Rubble stone anchoring system

Anchoring systems for use in cavity wall structures having an inner wythe and an outer wythe constructed of rubble stone are disclosed. The anchoring system employs an anchor fastened to or set within the inner wythe that extends into the cavity and connects to a J-hook. A vertically adjustable veneer tie enwraps the J-hook, limiting lateral movement and front-to-back displacement, and is set within the bed joint of the outer wythe. The anchoring system minimizes cavity size and provides stability for an uncoursed outer wythe equivalent to that of anchoring systems for standards coursed bed joints.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an anchoring system for cavity walls having an outer wythe of rubble stone. More particularly, the invention relates to an anchoring system that adjusts to the irregular surface structure and uneven nature of irregular rubble stone courses.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Masonry is a highly durable form of construction. However, the materials used, the quality of the mortar and workmanship, and the pattern utilized in the assembly of the units strongly affect the aesthetics and durability of the overall masonry construct. The appearance of a rubble stone outer wythe imparts an impression of solidity and permanence, adding to the aesthetic value of a building. The use of rubble stone increases the thermal mass of a building, giving increased comfort in the heat of summer and the cold of winter.

Common rubble stone walls have been built since the beginning of ancient civilizations. Early rubble stone walls were constructed by the first builders and likely the Egyptians built rubble stone walls from the pieces left over from forming the giant pyramid stones. Because rubble stones are rough and irregular fragments of broken stone formed by a geological or quarrying process, they are plentiful and considered to be a common stone. Rubble stones are generally less expensive than hand formed, split or cut stone. Rubble stone is aesthetically pleasing especially when a rough, earthy appearance is desired. Some common uses for rubble stone are retaining walls, garden walls, house walls, landscaping and fireplaces.

Among the American architectural uses of rubble stone walls is that of the use of rubble stone building exteriors of the Arts and Crafts movement. This is seen especially in the work of the Greene brothers in Pasadena, Calif. in the early 1900's. As the popularity of rubble stone exteriors in commercial buildings grows, building code compliant methods of anchoring the rubble stones to an inner wythe are needed. The present invention solves the technical issues relating to rubble stone outer wythes, through a novel anchoring system that limits veneer tie lateral movement and front-to-back displacement.

While rubble stone outer wythes exert extraordinary compressive strength (vertical loads) the tensile strength (twisting or stretching) thereof needs the enhancement of a well-designed anchoring and reinforcement system. Typically the anchoring system spans the cavity between the rubble stone veneer, tying the veneer to the structural inner wythe generally composed of concrete masonry units, steel columns or poured concrete. Most insulated buildings that utilize cavity wall construction feature insulation set within the cavity, as well as a drainage system.

Rubble stone used in masonry veneer are either “dressed” or “rough.” Stone masonry utilizing dressed stones is known as ashlar masonry, whereas masonry using irregularly shaped stones is known as rubble masonry. Both rubble and ashlar masonry can be laid in courses (rows of even height) through the careful selection or cutting of stones. However, most rubble stone masonry is uncoursed and rough with unhewn building stone set in mortar, but not laid in regular courses.

When specific masonry veneers face high lateral loads, such as wind and seismic forces. The masonry veneer must be “tied” back to a structural inner wythe so as to carry the imposed loads. The masonry veneer must be continuously supported at regular vertical and horizontal intervals with masonry anchors because without continuous support, the masonry veneer may become over stressed, leading to vertical cracking and possible fracture. To address these issues, outer wythe wire reinforcements and tie backs are incorporated into the irregular mortar joints of the outer wythe to reinforce, bond and control shrinkage cracking.

