GB2480479A

GB2480479A - Cement applying apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2480479A
Application number: GB1008419A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shelley-Ann Espute
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-05-20
Filing date: 2010-05-20
Publication date: 2011-11-23
Also published as: GB201008419D0

Abstract

Apparatus 12 for use in applying cement on a previously laid course of bricks 7, particularly bricks having a hollow interior, the apparatus comprising first and second longitudinal arms 15 and a plurality of plates 20 positioned adjacent one another between the arms, each plate being arranged, in use, to substantially cover the hollow interior of an underlying brick whilst leaving part of the brick material 11 surrounding the hollow interior exposed. Preferably each plate comprises first and second separable portions. The arms may be connected by one or more hinges. The plate may comprise at least one aperture formed at the division between the separable portions. The apparatus may comprise a support arranged in use to locate upon a previously laid course of bricks, to support the apparatus when in an operative position. The apparatus may include a moveable hopper, which can be arranged in use to run on the longitudinal arms to deposit mortar on the exposed brick material.

Description

Cement Applying Apparatus

Field of the invention

This invention relates to apparatus for use in laying bricks or blocks and particularly for use in applying cement on a previously-laid course of bricks or blocks. The invention also relates to a method of applying cement using such an apparatus.

Background of the invention

In the building trade, the conventional process of laying bricks on top of a previously-laid course of bricks involves applying a small amount of a cement mixture to the edge of a brick using a hand trowel until it appears that the correct amount is applied. Each brick is then laid individually and checked using a bubble level or other gauge. The process is very time consuming, requires skill and can therefore significantly increase the cost of a building project.

In certain countries, it is common to use hollow bricks. As shown in Figure 1, such bricks 2 usually have one or more hollow regions 4 through which metal reinforcing rods 3 can pass vertically to provide extra support to the overall wall. In applying the cement, not only is it desirable to deposit an even layer of cement efficiently over the exposed areas of brick 5, but also to avoid losing large amounts of cement within the hollow regions.

It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for laying such bricks or blocks in a more time efficient manner.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides apparatus for use in applying cement on a previously-laid course of bricks, particularly bricks having a hollow interior, the apparatus comprising first and second longitudinal arms and a plurality of plates positioned adjacent one another between the arms, each plate being arranged, in use, to substantially cover the hollow interior of an underlying brick whilst leaving part of the brick material surrounding the hollow interior exposed.

The invention provides a jig or tool that can be used to apply an even layer of cement on the exposed material of multiple bricks laid side by side, such as on the upper exposed sides, whilst avoiding any or a significant amount of cement falling within the hollow regions.

In the context of this application, cement is intended to mean any cementious material, and includes, for example, mortar. The term block may be used to describe hollow bricks.

Preferably, each plate is substantially planar and rectangular in shape.

Each plate may comprise first and second separable portions. In this way, the plates can be separated so that a line of reinforcing rods can pass between the portions before being closed around them.

The first and second arms can be connected at, or in the region of, a first end and can be separated by user action to separate the plate portions. The arms can be connected by one or more hinges at, or in the region of, the first end. The arms can therefore be rotated using an articulated motion between an operative position (in which the arms are generally parallel, for example) and a non-operative position in which the apparatus is opened and reinforcing rods passed in-between. The apparatus may further comprise means to fix the arms in an operative position so that the plate portions are un-separated. Such fixing means may be a latch or latches at the second end of the arms, or thereabouts.

Each plate may comprise at least one aperture formed at the division between the separable portions. This can allow the reinforcing rods to pass therebetween when the apparatus is in the operative position.

The apparatus may further comprise at least one support arranged, in use, to be located on a previously-laid course of bricks thereby to support the apparatus in operative position for cement to be applied.

The thickness of the perimeter of each plate is preferably predetermined to correspond with the thickness of cement that is to be laid on the previously-laid course of bricks. The central portion of each plate may be formed thinner than the perimeter to reduce overall weight.

