ADJUSTABLE LINTEL

Abstract

A lintel for use in supporting construction blocks over an aperture in a wall including the construction blocks, the lintel comprising a lintel body defining substantially longitudinally opposed end sections and an intermediate section extending therebetween, the lintel body defining a block supporting element in the intermediate section for supporting the construction blocks over the aperture; and a pair of end elements each mounted to a respective one of the end sections, each of the end elements defining a lintel supporting element for supporting the lintel in the wall between adjacent rows of the construction block on a respective side of the aperture. Each of the end elements is securable to a respective lintel body end section at upper and lower positions relative thereto. Also, a wall including the lintel.

Claims

1. A lintel for use in supporting construction blocks over an aperture in a wall including the construction blocks, the lintel comprising: a substantially horizontally elongated lintel body defining substantially longitudinally opposed end sections and an intermediate section extending therebetween, the lintel body defining a block supporting element in the intermediate section for supporting the construction blocks over the aperture; and a pair of end elements each mounted to a respective one of the end sections, each of the end elements defining a lintel supporting element for supporting the lintel in the wall between adjacent rows of the construction block on a respective side of the aperture; wherein each of the end elements is securable to a respective end section at upper and lower positions relative thereto.

2. The lintel as defined in claim 1, wherein the block supporting element defines a substantially horizontal block supporting surface facing substantially upwardly and the lintel supporting elements are each substantially plate-shaped and substantially horizontal.

3. The lintel as defined in claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion has a substantially L-shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration.

4. The lintel as defined in claim 1, wherein the relative position between each of the end sections and the end element mounted thereto is continuously adjustable between the upper and lower positions.

5. The lintel as defined in claim 1, wherein the end sections each define a substantially vertically extending end section mounting plate and the end elements each define a substantially vertically extending end element mounting plate, wherein, with the end elements operatively mounted to the end sections, the end element mounting plate and end section mounting plate abut against each other in a substantially parallel relationship relative to each other.

6. The lintel as defined in claim 5, wherein the end section mounting plate is provided with a threaded bore and the end element mounting plate is provided with a substantially vertical slot extending therethrough, the lintel further comprising a threaded fastener inserted through the slot and threadedly engaging the threaded bore.

7. The lintel as defined in claim 6, wherein the slot is narrower adjacent the end section mounting plate than opposed to the end section mounting plate.

8. The lintel as defined in claim 1, further comprising a pair of substantially vertical lead screws each supported by a respective one of the end sections and threadedly engaging a threaded aperture extending vertically in a respective one of the end elements, wherein rotating the lead screws moves the end elements between the upper and lower positions.

9. The lintel as defined in claim 1, wherein in the upper and lower positions, the lintel supporting element is respectively higher and lower than the block supporting element.

10. A wall structure, comprising: a plurality of superposed rows, each row including a plurality of constructions blocks, the construction blocks delimiting an aperture in the wall structure; and a lintel provided adjacent and above the aperture, the lintel including a substantially horizontally elongated lintel body defining substantially longitudinally opposed end sections and an intermediate section extending therebetween, the intermediate section extending above and across the aperture, the lintel body defining a block supporting element in the intermediate section supporting the construction blocks topping the aperture; and a pair of end elements each mounted to a respective one of the end sections, each of the end elements defining a lintel supporting element embedded in the wall on a respective side of the aperture; wherein, prior to construction of the wall, each of the end elements is securable to a respective end section at upper and lower positions relative thereto.

11. The wall structure as defined in claim 10, wherein the block supporting element defines a substantially horizontal block supporting surface facing substantially upwardly supporting the construction blocks topping the aperture and the lintel supporting elements are each substantially plate-shaped and substantially horizontal, each of the lintel supporting element being inserted between adjacent rows.

12. The wall structure as defined in claim 10, wherein the intermediate portion has a substantially L-shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration.

13. The wall structure as defined in claim 10, wherein the relative position between each of the end sections and the end element mounted thereto is continuously adjustable between the upper and lower positions.

14. The wall structure as defined in claim 10, wherein the end sections each define a substantially vertically extending end section mounting plate and the end elements each define a substantially vertically extending end element mounting plate, wherein the end element mounting plate and end section mounting plate abut against each other in a substantially parallel relationship relative to each other.

15. The wall structure as defined in claim 10, wherein the end section mounting plate is provided with a threaded bore and the end element mounting plate is provided with a substantially vertical slot extending therethrough, the lintel further comprising a threaded fastener inserted through the slot and threadedly engaging the threaded bore.