The uneven nature of uncoursed rubble stone outer wythes presents a unique set of difficulties with regard to reinforcement and tie backs. The wire reinforcements and anchors that do not provide a high degree of adjustability to conform to the uneven nature of the rubble stone are not effective in securing a rubble stone outer wythe. Vertically adjustable ties with limited lateral movement and front-to-back displacement are required to address the problem of when the rubble stone mortar joints do not align with the inner wythe anchors.

n the past, anchoring random or rubble stone walls generally involved some form of penetration of the individual stones with an anchor. Such prior art is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,487—Yukimoto et al.—Issued Apr. 13, 2004, entitled “Structural Unit for Construction, Construction of Said Structural Units, and Method for the Preparation of Said Structural Units and Said Construction,” which describes an anchor for the construction of a revetment, retaining wall or the like, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,112—Lafayette, Jr.—Issued Aug. 23, 1988, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Mounting Stone Siding,” which describes a mounting system for natural stone curtain walls. The individual penetration of the stone is time consuming and labor and materials intensive.

Further advancements in the prior art concern the use of masonry rubble or random stone walls as the outer wythe of a cavity wall structure. Such advancement resulted in the development of the Dur-O-Wall Random Rubble/Stone System that utilizes a combination of three parts, truss or ladder reinforcements with welded triangular tabs, J-bars, and triangular ties. The Dur-O-Wall disclosure requires a large cavity space to house the ties and does not restrict veneer tie lateral movement or front-to-back displacement. Another variation of a rubble masonry veneer support system is Fero Corporation's system that employs an anchor with a longitudinally extended slotted extension for use with a flanged tie. The Fero system does not provide full vertical adjustability and requires a large anchoring unit. The present invention addresses the shortcomings of the Fero and Dur-O-Wall devices. The present invention limits veneer tie lateral movement and front-to-back displacement. Additionally, the Hohmann anchoring system requires less materials and labor to install, saving both time and costs.

The present inventor developed several variations of an anchor system for rubble stone outer wythes that are for use with masonry block, steel column and poured concrete inner wythes. The novel inventions include vertical hooks or J-hooks connected to surface mounted anchors or anchor extensions of ladder and truss joint reinforcements. The veneer tie is secured to the vertical hook or J-hook for insertion in the outer wythe. The veneer tie is either a flexible buckle tie or a triangular shaped tie surrounding the vertical hook or J-hook. The present invention improves on the prior art Hohmann system through the use of a novel tie that lessens the required width of the cavity and controls lateral movement and front-to-back displacement.

The inventors' patents and their assignee's product line include masonry accessories, namely, ladder and truss reinforcements, wall anchors, veneer ties, masonry flashing and related items for cavity walls. These products, which are sold under the trademarks of Lox All, DW-10X, X-seal and FlexFlash, are manufactured by Hohmann & Barnard, Inc., Hauppauge, N.Y. 11788 (“H&B”), a unit of MiTek Industries, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary. The products have become widely accepted in the construction industry and the inventors have gained particular insight into the technological needs of this marketplace.

In the past, the anchoring systems for rubble stone outer wythes did not fully address the uneven nature of the uncoursed rubble stone. The present invention solves the anchoring problem related to the use of a rubble stone outer wythe by providing an anchoring system that allows vertical adjustability without significant lateral movement or front-to-back displacement. The present invention further allows for a smaller cavity to house the veneer tie.

n preparing for this application the following patents and patent applications came to the attention of the inventors and are believed to be relevant to the further discussion of the prior art:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,511—Wobber—Issued Dec. 30, 2008 discloses a masonry coupling system that employs a longitudinally extended anchor having a channel body that interfaces with a key. The key is secured within the outer wythe and is vertically adjustable. The Wobber device is for use with a uniform outer wythe.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,922—Burns et al.—Issued Mar. 5, 2002 describes an adjustable wall tie for a cavity wall that includes a J-shaped single-ended hook that is vertically adjusted. The single-end hook is used either side up so that vertical adjustment is extended. The Burns device is for use with a coursed outer wythe.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,102 Catani et al.—Issued Jun. 24, 1986 discloses a cavity wall anchor and tie. The anchor comprises a channel with a slotted web for receiving a veneer tie. The anchor is adjustable translationally and pivotally as a unit, expanding the vertical adjustment capability of the tie. The adjustability of the tie is limited to the distance between the screw and the slotted web.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,314—Allan—Issued Feb. 15, 1983 discloses an anchor assembly having an outstanding leg with slotted holes formed therein for interconnection with a veneer tie. The veneer tie is vertically adjustable within the slotted holes. The limits of adjustability are prescribed by the ends of the two slots.

