in parallel rows on opposite sides of the protrusion.
[0064] The shim engagement means may comprise two or more rows of teeth. Each row may comprise two teeth disposed on opposite sides of the protrusion.
[0065] The protrusion may have a quadrangular shape.
[0066] The shim engagement means may be a first shim engagement means. The shim may further comprise a second shim engagement means. The first and second shim engagement means may be arranged on opposite sides of the shim. The first and second shim engagement means may have complementary shapes. The first shim engagement means may be a male engagement means. The second shim engagement means may be a female shim engagement means.
[0067] The face into which the female shim engagement means extends may face away from the face from which the male shim engagement means extends. The recess and the protrusion of the female and male shim engagement means may extend in the same direction.
[0068] The shim may comprise a protrusion that extends from a surface of the shim. The first shim engagement means may comprise a first shim engagement member in the form of the protrusion. The shim may comprise a recess that extends into a surface of the shim. An internal boundary of the recess may form the second shim engagement means. The surface from which the protrusion extends may be an opposing surface to the surface into which the recess extends. The shim may comprise an aperture. The aperture may be configured to accommodate a fixing element.
[0069] The shim engagement means may be located proximate to the aperture.
[0070] The shim engagement means may be arranged relative to the aperture such that the aperture of the shim is at least partially aligned with a masonry support element aperture of the masonry support element when the shim engagement means is engaged with an engagement means of the element of the masonry support system in use. In this way, a fixing element may pass through the aperture of the masonry support element and the aperture of the shim.
[0071] The shim may have a thickness of 2 mm. Alternatively, the shim can have any suitable thickness such as a thickness within the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.
[0072] The shim may be formed form a polymeric (plastic) material such as nylon.
[0073] The shim may be formed from a composite material.
[0074] The shim may be formed from a glass-reinforced plastic material.
[0075] The shim may be formed from metal.
[0076] The shim may be formed from steel.
[0077] The shim may be formed from stainless steel.
[0078] The shim may be formed from austenitic stainless steel.
[0079] The male shim engagement means may be non-circular.
[0080] The female shim engagement means may be non-circular.
[0081] The male shim engagement means may comprise a single protrusion.
[0082] The female shim engagement means may comprise a single recess.
[0083] The shim may be useable in the masonry support system of the first aspect of the invention.
[0084] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts. The kit of parts comprises a first shim for use in a masonry support system, the first shim comprising a shim engagement means. The kit of parts comprises a second shim for use in a masonry support system, the second shim comprising a shim engagement means. The shim engagement means of the first shim is arranged to engage with the shim engagement means of the second shim so as to restrict relative movement between the first shim and the second shim.
[0085] The first shim and second shim may have any of the features of the shim of the second aspect of the invention. The kit of parts may be useable in the masonry support system of the first aspect of the invention.
[0086] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a masonry support system. The method comprises engaging a shim engagement means of a shim with an engagement means of an element of the masonry support system so as to restrict relative movement between the shim and the element of the masonry support system.
[0087] Engaging the shim engagement means may comprise engaging the shim engagement means with a bracket engagement means of a bracket of the masonry support system.
[0088] Engaging the shim engagement means with the bracket engagement means may comprise positioning the shim engagement means within an aperture of the bracket engagement means such that the shim engagement means engages with the bracket engagement means. The boundary of the aperture may form the bracket engagement means. The boundary of the aperture may be serrated to form the bracket engagement means.
[0089] Engaging the shim engagement means may comprise engaging the shim engagement means with a shim engagement means of another shim of the masonry support system. A male engagement means of a first shim may engage a female engagement means of a second shim, and a male engagement means of a second shim may engage a bracket engagement means of the masonry support system.
[0090] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0091] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0092] Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of an existing masonry support system.
[0093] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a further existing masonry support system. Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the masonry support system of Figure 2 during assembly on a building.
[0094] Figures 4 to 7 are perspective views of an example improved shim for a masonry support system according to the invention.
[0095] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an example masonry support system including the improved shim of Figures 4 to 7.
