GB2605475A

GB2605475A - An elongate support structure

Info

Publication number: GB2605475A
Application number: GB2115859.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Coyle Sean
Original assignee: Keystone Lintels Ltd
Current assignee: Keystone Lintels Ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-04
Filing date: 2021-11-04
Publication date: 2022-10-05
Also published as: GB202017476D0

Abstract

An elongate support structure 1 comprising an outer elongate member 2 that is mountable on the outer leaf of a cavity wall and an inner elongate member 3 that is mountable on the inner leaf of a cavity wall. The elongate support structure 1 further has an insulation retaining means 4 arranged extending between the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3. The insulation retaining means 4 is at least partially formed from a material of low thermal conductivity relative to metal or metal alloys and wherein the insulation retaining means 4 is formed at least partially from a non-metallic material. The insulation retaining means 4 does not provide a pathway for thermal conductivity between the inner elongate member 2 and the outer elongate member 3. The elongate support structure 1 may be a lintel.

Description

AN ELONGATE SUPPORT STRUCTURE

The present invention relates to an elongate support structure and in particular to an elongate support structure with an insulation retaining means.

A common form of support structure used above a door or window opening in a wall is a lintel. The support structure is required to take the weight of the material above the door or window opening to provide structural support to the wall to avoid this material collapsing into the opening. Traditionally, lintels have been manufactured from the likes of reinforced lit concrete and steel. Lintels have been provided in a multitude of configurations from traditional unitary components to multiple components coupled together with insulation disposed therebetween. Additionally, steel lintels may be galvanized to avoid rusting of the lintel, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of the lintel.

One problem that results from placing insulation within a lintel, for example, between mutually opposing sides of the lintel, is how to retain the insulation therein. Whereas it is possible to place a steel retaining structure on the bottom of the lintel, traversing the opposing sides of the lintel, to prevent the insulation from falling out, the steel structure provides a route for thermal transfer through the lintel and therefore is a path for heat loss when the lintel is installed in a building. A known solution to this is to provide holes within the steel retaining structure, providing a tortuous path for heat through the lintel. However, while this reduces heat loss when compared to an intact sheet of steel, there is some room for improvement, as thermal transfer through the retaining structure remains possible.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problems associated with heat transfer of prior art support structures such as lintels outlined above.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an elongate support structure comprising an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member, the elongate support structure further comprising an insulation retaining means arranged extending between the outer and inner elongate members, wherein the insulation retaining means is at least partially formed from a material of low thermal conductivity.

By low thermal conductivity' we mean low relative to metal or metal alloys.

Advantageously, the insulation retaining means functions to retain insulation within the elongate support structure without providing a pathway for thermal conductivity between the inner elongate member and the outer elongate member.

Ideally, the insulation retaining means is formed at least partially from a non-metallic material.

Ideally, the elongate support structure comprises insulation material, the insulation material being retained within the elongate support structure by the insulation retaining means.

Preferably, the insulation retaining means extends beneath the insulation material when the elongate support structure is orientated for installation.

Ideally, the insulation retaining means is fixed to the outer and inner elongate members.

Preferably, the insulation retaining means comprises a bridging member, arranged to bridge the gap between the outer and inner elongate members.

Ideally, the bridging member is formed from a material having low thermal conductivity.

Ideally, the bridging member provides a surface on which the insulation material can rest.

Preferably, the insulation retaining means comprises a fixing means for fixing the bridging member to the outer and inner elongate members.

Ideally, the fixing means is fixed to the outer and/or inner elongate members. Preferably, the bridging member is arrangeable extending between two parts of the fixing means.

Ideally, the bridging member is fixable to the fixing means.

Preferably, the bridging member may be adhesively and/or mechanically bonded to the fixing means.

Ideally, the bridging member is configured to engage with the fixing means. Preferably, the fixing means is configured to engage with the bridging member. Ideally, when the fixing means and bridging member are engaged with one another, relative movement between one another is prevented.

Ideally, the fixing means is strapped, clipped, slotted, riveted, bonded, adhesively bonded, adhered, glued or welded to the outer and/or inner elongate members or coupled using any combination of these fasteners or methods of fixing. It will of course be appreciated that this list of connecting means and methods is in no way limiting and the invention covers any form of coupling suitable to provide sufficient rigidity and strength to withstand the range of forces acting on an elongate support structure of this type.

Preferably, the fixing means comprises one or more fixing members located on the outer and/or inner elongate members.

