Patent ID: 12228166

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While disclosed embodiments may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting reordering or adding additional stages or components to the disclosed methods and devices. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed embodiments. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by the appended claims.

The present invention improves upon the prior art by providing an enhanced wall anchor system and washer that includes a hole on its washer body and includes at least one receiving element configured to receive a portion of the veneer tie that joins an inner wythe and an outer wythe of the cavity wall. The present invention further improves upon the prior art by providing an enhanced washer with integral components thereby decreasing the number of parts required for a wall anchor. This would eliminate the assorted wall anchor construct utilizable with various wire formative veneer ties. As a result, the manufacturing costs and storage costs would be lowered, thus improving both logistics and efficiency.

Referring now toFIG.1, an example cavity wall structure environment10configured for a wall anchor to be utilized in is presented according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Environment10comprises inner wythe or drywall backup14and outer wythe or facing wall18, which cooperate to form cavity22. The inner wythe may comprise a single membrane or multiple membranes. In one embodiment, wall anchor is configured to support contact with one or more veneer ties, wall ties, or any other wire or sheet metal devices used to connect two or more masonry wythes or used to connect masonry veneers to a structural backing system. It is to be understood that structures other than environment10may be suitable for wall anchor12to be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, wall anchor12may comprise a washer, referred to as a washer body202throughout the disclosure, configured to function as at least one component or as an integrateable component of wall anchor12, and further configured to assist wall anchor12in utilizing a veneer tie44to join inner wythe14to outer wythe18for horizontal load transfer.

In one embodiment, the example cavity wall structure environment10is configured for a system for connecting one or more veneer ties44designed for joining inner wythe14and outer wythe18. In one embodiment, the system comprises veneer tie44and wall anchor12further comprising an anchor shaft first end portion and an anchor shaft second end portion, wherein the anchor shaft first end portion is configured to be secured to inner wythe14and the anchor shaft second end portion is configured to be threadedly attached with an opening associated with the washer, which is described in greater detail below. In one embodiment, wall anchor12may position the washer in a manner that abuts against the outer most surface of inner wythe14or one or more membranes of inner wythe14. In other embodiments, the washer be attached to the inner wythe by using other methods. For example, the washer may be attached to the inner wythe without requiring a threaded hole. For example, the washer body may be attached to the inner wythe using a bolt or other item configured to pass through a non-threaded hole that attaches the washer to the inner wythe.

Referring toFIGS.2-25, wall anchor12comprises a washer body202comprising a washer body first side204, a washer body side wall205, a washer body second side206, at least one receiving element208, at least one axis210, and at least one opening or aperture212. It is to be understood that wall anchor12may comprise multiple of any component disclosed herewith as long as wall anchor and washer body202may utilize said additional components for the intended functionality. In one embodiment, receiving element208is configured to protrude or extend from washer body first side204to washer body second side206wherein receiving element208is further configured to receive a portion of veneer tie44. In other embodiments, the receiving element extends only from the second side206. In one embodiment, receiving element208may receive the portion of veneer tie44via a receiving element opening220, an aperture212is dimensioned to axially receive and mate with a shaft214, which may be associated with wall anchor12, supporting full integration between washer body202and the surface of inner wythe14strengthened by the impaling and tightening of the shaft214through opening212. In one or more embodiments, washer body202supports an integral configuration, as depicted inFIG.4, wherein receiving element208is integrated into a surface associated with washer body202, allowing veneer tie44to be attached or affixed directly on a surface of washer body202via receiving element208.

In other words, receiving element208is formed from a surface portion of at least washer body first side204or washer body second side206, and the receiving element opening220is allocated to receiving element208. As described herein, a surface portion of washer body202may be any panel configured to be punched out, carved out, outward protruding, or sculpted in order to generate receiving element opening220shaped and sized to fit at least a portion of a veneer tie44. It should be appreciated that washer body202may have other shapes, dimensions, and orientations that allow washer body202to connect to veneer tie44and join inner wythe14and outer wythe18, and receiving element208may be shaped, sized, and located in various arrangements that allow direct outward protrusion from washer body202, such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. In one embodiment, receiving element208and/or receiving element opening220may comprise neoprene or any other applicable material disposed along with the interior in order to combat degradation commonly sustained by wall anchor systems and their components. In one embodiment, washer body sides204and206are configured to comprise a plurality of dimples, grooves, embossing, or any other applicable features known to those of ordinary skill in the art that still allows washer body202to serve its intended functionality.

