GB2626760A - A building assembly comprising a mechanical fixing arrangement and a mechanical fixing arrangement for a buiding assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A building assembly 10 comprising a support element 11 and an engagement element 12 configured to engage a building component 13. A fixing arrangement 14 is disposed between the support element 11 and engagement element 12 configured to provide a mechanical fix between said elements 11, 12. The fixing arrangement 14 comprises a male portion (15 figure 3) and a female portion (16 figure 4), the female portion (16 figure 4) being receivable by the male portion (15 figure 3) and being deformable to mechanically fix the support element 11 and the engagement element 12 together.

Description

A BUILDING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MECHANICAL FIXING ARRANGEMENT AND A

MECHANICAL FIXING ARRANGEMENT FOR A BUIDING ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a building assembly, and in particular to a building assembly comprising a mechanical fixing arrangement between two portions thereof.

Background of the invention

It is well known to utilise brick or masonry support elements in the construction of buildings. These elements generally comprise some form of anchor component which mechanically attaches to the building, the anchor component being engagable with a tray or the like to which masonry or brick is attached. In many such solutions, the masonry or brick is adhered to the tray. However, at least partly due to changes in regulations, in particular relating to high-rise structures, it has become desirable to provide a mechanical fix such that an added level of security is afforded. Whilst masonry/brick support is provided as an example, this requirement for mechanical fix can also be seen in other areas. Typically, in the example of brick/masonry support, this mechanical fix is partly facilitated by the forming of slots or the like in the brick or masonry, and providing clips/clamps or the like mechanically fastened to the tray structure which are configured to engage said slots and form a mechanical coupling of brick/masonry and tray. However, the clips or the like are typically bolted, welded or attached using known mechanical fixings which can take significant time to apply, in particular where many of these fixings are to be used. Many bolt type fixings also require access on both sides of the component in order to apply and tighten. Moreover, utilising a separate mechanical fixing element such as a bolt increases the part count and requires that a supply of suitable nut sizes are kept at hand.

It is desirable to provide a building assembly comprising a mechanical fix arrangement that is quick and convenient to apply, minimises part count, and yet provides robust mechanical attachment.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided a building assembly comprising: a support element; at least one engagement element configured to engage a building component; a fixing arrangement disposed between the support element and engagement element configured to provide a mechanical fix between said support element and engagement element; wherein the fixing arrangement comprises at least one male portion associated with one of the support element or engagement element and a corresponding at least one female portion associated with the other of the support element or engagement element, the male portion being receivable by the female portion and being deformable to mechanically fix the support element and the engagement element together.

Ideally, the support element is a tray such as a soffit tray, said tray being configured for engagement with an anchor means, the anchor means being securable to a building or structure, said tray being configured to support brick or masonry via the engagement element.

Preferably, the engagement element secures brick or masonry to the tray via the fixing arrangement.

Advantageously, brick or masonry may be mechanically secured by simple deformation of the male portion of the fixing arrangement such that no bolts or the like are required.

Ideally, the male portion is a projection Preferably, the female portion is an aperture configured to receive said projection.

Ideally, the male portion is tab.

Preferably, the female portion is a slot formed for receiving said tab.

Ideally, the tab is formed on or attached to the support element.

Preferably, the slot is formed in the engagement element.

Alternatively, the male portion may be formed on or attached to the engagement element and the female portion may be formed in the support element.

Ideally, the tab comprises a first tab portion, which extends from a first end of said tab proximal the support element, and a second tab portion, which extends from said first tab portion to a second end of the tab distal the first end thereof Preferably, the first tab portion comprises a neck portion.

Ideally, the second tab portion comprises a head portion.

Preferably, the neck portion is narrower than the head portion in at least one dimension.

Ideally, the tab extends generally perpendicular from an engagement surface of the support element.

Preferably, the engagement surface of the support element is the surface to which the engagement element is to be attached via the fixing arrangement.

Preferably, the second portion of the tab extends longitudinally, relative to the slot placable thereinto, to a greater extent than the first portion of said tab.

Ideally, wherein the tab is a generally T-shaped tab.

Preferably, the T-shaped tab comprises the first tab portion which extends perpendicularly from the 5 support element and the second tab portion which extends longitudinally generally perpendicular to the first tab portion, so as to form a T-shape.

Ideally, the length of the first tab portion is less than the thickness of the material of the engagement element.

Ideally, the slot is an elongate slot having a length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction of the slot.

Preferably, the slot comprises a width dimension extending generally perpendicular to the length.

Ideally, the slot comprises a depth dimension, the depth dimension of the slot being the thickness of the material of the engagement element in which said slot is formed.

Preferably, the length and width of the slot are sized and dimensioned for receiving the tab.

Ideally, at least the second tab portion is insertable into the slot.

Ideally, the tab and slot are sized and dimensioned such that at least the second portion of the tab is insertable through the slot from a first side of the engagement element and projects through the slot 25 to a second side of the engagement element.

Preferably, in use, the second portion of the tab is insertable into the slot so that the engagement element is located between an underside of the second portion of the tab and the first end of the tab.

Ideally, the underside of the second portion of the tab is the side which, when the second portion of the tab is inserted into the slot, faces said slot.

Preferably, the second portion of the tab comprises an engagement surface.

Ideally, the underside of the second portion of the tab comprises the engagement surface, which is configured for engaging the engagement element.

Preferably, the tab is deformable by applying a rotational or twisting force to at least the second tab portion thereof Ideally, the first tab portion is configured such that applying said rotational or twisting force to the second tab portion effects rotational or twisted deformation of the first tab portion such that the second tab portion is displaced rotationally relative to at least a portion of the first tab portion.

Preferably, the first tab portion comprises a twist zone.

Preferably, the rotational or twisting force is a force applied to the second tab portion in a manner which causes a second end of the first portion of the tab proximal the second portion thereof to rotatably deform relative to the first end of the first portion of the tab which extends from the support 10 element.