[0096] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an example masonry support system including the improved shim according to the invention.
[0097] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an example masonry support system including the improved shim according to the invention.
[0098] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the masonry support system of figure 10.
[0099] Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the masonry support system of figure 10 and 11 in an in use installed configuration.
[0100] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0101] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0102] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0103] Figures 1 to 3 show an existing masonry support system 4 comprising one or more shims 2 and one or more brackets 6, 106. The brackets 6 are fixable to a surface 8 (Figure 2) by a fixing element 12 (Figure 3). In this example, each bracket 6 has a single fixing element 12, but it is feasible that multiple fixing elements may be used per each bracket. The masonry support system 4 has a masonry support shelf 10, 110 that is welded to the brackets 6, 106, integrally formed with the brackets, or fixed by another means other than welding. The masonry support shelf 10, 110 could also be fixed by engagement with the bracket 6, 106.
[0104] The shim 2 is placed around the fixing element 12 and between the bracket 6, 106 and the surface 8 to which the bracket 6, 106 is fixed when in use.
[0105] The bracket 6, 106 has a surface-engaging face 116 that engages the surface 8 to which the bracket 6, 106 is fixed. Because shim 2 is used between the bracket 6, 106 and the surface 8 to which the bracket 6, 106 is fixed, the surface-engaging face 116 of the bracket 6, 106 indirectly engages with the surface 8, as the shim 2 spaces the bracket 6, 106 apart from the surface 8 to which it is fixed.
[0106] The fixing element 12 of the masonry support system 4 is a bolt 12 that is embedded in the surface 8 to which the bracket 6, 106 of the masonry support system 4 is fixed. The bracket 6, 106 has an aperture 122 to receive the fixing element 12. The aperture 122 is located in the surface-engaging face 116 of the bracket 6, 106, and it is sized larger than the cross-section of the fixing element 12. This permits movement of the fixing element 12 within the aperture 122 of the bracket 6, 106. The aperture 122 is substantially rectangular in shape.
[0107] The boundary of the aperture 122 has teeth 124 (see especially figure 1 ). The teeth 124 are arranged extending along the longitudinal sides of the aperture 122. The upper and lower edges of the boundary of the aperture 122 do not have teeth. The teeth 124 can engage with a washer 26, which has corresponding teeth 28. When the washer 26 is inserted into the aperture 122, the teeth 28, 124 interlock and this prevents relative movement of the washer 26 upwards or downwards when it is positioned in the aperture 122. The washer 26 has an aperture 30 for receiving the fixing element The location of the washer 26 within the aperture 122 can be adjusted by removing the washer 26 and repositioning the washer 26 within the aperture 122 to adjust the relative position of the bracket 6, 106 to the fixing element 12 during installation of the masonry support system 4. The aperture 30 of the washer 26 is smaller than the aperture 122 of the bracket 6 and this therefore limits movement of the fixing element 12 when the washer 26 is used on the bracket 6, 106, and when the fixing element 12 extends through the washer aperture 30.
[0108] The bracket 6, 106 (Figure 1 ) has sidewalls 132a, 132b extending from the surfaceengaging face 116. The surface-engaging face 116 is planar and the sidewalls 132a, 132b extend orthogonally to the surface-engaging face 116. The bracket 6, 106 is formed by folding metal to form the surface-engaging face 116 and sidewalls 132a, 132b, and so sidewalls 132a, 132b extends from surface-engaging face 116 via a bend. The sidewalls 132a, 132b are mutually opposing and extend from an edge of the surface-engaging face 116. The sidewalls 132a, 132b have a downwardly sloping upper edge 134, that extends from the surface-engaging face 116 to the masonry support shelf 110.