In one embodiment, opening212may comprise a threaded wall section configured to interact with shaft214, which may be a threaded shaft configured to interlace or interlock with the threaded wall section in order to provide efficient retention of washer body202to inner wythe14. In other embodiments, opening212may not comprise a threaded wall section. In one embodiment, the interactive configuration between opening212and shaft214may be accomplished by a screw, bolt, nail, rivet, or any other applicable mechanism for affixing and retaining washer body202to an applicable structure. In application, shaft214bores or penetrates through opening212resulting in washer body202being retained and subsequently washer body202abuts at least a surface of inner wythe14allowing veneer tie44to be attached, interlaced, or any other applicable means of affixing to receiving element208, as depicted inFIGS.3&4. In one embodiment, axis210serves as a centrally located axis, as illustrated inFIG.2, configured to support loosening and tightening respective to inner wythe14and/or shaft214. It is to be understood that axis210may be applicable to each receiving element208or receiving element opening220depending upon the configuration of wall anchor12.

In one embodiment, receiving element208is defined by an elongated u-shaped body, as illustrated byFIGS.1-7, in which at least washer body first side204and/or washer body second side206define receiving element opening220as a protruding surface integral to washer body202. The elongated u-shaped may be formed based off the protruding surface or a plurality of protrusions from washer body first side204, washer body side wall205, and/or washer body second side206; as long as the receiving element opening220is shaped and sized to support direct contact with a portion of veneer tie44. It should be appreciated that receiving element208can have other shapes, dimensions, and orientations that allow washer body202to connect to a portion of veneer tie44, such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. For example, receiving element208may be a plurality of receiving elements208manifested as extending or outward protruding tabs, flanges, or any other applicable mechanism comprising openings configured to be attached to which are disposed along one or more surfaces of washer body202wherein each receiving element208comprises its own receiving element opening220and is associated with one or more axes210supporting loosening and tightening of washer body202to a surface of inner wythe14while remaining integral components of washer body202, as illustrated inFIGS.8-25. In another example,FIGS.10,15,21, and25illustrate various embodiments of washer body202comprising a plurality of receiving elements208each of which comprises at least one receiving element opening220configured for a portion of veneer tie44to be hooked, attached, clamped, clasped, or any other applicable form of affixing to without damaging or compromising veneer tie44. The various integrated configurations of washer body202allow for the reduction of upkeep of multiple cumbersome components associated with the prior art that are required in order to affix a washer to an inner wythe.

In one embodiment, washer body first side204comprises a sealing material216and washer body second side206comprises a structural element218, as illustrated inFIGS.6&7. In one embodiment, each of both washer body first side204and washer body second side206comprises sealing material216connected with structural element218. In one embodiment, washer body202is configured to be moved angularly horizontally (represented by line A) via an applied force inherent to interactions with washer body202, as depicted inFIG.3, in which structural element218is configured to resist movement caused by the applied force. Sealing material216is configured to seal washer body202against the inner wythe14, generating a barrier-like structure configured to seal the connection between shaft214and opening212when shaft214is impaled through opening212. Sealing material216may be composed of neoprene, EPDM, foam, Ariaprene®, rubber, or any other applicable material configured to be comprised in a washer. Some other compressible materials for seal material may include polyurethane, silicone, polyether, plastic, thermoplastic, open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, and acrylic.

Structural element218may be composed of a metallic material, a non-metallic material, or any combination thereof. In application, sealing material216is configured to be connected or affixed to structural element218wherein sealing material216abuts an outward facing surface or one or more membranes of inner wythe14. Types of non-metallic material for structural element made from a high temperature material comprising at least one of an ablative material, a boron fiber material, a carbon fiber material, a ceramic matrix composite material, a composite material, an epoxy matrix composite, a fatigue composite material, a fiber composite, a fiber-matrix interface, a filament material, a filament wound structures composite material, a filament-matrix material, a flammability composite materials, a glass fiber reinforced plastic material, a honeycomb material, an insulation composite material, a laminate material, a metal filament system, a metal matrix composite (MMC), a nanocomposite, an off-gassing/out-gassing composite material, a polymer matrix composite, a reinforcing fibers composite material, a stacking sequence composite material, a surface property composite material, whisker composite, a woven composite material, or any combination of the foregoing materials.

