GB2565623A

GB2565623A - A covering for a building component

Info

Publication number: GB2565623A
Application number: GB1809580.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Plunkett Coyle Sean
Original assignee: Masonry Support Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Masonry Support Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2017-06-09
Filing date: 2018-06-11
Publication date: 2019-02-20
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-11
Also published as: GB201809580D0; GB201709260D0; GB2565623B; WO2018224694A1

Abstract

A building component assembly 1 comprises a covering element 3, such as a brick, block or stone slip, having front, back and side surfaces. A receiving opening 7 is provided in at least one side surface. The covering element is attached to the building component by an attaching mechanism 8, at least part of which is located on and/or within the receiving opening. The attachment mechanism may comprise a mechanical fixing other than an adhesive, and may apply a compressive force on the covering element towards the building. The receiving opening may comprise a groove, recess or shoulder. A flexible and/or resilient locator may be provided to locate the attachment mechanism on the covering element. The attachment mechanism may comprise a fastener 12 for urging the covering element into contact with the building component. The locator may comprise an insertion member 11 that includes at least one rounded corner, and may include at least one aperture for receiving the fastener. The insertion member may be rotated within a gap between covering elements so that it is at least partially positioned in the opening.

Description

A COVERING FOR A BUILDING COMPONENT

The present invention relates to a covering for a building component and in particular to an attachable covering for a building component and an arrangement for attaching the covering to the building component. The building component being a lintel for a doorway, archway or window opening, or a panel.

When constructing a building it is often desirable to include ornate or interesting feature pieces which add to the overall aesthetic effect of the building, and/or conform the building to the architectural style of those around it. These details are often associated with windows or doors in a building and may take the form of arches or surrounds such as overhangs of multi-storey buildings. Such details were traditionally constructed on site and by using traditional brick-construction methods, which is time consuming and requires a high degree of skill and craftsmanship. Modern approaches to forming such feature elements involve the installation of a suitably shaped lintel or panel onto which brick or other masonry coverings are attached to provide a finished effect that is composed of masonry aesthetically relevant to the building and conforms to the shape of the lintel or panel therein behind.

Most commonly, these masonry coverings come in the form of brick slips which are relatively thin brick components, a plurality of which are fitted to a lintel or panel to provide the required appearance. Brick slips can be adhesively bonded to a lintel or panel via a suitable adhesive and previously lintels have been provided with cut-outs to receive an adhesive. The cut-outs allow a portion of the adhesive to pass in to the cut-out and form a mechanical gripping formation or mushroom on the backside of the lintel or panel, further enhancing the grip the adhesive has on the lintel or panel. While this addresses the grip with respect to the bond between the lintel or panel and the adhesive, the bond between the brick slip and the adhesive is often just dictated by the interface of the adhesive and the brick slip. This can sometimes be inadequate due to the surface of the brick slip being too smooth, too polished, or too powdery.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problem of attaching a covering element to a building component by adhesive only.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a building component assembly comprising a covering means, the covering means comprising at least one covering element, the covering element having a front, back and side surfaces and a receiving means, the building component assembly comprising an attaching means wherein at least part of the attaching means is located on and/or within the receiving means, the covering element being attached to the building component by the attaching means.

Ideally, the attaching means comprises mechanical fixing means other than adhesive. Advantageously, this reduces or obviates the dependency on adhesives for attaching a covering element to a building component. Advantageously again, adhesives may be used in combination with the attaching means to ensure a covering element is securely attached to a building component.

Ideally, the attaching means comprises separate mechanical fixing means.

Ideally, the back surface of the covering element is attachable to the building component.

Preferably, the front surface of the covering element faces outwardly from the building component.

Ideally, the side surfaces of the covering element extend between the back surface and the front surface.

Preferably, the receiving means defines a landing portion for the attaching means.

Preferably, the receiving means comprises a means for engaging a part of the attaching means.

Ideally, the attaching means applies a compressive force to the covering element towards the building component forming a mechanical fixing therebetween.

Ideally, the receiving means comprises an opening, groove, recess or shoulder.

Ideally, in one embodiment, the receiving means comprises an opening in at least one covering element.

Preferably, the engaging means comprises an opening in at least one side surface of at least one covering element.

