AU697602B2 - Brick laying apparatus - Google Patents

Description

44343 DP:MG P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

e C Name of Applicant: JOHN TOTH Name of inventor: 4 JOHN TOTH Address for Service: COLLISON CO., 117 King William Street, Adelaide, S.A. 5000 Invention Title: f r BRICK LAYING APPARATUS Details of Associated Provisional Applications: PM7060 dated 26th July 1994 rt The following statement is a full description of this invention, including thef Abest method of performing it known to me: including the best method of performing it known to me:inventor: i j r:Ii 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 2 FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a brick laying apparatus, more particularly a device to assist in the correct alignment, both vertically and horizontally, of building blocks for example, bricks, being manually laid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One of the major problems in constructing a structure from building blocks such as bricks, is to accurately locate the bricks, not only in vertical height by the use of the correct thickness of mortar beneath the brick, but also the brick must be placed in the correct vertical plane and also be positioned longitudinally in the correct position. Thus each brick must be positioned correctly in three dimensions Various aids have been proposed to assist in this correct alignment of each .brick, and the simplest of these is the flexible cord or line which is tensioned I 15 along the next course of bricks. Also various mechanical guides and

I

apparatus have been proposed to assist in correct positioning of the bricks, 1 and to the applicant's knowledge these are primarily directed to the positioning of the bricks during the construction of a wall, or a corner joining two walls.

20 Examples of such guides are shown in the following patent specifications o AU30677/77, AU34880/93, AU19317/76, AU18304/76 452171, and 409333 which are all directed either to the construction of a run of a wall and/or of the correct alignment of the bricks at a corner.

However while examples are shown above of devices to assist in the correct positioning of bricks at a corner, these devices are of not great assistance in the construction of brick pillars, columns, chimneys or other columnar constructions whether of square, rectangular or other cross-sectional shape.

Thus it is an object of this invention to provide a bricklaying apparatus or bricklaying aid to assist in the construction of columnar constructions.

LIU

4/ i: Ma~wamft 3 A further object of this invention is to provide a bricklaying aid which is adjustable depending on the cross sectional area of the construction to be erected.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION Thus there is provided according to the invention a bricklaying apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a pair of upright parallel support members joined by upper and lower cross pieces to form a stable rectangular structure; a support frame adjustably positioned on the parallel support members,sc 4c support frame having adjustably positioned thereon a guide which is dimensioned to the periphery of the structure being erected, said 6*94 guide thus locating the bricks to the outer perimeter of the structure, and the guide also having surfaces to locate the bricks vertically; i 15 adjustable locating members to position the support frame at a ~desired position with respect to the support members; and wherein a lowermost cross piece is received in an open mouthed t base section the cross piece and upright parallel members are pivotally movable about an axis perpendicular to a plane of the rectangular structure such that the position of the rectangular structure with respect to a ground surface is adjuistable.

~Thus, the apparatus of the present invention allows the outer dimensions of a structure to be carefully monitored. Moreover, by having the support frame slidably movable over the upright supports, the uppermost height of any course of bricks to be laid is easily controlled. The height of each course can be selected by using an accompanying marked guide rod, or by marking on the upright support members the heights of each course.

Preferably, the support members are adapted for connection of bracing members thereto. ~""ji 3a The bracing members may conveniently comprise a telescopically extending rod having inner and outer sections, the inner and outer sections being slidably movable over one another and being lockable into a selected position by a clamp attached to one open end of the outer section.

Advantageously, the clamp may comprises a pair of apertured lugs attached r g A r

C

t C t t 1 t

SI

C t

I

4 to opposing sides of the outer section, the lugs being connected by a threaded nut and bolt, a lever being attached to extend outwardly from the nut, the lever being used to tighten the nut on the bolt thereby compressing the lugs slightly and clamping the outer section onto the inner section.

At its uppermost end, the inner section terminates in a threaded aperture into which is fitted an upper rod having a threaded section at one end thereof, a free end of the upper rod being angled and adapted for insertion into one of a number of holes formed in either the upright support members or the top cross piece, the end of the upper rod being inserted into one of the holes, and, as a 1 0 result of the angled section, the upper rod being able to be moved within the hole thereby varying the position of the bracing means with respect to the upright supports.

