U.S. patent application number 09/728458 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-01 for wire tie and hardware system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Heckmann Building Products, Inc. and DL Enterprises, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lopez, Donald A..
Application Number | 20020100239 09/728458 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24926933 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020100239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lopez, Donald A. |
August 1, 2002 |
Wire tie and hardware system
Abstract
A wire tie and a hardware system for supporting a masonry veneer
wall with a structural support element. The wire tie is formed from
a unitary wire body having a pair of central portions connected
with each other by a connecting portion at a first end, and
connected with flange portions and reverse extension portions at a
second end. The hardware system also includes an anchor for
attaching the wire tie to the structural support element.
Inventors: |
Lopez, Donald A.;
(Baltimore, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Assignee: |
Heckmann Building Products, Inc.
and DL Enterprises, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
24926933 |
Appl. No.: |
09/728458 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/379 ; 52/383;
52/713 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/4178 20130101;
F16B 35/06 20130101; F16B 45/00 20130101; F16B 2/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/379 ; 52/383;
52/713 |
International
Class: |
E04B 001/38 |
Claims
1. A wire tie for use with a masonry veneer support system,
comprising: a wire body including a pair of substantially parallel
central portions each having a respective first end and a second
end, a pair of flange portions, and a loop portion; said first ends
of each respective central portion connected with one another by
said loop portion; and said second end of each respective central
portion connected with a respective flange portion of said pair of
flange portions, each said flange portion extending non-parallel to
its respective central portion; wherein said pair of central
portions and said flange portions generally define a plane, and
said loop portion is generally non-planar with said plane.
2. The wire tie of claim 1, wherein each said flange portion is
substantially perpendicular to its respective central portion.
3. The wire tie of claim 1, wherein said flange portions are
substantially co-linear to one another and extend outward
oppositely from their respective central portions.
4. The wire tie of claim 1, wherein said loop portion extends
substantially perpendicular to said plane.
5. The wire tie of claim 1, wherein said loop portion comprises a
pair of leg portions connected with each other by a connecting
portion, each of said leg portions connected with one of said
central portions at said first end of said central portions.
6. The wire tie of claim 5, wherein each of said leg portions is
substantially perpendicular to its respective central portion, and
said connecting portion is substantially perpendicular to each of
said leg portions.
7. The wire tie of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of extension
portions, each extension portion of said pair of extension portions
connected with an end of one of said flange portions opposite an
end to which said respective central portion is connected.
8. The wire tie of claim 7, wherein said extension portions are
generally co-planar with said plane.
9. The wire tie of claim 8, wherein said extension portions are
generally parallel to said central portions.
10. The wire tie of claim 9, wherein said extension portions extend
generally back towards said first end of said central portions.
11. A wire tie for use with a masonry veneer support system,
comprising: a wire body including a pair of substantially parallel
central portions each having a first end and a second end, a pair
of flange portions, a pair of reverse extensions portions, and a
connecting portion; said first end of each respective central
portion connected with one another by said connecting portion; said
second end of each respective central portion connected with a
respective flange portion of said pair of flange portions, each
flange portion extending non-parallel to its respective central
portion; each flange portion also connected with a respective
reverse extension portion of said pair of said reverse extension
portions at an end of said respective flange portion opposite an
end to which the central portion is connected.
12. The wire tie of claim 11, wherein each said flange portion is
substantially perpendicular to its respective central portion.
13. The wire tie of claim 12, wherein said flange portions are
substantially co-linear to one another and extend outward
oppositely from their respective central portions.
14. The wire tie of claim 13, wherein said extension portions are
generally parallel to said central portions.
15. The wire tie of claim 14, wherein said extension portions
extend generally back towards said first end of said central
portions.