Ideally, the opening is contained between the boundaries of the back surface and front surface.

Preferably, the opening is centrally located along the side surface between the front and back surface. Advantageously, this reduces the risk of the portion of the covering element either side of the opening snapping off or disintegrating under forces applied during installation.

Preferably, the at least one side surface of the at least one covering element comprising the opening being substantially planar.

Ideally, each side surface of the at least one covering element being substantially planar.

Ideally, the at least one side surface of the at least one covering element comprising the opening is elongate.

Ideally, each side surface of the at least one covering element being elongate.

Preferably, the opening comprises a groove, most preferably an elongate groove.

Ideally, the engaging means extends substantially along at least one side surface of the covering element, most preferably extending along the entire length of the at least one side surface of the covering element. Advantageously, the attaching means can be received at any point along the length of the engaging means of the covering element.

In one embodiment, the engaging means extends along the entire length of each side surface of the covering element, creating a continuous engaging means around the periphery of the covering element. Advantageously, the attaching means can be received at any point along the length of the engaging means; advantageously again, multiple attaching means can be received in any or all side surfaces of the covering element.

Preferably, the opening comprising a uniform cross section.

Ideally, the opening comprising a substantially U-shaped channel.

Preferably, the channel comprising a bottom and sides.

Preferably, the opening/channel being located between the front surface and back surface of the covering element.

Alternatively, the receiving means comprising shoulder means.

Ideally, the engaging means comprises a shoulder.

Preferably, the cross-section profile of the side surface containing the shoulder being substantially L-shaped.

Ideally, at least two covering elements are positioned on the building component so that at least one engaging means in one covering element is aligned with at least one engaging means of the other covering element.

Ideally, at least two covering elements are positioned on the building component so that at least one engaging means in one covering element is substantially mutually opposing another engaging means in another covering element.

Preferably, at least two covering elements are positioned on the building component so that a gap is formed between the mutually opposing side surfaces of the covering elements.

Ideally, the attaching means comprises a locating means for locating the attaching means on the covering means.

Preferably, the attaching means comprises fastening means for fastening the locating means to the covering means.

Ideally, the locating means comprises an opening for receiving the fastening means.

Preferably, the fastening means and the locating means are interoperable to apply a compressive force to the covering means urging the covering means into contact with the building component.

Ideally, the locating means being flexible and/or resilient.

Preferably, the locating means comprises an insertion member.

Ideally, the insertion member being shaped to be placed at least partially into or onto the at least one receiving means of at least one covering element.

Preferably, the insertion member being shaped to be placed at least partially into or onto two mutually opposing receiving means of two covering elements simultaneously when positioned on a building component.

Ideally, the insertion member being shaped to be placed into or onto two mutually opposing receiving means of two covering elements simultaneously when the covering elements are positioned on a building component.

Preferably, the insertion member is substantially planar.

Preferably, the insertion member comprises a quadrilateral face.

Ideally, the insertion member is a quadrangular washer.

Ideally, the insertion member is an elongate member.

In one embodiment, the width of the insertion member is less than the width of the gap between the mutually opposing side surfaces of the covering elements. Advantageously, the insertion member can be inserted into the gap when the longitudinal axis of the insertion member is overlapping and/or substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis of the gap. Advantageously again, the insertion member can be rotated within the gap so that it is at least partially positioned in the opening of the covering element.

Preferably, the length of the insertion member is similar to, but not greater than, the distance between the bottom of a channel in an opening and the mutually opposing bottom of the channel in the mutually opposing opening when the covering elements are situated on the building component.

Ideally, the depth of the insertion member is less than the depth of the opening in the at least one covering member.

Ideally, the insertion member can be orientated in at least two fixing positions including but not limited to a first fixing position and a second fixing position.

Preferably, the first fixing position comprises the insertion member being inserted into the gap when the longitudinal axis of the insertion member is orientated so as to be overlapping and/or substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis of the gap.

Ideally, the insertion member can be rotated up to 90° within the gap and mutually opposing openings of two covering elements. Advantageously, this maximizes the proportion of the insertion member that can be positioned in the opening or openings of the covering elements when the insertion member is rotated within the gap and mutually opposing openings of two covering elements.