Ie I Preferably, the holes are located adjacent upper ends of the support members and adjacent outer edges of the cross piece, a respective hole being formed on opposing sides of the cross piece and on an outer face of the support members.

Also preferably, the outer section terminates in a threaded aperture into which ris fitted a lower rod having a threaded section at one end thereof, the lower rod terminating at a free end in a ring section which is captured in a further I 2 0 ring attached to a plate, the interconnection of the two ring sections allowing the plate to be freely rotated about the bracing members, the plate thereby serving to secure the bracing members to a surface having either an horizontal or a vertical orientation, or in any orientation therebetween.

The threaded sections on the upper and lower rods are oppositely threaded, 2 5 the bracing members therefore acting in the manner of a turn buckle.

Preferably, the support frame can be vertically positioned on the upright supports and locked in vertical position by the adjustable locating apparatus, the adjustable locating apparatus including, one or more locking members and a lifting apparatus.

3 0 Usefully, the locking members include a first and second locking member.

In a preferred embodiment, one of the first or second locking members comprises a locking rod attached to the support frame, and a handle attached to one end of the rod, a free end of the rod being secured to the support frame by means of a threaded connection through an apertured plate, a bolt being i used to lock the rod into position against the plate, the locking member further including a pair of brake blocks formed with a resilient layer thereon, the brake blocks being located between the plate and a respective limb of the support frame and being received in a respective slot cut into the outer edges of the support frame, the resilient layers frictionally engaging the upright members when the locking member is in a locked position.

A handle is pivotally attached to the rod by means of a pivot pin, whereby rotation of the rod about a longitudinal axis thereof brings the rod through the bolt and forces the blocks to bear against their respective upright supports and 1 0 rotation of the handle to a position in which it is co-axially aligned with the rod brings an inner, rounded end of the handle to bear against the plate and block thereby securing.the support frame in a vertical position against the upright supports.

Alternatively, or in addition to the locking member described above, the one or 1 5 more locking members may include: a pair of toggle members, each toggle member being adapted to bear against a respective upright support, the toggle members each comprising a S:resilient block frictionally engaging the surface of the upright supports through respective slots cut into the support frame; the locking member further including a biasing spring extending between each flange and the horizontal surface of the cross member, the biasing spring being such that in a locked position, :the toggle members bear against the upright supports and, in an unlocked position the toggle members toggle against the biasing spring to allow movement of the upright supports over the blocks; a respective inwardly directed bar pivotally associated with each toggle members, the bars being pivotally inter connected at a centrally located point; and a cam bearing against the connection point, the cam including an eccentric 3 0 element and an operating lever extending radially from one edge of the eccentric; -the cam serving to move the bars and the toggle members, between the locked position in which the eccentric element bears against the connection point, thus forcing the bars downwardly and outwardly and therefore urging

IA

6 the toggle members against the upright supports; and the unlocked position where the pressure on the bars is reduced and the bars therefore move upwardly under a biasing pressure supplied by the biasing spring the upright supports being able to move by tilting of the toggles.

In one, preferred embodiment, one of each type of the locking members described is included in the apparatus. In this form a secure more permanent locking mechanism is combined with an easily useable more temporary mechanism which allows for careful adjustment of the height of the support frame.

1 0 Preferably, the lifting apparatus comprises: a handle extending outwardly beyond one upright support, an inward end of the handle being pivotally connected at a central pivot to a support engaging section; the handle also being connected to the upper surface of the cross member through a link, the handle section being rotatable around the link; the support engaging section including a toggle member bearing against an inner surface of the upright support, the toggle member including a resilient C"*"element capable of frictionally engaging the upright support; and I a biasing spring extending between the cross member and the support engaging section, the biasing spring assisting in maintaining the support engaging section in an engaged position; whereby by lowering the handle section the biasing spring is compressed thereby releasing tension on the toggle member thus releasing the lifting apparatus from engagement allowing the support frame to be raised.

Conveniently, the bricklaying guide is attachable to the front face of the support frame by means of upper and lower slotted pocket sections ircorporated on each edge thereof, the pocket sections each including an open upper end and a slot, the pocket sections being adapted to riceive a bricklaying guide therein.

