GB2518654A

GB2518654A - Guide

Info

Publication number: GB2518654A
Application number: GB1317158.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Enda Clancy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-27
Filing date: 2013-09-27
Publication date: 2015-04-01
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-27
Also published as: GB2518654B; WO2015044670A1; GB201317158D0

Abstract

A guide 1 suitable for laying bricks comprises an L-shaped elongate member 2 for accommodating a corner of a brick wall. The elongate member comprises a plurality of protrusions 3, each protrusion sized and positioned to fit between two brick courses laid next to the elongate member. A protrusion 3 is provided for use between each course of bricks. The elongate member 2 is formed of two wings 4A, 4B, provided at a right angle to each other and protrusions extend from each wing. One or more protrusions are moveable from a first position (shown in Figure 2A) protruding from one side of a wing to a second position (shown in Figure 2B) protruding from the opposite side of the wing. The inventions seeks to ensure that a corner of a brick wall laid next to the elongate member is straight, and that the mortar joints provided between each course of bricks is consistent.

Description

GUIDE

The present invention relates to a guide for laying bricks, in particular to a guide for ensuring that the corner of a brick wall is straight and vertical.

When building a brick or block wall, it is imperative to ensure that the corners of the wall are straight and vertical. Otherwise, problems can occur as the wall is built higher and during roof construction.

It is also important to ensure that each course of bricks or blocks is uniformly spaced. If this is not done, problems can occur when openings for windows and doors are allowed for during construction of the wall. For example, doors and windows are often provided in standard widths and heights which correspond to standard sizes of bricks or blocks and associated mortar joints. Accordingly, if the thickness of the mortar provided between each course of bricks or blocks is not uniform, the openings left in the wall during construction are unlikely to correspond to standard window and door sizes. This problem is compounded further if the corners of the wall are not straight and vertical.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above identified problems.

SUMNIARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a guide for laying bricks, the guide comprising an L-shaped elongate member for accommodating a corner of a brick wall, the elongate member comprising a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion sized and positioned to fit between two brick courses laid next to the elongate member, such that a corner of a brick wall laid next to the elongate member is straight and a protrusion is provided between each course of bricks.

Remarkably, the present invention not only ensures that the corner of a brick wall is straight and vertical, but at the same time ensures that the correct thickness of mortar joint is provided between the brick courses.

Preferably, each protrusion is substantially the same size.

Preferably, each protrusion is substantially the same thickness.

Accordingly, the present invention ensures that each mortar joint is the same thickness. This is particularly important when building a wall into which one or more doors or windows are to be inserted because if the thickness of the mortar joints is incorrect the opening left for the doors and/or windows may be of the wrong size.

A particular advantage of the present invention is found when one or more guides of the present invention are provided at either end of a brick wall during its construction. In this respect, if a line is attached to corresponding protrusions on guides at either end of the wall, this line provides the brick layer with an accurate guide for the height and level of the bricks in the particular course and for the thickness of the associated mortar joint. This allows each course of bricks to be provided flat, level and with a correct and uniform thickness of mortar joint.

Preferably, each protrusion comprises a peg.

Preferably, the L-shaped elongate member is formed of two wings provided at a right angle to each other, wherein the protrusions extend from each wing.

Preferably, one or more protrusions are moveable from a first position protruding from one side of a wing to a second position protruding from the opposite side of the wing.

Preferably, all the protrusions are moveable from a first position protruding from one side of a wing to a second position protruding from the opposite side of the wing.

Preferably, one or more protrusions are rotatable from a first position protruding from one side of a wing to a second position protruding from the opposite side of the wing.

Preferably, all the protrusions are rotatable from a first position protruding from one side of a wing to a second position protruding from the opposite side of the wing.

This allows brick walls to be constructed from both sides of the guide. In addition, if a block wall is desired, the protrusions can be positioned such that those corresponding to the position of joints between block courses can remain on the wall building side of the guide and those which would otherwise be in the way can be moved to the non-wall building side of the guide.

The wings of the elongate member position a brick or block laid hard up ugainst the elongate member in both an internal corner and external corner position.