Ideally, the second fixing position comprises the insertion member being rotated within the gap so that it is at least partially positioned in the opening of the covering element or mutually opposing openings of adjacent covering elements.

Preferably, the insertion member comprising a stop means to stop the rotation of the insertion member within the opening or mutually opposing openings.

Ideally, the insertion member has at least one, most preferably two, rounded corners.

Preferably, the insertion member has at least one, most preferably two, substantially squared corners.

Ideally, the two rounded corners are diagonally opposing. Advantageously, when the insertion member is rotated within the opening of a covering element, a rounded corner first rotates past the bottom of the channel of the opening followed by the adjacent squared corner; the squared corner abuts the bottom of the channel and prevents the rotation of the insertion member beyond approximately 90°.

Preferably, at least part of the perimeter of the insertion member tapers to a point or is rounded. Advantageously, this allows the installer to receive positive haptic feedback that the insertion member has been locked into the correct position. It also prevents the insertion member from rotating out of the opening.

Alternatively, the insertion member is a non-elongate member.

Alternatively again, the insertion member comprises a washer having five or more sides or being circular or oval.

Ideally, the insertion member is of a thickness not greater than the depth of the opening of the receiving means. Advantageously, the insertion member can easily fit into the opening of the receiving means without the requirement of substantial force or modification of the receiving means or insertion member in situ.

Ideally, the insertion member being plastic, glass-reinforced plastic, metal or composite.

Most preferably, the insertion member being flexible. Advantageously, the insertion member being flexible means it is less likely to damage the one or more covering elements when the covering elements are being attached to the building component.

Ideally, the insertion member is located on or, depending on the insertion member’s degree of rotation relative to the side surface of the covering element, can be located in at least two mutually opposing engaging means of at least two covering elements and traverses the gap between the mutually opposing side surfaces of the at least two covering elements.

In one embodiment, multiple covering elements can be arranged on the building component such that the engaging means of the receiving means of each covering element are aligned so as to create a continuous elongate engaging means through the multiple covering elements.

Ideally, the insertion member can be slidably inserted into and/or onto the receiving means.

Preferably, the insertion member can be slidably inserted in the continuous elongate engaging means. Advantageously, a single insertion member can be used to attach more than two covering elements to a building component.

In this embodiment, the insertion member is an elongate strip of a predetermined length to allow the strip to extend along the length of continuous elongate engaging means.

Preferably, the attaching means comprises a fastening means for fastening the insertion member to the building component. Advantageously, when the insertion member is substantially fastened to the building component it consequently affixes the covering element to the building component.

Preferably, when the insertion member is substantially fastened to the building component at least part of the insertion member abuts and presses against at least part of the covering element, holding the covering element proximal to or against the building component.

Ideally, the fastening means comprising at least one of or any combination of screws, anchors or plugs or threaded inserts.

Ideally, the at least one of or any combination of screws, anchors or plugs or threaded inserts are made of stainless steel or carbon steel.

Preferably, the at least one of or any combination of screws, anchors or plugs or threaded inserts comprise a corrosion resistant coating.

In one embodiment, the at least one screw being a self-tapping screw.

Preferably, the insertion member comprises at least one aperture for receiving the fastening means.

Alternatively, a worker can drill or otherwise create at least one aperture in the insertion member for receiving the fastening means.

Alternatively again, the fastening means may be inserted into the insertion member thereby piercing the insertion member. Advantageously, this obviates the requirement of a pre-formed aperture.

Preferably, the at least one of or any combination of screws, anchors or plugs or threaded inserts being sized to fit within the gap formed between the mutually opposing side surfaces of the covering elements when the covering elements are positioned on the building component.

Ideally, the building component comprises fastener-receiving means.

Preferably, the fastener-receiving means comprising an aperture.

Ideally, the aperture being sized to receive the fastening means, most preferably the at least one of or any combination of screws, anchors or plugs or threaded inserts.

Preferably, when the fastening means is screwed or inserted into the fastenerreceiving means it cannot easily be removed. Advantageously, this fixes the fastening means in the fastener-receiving means.

Ideally, the fastener-receiving means further comprising a sleeve anchor.

Preferably, the sleeve anchor being metal or plastic, most preferably plastic.