[0109] The sidewalls 132a, 132b may be considered to form the general shape of a rightangle triangle, wherein the right angle is located at the lower corner where the sidewall 132a, 132b meets the surface-engaging face 116. The sidewalls 132a, 132b have a groove 136 in the example of Figure 1 that extends inwardly from the downwardly sloping edge 134 towards the surface-engaging face 116. The groove 136 is curved and inflects upward through the sidewall 132a, 132b and part of the sidewall 132a, 132b envelops the groove 136, defining a channel that serves to capture the masonry support shelf 110. The masonry support shelf 110 has a bracket-engaging end portion 138 (Figure 1 ) that is curved to match the profile of the groove 136 of the bracket 106. The masonry support shelf 110 can thereby be inserted into the grooves 136 of the sidewalls 132a, 132b of the bracket 106 and is securely captured by the bracket 106.
[0110] Another example masonry support shelf 10 is shown in Figures 2 and 3. The masonry support shelf 10 is an elongate support angle 10. One part 40 of the masonry support shelf 10 projects outwards laterally from the bracket 6 thereby defining a shelf 40 to support masonry. A second part 42 of the masonry support shelf 10 is arranged extending upwardly along the bracket 6 when the bracket is orientated for installation. In the example of Figures 2 and 3, the sidewalls of the bracket s do not include grooves comparable with grooves 136 of figure 1 .
[0111] The present invention is directed towards improvements to the construction of the shim 2. Figures 4 to 8 show an improved shim 200 according to the present invention that is useable within the masonry support system 4 described above as a replacement to the shim 2 described above.
[0112] The shim 200 is formed from a polymeric material, and in particular from nylon. Other materials for the shim 200 are possible. Shim 200 may be formed from stainless steel.
[0113] The shim 200 is placed around the fixing element 12 and between the bracket 6 and the surface 8 to which the bracket 106 is fixed when in use.
[0114] The shim 200 has a first face 14 (Figures 4 to 5) and a second face 201 (Figures 6 to 7) that opposes the first face 14. The first face 14 and second face 201 are rectangular. The first face 14 faces towards the bracket 106 in use and the second face 201 faces towards the surface 8 to which the bracket 106 is to be fixed in use.
[0115] The shim 200 has two parallel short edges 58a, 58b, and two parallel long edges 60a, 60b that extend between the short edges 58a, 58b. The faces 14, 201 of the shim 200 have dimensions similar to that of the surface-engaging face 116 of the bracket 106.
[0116] The shim 200 is configured to fit around the fixing element 12. In particular, the shim 200 has an aperture 44 extending through the shim 200 from the first face 14 to the second face 201. The aperture 44 is configured to accommodate the fixing element 12. The aperture 44 extends inwardly from the longitudinal side of the shim 200. The shim 200 can be slotted over the fixing element 12 even after the fixing element 12 and bracket 6 have been fixed together. The aperture 44 is centrally located on the shim 200 with respect to the longitudinal sides of the shim 200. The aperture 44 has a rounded upper boundary 46. Alternatively, the upper boundary could be pointed. The uppermost part of the rounded upper boundary 46 is centrally located on the shim 200 with respect to the longitudinal sides 60a, 60b of the shim 200. Therefore, when the shim 200 is placed on the fixing element 12 and suspended by the fixing element 12, the rounded upper boundary 46 causes the shim 200 to be vertically aligned when it is suspended by the fixing element 12 because the point of suspension of the shim 200 is centrally located on the shim 200. The aperture 44 is elongate and is longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shim 200. The aperture 44 is generally oblong in shape, having a rounded upper boundary 46, rounded lower boundary 48, and parallel sides extending between the upper and lower boundaries 46, 48. The aperture 44 has an aperture inlet 50 that extends into the aperture 44 from the side of the shim 200. The aperture inlet 50 has parallel sides that extend at an angle relative to the side of the shim 200, and the inlet 50 extends upwardly to the upper boundary 46 of the aperture 50. The distance between the sides of the inlet 50 is equal to that of the distance between the sides of the aperture 44.