16. A hardware system for supporting a masonry veneer wall by
attachment with a structural element, the system comprising: an
anchor including a threaded portion, a barrel portion attached with
said threaded portion, and a head portion attached with said barrel
portion; said head portion having an aperture therethrough; and a
wire tie including a pair of substantially parallel central
portions each having a respective first end and second end, a pair
of flange portions, and a loop portion; said first ends of each
respective central portion connected with one another by said loop
portion; said second end of each respective central portion
connected with a respective flange portion of said pair of flange
portions, each flange portion extending non-parallel to its
respective central portion, wherein said wire tie is adapted and
sized to be insertable through said aperture of said head
portion.
17. The hardware system of claim 16, wherein said pair of central
portions and said flange portions generally define a plane, and
said loop portion is generally non-planar with said plane.
18. The hardware system of claim 17 wherein said loop portion
comprises a pair of leg portions connected with each other by a
connecting portion, each of said leg portions connected with one of
said central portions at said first end of said central
portions.
19. The hardware system of claim 17, wherein said wire tie and said
anchor are positioned relative to one another such that one of said
leg portions extends through said aperture.
20. The hardware system of claim 17, further comprising: a pair of
extension portions, each extension portion of said pair of
extension portions connected with an end of one of said flange
portions opposite an end to which said respective central portion
is connected.
21. The hardware system of claim 20, wherein said extension
portions extend generally back towards said first end of said
central portions.
22. A hardware system for supporting a masonry veneer wall by
attachment with a structural element, the system comprising: an
anchor adapted for attachment to a structural element, said anchor
including at least one structural element engaging portion and a
wire retaining member, said wire retaining member spaced from said
at least one structural element engaging portion so as to form a
passage; a wire tie including a pair of substantially parallel
central portions each having a respective first end and a second
end, a pair of flange portions, a pair of reverse extension
portions, and a connecting portion; said first ends of each
respective central portion connected with one another by said
connecting portion; said second end of each respective central
portion connected with a respective flange portion of said pair of
flange portions, each flange portion extending non-parallel to its
respective central portion; and each flange portion also connected
with a respective reverse extension portion of said pair of said
reverse extension portions at an end of said respective flange
portion opposite an end to which the central portion is connected,
each reverse extension portion non-parallel to its respective
flange portion; wherein said wire tie is adapted and sized to be
insertable through said passage of said anchor.
23. The hardware system of claim 22, wherein said at least one
structural element engaging portion comprises a plate member.
24. The hardware system of claim 22, wherein said extension
portions are generally parallel to said central portions.
25. The hardware system of claim 24, wherein said extension
portions extend generally back towards said first end of said
central portions.
26. The hardware system of claim 22, further comprising at least
one bracket member; said bracket member having an aperture adapted
to receive one of said reverse extension portions; said bracket
member further adapted to engage an elongated rod member.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a wire tie and
hardware system. More particularly, the present invention relates
to a wire tie, and a hardware system having a wire tie and an
anchor, for supporting a masonry veneer to a structural support
element.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Masonry veneer walls must be supported by attachment to an
inner structural support element. The attachment must be sturdy to
support the weight of the masonry veneer, but also must allow for
some flexibility and sealing so that wind, temperature changes, and
other environmental conditions do not cause cracking or other
damage the veneer wall.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,984, issued to Lopez, and U.S. Pat. No.
4,764,069, issued to Reinwall et al., each disclose hardware
systems for attaching a masonry veneer to a structural support
element. The systems in these patents include a threaded anchor
secured to the support element, and a wire tie. The wire tie
engages an aperture in the anchor at one of its ends, and the wire
tie is submerged within the mortar of the masonry veneer wall at
its other end. The wire tie has some degree of flexibility in its
engagement with the anchor, thereby allowing for easier
installation and for preventing damage to the masonry veneer, while
still providing adequate support and establishing a positive
lateral load connection between the veneer wall and the support
element.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,319, issued to Hohmann, also discloses a
hardware system for attaching a masonry veneer to a structural
support element. The hardware system in the Hohmann patent is
specifically adapted for use in seismic zones. The system includes
an anchor plate attached to a structural wall, a triangular wire
tie attached to the anchor and to the veneer, and a clip member and
rod member for providing further stability.