Ideally, the fastening means being inserted into the aperture and the sleeve anchor.

Preferably, when the fastening means is inserted into the sleeve anchor it expands the part of the anchor buried in the building component. Advantageously, this further fixes the fastening means to the building component.

In one embodiment, the fastening means being formed as an integral assembly with the locating means. Advantageously, this reduces the amount of time taken to attach the covering elements to the building component.

In another embodiment, the fastener-receiving means, or at least part of the fastenerreceiving means, being formed as a unitary structure with the insertion member.

Ideally, the insertion member being circular, rounded or oval in shape and the fastener-receiving means being a sleeve anchor attached to the insertion member so that a fastener can be inserted through the aperture of the insertion member and into the sleeve anchor. Advantageously, this reduces the amount of parts required to attach the covering elements to the building component.

Preferably, the building component being a lintel or panel.

Ideally, the building component being a rigid backing board or frame.

Ideally, the building component being formed from composite material.

Preferably, the building component comprising magnesium oxide.

Ideally, the building component being magnesium oxide wallboard.

Ideally, the building component being metallic, most preferably being stainless steel. Preferably, the building component being configured to receive the covering means.

Ideally, the building component having a plurality of apertures preformed therein for receiving the fastening means.

Alternatively, apertures may be formed in the building component during assembly of the covering means on the building component.

Ideally, the attaching means and/or the fastener-receiving means comprises a limiting means for limiting the depth of penetration of the fastening means, most preferably the at least one of screws, anchors or plugs or threaded inserts, in to or through the building component. Advantageously, by limiting the depth of penetration of the fastening means in to or through the building component, the limiting means consequently limits the amount of force that can be applied between the part of the insertion member abutting the covering element and the insertion member.

Preferably, the limiting means comprises a standoff or spacer.

Alternatively, the limiting means comprises a barrier most preferably a physical and/or mechanical barrier.

Preferably, the barrier being disposed at or about the building component, most preferably, at or about the fastener-receiving means.

Ideally, the barrier being operable to prevent the fastening means from passing beyond a desired point in to and/or through the building component.

Preferably, the barrier being disposed at or about an end of the fastener-receiving means.

Ideally, additional means of fixing the covering means to the building component can be used as well as the attaching means, such as adhesive substances.

Preferably, after the fastening means, most preferably the at least one of screws, anchors or plugs or threaded inserts, have been inserted and the insertion member and covering elements are attached to the building component, the gap between mutually opposing side surfaces of the covering elements may be filled with mortar, or otherwise covered so as to conceal the attaching means. Advantageously, concealing the attaching means creates a desirable aesthetic finish.

Ideally, the covering means is a masonry product.

Preferably, the covering means is a masonry portion.

Ideally, the covering element is a masonry slip.

Preferably, the covering element is a brick, block or stone slip.

Alternatively, the covering element comprises composite or synthetic material.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a covering means attachable to a building component, the covering means comprising at least one covering element, the covering element having a front, back and side surfaces and a receiving means, the covering means comprising an attaching means, the receiving means being operable to receive at least part of the attaching means for attaching the covering means to the building component.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a covering element to be attached to a building component, the covering element having a front, back and side surfaces and a receiving means for receiving an attaching means, the receiving means being located on at least one side surface of the covering element.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of assembling a covering means on a building component, the covering means comprising at least one covering element, the covering element having a front, back and side surface and a receiving means, the building component assembly comprising an attaching means, the receiving means being operable to receive at least part of the attaching means, the method comprising positioning the covering element on the building component.

Ideally, the method comprising attaching at least one covering element on the building component.

Ideally, the method comprising using mechanical attaching means other than adhesive. Advantageously, this reduces or obviates the dependency on adhesives for attaching a covering element to a building component. Advantageously again, adhesives may be used in combination with the attaching means to ensure a covering element is securely attached to a building component.

In one embodiment, the method comprising forming apertures on the building component.

Ideally, the method comprising forming apertures on the building component in predetermined locations before positioning the covering element on the building component.

Alternatively, the method comprising forming apertures on the building component after positioning the covering element on the building component.

In one embodiment, the method comprising applying an adhesive to the building component.

