GB2517454A

GB2517454A - A Wall Tie

Info

Publication number: GB2517454A
Application number: GB201314896A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Scott Mcandrew
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2013-08-20
Filing date: 2013-08-20
Publication date: 2015-02-25
Also published as: GB201314896D0

Abstract

A tying apparatus 50 comprises a wall tie 1 and an elongate member 10, the elongate member 10 having a retaining element 20 upstanding from a surface 32 of the elongate member 10, spaced apart from the longitudinal edges 16, 18 of the elongate member 10, extending along a longitudinal axis (28 fig. 2) of the elongate member 10 and configured to retain a portion of the wall tie 1; the wall tie portion comprising a receiving member 3a, 3b configured to be engageable with the retaining element 20 of the elongate member 10 so as to be retained in interlocking engagement therewith. The retaining element 20 may be an I-section and the receiving member may be a pair of arms 3a, 3b. The retaining element 20 may be discontinuous with a number of notches (221 fig. 6). The wall tie 1 may be planar with a mortar key slot and one or more fastener apertures.

Description

A WALL TIE

The present invention relates to apparatus for wall tying. Particularly, though not exclusively, the invention relates to a wall tie apparatus and to a method of constructing a wall utilizing such apparatus.

When a first wall and a new second wall are to be constructed using bricks or building blocks) for example, it is known to provide a wall tying apparatus including an elongate member attached) in an upright configuration) to the existing first wall and to provide a number of wall tie members inserted between courses of the bricks of the new, second wall. The wall tie members are each connected to the elongate member of the wall tying apparatus in the constructed wall arrangements. The purpose of the wall tying apparatus is to prevent the second) new wall from separating from the first wall but further to allow the second, new wall to settle into position relative to the first wall in a vertical orientation.

A problem associated with the construction of the second, new wall relative to the first) existing wall, is that as the second wall ages, it may have a tendency to apply torsional forces and bending moments to one or more of the wall ties located between the courses of bricks in the second wall as the second wall settles into position relative to the first wall. As such forces are applied to the, or each) wall tie member, their connection to the elongate member may be compromised.

Detachment of the, or each, wall tie member from the elongate member negates the restraint against separation of the second from the first wall provided by the wall tying apparatus.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate some of the disadvantages noted above.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved wall tying apparatus.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a tying apparatus comprising a wall tie and an elongate member having a retaining element upstanding from a surface of the elongate member, spaced apart from the longitudinal edges of the elongate member, and extending along a longitudinal axis of the elongate member configured to retain a portion of the wall tie, the wall tie portion comprising a receiving member configured to be engageable with the retaining element of the elongate member so as to be retained in interlocking engagement therewith.

In use, the elongate member is configured for attachment to a first wall in an upright configuration.

In use, the wall tie is configured to extend in between courses of bricks of a second wali.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a wall tying kit comprising at least one elongate member and at least one wall tie, the elongate member having a retaining element upstanding from a surface of the elongate member, spaced apart from the longitudinal edges of the elongate member, and extending along a longitudinal axis of the elongate member configured to retain a portion of the at least one wall tie, the wall tie portion comprising a receiving member configured to be engageable with the retaining element of the elongate member so as to be retained in interlocking engagement therewith.

It is much preferred that the wall tying kit comprises at least one elongate member and a plurality of wall ties. More specifically, each wall tie of the plurality of wall ties having a wall tie portion comprising a receiving member configured to be engageable with the retaining e'ement of the at least one elongate member so as to be retained in interlocking engagement therewith.

In certain embodiments, the wall tying kit comprising a plurality of elongate members each having a retaining element upstanding from a surface of the elongate member and extending along a longitudinal axis of the elongate member configured to retain a portion of a wall tie.

In certain embodiments, the wall tying kit will further comprise a plurality of wall ties. More specifically, each wall tie of the plurality of wall ties having a wall tie portion comprising a receiving member configured to be engageable with the retaining element of any one of the plurality of elongate members so as to be retained in interlocking engagement therewith.

According to various embodiments of the present invention according to either the first aspect and/or the second aspects, further features of the invention will now be described.

