U.S. patent application number 10/972609 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for device for laying brick constructs.
Invention is credited to Chisholm, Paul.
Application Number | 20050086901 10/972609 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29595757 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050086901 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chisholm, Paul |
April 28, 2005 |
Device for laying brick constructs
Abstract
A device for aiding in laying bricks to form a multi-sided brick
construct comprises retaining means and a plurality of levels;
wherein the retaining means allows the device to be retained at a
given position in relation to a construct being formed so that the
levels can be used to ensure that a course of bricks above the
retaining means is laid substantially horizontally along a
plurality of sides of the construct; and wherein the retaining
means is mounted so that it can be moved or removed relative to the
rest of the device.
Inventors: |
Chisholm, Paul; (Southport,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HESLIN ROTHENBERG FARLEY & MESITI PC
5 COLUMBIA CIRCLE
ALBANY
NY
12203
US
|
Family ID: |
29595757 |
Appl. No.: |
10/972609 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/749.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 21/1825 20130101;
E04G 21/1883 20130101; E04G 21/1841 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/749.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 001/00; E04F
021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 24, 2003 |
GB |
0324840.8 |
Claims
1. A device for aiding in the laying of bricks to form a
multi-sided brick construct, the device comprising a retaining
member and a plurality of levels; wherein the retaining member
allows the device to be retained at a given position in relation to
a construct being formed so that the levels can be used to ensure
that a course of bricks above the retaining member is laid
substantially horizontally along a plurality of sides of the
construct; and wherein the retaining member is mounted so that it
can be moved or removed relative to the rest of the device.
2. A device according to claim 1; wherein the retaining member is
movably mounted so that it can be moved into a first position at
which it rests on a lower course of bricks and the device can then
be used in laying one or more higher courses of bricks in a
substantially horizontal manner; and wherein the retaining member
can then be moved into a second position at which it is free from
contact with the construct so that the device can then be lifted
and, the retaining member can be used again at a higher position to
retain the device when laying further courses of bricks in a
substantially horizontal manner.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the retaining member is
slidably mounted and/or pivotally mounted.
4. A device according to claim 1; wherein the retaining member is
removably mounted to the device, so that the device can be used
without the retaining member for laying a first course of bricks,
but the retaining member can then be attached to the device to
allow further courses of bricks to be laid with the retaining
member in place and functioning to retain the device in relation to
the construct so that the levels can be used to ensure that a
course of bricks laid above the retaining member is laid
substantially horizontally along a plurality of sides of the
construct.
5. A device according to claim 1 further comprising a first side
and a second side, and wherein said retaining member comprises a
first retaining member located on said first side and further
comprising a second retaining member located on said second
side.
6. A device according to claim 1 comprising an indicator for
indicating the upper edge of a course of bricks to be laid.
7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the indicator is
adjustable between a plurality of different positions to allow the
device to be used to lay bricks of different sizes.
8. A device according to claim 6, wherein said indicator comprises
a first indicator of a plurality of indicators so that when the
device is positioned on the construct using the retaining member
the plurality of indicators can be used to aid in laying a
plurality of courses of bricks in a substantially horizontal manner
without needing to move the device.
9. A device according to claim 6; wherein the indicator is a mark,
or a line of tensile or ductile material.
10. A device according to claim 1; wherein the device comprises an
adjustment member configured to compensate for a degree of
unevenness on a surface upon which the device is placed
11. A device according to claim 1, wherein said retaining member
and said plurality of levels are configured to guide the laying of
bricks to form a column.
12. A device according to claim 11 comprising a generally
rectangular or generally square frame that defines a generally
rectangular or generally square aperture for receiving bricks
and/or mortar to form the column.
13. A device according to claim 11 having one or more sides that
are secured in place by releasable attachment means so that said
one or more sides can be removed.
14. A device according to claim 11 comprising a three-sided
frame.
15. A device according to any of claims 1 comprising a two-sided
frame.
16. A device according to claim 1 wherein the device has a frame
with one or more corners and has a right angled upright located at
one or more of said corners.
