GB2608887A

GB2608887A - A stringline block

Info

Publication number: GB2608887A
Application number: GB2207397.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Plummer Simon
Original assignee: Bt Eng Group Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Bt Eng Group Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-24
Filing date: 2022-05-20
Publication date: 2023-01-18
Also published as: GB202207397D0; AU2021102800A4

Abstract

A stringline block 40, including a first 42 and second wall 44 with first 48 and second 52 guides respectively, where the second wall is parallel to the first wall. It also has a third wall 46, with at least one third guide 56,58, where the third wall is located between the first and second walls and is perpendicular to them. In use, the stringline block is attachable to a column, and the first second and third guides are adapted to be attached to a stringline. Either of the first or second walls may have a protrusion 60 which includes a fourth guide 62, and the block may have a screw portion 66, which may be positioned on the first or second wall, for releasably attaching it to a column. The walls may be rectangular, and the guides may be positioned on the upper and lower surfaces of the walls. A method of stringing up the stringline is also disclosed.

Description

A STRINGLINE BLOCK

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stringline block. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for a stringline block for laying bricks. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stringlines are used to assist bricklayers when laying bricks. Typically a stringline is tied between two reference points to create a straight line.

Normally there are a couple of ways for a bricklayer to tie a stringline. Typically each of the two ends of a stringline is tied to a separate column when laying bricks.

One problem within that is it takes effort for a bricklayer to tie the ends of the stringline to the column.

Another problem within that is it is difficult for a bricklayer to keep the stringline at a same level around the column. The stringline may also be accidentally displaced and it may not be easily to detect if such a displacement has occurred.

A further problem with tying a stringline to a column is that a single stringline may not provide enough accuracy for some brick laying jobs.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or 25 more of the above mentioned problems with laying bricks and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a stringline block, 30 including a first wall with at least one first guide; a second wall with at least one second guide, wherein the second wall is parallel to the first wall, and a third wall with at least one third guide, wherein the third wall is located between the first wall and the second wall, and wherein the third wall is perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall, wherein in use, the stringline block is attachable to a column, and the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide and the at least one third guide are adapted to be attached to a stringline.

Preferably the first wall is rectangular in shape. Preferably the first wall includes an upper surface, a lower surface and two side surfaces. In one embodiment, the at least one first guide is located at the upper surface of the first wall. In another embodiment, the at least one first guide is located at the lower surface of the first wall.

Preferably the second wall is rectangular in shape. Preferably the second wall includes an upper surface, a lower surface and two side surfaces. In one embodiment, the at least one second guide is located at the upper surface of the second wall. In another embodiment, the at least one second guide is located at the lower surface of the second wall.

Preferably the third wall is rectangular in shape. Preferably the third wall includes an upper surface, a lower surface and two side surfaces. In one embodiment, the at least one third guide is located at the upper surface of the third wall. In another embodiment, the at least one third guide is located at the lower surface of the third wall.

Preferably the first wall, the second wall and/or the third wall have a same width. Preferably the first wall, the second wall and/or the third wall have a same height. Preferably the first wall, the second wall and/or the third wall have a same thickness. In one embodiment, each of the first wall, the second wall and/or the third wall has a width substantially between 50mm to 52mm.

In one embodiment, the second wall has a different width compared with the first wall and the third wall. Preferably the width of the second wall is larger than the first wall and the third wall. In one embodiment, each of the first wall and the third wall has a width substantially between 50mm to 52mm, the second wall has a width substantially between 60mm to 62mm.

Preferably the stringline block further includes a protrusion. Preferably the protrusion includes at least one fourth guide to guide the stringline. In one embodiment, the protrusion is attached to an edge of the first wall of the stringline block. In another embodiment, the protrusion is attached to an edge of the second wall of the stringline block.

Preferably the protrusion is perpendicular to the first wall or the second wall which the protrusion is attached. Preferably the protrusion extends outward the first wall or the second wall which the protrusion is attached. Preferably the protrusion has a same height with the first wall or the second wall which the protrusion is attached. Preferably the protrusion has a same thickness with the first wall or the second wall which the protrusion is attached.

Preferably the protrusion is rectangular in shape. Preferably the protrusion includes an upper surface, a lower surface and two side surfaces. In one embodiment, the at least one fourth guide is located at the upper surface of the protrusion. In another embodiment, the at least one fourth guide is located at the lower surface of the protrusion.