Ideally, the second portion of the tab is inserted into the slot and a rotational force is applied, deforming the first tab portion and rotationally displacing the second tab portion relative to at least a portion of said first tab portion, said second tab portion being displaced to an extent that prevents 15 subsequent removal of said second tab portion from said slot.

Advantageously, upon insertion of the second portion of the tab into the slot and thereafter upon application of the rotational/twisting force, the first portion of the tab deforms from having a generally rectangular cross section to a twisted first tab portion having a twisted cross sectional geometry extending from its first end to its second end. The second portion of the tab, being at the second end of the first portion thereof, is therefore displaced relative to the slot such that it moves from a position generally aligned longitudinally with the slot to a position oblique relative to the longitudinal direction of the slot and as such cannot be removed from said slot without undoing the twist in the first portion of the tab.

Ideally, the rotation or twisting force is applied by turning the second portion of the tab rotationally, the rotation being in a plane generally parallel to the engagement surface of the support element, and having a rotational axis generally perpendicular to the engagement surface of the support element.

Preferably, the first tab portion is narrower than the second tab portion such that upon application of the rotational or twisting force the first portion of the tab deforms whilst the second portion of the tab generally retains its shape.

Ideally, the slot is sized and dimensioned such that, once rotationally deformed at least the second tab portion of the tab cannot pass through the slot.

Advantageously, the second portion of the tab can be aligned longitudinally with the slot, inserted into the slot such that the engagement element is located between the first end of the tab and the 40 second portion thereof, rotated by application of the rotational or twisting force until the second portion of the tab is no longer longitudinally aligned with the slot and thereafter cannot be removed from the slot without reversing the rotation of the second portion of the tab such that it is re-aligned longitudinally with the slot once more.

Ideally, the fixing arrangement further comprises one or more lug feature locatable adjacent the tab.

Preferably, said lug feature is sized and dimensioned to act as a locational guide for positioning the tab within the slot.

Alternatively or in combination the lug feature acts to limit or prevent movement of the tab in the 10 lateral and longitudinal direction of the slot once inserted into the slot.

Alternatively or in combination, the one or more lug feature may act as a bracing means sized and dimensioned to brace against the side walls of the slot should a rotational force be applied to said tab.

Ideally, the fixing arrangement comprises two lug features, one locatable on each side of the tab.

Preferably, one lug feature is located on each side of the first portion of the tab, at least partially beneath the second portion of the tab.

Ideally, the lug features comprise sloped parts which extend from the support structure from a first lug end proximal the first end of the tab, away from the first portion of the tab and towards the second portion of the tab.

Preferably. The lug features define a recess area in the support structure proximal the first end of the tab and a protrusion at the second lug end which projects from the engagement surface of the support structure towards but not beyond the second portion of the tab.

Ideally, the slot comprises a central slot portion sized and dimensioned to receive at least the tab Preferably, the slot comprises at least one side slot portion configured for receiving the at least one lug.

Ideally, the slot is a single contiguous slot wherein the central and side portions adjoin to form a 35 single slot.

Alternatively, the slot is formed in separate sections, comprising supplementary side slot portions spaced apart from the central slot portion.

Ideally, where the slot is formed in separate sections, with the supplementary side slot portions being spaced apart from the central slot portion, the lug features are spaced apart correspondingly from the tab such that they align with the supplementary side slot portions of the slot for insertion.

Ideally, the spaced apart central and supplementary side slot portions all extend in a co-linear fashion.

Advantageously, the spaced apart embodiment of the slot and lug features may be utilised in cases where only one tab and slot pair are being used to secure an engagement element to a support 10 element, this minimising the rotation or deformation of the engagement element.

Ideally, the side slot portion has a narrower width than the central slot portion.

Ideally, the slot comprises one side slot portion and/or supplementary side slot portion on either side 15 of the central slot portion, each side slot portion or supplementary side slot portion being sized and dimensioned to receive a respective lug feature Ideally, when the tab is aligned with the slot and the second portion of the tab is inserted into the slot through the central slot portion, the lug features align with and travel into the side slot portions or 20 supplementary side slot portions.

Advantageously, the lug features aid alignment of the tab as alignment of the lug features in the side slot portions or supplementary side slot portions ensures that the tab is located correctly when inserted. Further advantageously, as the side slot portions and supplementary side slot portions are narrower, this results in a more accurate locational guide as the lug features are further restricted in regards to their position within the slot by said narrowness of the side slot and supplementary side slot portions configured for receiving said lug portions.

Further advantageously, where the side slot portions and supplementary side slot portions are of narrower width than the central slot portion the lug features contact the side walls of the side slot portions or supplementary side slot portions as the first portion of the tab begins to deform upon application of the rotational or twisting force. This prevents deformation of the remainder of the material of the support element and guides/controls deformation the tab itself, and preferably of the first portion of the tab. Resultantly, deformation occurs only in the desired area and does not affect the remainder of the support structure.

Ideally, the lug features contact the side walls of the slot such that deformation occurs substantially only in the first portion of the tab when a rotational or twisting force is applied to the tab.

Preferably, the central slot portion is sized and dimensioned to permit free rotation/rotational deformation/twisting of the first tab portion within said central portion of said slot.

Advantageously, as a rotational/twisting force is applied to the second portion of the tab the first portion of the tab may freely rotationally deform within the slot such that deformation of the first portion of the tab is not impeded/restricted by the side walls of the slot.

Ideally, the central slot portion comprises one or more transitional section which is positioned to form a transition between the central slot portion and a side slot portion, or between first and second sections of the central slot portion.

Preferably, the transitional section is configured to provide a section of surface of the inside walls of the slot and corresponding edge of the slot which are angled or sloped such that the tab when rotated may contact the edge of the slot at said transitional section and travel along said angle or slope of the edge of the slot.