Preferably, the fixing means comprises an outer fixing member located on the outer elongate member.

Ideally, the fixing means comprises an inner fixing member located on the inner elongate member.

Ideally, the fixing means, most preferably, the fixing members are formed from metal. Ideally, the fixing means, most preferably, the fixing members comprise an engagement configuration to engage with the bridging member.

Preferably, the engagement configuration is a hook, pin, or other suitable form of projection capable of engaging with the bridging member.

Ideally, the fixing members comprise a flat portion fixable to the outer and/or inner elongate members, most preferably to the underside of the outer and/or inner elongate members as the elongate support structure is orientated for installation.

Preferably, the engagement configuration extends from the flat portion.

to Ideally, the bridging member comprises a recess shaped to receive the fixing member.

Ideally, the bridging member can be slidably engaged with the fixing member in at least one direction.

Ideally, the bridging member can be slidably engaged with the fixing member in at least one direction and, once slidably engaged, the bridging member cannot be moved relative to the fixing member in at least one other direction.

Ideally, the bridging member is formed by moulding.

Ideally, the bridging member has an end portion and a middle portion wherein the end portion is thicker than the middle portion.

Advantageously, the thicker end portion receives the engagement configuration of the fixing member.

Ideally, the engagement configuration of the fixing member is embedded within the end portion of the bridging member.

Alternatively or additionally, the bridging member may have an engagement configuration to engage with the fixing member, wherein the engagement configuration is a projection capable of engaging with the fixing member.

Ideally, the fixing member has an aperture or recess capable of receiving the engagement configuration of the bridging member.

In an embodiment, the insulation retaining means comprises a plurality of bridging members spaced apart along the length of the elongate support structure.

Ideally, the insulation retaining means comprises a plurality of fixing means spaced apart along the length of the elongate support structure.

Preferably, the bridging member has a width of between 10 and 50 mm.

Ideally, the bridging member has a width of between 10 and 40 mm.

Ideally, the bridging member has a width of between 10 and 30 mm.

Ideally, the bridging member has a width of around 20 mm.

In another embodiment, the insulation retaining means comprises a bridging member that extends along at least a part of the elongate support structure.

Ideally, the bridging member extends along substantially all, or the entirety, of the length of the elongate support structure.

Ideally, the bridging member is fixed to the outer and/or inner elongate members by fixing members having a length similar to that of the bridging member.

Alternatively, the bridging member may be fixed by a plurality of spaced apart fixing members arranged along the length of the outer and/or inner elongate members with the bridging member extending between the spaced apart fixing members along the length of the elongate support structure.

Preferably, the bridging member is extruded, pultruded or moulded.

Ideally, the bridging member has a thermal conductivity less than that of metal or metal alloys.

Ideally, the thermal conductivity of the insulation retaining means, most preferably of the bridging member, is less than 15 W/mK.

Ideally, the thermal conductivity of the insulation retaining means, most preferably of the bridging member, is less than 10 W/mK. Ideally, the thermal conductivity of the insulation retaining means, most preferably of the bridging member, is less than 5 W/mK.

Ideally, the thermal conductivity of the insulation retaining means, most preferably of the bridging member, is less than 2 W/mK.

Ideally, the thermal conductivity of the insulation retaining means, most preferably of the bridging member, is less than 1 W/mK.

Preferably, the thermal conductivity of the insulation retaining means, most preferably of the bridging member, is less than 0.5 W/mK.

Preferably, the bridging member is manufactured from polymeric substances, fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs), carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), wood or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP).

In an embodiment, the insulation retaining means is reinforced.

In one embodiment, metal or metal alloy reinforcing elements are added to the bridging member.

Preferably, the bridging member is at least partly manufactured from a composite member having a polymeric matrix reinforced with fibres.

Preferably, the matrix is provided by a thermoplastic composite.

Ideally, the thermoplastic composite is a short fiber thermoplastics, a long fiber thermoplastics or a long fiber-reinforced thermoplastics.

Alternatively, the matrix is provided by a thermoset composite.

In an embodiment, the bridging member comprises aramid fibre and carbon fibre in an epoxy resin matrix.

Preferably, the FRPs include wood comprising cellulose fibers in a lignin and hemicellulose matrix.

In an embodiment, the outer and inner elongate members are integrally formed.

Ideally in this embodiment, the outer and inner elongate members are formed as a single piece component.