Preferably, one or more protrusions are provided with a groove. The groove can be used to attach one or more lines as discussed above. The line can be moved up to the next protrusion as a course of brick or block work is completed.

Preferably, the groove is positioned such that a line will run along the outside of a brick or block work wall laid between two elongate members of the present invention.

Preferably, the groove is provided with rounded corners. This helps to ensure that a line secured to the groove does not get worn.

Preferably, one or more protrusions are pointed.

Preferably, all the protrusions are pointed.

Preferably, the end of one or more protrusions is pointed.

This means that when the protrusion is removed from the mortar between two bricks the indentation which remains is shaped such that it can easily be idled during pointing of the brickwork. In this respect, if the recess which remains had straight sides (rather than the sloped sides resulting from use of a pointed protrusion) it would be more difficult to completely fill the recess with mortar. In addition, the pointing would be more liable to crack at a position corresponding to the edge of the recess. In addition, if the protrusion had straight sides, removal of the elongate member from the corner of the wall would be difficult and result in "dragging out" mortar from the joint unnecessarily. The pointed protrusion minimises any such risk.

Preferably, the guide is mountable on a base.

Preferably, the guide comprises one or more holes or recesses for engagement with one or more protrusions on a base.

Preferably, the guide comprises one or more level indicators.

Preferably at least one level indicator is provided in each wing.

Preferably, the one or more level indicators comprise a bubble level.

Preferably, the wings comprise one or more apertures.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base for a guide as described herein.

Preferably, the base comprises one or more protrusions for engagement with one or more holes or recesses in a guide as described herein.

Preferably, the one or more protrusions extend from first and/or second faces of the base.

Preferably, the first face is for engagement with a guide as described herein and the second face is for engagement with the ground. In such an embodiment, it is preferred that one or more protrusions extend from only the first face.

Preferably, the first face is for engagement with a first guide as described herein and the second face is for engagement with a second guide as described herein.

In such an embodiment, it is preferred that one or more protrusions extend from both faces of the base.

It will be appreciated that, in use, the first and second faces form upper and lower faces, wherein the upper face is for engagement with the bottom of a guide as described herein and the lower face is for engagement with the top of a guide as described herein or the ground.

The base of the present invention can, therefore, be used to position two guides of the present invention on top of one another and thus provide a plurality of guides to the full height of a brick wall, if desired.

Preferably, the base is shaped for positioning against an inside corner and an outside corner of a brick wall.

Preferably, the base is substantially L-shaped.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for securing together two guides of the present invention at a defined distance from one another.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises an arm provided with a guide connection means at each end.

Preferably, the guide connection means is a base as described herein.

Preferably, the length of the arm is adjustable.

Preferably, the apparatus is conligured for connection to a second apparatus as described herein.

Preferably, the arm is configured for attachment to an arm of a second apparatus as described herein.

Preferably the arms of two apparatus as described herein are connectable together in a cross. In this way, a guide of the present invention can be provided at the end of each of two arms, such that a guide is positioned at each corner of a rectangle.

Preferably, the relative positions and orientations of the arms with respect to each other are adjustable.

Preferably, the arms comprise an aperture so that when two arms are positioned in a cross, the arms can be secured together with a bolt passing through their respective apertures.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support for securing a guide as described herein against the inside or outside corner of a wall, the support comprising a body and arms, wherein the support is adapted in a first configuration for engagement with an inside corner of a guide positioned against the inside corner of a wall, and in a second configuration for engagement with an outside corner of a guide positioned against the outside corner of a wall, wherein each arm is adapted for engagement with a gap between one or more bricks in the wall, and wherein the body comprises a guide engaging means which is moveable relative to the body into engagement with the corner of a guide, such that (i) when the support is provided in a first configuration for engagement with an inside corner of a guide positioned against the inside corner of a wall, movement of the guide engaging means into engagement with the inside corner of a guide causes each arm to move away from the corner into engagement with a corner facing end of a brick within the brick wall, and (ii) when the support is provided in a second configuration for engagement with an outside corner of a guide positioned against the outside corner of a wall, movement of the guide engaging means into engagement with the outside corner causes each arm to move toward the corner into engagement with a non-corner facing end of a brick within the wall.