3 0 Typically, the bricklaying guide is generally triangular in form and is composed of a frame of angular members having upper parallel members with flattened inner surfaces which locate the vertical position of the bricks, tJ

I

7 the upper parallel members are connected to forwardly directed horizontal members which serve as a further locating mechanism for brick surfaces, the guide including bracing members extending between the upper parallel members and the horizontal members The horizontal members also include apertures therein for connection of extension means to the guide, the extension means being formed of a number of interconnected slotted channel members and corner connecting members connected to form an outer periphery of the structure to be constructed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 1 0 The present invention will now be described, by way of the following nonlimiting example, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which: FIG 1 illustrates in perspective view a brick laying apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; FIG 2 illustrates in detail a support frame and bricklaying guide of the 1 5 bricklaying apparatus of FIG 1; FIG 3 illustrates an extension apparatus adapted for connection to the bricklaying guide; FIG 4 illustrates in detail a lifting mechanism for use in raising the support frame of the apparatus of FIG 1; 20 FIG 5 shows a partially cutaway face view of a first locking mechanism S"of the support frame; FIG 6 shows a second locking mechanism of the support frame; FIG 6a illustrates in detail a part of the second locking mechanism; FIG 7 represents a detail of the bracing mechanism of the bricklaying apparatus; and FIG 8 showing detail of a connecting element of the extension means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT.

Shown in the drawings is a hrick laying apparatus 10 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The brick laying apparatus 10 comprises: i 8 a pair of upright parallel support members 12; a support frame 14 adjustably positioned on the parallel support members 12, said support frame 14 having adjustably positioned thereon a bricklaying guide 16 which is dimensioned to the periphery of the structure being erected, said 16 guide thus locating the bricks to the outer perimeter of the structure, and the guide also having surfaces 18 to locate the bricks vertically; said apparatus also having adjustable locating members to vertically position the support frame 14 at the desired vertical position.

The pair of upright parallel support members 12 are each a rectangular metal 1 0 tube and the support frame has co-operating guides 22 slidable on the support members. The support members 12 are joined at their upper and lower ends by rectangular cross pieces 24 thereby forming a stable rectangular structure. The cross pieces 24 are conveniently of like cross section to the uprights 12 and are attached to the upright members 12 by 15 welding.

The lowermost cross piece 24 is received, and is a snug fit, in an open mouthed base section 26. A nut and bolt arrangement 28 passes through the base section 26 and the lowermost cross piece 24 thereby securing the upright parallel members 12 in the base section 26. The nut and bolt 28 is located generally centrally in the cross piece 24. The cross piece 24 and upright parallel members 12 are pivotally movable about the bolt 28. Thus, the base 26 may be rested on an uneven, or sloping surface and the position of the upright parallel members be altered with respect to the base by rotation around the bolt 28 until the members 12 are in a vertical position. Tightening the nut and bolt 28 against the base section 26 then secures the vertical position.

A base plate 30 is welded to the base section 26 and extends outwardly at right angles to the base section 26. The base section 30 assists in securing a more stable footing for the apparatus 10 and has a number of apertures 32 formed therein which allow the base plate 30 to be secured to any ground or other surface on which the apparatus 10 is to be erected.

The support members 12 in the embodiment shown are of considerable height and it is useful for the entire structure to be braced. Bracing means in the form of a pair of bracing members 34 are therefore provided. The bracing 3 5 members 34 comprise a telescopically extending rod having inner and outer It J 9 sections 34a and 34b respectively. The sections 34a, 34b are locked together by a clamp 36 attached to one open end of the section 34b.

The clamp 36 illustrated in detail in FIG 7 comprises a pair of apertured lugs 36a attached to opposing sides of the section 34b, the lugs being connected by a threaded nut 36b and bolt 36c. A lever 36d is attached to end extends outwardly from the nut 36b, the lever 36d being used to tighten the nut 36c on the bolt 36b thereby compressing the lugs 36a slightly and clamping the outer section 34b onto the inner section 34a. The open end of the section 34b has a keyhole slot 38 cut into one side thereof, the side extending between the lugs 1 0 36a. The keyhole slot 38 assists in compressing the outermost section 34b against the innermost section 34a.

At its uppermost end, the inner section 34a terminates in a threaded aperture into which is fitted a rod 42 having a threaded section at one end thereof. A free end 44 of the rod 42 is angled and adapted for insertion into one of a 1 5 number of holes 46 formed in either the support members 12 or the top cross piece 24. As can be seen most clearly from FIG 7 the holes 46 are located adjacent upper ends of the support members 12 and adjacent outer edges of the cross piece 24. There is a respective hole 46 formed on opposing sides of the cross piece 24 and on an outer face of the support members 12.