Preferably in this embodiment, the outer and inner elongate members are formed from a single piece of folded metal.

In another embodiment, the outer and inner elongate members are separate parts.

Preferably, the elongate support structure comprises an elongate connector member for connecting the outer and inner elongate members.

Ideally, the elongate connector member is at least partially manufactured from a material of low thermal conductivity.

Advantageously, as both the insulation retaining means and elongate connector member are formed from materials of low thermal conductivity, they function synergistically to ensure that there are no easy pathways for the transfer of heat through the elongate support structure.

Preferably, the inner and/or outer elongate members are formed from metal or metal alloy.

Ideally, the inner elongate member and the outer elongate member are coupled to the elongate connector member along at least part of their length.

Ideally, the elongate connector member is formed for connecting the outer and inner elongate members together along at least an upper portion of at least part of the outer and inner elongate members.

Preferably, the inner elongate member and the outer elongate member are mechanically coupled to the elongate connector member along at least part of their length.

Preferably, the elongate connector member acts as a thermal barrier between the inner and outer elongate members.

Ideally, the outer elongate member is mountable so that at least a portion of the outer elongate metal or metal alloy member is in contact with the atmosphere.

Preferably, the elongate connector member is sandwiched between at least part of the inner and outer elongate members.

Preferably, at least one of the inner and outer elongate members is manufactured from metal, most preferably steel.

Ideally, at least the outer elongate steel member is galvanized.

Ideally, the elongate connector member is manufactured from a rigid material.

Advantageously, the elongate connector member has sufficient strength and rigidity to act as a structural support component of the elongate support structure.

Preferably, the elongate connector member is reinforced.

Preferably, the elongate connector member is at least partly manufactured from a composite member having a polymeric matrix reinforced with fibres.

Ideally, at least part of the inner and outer elongate members are coupled to the elongate connector member in a generally back to back configuration.

Preferably, the elongate connector member is extruded, pultruded or moulded.

Ideally, the elongate connector member has a thermal conductivity less than that of metal or metal alloys.

Ideally, the thermal conductivity of the elongate connector member is less than 15 W/mK. Ideally, the thermal conductivity the elongate connector member is less than 10 W/mK.

Ideally, the thermal conductivity the elongate connector member is less than 5 W/mK.

Ideally, the thermal conductivity of the elongate connector member is less than 2 W/mK.

Ideally, the thermal conductivity the elongate connector member is less than 1 W/mK. Preferably, the thermal conductivity the elongate connector member is less than 0.5 W/mK.

Preferably, at least one of or both of the inner and outer elongate members have coupling means formed for coupling the inner and/or outer elongate members to the elongate connector member.

Ideally, the coupling means are shaped such that the elongate connector member can be slidably engaged with the inner and/or outer elongate member in one direction and, once slidably engaged, the elongate connector member cannot be moved relative to the inner and/or outer elongate member in at least one other direction.

Alternatively, at least one of or both of the inner and outer elongate members are mechanically coupled to the elongate connector member.

Ideally, at least one of or both of the inner and outer elongate members are strapped, clipped, slotted, riveted, bonded, adhesively bonded, adhered, glued or welded to the elongate connector member or coupled using any combination of these fasteners or methods of fixing. It will of course be appreciated that this list of coupling means using additional mechanical fasteners or methods is in no way limiting and the invention covers any form of coupling suitable to provide sufficient rigidity and strength to withstand the range of forces acting on a lintel of this type.

Ideally, at least one of or both of the inner and outer elongate members have integrally formed coupling means for coupling with the elongate connector member.

Preferably, the elongate connector member has integrally formed coupling means for coupling with the outer and/or inner elongate member.

Preferably, the inner and/or outer elongate members have an upstand.

Ideally, at least one of or both of the inner and outer elongate members have at least one formation protruding from their upstand formed for operable engagement with at least one cooperating formation protruding from the elongate connector member.

Preferably, the at least one formation of the elongate connector member protrudes from at least part of the length of a lateral portion of the elongate connector member.

Preferably, at least one of or both of the inner and outer elongate members have at least one formation protruding from their upstand formed for embedding in the elongate connector member.

Ideally, the at least one formation protruding from the elongate connector member protrudes along at least part of the length of a lateral portion of the elongate connector member.

Ideally, the inner elongate member is provided by an elongate generally L-shaped member.

