GB2461951A

GB2461951A - Tool for repointing brickwork

Info

Publication number: GB2461951A
Application number: GB0813435A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Victor Bowerman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-23
Filing date: 2008-07-23
Publication date: 2010-01-27
Also published as: GB0813435D0

Abstract

A tool 1 for repointing brickwork comprising a mask in the form of a plate having slots 6 arranged to match the joints in brickwork. In use, the mask 3 is held against the brickwork and new mortar X is applied to each joint through the slots after the old mortar has been raked out of the joints. The tool 1 may be generally L-shaped where the mask 3 and a mortar-supporting section 2 are arranged on respective limbs of the L. The tool 1 may comprise a handle 4 which projects from the underside of the mortar-supporting section 2. Preferably the tool 1 comprises locating pins to engage in and line up the horizontal bed joints with the slots.

Description

Title: Tool for Repointing Brickwork The present invention relates to an apparatus for repointing brickwork.

Over a period of time the mortar between blocks or bricks can become soft and erode, and it can become necessary to repoint the brickwork.

The invention seeks to provide a tool to make repointing easier.

According to the present invention there is provided a tool for repointing brickwork comprising a mask in the form of a plate having slots therein substantially the width of a layer of mortar in a joint between bricks, said slots matching the joints in brickwork, in use the mask being held against the brickwork and new mortar applied to each joint through the slots after old mortar has been raked out of the joint.

Preferably the plate includes two locating pins to engage in and line up the horizontal bed joint with the slots.

Preferably the tool has a handle for holding the mask against brickwork.

Preferably the plate is generally L-shaped having in use a vertical section with the mask and a horizontal section for supporting mortar. Preferably the handle extends below the horizontal section.

Preferably the mask includes a horizontal slot and two or more vertical slots extend from the horizontal slot. Preferably four horizontal slots extend from the horizontal slot.

Preferably the slots are substantially 15mm wide, and the vertical slots are 112mm centre to centre and 90mm high.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing showing a perspective view.

Referring to the drawing there is shown a tool I for repointing brickwork.

Tool 1 is formed from an L-shaped piece of metal or plastics having a horizontal rectangular Section 2 for supporting mortar "X", and a vertical rectangular section 3. A handle 4 extends below the horizontal section to hold the tool in the hand against brickwork.

Vertical section 3 includes a mask formed from a horizontal slot 5 and four vertical slots 6A6B,6C,6D. The slots are substantially the width of a layer of mortar in a joint between bricks.

The distance "X" between the outer edges of slots 6A and 6B is equal to the distance across the end of a brick including the mortar joint either side of the end of the brick. The distance "Y" between the outer edges of slots 6A and 6C is equal to the distance across the length of a brick including the mortar joint either side of the end of the brick. The slots thus match the joints in brickwork. Preferably the slots are substantially 15mm wide, and the vertical slots are 112mm centre to centre and 90mm high.

Vertical section 3 includes two locating pins to engage in and line up the horizontal bed joint with the horizontal slot.

In use the mask is held against the brickwork and new mortar applied to each joint through the slots after old mortar has been raked out of the joint. Mortar may be applied with a trowel "Y".

The invention may take a form different to that specifically described. For example the slot dimensions may be different for use with different sizes of bricks or blocks. Also different numbers of vertical and/or horizontal slots could be used.

Further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A handheld tool for use in repointing brickwork comprising a mask having a plurality of slots arranged to match the joints in brickwork.
2. A tool as in Claim 1, further comprising a mortar-supporting section.
3. A tool as in Claim 2, wherein the tool is generally L'-shaped, and the mask and the mortar-supporting section are arranged on respective limbs of the L'.
4. A tool as in any preceding claim, wherein the tool further comprises a handle.
5. A tool as in Claim 4, wherein the handle projects from the underside of the mortar-supporting section.
6. A tool as in any preceding claim, comprising locating pins to engage *...in and line up the horizontal bed joints with the slots. * * . * S

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7. A method of repointing brickwork using a handheld tool comprising *:::: a mask having a plurality of slots matching the joints in brickwork, comprising: removing old mortar from joints in brickwork; holding the tool against the brickwork such that the slots are in register with said joints; and applying mortar to the joints through the corresponding slots.
8. A tool for repointing brickwork constructed, arranged and adapted to operate substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
9. A method of repointing brickwork substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing. * * * ** S * *** * * ** * ** * * * * * * *** *** * * S S. **..*.S *