The apparatus may further comprise a level gauge device. The level gauge device can be a longitudinal member forming part of, or connected to, one of the longitudinal arms. The level gauge device can comprises a longitudinal member having a plurality of spirit bubble level -type gauges distributed along the length of the member.

The longitudinal arms are preferably arranged, in use, to act as rails over which a cement laying device can run.

The apparatus may further comprise a cement laying device arranged to run on the rails and to deposit cement to the exposed brick material.

According to a second aspect, there is provided apparatus for use in applying cement on a previously-laid course of bricks, particularly bricks having a hollow interior, the apparatus comprising first and second longitudinal arms hingedly fixed at one end in such a way that the arms can be moved between an operative position in which they are substantially parallel, and a non-operative position in which they are moved apart, the apparatus further comprising a plurality of adjacent plates connected between the arms and arranged, in use, to cover the hollow interior of adjacent underlying bricks whilst leaving part of the brick material surrounding the hollow interior exposed.

According to a third aspect, there is provided apparatus for depositing cement on a previously-laid course of bricks, the apparatus comprising a hopper for holding a cement mixture, the hopper having an aperture located at or in the region of its base to allow the mixture to leave the hopper, and means for movably mounting the hopper along one or more rails provided by the longitudinal arms of the apparatus according to any one of the definitions described above.

The hopper may comprise first and second separate portions, each of which has a rail mounting means for engaging a respective one of the longitudinal arms. The rail mounting means can comprise one or more wheels.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a course of bricks with vertical reinforcing rods; Figure 2 is a plan and side view of another course of bricks with reinforcing rods; Figure 3 is plan view of an apparatus for use in laying cement over a course of bricks, the apparatus being in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 3, shown laid over a course of bricks; Figure 5 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a side view of the course of bricks when the apparatus is removed; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cement laying device for use with the apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 8 is an end-on view of the cement laying device shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the cement laying device when supported by the apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a cement moulding device and its use in applying cement to the end of a brick; and Figure 11 is a side view of a cement trowel for use with the cement moulding device of Figure 10.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown an already-laid course 6 of bricks 7, in this case a single-layer of hollow blocks through each of which passes a pair of reinforcing steel rods 9 in the vertical direction.

Referring to Figure 3, a first preferred embodiment comprises a tool or jig for helping a builder apply a relatively even layer of cement or mortar to the upper exposed area of the brickwork, i.e. the white areas indicated by reference numeral 11 in Figure 2. The tool 12, shown here in plan view, comprises a framework that includes a first U-shaped support 14 to which is connected first and second longitudinal arms 15 by means of a respective hinge 16 or similar articulated joint. At the opposite end of the arms 15 is provided a second U-shaped support 17 divided into two portions, each of which is connected to a respective arm at the terminating end. As indicated by arrow 18, the arms 15 can be swivelled such that the divided portions of support 17 are either open or closed. A latch 19 is provided to secure the arms 15 in the closed position.

Connected between the arms 15, along almost their entire length, are a plurality of cover plates 20, referred to hereafter as plates' for simplicity. Each cover 20 is substantially identical and comprises a relatively planar piece of metal or plastics material having a thickness d of about 10 mm. Each cover 20 is divided into two, the division 25 being along an axis generally parallel to the arms 15; thus the plates are also opened and closed by rotation of the arms about the pivot points provided by the hinges 16. The plates 20 are connected to at least one of the arms 15 by means of a narrow spar 22, approximately 5-10 mm in width, and to each other by means of a pair of cross spars 24 having similar dimensions.

Apertures 26 are cut into each cover such that a pair of substantially circular holes 26 are defined when the cover is in the closed position.

