GB2411428A

GB2411428A - Joint expansion tool for use in supporting a brick wall to allow an opening to be made

Info

Publication number: GB2411428A
Application number: GB0417853A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Lundie; Angela Duffy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-02-24
Filing date: 2004-08-11
Publication date: 2005-08-31
Also published as: GB0417853D0; GB0404094D0; US20080229701A1

Abstract

A tool comprises two generally parallel and vertically extending plates (1), secured together with a cam (3) between them, a lever (6) attached to the cam. In use, the plates are placed in an excavated vertical mortar joint in a brick wall (G, Figure 2), the cam is rotated and the plates forced apart (Figure 6), applying force to the line of bricks in which the tool has been placed. Brick located below the tool can then be removed to form an aperture (H, Figure 3) in the wall with the tool holding the upper part of the wall in place by means of lateral force. More than one tool may be used.

Description

241 1 428

TITLE

A JOINT EXPANSION TOOL

Attachments: Packing pieces

BACKGROUND

This invention is related to a device for stabilising supporting and strengthening a brick structure above an opening without using props or jacks from below the opening. The tool makes the structure or wall "inert".

When a craftsman cuts out an opening in a brick wall, acre props and bearers are used to support the structure of brickwork immediately above the opening.

However, the use of conventional acre props and bearers can lead to a number of difficulties. They are awkward and cumbersome and this method takes up too much valuable space. Holes also have to be cut out to insert the substantial bearers. Subsequently the wall becomes loose and unstable, even before the cut out for the Lintel or RSJ has started.

Furthermore, the acro props have to be standing on strong and solid ground support.

To overcome these problems the present invention proposes the belowmentioned statements.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

To overcome these problems the present invention proposes a brickwork support and stabilising tool with an expansion means. The tool can be inserted into the vertical joints between the brickwork at strategic positions and above the proposed opening, without causing any vibration or disturbance to the brickwork.

The expansion means is provided by a ratchet lever, which is pulled down in a clockwise movement enabling the tool to expand by the means of a cam, which locks into position by the means of the 'pawl' component. The expansion means within the tool produces a lateral force between the vertical joints of the course of brickwork, making the wall resist changing by means of inertia.

The Joint Expansion Tool can be used singularly or in multiples depending on the width of the opening and the weight of brickwork above the opening. This expansion tool will support brickwork structure built by a weak composition of sand and lime mortar. The Joint Expansion Tool changes flat brickwork courses to the strength of an arch, by means of inertia.

ADVANTAGES

The components of the Joint Expansion Tool are strong, durable, rustproof and lightweight. The Joint Expansion Tool is non-restrictive to the proposed working area.

It eliminates the use of all heavy, cumbersome, acre props and bearers.

Maximises the workspace and minimises the tools and materials to be used.

By solely using the Joint Expansion Tool the brickwork above opening will resist downward movement due to lateral force. (By means of inertia)

INTRODUCTION TO DRAWINGS

An example ofthe invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1: Shows brickwork structure with inserting holes 'A' at equal distance within the proposed opening. These holes are used to insert substantial bearing timbers 'B' or similar material strong enough to support.

Brickwork structure above proposed opening 'C'. These bearings are then supported by heavy steel, height adjustable acro props 'D'. The weight is then distributed to a solid ground support 'E'. The danger of falling brick and loose structure is still apparent caused by the cutting and vibration of the heavy and cumbersome acro props used "F".

Figure 2: Shows an alternative method of supporting brickwork structure above opening by means of using the Joint Expansion Tools "G". This method is done before brickwork is cut out. By strategically inserting the Joint Expansion Tools in the closed position into carefully cleaned out vertical joints of brickwork. Once in position the tool can expand by rotating means, which applies lateral force between the brickwork joints, enabling the brickwork to stay straight and rigid.

Fioure 3: Shows the method of supporting brickwork structure by the loins Expansion Tools "G" after brickwork is removed from below the insertion points of the Joint Expansion Tools "a".

Fioure 4 Description of components within the Joint Expansion Tool I Cover Plates x 2 2. Back Plate x I 3. Cam x 1 4. Spacer Plates x2 5. Pawl and Pin 1 of each 6. Ratchet Lever x I 7. Front Plate x I Fieure 5: Joint Expansion Tool shown in the closed position Fieure 6: Joint Expansion Tool shown in the open position

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Joint Expansion Tool(s) are made from steel and are coated in bright zinc. The packing pieces are made from the same material and are coated in bright zinc. The pins, nuts and bolts are also made from the same material and coated in bright zinc.

The components of the Joint Expansion Tool are as follows:

NAME OF PART QUANTITY OF PART

1 Cover Plates x 2 2. Back Plate x I 3. Cam x I 4. Spacer Plates x2 5. Pawl and Pin 1 of each 6. Ratchet Lever x I 7. Front Plate x I Refer to Figure 4 of drawings NB. Packing pieces are attachments to the Joint Expansion Tool and vary in thickness.

Phases of the Joint Expansion Tool use are as follows: 1. The brickwork vertical joint in the wall has to be cleared of all old mortar and any other obstructions before tool can be used.

2. Insert the Joint Expansion Tools into the cleared vertical joint of the brickwork, in the closed position. Pull the Ratchet lever down in a clockwise movement, enabling the tool to expand, by the means of a cam, which locks into position by the means of the 'pawl' component, which enables the brickwork to stay straight and rigid.

3. The Joint Expansion Tool can be used singularly or in multiples, depending on the width ofthe brickwork courses requiring support.

For wider openings it is recommended that multiple Joint Expansion Tools be used in strategic positions within the area above the proposed opening.

4. For joints of brickwork in the wall that are wider than the expandable range of the tool, the packing pieces may be required. The packing pieces are placed into the vertical joints ofthe wall at the same time as the tool, whilst in the closed position. When packing pieces are in position, pull ratchet lever down in a clockwise movement, enabling the tool to expand.

5. This tool is non-restrictive to the opening as it works to the top of the open ing, not in the opening as a Jack or Lifting Wedge. It does not jack-up as it uses lateral force, causing inertness to the brickwork. Therefore there are no restrictions to inserting Lintels, or RSJ's.

6. After the Lintel or RSJ are inserted and made secure into the brickwork, the Joint Expansion Tools can be removed, cleaned and used on the next project.

7. The vertical joint of the brickwork, which housed the Joint Expansion Tool then has to be filled in with mortar for the job to be completed.

Claims

I. A Joint Expansion Tool incorporating a cam, which rotates by means of a lever, enabling joints of brickwork to expand by using lateral force only and can be used for various widths of vertical joints in the brickwork by means of packing pieces, thereby supporting structure above the opening, retaining the brickwork in a state of inertia.
2. A Joint Expansion Tool according to claim I, whereby the expansion is provided by lateral force only.
3. A loins Expansion Tool according to claim 1, in which the expansion means is provided by the cam, which rotates by means of a lever, expanding the vertical joints of brickwork.
4. A Joint Expansion Tool, according to claim 1, can be used for various widths of vertical joints in the brickwork, by using the packing pieces.
5. A Joint Expansion Tool according to any of the preceding claims, in which the tool can be used singularly or by multiples for various widths of openings.