Ideally, the method comprising applying an adhesive to at least one covering element.

Ideally, the method comprising predetermining the positioning of a plurality of covering elements on the building component.

Preferably, the method comprising arranging a plurality of covering elements in position on the building component.

Preferably, the method comprising arranging a plurality of covering elements in position on the building component equidistance apart with a gap therebetween.

Ideally, the method comprising arranging at least two covering elements on the building component so that at least one engaging means in one covering element is substantially mutually opposing another engaging means in another covering element.

Ideally, the method comprising arranging the locating means on and/or within the receiving means of at least one covering element.

Preferably, the method comprising arranging an insertion member on and/or within the receiving means of at least one covering element.

Ideally, the method comprising slidably inserting an insertion member on and/or within the receiving means of at least one covering element.

In one embodiment, the method comprising arranging a second covering element on the building component such that the insertion member is located on and/or within the receiving means of the second covering element.

Preferably, the method comprising applying a fastening means to the insertion member.

Ideally, the method comprising inserting a fastening means into the insertion member.

Preferably, the method comprising inserting a fastening means into the aperture of the insertion member.

Ideally, the method comprising applying a fastening means to the insertion member and the building component.

Preferably, the method comprising inserting a fastening means into the building component.

Ideally, the method comprising inserting a fastening means into the fastener-receiving means, most preferably, into an aperture of the building component.

In one embodiment, the method comprising inserting a sleeve anchor into the fastener-receiving means of the building component.

Ideally, the method comprising inserting a fastening means into the sleeve anchor such that the sleeve anchor expands within the fastener-receiving means.

Alternatively, the method comprising inserting a fastening means directly into the building component such that the fastening means forms an aperture in the building component upon its insertion.

Ideally, the method comprising concealing the attaching means. Most preferably, the method comprising concealing the attaching means by filling the gap between covering elements with mortar.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for improving the strength and the safety of the joint of a covering means and a building component, the covering means comprising a plurality of covering elements, each covering element having front, back and side surfaces and a receiving means operable to receive at least part of an attaching means, the method comprising attaching the covering element to the building component by an attaching means.

The skilled man will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.

It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which shows by way of example three embodiments of an apparatus in accordance with the invention. Identical reference numerals are used for each embodiment to denote likewise features.

Figure 1 is a building component assembly with a plurality of covering elements attached to a building component according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Detail 1 of Figure 1, demarcated by a rectangle with an undulating border, illustrates fasteners and insertion members according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is an expanded view of Detail 1 of Figure 1 illustrating an insertion member in a first fixing position and another in a second fixing position.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the building component assembly in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a covering element as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is an expanded view of the fastener and insertion element illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 5A shows an insertion element in a first fixing position, Figure 5B shows an insertion element in a second fixing position.

Figure 6 is a side view of a fastener and insertion element from Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a building component assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a plan view of the building component assembly in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a covering element of the building component assembly of Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a building component assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Detail 1 of Figure 10, demarcated by a rectangle with an undulating border, illustrates fasteners and insertion members according to the present invention.

Figure 11 is an expanded view of Detail 1 of Figure 10 illustrating an insertion member in a first fixing position and another in a second fixing position.

Figure 12 is a plan view of the building component assembly in Figure 10.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a covering element of the building component assembly as shown in Figure 10.

Figure 14 is one embodiment of an insertion member according to the present invention.

Figure 15 is one embodiment of an insertion member according to the present invention.

In the drawings there is shown a building component assembly indicated generally by reference numeral 1. The building component assembly 1 involves a plurality of covering elements 3 that are attached to a building component 2 by an attaching arrangement 8. The covering elements 3 each have front 4, back 5 and side 6 surfaces and a receiving arrangement 7 located on at least one side surface 6. The receiving arrangement 7 can receive a part of the attaching arrangement 8 and has an engaging arrangement 9 for engaging a part of the attaching arrangement 8. The attaching arrangement 8 applies a compressive force to the covering element 3 towards the building component 2 forming a mechanical fixing therebetween.

