Combination of a structural block and a facing element attached thereto

Abstract

Disclosed is the combination of a structural block with a facing element. The facing element is hung to the structural block for at least partially covering its longitudinal face by means of a hanger affixed to the facing element. The hanger has a tab extending from the facing element for engaging the structural block. The tab and the block are engaged by means of at least one substantially vertical post and at least one aperture for receiving the at least one substantially vertical post. The at least one substantially vertical post is part of either the tab or the structural block, while the at least one aperture is part of the other.

1 . The combination of a structural block with a facing element hung thereto for at least partially covering a longitudinal face of said structural block,
 wherein said facing element is hung to said structural block by means of a hanger affixed to said facing element, said hanger comprising a tab extending from said facing element for engaging said structural block; and   wherein said tab and said block are engaged by engagement means comprising:
 at least one substantially vertical post; and 
 at least one aperture for receiving said at least one substantially vertical post; 
 said at least one substantially vertical post being part of either said tab or said structural block, while said at least one aperture is part of the other. 
   
   
   
       2 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the structural block comprises said at least one substantially vertical post and the tab comprises said at least one aperture. 
   
   
       3 . The combination of  claim 2  wherein the structural block comprises at least one opening in its longitudinal face for horizontally receiving said tab and enabling engagement of said at least one aperture on the corresponding at least one substantially vertical post. 
   
   
       4 . The combination of  claim 3  wherein said at least one substantially vertical post is inset in said structural block and creates a groove in an upper face of said structural block surrounding said at least one substantially vertical post and said opening in said longitudinal face. 
   
   
       5 . The combination of  claim 4  wherein said at least one substantially vertical post has an upper surface lower than the upper face of said structural block. 
   
   
       6 . The combination of  claim 5  wherein said at least one substantially vertical post further comprises a longitudinal surface which is flush with the longitudinal surface of said structural block whereby said groove extends to said longitudinal face. 
   
   
       7 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said structural block has a lower face and the said upper and lower faces of said structural block comprise complementary shapes for allowing said structural block to be stacked upon another structural block. 
   
   
       8 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said hanger comprises a body portion extending along, and substantially parallel to, said longitudinal face of said structural block and wherein said tab extends substantially perpendicularly from said body portion. 
   
   
       9 . The combination of  claim 8  wherein said hanger further comprises a bumper portion extending from said body portion in the same direction as said tab so as to abut said longitudinal face of said structural block. 
   
   
       10 . The combination of  claim 9  wherein said tab and said bumper portion are both in the form of rails that extend longitudinally across said body portion and are interchangeable. 
   
   
       11 . The combination of  claim 8  wherein said facing element is made of a pre-cast concrete. 
   
   
       12 . The combination of  claim 11  wherein said hanger is affixed to said facing element by moulding said facing element around said body portion. 
   
   
       13 . The combination of  claim 1  comprising two of said at least one substantially vertical post and two of said at least one aperture, said two substantially vertical posts being aligned with said at least two apertures, respectively. 
   
   
       14 . The combination of  claim 2  wherein said structural block further comprises a substantially vertical slot opening along said longitudinal face of said structural block and a complementary insert comprising a shaft portion for engagement with said substantially vertical slot, said complementary insert comprising said at least one substantially vertical post. 
   
   
       15 . The combination of  claim 14  wherein said slot portion comprises a generally tapered cross-section tapering outwardly from said longitudinal face and said complementary insert has a corresponding generally tapered cross-section. 
   
   
       16 . The combination of  claim 15  wherein said generally tapered cross-section comprises a straight section and a flange, said straight section being proximate to said at least one opening along said longitudinal face. 
   
   
       17 . The combination of  claim 16  wherein said substantially vertical post extends outwards from said straight section. 
   
   
       18 . The combination of  claim 17  wherein said substantially vertical slot extends from an upper face of said structural block to a lower face of said structural block. 
   
   
       19 . The combination of  claim 18  wherein said insert is shorter in length that the distance between said upper and lower faces of the structural block. 
   
   
       20 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said structural block comprises said at least one aperture and said tab comprises said at least one substantially vertical post. 
   
   
       21 . The combination of  claim 20  wherein said at least one substantially vertical post extends downward from said tab and said at least one aperture comprises a downwardly extending void area in said structural block. 
   
   
       22 . The combination of  claim 21  wherein said structural block comprises an opening in said longitudinal face for horizontally receiving said tab and said at least one substantially vertical post, and for enabling engagement of said at least one aperture into at least one substantially vertical post.