20 The end 44 of the rod 42 is inserted into one of the holes 46, and, as a result of the angled section 44, the rod 42 is able to be moved within the hole 46.

Thus the position of the bracing means 34 is variable.

Similarly, at its lowermost end, the outer section 34b terminates in a threaded aperture 48 into which is fitted a rod 50 having a threaded section at one end thereof. The rod 50 terminates at a free end in a ring section 52 which is captured in a further ring 54. The ring 54 is securely welded to a plate 56. The interconrnction of the two ring sections 52,54 allows the plate 56 to be freely rotated about the bracing means 34. Thus, as is exemplified in FIG 1, the plate 56 can be used to secure the bracing means 34 to a surface having either an horizontal or a vertical orientation, or for any orientation in between.

In use, the bracing means 34 are attached to either side of apparatus typically at right angles, using a hole 46 in one upright support 12 and one opposing hole 46 in the cross piece 24. Alternatively, the bracing means 34 are engaged in holes 46 on opposing sides of the cross piece 24. The particular selection of holes 46 chosen to receive the bracing means 34 being I I OILi i i-too" 0 made in relation to the environment in which the apparatus 10 is to be erected.

Once the bracing sections 34 are fitted, the length of the sections is adjusted using the clamping means 36. The threaded connections between the Inner section 34a and the rod 42, and between the outer section 34b and the rod each allow further small adjustments of the length of the bracing sections to be made. Conveniently, the threaded sections on the rods 42, and 50 are oppositely threaded, the bracing means therefore acting in the manner of a turn buckle.

1 0 The combination of the telescopically extendable bracing means 34, the fine adjustment available from the threaded rods 42, 50 and the variable orientation of the plate 56, together with the adjustment available from the base section 26 and nut and bolt arrangement 28 ensure that the positioning of the apparatus 10 is accurate.

1 5 The support frame 14 is adjustably positioned on the parallel support members 12. The support frame 14 is illustrated from a rear side in FIG 5 and in partial cross section in FIG 2. As can he seen, the support frame has cooperating guides 22 slidable on the upright support 12. The guides 22 therefore are formed of rectangular metal sections adapted to slide over the 20 upright supports 12, the guides 22 being connected by upper and lower cross members 58. The cross members 58 A. formed of right angled metal sections, most clearly visible in FIGS 1 aid 4.

The support frame 14 can be vertically positioned on the upright members 12 and locked in vertical position by the adjustable locating apparatus. The apparatus includes, in the embodiment described, first and second locking members 60 and 62 in combination with a lifting apparatus 63. The first locking member 60 is shown in FIG 5 and the second locking member 62 is shown in FIGS 6 and 6a.

The first locking member 60 is generally arranged on the support frame 14 3 0 between the upper and lower cross members 58. The locking member includes a locking rod 64 which passes through a pair of aligned spaced rings attached to a rear side of the support frame 14 and a handle 66 attached to one end of the rod 64. The free end of the rod 64 terminates in a threaded section 68. The free end 68 of the rod 64 is secured to the support frame 14 3 5 by means of a threaded connection through an apertured plate 70, a nut 72 IL W vw t i-I a 1 1!! being used to lock the rod into position against the plate 70. The plate 70 is fitted into a slotted flange 74, the slotted flange 74 extending outwardly from the support frame 14.

A brake block 76 formed with a resilient layer 78 thereon is placed between the plate 70 and support frame 14. The brake block 76 is received in a slot cut into the outer edges of the support frame 14. Thus, the resilient layer 78 is frictionally engages the upright members 12 when the locking member 60 is in the locked position.

A corresponding apertured plate 70, slotted flange, block 76 and slot 80 in the 1 0 support frame 14 are formed on both sides of the locking member However, the handle replaces the nut 72. The rod 64 is received in the handle 66 between a pair of spaced lugs 82. The handle 66 is pivotally attached to the rod 64 by means of a pivot pin 84 extending between the lugs 82 and having the rod 64 rotatable attached thereto. In the position shown in FIG 5 the 1 5 handle 66 is in the unlocked position. Rotation of the rod 64 about a longitudinal axis thereof brings the rod 64 though the bolt 72 and forces the blocks 76 to bear against their respective upright members. Rotation of the handle 66 to a position in which it is co-axially aligned with the rod 64 brings an inner, rounded end 86 of the handle 66 to bear against the plate 70 and block 76 thereby securing the frame in a vertical position against the upright 11 members 12. The handle 66 is shown both in the locked (solid) and unlocked (dashed) lines in FIG 6.