16. The wall structure as defined in claim 10, wherein the slot is narrower adjacent the end section mounting plate than opposed to the end section mounting plate.

17. The wall structure as defined in claim 10, further comprising a pair of substantially vertical lead screws each supported by a respective one of the end sections and threadedly engaging a substantially vertical threaded aperture extending in a respective one of the end elements, wherein rotating the lead screws moves the end elements between the upper and lower positions.

18. The wall structure as defined in claim 10, wherein in the upper and lower positions, the lintel supporting element is respectively higher and lower than the block supporting element.

19. The wall structure as defined in claim 10, further comprising one of a window frame and a door frame in the aperture, the lintel being configured, sized and positioned so that the weight of the wall above the aperture is substantially entirely supported by the lintel to prevent excessive loads on the window or door frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1, in a front perspective exploded view, illustrates a lintel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 2, in a front perspective environmental view, illustrates the lintel of FIG. 1, here shown mounted above a window frame and partially integrated in a facade brick wall;

[0033] FIG. 3, in a front perspective view, illustrates a lintel body part of the lintel of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0034] FIG. 4, in a top plan view, illustrates the lintel body of FIG. 3;

[0035] FIG. 5, in a front elevational view, illustrates the lintel body of FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0036] FIG. 6, in a side elevational view, illustrates the lintel body of FIGS. 3 to 5;

[0037] FIG. 7, in a top plan view, illustrates a lintel end element part of the lintel of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0038] FIG. 8 in a front perspective view, illustrates the lintel end element of FIG. 7;

[0039] FIG. 9, in a front elevational view, illustrates the lintel end element of FIGS. 7 and 8;

[0040] FIG. 10, in a side elevational view, illustrates the lintel end element of FIGS. 7 to 9;

[0041] FIG. 11, in a top, cross-sectional partial view, illustrates mounting of the lintel end element of FIGS. 7 to 10 to the lintel body of FIGS. 3 to 6;

[0042] FIG. 12, in a top, cross-sectional partial view, illustrates mounting of an alternative lintel end element to the lintel body of FIGS. 3 to 6;

[0043] FIG. 13, in front perspective exploded view, illustrates another embodiment of a lintel according to the present invention, the lintel including an alternative lintel body and an alternative end element;

[0044] FIG. 14, in front perspective partial view, illustrates mounting of the alternative lintel end element to the alternative lintel body in the lintel of FIG. 13;

[0045] FIG. 15, in a top plan, cross-sectional view, illustrates the assembly of FIG. 14;

[0046] FIG. 16, in a side environmental view, illustrates the lintel of FIG. 13, here shown mounted on a window frame and brick wall assembly located adjacent a construction support structure;

[0047] FIG. 17, in a side elevation view, illustrates the lintel of FIGS. 1 to 12, the end element thereof being shown in a lower position relative to the lintel body thereof; and

[0048] FIG. 18, in a side elevation view, illustrates the lintel of FIGS. 1 to 12, the end element thereof being shown in an upper position relative to the lintel body thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The term substantially is used throughout this document to indicate variations in the thus qualified terms. These variations are variations that do not materially affect the manner in which the invention works and can be due, for example, to uncertainty in manufacturing processes or to small deviations from a nominal value or ideal shape that do not cause significant changes to the invention. These variations are to be interpreted from the point of view of the person skilled in the art.

[0050] Directional terminology, such as right, left, top, bottom, forward and backward, among others, refers to the orientation relative to an upstanding wall on level ground. This terminology is used for clarity reasons and should not be used to restrict the scope of the claims unless explicitly claimed.

[0051] FIGS. 1 to 12 illustrate various aspects of an embodiment of a lintel 10, according to the present invention. The lintel 10 is usable for typically providing a level lintel support structure along an upper edge of an aperture 100, as illustrated in FIG. 2. More specifically, the lintel 10 is used in a wall structure 102 including a plurality of superposed rows 107. Each row 107 includes a plurality of construction blocks 108, such as for example bricks, delimiting the aperture 100 in the wall structure 102. The lintel 10 is provided adjacent and above the aperture 100. The lintel 10 supports the construction blocks 108 over the aperture 100. The aperture 100 may be empty, if for example a garage door (not shown in the drawings) is installed in register with the aperture 100, or may include a filling element, such as a window frame 106, or a door frame (not shown in the drawings), among other possibilities. However, the aperture 100 is devoid of the construction blocks 108.