In this way, it will be appreciated that when provided against the inside corner of a guide positioned against the inside corner of a wall, the arms will push against the bricks when the guide engaging means engages with the guide. In contrast, when provided against the outside corner of a guide positioned against the outside corner of a wall, the arms will pull against the bricks when the guide engaging means engages with the guide.

Preferably, each arm comprises one or more brick end engagement means.

Preferably, one or more brick end engagement means are provided toward the end of each arm, preferably at the end of each arm.

Preferably, the position of the brick end engagement means along the arm is

adjustable.

Preferably, the distance the brick end engagement means extends from the arm

is adjustable.

Preferably, the one or more brick end engagement means comprise one or more protrusions extending from each arm.

Preferably, the brick end engagement means extends at substantially 90 degrees from each arm.

Preferably, the brick end engagement means comprises a substantially flat plate.

Preferably, the arms are provided at substantially 90 degrees to each other when the support is in the first or second configuration.

Preferably, the arms are provided at substantially 45 degrees to the body when the support is in the first or second configuration.

Preferably, the arms are rotatable relative to the body from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Preferably, the length of each arm is adjustable.

Preferably, the arms are rotatable about a pin.

Preferably, a corner engaging surface of the guide engaging means is shaped for engagement with an inside corner in a first orientation and an outside corner in a second orientation.

Preferably, the corner engaging surface comprises two halves of a pyramid, for example a quadrilateral pyramid, positioned side by side. In this respect, in order to function in the desired way, it will be appreciated that the two halves are positioned side by side such that their sloping upper surfaces meet at their base.

Preferably, the guide engaging means is rotatable between a first orientation for engagement with the inside corner and a second orientation for engagement with the outside corner of a guide as described herein.

Preferably, the support comprises a tightening means for tightening the guide engaging means against a guide.

Preferably, the tightening means comprises a screwthread.

Preferably, the guide engaging means is connected to the body via a screwth read.

Preferably, the support is engageable with a base as described herein and/or a guide as described herein.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a guide according to the present invention; Figures 2A and 26 show side views of part of a guide according to the present invention; Figure 2C shows an enlarged view of a protrusion extending from the elongate member; Figure 2D shows a cross-section through a protrusion; Figure 3 shows a plan view of a guide according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows plan (4A) and side (46) views of a base according to the present invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a support according to the present invention; Figure 6 shows a plan view of a support according to the present invention in a inner corner (GA) and outer corner (GE) engaging position; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a support of the present invention engaging an outer corner; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a support in an outer corner engaging configuration; Figure YA shows an apparatus for securing together two guides 1 of the present invention at a defined distance from one another; Figure YB shows an apparatus for securing guides at each corner of a rectangle; and Figure 10 shows two guides joined together by a base and provided with a support.

The present invention relates to a guide for use in building a brick wall and ensuring that the corner of the wall is straight with a consistent mortar joint provided between each course of bricks.

Within this specification, the term "about" means plus or minus 2O%, more preferably plus or minus lO°Ia, even more preferably plus or minus S%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a guide 1 for laying bricks. The guide 1 comprises an L-shaped elongate member 2 for accommodating a corner of a brick wall (not shown). The elongate member 2 comprises a plurality of protrusions in the form of pegs 3. Each protrusion 3 is sized and positioned to fit between two brick courses laid next to the elongate member 2, such that a corner of a brick wall laid next to the elongate member 2 is straight and a protrusion 3 is provided between each course of bricks.

Each protrusion 3 is the same size and thickness. In the embodiment shown, each protrusion has a thickness x of about 10mm corresponding to the desired thickness of a mortar joint.

The L-shaped elongate member 2 is formed of two wings 4A, 46 provided at a right angle to each other. A plurality of protrusions 3 extend from each wing 4A, 46. In the example shown, each wing includes an end 5 from which the protrusions 3 extend.

As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the protrusion 3 is moveable from a first position (Figure 2A) protruding from one side of the wing 4 to a second position (Figure 26) protruding from the opposite side of the wing 4. The protrusion 3 is rotatable about a pin 8 from the first position to the second position.