The second locking member 62 is located directly above the lowermost cross 5 member 58.

The second locking member 62 comprises a pair of toggle members 88 each toggle member 88 being adapted to bear against a respective upright member 12. As can be seen most clearly in FIG 5b, the toggle members 88 each comprise a resilient block 90 frictionally engaging the surface of the upright supports 12 through respective slots 92 cut into the support frame 14. At their rear sides the blocks 90 are connected to inwardly directed flanges 94.

Extending between each flange 94 and the horizontal surface of the cross member 58 is a biasing spring 96. The detail section of FIG 5b shows how, with the springs 96 in the extended position, the toggle member 88 is brought to bear against the upright support 12.

3 5 Pivotally attached to each flange 94 is a respective inwardly directed bar 98.

;i i The bars 98 are pivotally inter connected at a centrally located point 100.

Bearing against the connection point 100 is a cam 102. The cam 102 includes an eccentric element 102a rotatable about a fixed point 102b, an operating lever 102c extending radially from one edge of the eccentric. The fixed point 102b is connected to an upstanding portion of the cross member.

The cam 102 serves to move the bars 98 and, therefore, the toggle members 88, between two positions. In a first, locking position, the cam lever 102c is in a vertical position and the eccentric element 102a bears against the connection point 100, thus forcing the bars 98 downwardly and outwardly and 1 0 therefore urging the toggle members 88 against the upright supports 12 as shown in FIG 6. As the cam lever 102c is moved to the horizontal position, shown in dashed lines in FIG 6, the eccentric element is rotated to a position wherethe pressure on the bars 98 is reduced. The cross bars 98 therefore move upwardly under a biasing pressure supplied by the biasing spring 96.

15 The locking member 62 now assumes the second unlocked position wherein the upright supports 12 are able to move by tilting of the toggles 88. In such a ',imanner the second locking member 62 is able to be used as a temporary vertical adjustment locking mechanism for the support frame 14.

The support frame 14 also has an adjustable locating means in the form of a lifting apparatus 63, shown in FIG 4, attached to an upper end thereof.

V The lifting apparatus 63 completes the adjustable locating apparatus 20 and is also associated with the support frame 14. The lifting apparatus 63 is attached to and acts in co-operation with the horizontal portion of the upper cross member 58. The lifting apparatus 63 includes a handle 104 extending 1 25 outwardly beyond are upright support 12. An inward end of the handle 104 is pivotally connected at a central pivot 106 to a support engaging section 108.

The handle 104 is also connected to the upper surface of the cross memh-; 58 through a link 110, the link 110 being hooked at one end through a loop 112 formed on the cross member 58, and through an aperture in the handle section 104 at a remaining end. The handle section 104 is rotatable around the link 110. The support engaging section 108 includes a Y-shaped section two links of the Y passing on either side of an upright support 12. A bar and wing nut 114 connect limbs of the Y on the outer side of the upright support 12. Bearing against an inner surface of the upright support 12 and received between limbs of the Y is a toggle member 116. The toggle member 116 includes a resilient element (not shown) capable of frictionally engaging the upright support 12 as previously described. A biasing spring 118 extending u i r surtace is aajustaDle.

I

13 between the cross member 58 and the support engaging section 108 assists in maintaining the section 108 in an engaged position. By lowering the handle section 104 the biasing spring 118 is compressed thereby releasing tension on the Y section 108 and the toggle member 116. The lifting apparatus is therefore freed from engagement and can be used to raise the support frame 14 and any associated equipment. Clearly, for the lifting apparatus to be operable each of the first and second locking mechanisms and 62 are required to be in an unlocked condition.

The tilting and lifting of the support frame 14 can therefore be achieved 1 0 manually.

