Abstract: A lintel system includes a steel flange plate adapted to rest on the wall adjacent both sides of an opening to be spanned, a steel reinforcing structure integral with the flange plate and steel primary reinforcing rods welded to the reinforcing structure and extending upwardly. After the flange plate has been emplaced, two courses of masonry blocks are laid to encompass the primary reinforcing rods. Different embodiments of the invention employ different upper structures. In a first embodiment, a wooden beam directly overlays the upper plate, and each includes apertures generally aligned with and larger than the primary reinforcing rods, each of which is threaded to receive a nut along its terminal portion such that the nuts may be tightened to compress the lintel system into a rigid structure. In the second embodiment, the lintel system also includes secondary reinforcing rods welded to the lower face of the upper plate and extending downwardly into the interior space of the masonry blocks.

Abstract: Side panels, terminating with inwardly directed flanges extend from the vertical edges of an upright main panel to form a generally channel shaped unit. The lower edge of each side panel is spaced above the lower edges of the main panel and the flanges to receive a conventional sill. A bearing plate extends inwardly from the lower edge of each side panel to rest upon the top of the sill. The upper edges of the side panels and the flanges terminate below the upper edge of the main panel to form a ledge for supporting a conventional beam. A recess, formed in the upper corner of the main panel, accommodates the beam and has a beam attachment plate extending therefrom.