[0005] One problem with the hardware system disclosed in these
patents is that the relatively closed shape of the triangular wire
tie prevents it from being easily inserted into the aperture of the
anchor during construction of the veneer wall. Another problem with
the triangular-shaped wire tie is that the horizontal movement of
the masonry veneer is somewhat reduced, thereby subjecting the
veneer to possible damage when it expands or contracts due to
environmental conditions. One solution to these problems was to
provide a new shape of the wire tie, a so-called "Single Wire Tie,"
manufactured by Heckmann Building Products, Inc. of Chicago, Ill.
However, while the Single Wire Tie allowed for easier insertion and
for horizontal movement of the veneer, it does not meet building
codes in some jurisdictions.
[0006] Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved wire tie
and hardware system for supporting masonry veneer walls.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one aspect of the invention, a wire tie for use with a
masonry veneer support system includes a wire body including a pair
of substantially parallel central portions each having a respective
first end and a second end, a pair of flange portions, and a loop
portion. The first ends of each respective central portion are
connected with one another by the loop portion. The second end of
each respective central portion is connected with a respective
flange portion of the pair of flange portions, and each flange
portion extends non-parallel to its respective central portion. The
pair of central portions and the flange portions generally define a
plane, and the loop portion is generally non-planar with the
plane.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, a wire tie for
use with a masonry veneer support system includes a wire body
having a pair of substantially parallel central portions, a pair of
flange portions, a pair of reverse extensions portions, and a
connecting portion. The central portions have first and second
ends. The first end of each respective central portion are
connected with one another by the connecting portion. The second
end of each respective central portion is connected with a
respective flange portion of the pair of flange portions. Each
flange portion extends non-parallel to its respective central
portion. Each flange portion also is connected with a respective
reverse extension portion of the pair of reverse extension portions
at an end of the respective flange portion opposite the central
portion.
[0009] In yet another aspect of the invention, a hardware system
for supporting a masonry veneer wall by attachment to a structural
element includes an anchor and a wire tie. The anchor includes a
threaded portion, a barrel portion attached with said threaded
portion, and a head portion attached with the barrel portion. The
head portion has an aperture therethrough. The wire tie includes a
pair of substantially parallel central portions each having a
respective first end and a second end, a pair of flange portions,
and a loop portion. The first ends of each respective central
portion are connected with one another by the loop portion. The
second end of each respective central portion is connected with a
respective flange portion, and each flange portion extends
non-parallel to its respective central portion. The wire tie is
adapted and sized to be insertable through the aperture of the head
portion.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a hardware
system for supporting a masonry veneer wall by attachment with a
structural element includes an anchor and a wire tie. The anchor is
adapted for attachment to a structural element, and includes one or
more structural element engaging portions and a wire retaining
member. The wire retaining member is spaced from the one or more
structural element engaging portions so as to form passage. The
wire tie includes a pair of substantially parallel central portions
each having a respective first end and a second end, a pair of
flange portions, a pair of reverse extension portions, and a
connecting portion. The first ends of each respective central
portion are connected with one another by the connecting portion.
The second end of each respective central portion is connected with
a respective flange portion, and each flange portion extends
non-parallel to its respective central portion. Each flange portion
also is connected with a respective reverse extension portion of
the pair of reverse extension portions at an end of the respective
flange portion opposite an end to which the central portion is
connected. Each reverse extension portion is non-parallel to its
respective flange portion. The wire tie is adapted and sized to be
insertable through the passage of the anchor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wire tie
according to the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a hardware system
including the wire tie of FIG. 1 and an anchor, the system shown
supporting a masonry veneer wall.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top cross-sectional view of the hardware system
of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hardware system according
to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket member for use
with the hardware system according to the second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a hardware system
of FIG. 4, shown in use supporting a masonry veneer.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a top cross-sectional view of the hardware system
of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, a
wire tie according to one embodiment of the present invention is
shown generally at 10. The wire tie 10 is formed as a unitary wire
body 12. The wire body 12 is preferably a metal, and in the most
preferred embodiments, the wire body 12 is hotdip galvinized steel,
mill galvanized steel, epoxy coated steel, or stainless steel.