[0117] The shim 200 comprises a protrusion 202 extending from the first face 14 of the shim 200. The first face 14 of the shim 200 is arranged to face the bracket 6 in use. The protrusion 202 comprises a first shim engagement arrangement 204. The first shim engagement arrangement 204 comprises teeth 206 arranged in two rows. The two rows are parallel. The protrusion 202 has a generally quadrangular shape. The teeth 206 are arranged extending along the longitudinal sides of the protrusion 202. The upper and lower edges of the protrusion 202 do not have teeth.
[0118] The protrusion 2021 first shim engagement 204 are located above the aperture 44 and proximate to the upper boundary 46 of the aperture 44. The protrusion 2021 first shim engagement arrangement 204 are centrally located on the shim 200 with respect to the longitudinal sides 60a, 60b of the shim 200.
[0119] The shim 200 comprises a recess 208 (Figures 6 and 7) extending into the second face 201 of the shim 200. A boundary of the recess 208 comprises a second shim engagement arrangement 210. The second shim engagement arrangement 210 comprises teeth 212 arranged in two rows. The two rows are parallel. The recess 208 has a generally quadrangular shape. The teeth 212 are arranged extending along the longitudinal sides of the recess 208. The upper and lower edges of the boundary of the recess 208 do not have teeth.
[0120] The protrusion 202 and recess 208 are complementary shaped such that a protrusion 202 of one shim 200 may be received within a recess 208 of another shim 200. The first shim engagement arrangement 204 and second shim engagement arrangement 210 are complementary shaped such that the teeth 204 of the first shim engagement arrangement 202 may engage and interlock with the teeth 212 of the second shim engagement arrangement 210.
[0121] The protrusion 202 / first shim engagement arrangement 204 are sized such that they may be received in the aperture 122 of the bracket 6 / 106 such that the teeth 206, 214 engage with one another and interlock. The teeth 204 of the first shim engagement arrangement 202 and the teeth 124 of the bracket 6 / 106 are complementary shaped such that the teeth 204 of the first shim engagement arrangement 202 may engage and interlock with the teeth 124 of the bracket 6 / 106.
[0122] The recess 208 I second shim engagement arrangement 210 are aligned with the protrusion 202 I first shim engagement arrangement 204. The recess 208 I second shim engagement arrangement 210 are located above the aperture 44 and proximate to the upper boundary 46 of the aperture 44. The recess 208 I second shim engagement arrangement 210 are centrally located on the shim 200 with respect to the longitudinal sides 60a, 60b of the shim 200.
[0123] Figure 8 shows an example masonry support system 104 or part of a masonry support system 104 comprising the shim 200. In particular, two shims 200 are shown in this example, labelled 200a, 200b. Only one shim 200 may be provided or more than two shims 200 may be provided.
[0124] The bracket 106 is as described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3. The aperture 122 of the bracket 106 has teeth 124. The bracket 106 shown in Figure 8 corresponds, in particular, to the bracket 106 of Figure 1 but may, for example, be the bracket 6 shown in Figures 2 and 3.
[0125] A first shim 200a is positioned such that the protrusion 202 extends into the aperture 122 of the bracket 106. The first shim engagement arrangement 204, and in particular the teeth 206, engage with the teeth 124 of the boundary defining the aperture 122. In particular, the upper most two rows of teeth 124 of the boundary defining the aperture 122 engage with the teeth 206 of the first shim engagement arrangement 204. When the protrusion 202 is inserted into the aperture 122, the teeth 206, 124 interlock and this prevents relative movement of the shim 200a upwards or downwards.
[0126] The aperture 44 of the first shim 200a is positioned below the protrusion 202 and at least partially aligned with the aperture 122 of the bracket 106. While not shown in Figure 8 a washer 26 (Figures 1 to 3) can be inserted into the aperture 122 of the bracket 106 below the protrusion 202 / first engagement arrangement 204. This is shown in figure 9 (described in more detail below). Teeth 124 of the boundary defining the aperture 122 can engage with corresponding teeth 28 of the washer 26. When the washer 26 is inserted into the aperture 122, the teeth 28, 124 interlock and this prevents relative movement of the washer 26 upwards or downwards when it is positioned in the aperture 122.