The retaining element and receiving member together provide an interlocking engagement between the elongate member and the wall tie. In this way, in use of the wall tying apparatus, accidental disengagement of the elongate member and wall tie is prevented whilst allowing vertical movement of the second wall relative to the first wall. Further, the configuration of the interlocking engagement between the retaining element of the elongate member and the receiving member of the wall tie provides that a torsional force applied to wall tie relative to the elongate member cannot cause accidental disengaging of members. In fact, the wall tie and the elongate member are prevented from twisting relative to each other by way of the interlocking engagement of the retaining element and the receiving member.

More specifically, the interlocking engagement permits relative movement between the wall tie and the elongate member only in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. Torsional movement about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member or about the longitudinal axis of the wall tie itself are advantageously prevented, as is any bending movement that may be caused when a force is applied at the distal end of the wall tie remote from the elongate member.

In certain embodiments, the retaining element of the elongate member and the receiving member of the wall tie portion have complementary profiles. In this way, an interlocking engagement between the retaining element and receiving member is provided. The receiving member is preferably shaped to closely correspond to cross-sectional profile of retaining element of the elongate member.

In certain embodiments, the wall tie is longitudinally symmetrical about its central longitudinal axis.

In preferred embodiments the wall tie is formed of a substantially planar member.

The planar wall tie member comprises the receiving member. More specifically, the wall tie member comprises a receiving member proximate an end thereof.

In embodiments, the receiving member comprises a recess in an edge of the wall tie member. More specifically, the recess is open at an edge of the wall tie to allow the wall tie to pass over the retaining element of the elongate member. The recess in the edge of the wall tie member preferably has a complementary profile to a portion of the retaining element of the elongate member. In this way, the wall tie may be placed into interlocking engagement with the elongate member by passing the wall tie over the retaining element and mounting the recess in the edge of the wall tie over the retaining element The wall tie is brought into interlocking engagement with the retaining element by moving the wall tie in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.

in certain embodiments, the wall tie receiving member is a receiving aperture.

In certain alternative embodiments, the wall tie receiving member comprises a pair of arms together defining a receiving aperture therebetween for receiving the retaining element ofan elongate member. More specifically, the pair of arms may be of curved profile so as to extend about the retaining element of the elongate member and to provide an interlocking engagement therewith. Alternatively, each

S

arm of the pair of arms may extend about and provide an interlocking engagement with an undercut on the retaining element of the elongate member.

More specifically, the wall tie receiving member and the retaining element are slidably engageable in the direction of longitudinal axis of elongate member.

In certain embodiments, the wafl tie comprises a mortar key slot. More specifically, the planar portion of the wall tie may comprise a mortar key slot to receive mortar in a layer between courses of bricks in a wall.

Afternatively, or in addition, the wall tie comprises one or more fastener apertures.

More specifically, the planar portion of the wall tie may comprise one or more fastener apertures to receive fasteners such as nails, screws, bolts, rivets or the like therethrough.

The retaining element is upstanding from a surface of the elongate member at a position transversely spaced apart from the longitudinal edges of the elongate member.

The elongate member preferably comprises a body portion and a retaining element In embodiments of the invention, the body portion is preferably substantially planar.

The retaining element of the elongate member is preferably upstanding from the body portion. More specifically, the retaining element is upstanding from a surface of the body portion and is transversely spaced apart from the longitudinal edges of the elongate member.

In embodiments of the invention, the elongate member is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis of thereof In embodiments of the invention, the retaining element is upstanding from a surface of the elongate member and is located on and extends along the central longitudinal axis of the member.

The cross-sectional profile of the elongate member may be I-shaped. In such embodiments, the retaining element of the elongate member comprises a root portion upstanding from the body portion of the elongate member and a further distal portion at a free end of the root portion. In such arrangements, the root portion is upstanding from the body portion perpendicular thereto and the distal portion of the elongate member extends parallel to the plane including the body portion so as to complete the 1-shaped cross-section of the retaining element In embodiments of the invention, the root portion connects the elongate member to distal portion of retaining element. The root portion may be planar perpendicular to plane of the elongate member body portion. Advantageously, the depth dimension of the root portion of the retaining element in a direction transversely of the elongate member may be 2mm. Preferably the root portion width dimension is no greater than 5mm.