Before bending, the wire body 12 preferably is about 8-1/4 to
35-{fraction (1/4.times.)} inches long, more preferably about
10-1/4 to about 24-1/4 inches long, and most preferably about
12-1/4 to 18-1/4 inches long. The wire body 12 preferably has a
generally circular cross-section throughout, with a diameter of
about 1/8 to 1/4 inch, and more preferably, about {fraction (3/16)}
inch. However, other cross-sections, such as rectangular
cross-sections, may also be used.
[0019] The wire body 12 is bent into a plurality of portions
integrally connected with each other, including a pair of central
portions 14 and 16, a loop portion 28, a pair of flange portions 36
and 38, and a pair of reverse extension portions 42 and 44. The
central portions 14, 16 have first ends 18, 20, respectively, which
are connected with each other by the loop portion 28. The second
ends 22, 24 of the respective central portions 14, 16 are connected
with respective flange portions 36, 38. The reverse extension
portions 42, 44 are connected with each respective flange portion
36, 38, at an end opposite the end to which the respective central
portions 14, 16 are connected.
[0020] In the preferred embodiment, the central portions 14, 16 are
substantially parallel to each other and generally have the same
length. Preferably, the central portions 14, 16 are about 2 to 6
inches in length, more preferably about 3 to 5 inches in
length.
[0021] The flange portions 36, 38 extend outwardly in opposite
directions from one another and are non-parallel with their
respective central portions 14, 16. Preferably, the flange portions
36, 38 are substantially perpendicular to their respective central
portions 14, 16. The flange portions 36, 38 are preferably about 1
to about 5-1/2 inches in length, more preferably about 3/4 to about
2 inches in length, and most preferably about 1 inch.
[0022] The reverse extension portions 42, 44 generally extend from
the flange portions 36, 38 back towards the end of the wire tie 10
having the first ends 18, 20 of the central portion 14, 16 and the
loop portion 28. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the
reverse extension portions 42, 44 are substantially perpendicular
to their respective flange portions 36, 38 and are generally
parallel to the central portions 14, 16. Preferably, the reverse
extension portions 42, 44 are about 1/2 inch to about 2 inches in
length, and most preferably about 5/8 inch.
[0023] The loop portion 28 preferably is formed from three discrete
portions, including leg portions 30, 34, and connecting portion 32.
However, in alternate embodiments, the loop portion may be formed
from a continuous curve, an inverted V-shape, or an inverted
U-shape. Preferably, leg portions 30 and 34 are substantially
perpendicular to the connecting portion 32. In the preferred
embodiment, the leg portions 30, 34 each are about 3/4 to about 2
inches, more preferably about 1 to about 1-1/2, and most preferably
about 1-{fraction (1/4)} inches. In the preferred embodiment, the
connecting portion 32 is about 1/2 to about 2 inches, more
preferably about 1 to about 1-1/2, and most preferably about 1-1/4
inches.
[0024] The central portion 14, the flange portion 36, and the
reverse extension 42 generally define a J-shape, while the central
portion 16, the flange portion 38, and the reverse extension 44
generally define a reverse J-shape. The central portions 14, 16,
the flange portions 36, 38, and the reverse extension portions 42,
44 generally are co-planar and thus define a wire tie plane. In
contrast, the loop portion 28 is not co-planar with the wire tie
plane. In the preferred embodiment, the loop portion 28 is
substantially perpendicular to the wire tie plane.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a hardware system according
to the present invention is shown generally at 48. For purposes of
illustration, the hardware system 48 is shown in the drawings in
one of its particular uses, for establishing a positive lateral
load connection between an outer masonry veneer wall 110 and an
inner structural supportive element 120. In the embodiment shown,
the masonry veneer wall 110 is formed by masonry units 112 and 114,
such as bricks, stones, or concrete blocks, which are joined to one
another by mortar 116 or other cementitious material. In the
embodiment shown, the inner structural supportive element 120 is
covered by sheathing 130 on the surface 122 facing the masonry
veneer 110. However, in alternate embodiments, the supportive
element 120 may not be covered by a sheathing. In the embodiment
shown, the inner structural supportive element 120 is a concrete
wall, a steel beam, a concrete masonry unit, or a steel or wooden
support stud.