In one embodiment, the at least one fourth guide aligns with one of the at least one first guide when the protrusion is attached to the edge of the first wall. In another embodiment, the at least one fourth guide aligns with one of the at least one second guide when the protrusion is attached to the edge of the second wall. Preferably the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide, the at least one third guide and/or the at least one fourth guide are located at a same level to guide the stringline. In one embodiment, the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide, the at least one third guide and/or the at least one fourth guide are located at an upper surface of the stringline block. In another embodiment, the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide, the at least one third guide and/or the at least one fourth guide are located at a lower surface of the stringline block.

Preferably the at least one first guide includes a plurality of first guides. Preferably each of the plurality of first guides is spaced from an adjacent first guide. Preferably the spacing is substantially 10mm.

In one embodiment, the plurality of first guides includes four first guides.

Preferably, the four first guides are located at the upper surface of the first wall. In another embodiment, the four first guides are located at the lower surface of the first wall. Preferably the four first guides align with each other. Preferably each of the four first guides is equally spaced from an adjacent first guide. Preferably the spacing is substantially 10mm.

Preferably the at least one second guide includes a plurality of second guides. Preferably each of the plurality of second guides is spaced from an adjacent second guide. Preferably the spacing is substantially 10mm.

In one embodiment, the plurality of second guides includes four second guides. Preferably, the four second guides are located at the upper surface of the second wall. In another embodiment, the four second guides are located at the lower surface of the second wall. Preferably the four second guides align with each other. Preferably each of the four second guides is equally spaced from an adjacent second guide. Preferably the spacing is substantially 10mm.

Preferably the at least one fourth guides includes a plurality of fourth guides.

Preferably each of the plurality of fourth guides is spaced from an adjacent fourth guide. Preferably the spacing is substantially 10mm.

In one embodiment, the plurality of fourth guides includes three fourth guides. Preferably, the three fourth guides are located at the upper surface of the protrusion.

In another embodiment, the four fourth guides are located at the lower surface of the protrusion. Preferably the three fourth guides align with each other. Preferably each of the three fourth guides is equally spaced from an adjacent fourth guide. Preferably the spacing is substantially 10mm.

In one embodiment, one of the plurality of fourth guides is adjacent to one of the second guides when the protrusion is attached to the edge of the second wall. Preferably the one of the plurality of fourth guides is spaced from the adjacent second guide. Preferably each of the plurality of fourth guides is spaced from an adjacent fourth guide. Preferably the spacing is substantially 10mm. Preferably the plurality of fourth guides is two fourth guides.

In another embodiment, one of the plurality of fourth guides is adjacent to one of the first guide when the protrusion is attached to the edge of the first wall. Preferably the one of the plurality of fourth guides is spaced from the adjacent first guide. Preferably each of the plurality of fourth guides is spaced from an adjacent fourth guide. Preferably the spacing is substantially 10mm. Preferably the plurality of fourth guides is two fourth guides.

Preferably the stringline block further includes a screw portion. Preferably the screw portion is adapted to releasably attach the stringline block to a column. In one embodiment, the screw portion is associated with the first wall to releasably attach the stringline block to the column. In another embodiment, the screw portion is associated with the second wall to releasably attach the stringline block to the column.

Preferably the stringline block further includes an additional portion located at a rear surface of the third wall. Preferably the additional portion is adapted to retain unused stringline.

Preferably the stringline block is a one piece component. Preferably the stringline block is substantially made of metallic material, such as aluminium, steel, alloy and/or any other metal materials.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a stringline block, including a first wall with at least one first guide; a second wall with at least one second guide, wherein the second wall is parallel to the first wall; a third wall with at least one third guide, wherein the third wall is located between the first wall and the second wall, and wherein the third wall is perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall, and a protrusion with at least one fourth guide, wherein the protrusion is attached to an edge of the first wall or the second wall, wherein in use, the stringline block is attachable to a column, and the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide, the at least one third guide and the at least one fourth guide are adapted to be attached to a stringline.

Preferably the at least one first guide includes a plurality of first guides. Preferably each of the plurality of first guides is spaced from an adjacent first guide.

Preferably the spacing is substantially 10mm.

