GB2450744A

GB2450744A - Brick cutting device

Info

Publication number: GB2450744A
Application number: GB0713120A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Pugh; Michael Long
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-06
Filing date: 2007-07-06
Publication date: 2009-01-07
Also published as: GB0800890D0; WO2009007711A1; GB0713120D0; GB2450951A8; GB2451728A8; GB2450951A; GB0812447D0; GB2451728A

Abstract

A cutter 10 for cutting bricks comprises a first jaw 12 and a second jaw 14 positioned substantially opposite the first jaw 12 and defines a receiving area for receiving a brick. A first cutting formation 24 for engagement with a brick is defined on one of the first jaw 12 and the second jaw 14. Clamping means 16, 18 connect the first jaw 12 and the second jaw 14 and are configured to move the second jaw 14 towards the first jaw 12.

Description

Our Reference. P308047GB Brick cutting device The present invention is

concerned with the cutting of brittle blocks of material, and in particular, but not limited to, masonry items such as bricks and stone slabs.

Many structures and buildings are constructed with bricks of varying sizes and materials. In areas where a wall edge, or particular shape of a structure is desired, the bricks need to be individually cut so that they do not protrude from the lines of the structure. Similarly when constructing paving, it is often necessary to cut bricks to a required shape in order to fit them amongst adjacent bricks.

Bricks are traditionally cut using a hammer in conjunction with a sharp chisel-like implement to direct the impact force of the hammer over a cutting edge of the chisel.

1 5 Due to the small surface area of the chisel cutting edge, high stresses are produced at the face of the brick as the hammer impacts and the brick fractures throughout its thickness. This fracturing occurs as bricks are constructed from brittle materials which tend to crack under high stresses (i.e. there is very little deformation before failure).

There are several problems with this method. As a high energy impact event is used, it is possible for chips of brick material to fly off and injure the user. Additionally, great accuracy is required to strike the chisel accurately, and misplacement can result in injury if the hammer strikes the hand holding the chisel. Furthermore, accuracy of the cut is difficult to guarantee as if the chisel is tilted it may move along the surface of the brick during the impact event.

Alternative methods of brick cutting exist, which use a guided blade as an alternative to the chisel, but still rely on a blow to cause the fracture. As such, these alternatives still rely on a high energy impact event and the above disadvantages are still present.

It is an object of the current invention to overcome one or more of the above disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cutter for cutting bricks comprising: a first jaw, a second jaw positioned substantially opposite the first jaw and defining a receiving area therebetween for receiving a brick, a first cutting formation for engagement with a brick defined on one of the first jaw and the second jaw, and clamping means connecting the first jaw and the second jaw and configured to move the second jaw towards the first jaw.

Providing a clamping means allows progressive movement of the jaws such that a slow, controlled application of force can be provided as opposed to the high speed,

high energy impact force of the prior art.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cutting bricks comprising the steps of: providing a first jaw, providing a second jaw positioned substantially opposite the first jaw, providing a first cutting formation for engagement with a brick on one of the first jaw and the second jaw, inserting a brick between the first jaw and the second jaw, progressively clamping the first jaw and the second jaw by moving the second jaw towards the first jaw to cut the brick.

A brick cutter in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a brick cutter in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the brick cutter of figure 1 in use; Figure 3 is a side section view of a part of the brick cutter of figures 1 and 2 in use along line 111-Ill; Figure 4 is a side section view of a part of the brick cutter of figures 1 and 2 in use along line IV-IV; Figure 5 is a top view of the brick cutter of figure 1 in use with a brick in a first configuration; Figure 6 is a top view of the brick cutter of figure 1 in use with a brick in a further configuration; Figure 7 is a side view of a second embodiment of a brick cutter in accordance with the present invention; Figure 8 is a front view of the brick cutter of figure 7; Figure 9 is a front view of a part of the brick cutter of figure 7; Figure 10 is a front view of a part of the brick cutter of figure 7; Figure 11 is a top view of the brick cutter of figure 7; Figure 12 is a side view of a third embodiment of a brick cutter in accordance with the present invention; Figure 13 is a side view of the brick cutter of figure 12 in an alternative configuration; Figure 14 is a top view of the brick cutter of figure 12; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a part of a brick cutter in accordance with the present invention; Figure 16 is a perspective view of a part of a brick cutter in accordance with the present invention.

Figures 1 to 6 show a brick cutter 10 comprising a base 12, a clamping member 14, a first threaded member 16, a second threaded member 18 and a pair of nuts 20.

The base 12 is prismatic and constructed from a metal material such as steel. The cross section of the base 12 is generally rectangular and comprises an upwardly projecting protrusion 22 on which is defined a lower cutting edge 24. At opposing ends of the base 12 are situated blind bores 26, 28.

The clamping member 14 is substantially similar to the base 12 but inverted, and as such comprises a downwardly projecting protrusion 30 on which is defined an upper cutting edge 32. Open bores 34, 36 are defined at opposing ends of clamping member 14, of slightly larger diameter than the blind bores 26, 28.