[0026] The hardware system 48 includes the wire tie 10 and an
anchor 98. Suitable anchors for use with the hardware system of the
present invention are sold by Illinois Tool Works, Inc. of
Glenview, Ill., under the trade name Tapcon.RTM. screw, and by Elco
Industries, Inc. of Rockford, Ill., under the trade name
Dril-It.RTM. screw. Other suitable anchors are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,473,984 and 4,764,069, both of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entireties. Briefly, the anchors
suitable for the hardware system 48 include a threaded portion 50,
a barrel portion 70, and a head portion 80. In the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3, the threaded portion 50 includes a central metal
shank 52 formed with a self-drilling tip 54 and formed with a
self-tapping machine thread 56. When the threaded portion 50 is
driven by being rotated and advanced axially, the tip 52 drills
through the sheathing 130 and the structural element 120 and then
the thread 54 screws and secures itself into the structural element
120. The threaded portion 50 is zinc electro plated steel, coated
twice and baked in STALGARD.RTM., a modified polyester copolymer
sold by Elco Industries, Inc. of Rockford, Ill.
[0027] The barrel portion 70 is generally cylindrical in shape and
is formed integrally with an outer driving head portion 80 which,
in the embodiment shown, is in the form of a flat, axially
projecting tongue of generally rectangular shape and generally
rectangular cross-section. The barrel portion 70 and the head
portion 80 are preferably die cast from a zinc-aluminum alloy. A
suitable zinc-aluminum alloy is Zamac 2, a 92% zinc alloy sold by
Grand Rapids Alloy Inc. of Grand Rapids, Mich. The barrel portion
70 is sized according to the thickness of the sheathing 130.
Preferably, the barrel portion 70 is about 1/2 to about 3 inches in
length. Typicaly barrel portion lengths are 5/8 inch, 1 inch, 1-1/2
inches, 2 inches, and 2-1/2 inches.
[0028] An axially extending threaded hole 72 is formed in the
distal end of the barrel portion 70 and is sized to receive the
outer end portion of a second threaded shank (not shown) of the
threaded portion 50, which is separated from the first shank by
flange 58. The threaded portion 50 is screwed snugly into the
barrel portion 70 by hand before the threaded portion 50 is driven.
During driving of the threaded portion 50, the barrel portion 70
drills through the sheathing 130 and forms an enlarged counterbore
which receives the barrel portion 70 in the finally installed
position of the threaded portion 50. The flange 58 formed between
the two threaded shanks of the threaded portion 50 engages the
outer side 122 of the support element 120 and the inner end of
barrel portion 70 when the threaded portion 50 is filly
tightened.
[0029] The barrel portion 70 also preferably includes cutting
elements 76 which are uniquely shaped so as to enable the barrel
portion 70 to drill a counterbore effectively through the sheathing
130. The head portion 80 preferably includes an enlarged, radially
extending and circular flange 86 formed integrally between the
tongue 82 and the barrel portion 70. When the anchor 98 is fully
driven, the inner face of the flange 86 seats tightly against the
outer side 132 of the sheathing 130 and thus serves as a washer to
close off and seal the counterbore in the sheathing 130. For the
flange 86 to effectively close off the counterbore, the diameter of
the flange 86 should be significantly greater than the diameter of
the barrel portion 70. In one specific embodiment of the anchor,
the barrel portion 70 has a diameter of about 3/8", while the
flange 86 has a diameter of about 3/4".