The bricklaying guide 16 is illustrated in FIG'S 2 and 3. The front face of the !support frame 12 has incorporated on each edge thereof upper and lower slotted pocket sections 120. The pocket sections include an open upper end and a slot 122. A bolt section 124 having a flattened head 126 is fitted into 1 5 each pocket 120, the bolt head 126 being retained in the pocket 120 and the bolt 124 projecting through the slot 122. Apertures formed in the bricklaying guide 16 are used to attach the guide 16 to the support frame 14 using bolts 124 and associated nuts and washers. A typical arrangement of bolt, nuts and washers is shown in expanded form in FIG 2.

2 0 The bricklaying guide 16 is gen'ally triangular in form and is composed of a frame of angular members having upper parallel members 128 with flattened inner surfaces which locate the vertical position of the bricks. The upper parallel members are connected to forwardly directed horizontal members 130 which re sued as a further locating mechanism for brick surfaces. Bracing members 132 and the horizontal members 130 give the guide 16 its characteristic triangular appearance. A front cross member 134 extending between the horizontal members 130 forms a further locating surface for bricks. Thus, the members 128, 130 and 134 comprise surfaces which may be used to locate the outer and/or upper surfaces of bricks to the surface to be 3 0 constructed. For example, the under surface of the members 130, 134 can be used to locate the upper surface of any brick course to be laid thus reducing the skill needed in the selection of mortar quantities to be used. The horizontal members 130 include apertures therein for connection of extension sections to the guide 16. One such arrangement of extension sections is 3 5 illustrated in FIG 3. However, it is to be emphasised that the extension sections are designed for interconnection to produce an infinite variety of shapes and an incorporate known extension means such as string lines.

14 The extension means is formed of a number of interconnected slotted channel members 136, corner connecting members 138. The various elements are connected to form an outer periphery of the structure to be constructed, for example a pillar or column having an outer rectangular shape in the present example. Shortened apertured securing sections 140 and bolts 142 are used to connect the various connecting members 136 and 138. By judicious selection of appropriate channel members 136 and corner sections 138 a large number of periphery structures can be created.

In any connection, as shown in FIG 8, the respective securing sections 140 are separated by a pair of movable elements 144 and inter connected by a pin 146 extending through each of the apertures in the sections 140. The pin .*.elements allow the angle between two co-joined connecting members 136 to be infinitely varied. Thus the bolt 142 secures the connecting member 136 to the section 140, the section 140 being open ended and the bolt 142 slidable r 5 in the channel formed in the section 136 until a desired point is reached. By connection of a number of elements in this way it is possible for the extension means to form any number of outer peripheral shapes.

In use, the apparatus 10 is supplied in the form of a kit including the separate elements including the upright support members 12; braciig members 34; 2 0 support frame 14; associated first and/or second locking means 60 or 62; ebricklaying guide 16; lifting apparatus 66 and sufficient number of elements 136 and 138 to create a number of extension frameworks. In the disassembled form it is clear that the assembly would not require either specialised packing or large amounts of space and would easily fit into a 2 5 tradespersons utility vehicle.

The kit is also supplied with a sufficient quantity of peripheral connecting nuts and bolts such that the separate elements described can be assembled to form the apparatus, generally into the form shown in FIG 1. The tools required to complete this task are no more than the ordinary tools which could be 3 0 expected to be carried by a tradesperson as a matter of course. Similarly, the skills required to assemble the apparatus would be no more than those expected in a competent tradesperson.

In addition to the equipment supplied the apparatus 10 may also include a measuring device which enables the height of individual brick courses to be 3 5 marked. Alternatively, the required separation of the brick courses can be marked on the upright supports 12.

I r Thus, using the bricklaying guide 16, as supported on the support frame 14 and the extension means as required a frame corresponding to the outer periphery of an intended construction can arranged. Moreover, by positioning the vertical height of the support frame 14 on the upright supports 12 the 5 upper surface of any brick course to be laid can be determined.

Once the position of the upper surface of a course to be laid has been determined the support frame can be locked into position using either the first or second locking members 60 and 62. As will be appreciated, the second locking member 62 is more readily released for making small adjustments and the first locking member 60 can be used to secure the selected position.

To form a brick course the motar is laid and a brick positioned thereon in alignment with the guide 16 and such extension elements as are used. The .quantity of motar can be adjusted and the brick compressed until the upper surface of the brick is aligned with the lower surface of the guide 16. The 15 support frame 14 can the be raised to the level required for the next brick course. By following such a routine the spacing between successive brick courses can be controlled to produce an professional result, such as is U' required in a column or other feature construction.