Alternatively, the retaining element is formed by an upstanding flange from the surface of the body portion. In preferred arrangements, the root of the flange has a lesser width dimension than the distal portion of the flange remote from the body portion. In this way, the flange provides an undercut engageable with the receiving member of a wall tie so as to form an interlocking engagement therewith.

The retaining element may be a protrusion from the surface of the elongate member. The protrusion is advantageously profiled so as to be wider at its free end than at its root connected to the body of the elongate member. The protrusion may be of substantially triangular cross-section, for example. In such embodiments, the base of the triangle will form the edge of the protrusion furthermost from the surface of the elongate member. The protrusion may, in alternative embodiments, be of substantially circular cross-section. In such embodiments, the root of the protrusion may be formed of a planar portion, upstanding from the surface of the elongate member. The receiving member of the wall tie will have a corresponding profile and) in such embodiments, comprises a keyhole shaped aperture. In this way, the wall tie aperture may be retained in engagement with the protrusion.

The aperture will be profiled to correspond to the shape of the retaining element. In this fit, a close fit between the retaining element and the receiving aperture is ensured.

The retaining element and the aperture provide an interlocking engagement therebetween.

The retaining element provides a male engagement member and the aperture the female engagement member. The male and female elements are configured to provide an interlocking engagement which allows relative movement longitudinally of the elongate member only. When in interlocking engagement, torsional and bending movement of the wall tie relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member are prevented.

The elongate member may comprise one or more retaining elements.

The, or each, retaining element preferably has a cross sectional profile which is complimentary with the cross-sectional profile of the, or each, receiving member of the numbers of receiving members and retaining elements. Even more specifically, each retaining element has a complimentary profile with the corresponding receiving member in the assembled apparatus.

The, or each, retaining element may be of any suitable footprint/cross section.

Exemplary profiles include but are not limited to triangular, circular, square, I-shaped or other polygon. The retaining element preferably has an I-shaped, triangular or circular cross-section. The distal portion of the retaining element preferably comprises a greater width dimension than the root portion to prevent accidental disengagement of receiving member of the wall tie.

The, or each, retaining element extends longitudinally of elongate member.

Preferably, the retaining element extends along the longitudinal centre axis of the elongate member.

Preferably, the) or each) retaining element extends continuously along the entire length of the elongate member.

Alternatively the, or each, retaining element extends discontinuously along the length of the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. More specifically, the retaining element comprises at least one discontinuity along the length of the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. In certain embodiments, the retaining element comprises a plurality of discontinuities along the length of the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The, or each, discontinuity may be a notch or recess in the retaining member. In this way, the wall tie may be engaged with or disengaged from the elongate member more easily during construction of the second wall portion.

In embodiments comprising more than one retaining element, the retaining elements are transversely spaced across the elongate member. More specifically, the elongate member may comprise two longitudinally extending retaining elements spaced transversely of one another and upstanding from the body portion of the elongate member.

Preferably the) or each) receiving member of the wall tie has a complementary profile with the) or each) retaining element of the elongate member. In this way, the wall tie receiving element(s) provide an interlocking fit with the, or each, retaining element of the elongate member.

Due to the complementary interlocking profiles of the, or each, retaining element and receiving member, no torsional movement of the wall tie is possible about the longitudinal axis of the wall tie or about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member when the elongate member and the wall tie are in interlocking engagement with one another. In this way, there is provided a secure interlock between the wall tie and the elongate member allowing, in use of the wall tying apparatus, a second wali comprising one or more wall ties of the invention in between course(s) of bricks thereof to settle vertically relative to an adjacent first wall to which the, or each, elongate member is attached in upright orientation whilst preventing the second wall from peeling away from the first wall or from settling unevenly between the interior and exterior of the second wall. That is to say, the wall tying apparatus of the present invention prevents peeling of the second wall away from first The apparatus allows relative vertical displacement of the second wall relative to the first wall. As the walls vertically displace relative to one another, the, or each, wall tie slides along the retaining element but is otherwise prevented from movement by the interlocking engagement of the receiving member and the retaining element.

Because the, or each, wall tie is held between two courses of brickwork in the second wall, the, or each, wall tie holds the second wall in position relative to first wall. The, or each, wall tie will be held in place by the mortar layer between courses of bricks in the second wall. When present, the mortar key slot in the wall tie facilitates the retention of the, or each, wall tie in the second wall.