[0127] In this way, the teeth 124 of the bracket 106 serve a dual purpose of holding the washer 26 in place and holding the first shim 200a in place. Modification of the bracket 106 is not required to achieve the engagement with the shim engagement arrangement of the shim 200. This simplifies the construction of the masonry support system 104.
[0128] A second shim 200b is positioned between the first shim 200a and the surface 8 to which the bracket 106 is fixed when in use. The protrusion 202 of the second shim 200b extends into the recess 208 of the first shim 200a. The first shim engagement arrangement 204, and in particular the teeth 206, of the second shim 200b engage with the teeth 212 of the second shim engagement arrangement 210 of the first shim 200a. When the protrusion 202 of the second shim 200b is inserted into the recess 208 of the first shim 200a, the teeth 206, 212 interlock and this prevents relative movement of the shim 200b upwards or downwards.
[0129] In an example method of assembling the masonry support system, a first shim 200a is positioned between the bracket and the surface to which the bracket is to be fixed to. The protrusion 202 of the first shim 200a is fitted within the aperture 122 of the bracket such that the teeth 206 of the first shim engagement arrangement 204 engage with the teeth 124 of the boundary defining the aperture 122.
[0130] If needed, a second shim 200b may be positioned between the first shim 200a and the surface to which the bracket is fixed to. The protrusion 202 of the second shim 200b is fitted within the recess 208 of the first shim 200a such that the teeth 206 of the first engagement arrangement 204 of the second shim 200b engage with the teeth 212 of the second engagement arrangement 210 of the first shim 200a.
[0131] Figures 9 to 12 show an example masonry support system 204 or part of a masonry support system 204 comprising the shim 200. In particular, in figure 9 one shim 200a is shown. More than two shims 200 may be provided. The bracket 106 is as described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3 and figure 8. The aperture 122 of the bracket 106 has teeth 124. The bracket 106 shown in Figure 9 and 12 corresponds, in particular, to the bracket 106 of Figure 1 but may, for example, be the bracket 6 shown in Figures 2 and 3.
[0132] A first shim 200a (figure 9) is positioned such that the protrusion 202 extends into the aperture 122 of the bracket 106. The first shim engagement arrangement 204, and in particular the teeth 206, engage with the teeth 124 of the boundary defining the aperture 122. In particular, the upper most two rows of teeth 124 of the boundary defining the aperture 122 engage with the teeth 206 of the first shim engagement arrangement 204. When the protrusion 202 is inserted into the aperture 122, the teeth 206, 124 interlock and this prevents relative movement of the shim 200a upwards or downwards.
[0133] The aperture 44 of the first shim 200a is positioned below the protrusion 202 and at least partially aligned with the aperture 122 of the bracket 106.
[0134] Shown in Figure 9 is a washer 26 inserted into the aperture 122 of the bracket 106 below the protrusion 202 / first engagement arrangement 204. Teeth 124 of the boundary defining the aperture 122 can engage with corresponding teeth 28 of the washer 26. When the washer 26 is inserted into the aperture 122, the teeth 28, 124 interlock and this prevents relative movement of the washer 26 upwards or downwards when it is positioned in the aperture 122.
[0135] In this way, the teeth 124 of the bracket 106 serve a dual purpose of holding the washer 26 in place and holding the first shim 200a in place. Modification of the bracket 106 is not required to achieve the engagement with the shim engagement arrangement of the shim 200a. This simplifies the construction of the masonry support system 204.
[0136] A second shim 200b (see figure 10) is positioned between the first shim 200a and the surface 8 to which the bracket 106 is fixed when in use. A third shim 200c is positioned between the second shim 200b and the surface 8 to which the bracket 106 is fixed when in use. A fourth shim 200d is positioned between the third shim 200c and the surface 8 to which the bracket 106 is fixed when in use. The protrusion 202 of the second shim 200b extends into the recess 208 of the first shim 200a, protrusion 202 of third shim 200c into recess 208 of second shim 200b, and protrusion of fourth shim 200d into recess 208 of third shim 200c. The first shim engagement arrangement 204, and in particular the teeth 206, of the second shim 200b engage with the teeth 212 of the second shim engagement arrangement 210 of the first shim 200a.