Preferably, the inner L-shaped elongate member is mechanically coupled along at least part of the length of a lateral portion of the elongate connector member.

Preferably, the outer elongate member is provided by an elongate generally L-shaped member.

Ideally, the outer L-shaped elongate member is coupled along at least part of the length of a lateral portion of the elongate connector member.

Ideally, the fixing member is fixed to the underside of the lower leg of the [-shape configuration of the inner and/or outer elongate members.

Ideally, the flat portion of the fixing member is fixed to the underside of the lower leg of the [-shape configuration of the inner and/or outer elongate members.

Preferably, the elongate connector member is manufactured from fiber-reinforced polymers (FR Ps), carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFR P) or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP).

Ideally, metal or metal alloy reinforcing elements are added to the elongate connector member.

Preferably, the matrix is provided by a thermoplastic composite.

Alternatively, the matrix is provided by a thermoset composite.

S

Ideally, the elongate connector member comprises aramid fibre and carbon fibre in an epoxy resin matrix.

Ideally, the inner elongate member is mountable on the inner leaf of a cavity wall.

Advantageously, this arrangement shelters the inner elongate member from inclement weather conditions so that no galvanizing is required where steel is used.

Preferably, the outer elongate member is mountable on the outer leaf of the cavity wall. As the outer elongate member is exposed to the elements, the outer elongate member to will be galvanized where steel is utilized.

Preferably, the inner elongate member is formed by rolling or folding a sheet of metal or metal alloy into the desired profile.

Preferably, at least a portion of the free edge of the upstanding web of at least one of the inner and outer elongate member has at least one bend section.

Ideally, the elongate connector member has at least one correspondingly located bend section extending from at least a portion of a lateral edge of the elongate connector member.

Preferably, the at least one bend section of the elongate inner or outer member is formed for mechanically coupling with the bend section of the elongate connector member.

Ideally, the elongate connector member has a variable width. Advantageously, this allows the elongate support structure to be used with cavities of different widths. Preferably, the elongate support structure is a lintel.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an elongate support structure comprising an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member, the elongate support structure further comprising an insulation retaining means arranged extending between the outer and inner elongate members, wherein the insulation retaining means is at least partially formed from a non-metallic material.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for manufacturing an elongate support structure, the method comprising providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member, disposing insulation between the inner and outer elongate members, and fixing an insulation retaining means between the inner and outer elongate members to retain the insulation therein.

Alternatively, the insulation retaining means is initially fixed between the inner and outer elongate members and the insulation is then disposed between the inner and outer elongate members.

Ideally, the method comprising initially fixing the outer and inner elongate members together with an elongate connector member, then disposing insulation between the outer and inner elongate members.

Preferably, the method comprising fixing the insulation retaining means on the underside of the elongate support structure as it is orientated when installed on a building, the insulation retaining means traversing a gap between the outer and inner elongate members.

Ideally, the method comprising engaging a bridging member and a fixing member together.

Preferably, the method comprising slidably engaging a bridging member on to a fixing member.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only one embodiment of an elongate support structure in accordance with the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side elevation view of an elongate support structure according to the invention; Figure 2 is a top view of an insulation retaining means according to the invention In Figure 1 there is shown an elongate support structure according to the invention, indicated by reference numeral 1. The elongate support structure 1 has an outer elongate member 2 and an inner elongate member 3. In this embodiment, the elongate support structure 1 is a lintel. The elongate support structure 1 further has an insulation retaining means 4 arranged extending between the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation retaining means 4 is partially formed from a material of low thermal conductivity, but in other embodiments not shown the insulation retaining means could be entirely formed from a material of low thermal conductivity.

The elongate support structure 1 further has insulation material 5 located between the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3. The insulation material is retained within the elongate support structure 1 by the insulation retaining means 4. As can be seen in Figure 1, the insulation retaining means 4 extends beneath the insulation material 5 when the elongate support structure 1 is installed in the upright position. The insulation retaining means 4 is fixed to the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3 and in the embodiment shown it is welded to the underside of the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3. In other embodiments, the insulation retaining means may be fixed by any suitable means, for example, it could be strapped, clipped, slotted, riveted, bonded, adhesively bonded, adhered or glued to the outer and/or inner elongate members or coupled using any combination of these fasteners or methods of fixing.