The elongate member may further comprise one or more fastener apertures.

Preferably the fastener apertures are provided in the planar portion of the elongate member. The fastener apertures are configured to receive fasteners, such as screw, nails or bolts or the like therethrough to allow attachment of the elongate member to a first wall.

By way of the complementary profiles of the retaining element and the receiving member, it is much preferred that the receiving member can only be attached at an end of the retaining element or, where present, at a longitudinal discontinuity in the retaining element.

In use of the all tying apparatus) the wali tie is vertically moveable with respect to the elongate member when the receiving member is in engagement with the retaining element.

It is much by preference that the wall tie is restrained against movement rotationally of or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member when in engagement with the retaining element The wall tie is connectable to the elongate member so as to be retained in connection therewith by engagement of retaining element and the receiving member. Preferably, the interlocking engagement between the retaining element and the receiving member allows movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the &ongate member only.

The interlocking engagement preferably retains the wall tie in perpendicular orientation relative to the plane including the elongate member.

According to a third aspect, the present invention further provides a wall starter kit comprising at least one elongate member and at least one wall tie, the elongate member and wall tie being in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

In use, an elongate member is fastened to a first, existing, wall, a second wall is constructed substantially perpendicularly to the first existing wall. In order to retain the second wall in lateral position relative to the first wafl, at least one wall tie according to the invention is placed into engagement with the elongate member as hereindescribed and positioned between two adjacent brick layers in the second wali as same is built The wall tie is allowed to move vertically relative to the elongate member to allow the second wall to settle relative to the first existing wall, however, lateral displacement of the two walls is prevented.

In embodiments of the invention, the elongate member(s) and/or the wall tie(s) may be formed of any suitaNe material. More specifically, the material may be steel, such as galvanised steel or stainless steel, for example.

Alternatively, the elongate member(s) and/or the wall tie(s) may be formed of plastic. More specifically, the elongate member(s) and/or the wall tie(s) may be formed of rigid plastic. A plastic is the preferred material as it is durable and resilient Further a plastic provides a lower thermal conductivity than a metal material. The plastic may be moulded or thermoformed. :to

In order that the invention be easily understood and readily carried into effect, reference will now be made, byway of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a wall tie of a tying apparatus according to an embodiment of the first and second aspects of the present invention; Figure 2 shows, in rear perspective view, a first embodiment of an elongate member of a tying apparatus according to an embodiment of the first and second aspects of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of the elongate member of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows the wall tie of Figure 1 connected in interlocking relation with the elongate member of Figure 2 and 3 providing a wall tying apparatus according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; Figure 5 shows, in rear perspective view, a second embodiment of elongate member of a tying apparatus according to an embodiment of the first and second aspects of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a pair of wall ties of Figure 1 connected in interlocking relation with the elongate member of Figure 7 providing a wall tying apparatus according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; Figure 7 shows, in rear perspective view and upright orientation, a first embodiment of an elongate member of a tying apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a front perspective view of the elongate member of Figure 5; Figure 9 shows, in rear perspective view and upright orientation, a second embodiment of an elongate member of a tying apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention; and Figure 10 shows a pair of wall ties of Figure 1 connected in interlocking relation with the elongate member of Figure 9 providing a wall tying apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; Throughout the Figures, like features are depicted by the same reference numerals.

In alternative embodiments, like features are depicted by numerals increased by a factor of 100.

Figure 1 depicts a wall tie 1 having a planar body portion 2 formed from galvanised steel, stainless steel, plastic or similar rigid material. At an end of the wall tie 1 is a pair of arms 3a, 3b together forming a receiving member of the wall tie 1. The arms 3a and 3b are of curved profile each extending inwardly toward one another so as to form receiving aperture 4. Fastener apertures 5 are formed in the planar body portion 2 of the wall tie 1 and are configured to receive fasteners [not shown) in the form of screws, nails, bolts or the like.

The wall tie 1 in the depicted embodiment is longitudinafly symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 6. Fastener apertures 5 are aligned along the central longitudinal axis 6 of the wall tie 1.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the wall tying apparatus comprises an elongate member 10 having a planar body portion 12 formed from galvanised steel, stainless steeL plastic or similar rigid material. Fastener apertures 14 are formed in the planar body portion 12 of the &ongate member 10 and are configured to receive fasteners (not shown) in the form of screws, nails, bolts or the like.