None of the above references provide the advancements in anchoring systems for cavity walls with a rubble stone outer wythe set forth herein. The present novel invention offers a multi-purpose solution by resolving issues relating to lateral loads, uneven outer wythe bed joints and vertical adjustability without significant lateral movement or front-to-back displacement. Through the use of the present novel anchoring system for rubble stone outer wythe, code requirements are met and construction costs are reduced.

The present invention provides an advancement in rubble stone reinforcement and anchoring technology by providing an anchoring system for irregular surface outer wythes that provides the same stability as an anchoring system for standard bed joints. The present anchoring system resolves past problems relating to vertical adjustability, increased cavity size, lateral movement and front-to-back displacement, while simultaneously reducing installation labor and energy costs, thereby saving time and money.

As will become clear in reviewing the disclosure which follows, the rubble stone anchoring system benefits from the recent developments described herein that leads to solving the problems of constructing an aesthetically pleasing commercial structure efficiently, from both a structural as well as a cost/time perspective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general terms, the anchoring systems for cavity walls with rubble stone outer wythes disclosed hereby are an integral part of the construction of a commercial cavity wall structure. The anchoring system employs an anchor fastened to the inner wythe composed of masonry units, poured concrete, steel columns or other similar building materials. The anchor has a receptor that extends into the cavity for connection to the connection bar or J-hook fitting. The elongated body of the connection bar extends into the cavity for connection with a veneer tie or a series of veneer ties. The veneer tie has an aperture at one end that enwraps the connection bar allowing vertical movement, but limiting lateral movement and front-to-back displacement and an insertion end opposite the aperture. The insertion end of the veneer tie is embedded in the bed joint of the outer wythe. The anchor receptor also serves as a second receptor to house a second elongated body which further restricts connection bar movement within the cavity. For further seismic protection, the veneer tie insertion end houses a reinforcement wire.

Another embodiment of the present anchoring system employs a wall anchor disposed within an inner wythe of brick, block, stone or similar masonry building materials. The wall anchor comprises a reinforcement device with a plurality of parallel side rods, at least one intermediate rod connecting the side rods and maintaining the parallelism of the side rods, and an extension portion contiguous with the intermediate rod. The extension portion forms a receptor that extends into the cavity for connection to the connection bar or J-hook fitting. The elongated body of the connection bar extends into the cavity for connection with a veneer tie or a series of veneer ties. The veneer tie has an aperture at one end that enwraps the connection bar allowing vertical movement, but limiting lateral movement and front-to-back displacement and an insertion end opposite the aperture. The insertion end of the veneer tie is embedded in the bed joint of the outer wythe. The extension portion also serves as a second receptor to house a second elongated body which further restricts connection bar movement within the cavity. For further seismic protection, the veneer tie insertion end houses a reinforcement wire.

The present anchoring system for rubble stone has varied applications and provides a universal solution. One such application is for use in a rubble stone cavity wall to secure an outer wythe of rubble stone to the inner wythe. The present invention provides a vertically adjustable veneer tie that restricts lateral movement and front-to-back displacement. The novel veneer tie minimizes cavity size and provides stability for an uncoursed outer wythe equivalent to that of anchoring systems for standards coursed bed joints.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide new and novel anchoring systems for cavity wall construction, which systems are utilizable with a random or rubble stone outer wythe.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an anchoring system for an irregular surface uncoursed outer wythe that provides the same stability as the anchoring systems for standard coursed bed joints.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an anchoring system that includes a wall anchor for securing within the inner wythe and an adjustable veneer tie for securing the random or rubble stone outer wythe to the wall anchor.