[0030] An aperture 84 (FIG. 3) is formed transversely through the
driving tongue 82. The aperture 84 is sized and adapted to receive
a portion of the wire tie 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the aperture 84
is generally oblong in shape and is oriented with its long edges
extending parallel to and with its short edges extending
transversely of the outer free end of the tongue 82.
[0031] The wire tie 10 and the aperture 84 are sized and adapted so
that the wire body 12 may be inserted through the aperture 84, and
manually manipulated so that the wire tie 10 generally is
positioned relative to the head portion 80 such that the loop
portion 28 extends through the aperture 84. Preferably, the wire
tie 10 will be positioned such that one of the leg portions 30 or
34 will extend through the aperture 84. Thus, after the anchor 98
has been driven, the wire tie 10 is hooked through the aperture 84,
manipulated into position, and then is placed in the wet mortar
116. Typically, at least 2 inches of the central portions 14 and
16, as well as the flange portions 36 and 38, and the reverse
extension portions 42 and 44 will be set into the mortar 116. The
length of the leg portion 30, 34 allows for some vertical
adjustment during installation without allowing for excess
mechanical play and deformation. When the mortar 116 sets up, the
hardware system 48 forms a positive lateral load connection between
the masonry veneer wall 110 and the inner supportive element
120.
[0032] The reverse extension portions 42, 44 significantly increase
the magnitude of the pullout load that the wire tie 10 can
withstand after it is installed. Without the reverse extension
portions 42, 44, a relatively smaller pullout load would cause the
flange portions 36, 38 to straighten relative to (run parallel to)
the central portions 14, 16, and allow the wire tie 10 to be
forcibly removed from the mortar 116. The reverse extension
portions 42, 44 act to inhibit this straightening of the flange
portions 36, 38, and therefore a relatively larger pullout load is
needed to remove the wire tie 10 from the mortar 116.
[0033] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a wire tie
and hardware system according to the present invention. The wire
tie 210 is substantially similar to the wire tie 10 (FIG. 1), but
does not include leg portions or a vertical loop, and thus is
generally planar. The wire tie 210 is formed from a unitary wire
body 212 that is bent into a plurality of portions integrally
connected with each other, including a pair of central portions 214
and 216, a connecting portion 228, a pair of flange portions 236
and 238, and a pair of reverse extension portions 242 and 244. The
central portions 214, 216 have first ends 218, 220, respectively,
which are connected with each other by the connecting portion 228.
The second ends 222, 224 of the respective central portions 214,
216 are connected with respective flange portions 236, 238. The
reverse extension portions 242, 244 are connected with each
respective flange portion 236, 238, at an end opposite the end to
which the respective central portions 214, 216 are connected.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment, the central portions 214, 216
are substantially parallel to each other and generally have the
same length. The flange portions 236, 238 extend outwardly in
opposite directions from one another and are non-parallel with
their respective central portions 214, 216. Preferably, the flange
portions 236, 238 are substantially perpendicular to their
respective central portions 214, 216. The reverse extension
portions 242, 244 generally extend from the flange portions 236,
238 back towards the end of the wire tie 210 having the first ends
218, 220 of the central portion 214, 216 and the connecting portion
228. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the reverse
extension portions 242, 244 are substantially perpendicular to
their respective flange portions 236, 238 and are generally
parallel to the central portions 214, 216.
[0035] The portions of the wire tie 210 have the same preferred
ranges of dimensions as their corresponding portions in the wire
tie 10 (FIG.1). The central portion 214, the flange portion 236,
and the reverse extension 242 generally define a J-shape, while the
central portion 216, the flange portion 238, and the reverse
extension 244 generally define a reverse J-shape.
[0036] The wire tie 210 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7 is
preferably used in a hardware system specifically designed for use
in reducing damage to masonry veneers due to seismic events. As
shown in FIG. 4, seismic hardware system 248 includes the wire tie
210 and an anchor 298. In especially preferred embodiments, the
hardware system also includes one or more bracket members 260 (FIG.
5), as described more thoroughly below.