Ideally, the transitional section extends from a first end proximal a terminal end of the slot to a second end closer to the middle of the slot and is configured to provide a section of surface of the inside walls of the slot and corresponding edge of the slot which are angled or sloped in a direction away from the longitudinal centreline of the slot such that the slot is wider at a second end of the transitional section than at a first end of the transitional section.

Preferably, the slot comprises a plurality of transitional sections, Ideally, the slot comprises four transitional sections, the four transitional sections forming two opposing sets of transitional sections.

Preferably, the rotational or twisting force is applied with a powered or unpowered tool.

Ideally, the powered or unpowered tool is configured to engage with the second portion of the tab and apply a twisting or rotational force thereto.

Ideally, the engagement surface of the second portion of the tab is the surface thereof which opposes the slot when the second portion of the tab is inserted thereinto.

Preferably, the engagement surface of the second portion of the tab is a sloped or radiused surface 35 which slopes from the first tab portion in a direction away from the slot when the second portion of the tab is inserted thereinto.

Ideally, the engagement surface of the second portion of the tab comprises a first end proximal the first portion of the tab and a second end distal the first portion of the tab, the first end being closer to 40 the slot when the second portion of the tab is inserted thereinto than the second end, and the engagement surface sloping from the first end towards the second end.

Preferably, the engagement surface of the second portion of the tab comprises a first end proximal the first portion of the tab and a second end distal the first portion of the tab, the first end being closer to the support element than the second end, and the engagement surface sloping from the 5 first end towards the second end.

Ideally, when the tab is inserted from a first side of the engagement element into the slot such that the second portion of the tab projects from a second side of the engagement element, the first end of engagement surface of the second portion of the tab is closer to the second side of the engagement 10 element than the second end of engagement surface of the second portion of the tab.

Preferably, when the tab is inserted from a first side of the engagement element into the slot such that the second portion of the tab projects from a second side of the engagement element, should the tab be rotated by applying a rotational/twisting force, the sloped/radiused engagement surface of the second portion of the tab causes a tightening against the engagement means which increases as the level of rotation of the second portion of the tab increases.

Ideally, the tab and slot are configured such that when the tab is inserted from a first side of the engagement element into the slot such that the second portion of the tab projects from a second side of the engagement element, should the tab be rotated by applying a rotational/twisting force, a first area on each side the sloped/radiused engagement surface of the second portion initially contacts a respective edge of the slot.

Preferably, a first area on each side the sloped/radiused engagement surface of the second portion initially contacts a respective edge of the slot, should the tab be rotated further, the sloped/radiused surface moves relative to the respective edges of the slot such that the respective edges of the slot travel along the sloped/radiused surface in a direction upwards on the sloped/radiused surface and towards the first portion of the tab.

Advantageously, this increases the security of the mechanical fix between the engagement means and the support element.

Ideally, the engagement surface of the second portion of the tab is the surface thereof which faces the engagement element when the second portion of the tab is inserted into the slot of the 35 engagement element.

Preferably, the engagement surface of the second portion of the tab extends on both sides of the first portion of the tab.

Preferably, where the tab is a T-shaped tab, the engagement surface of the second portion of the tab forms the underside of the horizontal portion of the T-shape, where underside refers to the lower side when the T-shape is viewed in a normal upright position such that it resembles a capitalised letter T. Preferably, the mechanical fixing arrangement may comprise one corresponding tab and slot arrangement, or any number such arrangements as dictated by the support element and engagement element to be joined.

Optionally, the support element may comprise a plurality of tabs, each tab or a grouping of tabs of 10 the support element being configured for mating with corresponding slots of a different engagement element such that the support element may have various engagement elements attached thereto.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a fixing arrangement for a building assembly, the building assembly comprising: a support element; at least one engagement element configured to engage a building component; the fixing arrangement disposed between the support element and engagement element and configured to provide a mechanical fix between said support element and engagement element; and wherein the fixing arrangement comprises at least one male portion associated with one of the support element or engagement element and a corresponding at least one female portion associated with the other of the support element or engagement element, the male portion being receivable by the female portion and being deformable to mechanically fix the support element and the engagement element together.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a building assembly comprising the steps of: forming at least one male portion of a fixing arrangement on a support element; forming at least one female portion of a fixing arrangement on at least one engagement element, the engagement element configured to engage a building component; inserting said male portion into said female portion and deforming said male portion to prevent removal of at least a portion of said female portion from said male portion and thus securing the support element to the engagement element.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a building assembly comprising a first building element a second building element; a fixing arrangement disposed between the first building element and second building element and configured to provide a mechanical fix therebetween; wherein the fixing arrangement comprises at least one male portion associated with the first building element and a corresponding at least one female portion associated with the second building element, the male portion being receivable by the female portion and being deformable to mechanically fix the first and second building elements together.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a fixing arrangement for a building assembly, the building assembly comprising: a first building element; a second building element; the fixing arrangement disposed between the first building element and second building element and configured to provide a mechanical fix therebetween; wherein the fixing arrangement comprises at least one male portion associated with the first building element and a corresponding at least one female portion associated with the second building element, the male portion being receivable by the female portion and being deformable to mechanically fix the first and second building elements together.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a building assembly comprising the steps of: forming at least one male portion of a fixing arrangement on a first building element; forming at least one female portion of a fixing arrangement on a second building element; inserting said male portion into said female portion and deforming said male portion to prevent removal of at least a portion of said female portion from said male portion and thus securing the first and second building elements together.

Brief description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support element and engagement elements joined by a mechanical fixing arrangement; Figure 2 is a side view of a support element and an engagement element joined by a mechanical fixing arrangement; Figure 3 is a side view of a portion of a support element comprising tabs of a mechanical fixing arrangement; Figure 4 is a top view of an engagement element comprising slots of a mechanical fixing 30 arrangement, Figure 5 is a side view of the support element and engagement element of Figures 3 and 4 mated; Figure 6 is a detail view of a portion of a support element showing a tab of a mechanical fixing 35 arrangement; Figure 7 is a top perspective view of Figure 5; Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of Figure 5; Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the direction of movement of the engagement element of Figure Sin order to mate with the support element thereof.