The elongate member 10 has an 1-shaped cross-sectional profile wherein a retaining element 20 comprises a root portion 22 upstanding perpendicularly from the body portion 12 of the elongate member 10. The retaining element 20 further comprises a distal portion 24 at a free end 26 of the root portion 22. The distal portion 24 of the elongate member extends parallel to the plane including the body portion 12 so as to complete the 1-shaped cross-section of the retaining element 20.

In the depicted arrangement, the root portion 22 connects the body portion 12 of the elongate member 10 to distal portion 24 of retaining element 20 at a base portion 30 (see Figure 3) of the root portion 22. The retaining element 20 is transversely spaced apart from the longitudina' edges 16, 18 of the elongate member 10 and, in the depicted embodiment, extends along the entire ength of the longitudinal centre axis 28 of the elongate member 10. In alternative arrangements, the retaining element may be longitudinally discontinuous so as to provide attachment points for a wall tie such as the one depicted in Figure 1 along the length of the retaining element The retaining element 20 is upstanding from the surface 32 of the elongate member 10.

Figure 4 shows a tying apparatus 50 according to the invention. The tying apparatus 50 comprises a wall tie 1 as shown in Figure 1 and an elongate member as depicted in Figure 2 and 3. In assembling the apparatus 50, the arms 3a, 3b of wali tie 1 are passed over the free end of the distal portion 24 of retaining element 20. The arms 3a, 3b form an interlocking engagement with the distal portion 24 such that the wall tie 1 may be slidably mounted onto the retaining element 20 in a S direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (28] of elongate member 10. The configuration of arms 3a, 3b and the distal portion 24 of the retaining element 20 are such that the wall tie is moveable only in the ongitudinal direction of the elongate member 10 whilst ateral movement or torsional movement about longitudinal axis 28 is prevented. Furthermore) torsional movement about the longitudinal axis 6 (see Figure 1] of the wall tie 1 is also prevented. In this way, accidental disengagement of the wall tie 1 from the elongate member 10 is prevented.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a second embodiment of an e'ongate member 210 forming part of an alternative embodiment of a tying apparatus 250 according to the invention is shown.

The elongate member 210 comprises retaining element 220 comprising a discontinuity 221 therein so as to provide an attachment point for a wall tie 1.

Figures 7 and 8 show an alternative elongate member 110 according to an alternative arrangement of the present invention.

Elongate member 110 having a planar body portion 112 formed from galvanised steel, stainless steel, plastic or similar rigid material. Fastener apertures 114 are formed in the planar body portion 112 of the elongate member 110 and are configured to receive fasteners (not shown) in the form of screws, nails, bolts or the like.

The elongate member 110 comprises two I-shaped retaining elements 120a, 120b.

Each retaining element 120a, 120b comprises a respective root portion 122a, 122b upstanding perpendicularly from the surface 132 of body portion 112 of the elongate member 110. The retaining elements 120a, 120b each further comprise a respective distal portion 124a, 124b at a free end 126a, 126b of the root portion 122a, 122b. The distal portions 124a, 124b of each retaining element 120a, 120b extends in parallel orientation to the plane including the surface 132 of the body portion 112.

In the depicted arrangement, the root portions 122a, 122b each connect the body portion 112 of the elongate member 110 to the respective distal portions 124a, 124b of retaining elements 120a, 120b at a base portion 130a, 130b (see Figure 8) of the root portions 122a, 122b. The retaining elements 120a, 120b are each transversely spaced apart from the longitudinal edges 116, 118 of the elongate member 110 and, in the depicted embodiment, each extend along the entire length of the longitudinal centre axis 128 of the elongate member 110. In alternative arrangements) the retaining elements may each be longitudinally discontinuous so as to provide attachment points for a wall tie of complimentary configuration along the length of the retaining elements.