17. A method of making a column or a corner comprising providing a
device according to claim 1 and laying the bricks of the column or
corner in a manner in which the bricks are in substantially
horizontal courses.
18. A construct made using a device according to the method of
claim 17.
19. A kit comprising a plurality of components for assembling
together a device according to claim 1 and further comprising
instructions for at least one of assembly and use of the
device.
20. The method claim 17 further comprising: placing the device on
top of a course of bricks with the retaining member in position to
allow the device to be retained on top of said course of bricks;
spreading a layer of mortar on top of said course of bricks; using
the plurality of levels of the device to lay a second course of
bricks on the mortar in a substantially horizontal manner.
21. The method of claim 20 further comprising removing the device
from the top of said course of bricks and placing the device on top
of said second course of bricks with the retaining member in
position to allow the device to be retained on top of said second
course of bricks.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for aiding in
laying brick constructs, especially to a device for aiding the
laying of bricks in columns or corners.
[0002] Bricks have been used for thousands of years to construct
columns and corners. However, even in the present day, brick
columns and corners can be difficult to construct both quickly and
accurately, because of the need to ensure that courses of bricks
are level along a plurality of sides.
[0003] Indeed, the accurate construction of columns and corners is
often regarded as a task for the skilled bricklayer, because it can
cause major problems for the D.I.Y. enthusiast. Indeed, even
skilled bricklayers can sometimes have difficulty in constructing
columns or corners accurately. This is especially the case if there
is pressure to complete a job quickly, as can arise if a
construction project runs behind schedule or if there are
insufficient bricklayers available on site.
[0004] Thus, a high level of craftsmanship is needed in rapid,
accurate construction of brick columns and corners. Accurate
construction is particularly important if the columns or corners
are part of a major structural feature, because inaccuracies can
give rise to uneven loading and to structural defects such as
cracking. In any event, inaccuracies can greatly affect the
aesthetic appearance of a construct and it may then still be
necessary to demolish the construct and build it again. If the
constructs are large, even a relatively small initial inaccuracy
can become accentuated so that it becomes a major problem in the
finished construct. In particular, it is important to note that
virtually all buildings have corners and the appearance of a whole
building can be affected if a corner is not level.
[0005] Traditionally, columns and corners have been constructed by
using an elongate spirit level to check the levels of bricks in a
course along each side of a column or corner prior to adding mortar
and a further course of bricks. Excess mortar is then scraped off
with a trowel and the procedure is repeated with further courses of
bricks until a column or a corner of a desired height is
achieved.
[0006] However, when such traditional methods of construction are
used, errors in measuring the level of a course of bricks can arise
if the spirit level is not accurately used along each side of a
column or corner being constructed. This can easily happen if a
bricklayer becomes fatigued, e.g. towards the end of a long working
day, or if the spirit level is not repeatedly checked at several
positions. As indicated above, these errors can become accentuated
as the height of a column increases and it may then be necessary to
remove one or more courses bricks and to re-lay them in order to
ensure accuracy. This leads to increased costs and to delays in
construction.
[0007] In order to try to increase accuracy, some bricklayers use
T-squares or other guides for ensuring that corners are formed
correctly. However these do not provide great assistance in
ensuring that courses of bricks are laid horizontally. Corner
profiles are sometimes used and are attached to string lines.
However, a separate profile is needed for each corner and the
profiles can be time-consuming and tedious to set up correctly.
Usually, they require part of a construct to be laid initially and
for mortar to be set before the profile can be used. (Thus there is
a significant delay in waiting for mortar to set and this can be
unpredictable, depending upon the mortar used and the weather
conditions.) Furthermore the corner profiles rely upon attached
string lines that are pegged out some distance away from the
profiles. These lines are not always set accurately and may easily
become misaligned or displaced over the course of a working
day.