Figure 10 is a further perspective view of Figure 5; Figure 11 is a detail view showing an engagement surface of a tab of a mechanical fixing arrangement; Figure 12 is a detail view showing a further embodiment of a mechanical fixing arrangement wherein lug features are located spaced apart from the tab; Figure 13 is a photograph showing engagement element and a support element joined by the mechanical fixing arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a photograph showing the tabs of a mechanical fixing arrangement in a rotated/twisted 15 orientation such that a support element is mechanically attached to an engagement element; and Figure 15 is a detailed view of a slot of a mechanical fixing arrangement.

Detailed Description of the drawings

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

It should be understood that the invention herein is desceribed in detail in the following section of the description for use in the context of a brick/masonry support tray. However, the novel features of the mechanical fixing arrangement of the present invention could be used in various contexts within the construction and civil engineering industry where a strong yet quick and easy to locate and apply mechanical fix between two metallic components is required. Therefore, it is highlighted that the following passages describing use in the context of brick/masonry support should not be construed as limiting in any manner. Figures 3 to Sand 7 to 10 show the mechanical fixing arrangement 14 of the invention in use in the more general sense, connecting generic first and second building components together which may not form part of a brick/masonry support tray.

Referring now to the Figures there is illustrated a building assembly 10 comprising a support element 11 and an engagement element 12 configured to engage a building component 13. In the embodiment of the drawings, the support element 11 is a tray 11 for supporting brick or masonry, such as a soffit tray, and the engagement element 12 is a plurality of engagement elements 12 being clips/clamps or the like 12 configured to engage with brick or masonry. A fixing arrangement 14 is disposed between the tray 11 and engagement clip/clamp 12 configured to provide a mechanical fix between said tray 11 and clip/clamp 12. The fixing arrangement 14 comprises a male portion 15 and a female portion 16, the male portion 15 being receivable by the female portion 16 and being deformable to mechanically fix the tray 11 and the clip/clamp 12 together. In the embodiment of the drawings the male portion 15 is a tab 15 formed on or attached to the tray and the female portion 16 is a slot 16 formed in the clips/clamps. It should be noted that the assembly may comprise a single clip/clamp 12 secured to a single tray 11 via the described fixing arrangements 14, or multiple clips/clamps 12 each secured to a single tray 11 via the described fixing arrangements 14. It should also be noted that the clips/clamps 12 and tray 11 may comprise a single set of corresponding male and female portions 15, 16 that may be mated to form the aforementioned mechanical fix between the two, or may comprise multiple corresponding sets of male and female portions 15, 16 that may be mated to form said mechanical fix.

The tray 11 is configured for engagement with an anchor component (not shown) as would typically be the case in a brickJmasonry support assembly. The anchor component is securable to a building or structure, said tray 11 being configured to support brick or masonry via the clips/clamps 12. The clips/clamps 12, as is known in the field, comprise one or more flange 17 or other such feature which is engagable with a corresponding feature such as a groove or slot in the brick or masonry to retain the brick or masonry component, this may be reinforced with adhesive in some applications. Once the fixing arrangement 14 has secured the tray 11 to the clips/clamps 12, the brick or masonry is therefore accordingly secured to the tray 11 via the clips/clamps 12. As can be seen from Figure 1, in preferred embodiments, a single tray 11 may engage with multiple clips/clamps 12. Advantageously, brick or masonry may be mechanically secured to a tray by simple deformation of the tab 15 of the fixing arrangement 14 such that no bolts or the like are required. It should be understood that the terms tab and slot are not intended to be limiting, the tab being any at least partially deformable projecting feature and the slot being any receiving feature or aperture which may receive a projection and, once said projection is deformed, retain said protection such that it can no longer fully be removed thereform. It should be appreciated that, whilst in the embodiments of the drawings the tab is shown on the tray and the slot is formed in the clips/clamps, this may be reversed such that tab may be formed on the clips/clamps 12 and the slot is formed in the tray 11. The skilled person would be able to make such a change.

The tab comprises a first tab portion 18, which extends from a first end 19 of said tab 15 proximal the tray 11. A second tab portion 20 extends from said first tab portion 18 to a second end 21 of the tab 15 distal the first end 19 thereof. In the embodiment of the drawings, the first tab portion 18 comprises a neck portion 18 and the second tab portion 20 comprises a head portion 20. The neck portion 18 is narrower than the head portion 20. By narrower it is meant that the head portion 20 extends to a wider extent than the neck portion 18 when the tab 15 is viewed from a side perspective as can be seen for example in Figures 3 and 6. The tab 15 extends generally perpendicular from an engagement surface 22 of the tray 11, this engagement surface 22 being the surface 22 to which the clips/clamps 12 are to be attached via the fixing arrangement 14. As can be seen from Figure 6, in the embodiment of the drawings, lug features 23 are formed (which will be discussed later herein) and the tab 15 extends from a position below the engagement surface 22 of the tray 11. The head 20 of the tab 15 extends longitudinally, relative to the slot placable thereinto.

In the embodiment of the drawings, and in particular as can be seen in Figure 6, the tab 15 may be described as generally T-shaped tab 15. Comprising the first tab portion or neck portion 18 which extends perpendicularly from the tray 11 and the second tab portion or head portion 20 which extends longitudinally and generally perpendicular to the first tab portion or neck portion 18, so as to form a T-shape. The length of the neck portion 18 is less than the thickness of the material of the clips/clamps 12 in order that when the tab 15 is inserted into the slot the thickness dimension of the clips/clamps 12 may be located between the engagement surface 22 of the tray 11 and the underside 24 of the head portion 20 of the tab 15 and turning of the tab 15 causes the a clamping effect between the underside of the tab 15 and the engagement surface 22 of the tray.