In one embodiment, washer body202comprises a plurality of receiving elements208, in particular two, wherein the plurality of receiving elements208are disposed of across a surface of washer body202in a manner in which each of the plurality of receiving elements208is equidistant from opening212, as illustrated inFIGS.12&17. This configuration allows a first portion and a second portion of veneer tie44to be attached respectively to each of the equidistant receiving elements208via receiving element openings220.

In one embodiment, washer body202comprises four equidistant receiving elements208respective to opening212, wherein a first receiving element222is positioned to the left of opening212, a second receiving element224is positioned to the right of opening212, a third receiving element226is positioned directly above opening212, and a fourth receiving element228is positioned directly below opening212, as illustrated inFIGS.19&22. First receiving element222comprises a first longitudinal axis230in a first direction, second receiving element224comprises a second longitudinal axis232in the first direction, third receiving element226comprises a third longitudinal axis234in a second direction, and receiving element228comprises a fourth longitudinal axis236in the second direction wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. It is to be understood that each of receiving elements222-228comprises a receiving element opening220that may be manifested via an extended tab, loop, handle, grip, or any other applicable mechanism configured to come into direct contact and maintain retention of a portion of a veneer tie via an integral configuration with washer body202. Each configuration comprising more than one receiving element is configured to be symmetrical in order to support greater angular movement in a plane with respect to the longitudinal axes. In one embodiment, each of receiving elements222-228and/or receiving element openings220may comprise neoprene or any other applicable material disposed along with the interior. This configuration allows for the first portion of veneer tie44to be affixed to receiving element opening220associated with first receiving element222or third receiving element226, and the second portion of veneer tie44to be affixed to receiving element opening220associated with second receiving element224or third receiving element228. Thus, the first and second portions of veneer tie44are respectively affixed to directly opposing receiving element openings220allowing the perpendicular longitudinal axes to serve as a reference for greater angular movement of washer body202in the plane configured to comprise at least first longitudinal axis230and second longitudinal axis232in the two equidistant receiving elements configuration and a first longitudinal axis230, second longitudinal axis232, third longitudinal axis234, and fourth longitudinal axis236in the four equidistant receiving elements configuration.

In one embodiment, the washer includes the washer body202having a perimeter201, the washer body first side204, the washer body second side206, and the washer body side wall205. A hole213is substantially centrally located and through the washer body. At least one holder280is formed within the perimeter and protruding from at least one of the washer body first side and washer body second side. In certain embodiments, the holder includes a first walled portion, a second walled portion, and third walled portion. The second walled portion opposes and at least partially faces the first walled portion. The third walled portion connects the first walled portion to the second walled portion. The walled portions are configured to create an enclosed space that receives a portion of a veneer tie.

Referring toFIGS.33and34, in one embodiment, the holder is formed within the perimeter201of the washer body and includes at least one space240that receives a vertical leg of a veneer tie. The holder extends from at least one of the washer body first side and washer body second side. Because the holder is integral to the washer body, the holder may be formed as if it were punched out from the washer body or formed directly from the washer body. In other embodiments, the holders may be attached to the washer body. The size of the space240is configured to allow the vertical leg of a veneer tie to be inserted into the holder. The space is defined by the first walled portion242, the second walled portion244, and the third walled portion246that connects the first walled portion with the second walled portion. The first walled portion first end is attached to at least one of the washer body first side and washer body second side. The second walled portion first end is attached to at least one of the washer body first side and washer body second side. The ends of the holder, where the first walled portion and second walled portion meet the washer body, may curve out from the washer body and are within the perimeter. The ends of the holder may also be perpendicular to the washer body. The first walled portion at least partially faces the second walled portion. In one embodiment, the first walled portion directly faces the second walled portion such that the first walled portion, second walled portion and third walled portion forms a u shape (similar toFIG.34). The shape of the walled portion of the holder includes a first angle A between the first walled portion and the third portion and a second angle B between the second walled portion and third walled portion. The first angle A and second angle B may be equal allowing the washer to uniformly hold the vertical legs of a veneer tie. The first angle and the second angle may be at least 90 degrees. Other angles may be used as long as the vertical leg of the veneer tie is securely held within the space240of the holder that is within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The area where the first walled portion and second walled portion connect to the third walled portion may be straight or curved. The outer surfaces of the first walled portion, second walled portion, and third walled portion are smooth and straight. The third walled portion is parallel to the washer body second side.