It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide an anchoring system that minimized cavity size.

It is another object of the present invention to provide vertical adjustability of the veneer tie while restricting veneer tie lateral movement and front-to-back displacement.

It is a feature of the present invention that the anchoring system for random or rubble stone provides a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing outer wythe.

It is another feature of the present invention that the anchor includes a J-hook that allows for vertical adjustment of the veneer tie.

It is yet another feature of the present invention that the anchoring systems for random or rubble stone outer wythes are labor-saving and reduce costs.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent upon review of the drawing and the detailed description which follows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Rubble stone outer wythes are desirable because they are aesthetically pleasing. However, the uneven nature of the rubble stone provides many challenges. The invention hereof provides a cavity wall anchoring system for rubble stone outer wythes that provides a vertically adjustable veneer tie capable of adjusting to meet the irregular structure of rubble stone outer wythes, while providing the same stability as anchoring systems for standard bed joints. The anchoring system allows for veneer tie vertical adjustment while restricting lateral movement and back-to-back displacement, ensuring a stable tie back connection with the uneven rubble stone.

The rubble stone anchoring system described in the embodiments herein addresses issues unique to the art of anchoring irregular masonry veneers in an efficient and structurally stable manner. Unlike any other structure-supporting building materials, wall anchors are relatively small, isolated assemblies that operate individually and in concert to shoulder the burden of severe forces bearing upon massive solid-wall constructs. The construction of rubble stone veneer cavity wall structures face many challenges. Proper insulation, cavity size, and stability are examples of the challenging areas. The development of a rubble stone anchoring system is in response to these challenges. This invention resolves the structural issues related to the construction of a rubble stone outer wythe, by providing a vertically adjustable anchoring system capable of withstanding high lateral forces. This invention further reduces other costs and elements required to construct a cavity wall system.

This anchoring system, discussed in detail hereinbelow, consists of an anchor that provides a vertically adjustable method of connection with a veneer tie. The anchor and veneer tie are constructed to reduce lateral forces through the minimization of the cavity size and restriction of x- and z-axis movement. The anchoring system provides structural support equal to that provided to uniform outer wythe construction.

The present invention is in response to the prior art labor and materials intensive cavity wall construction. Construction of a cavity wall containing a rubble stone outer wythe involves careful installation of the veneer ties at appropriate levels and locations within the outer wythe. The present invention addresses the difficulties through the use of a vertically adjustable anchoring system.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 through 4, the first embodiment of the present invention shows the rubble stone anchoring system with a poured concrete inner wythe. The rubble stone anchoring system is referred to generally by the numeral10. A cavity wall structure12is shown having an inner wythe14. The inner wythe14is formed from poured concrete. The cavity wall12also includes an outer wythe18of ashlar rubble stone construction. The anchoring system is also for use with a random rubble stone outer wythe (not shown). Between the inner wythe14and the outer wythe18, a cavity22is formed. The cavity22contains a layer of insulation21.

For purposes of discussion, the cavity surface24of the inner wythe14contains a horizontal line or x-axis34and an intersecting vertical line or y-axis36. A horizontal line or z-axis38, normal to the xy-plane, passes through the coordinate origin formed by the intersecting x- and y-axes.

The wall anchor40is shown as an L-shaped structure having a base portion41fastened to the inner wythe14and a free end portion42contiguous with and perpendicular to the base portion41and extending into the cavity22for connection with the fitting or receiving end46of the J-hook44. The free end portion42has a first receptor43for connection with the connection bar or J-hook44. The first receptor43is large enough for use as a second receptor49to fit both the fitting end46of one J-hook44and the elongated body or connection end45of a second vertically planar J-hook47. Securing both the elongated body45and the fitting46provides greater stability to the anchoring system. The wall anchor40is a metal stamping constructed from galvanized steel, hot dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel or bright basic steel. The wall anchor40is also mountable at a 90 degree angle (not shown).