The distance the protrusions 3 are spaced apart from one another corresponds to the thickness of a standard brick (not shown). For example, in the embodiment shown, this distance xx is about 65mm.

As a result of the thickness of the protrusions and the distance they are spaced apart, a brick wall or block wall can be constructed. In the case of a block wall if only one in every three protrusions protrudes in the direction of the wall, the gap between the protrusions extending in the direction of the wall will correspond to the thickness of a breeze-block.

As shown in Figure 2C, each protrusion 3 is provided with a groove 6. The groove 6 can be used to attach one or more lines (not shown). The groove 6 is positioned such that a line will run along the outside of a brick or block work wall laid between two elongate members of the present invention.

The groove 6 is provided with rounded corners, as shown in Figure 2D.

As shown in Figure 3, the end 10 of each protrusion is pointed. This means that when the protrusion is removed from the mortar between two bricks the indentation which remains is shaped such that it can easily be filled during pointing of the brickwork. In this respect, if the recess which remains had straight sides (rather than the sloped sides resulting from use of a pointed protrusion) it would be more difficult to completely fill the recess with mortar. In addition, the pointing would be more liable to crack at a position corresponding to the edge of the recess. The pointed protrusion minimises any such risk. In addition, if the protrusion had straight sides, removal of the elongate member from the corner of the wall would be difficult and result in "dragging out" mortar from the joint unnecessarily.

With reference to Figure 1, the wings 4 are provided with apertures 9 which reduce the weight of the guide and the material used in its construction.

In order to ensure that the guide is positioned upright, level indicators 15 are provided. In the example shown, the level indicators are bubble levels, also known as vials. A level indicator is provided in each wing.

The guide may have any suitable height corresponding to the height of a plurality of brick or block work courses; however in the example shown the height is about 1195mm.

The guide can be manufactured from any suitable material, for example a light-weight metal.

With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, there are shown plan (Figure 4A) and side (Figure 4B) views of a base 11 upon which the guide 1 can be mounted.

In this respect, with reference to Figure 3, the guide 1 has recesses 12 corresponding to the position of pins 13 on the base 11. In Figure 3, the position at where pins are accommodated within the recesses is shown by dashed circles 14.

In the example shown, three pins 13 extend from both faces of the base 11. In this way, the base can be used to join two guides 1 with one guide on top of the other. The upper face will be for engagement with the bottom of a guide and the lower face for engagement with the top of a guide.

However, it will be appreciated that if the pins extend from only one face, the base 11 can be sited on the ground and a guide mounted thereon.

The base 11 is L-shaped and so can be positioned against an inside corner or an outside corner of a brick wall.

The base may have any suitable dimensions however in the example shown it has a width w of about 153mm and thickness of about 10mm.

With reference to Figure 5, there is shown a support 16 for securing a guide 1 against the inside or outside corner of a wall.

The support 16 comprises a body 17 and arms 18. The support is adapted in a first configuration (Figure GA) for engagement with an inside corner of a guide 1 positioned against the inside corner of a wall (not shown), and in a second configuration (Figure GB) for engagement with an outside corner of a guide 1 positioned against the outside corner of a wall (not shown). In Figures GA and GB, the position of the guide 1 is shown by dashed lines.

Each arm 18 includes a plate 19 (brick end engagement means) for engagement with a gap between one or more bricks in a wall. The distance each plate 19 extends from the arm 18 is adjustable by loosening a wing nut 20, sliding the plate 19 to the desired position and then securing the plate 19 in position by tightening the wing nut 20.

The body 17 comprises a guide engaging means 21 which is moveable relative to the body into engagement with the corner of a guide 1.

When the support 16 is provided in a first configuration for engagement with an inside corner of a guide 1 positioned against the inside corner of a wall, movement of the guide engaging means 21 into engagement with the inside corner of a guide causes each arm 18 to move away from the corner into engagement with a corner facing end of a brick within the brick wall. This is shown by the arrows in Figure 6A.

When the support 16 is provided in a second configuration for engagement with an outside corner of a guide 1 positioned against the outside corner of a wall, movement of the guide engaging means 21 into engagement with the outside corner causes each arm 18 to move toward the corner into engagement with a non-corner facing end of a brick within the wall. This is shown by the arrows in Figure GB. The support 16 is moveable between the first and second configurations by rotating the arms 17 about pins 24 relative to the body 17.