The washer body may be comprised of material such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, Titanium, other metals or alloys, composites, ceramics, polymeric materials such as polycarbonates, such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic), Lexan™, and Makrolon™. The washer body may be made of other materials and is within the spirit and the disclosure. The washer body may be formed from a single piece. The components of the washer body may be manufactured from a variety of different processes including an extrusion process, a mold, welding, shearing, punching, welding, folding etc. However, other types of processes may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The holder may be merged with the washer body during the process of creating the washer body. The holder may be made of the same material as the washer body. The holder may be comprised of material such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, Titanium, other metals or alloys, composites, ceramics, polymeric materials such as polycarbonates, such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic), Lexan™, and Makrolon™. The holder may be made of other materials and is within the spirit and the disclosure. The holder may be formed from a single piece. The components of the holder may be manufactured from a variety of different processes including an extrusion process, a mold, welding, shearing, punching welding, folding etc. However, other types of processes may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Manufacturing the washer including the holder as one whole piece may only reduce the cost of the washer by only a fraction. However, because hundreds of washers are used per building, the process of manufacturing the components of the washer as one whole piece saves resources and reduces expenses per building.

A hole213is substantially centrally located within the perimeter of the washer body and through the holder as depicted inFIGS.33and34. The hole is configured for receiving a shaft that anchors the washer to the inner wythe. In some embodiments the hole may be threaded to receive the threads on the shaft. The hole is offset by an offset length L from the washer body such that the hole is on the holder and offset away from the washer body and such that the space240can have a vertical portion of the veneer tie inserted into it. The washer body also includes at least one leg248extending from at least one of the washer body first side and washer body second side. The leg48is in attachment with a side portion250of the holder that is offset from the washer body. The leg may act as a supplemental support member and may be substantially perpendicular such that the leg is positioned in between the two vertical legs of the veneer tie. The leg may also substantially curve from the end on the washer body to the end on the side portion holder. A second leg may be positioned on the opposite side of the side portion holder250. The opposing legs on each side of the holder provide additional structure to the washer body in order to securely hold the vertical legs of the veneer tie while the washer body is attached to the inner wythe via the shaft.

Referring toFIGS.35-38, in one embodiment, the washer body includes a hole213substantially centrally located and through the washer body. The hole may be threaded to receive the threads from the shaft. At least one holder protrudes from at least one of the washer body first side and washer body second side. The holder280includes a space240positioned within the perimeter201wherein the space is configured for receiving a vertical leg of the veneer tie. InFIGS.36-37, element252is meant to illustrate where the veneer tie is received by the holder. The space240may be enclosed as depicted inFIGS.35and36. However, in other embodiments, the space240may not be fully enclosed and form a hook that is configured to receive the veneer tie. The holder may be a tab238that is integral with and extends from the washer body such that the space is positioned away from the washer body and within the perimeter (illustrated as201inFIG.37). In one embodiment, the tab is flat and elongated. However, in other embodiments other shapes may be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the thickness of the tab is similar to the thickness of the washer body side wall205.

