patents patents patents

Ideas in Action is a new monthly column outlining construction-related patents presently under consideration.



A tie for joining abutting walls has been developed by Allmat (East Surrey). Provided with protrusions that assist in maintaining spatial separation of the walls, the tie is designed for use at expansion joints. A rubber or plastic sleeve at one end of the tie facilitates movement of the expansion joint.

UK patent 2270328



William George Edscer has devised a method of reinforcing walls using a flat steel bar. The bar, preferably of deformed or apertured austenitic steel, is grouted into a raked-out bed joint to form a reinforced beam. An aperture made below the beam permits access to the inner skin of the wall so that a flat bar may be similarly inserted here.

UK patent 2270535



Brig-Eez Inc has developed a system of components which it claims provides a lightweight alternative to lumber. Formed from sheet metal and designed for use with other metal or conventional wood components, they include a truss, a bridging truss and various spacer plates for joists, studs and roof trusses.

UK patent 2270094



A fire stop covering device comprising a fire resistant hood of flexible, air-pervious material coated with an intumescent material has been designed by Arthur Peter Hamilton. Two malleable straps fix the hood in place, by its rigid air-impervious collar, over an aperture.

UK patent 2270936



A sweeping brush can pass through the chimney pot and cover developed by Thomas Gerald Purcell. In addition, freely-rotating rollers or beads around the rim, supported by a stainless steel ring, prevent birds from perching on the cover.

UK patent 2270968



Full patents may be obtained from The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London WC2.