The first and second threaded members 16, 18 are identical and are generally cylindrical with threaded portions 38, 40 formed at the upper ends thereof arid extending partially along the length of the members 16, 18. The threaded portions 38, are formed to be received in nuts 20.

In the assembled brick cutter 10, each of the non-threaded ends of the threaded members 16, 18 are placed into the blind bores 26, 28 of the base 12. The threaded members 16, 18 and blind bores 26, 28 are dimensioned such that an interference fit is obtained therebetween to retain the members 16, 18. Alternatively, the threaded members 16, 18 may be welded to the base 12.

The clamping member 14 is then positioned with the upper cutting edge 32 facing downwards such that the threaded portions 38, 40 of the members 16, 18 pass through the open bores 34, 36. Nuts 20 are then secured onto the threaded portions 38, 40.

In use, a brick 8 is positioned between the base 12, and the clamping member 14 as shown in figures 1, 2 and 5. The brick may be positioned in any orientation to achieve the desired cut as shown in figure 6.

The clamping member 14 then rests on the brick 8 as shown in figure 2. When the brick 8 is positioned as desired, with an intended cutting line 42 coincident with the vertically opposed cutting edges 24, 32, nuts 20 are tightened using an appropriate tool (e.g. spanner, wrench, socket). This progressive tightening urges the nuts down the threaded portions 38, 40 and as such applies a clamping force onto the brick 8 via cutting edges 24, 32. It should be noted that the system will not be driven back by the clamping force experienced by the brick due to the presence of the threads, rather the load application is progressive, and as such the force may be applied in stages, releasing the tool periodically if desired.

As the tightening continues, the brick 8 begins to fracture at fracture regions 42, 44 adjacent to cutting edges 24, 32. Eventually, the stress at the fracture regions 42, 44 will be sufficient to propagate a crack throughout the brick and cut it into two portions. The wedge shape of the protrusions 22, 30 assists the crack propagation by applying a horizontal force component during cutting.

Turning to figures 7 to 11 a second embodiment of a brick cutter 100 is shown. The brick cutter 100 comprises a body 102, an upper jaw 104, a lower jaw 106 and a handle 108.

The body 102 is C-shaped comprising a back portion 110, an upper portion 112 and a lower portion 114 and constructed from a metal material such as steel. A threaded through bore 116 is formed in a free end of the upper portion 112. A countersunk through bore 118 is formed in a free end of the lower portion 114. The bores 116, 118 are coaxial. A threaded blind bore 120 is also defined at an upper end of the back portion 110.

With reference to figure 9, the upper jaw 104 comprises a clamping member 122 which is prismatic and generally rectangular in cross-section and comprises an upper wedge-shaped protrusion 124 defining a cutting edge 126. A blind bore 128 is formed in a surface of the clamping member 122 opposite to the protrusion 124. A further threaded bore 129 is formed in a side face of the clamping member 122 and open to a sidewall of the blind bore 128.

The upper jaw 104 further comprises a bolt 126 with a hex head portion 128, a threaded portion 130 and a locking portion 132. Locking portion 132 is generally cylindrical with a circumferential groove 134 formed therein.

Assembly of the upper jaw 104 takes place by placing the locking portion 132 into the blind bore 128 and inserting a grub screw into the further threaded bore 129 such that it engages with the circumferential groove 134. The bolt 126 is then able to rotate relative to the clamping member 122.

With reference to figure 10, the lower jaw comprises a clamping member 136 substantially similar to clamping member 122 but inverted, and as such comprises protrusion 138 defining a lower cutting edge 140. The clamping member 136 has a blind threaded bore 142 machined into a bottom face opposite the protrusion 138.

The handle 138 is a generally cylindrical member comprising a coaxial blind threaded bore 144.

When assembled, the upper jaw 104 is mounted to the body 102 by threading the bolt 126 into threaded bore 116 in the body 102. The upper clamping member 122 is then assembled to the bolt 126 as described above. Note that when assembled, the clamping member 122 abuts a shoulder 146 of the body 102 and as such is constrained from rotation but able to slide vertically.

The lower jaw 106 is mounted to the body by aligning threaded bore 142 with countersunk bore 118 and securing with an Allen key bolt 148. Finally, the handle 108 is attached by inserting a threaded member 150 into threaded bore 144 and threading into bore 120 as shown in figure 7.

In use, a brick 98 is inserted between the cutting edges 126, 140 as shown in figures 7 and 8. A tool such as a spanner, wrench or socket can then be used to rotate the hex head 128. Such rotation axially moves the bolt 126 and hence the upper clamping member 122 towards the lower clamping member 136. As the bolt is free to rotate relative to the upper clamping member 122, no rotation of the clamping member 122 is seen due to its abutment with shoulder 146. As rotation progresses, the brick fractures in a similar manner to that discussed with respect to brick cutter 10. The handle 108 may be used to manually counteract the torque applied to the hex head 128.

The rotational force to the head 128 may be provided by a motor with an appropriate coupling, for example and electric or hydraulic motor. Alternatively, the threaded portion 130 may comprise the output shaft of such a motor.