The spacings between covcro plates 20 along the length of the arms is arranged to correspond with spacings between the hollow portions of a course of hollow bricks. The dimensions of the plates 20 are substantially identical, if not slightly larger in both dimensions, to the hollow interior of each brick. This is better illustrated in Figure 4, which shows, in top plan view, the jig 12, in use, laid over the course of bricks shown in Figure 2. Two of the plates 20 are shown partially cutaway to reveal the location of the underlying bricks 7. It will be seen that the hollow brick interiors are completely shut-off by the plates 20, and that most of the surrounding brick material remains exposed to allow mortar to be laid thereon.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the jig 12 is laid over a course of bricks simply by (i) opening the jig, as shown in Figure 3, (ii) passing the opened arms 15 (and so the cover portions) either side of any reinforcing rods 9, and (iii) closing the arms 15 and plates 20 before resting the supporte 14 on top of the underlying course. The latch 19 can be used to maintain the arms 15 closed. At this point, minor adjustments can be made to ensure the plates 20 substantially close off each hollow region of the underlying course. The reinforcing rods 9 will pass through the corresponding apertures 26 in each cover 20.

At this stage, a builder can apply mortar relatively liberally over the brick material 11 that remains exposed around the plates 20; the plates ensure that no, or very little, mortar is wasted by falling within the hollow interiors of the brickwork. Excess mortar either falls off the side of the brickwork and is be collected by sheets or planks laid either side of the course, or collects on top of the plates 20 for re-use. The thickness d of the plates 20 also ensures a consistent and even thickness of mortar is applied to the top of the brick course along its length, as the builder uses the top surface of each cover 20 as a guide. As mentioned previously, preferably, the inner portion, within the interior of each plate 20 is thinner to reduce weight. The preferred method of applying mortar to the jig is by means of a hopper, to be described.

To ensure the jig 12 is level on the already-laid course, a bubble level device is connected to one or both of the arms 15. As shown in Figure 5, which shows the Figure 4 situation from the side view, the bubble level device 30 comprises a longitudinal bar or rod having three separate level gauges 31 distributed along its length to clearly indicate when the jig 12 is level. The layer of mortar applied over the jig 12 will also, therefore, be level and ensures the wall, as it grows course-by-course, is consistently maintained level.

Removing the jig 12 is performed involves unhooking the latch 19 and performing the above-described steps (i) -(iii) in reverse. Any mortar left on the top surface of plates 20 can be collected and reused, although it is preferable to remove it before removing the jig 12 to keep the weight down. Figure 6 shows how mortar 33 is left on the upper surface of the course so that the next layer of bricks can be laid.

Applying mortar over the brickwork and the jig 12 can be performed using conventional methods, e.g. using a trowel. However, the Applicant has also devised a hopper device for use with the above jig 12 in which the arms 15, when in the closed position, acts as parallel rails over which the novel hopper can slide or roll to deposit mortar over the jig and brickwork evenly.

Referring to Figure 7, the hopper 40 comprises a hollow container into which mortar is first filled and then deposited through a lower opening due to gravity and the action of a blade 48 pushing forward.

The hopper 40 is made up of first and second separable parts 42 defining a central slot 44 passing through its length to allow passage either side of reinforcing rods 9 projecting vertically through any brickwork. Latches 43 allows the hopper parts 42 to be connected together during filling, and is released when the hopper is moved over the jig 12 to allow passage around reinforcing rods.

Each hopper part 42 is a substantially hollow body, either rectangular or tapered in section, and has an opening 45 in the upper surface to allow filling, and an open base portion 46 that is effectively closed or sealed by the jig 12 underneath prior to moving.

A set of wheels 47 is connected to the lower edge of each hopper part 42; here, three are shown, each being aligned along the length of the hopper. The wheels 47 are arranged to engage or be supported by the arms 15 of the jig 12 described previously. The gauge of the arms, when closed, and the wheels on the hopper 40 are approximately the same.

Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 9, towards one end of the hopper 40 is provided the above-mentioned blade 48 held in place within a transverse slot 50. The blade 48 is divided into two portions, with an inner resilient strip 49 provided either side of the division.