The insulation retaining means 4 has a bridging member 6 that bridges the gap between the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3. The bridging member 6 is formed from a material having low thermal conductivity, and it provides a surface upon which insulation material 5 is set. The insulation retaining means 4 has a fixing means 7 for fixing the bridging member 6 to the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the bridging member could be fixed directly to the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3. The fixing means 7 is fixed to the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing means 7 is welded to the outer and inner elongate member 2, 3. In other embodiments the fixing means may be fixed by any suitable means, for example, it could be strapped, clipped, slotted, riveted, bonded, adhesively bonded, adhered or glued to the outer and/or inner elongate members or coupled using any combination of these fasteners or methods of fixing.

The bridging member 6 is mechanically bonded to the fixing means 7 in the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The bridging member 6 and fixing means 7 are each shaped to engage with one another. In particular, the fixing means 7 has a hook-like structure 8 that engages with a recess on the bridging member 6. When the fixing means 7 and bridging member 6 are engaged with one another, relative movement between the fixing means 7 and bridging member 7 is prevented.

The fixing means 7 involves a plurality of fixing members 10a, 10b. In Figure 1, while only two fixing members 10a, 10b are illustrated, it should be understood that a series of fixing members and bridging members extend along the length of the elongate support structure 1 to retain the insulation material 5 within the elongate support structure 1. In another embodiment not shown, there is a single elongate fixing member fixed to each of the outer and inner elongate members, the fixing member extending along the length of the outer/inner elongate members. The fixing members 10a, 10b are welded to the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3, although alternative bonding means as before described in relating to the fixing means 7 may be used in other embodiments. The fixing means 7 has an outer fixing member 10a, and an inner fixing member 10b, disposed on the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3, respectively. The fixing members 10a, 10b are formed from metal and each have an engagement configuration formed as a hook-like structure 8 to engage with the bridging member 6. The engagement configuration in other embodiments need not be a hook, but any suitable shape capable of engaging with the bridging member 6. In another embodiment not shown, the bridging member comprises an engagement configuration formed as a hook-like structure or other projecting structure, and the fixing members have a recess or aperture for receiving the engagement configuration of the bridging member.

The fixing members 10a, 10b have a flat portion 12a, 12b that is fixed to the underside of the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3 as they are orientated for installation. The hook-like structure 8 extends from the flat portion 12a, 12b. The bridging member 6 has two end portions 14a, 14b and a middle portion 16 extending therebetween. Each end portion 14a, 14b is thicker than the middle portion 16. The engagement configuration (hook-like structure 8) of each fixing member 10a, 10b is embedded within the end portions 14a, 14b of the bridging member 6. In the embodiment shown, the bridging member 6 has a width of 20 mm. In other embodiments not shown, the width of the bridging member can be any suitable width and it could be a single bridging member that extends for most of or the entirety of the length of the elongate support structure. Fixing members could also be arranged as a single long fixing member on either elongate member, or a plurality of fixing members that engage with the single elongate bridging member at spaced apart locations along the length of the elongate support structure. The bridging member 6 is formed by extrusion, but other suitable methods of formation such as pultrusion or moulding are also suitable. The bridging member 6 is formed from glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). The thermal conductivity of the bridging member 6 is less than 1.0 W/mK. In other embodiments not shown, the bridging member may be manufactured from any suitable material such as other polymeric substances, FRPs, or CFRP. Furthermore, in other embodiments not shown, metal or metal alloy reinforcing elements are added to the bridging member. In other embodiments, the bridging member is at least partly manufactured from a composite member having a polymeric matrix reinforced with fibres. The matrix may be provided by a thermoplastic composite. The thermoplastic composite may be short fiber thermoplastics, long fiber thermoplastics or long fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. In other embodiments, the matrix is provided by a thermoset composite. In yet another embodiment, the bridging member comprises aramid fibre and carbon fibre in an epoxy resin matrix. The fibre reinforced polymers may include wood comprising cellulose fibers in a lignin and hemicellulose matrix.