Referring to figure lithe brick cutter 100 may comprise a base 150. Base 150 may have markings 152 defined thereon with which to align the brick 98 with respect to the brick cutter 100 to achieve the desired orientation of cut 154.

Referring to figures 12 to 14, a brick cutter 200 is substantially similar to brick cutter with common features labelled 100 greater. Brick cutter 200 additionally comprises through bore 260 and coaxial blind bore 262 formed in the upper and lower arms 212, 214 of the body 202 respectively.

Brick cutter 200 also comprises a positioning device 264 comprising a plate 266 and a pin 268 rotatably attached therethrough. The pin 268 has a hex head 270. The pin 268 may be keyed or splined to the plate 266 such that the two components rotate together.

When assembled, the pin passes through bores 260, 262 as shown in figure 12 and 13 with the hex head 270 projecting as shown. There is a tight fit between the pin 268 and the blind bore 262 such that the pin, when rotated, stays in position. The positioning device 264 can therefore be used to set up an desired angle of cut 254, and when inserted the brick 98 abuts the plate 266 to provide that angled cut. Therefore repeated cuts can be made at the desired angle.

Figures 15 and 16 show different alternatives for the manufacture of the clamping portions 12, 14, 122, 136. A separate protrusion 302 may be attached to a base portion 300 as shown in figure 15 (for example if the cutting material is expensive, high hardness material). Alternatively, the protrusion 402 is machined from the body 400 as shown in hidden line in figure 16.

Numerous changes may be made within the scope of the present invention.

The clamping effect need not arise from an external hex head. An internal hex (Allen key), or other suitable formation (e.g. a spline) may be used to transfer torque.

Both jaws need not carry cutting edges, a single edge on either jaw may produce a crack through the brick. To assist crack propagation in the case of a single cutting edge, an indentation may be provided on the opposite jaw to increase the local stresses and set up 3-point bending in the brick. The indentation may take the form of a "V" shaped notch opposite to the cutting edge, or alternatively between a pair of raised protrusions either side of the cutting edge on the opposite jaw.

Different materials could be used to construct the device; such as steel, aluminium, various alloys.

Coatings (e.g. diamond) may be applied to the cutting edges to provide suitable hardness and wear resistance.

The positioning device may be linearly movable to produce different cut locations as well as angles. The positioning device may be as simple as a bolt passing through a threaded bore in back portion 210 and abutting the bnck 98.

Claims

Claims I. A cutter for cutting bricks comprising: afirstjaw, a second

jaw positioned substantially opposite the first jaw and defining a receiving area therebetween for receiving a brick, a first cutting formation for engagement with a brick defined on one of the first jaw and the second jaw, and clamping means connecting the first jaw and the second jaw and configured to move the second jaw towards the first jaw.
2. A cutter according to claim 1 in which the clamping means comprises a body connecting the first jaw and the second jaw, a first threaded member and a second threaded member in threaded engagement, in which the first threaded member is mounted to the second jaw and moveably mounted relative to the body such that relative rotation of the first and second threaded members causes the second jaw to move linearly towards the first jaw.
3. A cutter according to claim 2 in which the first threaded member is rotationally fixed to the second jaw and the second threaded member is rotationally movable relative to the second jaw.
4. A cutter according to claim 2 in which the first threaded member is rotationally movable relative to the second jaw, and the second threaded member is rotationally fixed relative to the second jaw.
5. A cutter according to claim 3 in which the second threaded member comprises a formation for engagement with a turning tool.
6. A cutter according to claim 4 in which the first threaded member comprises a formation for engagement with a turning tool.
7. A cutter according to either of claims 5 or 6 in which the formation is internal.
8. A cutter according to either of claims 5 or 6 in which the formation is external.
9. A cutter according to either of claims 7 or 8 in which the formation is a hex.
10. A cutter according to any preceding claim in which the clamping means comprises a further cutting formation for engagement with a brick defined on another of the first jaw and the second jaw.
11. A cutter according to any preceding claim in which the cutting formation comprises a cutting edge.
12. A cutter according to any preceding claim in which one of the first jaw and the second jaw is rotatable about an jaw axis parallel to a clamping direction so as to alter a cutting angle.
13. A cutter according to any preceding claim further comprising a workpiece abutment, configured to engage a surface of a workpiece when the cutter is in use.
14. A cutter according to claim 13 in which the workpiece abutment is movably mounted to the body such that it may be moved between a first abutment position and a further abutment position so as to change the position of the workpiece when the cutter is in use.
15. A cutter according to claim 14 in which the abutment is rotatably mounted to the body such that it is rotatable about an abutment axis parallel to a clamping direction.
16. A method of cutting bricks comprising the steps of: providingafirst jaw, providing a second jaw positioned substantially opposite the first jaw, providing a first cutting formation for engagement with a brick on one of the first jaw and the second jaw, inserting a brick between the first jaw and the second jaw, progressively clamping the first jaw and the second jaw by moving the second jaw towards the first jaw to cut the brick.