[0008] A recent development in bricklaying is to use the guide that
is illustrated in FIG. 5, which is sometimes known as the
"Bricky".TM.. This is an elongate device defining a central
aperture that is approximately one brick wide. The depth of the
device corresponds to the depth of mortar to be laid. However,
whilst the device is useful in laying mortar to a desired depth, it
is not designed for ensuring that corners or columns are
horizontal. Indeed the device is used for laying mortar on the top
of a straight course if bricks. Excess mortar is then scraped off,
the device is removed, another line of bricks is laid on top of the
mortar, and the process is repeated.
[0009] There is therefore a major need for an improved device for
to aid in laying bricks in a substantially horizontal manner,
especially for a device that can be used to lay accurately
multi-sided brick constructs, such as columns and corners.
[0010] According to the present invention there is provided a
device for aiding in the laying of bricks to form a multi-sided
brick construct, the device comprising retaining means and a
plurality of levels; wherein the retaining means allows the device
to be retained at a given position in relation to a construct being
formed so that the levels can be used to ensure that a course of
bricks laid above the retaining means is laid substantially
horizontally along a plurality of sides of the construct; and
wherein the retaining means is mounted so that it can be moved or
removed relative to the rest of the device.
[0011] The present invention represents a major breakthrough in
that a single device can be used at a given, stable position to
check all required horizontals of a given course of bricks. This
greatly increases accuracy. Furthermore, it makes the construction
of difficult constructs, such as columns or corners, feasible for
unskilled people, such as amateur DIY enthusiasts. The device is
however also useful to skilled craftsmen, because it can greatly
reduce construction time. For example, in constructing an accurate,
one metre tall column, a saving in bricklaying time of 50% or more
can typically be achieved. In view of the high cost of skilled
labour, this can provide a major increase in profitability for
construction firms.
[0012] In a first embodiment of the present invention the retaining
means is movably mounted so that it can be moved into a first
position at which it rests on a lower course of bricks and the
device can then be used in laying one or more higher courses of
bricks in a substantially horizontal manner, and the retaining
means can then be moved into a second position at which it is free
from contact with the construct, so that the device can then be
lifted and, if desired, the retaining means can be used again at a
higher position to retain the device when laying further courses of
bricks in a substantially horizontal manner.
[0013] Thus, for example, a retaining means may be slidably mounted
between a first position at which it is extended over a lower
course of bricks and a second position at which it is retracted and
no longer extends over the course of bricks. The retaining means
are preferably in the form of members that can be easily slid into
and out of a layer of mortar. If desired, the members may be
interconnected via a common shaft that may be at right angles
thereto. The members are preferably elongate--e.g. rods, bars,
prongs or blades. They may optionally be coated or formed from a
low friction agent--e.g. Teflon.TM.. They may be oiled or
greased.
[0014] As one alternative to being slidably mounted, the retaining
means may, for example, be pivotally mounted so that it can be
swung in and out of position.
[0015] A combination may even be used whereby a pivoting action
(e.g. of a handle or lever) causes a slidably mounted retaining
means to move in and out of position, or vice-versa. This may be
achieved, for example, by using a cam.
[0016] Spring-loading or other resilient members may optionally be
provided to assist in operating the retaining means. For example, a
spring-loaded release mechanism may be provided and may be operated
by a switch or catch. A spring or other resiliently deformable
member may alternatively be used to prevent the retaining means
moving too far in a given direction. Thus the retaining means may
be operably connected with a spring or other resilient member.
[0017] The precise nature of the movement of the retaining means is
not however crucial provided that the movably mounted retaining
means can be moved in and out of position in order to perform its
function in retaining the device on the construct.
[0018] In the above first embodiment of the present invention it is
preferred that the retaining means is always attached to the device
when the device is in use.
[0019] However, in a second embodiment of the present invention the
retaining means is removably mounted to the device. Thus, when the
retaining means is in place on the device it can perform the
function of retaining the device in a desired position on a
construct to allow the device to be used to lay one or more
substantially horizontal course of bricks. However it can be
removed if the presence of the retaining means at a given position
is not desired (as discussed later).
[0020] This second embodiment does not require moving parts such as
slidably or pivotally mounted members, but simply requires
releasable securing means that allows the retaining means to be
secured to the rest of the device when in use and to be released
when not in use.
[0021] This may be achieved by many different ways. Indeed any
suitable releasable engagement may be utilised. For example,
resiliently deformable material may be used to releasably engage
the retaining means (e.g. in a press-fit, friction-fit, and/or
snap-fit engagement). Alternatively, releasable clamps, hook and
eye arrangements, or releasably engaging male and female members
may be used. The precise method of releasably securing the
retaining means to the rest of the device is not crucial, so long
as the retaining means can be conveniently released from/secured to
the device when desired.
[0022] Indeed, for packaging, it may be more convenient for the
retaining means not to be secured to other parts of the device. A
kit comprising a plurality of components of the device invention is
within the scope of the invention. The kit preferably includes
instruction for assembly and/or use.
[0023] Having described the two main embodiments of the present
invention, various aspects of the invention will now be described
in further detail.
[0024] A retaining means (which may be movable/removable, as
discussed above) is preferably provided on at least two sides of
the device. If the device has opposing sides then it is preferred
that retaining means be provided on at least two opposing sides of
the device. More preferably, retaining means are provided on all
sides of the device.
[0025] If desired, a plurality of retaining means may be provided
on one or more sides of the device. Thus each side may have two or
more retaining means. If a plurality of retaining means are
provided on a side, they may be operably connected for concerted
action (e.g. by a shaft or other connecting member), or may operate
independently.
[0026] In some cases the retaining means may allow adjustments of
the device even after the device has been laid on top of a course
of bricks position. For example the retaining means may comprise
rotatably mounted rods with ends that are flattened, oval or
elliptical in profile. By turning one or more such rods the device
may be raised or lowered slightly at a given location.
[0027] Many alternative adjustment means are possible to allow
slight lifting/lowering of the device and all are within the scope
of the present invention, whether or not they form part of the
retaining means. For example, the turning of a screw or of a lever
may be used to lift or lower the device at a given location.
[0028] The adjustment means is particularly useful if a region of
unevenness (e.g. a chipped brick, a stone) causes the device not to
lie as desired upon a given course of bricks. This can be easily
checked by examining the levels of the device. The levels are
discussed in greater detail below.
[0029] The primary purpose of the levels is to check that courses
of bricks are substantially horizontal. The levels can be spirit
levels, but any other devices for checking horizontals (e.g.
electronic devices/laser levels) can be used and the term "level"
should therefore be construed broadly.
[0030] (Levels to check verticals can be provided, if desired, but
are not essential if the horizontal levels are used properly.)
[0031] The levels may be removably mounted, e.g. to assist in
cleaning. maintenance, replacement, etc. However this is not
essential.
[0032] Preferably the device has at least one level for checking
that each side of a course of bricks is substantially horizontal.
Thus if the device has two, three or four sides the device
preferably has at least two, three or four levels respectively. The
levels can be mounted upon any suitable part of the device. For
example levels may be mounted on sides and/or or uprights of the
device. If desired, half of the total number of levels present may
be positioned on the sides of the device and half may be on the
uprights. However many alternative arrangements are possible.
Indeed the levels may even be mounted on the indicators: e.g. upon
taut string or twine.
[0033] A device of the present invention can have many sides.
However four-, three- or two-sided devices are preferred.
[0034] A four-sided device can be conveniently used to construct
four-sided free-standing columns.
[0035] A three-sided device can be conveniently used constructing
columns abutting, or protruding from, existing walls or other
existing constructs.
[0036] A two-sided device is particularly flexible in use. It can
be used to construct inner or outer corners and also to construct
columns.
[0037] Normally (although not necessarily) the sides of the device
will meet to form internal right angles so as to aid in the
construction of right-angled corners, columns, etc.
[0038] If desired, one or more of the sides of the device may be
detachable, although all sides should normally be relatively rigid
when the device is in use.
[0039] Thus, for example, a four-sided device may be constructed so
that it can be converted to a two or a three sided device by
removing one or more sides. This makes the device more flexible in
use. Screws, bolts, clamps or other releasable fixings may be used
to interconnect sides that can subsequently be conveniently
detached from one another. Indeed the device may even be sold as a
kit comprising sides to be connected. This can aid in
packing/storage by providing a low volume kit for self-assembly.
Another alternative to aid in packing/storage is to provide the
device in foldable form. For example it may comprise one or more
hinged regions that can be fixed in position once unfolded by means
of a bolt. Kits including all of the above possibilities are within
the scope of the present invention. As indicated previously,
preferred kits include instructions for assembly and/or use.
[0040] If the device is four-sided it is preferred that it forms a
generally rectangular or generally square frame that defines a
generally rectangular or generally square aperture for receiving
bricks. The aperture is preferably shaped to correspond to the
cross-section of a column to be constructed, but allowing for a
small clearance so that the device does not become jammed on the
column as the device is used to construct the column. Typically the
clearance between inner edges of the device and the column will be
less than 10 cm, less than 5 cm, or less than 1 cm (measured from
the inner edges of the frame to the sides of a column being
formed).
[0041] Preferably the device has one or more uprights. Desirably
these are positioned at inner corners of the device, although it is
also possible to position them at outer corners. Thus, if the frame
is four-sided, four uprights are preferred. Fewer uprights can of
course be used if the device is less than four-sided. Desirably the
uprights are right angled.
[0042] Preferably the device comprises an indicator for indicating
the upper edge of a course of bricks to be laid.
[0043] Any appropriate indicator may be used. For example, the
indicator may be a length of tensile or ductile material (such as
string, cord, wire, twine, synthetic fibre, etc), it may be an
elongate rod, a marking, a sight, a laser, etc.
[0044] In order to take into account the possibility of different
sizes of brick, the indicator may be adjustably mounted. For
example, an indicator may be a length of taut string threaded
through a plurality of apertures and may be adjustable by virtue of
a series of additional apertures provided at different
predetermined heights through which the string can be threaded.
Alternatively, the indicator may be slidably mounted for ease of
adjustment. If desired, it may be provided with clamps to hold it
in position or it may be tied. Many possibilities exist.
[0045] Preferably, a plurality of spaced apart indicators are
present (e.g. a plurality of string indicators each positioned a
course of bricks and mortar apart). This allows the retaining means
to be used to position the device on the construct so that the
indicators can be used to lay a plurality of courses of bricks.
Thus several courses of bricks can be laid before it is necessary
to release the retaining means and re-position the device to lay
further courses of bricks and mortar. If desired, each of the
plurality of indicators may be adjustable. Indeed the indicators
may be simultaneously adjustable. For example, an actuating means
may be provided to simultaneously increase or decrease the distance
between indicators by a fixed amount to take into account different
brick sizes.
[0046] In addition to providing a wide range of devices, the
present invention also includes methods of construction using these
devices.
[0047] The present invention therefore includes a method of making
a brick construct comprising using a device of the present
invention to lay bricks in a manner in which the bricks are in
substantially horizontal courses.
[0048] A preferred method includes using the retaining means to
retain the device in position on top of a first or higher course of
bricks of the construct so that the device can be used to aid in
laying one or more further courses of bricks.
[0049] A device of the present invention is preferably used to make
a column or a corner, but many different constructs are possible.
Thus the present invention further includes any construct made
using a device of the present invention. The construct may, for
example, be all or part of a building or wall.
[0050] The present invention will now be described by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0051] FIG. 1 shows a four-sided device of the present invention
having slidably mounted retaining means and being used to construct
a free-standing column.
[0052] FIG. 2 shows a three-sided device of the present invention
having slidably mounted retaining means and being used to construct
a column abutting a wall.
[0053] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a two-sided device of the present
invention having slidably mounted retaining means and being used to
construct internal and external corners.
[0054] FIG. 5 shows a prior art device in position to lay mortar
along the top of a wall.
[0055] FIGS. 6 to 9 show a two-sided device of the present
invention having lever-operated retaining means and being used to
construct a corner.
[0056] FIGS. 10 to 15 show a two-sided device of the present
invention with removable retaining means
[0057] Turning now to FIG. 1, a device 100 of the present invention
is shown that comprises a generally square frame 102, having four
sides 104, 106, 108 and 110.
[0058] The frame 102 has inner edges 124 that define an aperture
138 for receiving bricks and/or mortar of a column 130 to be
laid.
[0059] The device further comprises four right-angled uprights 112,
114, 116 and 118 located at the inner corners of the frame 102.
[0060] Two adjacent sides 106 and 108 of the frame 102 each carry a
spirit level 140 for checking that bricks are substantially
horizontal.
[0061] Two opposing sides 106 and 110 of the frame 102 each have
slidably mounted retaining means 120 attached thereto. Each
retaining means 120 comprises a pair of flat prongs 122 rigidly
attached to a central shaft 128 (e.g. by soldering). The prongs 122
run through receiving channels (not shown) that are securely
screwed to the base of sides 106 and 110.
[0062] In use, the device 100 is operated as follows. It is first
laid upon a generally level, hard surface (e.g. a planar concrete
surface concrete) on which a layer of mortar has been spread. The
retaining means 120 are not in use at this stage and are in a
retracted position. Once the device 100 has been placed upon the
mortar, levels 140 are checked to see if the device 100 is
generally horizontal along all sides 104, 106, 108 and 110. If
necessary, the device 100 is adjusted, e.g. by light tapping,
repositioning and/or adding further mortar underneath the device
100 until it is level.
[0063] A first course of bricks 132 can then be laid, using the
inner edges 124 of the device 100 as a guide for ensuring the
column 130 is square. The upper surface of the frame 102 also
serves as a guide because it should lie level with the top of the
first course of bricks 132.
[0064] Once the first course of bricks 132 has been laid, the
device 100 is lifted, the retaining means 120 are slid inwardly and
the device 100 is placed on top of the first course of bricks 132
with the retaining means 120 holding the device 100 in position.
The levels 140 are then checked and, if necessary, the bricks are
adjusted (e.g. by light tapping) until all sides are level. A layer
of mortar is then spread on top of the first course of bricks 132
and a second course of bricks 134 is laid on top of the mortar. A
line 126 is provided as an indicator for aligning the upper edges
of a course of bricks being laid. The line 126 is held in place by
being threaded through apertures 142. These are provided in the
uprights 112, 114, 116 and 118. Additional apertures 144 are also
provided. These allow for different sizes of brick and therefore
the line 126 can easily be adjusted if needed.
[0065] When the second course of bricks 134 has been laid the
device 100 is removed from the column 130 by retracting the
retaining means 120. This is done by sliding the retaining means
120 outwardly until they are clear of the column 130. The device
100 is then lifted, the retaining means 120 are slid inwardly, and
the device 100 is placed on top of the second course of bricks 134,
with the retaining means 120 holding the device 100 in position.
Mortar and a third course of bricks 136 are then laid and levels
140 are checked as described above. The procedure is repeated as
often as necessary until a column 130 of desired height has been
formed. Once the final course of bricks has been laid the device
100 can be removed. If desired, a top piece can be added to the top
of the column and can be secured in place with mortar.
[0066] An alternative procedure is to provide greatly elongated
uprights 112, 114, 116 and 118 carrying a series of indicators 126
that are spaced apart to correspond with a plurality of courses of
bricks to be laid. Using this procedure several different courses
can be laid after laying the first course of bricks 132, without
needing to remove and reposition the device 100 after laying each
course. This can be advantageous in greatly speeding up the
bricklaying procedure further, because the device 100 then only
needs to be removed and repositioned occasionally. For example, if
four indicators 126 are present to indicate the levels for four
courses of bricks, the device 100 would only need to be
repositioned every four courses.
[0067] In some cases it may be desired to provide a reinforced
pillar 130. This is not a problem because the device 100 can he
used to build up a column around a central reinforcing bar that is
anchored in a concrete foundation. Before topping the column 130
with an end piece, concrete can be poured into a central void of
the column to provide additional strength.
[0068] Turning now to FIG. 2, an alternative device of the present
invention 200 is shown for constructing a column 202 abutting a
wall 204. It can be seen that the device 200 has only three sides
206, 208 and 210 so as to allow for the wall. However the device
200 is used in an analogous manner to that described in connection
with FIG. 1.
[0069] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a further alternative device of the
present invention 300. This is used for constructing corners (both
inner and outer ones). Here the retaining means 302 are not on
opposing sides but are on adjacent sides of the device 300.
Advantageously they may be spring-loaded. The device is used in an
analogous manner to that described in connection with FIG. 1.
[0070] FIG. 5 illustrates the known "Bricky".TM. device 400 for
comparison. Its function is for laying mortar to a given level
along a straight course of bricks. It does not include any
retaining means and does not ensure that bricks for columns or
corners are laid in a horizontal manner.
[0071] Turning now to FIG. 6, this shows a further device of the
present invention 600 that that has been placed on top of a course
of bricks, with retaining means 602 being used to support the
device on the bricks. The first course of bricks has already been
laid in an analogous manner to that described in connection with
FIG. 1 (i.e. with the retaining means 602 retracted so that bricks
can be laid next to inner edges 601 and 603 of the device 600 and
with the upper edge of the sides of the device 605 being used to
align the upper edges of a first course of bricks).
[0072] The retaining means 602 comprise a plurality of rods 604
that can be retracted, or can extended over a construct by turning
handles 606. The handles 606 are connected to a cam mechanism that
engages a bar, to which the rods 604 are connected (not shown).
[0073] In FIG. 6 the rods 604 are shown extended so that they rest
on the bricks. An additional modification is to provide one or more
fine adjustment means to allow the frame of the device 600 to be
lifted or lowered slightly at a given location. This is achieved by
means of rods 608 that are rotatably mounted within the frame of
the device 600 and that have flattened ends. The rods 608 can be
turned by knobs 610, so that the ends of the rods either lie flat
against the bricks or pivot so as to change slightly the height of
the frame of the device and of a level 612 at a given location
(relative to the course of bricks). This can be used to take into
account uneven regions, e.g. chips in bricks, pebbles, dirt,
etc.
[0074] Conveniently, two adjustment means 608 are located at each
side of the device 600. For example, one adjustment means 608 may
be located at one side of the retaining means 602 and another
adjustment means 608 may be located at the other side of the
retaining means 602. (In a further alternative the adjustment means
608 may be integrated so as to itself be part of the retaining
means, but to have an additional function of allowing adjustment.)
Adjustments can readily be monitored by checking to see if the
levels 612 of the device 600 are horizontal.
[0075] FIG. 7 is provided to show a view taken along the direction
of arrow 7 of the device 600 shown in FIG. 6. Thus it shows a
side-on view. Here indicators 614 can be more clearly seen. These
are taut and each indicator is spaced apart from the next one by
the height of a course of bricks and mortar. The first indicator
614 is spaced from the retaining means by this distance. A
plurality of indicators 614 therefore allow several courses of
bricks to be laid without moving the device 600.
[0076] This is illustrated in FIG. 8. Indeed as many courses of
bricks can be laid above a first layer of bricks as there are
indicators 614. All courses will be horizontal, because this is
verified by means of the levels 612.
[0077] It is important to appreciate that the adjustment means 608
illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8 are optional.