The slot 16 is an elongate slot 16 having a length dimension (L) extending in the longitudinal direction of the slot 16. The slot 16 comprises a width dimension (VV) extending generally perpendicular to the length. The slot 16 comprises a depth dimension, the depth dimension of the slot 16 being the thickness of the material of the clip/clamps 12 in which said slot 16 is formed. The length and width of the slot are sized and dimensioned for receiving the tab 15 and the lug features associated with the tab 15.

The second tab portion or head portion 20 is insertable into the slot 16 from a first side of the clips/clamps 12 and projects through the slot 16 to a second side of the clips/clamps so that the clip/clamp 12 is located between the underside 24 of the head portion 20 of the tab 15 and the first end 19 of the tab 15. The underside 24 of the head portion 20 of the tab 15 is the side which, when the head portion 20 of the tab 15 is inserted into the slot 16, faces said slot 16. The underside 24 of the head portion 20, when inserted into the slot 16, extends completely through the slot 16 in order that the head portion 20 may be freely rotated/twisted, as will be hereinafter described, without contacting the inner walls of the slot 16. The head portion 20 comprises an engagement surface 24 on the underside 24 thereof which contacts and engages the clips/clamps 12 when the head portion 20 is inserted into the slot 16 and rotated/twisted.

The tab 15 is deformable by applying a rotational or twisting force to at least the head portion 20 thereof The neck portion 18 is configured such that applying said rotational or twisting force to the head portion 20 effects rotational or twisted deformation of the neck portion 18 such that the head portion 20 is displaced rotationally relative to at least a part of the neck portion 18. Put differently, the head portion 20 is twisted and given the narrower nature of the neck, the material of the neck portion 18 twists thus allowing rotational displacement of the head portion 20. If this rotational displacement of the head portion 20 is done after the tab is inserted into the slot 16, the head portion is no longer longitudinally aligned with the slot 16 and therefore the tab 15, or at least the head portion 20 thereof, cannot be removed from the slot. The neck portion 18 therefore defines a twist zone, whereat the material is permitted to deform and twist to permit the aforementioned function. The rotational or twisting force is a force applied to the head portion 20 in a manner which causes a second end 25 of the neck portion to rotatably move and deform relative to the first end 19 of the neck portion 18. Advantageously, upon insertion of the head portion 20 of the tab 15 into the slot 16 and thereafter upon application of the rotational/twisting force, the neck portion 18 deforms from having a generally rectangular cross section to a twisted neck portion 18 having a twisted cross sectional geometry extending from its first end to its second end. The head portion 20 of the tab, being at the second end of the neck portion 18 thereof, is therefore displaced relative to the slot 16 such that it moves from a position generally aligned longitudinally with the slot 16 to a position oblique relative to the longitudinal direction of the slot 16 and as such, again, cannot be removed from said slot 16 without undoing the twist in the neck portion 18 of the tab 15. The rotation or twisting force is applied by turning the head portion 20 of the tab rotationally, the rotation being in a plane generally parallel to the engagement surface 22 of the tray 11, and having a rotational axis generally perpendicular to the engagement surface 22 of the tray 11. As noted, the neck portion 18 is narrower than the head portion 20 such that upon application of the rotational or twisting force the neck portion 18 of the tab 15 deforms whilst the head portion 20 of the tab 15 generally retains its shape. Advantageously, in use, the head portion 20 of the tab 15 can be aligned longitudinally with the slot 16, inserted into the slot 16 such that a portion of the clip/clamp 12 is located between the first end 19 of the tab 15 and the head portion 20 thereof, rotated by application of a rotational or twisting force until the head portion 20 of the tab is no longer longitudinally aligned with the slot 16 and thereafter cannot be removed from the slot 16 without reversing the rotation such that the head portion 20 is re-aligned longitudinally with the slot 16 once more.

The fixing arrangements 14 further comprise one or more lug feature 23, as noted above, locatable adjacent the tab 15. The lug feature 23 is sized and dimensioned to act as a locaftonal guide for positioning the tab 15 within the slot 16 and to act as a bracing surface to brace against the side walls 33 of the slot 16 should a rotational force be applied to said tab 15 in order to prevent or limit twisting of material of the tray which it is not intended to twist. The lug features 23 act to limit or prevent movement of the tab 15 in the lateral and longitudinal direction of the slot 16 once the tab 15 is inserted into the slot 16. In the embodiment of the drawings, the fixing arrangements comprise two lug features 23, one locatable on each side of the tab 15, as is best viewed in Figure 6. One lug feature 23 is located on each side of the neck portion 18 of the tab, and beneath the head portion 20 of the tab. The lug features 23 comprise sloped edges 26 which extend approximately from the first end of the tab 19, away from the neck portion 18 of the tab and towards the head portion 20 of the tab 15. This is best seen in Figure 6, which shows the sloping edges 26 of the lug features 23 starting at the first end 19 of the tab 15 and sloping downwardly towards the head portion 20 of the tab and outwardly from the neck portion 18 of the tab. Downwardly and outwardly in this case refer to the orientation of Figure 6 only, however this should not be construed as limiting, the fixing arrangements being usable any spacial orientation. The sloped edges 26 of the lug features 23 form a generally curved slope, the curve radiused such that it curves outwardly from the body of the tray 11 towards the head portion 20 of the tab 15. The lug features 23 define a recess area 27 in the tray 11 proximal the first end 19 of the tab 15 and a protrusion 28 at the second lug end which projects from the engagement surface 22 of the tray 11 towards but not beyond the head portion 20 of the tab 15.