When provided against the inside corner of a guide 1 positioned against the inside corner of a wall, the plates 19 will push against the bricks when the guide engaging means 21 engages with the guide 1. This secures the guide 1 against the inside corner of the wall.

In contrast, when provided against the outside corner of a guide 1 positioned against the outside corner of a wall, the plates 19 will pull against the bricks when the guide engaging means 21 engages with the guide. This secures the guide 1 against the outside corner of the wall.

The corner engaging surface of the guide engaging means 21 is shaped for engagement with an inside corner in a first orientation and an outside corner in a second orientation. In the example shown, and with particular reference to Figure 8, the corner engaging surface comprises two halves of a quadrilateral pyramid positioned side by side.

The guide engaging means 21 is rotatable about a pin 22 between a first orientation for engagement with the inside corner and a second orientation for engagement with the outside corner of a guide 1.

The body 17 is mounted on a screw-thread 23 for tightening the guide engaging means 21 against a guide 1.

The length of each arm 18 and thus the distance of each plate 19 from the corner is adjustable. In the example shown, each arm includes a first part 18A and a second part 1SB, the first part iSA slideable within the second part 1SB to adjust the length of the arm. The position of the first part iSA relative to the second part 18B is secured by the use of sprung pegs 25 in the first part 18A which engage with holes 26 formed in the second part 18B. However, it will be appreciated that other arrangements could be used, for example a rail and wing nut arrangement.

It will be appreciated that the support 16 could also be used to secure a base 11 of the present invention against the inside or outside corner of a brick wall.

The support may be of suitable size and can be manufactured from any suitable material, for example a light-weight metal.

With reference to Figure 9A there is provided an apparatus 27 for securing together two guides 1 of the present invention at a defined distance from one another. The apparatus 27 comprises an arm 28 provided with a guide connection means in the form of a base 11 of the present invention at each end.

The arm is provided in two parts with one part 28A slidable inside the second part 28B such that the length of the arm 28 is adjustable. The desired length can be secured with a bolt 29.

The apparatus 27 is configured for connection to a second apparatus as shown in Figure 9B. In this respect, the arm 28 includes an aperture 30 so that when two arms of separate apparatuses are positioned in a cross, the arms can be secured together with a bolt 31 passing through their respective apertures. The relative positions of the arms can be adjusted accordingly and their desired relative positions secured by tightening the bolt 31.

A guide 1 of the present invention can then be provided at the end of each of the arms 28, such that a guide 1 is positioned at each corner of a rectangle.

The apparatus may be of suitable size and can be manufactured from any suitable material, for example a light-weight metal.

Two guides 1 can be joined together by a base 11 with the lower guide 1 provided with a support 16 for positioning against a wall.