The anchor40is fastened to the inner wythe14with a fastener50thereby creating a high-strength connection with the anchor40and the inner wythe14. Although other fastening means are compatible, the fastener50is typically a bolt with a head and an insulative washer mounted under the bolt head. A thermal break is obtained through the use of a neoprene washer (not shown) between the fastener50and the inner wythe14.

The anchoring system includes the wall anchor40and a veneer tie52. The veneer tie52, is shown inFIG. 1as being emplaced on the ashlar rubble stone20in preparation for embedment in the mortar of the bed joint30. Successive bed joints30and32are horizontally disposed in an irregular manner in accord with the nature of the rubble stone20and building standards and the bed joints30and32are 0.375-inch (approx.) in height.

The veneer tie52is a wire formative that is fixedly disposed in an x-z plane of the bed joint30and is constructed to adjustably position with the longitudinal axis substantially horizontal and to interengage with the wall anchor40. The veneer tie52has an apertured receiving end65for disposition on said elongated body45and an insertion end67configured for embedment in the bed joint30. The veneer tie52is constructed of front leg portions54configured for insertion into said bed joint30, side leg portions55coextensive, perpendicular, and substantially co-planar with the front leg portions54. The veneer tie is vertically adjustable to a substantially horizontal position and upon installation, maintains continuous positive interengagement with the wall anchor40. For additional seismic and high-wind protection, a reinforcement wire (not shown) is embedded in the bed joint30and set within an optionally depressed front leg portion (not shown) for a snap-in connection.

The veneer tie receiving end65is formed to snugly fit around the connection end48of the J-hook44. The snug fit restricts x- and z-axis movement to 0.050 inches of end play, while allowing y-axis vertical adjustability. The veneer tie52is adjustable at the construction site to be set on within the bed joint30of a rubble stone20that is substantially horizontal and in accordance with building regulations and standards. To further enwrap and restrict x- and z-axis movement, as shown inFIG. 4, the interior of the receiving end69is flattened into a D-shape to further restrict the area within the receiving end65.

The description which follows is a second embodiment of the rubble stone anchoring system for cavity walls of this invention. For ease of comprehension, wherever possible, similar parts use reference designators100units higher than those above. Thus, a veneer tie152of the second embodiment is analogous to the veneer tie52of the first embodiment. Referring now toFIGS. 5 through 7, the second embodiment of the anchoring system for rubble stone is shown and is referred to generally by numeral110.

As in the first embodiment, a cavity wall structure112is shown. In this embodiment, the cavity wall structure112has an inner wythe115formed from concrete masonry units. The cavity wall112also includes an outer wythe118of ashlar rubble stone construction. The anchoring system is also for use with a random rubble stone outer wythe (not shown). Between the inner wythe115and the outer wythe118, a cavity122is formed. The cavity122contains a layer of insulation121.

For purposes of discussion, the cavity surface124of the inner wythe115contains a horizontal line or x-axis134and an intersecting vertical line or y-axis136. A horizontal line or z-axis138, normal to the xy-plane, passes through the coordinate origin formed by the intersecting x- and y-axes.

The wall anchor170is shown as an extension of the reinforcement device172set within the bed joint174of the inner wythe115. The reinforcement device is in the form of a ladder176or truss178. When a ladder shaped reinforcement176is used in the formation of the anchor170, the parallel intermediate rods180, that connect the parallel side rods and maintain the parallelism of the side rods182, extend beyond one of the side rods to form the anchor170.

The anchor extension171portion is contiguous with said intermediate rods180and extends into the cavity122. The anchor extension has two parallel ends173and175in the ladder configuration176that form a first receptor177for receiving the fitting or receiving end146of the connection bar or J-hook144. The first receptor177is large enough for use as a second receptor179to fit both the fitting146of one J-hook144and the elongated body or connection end145of a second vertically planar J-hook147. Securing both the elongated body145and the fitting146provides greater stability to the anchoring system. The wall anchor170is a wire formative constructed from galvanized steel, hot dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel or bright basic steel. The anchor170is set within the inner wythe115thereby creating a high-strength connection with the anchor170and the inner wythe115.