The engaging arrangement 9 is located on the side surfaces 6 of the covering elements 3 and the side surfaces 6 are substantially planar and elongate. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the engaging arrangement 9 is an elongate groove 20 extending throughout the entirety of the length of each side surface 6 of the covering element 3, creating a continuous engaging arrangement 9 throughout the periphery of the covering element 3. Whereas in the embodiment shown in Figures 10 to 13 the engaging arrangement 9 extends along two opposing elongate side surfaces 6, but not along the short side surfaces

6. In embodiments not shown, the covering elements 3 have an engaging arrangement 9 on a single side surface.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5 and 10 to 13, the engaging arrangement 9 is a groove 31 which has a uniform cross section, being a substantially U-shaped channel, the channels having a bottom 21 and sides 22. The engaging arrangements 9 are located between the front surface 4 and back surface 5 of the covering elements 3. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9, the engaging arrangement 9 involves an opening located at the front surface 4 of the covering elements 3 forming an L-shaped shoulder 30.

When two covering elements 3 are positioned on the building component 2 the engaging arrangements 9 in each covering element 3 are aligned as such to be substantially mutually opposing. In addition, when two covering elements 3 are positioned on the building component 2 the engaging arrangement 9 in one covering element 3 is aligned with the engaging arrangement 9 of the other covering element 3 so as to be substantially mutually opposing. Further, a gap 10 is formed between the mutually opposing side surfaces 6 of the covering elements 3. It should be noted that a single covering element 3 is attachable to a building component 2 by an attaching arrangement 8 without the requirement of an adjacent, mutually opposing covering element 3.

The attaching arrangement 8 has an insertion member 11 which is shaped to be inserted in to the engaging arrangements 9 of covering elements 3 and, more specifically, is shaped to be inserted partially into two mutually opposing engaging arrangements 9 of two covering elements 3 simultaneously when the covering elements 3 are positioned on a building component 2. In the embodiments in Figures 1 to 3, 5 to 6, 10 to 12 and 14 the insertion member 11 is substantially planar and elongate.

In the embodiment in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, the width of the insertion member 11 is less than the width of the gap 10 between the mutually opposing side surfaces 6 of the covering elements 3. The length of the insertion member 11 is similar to the distance between the bottom 21 of the channel in the engaging arrangement 9 and the mutually opposing bottom 21 of the channel in the mutually opposing engaging arrangement 9 when the cover elements 3 are situated on the building component 2. The insertion member 10 can be orientated in at least two fixing positions including a first fixing position 23 and a second fixing position 24. The first fixing position 23 involves the insertion member 11 being inserted into the gap 10 when the longitudinal axis of the insertion member 11 is orientated so as to be overlapping and substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis of the gap 10. The insertion member 11 can be rotated up to 90° within the gap 10 and the mutually opposing engaging arrangements 9 of two covering elements 3 positioned on the building component 2. The second fixing position 24 involves the insertion member 11 being rotated within the gap 10 so that it is at least partially positioned in the engaging arrangements 9 of the covering elements

3. The insertion member 11 has a stop means 25 to stop the rotation of the insertion member 11 within the engaging arrangement 9 and/or mutually opposing engaging arrangements 9. The insertion member 11 has two rounded corners 26a, 26b and two squared corners 27a, 27b. The two rounded corners 26a, 26b are diagonally opposing. When the insertion member 11 is rotated within the engaging arrangement 9 of a covering element 3, a rounded corner 26a, 26b first rotates past the bottom 21 of the channel of the engaging arrangement 9 followed by the adjacent squared corner 27a, 27b; the squared corner 27a, 27b abuts the bottom 21 of the channel and prevents the rotation of the insertion member 10 beyond approximately 90°. As shown in Figure 6, the perimeter of the insertion member 10 tapers to a point 28. In the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 8, and 15, the insertion member 10 is non-elongate, having a circular face 29.

The insertion member 11 is of a thickness not greater than the width of the engaging arrangement 9 of the receiving arrangement 7. The insertion member 11 is plastic but in other embodiments (not shown) it is metal. The insertion member 11 is located or, depending on the insertion member’s degree of rotation relative to the side surface 6 of the covering element 3, can be located in at least two mutually opposing engaging arrangements 9 of at least two covering elements 3.