The strip 49 flexes in use to allow reinforcing rods passing through the slot 44 to go through the blade also. The bottom of the blade (visible in Figure 8 only) is in close contact with the top of jig 12, its purpose being to push mortar along as the hopper rolls over the rails provided by the arms 15. The blade bottom is substantially level with the top of the jig 12, here represented by the arms 15 and cover 20, in order that the correct amount of mortar is left behind and laid on the exposed brick surface.

A handle 52 is provided on one or both sides of the hopper 40 to allow an operator to push or pull it, in use.

As shown alongside Figure 7, the wheels 47 may be replaced with an I-shaped slider 47' which can engage within a slotted tube 90 provided on top of a rail 91.

Finally, in order to complete the laying of mortar, a number of additional tools may be provided. When a brick is laid onto a new layer of mortar, its vertical edge also requires a layer prior to laying the adjacent brick. To achieve this, there is provided a hand-held tool 70 which includes a U-shaped part and a handle. The U-shaped part comprises a three sided frame having dimensions arranged to correspond substantially with the minor face of a brick.

In practice, the three sided frame provides hang-over edges to engage the vertical and horizontal edges of the brick, as shown in Figure 10, and one or more opposing projections provide a mould into which mortar can be deposited and skimmed over by a trowel or similar application tool. The depth of the opposing projections ensures an even layer of mortar at the required depth. Figure 11 such a suitable application tool 71.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus for use in applying cement on a previously-laid course of bricks, particularly bricks having a hollow interior, the apparatus comprising first and second longitudinal arms and a plurality of plates positioned adjacent one another between the arms, each plate being arranged, in use, to substantially cover the hollow interior of an underlying brick whilst leaving part of the brick material surrounding the hollow interior exposed.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each plate is substantially planar and rectangular in shape.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each plate comprises first and second separable portions.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first and second arms are connected at, or in the region of, a first end and can be separated by user action to separate the plate portions.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the arms are connected by one or more hinges at, or in the region of, the first end.
6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising means to fix the arms in an operative position so that the plate portions are un-separated.
7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein each plate comprises at least one aperture formed at the division between the separable portions.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one support arranged, in use, to be located on a previously-laid course of bricks thereby to support the apparatus in operative position for cement to be applied.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the thickness of each plate edge is predetermined to correspond with the thickness of cement that is to be laid on the previously-laid course of bricks.
10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a level gauge device.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the level gauge device is a longitudinal member forming part of, or connected to, one of the longitudinal arms.
12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the level gauge device comprises a longitudinal member having a plurality of bubble level -type gauges distributed along the length of the member.
13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the longitudinal arms are arranged, in use, to act as rails over which a cement laying device can run.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a cement laying device arranged to run on the rails and to deposit cement to the exposed brick material.
15. Apparatus for use in applying cement on a previously-laid course of bricks, particularly bricks having a hollow interior, the apparatus comprising first and second longitudinal arms hingedly fixed at one end in such a way that the arms can be moved between an operative position in which they are substantially parallel, and a non-operative position in which they are moved apart, the apparatus further comprising a plurality of adjacent plates connected between the arms and arranged, in use, to cover the hollow interior of adjacent underlying bricks whilst leaving part of the brick material surrounding the hollow interior exposed.
16. Apparatus for depositing cement on a previously-laid course of bricks, the apparatus comprising a hopper for holding a cement mixture, the hopper having an aperture located at or in the region of its base to allow the mixture to leave the hopper, and means for movably mounting the hopper along one or more rails provided by the longitudinal arms of the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16, in which the hopper comprises first and second separate portions, each of which has a rail mounting means for engaging a respective one of the longitudinal arms.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the rail mounting means comprise one or more wheels.
19. Apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising a blade arranged to push cement mixture along, the blade having a flexible inner area.
20. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the plates are joined to the arms/rails by one or more thin connections.
21. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the hopper fits perfectly over the jig to keep it in place.
22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the plates are have an inner region, within the perimeter, that is thinner than its outer perimeter.