The anchoring system includes the wall anchor170and a veneer tie152. The veneer tie152, is shown inFIG. 5as being emplaced on the ashlar rubble stone120in preparation for embedment in the mortar of the bed joint130. Successive bed joints130and132are horizontally disposed in an irregular manner in accord with the nature of the rubble stone120and building standards and the bed joint130and132are 0.375-inch (approx.) in height.

The veneer tie152is a wire formative that is fixedly disposed in an x-z plane of the bed joint130and is constructed to adjustably position with the longitudinal axis substantially horizontal and to interengage with the wall anchor170. The veneer tie152has an apertured receiving end165for disposition on said elongated body145and an insertion end167configured for embedment in the bed joint130. The veneer tie152is constructed of front leg portions154configured for insertion into said bed joint130, side leg portions155coextensive, perpendicular, and substantially co-planar with the front leg portions154. The veneer tie is vertically adjustable to a substantially horizontal position and upon installation, maintains continuous positive interengagement with the wall anchor170. For additional seismic and high-wind protection, a reinforcement wire (not shown) is embedded in the bed joint130and set within an optionally depressed front leg portion (not shown) for a snap-in connection.

The veneer tie receiving end165is formed to snugly fit around the connection end148of the J-hook144. The snug fit restricts x- and z-axis movement to 0.050 inches of end play, while allowing y-axis vertical adjustability. The veneer tie152is adjustable at the construction site to be set on within the bed joint130of a rubble stone120that is substantially horizontal and in accordance with building regulations and standards. To further enwrap and restrict x- and z-axis movement, as similarly shown inFIG. 4, the interior of the receiving end169is flattened into a D-shape to further restrict the area within the receiving end165.

When a truss shaped reinforcement178is used, as shown inFIG. 7, in the formation of the anchor170, the intermediate rods181are set at approximately 60 degree angles from the side rods183and connect the parallel side rods183and maintain the parallelism of the side rods183. The intermediate rods181with the side rods183form a triangular shaped anchor185. The connection bar144and veneer tie152, as described above, for the ladder shaped reinforcement work in the same manner with the truss shaped reinforcement.

The description which follows is a third embodiment of the rubble stone anchoring system for cavity walls of this invention. For ease of comprehension, wherever possible, similar parts use reference designators100units higher than those of the second embodiment above. Thus, a veneer tie152of the second embodiment is analogous to the veneer tie252of the third embodiment. Referring now toFIG. 8, the third embodiment of the anchoring system for rubble stone is shown and is referred to generally by numeral210.

As in the first embodiment, a cavity wall structure212is shown. In this embodiment, the cavity wall structure212has an inner wythe217formed from metal columns. The cavity wall212also includes an outer wythe218of random rubble stone construction. The anchoring system is also for use with a ashlar rubble stone outer wythe (not shown). Between the inner wythe217and the outer wythe218, a cavity222is formed. The cavity222contains a layer of insulation221.

For purposes of discussion, the cavity surface224of the drywall225set on the inner wythe217contains a horizontal line or x-axis234and an intersecting vertical line or y-axis236. A horizontal line or z-axis238, normal to the xy-plane, passes through the coordinate origin formed by the intersecting x- and y-axes.

The wall anchor240is shown as an L-shaped structure having a base portion241fastened to the inner wythe217and a free end portion242contiguous with and perpendicular to the base portion241and extending into the cavity222for connection with the fitting or receiving end246of the J-hook244. The free end portion242has a first receptor243for connection with the connection bar or J-hook244. The first receptor243is large enough for use as a second receptor249to fit both the fitting246of one J-hook244and the elongated body or connection end245of a second vertically planar J-hook247. Securing both the elongated body245and the fitting246provides greater stability to the anchoring system. The wall anchor240is a metal stamping constructed from galvanized steel, hot dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel or bright basic steel. The wall anchor240is also mountable at a 90 degree angle (not shown).