While one form of the invention has been described in some detail, it is to be realised that the invention is not to be limited thereto but also includes any variations and modifications such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee.

1 h is okngmme 0cnb ue oscr h slce oiin Tofr rikcus hemtri ai n rikpstoedteeni ainetwthtegie1eadsc xesineeet s r sd h quniyo oa cnb dutdad h rc opese ni h pe

Claims (15)

1. A bricklaying apparatus, said apparatus including: a pair of upright parallel support members joined by upper and lower cross pieces to form a stable rectangular structure; a support frame adjustably positioned on the parallel support members,,i4 support frame having adjustably positioned thereon a guide ,which is dimensioned to the periphery of the structure being erected, said i guide thus locating the bricks to the outer perimeter of the structure, and the guide also having surfaces to locate the bricks vertically; C adjustable locating members to position the support frame at a desired position with respect to the support members; and C C tf t wherein a lowermost cross piece is received in an open mouthed base section the cross piece and upright parallel members are pivotally 15 movable about an axis perpendicular to a plane of the rectangular structure such that the position of the rectangular structure with respect to a ground C C surface is adjustable.

2. A bricklaying apparatus according to claim 1, in which the pair of upright parallel support members are each a rectangular metal tube and the support frame has cooperating guides slidable on the support members.

3. A bricklaying apparatus according to claim 1, in which the bracing members each comprise a telescopically extending rod having inner and outer sections, the inner and outer sections being slidably movable over one another and being lockable into a selected position by a clamp attached to one open end of the outer section.

4. A bricklaying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the clamp comprises a pair of apertured lugs attached to opposing sides of the outer section, the lugs being connected by a threaded nut and bolt, a lever being i 17 attached to extend outwardly from the nut the lever being used to tighten the nut on the bolt thereby compressing the lugs slightly and clamping the outer section onto the inner section.

5. A bricklaying apparatus according to claim 3, in which, at its uppermost end, the inner section terminates in a threaded aperture into which is fitted an upper rod having a threaded section at one end thereof, a free end of the upper rod being angled and adapted for insertion into one of a numnber of holes formed in either the support members or the top cross piece, the end .1 0 of the upper rod being inserted into one of the holes, and, as a result of the 9 angled section, the upper rod being able to be moved within the hole thereby varying the position of the bracing means with respect to the upright supports. 9* A bricklaying apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the holes are located adjacent upper ends of the support members and adjacent outer 15 edges of the cross piece, a respective hold being formed on opposing sides of the cross piece and on an outer face of the support members.

7. A bricklaying apparatus according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein the outer section terminates in a threaded aperture into which is fitted a lower rod having a threaded section at one end thereof, the lower rod terminating at S2 0 a free end in a ring section which is captured in a further ring attached to a plate, the interconnection of the two ring sections allowing the plate to be freely rotated about the bracing members, the plate thereby serving to secure the bracing members to a surface having either an horizontal or a vertical orientation, or in any orientation there between.

8. A bricklaying apparatus according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the threaded connections between the inner section and its associated upper rod, and between the outer section and the lower rod each allow further small adjustments of the length of the bracing members to be made, the threaded sections on the upper and lower rods being oppositely threaded, the bracing 3 0 members therefore acting in the manner of a turn buckle. 18

9. A bricklaying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame has cooperating guides slidable on the upright supports, the guides being connected by upper and lower cross members. A bricklaying apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the support frame can be vertically positioned on the upright supports and locked in vertical position by the adjustable locating apparatus, the adjustable locating apparatus including, one or more locking members and a lifting apparatus. 0 Q

11. A bricklaying apparatus according to claim 10, in which the one or more locking members include a first and second locking member. •12. A bricklaying apparatus according to claim 10, in which the one or more locking members includes: a locking rod attached to the support frame; and a handle attached to one end of the rod, a free end of the rod being secured to the support frame by means of a threaded connection through an 2apertured plate, a bolt being used to lock the rod into position against the plate; the locking member further including a pair of brake blocks formed with a resilient layer thereon, the brake blocks being located between the plate and a respective limb of the support frame and being received in a respective slot cut into the outer edges of the support frame, the resilient layers frictionally engaging the upright members when the locking member is in a locked position.