[0052] The lintel 10 includes a substantially horizontally elongated lintel body 12. The lintel body defines substantially longitudinally opposed end sections 14 and an intermediate section 16 extending therebetween, as better seen in FIG. 1. The intermediate section 16 typically has a width substantially equal to the width of the aperture 100. The lintel body 12 defines a block supporting element 17 in the intermediate section 16 for supporting the construction blocks 108 over the aperture 100. The lintel 10 also includes a pair of end elements 22 each mounted to a respective one of the end sections 14. Each of the end elements 22 defines a lintel supporting element 23 for supporting the lintel 10 in the wall 102 between adjacent rows 107 of the construction block 108 on a respective side of the aperture 100. Each of the end elements 22 is securable to a respective lintel body end section 14 at upper and lower positions relative thereto, as seen respectively in FIGS. 18 and 17.

[0053] In some embodiments, the relative position between each of the end sections 14 and the end element 22 mounted thereto is continuously adjustable between the upper and lower positions. However, discrete positioning between the end sections 14 and the end elements 22 is also within the scope of the present invention. Such discrete positioning could be achieved for example by mating horizontally extending grooves in the end sections 14 to ridges in the end element 22, and vice-versa, among other possibilities. Typically, but not necessarily, in the upper and lower positions, the lintel supporting element 23 is respectively higher and lower than the block supporting element 17.

[0054] In some embodiments, the intermediate section 16 has a length dimension that is at least slight greater than the width of the aperture 100. For example, for a 48 inches (or about 123 cm) wide aperture 100, the length dimension of the intermediate section 16 may be about 49 inches (about 124.5 cm). In other words, the length dimension of the intermediate section 16 exceeds about inch on each side of the aperture 100. Other length values for the intermediate section 16, relative to the width of the aperture 100, are also possible, including length values that are substantially equal or slightly lower than the width of the aperture 100.

[0055] The end elements 22 may have any shape that allow mounting of the end elements 22 at various vertically spaced apart locations along the end sections 14. For example, as seen in FIG. 1, the end sections 14 each define a substantially vertically extending end section mounting plate 26 and the end elements 22 each define a substantially vertically extending end element mounting plate 24. With the end section 14 operatively mounted to the end element 22, the end element mounting plate 24 and end section mounting plate 26 abut against each other in a substantially parallel relationship relative to each other. The end element mounting plate 24 is suitably configured for allowing a vertical movement relative to the end section mounting plate 26 of a corresponding one in the pair of end sections 14.

[0056] The block supporting element 17 and the lintel supporting element 23 each includes a forwardly extending portion 36 and 38 respectively. Each one of the forwardly extending portions 36 and 38 defines a top surface portion 40 sufficiently sized for supporting at least one construction block 108 thereon. Therefore, the block supporting element 17 defines a substantially horizontal block supporting surface, in the form of the top surface portion 40, facing substantially upwardly, and the lintel supporting elements 23 are each substantially plate-shaped and substantially horizontal. Thus, the forwardly extending portion 38 of each one of the end elements 22 defines an underside surface portion 48 that is configured for stably resting on a top surface portion of a construction block 108.

[0057] The lintel 10 further comprises at least one adjustment element 30. The at least one adjustment element 30 is provided between each one of the end elements 22 and a corresponding one in the pair of end sections 14. Furthermore, the at least one adjustment element 30 is configured for user selectively adjusting the vertical position of each one of the end elements 22 relative to the corresponding one in the pair of end sections 14.

[0058] Thus, each one of the end elements 22 is user vertically adjustable between an upper position, wherein each end element 22 is relatively closer to an upper edge 32 of its corresponding end section 14, and a lower position, wherein each end element 22 is relatively closer to a lower edge 34 of its corresponding end section 14.

[0059] In some embodiments, each end section 14 defines at least one threaded bore 42. For example each end section 14 includes a series of threaded bores 42. Each threaded bore 42 extends at least partially inwardly through a front surface portion 44 of the end section mounting plate 26, and may in some embodiments extend through the end section 14. The threaded bores 42 in each series are vertically distributed in a spaced apart relationship therealong.

[0060] Furthermore, each one of the end elements 22 defines at least one generally elongated slot 46 extending vertically through the end element mounting plate 24 thereof. Furthermore, each one of the at least one generally elongated slot 46 extends in register with each one of the at least one series of threaded bores 42 of the corresponding end section 14.