[0037] The anchor 298 includes a backing plate member 272 and a
wire retaining member 274. The wire retaining member 274 is
preferably punched out from the central portion backing plate
member 272 so as to result in a centrally disposed aperture 276.
The wire retaining member 274 is thereby disposed in substantially
parallel, spaced, but integral relationship with respect to the
backing plate member 272. In alternate embodiments, the plate
member 272 and wire retaining member 274 are not integral, but
rather are made from entirely different pieces. An elongated
passage 286 is formed between the wire retaining member 274 and the
backing plate member 272 for securing the wire tie 210 in the
horizontal direction (towards the veneer 310, FIG. 6), while
allowing for some minimal play in the lateral direction, and for
extensive slideability in the vertical direction. The backing plate
member 272 includes structural element engaging portions 278, 280
provided with bores 282, 284, respectively, for attaching the
anchor 298 to a structural element. The anchor 298 is preferably
made from 10 to 20 gauge sheet metal, and more preferably, about 12
to 16 gauge sheet metal. The anchor 298 is preferably about 1 to 2
inches wide and about 4 to 8 inches long, and more preferably,
about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches wide and 5 to 7 inches long. An
especially preferred anchor is the Screw-On Anchor Plate, Part No.
315-D, manufactured by Heckmann Building Products Inc. of Chicago,
Ill.
[0038] In alternate embodiments of the invention, the anchor may
not include a backing plate member, and instead includes an
elongated strip of metal bent into structural element engaging
portions and a wire retaining member. A suitable anchor according
to this alternate embodiment of the invention is the Screw-On
Anchor Strap, Part No. 315-C, manufactured by Heckmann Building
Products, Inc. of Chicago, Ill.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 6, the hardware system 248 is shown in
the drawings in one of its particular uses, for establishing a
positive lateral load connection between an outer masonry veneer
310 and an inner structural supportive element 320. In the
embodiment shown, the masonry veneer wall 310 is formed by masonry
units 312 and 314, such as bricks, stones, or concrete blocks,
which are joined to one another by mortar 316 or other cementitious
material. In the embodiment shown, the inner structural supportive
element 320 is a concrete wall, a steel beam, a concrete masonry
unit, or a steel or wooden support stud.
[0040] The anchor 298 is attached to the structural element 320 by
the fasteners 288. The fasteners suitable for attachment to the
structural element 320 are chosen based upon the nature of the
structural element. After the anchor 298 has been attached, the
wire tie 210 is hooked through the elongated passage 286,
manipulated into position, and then is placed in the wet mortar
316. As shown in FIG. 7 (in which masonry unit 312 has been removed
for clarity), preferably at least 2 inches of the central portions
214 and 216, as well as the flange portions 236 and 238, and the
reverse extension portions 242 and 244, will be set into the mortar
316.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, the hardware system 248 preferably also
includes one or more bracket members 260. The bracket members 260
are preferably made from 18 to 26 gauge sheet metal, and most
preferably 22 gauge sheet metal. The bracket members 260 include a
base portion 262, a tab portion 264 stamped out from the base
portion 262, and a flange portion 266 preferably bent perpendicular
to the base portion 262. The flange portion 266 includes an
aperture 268 (FIG. 5) sized and adapted to receive a reverse
extension portion 242 or 244 of the wire tie 210. The tab portion
264 is adapted and sized to engage an elongated rod member 269. The
elongated rod member 269 extends through the mortar 316 and between
all bracket members 260 for all wire ties 210 in the respective
masonry unit layer of the masonry veneer. The elongated rod member
269 adds stability to the masonry veneer and protects against
potentially damaging seismic events, and is usually required by
building codes in seismic zones. Preferably, the elongated rod
members are steel rods having a diameter of about {fraction
(1/16)}" to about {fraction (1/2)}", and more preferably a diameter
of about 1/8" to about {fraction (3/16)}". Suitable elongated rod
members are manufactured by Heckmann Building Products Inc. of
Chicago, Ill.
[0042] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art in light of the aforegoing description.
Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *