AU2022291456A1

AU2022291456A1 - A bracing and levelling apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2022291456A1
Application number: AU2022291456A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Bradley Robin STOKELL
Original assignee: Stokell Bradley Robin Mr
Current assignee: Stokell Bradley Robin Mr
Priority date: 2021-12-23
Filing date: 2022-12-20
Publication date: 2023-07-13

Abstract

: A bracing and levelling apparatus (100) for an upright structure is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises an arm (110), a first brace element (120), a second brace 5 element (130) and an adjustment device (140). The first brace element (120) and the second brace element (140) are mounted to the arm (110) and are configured to at least swivel and pivot with respect to the arm (110). The adjustment device (140) is located between two end portions (110a, 110b) of the arm and is physically engaged with the arm (110). The adjustment device (140) is configured to cause rotational movement of 10 at least a portion of the arm (140) about the longitudinal axis to provide a pushing and/or pulling action to at least the first brace element (120) through the arm (140). 3/4 Figure 5 Figure 6

Description

3/4

Figure 5

Figure 6

A BRACING AND LEVELLING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a bracing and levelling apparatus. More particularly but not exclusively it relates to an apparatus for bracing and levelling an upright structure such as a wall frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During construction, installation or repair of upright structures such as timber wall frames, it is important to ensure that such upright structures are secure and in place because even the slightest movement can cause the upright structure to be out of plumb. Having an upright structure that is out of plumb is not desirable because that can not only affect the aesthetic of the building but can also have negative impact on the overall structure of a building. If the upright structure is also a support structure of a building then it is even more important that such structure is properly levelled and is not out of plumb to minimise the damage or even collapse of the building or at least a portion of the building supported by such a structure. In addition, if the upright structure is a wall structure that is configured to be installed with window(s) or door(s), it can be important to ensure that the structure is properly aligned so that the window(s) and/or door(s) fit and function properly.

Various different forms of supporting or propping systems are known. For example, US Patent No. 3574981 and 6976339 disclose systems for supporting door frame. However, these previously known systems do not include the overall structural and operational features of the instant invention, nor are they used in the same manner for adjustment and levelling or plumbing of the upright structures. For example, the brace elements of previously known systems cannot be used or can be difficult to be used in engaging with various surfaces at various angles, shapes, heights and/or orientations for the purpose of bracing and supporting the upright structure. Consequently, they can only be used for a specific application e.g., for adjusting door frames. Also, the orientation of the building prop to provide the functionality of support is limited due to shape and the mounting arrangement of the brace elements. Also, they use complicated adjustment mechanisms such as a turnbuckle which can be difficult to tighten or loosen for adjustment of upright structure on construction sites which are small and/or congested or have insufficient space to rotate the turnbuckle mechanism.

OBJECTOFTHEINVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bracing and levelling apparatus which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages and/or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENTSOFTHEINVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention resides in a bracing and levelling apparatus for an upright structure, the apparatus comprising:

an arm extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the arm and between two opposing end portions of the arm, the two end portions being a first end portion and a second end portion;

a first brace element that is mounted to the arm at or proximal to the first end portion, the first brace element being configured to at least swivel and pivot with respect to the arm;

a second brace element that is mounted to the arm at or proximal to the second end portion, the second brace element being configured to at least swivel and pivot with respect to the arm; and

an adjustment device that is located between the first end portion and the second end portion of the arm, the adjustment device being physically engaged with the arm and is configured to cause rotational movement of at least a portion of the arm about the longitudinal axis of the arm to provide a pushing and/or pulling action to at least the first brace element through the arm.

In one embodiment, each of the first brace element and the second brace element is configured to swivel with respect to the arm about a swivel axis that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

In one embodiment, each of the first brace element and the second brace element is configured to pivot with respect to the arm about a pivot axis that is same as or is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

In one embodiment, the first brace element is configured to engage with and/or brace the upright structure and the second brace element is configured to engage with and/or brace a second structure.

In one embodiment, the second structure is a substantially horizontal surface such as a ground.

In one embodiment, both the first and second brace elements are configured to engage with and/or brace the upright structure.

In one embodiment, the upright structure is a substantially vertical structure (preferably a wall structure) for a building.

In one embodiment, the upright structure is a frame structure.

In one embodiment, the portion of the arm is located adjacent the first brace element.

In one embodiment, the arm comprises a telescopic arrangement at or proximal to the second end portion.

In one embodiment, the arm comprises a locking mechanism to lock the telescopic arrangement at a particular position thereby preventing extension and/or retraction of the telescopic arrangement.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is a pin and lock mechanism.

In one embodiment, the telescopic arrangement comprises at least two telescopic sections, at least one of the sections comprising a plurality of apertures or dimples that are longitudinally spaced apart and configured to receive a pin to lock the telescopic sections at a particular position thereby preventing extension and/or retraction of the telescopic arrangement.

In one embodiment, at least one or each of the first and the second brace elements is formed as a plate.

In one embodiment, at least one or each of the first and second brace elements comprises a bend (i.e., is bent) for the plate to be offset from a surface which it is engaged/braced.

In one embodiment, at least one or each of the first and the second brace elements comprises at least one aperture (e.g. screw hole) to receive at least one fastener (e.g. screw).

In one embodiment, the first brace element is configured to move with at least three degrees of freedom with respect to the arm.

In one embodiment, the second brace element is configured to move with at least three degrees of freedom with respect to the arm.

In one embodiment, the first brace element and/or second brace element are configured to swivel, pivot and tilt with respect to the arm.

In one embodiment, the first brace element and/or the second brace element is mounted to the arm by at least one ball joint.

In one embodiment, the first brace element and/or the second brace element is mounted to the arm member by a three-axis gimbal.

In one embodiment, the arm member comprises a handle proximal (at or near) the second end portion of the arm.

In one embodiment, the arm comprises: a first arm member extending longitudinally along said longitudinal axis of the arm between the adjustment device and the first brace element, the first end portion of the arm is located at the first arm member; a second arm member extending longitudinally along said longitudinal axis of the arm between the adjustment device and the second brace element, the second end portion of the arm is located at the second arm member; and a link located between and interconnecting the first arm member and the second arm member, the link being fixedly mounted to the first arm member, wherein the adjustment device is mounted to or is integrally formed with the link to allow the link to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the arm and provide the pushing and/or pulling action to at least the first brace element through the first arm member.

In one embodiment, the first arm member and/or the second arm member is formed as a sleeve.

In one embodiment, the first arm member and/or the second arm member is tubular or hollow cylindrical.

In one embodiment, the arm is adjustable in length with a threaded arrangement between an end portion of second arm member and the link, the end portion of the second arm member being located opposite the second end portion of the arm.

In one embodiment, the link is rotatably engaged with the second arm member and is at least partially received within the second arm member so that rotation of the link about the longitudinal axis of the arm causes at least a portion of the link to move in (or slide in) or move out (or slide out) of second arm member along the longitudinal axis of the arm.

In one embodiment, the link extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the arm and is threaded externally thereby having external threads, and at least the second arm member is threaded internally thereby having internal threads, the link being at least partially located within the second arm member so that the external threads of the link engages with the internal threads of the second arm member.

In one embodiment, the first arm member is threaded internally thereby having internal threads, the link being at least partially located within the first arm member so that the external threads of the link engage with the internal threads of the first arm member.

In one embodiment, the first arm member is fixedly mounted to the link by a bolt that passed through both the first arm member and the link.

In one embodiment, the link is configured to at least partially extend out (e.g., slide out) of the second arm member by a rotational movement of the link about the longitudinal axis of the arm in a first direction.

In one embodiment, the link is configured to at least partially receive within (e.g., slide within) the second arm member by a rotational movement of the link about the longitudinal axis of the arm in a second direction that is opposite a first direction.

In one embodiment, the first direction is a clockwise direction and a second direction is an anticlockwise direction.

In one embodiment, the first direction is an anticlockwise direction and a second direction is a clockwise direction.

In one embodiment, the first brace element is configured to at least swivel and pivot about or with respect to the first arm member.

In one embodiment, the second brace element is configured to at least swivel and pivot about or with respect to the second arm member.

In one embodiment, the first brace element is mounted to the first arm by at least one ball joint.

In one embodiment, the first brace element is mounted to the first arm member by a three axis gimbal.

In one embodiment, the second brace element is mounted to the second arm by at least one ball joint.

In one embodiment, the second brace element is mounted to the first arm member by a three axis gimbal.

In one embodiment, the first brace element is configured to swivel and pivot with respect to the first arm member.

In one embodiment, the second brace element is configured to swivel and pivot with respect to the second arm member.

In one embodiment, the first brace element is configured to swivel, pivot and tilt with respect to the first arm member.

In one embodiment, the second brace element is configured to swivel, pivot and tilt with respect to the second arm member.

In one embodiment, the second arm member is adjustable in length with at least a telescopic arrangement at or proximal to the second end portion.

In one embodiment, the second arm member comprises a locking mechanism to lock the telescopic arrangement at a particular position thereby preventing an extension and/or retraction of a telescopic section of the telescopic arrangement of the second arm member.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is a pin and lock mechanism.

In one embodiment, the telescoping arrangement comprises at least two telescopic sections comprising a plurality of apertures or dimples that are longitudinally spaced apart and configured to receive a pin to lock the telescopic sections at a particular position thereby preventing an extension and/or a retraction of the telescopic sections from that particular position.

In one embodiment, the adjustment device is a ratchet device comprising a ratchet mechanism.

In one embodiment, wherein the ratchet device is physically engaged with the arm, the ratchet device comprising a lever (preferably a handle).

In one embodiment, an oscillation of the lever causes the rotational movement of said at least the portion of the arm.

In one embodiment, an oscillation of the lever causes the rotational movement of the link.

In one embodiment, an oscillation of the lever causes the rotational movement of the link and said first arm member.

In one embodiment, an oscillation of the lever causes the rotational movement of the link and said first arm member in the first direction and/or the second direction.

In one embodiment, said portion of the arm comprises at least the first arm member.

In one embodiment, said portion of the arm comprises the first arm member and the link.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one bearing mounted (directly or indirectly) to the arm or to the first arm member to facilitate rotation of the first arm member or rotation of the portion of the arm.

In one embodiment, the bearing is located at or proximal to the first end portion.

In one embodiment, a threaded stud is mounted to the arm or to the first arm member and the bearing is received by the stud.

In one embodiment, the bearing is fixed to the stud using at least two nuts to hold the bearing in between the nuts.

In one embodiment, the first brace element is mounted to the arm or to the first arm member via the stud.

In a second aspect, the invention resides in a bracing and levelling apparatus for an upright structure, the apparatus comprising:

an arm extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis between two opposing end portions of the arm, the two end portions being a first end portion and a second end portion;

a first brace element that is mounted to the arm at or proximal to the first end portion;

a second brace element that is mounted to the arm at or proximal to the second end portion;

the arm comprising: a first arm member extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the arm between the adjustment device and the first brace element, the first end portion of the arm is located at the first arm member, a second arm member extending longitudinally along said longitudinal axis of the arm between the adjustment device and the second brace element, the second end portion of the arm located at the second arm member, and a link located between and interconnecting the first arm member and the second arm member, the link being fixedly mounted to the first arm member; the apparatus further comprising an adjustment device mounted to or is integrally formed with the link to allow the link to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the arm and provide the pushing and/or pulling action to at least the first brace element through the first arm member.

In one embodiment, first brace element and/or the second brace element are configured to at least swivel and pivot with respect to the arm.

In one embodiment, the first arm member and/or the second arm member tubular or hollow cylindrical.

In one embodiment, the arm is adjustable in length with a threaded arrangement between an end portion of second arm member that is opposite the second end portion of the arm and the link.

In one embodiment, the link extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the arm and is threaded externally thereby having have external threads, and at least the second arm member is threaded internally thereby having internal threads, the link being at least partially located within the second arm member so that the external threads of the link engage with the internal threads of the second arm member.

In one embodiment, the first arm member is threaded internally thereby having internal threads, the link being at least partially located within the first arm member so that the external threads of the first arm member engage with the internal threads of the first arm member.

In one embodiment, the link is configured to at least partially extend out (or slide out) of the second arm member by a rotational movement of the link about the longitudinal axis of the arm in a first direction.

In one embodiment, the link is configured to at least partially receive within (or slide within) the second arm member by a rotational movement of the link about the longitudinal axis of the arm in a second direction that is opposite a first direction.

In one embodiment, the second arm member comprises a telescopic arrangement at or proximal to the second end portion.

In one embodiment, the second arm member comprises a locking mechanism to lock the telescopic arrangement at a particular position thereby preventing an extension or retraction of a telescopic section of the telescopic arrangement of the second arm member.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is a pin and lock mechanism.

In one embodiment, the telescoping arrangement comprises at least two telescopic sections comprising a plurality of apertures or dimples that are longitudinally spaced apart and configured to receive a pin to lock the telescopic sections at a particular position thereby preventing an extension or a retraction of the telescopic sections from that particular position.

In one embodiment, wherein the ratchet device is physically engaged with the arm, the ratchet device comprises a lever (preferably a handle).

In one embodiment, an oscillation of the lever causes the rotational movement of said at least a portion of the arm.

In one embodiment, the portion of the arm comprises the first arm member and the link.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one bearing mounted (directly or indirectly) to the first arm member to facilitate rotation of the first arm member.

In one embodiment, the bearing is located at or proximal to the first end portion of the arm.

In one embodiment, a threaded stud is mounted to the first arm member and the bearing is received by the stud.

In one embodiment, the first brace element is mounted to the first arm member via the stud.

One or more statements defined above relating to the first aspect of the invention may also apply to the second aspect of the invention. Similarly, one or more aspects relating to the second aspect of the invention may also apply to the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect, the invention resides in a method of bracing and levelling an upright structure, the method comprising:

providing a bracing and levelling apparatus as defined in any one of the statements above;

fixedly attaching and/or bracing the first brace element to the upright structure;

fixedly attaching and/or bracing to the upright structure or to a second structure (e.g. a horizontal surface) or holding the second brace element; and

levelling the upright structure by using the adjustment device of the bracing and levelling apparatus to cause rotational movement of at least a portion of the arm about the longitudinal axis of the arm to provide a pushing and/or pulling action to at least the first brace element through the arm (or through the first arm member).

In one embodiment, the method comprises increasing or decreasing the length of the arm along the longitudinal axis by the rotational movement to provide a pushing or pulling action to at least the first brace element through the arm (or through the first arm member).

One or more statements defined above relating to the first aspect and/or second aspect of the invention may also apply to the third aspect of the invention. Similarly, one or more aspects relating to the third aspect of the invention may also apply to the first aspect and/or the second aspect of the invention.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following description are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

It is acknowledged that the term "comprise" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning, allowing for inclusion of not only the listed components or elements, but also other non-specified components or elements. The terms 'comprises' or 'comprised' or

'comprising' have a similar meaning when used in relation to the system or to one or more steps in a method or process.

As used hereinbefore and hereinafter, "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

When used in the claims and unless stated otherwise, the word 'for' is to be interpreted to mean only 'suitable for', and not for example, specifically 'adapted' or 'configured' for the purpose that is stated.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, in this specification, use of the word 'substantially' with a term, to define a characterizing feature(s), gets all the benefit (i.e. benefit of any broadening) afforded by the use of the word 'substantially', and also includes within its scope the feature(s) being that term exactly, (without broadening). For example, if a feature is described/defined in the present specification as being 'substantially orthogonal' then that includes, within its scope, the feature being 'close' to orthogonal (in so far the word 'substantially' is deemed to broaden the term 'orthogonal'), and also includes within its scope the feature being 'exactly' orthogonal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1: is a top view of a bracing and levelling apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2: is a side view of the bracing and levelling apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 3: is a top view of the bracing and levelling apparatus of Figure 1 with its arm in a fully extended position. Figure 4: is a partial view showing the intermediate portion of the bracing and levelling apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 5: shows the bracing and levelling apparatus of Figure 1 in use where both the brace elements are attached to an upright structure. Figure 6: shows the bracing and levelling apparatus of Figure 1 in use where one of the brace elements is attached to an upright structure, and another one of the brace elements is attached to ground. Figure 7: is a close-up view of the adjustment device and the link of the bracing and levelling apparatus of Figure 1

Figure 8: is a close-up view of the second end portion and second brace element of the bracing and levelling apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 9: is a close-up view of the first end portion and the first brace element of the bracing and levelling apparatus of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOFTHE INVENTION

Referring to Figures 1-3, a bracing and levelling apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The apparatus 100 is for bracing and levelling an upright structure 150 to which the apparatus 100 is mounted during use, as shown in Figures 5 or 6.

The apparatus may comprise at least an arm 110, a first brace element 120, a second brace element 130 and an adjustment device 140. The bracing and levelling apparatus may also be referred to as a building prop or a propping apparatus. As shown, arm 110 may extend longitudinally between two opposing end portions of the arm 110 along its longitudinal axis. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the longitudinal axis of arm 110 is an axis along the lengthwise direction of the arm. The first brace element 120 may be mounted to arm 110 at or proximal to the first end portion 110a and may be configured to swivel and pivot with respect to arm 110. Similarly, the second brace element 130 may be mounted to the arm 110 at the second end portion 110b and may be configured to swivel and pivot with respect to the arm 110. The adjustment device 140 may be located between the first and second end portions 110a, 110b of the arm 110 and may be physically engaged with the arm 110. The adjustment device 140 may be configured to cause rotational movement of at least a portion 112 of the arm 110 about the longitudinal axis of the arm to provide a pushing and/or pulling action to at least the first brace element 120 through the arm 110. Portion 112 may be the portion that is proximal to the first brace element 120 and is distal to the second brace element 130. Portion 120 may be the portion that is located adjacent the first brace element 120.

By rotating the portion 112 (in directions shown by two headed arrow A), pushing and/or pulling action can transfer through the first brace element 120 through the arm 110. This can allow levelling (by pushing and/or pulling) of the upright structure to which at least the first brace element 120 is mounted. This is described later in the specification in more detail.

As explained above, the first and second brace elements 120, 130 may each be configured to swivel and pivot with respect to the arm 110. The first brace element 120 and a second brace element 130 may each be configured to swivel (i.e. rotate) with respect to the arm about a swivel axis S that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the arm 110. The swivel directions are shown by the two headed arrow B in Figure 2. So, the first brace element and a second brace element may each be configured to swivel (rotate) with respect to the arm 110 around the swivel axis S. The rotation may be 360 degrees.

Similarly, each of the first and second brace elements 120, 130 may be configured to pivot with respect to the arm 110 about a pivot axis P that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm. Pivot axis P may be the same as the longitudinal axis. In this case, each of the first brace and second brace elements may be configured to pivot with respect to the arm about the longitudinal axis of the arm 110. The pivoting directions are shown by double headed arrow C in Figures 1 and 2. So, the first brace element 120 and the second brace element 130 may each be configured to pivot up and down with respect to the pivot axis P. The pivot angle may be 180 degrees, so between 0 degrees to 90 degrees in the upwards direction and between 0 degrees to 90 degrees in the downwards direction with respect to the pivot axis P. As mentioned above, the pivot axis P may be the same as the longitudinal axis of the arm 110. The swivel axis S may be substantially orthogonal to the pivot axis P.

The ability to swivel and pivot allows the brace elements 120, 130 to be easily maneuvered for properly attaching and/or attaching into various surfaces or surfaces of various angles and/or orientations in order to allow the apparatus 100 to level/plumb the upright structure 150. For example, the same apparatus 100 may be used for bracing into the upright structure 150 in different ways, as shown in the non-limiting examples of Figure 5 and Figure 6.

The first brace element 120 may be configured to brace/attach and/or otherwise engage with the upright structure 150 and the second brace element 130 may be configured to brace/attach and/or otherwise engage with a second structure 155. This is shown in Figure 5. Alternatively, both the first brace element 120 and the second brace element 130 may be configured to brace and/or otherwise engage with the upright structure 150. This is shown in Figure 6.

The upright structure 150 may be any suitable upright structure such as but not limited to a wall structure, a framework/frame structure, door frame or similar substantially vertical structure of a building that needs to be plumbed or levelled using the apparatus 100. The second structure 155 may be a substantially horizontal surface such as a ground. Alternatively, the second structure may be any other suitable structure with which the second brace element 130 brace, attach and/or otherwise engage, e.g. a second upright structure. In some embodiments, the second brace element 130 may be manually held by a person, while the first brace element is braced to the upright structure for levelling of the upright structure, although that is not the most preferred option. In some embodiments, the second brace element 130 may be held using a suitable holding device (e.g. a clamp or similar) while the first brace element 120 is braced to the upright structure 150 for levelling of the upright structure 150. However, bracing the second brace element 130 in a manner as shown in Figures 5 or 6 is most preferred for easy, most effective, cost-effective way of levelling of the upright structure 150.

The arm 150 may be adjustable in length with at least a telescopic arrangement at or proximal to the second end portion 110b. This allows the apparatus 100 to be suitable for use with upright structure 150 of various heights. It also allows apparatus 100 to be tilted at various angles as required for effective bracing and levelling of the upright structure 150. Furthermore, it allows the apparatus to be braced to the upright structure at various heights so that the adjustment device 140 is within an easy reach of the user without needing ladder or similar or without needing the user to bend too much to reach the adjustment device 140. The arm 150 may comprise a locking mechanism to lock the telescopic arrangement at a particular position, thereby preventing any further extension or retraction of the telescopic arrangement.

The locking mechanism may comprise a pin and lock mechanism. The arm member may comprise a handle 165 proximal (at or near) the second end portion 110b of the arm 110. The handle 165 may be used to carry the apparatus 100 as well as to facilitate easy extension and retraction of the telescopic arrangement.

The telescopic arrangement may comprise at least two telescopic sections 156, 157. At least section 157 may comprise a plurality of apertures 158 or dimples that are longitudinally spaced apart (preferably 100mm apart) and configured to receive a pin to lock the telescopic sections 157, 156 at a particular/desirable position thereby preventing extension and/or retraction of the telescopic arrangement. Section 156 may also comprise one aperture or dimple or plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures or dimples to receive the pin. Any suitable telescopic arrangements and locking such telescopic arrangements that are known in the art may be used. There may be more than two telescopic members.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, at least one or each of the first and the second brace elements 120, 130 may be formed as a plate. This allows the brace elements 120, 130 to be engaged with a substantially flat surface. At least a portion of the plate/brace element(s) 120, 130 may comprise (have) a bend 161, 163 for the plates to provide offset against a surface of the structure to which it is engaged. The bend 161 may be formed on the first brace element 120 and bend 163 may be formed on the second brace element 130. Having such an offset provides several technical advantages. For example, it allows room for window reveals to sit inside the wall frames/upright structure. Similarly, it allows the portion 112 of the art to rotate freely as there is a gap between upright structure 150 with which the first brace element 120 engage and the arm 110 (or longitudinal axis of the arm 110 around which the portion 112 of the arm rotates. Hence, the rotation of the portion 112 is not obstructed by the upright structure 150 during use.

In one embodiment, at least one or each of the first and the second brace element comprises one or plurality of apertures 122, 132 (e.g., holes) to receive fastener(s) (e.g. screws) for bracing the plate(s) to the structure(s).

In some embodiments, the first brace element and/or second brace element 120, 130 may be configured to move with at least three degrees of freedom with respect to the arm 110. For example, the first brace element 120 and/or the second brace element 130 may be mounted to the arm by at least one ball joint 165, 167. Multiple ball joints may be used to further facilitate more free movement of the brace elements 120, 130. In some embodiments, the brace element(s) 120, 130 may be able to pivot, tilt and rotate/swivel with respect to the arm 110. Instead of ball joints many other suitable mechanisms that allow pivoting and tilting may be used. For example, a three-axis gimbal may be used.

As shown, the arm 110 may comprise a first arm member 114 and a second arm member 116. The first arm member 114 may extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the arm 110 between the adjustment device 140 and the first brace element 120. The first end portion 110a of the arm may be located at the first arm member 114. Similarly, the second arm member 110 may extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the arm 110 between the adjustment device 140 and the second brace element 130. The second end portion 110b of the arm 110 may be located at the second arm member 110. A link 170 may be located between and interconnecting the first arm member 114 and the second arm member 116. The link 170 may be fixedly mounted to the first arm member 114. The adjustment device 140 may be mounted to or is integrally formed with the link 170 to allow the rotation of the link 170 about the longitudinal axis of the arm 110. This provides the pushing and/or pulling action to at least the first brace element 120 through the first arm member 110. For example, rotation of the link 170 in a clockwise direction may provide a pushing action and rotation of the link 170 in an anti-clockwise direction may provide a pulling action. Alternatively, rotation of the link 170 in a clockwise direction may provide a pulling action and rotation of the link 170 in an anti-clockwise direction may provide a pushing action.

The first arm member 114 and/or the second arm member 116 may be formed as a sleeve or may be tubular or hollow cylindrical. The first arm member 114 and/or a second arm member 116 may be a pipe.

The arm 110 may be adjustable in length with a threaded arrangement between an end portion 116a of second arm member 116 that is opposite the second end portion 110b of the arm 110 and the link 170. The link 170 may be engaged with the second arm member 116 and is at least partially received within the second arm member 116 (more specifically through the end 116a) so that rotation of the link 170 about the longitudinal axis of the arm 110 causes at least a portion of the link 170 to move in/slide in (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) or move out/slide out (as shown in Figure 3) of second arm member 116 along the longitudinal axis of the arm 110. In some embodiments, link 170 may be formed as a sleeve or may be tubular or hollow cylindrical. Link 170 may be a pipe. Link 170 may be a continuous threaded pipe connecting first arm member 114 and the second arm member 116.

As shown, link 170 may extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the arm 110 and may be threaded externally thereby having external threads 176 and at least the second arm member is threaded internally thereby having internal threads 178. Link 170 may at least be partially located within the second arm member 116 so that the external threads engage 176 with the internal threads 178 of the second arm member 116.

In an alternative embodiment, the link 170 may have a larger external diameter than that of the second arm member 116. In such a case, the second arm member 116 may have external threads that may engage with the internal threads of the link. The second arm member 116 may move in or out of the link 170 instead of the link 170 moving in or out of the second arm member 170. However, the variation as described above and as shown in the figures is more preferred as it better ensures that the rigidity of brace element(s)120, 130 and/or the rigidity of the apparatus 100 is/are not compromised.

First arm member 114 may be threaded internally, so may have internal threads 179. The link 170 may be at least partially located within the first arm member 114 so that the external threads 176 of the link 170 engage with the internal threads 179 of the first arm member 114. The first arm member 179 may be fixedly mounted to the link 170 using a bolt 169 that passes through both the first arm member 114 and link 170. This allows rotation of the first arm member 179 together with the link 170 in the directions shown by two headed arrow A by rotating the adjustment device 140 in the directions shown by two headed arrow D. Instead of using bolt 169 many other suitable means of fixedly mounting the link 170 to the first arm member may be used. In some embodiments, such fixed mounting may occur by welding the link 170 with the first arm member 114. It can be appreciated that the external threads 179 of the link 170 at a portion that is inserted into the first arm member is optional. As such, link 170 may only be partially threaded instead of being fully threaded.

Since the link 170 may be inserted into the first arm member 114 and/or the second arm member 116, the link 170 may also be referred to as an insert.

In some alternative embodiments, link 170 may have a larger external diameter than that of the first arm member 114. In such a case, the first arm member 114 may have external threads that may engage with the internal threads of the link 170 or at least the first arm member 116 may be received within the link 114.

Link 170 may be configured to at least partially extend out of the second arm member 170 by a rotational movement of the link 170 about the longitudinal axis of the arm in a first direction. This first direction can be a clockwise or an anti-clockwise direction. So, when the adjustment device is rotated, this may cause the rotational movement of the link 170 in the first direction and also cause the link 170 to at least partially extend out from the second arm member 116. This will increase the overall length of the arm 110 as shown in Figure 3 thereby allowing a pushing force at the first brace element 120 when the apparatus 170 is braced to the structure(s) in a manner as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Similarly, link 170 may be configured to at least partially received within the second arm member 116 by a rotational movement of the link 170 about the longitudinal axis of the arm 110 in a second direction that is opposite a first direction. This means if the first direction is a clockwise direction, the second direction will be an anti-clockwise direction and vice-versa. So, when the adjustment device is rotated in the opposite direction, this may cause the rotational movement of the link 170 in the second direction and cause the length of the link to be further received within the second arm member than in the extended position. This will decrease/shorted the overall length of the arm 110 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 thereby further providing the pulling force at the first brace element 120 when the apparatus 170 is braced to the structure(s) in a manner as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The directions of movement of the link within and from the second arm member 116 is shown by double headed arrow E. In other words, the double headed arrow E shows moving in and moving out of the portion of the link 170 from the second arm member 116. Use of such a link 170 with threaded arrangement provides simplicity in design and avoids need of chain or similar mechanism for pulling and pushing action to occur.