[0061] In some embodiments, each one of the at least one adjustment element 30 is a threaded fastener, such as a headed screw 50, suitably sized and configured for extending through the front opening of the at least one vertically extending slot 46 of each one the end elements 22, and threadedly engaging a threaded bore 42 along the corresponding end section 14.

[0062] In some embodiments, as in the presently described embodiment of the invention, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, each end section 14 defines two parallelly spaced apart series of threaded bores 42, and each one of the end elements 22 defines two parallelly spaced apart and vertically extending slots 46, with two headed screws 50 extending through each elongated slot 46 for threadedly engaging a threaded bore 42 in the corresponding end section 14. However, any suitable number or configurations of threaded bores 42, headed screw 50 and slots 46 may be used, including a single one of each, or more than two slots 46, among other possibilities.

[0063] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, each vertically extending slot 46 is narrower adjacent the end section mounting plate 26 than opposed to the end section mounting plate 26. For example, each vertically extending slot 46 defines a suitable groove along the front surface thereof so as to substantially conceal the head portion of the headed screw 50. As exemplified respectively in FIGS. 11 and 12, a V-shaped or rectangular-shaped groove 52 or 54, respectively, may be defined for concealing a cone-shaped screw head or a hex-shaped screw head respectively.

[0064] In some embodiments, referring for example to FIG. 3, the intermediate section 16 is advantageously represented by a generally elongated and horizontally extending stock right angle, of substantially L-shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration, defining a vertically extending rear portion 25, with the other longitudinal portion thereof representing the forwardly extending portion 36 extending along a lower edge of the vertically extending rear portion 25. The end sections 14 are represented by stock plate members extending vertically and coplanarly at each opposed ends of the vertically extending rear portion 25 of the intermediate section 16. However any other suitable shape of lintel body 12 is usable in alternative embodiments of the invention.

[0065] Thus, the vertically extending rear portion 25 of the intermediate section 16, along with the stock plate members representing the end sections 14 cooperatively define a back wall surface 18 that is typically extending vertically coplanarly relative to the construction support structure 104, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0066] In some embodiments, the end elements 22 may also be made out of stock right angle members.

[0067] In some embodiments, each one of the top surface portions 40 of the intermediate section 16 and end elements 22 extends a forward distance that is at least slightly less than the transversal dimension one of the construction blocks so as to allow an application of mortar or sealant caulking along the front interstitial space between two adjacent construction elements 108.

[0068] Furthermore, each one of the forwardly extending portions 36 and 38 of the intermediate section 16 and end elements 22 has for example a same vertical thickness dimension that is equal to, or less than, the typical mortar thickness or brick sealant used between two superposed rows 107 of the construction block 108 surrounding the aperture 100. Other thickness dimensions are also possible.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, the intermediate section 16, the end elements 22, and the at least one adjustment element 30, are suitably configured such that the upper position corresponds to a position wherein the top surface portion 40 of the end elements 22 is at least substantially at level, or slightly higher than, the top surface portion 40 of the intermediate section 16. The lower position corresponds to a position wherein the top surface portion 40 of the end elements 22 is at least slightly lower than the top surface portion 40 of the intermediate section 16. For example, the lower position corresponds to a position wherein the top surface portion 40 of the end elements 22 is located below the top surface portion 40 of the intermediate section 16 a vertical dimension that is roughly equivalent to the vertical thickness of a construction block 108. Other upper and lower positions for the end elements 22, relative to the intermediate section 16, are also possible.

[0070] The lintel body 12, the end elements 22 and the at least one attachment element 30 are each made of a sufficiently sized and rigid material for supporting a predefined load represented by the construction blocks 108. Furthermore, the various elements of the present invention described above may be made of a steel metal, aluminum, a suitable metal alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0071] Now referring more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a non-limiting example of a method of use of the lintel 10 of the present invention will be described.

[0072] Advantageously, in a first step, a plurality of lintel bodies 12 corresponding to the number of apertures 100 in a given construction site may have their intermediate section 16 pre-dimensioned to correspond to the width of each apertures 100 requiring the lintel 10 on the construction site, followed with welding the end sections 14 on each opposed ends thereof. It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the lintel bodies 12 are entirely factory manufactured.

[0073] In a second step, once the rows 107 of construction blocks 108 assembled on each side of a given aperture 100 have reached a height that is at least slightly lower than the upper horizontal edge of the aperture 100, the lintel body 12 is positioned in a saddle-like configuration there across, with the underside surface portion 48 of end elements 22 stably resting on the top surface of the upper construction blocks 108 on each side of the aperture 100.