The slot 16 comprises a central slot portion 27 sized and dimensioned to receive the tab 15 and side slot portions 28 sized and dimensioned for receiving the lug features 23 or a portion thereof. It should be understood that whilst the embodiments of the drawings show two lug features 23 associated with each tab 15, embodiments are envisaged wherein one tab 23 may be utilised on one side of a tab 15 and which could still be utilised for the aforementioned locational and bracing functions. In some embodiments, the slot 16 is a single contiguous slot wherein the central 27 and side portions 28 adjoin to form a single slot 16, as can be seen best in in Figure 4. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the slot 16 may be formed in separate sections, with further supplementary side slot portions 28a being spaced apart from the central slot portion 27 (See Figure 13). In such an embodiment the central slot portion may still comprise side slot portions 28 contiguous therewith as shown in Figure 13. Where the slot 16 is formed in separate sections, with the supplementary side slot portions 28a are provided and spaced apart from the central slot portion 27, the lug features 23 are spaced apart correspondingly from the tab 15 (see Figure 12) such that they align with the supplementary side portions 28a of the slot 16 for insertion. The spaced apart central 27 and side supplementary side slot portions 28 all extend in a co-linear fashion. Advantageously, the spaced apart embodiment of the slot 16 and lug features 23 may be utilised in cases where only one tab 15 and slot 16 pair are being used to secure a smaller clip/clamp 12 to a tray 11, this minimising the rotation or deformation of the smaller single variant clip/clamp 12. The description hereinafter refers to the interrelation of the lug features 23 and the side slot portions 28 and the general functioning and purpose of the side slot portions 28. However it should be understood that, in embodiments having supplementary side slot portions 28a, reference to side slot portions in regards to function and interrelation with the lug features 23 may be interchanged with reference to the supplementary side slot portions 28a as in embodiments having said supplementary side slot portions 28a it is these that receive the lug features 23 and provide the described technical effects and functions.

The side slot portion 28, as is best seen in Figure 4, has a narrower slot width VVi than the width W of the central slot portion 27. The slot comprises one side slot portion 28 on either side of the central slot portion 28, each side slot portion sized and dimensioned to receive a respective lug feature 23. When the tab 15 is aligned with the slot 16 and the head portion 20 of the tab is inserted into the slot 16 through the central slot portion 28, the lug features 23 align with and travel into the side slot portions 28, acting to guide placement of the tab 15 and acting to brace against the side walls 33 of the slot 16 when a rotational/twisting force is applied to the tab 16. Advantageously, the lug features 23 aid alignment of the tab 15 as alignment of the lug features 23 in the side slot portions 28 ensures that the tab 15 is located correctly when inserted. Further advantageously, as the side slot portions 28 are narrower, this results in a more accurate locational guide as the lug features 23 are further restricted in regards to their position within the slot by said narrowness of the side slot portions 28 configured for receiving said lug portions 23. Further advantageously, as the side slot portions 28 are of narrower width than the central slot portion 27 the lug features 23 contact the side walls of the side slot portions 28 as the neck portion 18 begins to deform upon application of a rotational or twisting force. This prevents deformation of the remainder of the material of the tray 11 and guides or controls deformation the tab itself. Resultantly, deformation occurs substantially only in the desired area, namely in the neck portion 18 of the tab 15, and does not affect the remainder of the tray 11. The central slot portion 27 is sized and dimensioned to permit free rotation/rotational deformation/twisting of the neck portion 18 of the tab 15 within said central portion 27. Advantageously, as a rotational/twisting force is applied to head portion 20 of the tab 15 the neck portion 18 of the tab 15 may freely rotationally deform within the slot 16 such that deformation of the neck portion 18 of the tab is not impeded/restricted by the side walls 33 of the slot 16. The central slot portion 27 comprises one or more transitional section 34 which is positioned to form a transition between the central slot portion 27 and a side slot portion 28. The transitional section 34 is configured to provide a section of surface of the inside walls of the slot and corresponding edge of the slot 16 which are angled or sloped such that the tab 15 when rotated may contact the edge of the slot at said transitional section 34 and travel along said angle or slope of the edge of the slot. The transitional section 34 extends from a first end 37 proximal a terminal end 38 of the slot to a second end 39 closer to the middle of the slot. The transitional section is configured to provide a section of surface of the inside walls of the slot 16 and corresponding edge of the slot which are angled or sloped in a direction away from the longitudinal centreline 40 of the slot such that the slot is wider at a second end 39 of the transitional section 34 than at a first end 37 of the transitional section. The slot comprises four transitional sections 34, the four transitional sections 34 forming two opposing sets of transitional sections 41, 42. Put differently, as is best seen in Figure 15, the transitional sections act to transition from the narrower side slot portions 28 of the slot to the wider central slot portion 27 by tapering of the side walls of the slot. The advantage of this arrangement is that, when turned whilst inserted in the slot, the tab 15 will first contact the transitional sections 34 which provides a surface angled or sloped such that the tab 15 more easily travels onto, and is less likely to slip back off, the material surrounding and defining the slot when compared to attempting to travel onto said surface if the edges of the slot were simply formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slot. The angled transitional sections 34 provide a greater surface area engagement between clip/clamp 12 and tab 15 at this initial contact, thus where the tab is only twisted or rotated to a minimal amount such that contact between the two elements 12, 15 is not significant it is less likely that the two will become disengaged.

The rotational or twisting force is applied with a powered or unpowered tool (not shown). Preferably, 35 a powered tool is utilised to engage with the head portion of the tab and apply a twisting or rotational force thereto.