The retaining &ements lZOa, 120b are upstanding from the surface 132 of the elongate member 110. A wall tie (not shown) for attachment to the elongate member 110 will have two complimentary receiving members which may each be slidably mounted to the retaining elements 120a, 120b in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 128 of the elongate member 110. By forming an interlocking engagement with the retaining elements 120a, flUb, the wall tie (not shown) with compLimentary profile will be securely held in engagement with the elongate member 110 and will be incapable of torsional movement about longitudinal axis 128 or about the longitudinal axis of the wall tie itself In this way, a robust attachment is provided whereby accidental disengagement of the wall tie from the elongate member is provided. In use of the tying apparatus, as the second wall settles in relation to the first wall, vertical movement of the second wall r&ative to the first wall is allowed whilst restraining the second wall against peeling way from the first wall.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a second embodiment of an elongate member 310 forming part of an alternative embodiment of a tying apparatus 350 according to the invention is shown.

The eLongate member 310 comprises two retaining elements 220 each comprising a discontinuity 321 therein so as to provide an attachment point for a wall tie 1.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tying apparatus comprising a wall tie and an elongate member having a retaining element upstanding from a surface of the elongate member, spaced apart from the longitudinal edges of the elongate member, and extending along a longitudinal axis of the elongate member configured to retain a portion of the wall tie; the wall tie portion comprising a receiving member configured to be engageable with the retaining element of the elongate member so as to be retained in interlocking engagement therewith.
2. A tying apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the elongate member is configured for attachment to a first wall in an upright configuration.
3. A tying apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the wall tie is configured to extend in between courses of bricks of a second wall.
4. A wall tying kit comprising at least one elongate member and at least one wali tie) the elongate member having a retaining element upstanding from a surface of the elongate member, spaced apart from the longitudinal edges of the elongate member, and extending along a longitudinal axis of the elongate member configured to retain a portion of the at least one wall tie, the wall tie portion comprising a receiving member configured to be engageable with the retaining element of the elongate member so as to be retained in interlocking engagement therewith.
5. A wall tying kit according to claim 4, wherein the wall tying kit comprises at least one elongate member and a plurality of wall ties.
6. A wall tying kit according to claim 5 wherein each wall tie of the plurality of wali ties have a wall tie portion comprising a receiving member configured to be engageable with the retaining element of the at least one elongate member so as to be retained in interlocking engagement therewith.
7. A wall tying kit according to claim 4 wherein the wall tying kit comprises a plurality of elongate members each having a retaining element upstanding from a surface of the elongate member and extending along a longitudinal axis of the elongate member configured to retain a portion of a wall tie.
8. A wall tying kit according to claim 7 wherein the wall tying kit will further comprise a plurality of wall ties.
9. A wall tying kit according to claim 8 wherein each wall tie of the plurality of wali ties having a wall tie portion comprising a receiving member configured to be engageable with the retaining element of any one of the plurality of elongate members so as to be retained in interlocking engagement therewith.
10. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the retaining element and receiving member together provide an interlocking engagement between the elongate member and the wall tie.
11. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the retaining element of the elongate member and the receiving member of the wall tie portion have complementary profiles.
12. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 11 wherein the receiving member is shaped to closely correspond to cross-sectional profile of retaining element of the elongate member.
13. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wall tie is longitudinally symmetrical about its central longitudinal axis.
14. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wall tie is formed of a substantially planar member.
15. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 14 wherein the planar wali tie member comprises the receiving member.
16. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wall tie member comprises the receiving member proximate an end thereof.
17. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiving member comprises a recess in an edge of the wall tie member.
18. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 17 wherein the recess is open at an edge of the wall tie to allow the wall tie to pass over the retaining element of the elongate member.
19. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 18 wherein the recess in the edge of the wall tie member has a complementary profile to a portion of the retaining element of the elongate member.
20. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wall tie receiving member is a receiving aperture.
21. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of claim 1 to 19 wherein the wall tie receiving member comprises a pair of arms together defining a receiving aperture therebetween for receiving the retaining element of an elongate member.
22. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 21 wherein the pair of arms are of curved profile so as to extend about the retaining element of the elongate member and to provide an interlocking engagement therewith.
23. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 21 wherein each arm of the pair of arms is configured to extend about and provide an interlocking engagement with an undercut on the retaining element of the elongate member.
24. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wall tie receiving member and the retaining element are slidably engageable in the direction of longitudinal axis of elongate member.
25. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wall tie comprises a mortar key slot.
26. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 25, when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 14, wherein the planar portion of the wall tie comprises a mortar key slot configured to receive mortar in a layer between courses of bricks in a wall.
27. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wall tie comprises one or more fastener apertures.
28. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 27, when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 14, wherein the planar portion of the wall tie comprises one or more fastener apertures to receive fasteners such as nails, screws) bolts, rivets or the like therethrough.
29. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the retaining element is upstanding from a surface of the elongate member at a position transversely spaced apart from the longitudina' edges of the elongate member.
30. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate member comprises a body portion and a retaining element.
31. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 30 wherein the body portion is substantially planar.
32. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 30 or 31 wherein the retaining element of the elongate member is upstanding from the body portion.
33. A tying apparatus or wali tying kit according to claim 32 wherein the retaining element is upstanding from a surface of the body portion and is transversely spaced apart from the longitudinal edges of the elongate member.
34. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate member is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis of thereof.
35. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the retaining element is upstanding from a surface of the elongate member and is located on and extends along the central longitudinal axis of the member.
36. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cross-sectional profile of the elongate member is I-shaped.
37. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the retaining element of the elongate member comprises a root portion upstanding from the body portion of the elongate member and a further distal portion at a free end of the root portion.
38. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 38, when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 30, wherein the root portion is upstanding from the body portion perpendicular thereto and the distal portion of the elongate member extends parallel to the plane including the body portion so as to complete the 1-shaped cross-section of the retaining element
39. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 37 or 38 wherein the root portion connects the elongate member to distal portion of retaining element.
40. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of claims 37 to 39 wherein the root portion is planar perpendicular to plane of the elongate member body portion.
41. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of claims 37 to 40 wherein the depth dimension of the root portion of the retaining element in a direction transversely of the elongate member is 2mm.
42. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of claims 37 to 40 wherein the root portion width dimension is no greater than 5mm.
43. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of claims 1 to 35 wherein the retaining element is formed by an upstanding flange from the surface of the body portion.
44. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 43 wherein the root of the flange has a lesser width dimension than the distal portion of the flange remote from the body portion.
45. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of claims 1 to 35 wherein the retaining is a protrusion from the surface of the elongate member.
46. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 45 wherein the protrusion is profiled so as to be wider at its free end than at its root connected to the body of the elongate member.
47. A tying apparatus or wali tying kit according to claim 46 wherein the protrusion is of substantially triangular cross-section.
48. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 46 wherein the protrusion is of substantially circular cross-section.
49. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of claims 45 to 48 wherein the receiving member of the wall tie comprises a corresponding profile to the protrusion.
50. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 49 wherein the retaining element provides a male engagement member and the aperture the female engagement member.
51. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 50 wherein the male and female elements are configured to provide an interlocking engagement which allows relative movement longitudinally of the elongate member only.
52. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate member comprises one or more retaining elements.
53. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to daim 52 wherein the, or each, retaining element has a cross sectional profile which is complimentary with the cross-sectional profile of the, or each, receiving member of the numbers of receiving members and retaining elements.
54. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 53 wherein each retaining element has a complimentary profile with the corresponding receiving member in the assembled apparatus.
55. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the, or each) retaining element extends longitudinally of elongate member.
56. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 55 wherein the retaining element extends along the longitudinal centre axis of the elongate member.
57. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the, or each) retaining element extends continuously along the entire length of the elongate member.
58. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to any one of claims 1 to 56 wherein the, or each, retaining element extends discontinuously along the length of the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.
59. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to claim 58 wherein the retaining element comprises a plurality of discontinuities along the length of the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.
60. A tying apparatus or wall tying kit according to daim 59 wherein the, or each, discontinuity maybe a notch or recess in the retaining member.
61. A wall starter kit comprising at least one elongate member and at least one wall tie, the elongate member and wall tie being in accordance with claim 1.
62. A wall starter kit according to claim 61 wherein the &ongate member(s) and/or the wall tie(s) are formed of any suitable material.
63. A wall starter kit according to claim 62 wherein the material is steel.
64. A wall starter kit according to claim 62 wherein the &ongate member(s) and/or the wall tie(s) is formed of plastic.
65. A wall starter kit according to claim 65 wherein the elongate member(s) and/or the wall tie(s) are formed of rigid plastic.