It can be appreciated that rotation of the first arm member 114 in the directions shown by arrows A achieves pulling and pushing action to the upright structure when that upright structure is fixedly mounted to the first brace element 120. In the embodiment shown, such a rotation allows the increase and decrease of the length of the arm 110 by rotational movement of the link 170 as described above (and as shown by arrows E) thereby causing the pushing and pulling actions respectively. Increasing the overall length of the arm 110 by at least partially extending the link 170 out from the second arm member 116 will provide pushing action to the upright structure 150 through the arm 110 and the first brace element 120. Similarly, decreasing the overall length of the arm 110 by at least partially extending the link 170 out from the second arm member 116 will provide pulling action to the upright structure 150 through first brace element 120. The apparatus can therefore be used for effectively levelling/plumbing of the upright structure in a convenient manner.

As shown in Figure 7, the adjustment device may be a ratchet device (or a rachet handle) comprising a ratchet mechanism 181 and a rachet handle/ lever 182. A skilled person will appreciate how such a ratchet device works, and therefore that need not be described in detail. As would be appreciated by a skilled person, oscillation of lever 182 causes the rotational movement of portion 112 of the arm or the first arm member 114. The oscillation of lever 182 may cause the rotational movement of the link 170 and may consequently cause the rotational movement of the first arm member 114. The link 170 may connect to the ratchet device with a rachet sleeve 183 as shown in the figures. The rachet sleeve may be substantially tubular. The rachet sleeve 183 may be part of the rachet device. In other words, the rachet device may comprise the rachet sleeve 183. The rachet sleeve may comprise the rachet mechanism 181. In some embodiments, the link 170 may also be part of the rachet device. In other words, the rachet device may comprise the link 170.

The telescoping arrangement and locking mechanism as described above may be present in the second arm member 116, as shown in Figures 1-3.

The apparatus may comprise at least one bearing 185. The bearing may be located at or proximal to the first end portion 110a may comprise a bearing 185 to facilitate the rotation of the first arm member 114 or rotation of the arm portion 112 in the directions of double headed arrow A and consequently the rotation of the link 170. A stud 186, preferably a threaded stud may receive the bearing 185, and the bearing 185 may be fixed to the stud 186 using nuts 187a, 187b to hold the bearing in between the nuts 187a, 187b. The first brace element 120 may be mounted to the arm 110 via the stud 186. Many other suitable arrangement and alternatives may be used to facilitate rotation of the first arm member.

In some embodiments, each of the first arm member and/or second arm member may be made out of a suitable material preferably aluminum. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first arm member and/or second arm member may be 50 mm.

From the above, it can be appreciated that a upright structure 150 can be braced and levelled/plumbed by fixedly attaching/bracing the first brace element 120 to the upright structure 150. Similarly, the second brace element 130 can be fixedly attached/braced to either the same upright structure 150 or to a second structure such as another upright structure or a horizontal surface e.g. a ground. Levelling of the upright structure 150 can then be performed by using the adjustment device 140 to cause rotational movement of at least a portion of the arm 110 about the longitudinal axis of the arm 150 thereby increasing or decreasing the length of the arm 110 along the longitudinal axis to provide the pushing and/or pulling action to the first brace element 120 through the arm (or through the first arm member 116 of the arm 110).

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A bracing and levelling apparatus for an upright structure, the apparatus comprising:

an adjustment device that is located between the first end portion and the second end portion of the arm, the adjustment device being physically engaged with the arm and is configured to cause rotational movement of at least a portion of the arm about the longitudinal axis to provide a pushing and/or pulling action to at least the first brace element through the arm.

2. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, each of the first brace element and the second brace element is configured to swivel with respect to the arm about a swivel axis that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

3. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the first brace element and the second brace element is configured to pivot with respect to the arm about a pivot axis that is same as or is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

4. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first brace element is configured to brace the upright structure and the second brace element is configured to engage with and/or brace a second structure.

5. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second structure is a substantially horizontal surface.

6. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein both the first and second elements are configured to brace the upright structure.

7. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upright structure is a substantially vertical structure for a building.

8. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upright structure is a frame structure.

9. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the portion of the arm is located adjacent the first brace element.

10. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the arm comprises a telescopic arrangement at or proximal to the second end portion.

11. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the arm comprises a locking mechanism to lock the telescopic arrangement at a particular position thereby preventing extension and/or retraction of the telescopic arrangement.

12. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism is a pin and lock mechanism.

13. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the telescopic arrangement comprises at least two telescopic sections, at least one of the sections comprising a plurality of apertures or dimples that are longitudinally spaced apart and configured to receive a pin to lock the telescopic sections at a particular position thereby preventing extension and/or retraction of the telescopic arrangement.

14. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one or each of the first and the second brace elements is formed as a plate.

15. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least one or each of the first and second brace elements comprises a bend for the plate to be offset from a surface with which it is braced.

16. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one or each of the first and the second brace elements comprises at least one aperture to receive at least one fastener.

17. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first brace element is configured to move with at least three degrees of freedom with respect to the arm.

18. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the second brace element is configured to move with at least three degrees of freedom with respect to the arm.

19. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first brace element and/or second brace element are configured to swivel, pivot and tilt with respect to the arm.

20. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, the first brace element and/or the second brace element is mounted to the arm by at least one ball joint.

21. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first brace element and/or the second brace element is mounted to the arm member by a three-axis gimbal.

22. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the arm member comprises a handle at or near the second end portion of the arm.

23. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the arm comprises: a first arm member extending longitudinally along said longitudinal axis of the arm between the adjustment device and the first brace element, the first end portion of the arm is located at the first arm member; a second arm member extending longitudinally along said longitudinal axis of the arm between the adjustment device and the second brace element, the second end portion of the arm is located at the second arm member; and a link located between and interconnecting the first arm member and the second arm member, the link being fixedly mounted to the first arm member, wherein the adjustment device is mounted to or is integrally formed with the link to allow the link to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the arm and provide the pushing and/or pulling action to at least the first brace element through the first arm member.

24. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the first arm member and/or the second arm member is formed as a sleeve.

25. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein the first arm member and/or the second arm member is tubular or hollow cylindrical.

26. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the arm is adjustable in length with a threaded arrangement between an end portion of second arm member and the link, the end portion of the second arm member being opposite the second end portion of the arm.

27. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the link is rotatably engaged with the second arm member and is at least partially received within the second arm member so that rotation of the link about the longitudinal axis of the arm causes at least a portion of the link to move in or move out of second arm member along the longitudinal axis of the arm.

28. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the link extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the arm and is threaded externally thereby having have external threads, and at least the second arm member is threaded internally thereby having internal threads, the link being at least partially located within the second arm member so that the external threads of the link engage with the internal threads of the second arm member.

29. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed claim 28, wherein the first arm member is threaded internally thereby having internal threads, the link being at least partially located within the first arm member so that the external threads of the link engage with the internal threads of the first arm member.

30. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the first arm member is fixedly mounted to the link by a bolt that passed through both the first arm member and the link.

31. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the link is configured to at least partially extend out of the second arm member by a rotational movement of the link about the longitudinal axis of the arm in a first direction.

32. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the link is configured to at least partially receive within the second arm member by a rotational movement of the link about the longitudinal axis of the arm in a second direction that is opposite a first direction.

33. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the first direction is a clockwise direction and a second direction is an anticlockwise direction.

34. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the first direction is an anticlockwise direction and a second direction is a clockwise direction.

35. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein the first brace element is configured to at least swivel and pivot about or with respect to the first arm member.

36. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 35, wherein the second brace element is configured to at least swivel and pivot about or with respect to the second arm member.

37. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the adjustment device is a ratchet device comprising a ratchet mechanism.

38. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the ratchet device is physically engaged with the arm, the ratchet device comprising a lever.

39. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein an oscillation of the lever causes the rotational movement of said at least the portion of the arm.

40. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 37 or to claim 38 when claim 38 is appended to any one of claims 23 to 37, wherein an oscillation of the lever causes the rotational movement of the link.

41. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 37 or to claim 38 when claim 38 is appended to any one of claims 23 to 37, an oscillation of the lever causes the rotational movement of the link and said first arm member.

42. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one bearing mounted to the arm to facilitate rotation of the portion of the arm.

43. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 42, wherein the bearing is located at or proximal to the first end portion.

44. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 43, wherein a threaded stud is mounted to the arm and the bearing is received by the stud.

45. A bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in claim 44, wherein the bearing is fixed to the stud using at least two nuts to hold the bearing in between the nuts.

46. A bracing and levelling apparatus for an upright structure, the apparatus comprising:

the arm comprising:

a first arm member extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the arm between the adjustment device and the first brace element, the first end portion of the arm is located at the first arm member, a second arm member extending longitudinally along said longitudinal axis of the arm between the adjustment device and the second brace element, the second end portion of the arm located at the second arm member, and a link located between and interconnecting the first arm member and the second arm member, the link being fixedly mounted to the first arm member;

the apparatus further comprising an adjustment device mounted to or is integrally formed with the link to allow the link to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the arm and provide the pushing and/or pulling action to at least the first brace element through the first arm member.

47. A method of bracing and levelling an upright structure, the method comprising:

providing a bracing and levelling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 46;

fixedly attaching/bracing the first brace element to the upright structure;

fixedly attaching/bracing to the upright structure or to a second structure or holding the second brace element; and

levelling the upright structure by using the adjustment device to cause rotational movement of at least a portion of the arm about the longitudinal axis of the arm to provide a pushing and/or pulling action to at least the first brace element through the arm.