GB2386580A

GB2386580A - Brick tongs

Info

Publication number: GB2386580A
Application number: GB0206658A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Frederick Leach
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-03-21
Filing date: 2002-03-21
Publication date: 2003-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2022-03-21
Also published as: GB0206658D0; GB2386580B

Abstract

Tongs for gripping a building brick, allowing the brick to be handled and placed during the process of building without the necessity for the bricklayer to touch the surface of the brick with the hand. The tool comprises a pair of tongs pivotally connected at a central point. Grips for the fingers and the thumb are provided at the ends of the tongs at one end of the tool, while rectangular surfaces for gripping the brick are provided at the opposite ends of the tongs. Guides may be provided on the rectangular surfaces for locating on the upper surface of the brick when the tool is in use. A protuberance which can be used to point mortar may be provided on one of the hand grips.

Description

INVENTION: THE BRICKY'S MATE

Description and general usage details of The Bricky,'s Mate

The invention was conceived by Michael Leach of 16 Nelson Court, Wellington Skeet, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU1 1XD and is known as "Thy BRICKY'S MATE". The concept calls for the manufacture and distribution of a device to be used for lifting and placing bricks in a convenient, labour-saving manner.

To accomplish this, The Bricky's Mate would be configured as shown in the accompanying illustration labelled THE BRICKY'S MATE. The device would be fabricated from aluminium and would consist of a tong-like implement that would enable the user to lift and place a brick in a functional manner. The tool would be composed of two matching components joined together at the centre by a pivoting connectiorl. The upper portion of each piece would be formed with round handles that would allow the tool to be easily manipulated.

The lower ends would be formed with perforated rectangular panels, sized to match a standard building brick. To utilise the device, the lower panels would be opened out and then squeezed together such that the panels would be pressed tightly against the sides of a brick. The tool would then be lifted upward and the brick would be carried to the location where it is to be placed. The brick would then be deposited in the required position. The handle sections would then be drawn apart to release the brick in the required position.

Upon one of the handle grips is a protuberance, which allows the user to "point" the mortar. With this configuration The Bricky's Mate will serve as a functional aid for those performing brick laying work. The tool is designed to reduce the amount of bending and reaching the worker must perform .,

md would be particularly helpful when laying bricks below ground level, such as when constructing footings. The device would also provide protection for the brick layer's hands by reducing the need to handle the bricks directly. The nature of brick laying work precludes the option to wear gloves. This combined with the rough surface of the brick material and inclement weather conditions, can leave the the bricklayer with hands that are rough and cut. In some instances, this can render the brick layer unable to work. The Briclyls Mate would spare the brick layer this abuse. Overall, the tool would enable the tradesman or DIY enthusiast to place bricks in a conventional labour saving manner. The ultimate value of this device is improvement in work efficiency in construction.

The Bricky's Mate will be one more form of contribution to improved efficiency, for the conscientious tradesman.

Claims

1. A tong-like implement of two matching components pivoted to allow the "ripping of building bricks.

2. A tong-like implement as claimed in Claim 1 where the upper portion of each

component is formed with ovular handles to allow manipulation of the tool.

3. A tong-like implement as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 where the lower ends are formed with rectangular panels appropriately sized, and having guide bars for precise gripping of bricks.

4. A tong-like implement as claimed in any preceding claim which is made Dom aluminium.

5. A tong-like implement substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying illustration.

4. A tong-like implement as in Claim 3 which has a protuberance affixed to one of the handle grips which allows the manipulation of mortar.

5. A tong-like implement as claimed in any preceding claim which is made from metal, plastics material or wood or from a combination of these.

6. A tong-like implement substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying illustration.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS

A tong-like implement comprising two pivotally mounted components for the gripping of building bricks, each component including a lining panel at one end, a flange for guiding the brick and an ovular handle at the other end, where the handles are adapted to be used together by one hand only.

2. A tong-like implement as in Claim 1 where a Window is provided directly above the flange on each ofthe pivotally mooted components, through which a guide line, usually used in bricklaying can be viewed to ensure that the bricks are placed in a straight line 3. A tong-like implement as in Claun 2 which has a protuberance affixed to one of the handle gnps which allows Me manipulation of mortar.