In one embodiment, the plurality of first guides includes four first guides. Preferably, the four first guides are located at the upper surface of the first wall. In another embodiment, the four first guides are located at the lower surface of the first wall. Preferably the four first guides align with each other. Preferably each of the four first guides is equally spaced from an adjacent first guide. Preferably the spacing is substantially 10mm.

Preferably the at least one fourth guides includes a plurality of fourth guides. Preferably each of the plurality of fourth guides is spaced from an adjacent fourth guide. Preferably the spacing is substantially 10mm.

In one embodiment, the plurality of fourth guides includes three fourth guides.

Preferably, the three fourth guides are located at the upper surface of the protrusion.

In another embodiment, one of the plurality of fourth guides is adjacent to one of the first guide when the protrusion is attached to the edge of the first wall.

Preferably the one of the plurality of fourth guides is spaced from the adjacent first guide. Preferably each of the plurality of fourth guides is spaced from an adjacent fourth guide. Preferably the spacing is substantially 10mm. Preferably the plurality of fourth guides is two fourth guides.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of stringing up a stringline, including the steps of attaching a first stringline block to a first column, and attaching a first stringline to at least one of a plurality of guides located on the first stringline block.

Preferably the method of stringing up a stringline further includes a step of attaching the first stringline to at least one of a plurality of guides located on a second stringline block. Preferably the method of stringing up the stringline further includes a step of selecting a predetermined position for the first stringline block and/or the second stringline block. Preferably the first stringline block and the second stringline block align with each other.

Preferably the method of stringing up a stringline further includes a step of attaching a second stringline to at least another of the plurality of guides located at the first stringline block and/or the second stringline block.

Preferably each of the first stringline block and the second stringline block is a stringline block as described in this specification.

Preferably the plurality of guides includes the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide, the at least one third guide and/or the at least one fourth guide as described in this specification. Preferably the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide, the at least one third guide and/or the at least one fourth guide are located at a same level to guide the stringline. In one embodiment, the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide, the at least one third guide and/or the at least one fourth guide are located at an upper surface of the stringline block. In another embodiment, the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide, the at least one third guide and/or the at least one fourth guide are located at a lower surface of the stringline block.

The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations 15 of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other components, integers or steps. Moreover the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires: in particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible.

-10 -The following numbered clauses define features of, or related to, the present invention.

1. A stringline block, including a first wall with at least one first guide; a second wall with at least one second guide, wherein the second wall is parallel to the first wall, and a third wall with at least one third guide, wherein the third wall is located between the first wall and the second wall, and wherein the third wall is perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall, wherein in use, the stringline block is attachable to a column, and the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide and the at least one third guide are adapted to be attached to a stringline.

2. A stringline block as in clause 1, wherein the stringline block further includes a protrusion attached to an edge of the first wall or the second wall, wherein the protrusion further includes at least one fourth guide adapted to be attached to the stringline.

3. A stringline block, including a first wall with at least one first guide; a second wall with at least one second guide, wherein the second wall is parallel to the first wall; a third wall with at least one third guide, wherein the third wall is located between the first wall and the second wall, and wherein the third wall is perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall, and a protrusion with at least one fourth guide, wherein the protrusion is attached an edge of the first wall or the second wall, and wherein the protrusion is perpendicular to and extends outward the first wall and/or second wall which the protrusion is attached, wherein in use, the stringline block is attachable to a column, and the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide, the at least one third guide and the at least one fourth guide are adapted to be attached to a stringline.

4. A stringline block as in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the stringline block further includes a screw portion operable to releasably attach the stringline block to a column.

5. A method of stringing up a stringline, including the steps of attaching a first stringline block to a first column; attaching a second stringline block to a second column, and attaching a stringline to a plurality of guides located at the first stringline block and the second stringline block, wherein the first stringline block aligns with the second stringline block, and the plurality of guides are located at a same level relative to the first column and the second column.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 is a left perspective view of a stringline block according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a right perspective view of a stringline block of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top view of a stringline block of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a front view of a stringline block of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a left side view of a stringline block of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a right side view of a stringline block of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a left perspective view of a stringline block according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a right perspective view of a stringline block of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a top view of a stringline block of Figure 7; Figure 10 is a front view of a stringline block of Figure 7; Figure 11 is a left side view of a stringline block of Figure 7, and Figure 12 is a right side view of a stringline block of Figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figures 1 to 6, there is shown a stringline block 40 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The stringline block 40 has a first wall 42, a second wall 44 and a third wall 46. The first wall 42 is parallel to the second wall 44. The third wall 46 is perpendicular to the first wall 42 and the second wall 44, and located between the first wall 42 and the second wall 44.