The engagement surface 24 of the head portion 20 of the tab is the surface thereof which opposes the slot 16 when the head portion 20 of the tab is inserted thereinto. The engagement surface 24 of 40 the head portion 20 extends from the second end 25 of the neck portion 18 of the tab, sloping or curving away from the neck portion 18 of the tab 15. This is best viewed in Figure 11. The engagement surface 24 of the head portion 20 of the tab is a sloped or radiused surface which slopes from the neck portion 18 in a direction away from the slot when the head portion 20 of the tab is inserted thereinto. The engagement surface 24 of the head portion 20 comprises a first end 29 proximal the neck portion 18 of the tab and a second end 30 distal the neck portion 18. The first end 29 being closer to the slot when the head 20 the tab is inserted thereinto than the second end 30, and the engagement surface 24 sloping from the first end 29 towards the second end 30. The first end 29 of the engagement surface 24 of the head portion 20 is closer to the body of the tray 11 than the second end 30, and the engagement surface 24 slopes from the first end 29 towards the second end 30. When the tab 15, or at least head portion 20 thereof, is inserted from a first side of a clip/clamp 12 into the slot 16 therein such that the head portion 20 of the tab projects from a second side of the clip/clamp 12, the first end 29 of engagement surface 24 of the head portion 20 is closer to said second side of the clip/clamp 12 than the second end 30 of said head portion engagement surface 24. When the tab 15 is inserted in this manner, should the tab 15 be rotated/twisted by applying a rotational/twisting force, the sloped/radiused head portion engagement surface 24 causes a tightening against the clip/clamp 12 which increases as the level of rotation/twisting of the head portion 20 increases. Once inserted in the slot 16, should the tab 16 be rotated by applying a rotational/twisting force, a first area on each side the sloped/radiused engagement surface 24 of the second portion initially contacts a respective edge of the slot, preferably at the transitional section 34 thereof Should the tab be rotated further, the sloped/radiused surface 24 moves relative to the respective edges of the slot 16 such that the respective edges of the slot 16 move along the sloped/radiused surface 24 in a direction upwards on the sloped/radiused surface 24 and towards neck portion 18 of the tab 15. This causes a tightening between the sloped/radiused surface 24 of the tab 15 and the material surrounding and defining the slot 15, pulling these components together, Moreover, as the tab is rotated/twisted, the neck portion 18 thereof will shorten due to the twisting of the material thereof, thus providing a further tightening between the between the sloped/radiused surface 24 of the tab 15 and the material surrounding and defining the slot 15. Moreover, as noted above, the length of the neck portion 18 of the tab is less than the thickness of the material of the clips/clamps 12. Therefore, the gap between the engagement surface 22 of the tray 11 and the sloped/radiused surface 24 of the tab 15, at the location closest the neck portion 18 of the tab, is less than the thickness of the clips/clamps 12. The sloped/radiused surface 24 slopes such that at the other end thereof, distal the end proximal the neck portion 18, the gap between the engagement surface 22 of the tray 11 and the sloped/radiused surface 24 of the tab 15 is more than the thickness of the clips/clamps 12. The gap between the engagement surface 22 of the tray 11 and the sloped/radiused surface 24 of the tab 15 gradually increases along the length of the sloped/radiused surface 24 from a minimum gap at or near the neck portion 18 to a maximum gap at or near the second end 30 of the sloped/radiused surface. Resultantly, when the tab is inserted into a clip/clamp 12 and twisted, the surface of the clip/clamp 12 facing the sloped/radiused surface 24 of the tab contacts said sloped radiused surface 24, further twisting causing the sloped/radiused surface 24 to travel over the material surrounding the slot 16 and a portion of the material around the edge of the slot 16 to accordingly travel upwards along the sloped surface towards the neck portion 18 of the tab. As the gap between the engagement surface 22 of the tray 11 and the sloped/radiused surface 24 of the tab 15 is less than the thickness of the clip/clamp 12 at or near the neck portion 18 of the tab, this causes a clamping force on the clip/clamp between the between the engagement surface 22 of the tray 11 and the sloped/radiused surface 24 of the tab 15 at or about the neck portion 18 of the tab 15. Advantageously, this increases the security of the mechanical fix between the clips/clamps 12 and the tray. The engagement surface 24 of the head portion 20 of the tab faces the clip/clamp 12 when the head portion 20 is inserted into the slot 16 of the clip/clamp. The head portion 20 of the tab extends on both sides of the neck portion 18 thereof forming a T-shaped tab as noted above. The engagement surface 24 of the head portion 20 forms the underside 24 of the horizontal portion 20 of the T-shape, where underside refers to the lower side when the T-shape is viewed in a normal upright position such that it resembles a capitalised letter T. As can be seen in Figure 12, the tab 15 comprises depressions 43 either side of the neck portion 18 thereof where said neck portion meets the body of the tray 11. These depressions 43 provide a space for splay/splatter or other defects or miscellaneous material to travel into if required such that this material does not affect the insertion or operation of the tab 15. This means that, where play/splatter caused by the manufacturing process is present on the tab 15, the tab 15 may typically still be inserted into the slot 16 as the splay/splatter may travel into said depressions 43 rather than gathering or catching and preventing tab 15 insertion. Moreover, depressions 43 formed at the base of the neck portion 18 of the tab where it meets the body of the tray 11 permit twisting of the neck portion 18 of the tab along a greater portion of its length thus improving the operation of the invention.

As noted, the mechanical fixing arrangement 14 may comprise one corresponding tab and slot arrangement 15, 16, or any number of such arrangements as dictated by the tray 11 and clips/clamps 12 to be joined. The tray 11 may comprise a plurality of tabs 15, each tab 15 or a grouping of tabs 15 of the tray 11 being configured for mating with corresponding slots 16 of a different clip/clamp 12 such that the tray 11 may have various clips/clamps attached thereto. This can be seen in Figure 1 and Figure 14 wherein the tray 11 comprises some clips/clamps 12, 31 attached along its rear section, these comprising an elongate clip/clamp 12, 31 each having two slots 16 which align with corresponding tabs 15 formed on the tray 11. The tray of Figure 1 and Figure 14 further has at least one single clip/clamp 12, 32, which utilises a single slot which align with a corresponding tab 16 on the tray 11. Figure 14, which essentially depicts the embodiment of Figure 1 with the brick 13 removed, further shows a triple slot clip/clamp 12, 35 attached to the tray 11 having three slots 16 formed therein.

The slots 16 may be formed by laser cutting, water jet cutting, stamping, or any other such method which would be well known to the skilled person. The tabs may be formed integrally with the tray 11 or may be attached to by welding or the like. Where integrally formed the tabs 15 may be laser cut, water jet cut, stamped, or formed by any other suitable process as would be known by the skilled person.