[0137] The first shim engagement arrangement 204, and in particular the teeth 206, of the third shim 200c engage with the teeth 212 of the second shim engagement arrangement 210 of the second shim 200b. The first shim engagement arrangement 204, and in particular the teeth 206, of the fourth shim 200d engage with the teeth 212 of the second shim engagement arrangement 210 of the third shim 200c.
[0138] When the protrusion 202 of the second shim 200b is inserted into the recess 208 of the first shim 200a, the teeth 206, 212 interlock and this prevents relative movement of the shim 200b upwards or downwards. When the protrusion 202 of the third shim 200c is inserted into the recess 208 of the second shim 200b, the teeth 206, 212 interlock and this prevents relative movement of the shim 200c upwards or downwards. When the protrusion 202 of the fourth shim 200d is inserted into the recess 208 of the third shim 200c, the teeth 206, 212 interlock and this prevents relative movement of the shim 200d upwards or downwards.
[0139] In an example method of assembling the masonry support system, a first shim 200a is positioned between the bracket and the surface to which the bracket is to be fixed to. The protrusion 202 of the first shim 200a is fitted within the aperture 122 of the bracket such that the teeth 206 of the first shim engagement arrangement 204 engage with the teeth 124 of the boundary defining the aperture 122.
[0140] A second shim 200b is positioned between the first shim 200a and the surface to which the bracket is fixed to. The protrusion 202 of the second shim 200b is fitted within the recess 208 of the first shim 200a such that the teeth 206 of the first engagement arrangement 204 of the second shim 200b engage with the teeth 212 of the second engagement arrangement 210 of the first shim 200a. This is repeated with third and fourth shims 200c, 200d in the example shown in figure 10 to 12 wherein fourth shim 200d is secured in contact with the surface to which the bracket 106 is fixed.
[0141] Advantageously, use of the shim engagement arrangement 204 allows a greater number of shims to be layered in a masonry support system by preventing slippage of the shims and obviates or mitigates the need for welding of shims together in order to prevent the slippage. The shim 200 may comprise at least one further recess or cutout portion 215 extending from a face of the shim (figure 11 ). The at least one further recess or cutout portion 215 extending from a face of the shim may not be engaged by a shim engagement means of another shim in use. Advantageously, the at least one further recess or cutout portion reduces weight and material usage for manufacturing the shim.
[0142] While the above examples describe particular forms of shim I bracket engagement arrangements comprising teeth, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to these particular examples. The shim I bracket engagement arrangements may use other designs provided that the engagement arrangement is capable of engaging with an engagement arrangement of another element of the masonry support system to restrict relative movement. The above examples show the bracket engagement arrangement as being formed by the boundary of the aperture for receiving the fixing element but this is not required in all examples. A separate, dedicated, aperture may be provided for receiving the shim engagement arrangement for example. Other forms of bracket engagement arrangement are possible.
[0143] Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term “comprising” or “comprises” means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others.
[0144] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.
[0145] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A shim for a masonry support system, the shim comprising a shim engagement means configured to engage with an engagement means of an element of the masonry support system so as to restrict relative movement between the shim and the element of the masonry support system.
2. A shim for a masonry support system according to claim 1 , wherein the shim engagement means is configured to interlock with the engagement means of the element of the masonry support system.
3. A shim for a masonry support system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shim engagement means comprises a male shim engagement means comprising a protrusion that extends from a face of the shim, wherein the face from which the protrusion extends is arranged to face the element of the masonry support system when in use.
4. A shim for a masonry support system according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion comprises one or more teeth disposed on opposite sides of the protrusion.
5. A shim for a masonry support system according to claim 4, wherein the teeth are disposed in one or more rows.
6. A shim for a masonry support system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more rows comprise two teeth disposed on opposite sides of the protrusion.