The inner and outer elongate members 2, 3 are provided by an elongate generally L-shaped member. The inner elongate member 3 has an upstanding portion 24b that is of greater height than the corresponding upstanding portion 24a of the outer elongate member 2, and this results in the elongate support structure 1 having a sloped upper surface that slopes downwards from the upper portion 20b of the inner elongate member 3 to the upper portion 20a of the outer elongate member 2. The insulation retaining means 4, specifically the fixing means 7 and flat portion 12a, 12b of the fixing members 10a, 10b, is fixed to the underside of the lower leg of the L-shaped configuration of the inner and/or outer elongate members 2, 3.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3 are separate parts. The outer and inner elongate members 2, 3 are joined by an elongate connector member 18. In other embodiments, there is no elongate connector member, but rather the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3 are both parts of a single sheet of folded metal. The elongate connector member 18 is manufactured from a material of low thermal conductivity whereas the inner and outer elongate members 2, 3 are formed from metal, specifically galvanized steel. The elongate connector member 18 connects the inner and outer elongate members 2, 3 together along an upper portion 20a, 20b of at least part of the outer and inner elongate members 2, 3. The inner and outer elongate members 2, 3 are mechanically coupled to the elongate connector member 18 along their length. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate connector member 18 is formed from a rigid material, specifically an extruded polymeric matrix reinforced with fibres. The thermal conductivity of the elongate connector member 18 is less than 1 W/mK. In other embodiments not shown, the elongate connector member may be formed from any suitable material, such as FRPs, CFRP or GRP and metal or metal alloy reinforcing elements may be added to the elongate connector member. The matrix of the elongate connector member 18 is provided by a short-fibre thermoplastic composite. However, in other embodiments, the matrix can be provided by short-fibre, long-fibre, or long-fibre-reinforced thermoplastics. In yet another embodiment, the matrix is provided by a thermoset composite. The elongate connector member 18 specifically comprises aramid fibre and carbon fibre in an epoxy resin matrix. In other embodiments, the elongate connector member may be formed by pultrusion or moulding or any other suitable method for manufacturing.

The inner and outer elongate members 2, 3, and the elongate connector member 18, have coupling means 22 formed for coupling the inner and/or outer elongate members 2, 3 to the elongate connector member 18. The coupling means 22 are shaped such that the elongate connector member 18 can be slidably engaged with the inner and outer elongate members 2, 3 in one direction and, once slidably engaged, the elongate connector member 18 cannot be moved relative to the inner and outer elongate members 2, 3 in at least one direction. Specifically, the elongate connector member 18 cannot be moved in any direction perpendicular to that of the direction of the slidable engagement. The inner and outer elongate members 2, 3 and the elongate connector member 18 have integrally formed coupling means 22 for coupling with one another. Both of the inner and outer elongate members 2, 3 have a formation protruding from their upstand 24a, 24b formed for operable engagement with at least one cooperating formation protruding from the elongate connector member 18. The formation of both elongate members 2, 3 for coupling with the elongate connector member 18 is a hook-like structure 30a, 30b, wherein the upper portion of the L-shaped configuration is initially bent inwards towards the middle of the elongate support structure 1 and then downwards. On the outer elongate member 2, the formation is bent in with an upwards slope towards the upper portion 20b of the inner elongate member 3, and the inner elongate member 3 has a downward sloping formation. The elongate connector member has a generally planar surface 26 that, in situ, rests atop, and extends between, the upper portions 20a, 20b of the inner and outer elongate members 2, 3. The formation of the coupling means 22 of the elongate connector member 18 depends downwardly from the planar surface 26 and is shaped as two hook-like structures 28a, 28b. The hook-like structures 28a, 28b are shaped to correspond to the coupling means 22 of the inner and outer elongate members 2, 3 and, when engaged, the hook-like structures 28a, 28b of the elongate connector member 18 form an interlock with the hook-like structures 30a, 30b of the coupling means 22 of the inner and outer elongate members 2, 3. In other embodiments not shown, the elongate connector member is strapped, clipped, slotted, riveted, bonded, adhesively bonded, adhered, glued or welded to the inner and outer elongate members, or coupled using any combination of these fasteners or methods of fixing. The inner and outer elongate members 2, 3 are formed by rolling or folding a sheet of metal into the desired profile, and bending the upper portions 20a, 20b to form the hook-like structures 30a, 30b.

In use, the elongate support structure 1 can be placed over a gap, such as that of a door or window, in a cavity wall during construction. The outer elongate member 2 rests on the outer leaf of the wall and is in contact with the atmosphere, whereas the inner elongate member 3 rests on the inner leaf and is in the interior of the building. The insulation retaining means 4 and the elongate connector member 18 traverse the cavity of the wall. While the inner elongate member 3 is formed from steel and is therefore relatively highly thermally conductive, the heat energy cannot easily escape the inner leaf of the wall as it is prevented from traversing the cavity by the insulation retaining means 4 and elongate connector member 18 as they are formed of a material of low thermal conductivity.