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

Claims (23)

1. CLAIMS1. A building assembly comprising: a support element; at least one engagement element configured to engage a building component; a fixing arrangement disposed between the support element and engagement element configured to provide a mechanical fix between said support element and engagement element; wherein the fixing arrangement comprises at least one male portion associated with one of the support element or engagement element and a corresponding at least one female portion associated with the other of the support element or engagement element, the male portion being receivable by the female portion and being deformable to mechanically fix the support element and the engagement element together.
2. 2. The building assembly of claim 1, wherein the male portion is a projection and the female portion is an aperture configured to receive said projection.
3. 3. The building assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the male portion is tab and the female portion is a slot formed for receiving said tab.
4. 4. The building assembly of claim 3, wherein the tab is formed on or attached to the support element and the slot is formed in the engagement element.
5. The building assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the support element is a tray such as a soffit tray, said tray being configured for engagement with an anchor means, the anchor means being securable to a building or structure, said tray being configured to support brick or masonry via the engagement element.
6. 6. The building assembly of any of claims 4 or claim 5, wherein the tab comprises a first tab portion, which extends from a first end of said tab proximal the support element, and a second tab portion, which extends from said first tab portion to a second end of the tab distal the first end thereof.
7. 7. The building assembly of claim 6, wherein the first tab portion comprises a neck portion, the second tab portion comprises a head portion, the neck portion being narrower than the head portion in at least one dimension.
8. 8. The building assembly of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the second portion of the tab extends longitudinally, relative to the slot placable thereinto, to a greater extent than the first portion of said tab, and preferably, wherein the tab is a generally T-shaped tab.
9. 9. The building assembly of any of claims 3 to 8, wherein the slot is an elongate slot having a length extending in the longitudinal direction of the slot, a width extending generally perpendicular to the length, and a depth, the depth of the slot being the thickness of the material of the engagement element in which said slot is formed, the length and width of the slot being sized and dimensioned for receiving the tab.
10. 10. The building assembly of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein at least the second tab portion is insertable into the slot
11. 11. The building assembly of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the tab is deformable by applying a rotational or twisting force to at least the second tab portion.
12. 12. The building assembly of claim 11 wherein the first tab portion is configured such that applying said rotational or twisting force to the second tab portion effects rotational or twisted deformation of the first tab portion such that the second tab portion is displaced rotationally relative to at least a portion of the first tab portion.
13. 13. The building assembly of claim 11 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the slot is sized and dimensioned such that, once rotationally deformed at least the second tab portion of the tab cannot pass through the slot.
14. 14 The building assembly of any of claims 3 to 13, wherein, in use, the second portion of the tab is inserted into the slot and a rotational force is applied, deforming the first tab portion and rotationally displacing the second tab portion relative to at least a portion of said first tab portion, said second tab portion being displaced to an extent that prevents subsequent removal of said second tab portion from said slot.
15. The building assembly of any of claims 3 to 14, wherein the fixing arrangement further comprises one or more lug feature locatable adjacent the tab, said lug feature being sized and dimensioned to act as a locational guide for positioning the tab within the slot, and/or to act as a bracing means sized and dimensioned to brace against the side walls of the slot should a rotational force be applied to said tab.
16. 16. The building assembly of claim 15, wherein the fixing arrangement comprises two lug features, one locatable on each side of the tab.
17. 17. The building assembly of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the slot comprises a central slot portion sized and dimensioned to receive at least the tab and at least one side slot portion configured for receiving at least the at least one lug, the side slot portions having a narrower width than the central slot portion.
18. 18. The building assembly of any of claims 6 to 17, wherein the second portion of the tab comprises an engagement surface, the engagement surface being the surface which opposes the slot when the second portion of the tab is inserted thereinto, the engagement surface being a sloped or radiused surface which slopes from the first tab portion in a direction away from the slot when the second portion of the tab is inserted thereinto.
19. 19. A fixing arrangement for a building assembly, the building assembly comprising: a support element; at least one engagement element configured to engage a building component; the fixing arrangement disposed between the support element and engagement element and configured to provide a mechanical fix between said support element and engagement element; wherein the fixing arrangement comprises at least one male portion associated with one of the support element or engagement element and a corresponding at least one female portion associated with the other of the support element or engagement element, the male portion being receivable by the female portion and being deformable to mechanically fix the support element and the engagement element together.
20. 20. A method of manufacturing a building assembly comprising the steps of: forming at least one male portion of a fixing arrangement on a support element; forming at least one female portion of a fixing arrangement on at least one engagement element, the engagement element configured to engage a building component; inserting said male portion into said female portion and deforming said male portion to prevent removal of at least a portion of said female portion from said male portion and thus securing the support element to the engagement element.
21. 21. A building assembly comprising: a first building element; a second building element; a fixing arrangement disposed between the first building element and second building element and configured to provide a mechanical fix therebetween; wherein the fixing arrangement comprises at least one male portion associated with the first building element and a corresponding at least one female portion associated with the second building element, the male portion being receivable by the female portion and being deformable to mechanically fix the first and second building elements together.
22. 22. A fixing arrangement for a building assembly, the building assembly comprising: a first building element; a second building element; the fixing arrangement disposed between the first building element and second building element and configured to provide a mechanical fix therebetween; wherein the fixing arrangement comprises at least one male portion associated with the first building element and a corresponding at least one female portion associated with the second building element, the male portion being receivable by the female portion and being deformable to mechanically fix the first and second building elements together.
23. 23. A method of manufacturing a building assembly comprising the steps of: forming at least one male portion of a fixing arrangement on a first building element; forming at least one female portion of a fixing arrangement on a second building element; inserting said male portion into said female portion and deforming said male portion to prevent removal of at least a portion of said female portion from said male portion and thus securing the first and second building elements together.