7. A shim for a masonry support system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the protrusion comprises one or more teeth disposed on opposite sides of the protrusion in parallel rows.
8. A shim for a masonry support system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the protrusion has a quadrangular shape.
9. A shim for a masonry support system according to any one of preceding claims 3 to 8, wherein the shim comprises a female shim engagement means in the form of a recess that extends into a face of the shim.
0. A shim for a masonry support system according to claim 9, wherein the face into which the recess extends faces away from the male shim engagement means.
11. A shim for a masonry support system according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the male and female shim engagement means are arranged on opposite sides of the shim.
12. A shim for a masonry support system according to claim 11 , wherein the male and female shim engagement means have complementary shapes.
13. A shim for a masonry support system according to any preceding claim, wherein the shim comprises an aperture configured to accommodate a fixing element, wherein the shim engagement means is arranged relative to the aperture of the shim such that the aperture of the shim is at least partially aligned with a masonry support element aperture of the masonry support element when the shim engagement means is engaged with an engagement means of the element of the masonry support system in use.
14. A shim for a masonry support system according to any preceding claim, wherein the shim has a face that has dimensions similar to that, or identical to that, of a surface engaging face of the masonry support element.
15. A masonry support system comprising a bracket comprising an aperture for receiving a fixing element for fixing the bracket to a surface, wherein the bracket comprises a bracket engagement means, the masonry support system further comprising a shim configured to be placed around the fixing element and between the bracket and the surface to which the bracket is fixed when in use, wherein the shim comprises a shim engagement means, wherein the shim engagement means is configured to engage with the bracket engagement means so as to restrict relative movement between the shim and the bracket when in use.
16. A masonry support system according to claim 15, wherein the bracket engagement means and the shim engagement means are arranged to interlock with one another.
17. A masonry support system according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the shim engagement means comprises a shim engagement member comprising a protrusion that extends from a face of the shim arranged to face the bracket when in use, wherein the bracket engagement means comprises a corresponding aperture / recess, wherein the boundary of the aperture / recess at least partially forms the bracket engagement means, wherein the protrusion is receivable in the aperture / recess ofthe bracket such that the shim engagement means engages with the bracket engagement means formed by the boundary of the aperture / recess.
18. A masonry support system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the bracket engagement means comprises one or more teeth arranged to engage with the shim engagement means.
19. A masonry support system according to claim 18, wherein the one or more teeth of the bracket engagement means comprise a plurality of the teeth disposed on opposite sides of the aperture / recess in one or more rows.
20. A masonry support system according to claim 17, wherein the shim engagement means comprises one or more teeth arranged to engage with the bracket engagement means.
21. A masonry support system according to claim 20, wherein the one or more teeth of the shim engagement means comprise a plurality of the teeth disposed on opposite sides of the protrusion in one or more rows.
22. A masonry support system according to any one of claims 15 to 21 , wherein the shim has a face that has dimensions similar to that, or identical to that, of a surface engaging face of the masonry support element.
23. The masonry support system according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the masonry support system comprises a washer, wherein the washer comprises an engagement means for engaging with the bracket engagement means formed by the boundary of the aperture, wherein the washer has an aperture for receiving the fixing element, wherein the engagement means of the washer comprises teeth arranged to engage with corresponding teeth of the bracket engagement means.
24. The masonry support system according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein the shim engagement means is a first shim engagement means of the shim, wherein the shim comprises a second shim engagement means, wherein the first and second shim engagement means are arranged on opposing faces of the shim, wherein the second shim engagement means is arranged to engage with a shim engagement means of another shim so as to restrict movement between the shims.
5. The masonry support system according to claim 24, wherein the shim is a first shim, wherein the masonry support system comprises a second shim, wherein the second shim is configured to be placed around the fixing element and between the first shim and the surface to which the bracket is fixed when in use, wherein the second shim comprises a shim engagement means arranged to engage with the second shim engagement means of the first shim so as to restrict movement between the first shim and the second shim, wherein the first and second shim engagement means are arranged on opposing faces of the first shim.