[0078] FIG. 9 shows a simpler alternative to the device shown in
FIGS. 6 to 8 in which the adjustment means 608 are omitted. The
device comprises a retaining means on each side. Each retaining
means has four slidably mounted rods, but in the view shown these
cannot be seen because they are in use, extending over the lower
layer of bricks shown. When it is desired to remove the device from
between two courses of bricks the handles 606 are turned to retract
the rods 604 from contact with the construct. The rods then
protrude through apertures 616. The rods can then be moved back in
the opposite direction by turning handles 606 in the opposite
direction, the device can be placed onto the highest course of
bricks and the procedure can be repeated.
[0079] FIG. 10 to 15 shows views of a yet further device of the
present invention. Much of the device is similar to that
illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9. However the levers 606 are not present
and, most importantly, the retaining means 702 that are present
that are mounted so that they can be easily removed from the rest
of the device 700 and then re-engaged when desired. Thus the
retaining means 702 are removably mounted.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 10, a retaining means 702 is provided at
both sides of the device 700. Each retaining means 702 comprises
two inner rods 704 and two outer rods 708 with flattened ends. The
rods with flattened ends 708 function as adjustment means, as
discussed previously, but are integrated into the retaining means
702. All of the rods 704, 708 are interconnected via a bar 706 that
can be easily gripped by a user of the device 700.
[0081] FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 10, but shows three courses of
bricks having been laid using the device.
[0082] FIG. 12 also shows the three courses of bricks shown in FIG.
11 but provides an inner view of the corner being constructed and
allows the rods 704 and 708 to be more clearly seen
[0083] FIG. 13 shows a partial view taken from below the device
shown in FIGS. 10 to 12. Here a rod 704 of the retaining means is
shown housed in an elongate bore with cylindrical walls 705. The
rod 704 also passes through part of the frame of the device 700 so
that it can protrude and be used to rest the device upon a course
of bricks. The rod is connected to bar 706. By pulling the bar 706
in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure the whole of the
retaining means can be removed from the device.
[0084] FIG. 14 shows an alternative housing for the rod 704. Here
it is held in place by a resiliently deformable fitting 707. This
means that the rod 704 will stay in position unless a user applies
a degree of force by pulling the bat 706 along the direction of the
arrow shown in the figure to pull the rod out of the fitting 707.
This can be advantageous in that the rod 704 will not easily slide
out of a desired position when it is in use. (An alternative to the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 is where the retaining
means is held in place by a fitting, but, when in use, the
retaining means protrudes underneath the frame rather than through
the frame. This avoids the need for holes in the frame and also
avoids any need for the retaining means to be slidably mounted. For
example, the retaining means may simply be pressed into a press-fit
support and removed, when desired by pulling it out of the support
with sufficient force.)
[0085] FIG. 15 shows a partial side-on view of a device 700 in
which the retaining means comprises a plurality of rods that are
interconnected by a bar 706. The rods may be held in place by
either of the means shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
Terminology
[0086] "Column"
[0087] The term "column" is used herein to include piers and
pilasters. It therefore includes freestanding columns as well as
columns that may be used as supports for walls or other constructs.
A simple column may have courses of only four bricks, with each
brick being laid at right angles to an adjacent brick. Typically
the column will have a generally square or a generally rectangular
cross-section. However other shapes are possible, including columns
with other polygonal cross-sections, with rounded cross-sections,
etc.
[0088] "Brick"
[0089] The term "brick" is used herein to describe any building
unit that can be used to construct columns. Thus traditional bricks
are included, as are concrete building blocks, building blocks of
other material, etc.
[0090] "Corner"
[0091] The term "corner" is used herein to include an angled part
of a construct where two sides or walls meet. The corner need not
be at 90.degree., but can be at any angle, with the frame of the
device of the present invention being shaped accordingly. The
corner may be an inner corner (extending inwardly relative to a
construct) or an outer corner (extending outwardly relative to the
construct).
[0092] "Substantially Horizontal"
[0093] For practical purposes a small amount of deviation from the
absolute horizontal can be tolerated when laying courses of bricks
"substantially horizontally" to form a column without any
significant effect. The term "substantially horizontal" should be
construed as allowing deviations from the horizontal that are not
significant. Typically deviations of less than 5.degree. may be
tolerated.
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