The tab238of each holder may be integral with the washer body and formed during the process of manufacturing the washer body. The tab may be made of the same material as the washer body. The tab may be comprised of material such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, Titanium, other metals or alloys, composites, ceramics, polymeric materials such as polycarbonates, such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic), Lexan™, and Makrolon™. The tab may be made of other materials and is within the spirit and the disclosure. The tab may be formed from a single piece. The components of the tab may be manufactured from a variety of different processes including an extrusion process, a mold, welding, shearing, punching, welding, folding etc. However, other types of processes may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The one end of the tab may bend outwards from perimeter of the washer body such that the tab is perpendicular to the washer body second side. The space240is positioned near the other end of the tab of the holder allowing a vertical leg of the veneer tie to be held at least a second distance D from the washer body. The end of the tab is shaped to form the space in the holder that holds the vertical legs. The end of the tab may be circular, square, or any shape. The space may be fully enclosed. In one embodiment, the space define a circular shape. However, other shapes may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Other shapes for the space may be used that are configured to hold a vertical leg of the veneer tie may be used. The end of the tab with the space may not be fully enclosed such that the end of the holder forms a hook or a u-shaped end. InFIGS.35-37, the tab includes a circular portion254of the holder having the space240therein. The circular portion may form a hook, u-shape, or a semi-circle (not illustrated). The hook or u-shaped end may be a semi-circle long enough to prevent the vertical leg of the veneer tie from the sliding out. The space stays within the perimeter201of the washer body although the holder extends from the perimeter.

Referring now toFIGS.39-44, in one embodiment, the holder280includes the first walled portion242and the second walled portion244. The holder may be punched out form the washer body or is attached hereto via one of the walled portions. The holder includes a terminating end256such that either the first walled portion or second walled portion is not attached to the washer body. Angle C may be varied depending on the use of the device.

For example, angle C may be varied to form a v, u, or1shape by the first and second walled portions. However, other shapes for the holders extending from the washer body may be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the second walled portion at least partially faces the first walled portion such that the holder is v-shaped. The angle C between the first walled portion and second walled portion is less than 90 degrees causing the edge where the first walled portion and the second walled portion meet to be more rounded.

The walled portion242without the terminating end extends outward away from the midpoint of the washer body. Because the second walled portion, at least in some embodiments (such as inFIG.40) partially faces the first walled portion, the terminating end256of the holder is angled towards the washer body. The terminating end faces inwards towards the walled portion that is attached to the washer body.

In one embodiment, the second walled portion244at least partially faces the washer body such that the holder is L-shaped (such asFIG.42). The holder may be punched out from the washer body or is attached hereto via one of the walled portions. The angle C between the first walled portion and the second walled portion may be at least 90 degrees such that the terminating end of the holder is not facing the washer body.

The terminating end of the first walled portion may in some embodiments face outward (FIG.42), in some embodiments face inward (toward each other (FIG.44), and in some embodiments, face inward (FIG.45) toward the washer body. The portion of the holder where the first walled portion and the second walled portion meet may be rounded or in other embodiments may be more angled. In all embodiments inFIGS.39-45, each holder includes the space240that receives the vertical leg of the veneer tie such that the holders of the washer body may hold the vertical legs of the veneer tie.

Referring now toFIGS.45-47, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the second walled portion opposes and faces the first walled portion such that a u-shape holder280is formed. The holder includes the third walled portion246that connects the first walled portion242to the second walled portion244. The holder is u-shaped because the third walled portion is convex while the first walled portion and second walled portion bends out from the washer body. Convex means that the third walled portion curves outwards and away from the washer body. The holder may be punched out from the washer body or is attached hereto via one of the walled portions. The holder includes the enclosed space that is configured for receiving the vertical leg of the veneer tie. In one embodiment, the holder may include the terminating end256on either the first walled portion or the second walled portion. Because the second walled portion directly faces the first walled portion, the terminating end may face the washer body and away from the walled portion that is attached to the washer body. The holder still includes the space configured for holding the vertical leg of the veneer tie. The shape of the holder surrounds the vertical leg more than the v-shape or the L-shape because the terminating end is closer to the washer body.