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 said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said 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

CLAIMS1 An elongate support structure comprising an outer elongate member that is mountable on the outer leaf of a cavity wall and an inner elongate member that is mountable on the inner leaf of a cavity wall, the elongate support structure further comprising an insulation retaining means arranged extending between the outer and inner elongate members, wherein the insulation retaining means is at least partially formed from a material of low thermal conductivity relative to metal or metal alloys and wherein the insulation retaining means is formed at least partially from a nonmetallic material.
An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the insulation retaining means is fixed to the outer and inner elongate members.
An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 2 wherein the insulation retaining means comprises a bridging member arranged to bridge the gap between the outer and inner elongate members, and wherein the bridging member is formed from a material having low thermal conductivity.
An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 3 wherein the insulation retaining means comprises a fixing means for fixing the bridging member to the outer and inner elongate members, wherein the bridging member is arranged extending between two parts of the fixing means.
An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 4 wherein the fixing means comprises an outer fixing member located on the outer elongate member and an inner fixing member located on the inner elongate member.
An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 5 wherein the fixing members comprise a flat portion fixed to the outer and inner elongate members.
An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the fixing members comprise an engagement configuration to engage with the bridging member, wherein the engagement configuration is a hook, pin, or other suitable form of projection capable of engaging with the bridging member, and/or wherein the bridging member has an engagement configuration to engage with the fixing members, wherein the engagement configuration is a projection capable of engaging with the fixing members.
8 An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 7 when dependent on claim 6, wherein the engagement configuration of the fixing member extends from the flat portion.
9 An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the bridging member comprises a recess shaped to receive the fixing member.
An elongate support structure as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the bridging member can be slidably engaged with the fixing member in at least one direction and, once slidably engaged, the bridging member cannot be moved relative to the fixing member in at least one other direction.
11 An elongate support structure as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the bridging member has an end portion and a middle portion wherein the end portion is thicker than the middle portion.
12 An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 11 wherein the engagement configuration of the fixing member is embedded within the end portion of the bridging to member.
13 An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 12 wherein the fixing member has an aperture or recess capable of receiving the engagement configuration of the bridging member.
14 An elongate support structure as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 13 wherein the insulation retaining means comprises a plurality of bridging members spaced apart along the length of the elongate support structure.
An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 14 when dependent on claim 4 wherein the insulation retaining means comprises a plurality of fixing means spaced apart along the length of the elongate support structure.
16 An elongate support structure as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 15 wherein the thermal conductivity of the bridging member is less than 15 W/mK.
17 An elongate support structure as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 16 wherein the bridging member is manufactured from polymeric substances, fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs), carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), wood or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP).
18 An elongate support structure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein: - the outer and inner elongate members are separate parts, the elongate support structure comprises an elongate connector member for connecting the outer and inner elongate members, - the elongate connector member is formed for connecting the outer and inner elongate members together along at least an upper portion of at least part of the outer and inner elongate members, - the inner elongate member and the outer elongate member are mechanically coupled to the elongate connector member along at least part of their length, and -the elongate connector member is at least partially manufactured from a material of low thermal conductivity and acts as a thermal barrier between the inner and outer elongate members.
19 An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 18 wherein at least one of or both of the inner and outer elongate members have coupling means formed for coupling the inner and/or outer elongate members to the elongate connector member, the coupling means being shaped such that the elongate connector member can be slidably engaged with the inner and/or outer elongate member in one direction and, once slidably engaged, the elongate connector member cannot be moved relative to the inner and/or outer elongate member in at least one other direction.
An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 19 wherein at least one of or both of the inner and outer elongate members have integrally formed coupling means for coupling with the elongate connector member.
21 An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the elongate connector member has integrally formed coupling means for coupling with the outer and/or inner elongate member.
22 An elongate support structure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the inner elongate member is provided by an elongate generally L-shaped member having a lower leg and wherein the outer elongate member is provided by an elongate generally L-shaped member having a lower leg.
23 An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 22 when dependent on claim 5 wherein the fixing member is fixed to the underside of the lower leg of the [-shape configuration of the inner and/or outer elongate members.
24 An elongate support structure as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising insulation material, the insulation material being retained within the elongate support structure by the insulation retaining means.An elongate support structure as claimed in claim 24 wherein the insulation retaining means extends beneath the insulation material when the elongate support structure is orientated for installation.