With reference to Figure 10, a short elongate member 32 (or guide 1) is secured to a wall (not shown) by a support 16. The top of the short elongate member 32 (or guide) is positioned at the same height as the top of a brickwork course and a base 11 inserted into the top of the short elongate member (or guide). The thickness of the base 11 corresponds to the thickness of the mortar joint and overlaps the top of the brick work course. A guide 1 is then positioned on top of the base 11.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modilications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A guide for laying bricks, the guide comprising an L-shaped elongate member for accommodating a corner of a brick wall, the elongate member comprising a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion sized and positioned to fit between two brick courses laid next to the elongate member, such that a corner of a brick wall laid next to the elongate member is straight and a protrusion is provided between each course of bricks.
2. A guide according to claim 1, wherein each protrusion is substantially the same size.
3. A guide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each protrusion is substantially the same thickness.
4. A guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the L-shaped elongate member is formed of two wings provided at a right angle to each other, wherein the protrusions extend from each wing.
5. A guide according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more protrusions are moveable from a first position protruding from one side of a wing to a second position protruding from the opposite side of the wing.
6. A guide according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more protrusions are provided with a groove.
7. A guide according to claim 6, wherein the groove is positioned such that a line will run along the outside of a brick or block work wall laid between two of said guides.
8. A guide according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the groove is provided with rounded corners.
9. A guide according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more protrusions are pointed.
10. A guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide is mountable on a base.
11. A guide according to claim 10, wherein the guide comprises one or more holes or recesses for engagement with one or more protrusions on a base.
12. A guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide comprises one or more level indicators.
13. A base for a guide according to any preceding claim.
14. A base according to claim 13, wherein the base comprises one or more protrusions for engagement with one or more holes or recesses in a guide.
15. A base according to claim 14, wherein the one or more protrusions extend from first and/or second faces of the base.
16. A base according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the base is shaped for positioning against an inside corner and an outside corner of a brick wall.
17. A base according to claim 16, wherein the base is substantially L-shaped.
18. An apparatus for securing together two guides of any of claims 1 to 12 at a defined distance from one another.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein apparatus comprises an arm provided with a guide connection means at each end.
20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the guide connection means is a base according to any of claims 13 to 17.
21. An apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the length of the arm is adjustable.
22. An apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the apparatus is configured for connection to a second apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 21.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the apparatus and second apparatus are connectable together in a cross.
24. An apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the relative positions and orientations of each apparatus with respect to each other are adjustable.
25. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the arms comprise an aperture so that when two arms are positioned in a cross, the arms can be secured together with a bolt passing through their respective apertures.
26. A support for securing a guide according to any of claims 1 to 12 against the inside or outside corner of a wall, the support comprising a body and arms, wherein the support is adapted in a first configuration for engagement with an inside corner of a guide positioned against the inside corner of a wall, and in a second configuration for engagement with an outside corner of a guide positioned against the outside corner of a wall, wherein each arm is adapted for engagement with a gap between one or more bricks in the wall, and wherein the body comprises a guide engaging means which is moveable relative to the body into engagement with the corner of a guide, such that (i) when the support is provided in a first configuration for engagement with an inside corner of a guide positioned against the inside corner of a wall, movement of the guide engaging means into engagement with the inside corner of a guide causes each arm to move away from the corner into engagement with a corner facing end of a brick within the brick wall, and (ii) when the support is provided in a second configuration for engagement with an outside corner of a guide positioned against the outside corner of a wall, movement of the guide engaging means into engagement with the outside corner causes each arm to move toward the corner into engagement with a non-corner facing end of a brick within the wall.
27. A support according to claim 26, wherein each arm comprises one or more brick end engagement means.
28. A support according to claim 27, wherein one or more brick end engagement means are provided toward the end of each arm.
29. A support according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the position of the brick end engagement means along the arm is adjustable.
30. A support according to any of claims 27 to 29, wherein the distance the brick end engagement means extends from the arm is adjustable.
31. A support according to any of claims 27 to 30, wherein the one or more brick end engagement means comprise one or more protrusions extending from each arm.
32. A support according to any of claims 27 to 31, wherein the brick end engagement means comprises a substantially flat plate.
33. A support according to any of claims 26 to 32, wherein the arms are rotatable relative to the body from the first configuration to the second configuration.
34. A support according to any of claims 26 to 33, wherein the length of eacharm is adjustable.
35. A support according to any of claims 26 to 34, wherein a corner engaging surface of the guide engaging means is shaped for engagement with an inside corner in a first orientation and an outside corner in a second orientation.
36. A support according to claim 35, wherein the guide engaging means comprises two halves of a pyramid positioned side by side.
37. A support according to any of claims 26 to 36, wherein the guide engaging means is rotatable between a first orientation for engagement with an inside corner and a second orientation for engagement with an outside corner.