13. A bricklaying apparatus according to claim 12, the locking member further including the handle being pivotally attached to the rod by means of a pivot pin, whereby rotation of the rod about a longitudinal axis thereof brings the rod through the bolt and forces the blocks to bear against their respective upright supports and rotatiun of the handle to a position in which it is co-axially aligned with the rod brings an inner, rounded end of the handle to bear k'-V L f(, aI 19 against the plate and block thereby securing the support frame in a vertical position against the upright supports.

14. A bricklaying apparatus according to claim 10, in which the one or more locking members includes: a pair of toggle members, each toggle member being adapted to bear against a respective upright support, the toggle members each comprising a resilient block frictionally engaging the surface of the upright :supports through respective slots cut into the support frame; the locking 10 member further including *00400 0 0 a biasing spring extending between each flange and the horizontal surface of the cross member, the biasing spring being such that i; a locked S"position, the toggle members bear against the upright supports and, in an unlocked position the toggle members toggle against the biasing spring to 1 5 allow movement of the upright supports over the blocks; o a respective inwardly directed bar pivotally associated with each toggle members, the bars being pivotally inter connected at a centra!!y located o point; and *00000 cam bearing against the connection point, the cam including an eccentric element and an operating lever extending radially from one edge of the eccentric; j- the cam serving to move the bars and the toggle members, between the locked position in which the eccentric element bears against the connection point, thus forcing the bars downwardly and outwardly and therefore urging the toggle members against the upright support; and the unlocked position where the pressure on the bars is reduced and the bars therefore move upwardly under a biasing pressure supplied by the biasing spring the upright supports being able to move by tilting of the toggles. c A bricklaying apparatus according to claim 10, in which the lifting apparatus is attached to and acts in cooperation with the horizontal portion of the upper cross member, the lifting apparatus including: a handle extending outwardly beyond one upright support, an inward end of the handle is pivotally connected at a central pivot to a support engaging section; the handle also being connected to the upper surface of the cross member through a link, the handle section being rotatable around the link; l: 10 the support engaging section including a toggle member bearing :V against an inner surface of the upright support, the toggle member includes a resilient element capable of frictionally engaging the upright support; and a biasing spring extending between the cross member and the support engaging section, the biasing spring assisting in maintaining the support engaging section in an engaged position; whereby by lowering the handle section the biasing spring is compressed thereby releasing tension on the toggle member thus releasing the lifting ,:cI apparatus from engagement allowing the support frame to be raised.

16. A bricklaying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the front face of the support frame has incorporated on each edge thereof upper and lower slotted pocket sections, the pocket sections each including an open upper end and a slot, the pocket sections being adapted to receive a bricklaying guide therein.

17. A bricklaying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the bricklaying guide is generally triangular in form and is composed of a frame of angular members having upper parallel members with flattened inner surfaces which locate the vertical position of the bricks, the upper parallel members are connected to forwardly directed horizontal members which serve as a further locating mechanism for brick surfaces, the I ~i 4 F t_ /V M MW 21 guide including bracing members extending between the upper parallel members and the horizontal members.

18. A bricklaying apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the horizontal members include aperture therein for connection of extension means to the guide, the extension means being formed of a number of interconnected slotted channel members and corner connecting members connected to form an outer periphery of the structure to be constructed.

19. A bricklaying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims substantially as hereinbefore described. Dated this 19th day of August 1998 JOHN TOTH By his Patent Attorneys, COLLISON CO. ABSTRACT Thus it is an object of this invention to provide a bricklaying apparatus or bricklaying aid to assist in the construction of columnar constructions. A further object of this invention is to provide a bricklaying aid which is adjustable depending on the cross sectional area of the construction to be erected. The invention therefore comprises a bricklaying apparatus including: a pair of upright parallel support members; a support frame adjustably positioned on the parallel support members, said support frame having adjustably positioned thereon a bricklaying guide which Srt; 10 is dimensioned to the periphery of the structure being erected, said guide thus locating the bricks to the outer perimeter of the structure, and the guide also having surfaces to locate the bricks vertically; said apparatus also having adjustable locating members to vertically position the support frame at the desired vertical position. 15 The advantage of the apparatus is that all of the components are adjustable {4 l with respect to one another therefore allowing control of three dimensions of the structure to be built. The apparatus can be easily assembled and t ttt St disassembled fut use. tit t I t