The anchor240is fastened to the inner wythe217with a fastener250thereby creating a high-strength connection with the anchor240and the inner wythe217. Although other fastening means are compatible, the fastener250is typically a bolt with a head with an insulative washer mounted under the bolt head. A thermal break is obtained through the use of a neoprene washer (not shown) between the fastener250and the inner wythe217.

The anchoring system includes the wall anchor240and a veneer tie252. The veneer tie252, is shown inFIG. 8as being emplaced on the random rubble stone229in preparation for embedment in the mortar of the bed joint230. Successive bed joints230and232are horizontally disposed in an irregular manner in accord with the nature of the rubble stone229and building standards and the bed joints230and232are 0.375-inch (approx.) in height.

The veneer tie252is a wire formative that is fixedly disposed in an x-z plane of the bed joint230and is constructed to adjustably position with the longitudinal axis substantially horizontal and to interengage with the wall anchor240. The veneer tie252has an apertured receiving end265for disposition on said elongated body245and an insertion end267configured for embedment in the bed joint230. The veneer tie252is constructed of front leg portions254configured for insertion into said bed joint230, side leg portions255coextensive, perpendicular, and substantially co-planar with the front leg portions254. The veneer tie is vertically adjustable to a substantially horizontal position and upon installation, maintains continuous positive interengagement with the wall anchor240. For additional seismic and high-wind protection, a reinforcement wire (not shown) is embedded in the bed joint230and set within an optionally depressed front leg portion (not shown) for a snap-in connection.

The veneer tie receiving end265is formed to snugly fit around the connection end248of the J-hook244. The snug fit restricts x- and z-axis movement to 0.050 inches of end play, while allowing y-axis vertical adjustability. The veneer tie252is adjustable at the construction site to be set within the bed joint230of a rubble stone220that is substantially horizontal and in accordance with building regulations and standards. To further enwrap and restrict x- and z-axis movement, as similarly shown inFIG. 4, the interior of the receiving end269is flattened into a D-shape to further restrict the area within the receiving end265.

The anchoring system for rubble stone set forth above solves the problems of the prior art by providing a solution to the uneven uncoursed nature of rubble stone outer wythes. The present invention described above provides a vertically adjustable veneer tie capable of adjusting to meet the irregular structure of rubble stone outer wythes, while providing the same stability as anchoring systems for standard bed joints. The anchoring system allows for veneer tie y-axis adjustment while restricting x- and z-axis movement, ensuring a stable tie back connection with the uneven nature of the rubble stone.

The rubble stone anchoring system described in the embodiments herein addresses issues unique to the art of anchoring irregular masonry veneers in an efficient and structurally stable manner. This invention resolves the structural issues related to the construction of a rubble stone outer wythe, by providing a vertically adjustable anchoring system capable of withstanding high lateral forces. This invention further reduces other costs and elements required to construct a cavity wall system.

The present invention is in response to the prior art labor and materials intensive rubble stone cavity wall construction. Construction of a cavity wall containing a rubble stone outer wythe involves careful installation of the veneer ties at appropriate levels and locations within the outer wythe. As shown in the above embodiments, the present invention addresses the difficulties through the use of a vertically adjustable anchoring system. In addition to rubble stone outer wythes, the present invention is utilized with standard brick veneer outer wythes.

Adjustments in the construction of the wall anchor to provide solutions to individual construction issues relating to rubble stone outer wythes are recognized and anticipated. Further, the particular embodiments set forth above are in no way limiting of possible variations to accommodate changes in the construction of the inner or outer wythe. It is intended that the claims cover such modifications that do not alter the scope of the present invention. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirement of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.