The building component assemblies 1 in the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 7, 10 and 11 have multiple covering elements 3 arranged on a building component 2 such that the engaging arrangements 9 of the receiving arrangements 7 of each covering element 3 are aligned so as to create a continuous elongate engaging arrangement 9 through the multiple covering elements 3. In the embodiment in Figures 10 to 12 the insertion member 11 is slid into position in the continuous elongate engaging arrangement.

The attaching arrangement 1 includes a fastener 12 for fastening the insertion member 11 to the building component 2. When the insertion member 11 is substantially fastened to the building component 2 it consequently affixes the cover elements 3 to the building component 2. When the insertion member 11 is substantially fastened to the building component 2, a peripheral portion 14 of the insertion member 11 abuts and presses against the section 13 of the cover element 3 located between the insertion member 11 and the building component 2, holding the cover elements 3 proximal to the building component 2. The fastener 12 is a screw having a corrosion-resistant coating. The insertion member 11 has an aperture 15 for receiving the fastener 12. In another embodiment (not shown), a worker can drill or otherwise create at least one aperture in the insertion member 11 when necessary or, in a yet another embodiment (not shown), the fastener 12 may be directly inserted in to the insertion member 11 without the need of a pre-formed aperture. The fastener 12 is sized to fit within the gap 10 formed between the mutually opposing side surfaces 6 of the covering elements 3 when the covering elements 3 are positioned on the building component 2.

The building component 2 has a fastener-receiving arrangement 32 being an aperture 33. The aperture 33 is sized to receive the fastener 12. When the fastener 12 is screwed or inserted into the fastener-receiving arrangement 32 it cannot easily be removed. In the embodiments in Figures 7 and 8, the fastener-receiving arrangement 32 further involves a plastic sleeve anchor 34. The fastener 12 is inserted into the aperture 33 and the sleeve anchor 34. When the fastener 12 is inserted into the sleeve anchor 34 it expands. This further fixes the fastener 12 to the building component 2. In the embodiment in Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6 the fastener 12 is formed as a unitary structure with the insertion member 11. In the embodiment in Figures 7 and 8, the fastener-receiving arrangement 32 is formed as a unitary structure with the insertion member 11, the insertion member 11 being circular in shape and the fastener-receiving arrangement 32 being a sleeve anchor attached to the insertion member 11 so that a fastener 12 can be inserted through the aperture 15 of the insertion member 11 and into the sleeve anchor.

The fastener 12 passes through the insertion member 11 and penetrates through the aperture 33 of the building component 2. The building component 2 is a stainless steel panel and is configured to receive the covering elements 3. In some embodiments, for example those in Figures 2 and 3, the attaching arrangement 8 has a limiting arrangement 17 for limiting the depth of penetration of the fastener 12 through the building component 2. By limiting the depth of penetration of the fastener 12 through the building component 2, the limiting arrangement 17 consequently limits the amount of force that can be applied by the insertion member 11 on the covering element 3. The limiting arrangement 17 involves a physical barrier 35 disposed at the back surface of the building component 2. This prevents the fastener 12 from passing beyond a desired point at the back of the building component 2. In an embodiment not shown the limiting arrangement 17 is a standoff.

After the fastener 12 has been inserted and the insertion member 11 and covering elements 3 are attached to the building component 2, the gap 10 between mutually opposing side surfaces 6 of the covering elements 3 may be filled with mortar or otherwise covered so as to cover the attaching arrangement 8 and to create a desirable aesthetic finish. The covering element 3 is a masonry product and the covering elements 3 are masonry slips such as brick slips. Alternatively, the covering element 3 is a composite product such as a composite slip.

In use, a covering element 3 is attached to a building component 2 by first preparing the building component 2 for receiving the covering element 3. Depending on the choice of fastener 12, it may be necessary to predrill apertures on the building component 2. If the fastener 12 that is used is a self-tapping screw, for example, then these will form apertures upon their insertion into the building component 2 and it will not be necessary to preform apertures on the building component 2. The covering element 3 can be compressively held against the building component 2 by use of the attaching arrangement 8 alone; however, an adhesive may be applied to the back of the covering element 3 and/or the surface of the building component 2 before placing the covering element 3 on the building component 2 if desired.