[0074] In FIG. 2, it is to be noted that the construction blocks 108 mounted on the left side of the aperture 100 have not been shown for illustrative clarity of the assembly, while the end element 22 on the right side thereof is partially mounted within the wall 102, here again, for illustrative purposes.

[0075] In a third step, using a proper tool, the end elements 22 and associated adjustment elements 30 are set and tightened at a user selected vertical position along each end section 14 such that the underside surface portion 20 of the intermediate section 16 extends substantially horizontally parallelly a predetermined distance above the bottom aperture 100 or, alternatively, a predetermined distance above the window or door frame 106 mounted in the aperture 100. For example, the predetermined distance in this latter case may be between roughly and a quarter inch distance (3 mm to 6 mm). Other predetermined distance values are also possible.

[0076] In a fourth step, additional layers of construction blocks and mortar are laid down on each sides and above the lintel 10 to form a complete wall 102 around the aperture 100. Thus, each of the lintel supporting elements 23 are embedded in the wall 102 on a respective side of the aperture 100, between adjacent rows 107. Finally, mortar or a suitable sealant may be applied to fill the interstitial space between the construction blocks 108 in order to cover the forward edges of the forwardly extending portions 36 and 38 of the intermediate section 16 and end elements 22. As would be obvious to someone familiar with house constructions in general, the steps described above may be slightly altered for a same end result.

[0077] Thus, there is provided a level lintel structure above an aperture 100 in a wall 102 including construction blocks 108. The lintel 10 may significantly reduce the time, and thus the cost, usually spent by construction workers to erect the wall 102 by avoiding the usual measurements, work corrections and/or mortar compensations often involved during the installation of prior art lintel members and systems in brick wall constructions.

[0078] An alternate embodiment of a lintel 10 according to the present invention, is illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 16 inclusively. The lintel 10 includes a pair of substantially vertical lead screws 50 each supported by a respective one of the end sections 14 and threadedly engaging a threaded aperture 68 extending through a respective one of the end elements 22. Rotating the lead screws 50 moves the end elements 22 between the upper and lower positions.

[0079] More specifically, referring to FIG. 13, each end section 14 defines a generally elongated slot 62 that extends vertically and at least partially inwardly relative to a front surface portion thereof. The elongated slot 62 defines a cross-section dimension that is at least slightly laterally narrower than the lateral dimension of the forwardly extending portion 38 of the end elements 22. Furthermore, each end section 14 further defines a pair of axially corresponding bores 64 extending vertically at each opposed ends of the elongated slot 62.

[0080] Each one of the end elements 22 includes a generally elongated member 66 protruding vertically parallelly along a rear surface portion thereof. The elongated member 66 is configured for freely slidably engaging the elongated slot 62 so as to allow at least a vertical movement therein. The elongated member 66 further defines a threaded aperture 68 that extends vertically throughout the elongated member 66.

[0081] The adjustment element 30, in the presently described embodiment, is represented by the lead screw 50, taking for example the form of a generally elongated headed screw configured for extending through the axially corresponding pair of bores 64 and threadedly engaging the threaded aperture 68 of the elongated member 66 axially located there between. A nut 70 may lock the elongated headed screw 50 into the assembly.

[0082] Thus, each one of the end elements 22 is vertically adjustable at a user selected position relative to the corresponding end section 14 by suitably rotating clockwise or counter clockwise each one of the lead screws 50.

[0083] Advantageously, as exemplified in side elevational view in FIG. 16, a hand power drill 110 equipped with a suitable universal joint extension 112 and socket 114 may be used for easily and rapidly adjusting the vertical position of each one of the end elements 22 relative to the lintel body 12.

[0084] In some embodiments, as illustrated in cross-sectional view in FIG. 15, the elongated slot 62 of the end sections 14, and the elongated member 66 of the end elements 22 have compatibly tapered horizontal cross-sections oriented forwardly. Thus, each one of the end elements 22 are slidably interlocked with their corresponding end section 14 for a strengthened slidable movement relative thereof.

[0085] The present embodiment of the invention requires only one screw to be rotated in order to adjust the vertical position of the end elements 22. Furthermore, the present embodiment avoids the possibility of an inadvertent vertical slippage of an end element 22 relative to the lintel body 12 due to a screw that has not been tightened enough since the structure configuration thereof inherently does not allow this type of error.

[0086] Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be readily appreciated that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. The present invention can thus be modified without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.