38. A support according to any of claims 26 to 37, wherein the support comprises a tightening means for tightening the guide engaging means against a guide.
39. A guide substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.
40. A base substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.
41. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.
42. A support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.Amended claims have been filed as follows:-CLAIMS1. A guide for laying bricks, the guide comprising an L-shaped elongate member for accommodating a corner of a brick wall, the elongate member comprising a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion sized and positioned to fit between two brick courses laid next to the elongate member, such that a corner of a brick wall laid next to the elongate member is straight and a protrusion is provided between each course of bricks, wherein one or more protrusions are moveable from a first position protruding from one side of a wing to a second position protruding from the opposite side of the wing.2. A guide according to claim 1, wherein each protrusion is substantially the same size.3. A guide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each protrusion is substantially the same thickness.4. A guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the L-shaped elongate member is formed of two wings provided at a right angle to each other, wherein the protrusions extend from each wing.5. A guide according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more protrusions are provided with a groove.6. A guide according to claim 5, wherein the groove is positioned such that a line will run along the outside of a brick or block work wall laid between two of said guides.7. A guide according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the groove is provided with rounded corners.8. A guide according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more protrusions are pointed.9. A guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide is mountable on a base.10. A guide according to claim 9, wherein the guide comprises one or more holes or recesses for engagement with one or more protrusions on a base.11. A guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide comprises one or more level indicators.12. A base for a guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises one or more protrusions for engagement with one or more holes or recesses in a guide, and wherein the one or more protrusions extend from first and second faces of the base.13. A base according to claim 12, wherein the base is shaped for positioning against an inside corner and an outside corner of a brick wall.14. A base according to claim 13, wherein the base is substantially L-shaped. r15. An apparatus for securing together two guides of any of claims 1 to 11 at a defined distance from one another.16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein apparatus comprises an arm provided with a guide connection means at each end.17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the guide connection means is a base according to any of claims 12 to 14.18. An apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the length of the arm is adjustable.19. An apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the apparatus is configured for connection to a second apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 18.20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the apparatus and second apparatus are connectable together in a cross.21. An apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the relative positions and orientations of each apparatus with respect to each other are adjustable.22. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the arms comprise an aperture so that when two arms are positioned in a cross, the arms can be secured together with a bolt passing through their respective apertures.23. A support for securing a guide according to any of claims 1 to 11 against the inside or outside corner of a wall, the support comprising a body and arms, wherein the support is adapted in a first configuration for engagement with an inside corner of a guide positioned against the inside corner of a wall, and in a second configuration for engagement with an outside corner of a guide positioned against the outside corner of a wall, wherein each arm is adapted for engagement with a gap between one or more bricks in the wall, and wherein the body comprises a guide engaging means which is moveable relative to the body into engagement with the corner of a guide, such that (i) when the support is provided in a first configuration for engagement with an inside corner of a guide positioned against the inside corner of a wall, movement of the guide engaging means into engagement with the inside corner of a guide causes each arm to move away from the corner into engagement with a corner facing end of a brick within the brick wall, and (ii) when the support is provided in a second configuration for engagement with an outside corner of a guide positioned against the outside corner of a wall, movement of the guide engaging means into engagement with the outside corner causes each arm to move toward the corner into engagement with a non-corner facing end of a brick within the wall.24. A support according to claim 23, wherein each arm comprises one or more brick end engagement means.25. A support according to claim 24, wherein one or more brick end engagement means are provided toward the end of each arm.26. A support according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the position of the brick end engagement means along the arm is adjustable.27. A support according to any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the distance the brick end engagement means extends from the arm is adjustable.28. A support according to any of claims 24 to 27, wherein the one or more brick end engagement means comprise one or more protrusions extending from each arm.29. A support according to any of claims 24 to 28, wherein the brick end engagement means comprises a substantially flat plate.30. A support according to any of claims 23 to 29, wherein the arms are rotatable relative to the body from the first configuration to the second configuration.31. A support according to any of claims 23 to 30, wherein the length of eacharm is adjustable.32. A support according to any of claims 23 to 31, wherein a corner engaging surface of the guide engaging means is shaped for engagement with an inside corner in a first orientation and an outside corner in a second orientation.33. A support according to claim 32, wherein the guide engaging means comprises two halves of a pyramid positioned side by side.34. A support according to any of claims 23 to 33, wherein the guide engaging means is rotatable between a first orientation for engagement with an inside corner and a second orientation for engagement with an outside corner.35. A support according to any of claims 23 to 34, wherein the support comprises a tightening means for tightening the guide engaging means against a guide.36. A guide substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.37. A base substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.38. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.39. A support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the r accompanying Figures.