The covering element 3 is then placed in the desired location on the building component 2, and adjacent to the preformed apertures (if present). An insertion member 11 is then inserted within the receiving arrangement 7 of the covering element 3 and aligned with an aperture (if present) on the building component 2. If two covering elements 3 are simultaneously being attached to the building component 2, then the second covering element 3 is positioned adjacent to the first covering element 3 such that the insertion member 11 is located within the receiving arrangement 7 of both covering elements 3. A fastener 12 is then inserted into the insertion member 11 and into the building component 3. The fastener 12 can be inserted into the building component 3 to a depth such that it applies a compressive force against the covering element(s) 3 and holds the covering element(s) 3 against the building component 2. Multiple insertion members 11 can be inserted within the receiving arrangement 7 and fasteners 12 applied to increase the strength of attachment of the covering element 2 to the building component 3. Finally, mortar may be applied surrounding the covering element 2 or, where a plurality of covering elements 2 are applied to a building component 3, to the gap therebetween covering the insertion member 11.

In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of the parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of the alternatives, is itself preferred to the less preferred value and also to each value lying between the less preferred value and the intermediate value.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A building component assembly comprising a covering means, the covering means comprising at least one covering element, the covering element having a front, back and side surfaces and a receiving means, the receiving means comprising an opening in at least one side surface of at least one covering element, the opening being contained between the boundaries of the back surface and front surface, the building component assembly comprising an attaching means wherein at least part of the attaching means is located on and/or within the receiving means, the covering element being attached to the building component by the attaching means.

2. A building component assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the attaching means comprises mechanical fixing means other than adhesive.

3. A building component assembly as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the receiving means comprises a means for engaging a part of the attaching means.

4. A building component assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the attaching means applies a compressive force to the covering element towards the building component forming a mechanical fixing therebetween.

5. A building component assembly as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 when dependent on claim 3 wherein the engaging means comprises an opening, groove, recess or shoulder.

6. A building component assembly as claimed in claim 3 or of claims 4 or 5 when dependent on claim 3 wherein the engaging means extends substantially along at least one side surface of the covering element.

7. A building component assembly as claimed in claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 6 when dependent on claim 3 wherein when two covering elements are positioned on the building component at least one engaging means in one covering element is substantially mutually opposing another engaging means in another covering element.

8. A building component assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the attaching means comprises a locating means for locating the attaching means on the covering means.

9. A building component assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the locating means is flexible and/or resilient.

10. A building component assembly as claimed in claims 8 or 9 wherein the attaching means comprises fastening means for fastening the locating means to the covering means.

11. A building component assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the locating means comprises an opening for receiving the fastening means.

12. A building component assembly as claimed in claims 10 or 11 when dependent on claim 10 wherein the fastening means and the locating means are interoperable to apply a compressive force to the covering means urging the covering means into contact with the building component.

13. A building component assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 or claims 9 to 12 when dependent on claim 8 wherein the locating means comprises an insertion member.

14. A building component assembly as claimed in claim 13 when dependent on claim 3 wherein the insertion member is shaped to be placed at least partially into or onto the at least one engaging means of at least one covering element.

15. A building component assembly as claimed in claims 13 or 14 wherein the insertion member has at least one rounded corner.

16. A building component assembly as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the insertion member is an elongate member or a non-elongate member.

17. A building component assembly as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the insertion member is plastic, glass-reinforced plastic, metal or composite.

18. A building component assembly as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein the attaching means comprises a fastening means for fastening the insertion member to the building component.

19. A building component assembly as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein the insertion member comprises at least one aperture for receiving the fastening means.

20. A building component assembly as claimed in claim 10 or any one of claims 11 to 19 when dependent on claim 10 wherein the attaching means comprises a limiting means for limiting the depth of penetration of the fastening means in to or through the building component.

21. A building component assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the covering element is a brick, block or stone slip.

22. A building component assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the building component is a rigid backing board or frame.

23. A method of assembling a covering means on a building component, the covering means comprising at least one covering element, the covering element having a front, back and side surface and a receiving means, the building component assembly comprising an attaching means, the receiving means being operable to receive at least part of the attaching means, the method comprising positioning the covering element on the building component.

24. A method of assembly as claimed in claim 23 comprising using mechanical attaching means other than adhesive.