Referring now toFIG.26, a method2600for anchoring a veneer wall to inner wythe14for horizontal load transfer is depicted. In step2602, wall anchor12is threadedly attached to opening212of washer body202, wherein wall anchor12may serve as a component of an anchoring system associated with shaft214. As mentioned above, in other embodiments, the opening212may also not be threaded. In one embodiment, the anchor shaft first end portion associated with wall anchor12assists in securing wall anchor12to inner wythe14. Shaft214interacts and integrates with one or more threaded wall sections of opening212, allowing washer body202to be fully integrated with wall anchor12. In step2604, once wall anchor12has been threadedly attached to opening212, the second end portion associated with wall anchor12, also referred to as the free end portion of wall anchor12, protrudes into cavity22, which is a space formed between inner wythe14and outer wythe18, and a portion of wall anchor12is secured to inner wythe14, as depicted inFIG.3. In one embodiment, the anchor shaft first end portion is secured to inner wythe14while the anchor shaft second end portion is threadedly attached or affixed to opening212allowing the full body of the anchor shaft to extend from inner wythe14to cavity22and/or outer wythe18depending on the configuration of wall anchor12. As mentioned above, the washer body may also be configured to be attached using an opening212that is not threaded by using some other type of means. It is to be understood that veneer tie44may occupy space in both cavity22and outer wythe18subject to the configuration and length of veneer tie44. In step2606, washer body202is secured to inner wythe14in such a manner that washer body first side204abuts against the outer most surface of inner wythe14or one or more membranes of inner wythe14. It is to be understood that at least one or more surfaces of washer body202are to be abutting with at least one surface associated with inner wythe14once wall anchor12has successfully been threadedly attached (or otherwise attached) to opening212, and anchor shaft first end secures the abutting relationship between washer body202and inner wythe14. In step2608, a portion of veneer tie44is placed in at least one receiving element208via the portion of veneer tie44interacting with receiving element opening220defined by receiving element208. It is to be understood that the amount of portions of veneer tie44interacting with the plurality of receiving element openings220is subject to the applicable configuration of wall anchor12and/or washer body202. In other words, the more receiving elements208available based on the configuration of washer body202, the more portions of veneer tie44may be hooked, interlaced or attached to washer body202via the receiving element openings220.

In another embodiment, washer body202comprises of two equidistant receiving elements208that defines an extension element207that extends radially outward from the main perimeter200of the washer body as illustrated inFIGS.27-29. In the present embodiment illustrated inFIGS.27-29, the perimeter defines a circular shaped perimeter. However, other shapes may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. First receiving element222comprises a first longitudinal axis230in a first direction and second receiving element224comprises a second longitudinal axis232in the first direction. It is to be understood that each of above-mentioned receiving elements222,224comprises a receiving element opening220that may be manifested via an extended tab, loop, winged element, handle, grip, or any other applicable mechanism configured to come into direct contact and maintain retention of a portion of a veneer tie via an integral configuration with washer body202. In other words, the receiving element structure is integral with the material of the side of the washer body. Other embodiments that extend out from the main perimeter200may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each configuration that includes more than one receiving element may be symmetrical in order to support greater angular movement in a plane with respect to the longitudinal axes. In one example embodiment, each of receiving elements222,224and/or receiving element openings220may comprise neoprene or any other applicable material disposed along with the interior. The opening212may be threaded so that it is configured to receive the threaded elongated shaft and attached directly to the inner wythe.

In another embodiment, washer body202comprises of four equidistant receiving elements208that defines an extension element207that extends radially outward from the main perimeter200of the washer body as illustrated inFIGS.30-32. First receiving element222comprises a first longitudinal axis230in a first direction, second receiving element224comprises a second longitudinal axis232in the first direction, third receiving element226comprises a third longitudinal axis234in a second direction, and receiving element228comprises a fourth longitudinal axis236in the second direction wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. It is to be understood that each of above-mentioned receiving elements222,224,226,228comprises a receiving element opening220that may be manifested via an extended tab, loop, handle, grip, or any other applicable mechanism configured to come into direct contact and maintain retention of a portion of a veneer tie via an integral configuration with washer body202. Each configuration comprising more than one receiving element is configured to be symmetrical in order to support greater angular movement in a plane with respect to the longitudinal axes. In one example embodiment, each of receiving elements222,224,226,228and/or receiving element openings220may comprise neoprene or any other applicable material disposed along with the interior. As explained above, the receiving elements protrude outward from the side of the washer body and (as illustrated inFIG.27-32the receiving elements extend radially outward from the main perimeter200of the washer body.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.