The first wall 42, second wall 44 and third wall 46 are rectangular in shape. The first wall 42, second wall 44 and third wall 46 have a same thickness and a same height. The first wall 42 and second wall 44 have a same width.

The first wall 42 has six first guides 48 in the form of roll pins. Three of the first guides 48 are located at an upper surface 50 of the first wall 42, the other three first guides 48 are located at the lower surface (not shown) of the first wall 42.

The second wall 44 has two second guides 52 in the form of roll pins. One of the second guides 52 is located on an upper surface 54 of the second wall 44. The other second guide 52 is located on a lower surface (not shown) of the second wall 44.

The third wall 46 has four third guides 56,58 in the form of roll pins. Two of the third guides 56,58 are located at the upper surface 59 of the third wall 46. The other two third guides 56,58 are located at the lower surface (no shown) of the third wall 46.

The string block 40 further has a protrusion 60 attached to an edge 53 of the second wall 44. The protrusion 60 is perpendicular to the second wall 44 and extrudes outward the second wall 44.

The protrusion 60 is rectangular in shape. The protrusion 60 has a same height and thickness with the first wall 42, second wall 44 and third wall 46.

The protrusion 60 has four fourth guides 62 in the form of roll pins. Two of the fourth guides 62 are located at the upper surface 64 of the protrusion 60. The other two fourth guides 62 are located at the lower surface (not shown) of the protrusion 60. The fourth guides 62 align with the second guides 52 at the upper surface 64 or lower surface of the protrusion 60.

The first guides 48, second guides 52, third guides 56,58 and fourth guides 62 are located at a same level, which is the upper surface 70 of the stringline block 40 or the lower surface 80 of the stringline block 40.

The stringline block 40 further has a screw portion 66. The screw portion 66 is located at a side surface 76 of the first wall 42. The screw portion 66 engages with a screw hole 68 through the first wall 42 to releasably attach the stringline block 40 to a column (not shown).

The string block 40 further has a screw hole 78 through the second wall 44. The screw hole 78 can engage with another screw portion (not shown) to releasably attach the stringline block 40 to the column.

In use, the stringline block 40 is attached to a predetermined position (not shown) of a column by the screw portion 66. A user chooses one of the first guides 48, the two third guides 56,58, one second guides 52 or one of the fourth guides 62 on the upper surface 70 or lower surface 80 of the stringline block 40. In use, a stringline (not shown) will be rounded along the chosen guides on the upper surface or lower surface 80 of the stringline block 40 to string up the stringline.

The stringline block 40 further has an additional portion 72. The additional portion 72 is located at the rear surface 74 of the third wall 46. The additional portion 72 is used to retain the stringline when not in use, by winding the stringline around the additional portion 72.

With reference to Figures 7 to 12, there is shown a stringline block 140 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The stringline block 140 includes all the features of the stringline block 40 of the first embodiment. The only difference between the stringline block 140 and the stringline block 40 is that the width of the second wall 144 is larger than the width of the first wall 142 (especially shown in Figures 9 and 11).

In use, the stringline block 140 is attached to a predetermined position (not shown) of a column by the screw portion 166. A user chooses one of the first guides 148, the two third guides 156,158, one second guides 152 or one of the fourth guides 162 on the upper surface 170 or lower surface 180 of the stringline block 140.

In use, a stringline (not shown) will be rounded along the chosen guides on the upper surface 170 or lower surface 180 of the stringline block 140 to string up the stringline.

ADVANTAGES

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the stringline block includes that it can be attached to a column in a predetermined position. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the stringline block includes that it can provide an accuracy of tying a stringline. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of -14 -the stringline block includes that it provides offset options for bricklayers when tying a stringline.

VARIATIONS

While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

-15 -CLAIMS1. A stringline block, including a first wall with at least one first guide; a second wall with at least one second guide, wherein the second wall is parallel to the first wall, and a third wall with at least one third guide, wherein the third wall is located between the first wall and the second wall, and wherein the third wall is perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall, wherein in use, the stringline block is attachable to a column, and the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide and the at least one third guide are adapted to be attached to a stringline.
2. A stringline block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stringline block further includes a protrusion attached to an edge of the first wall or the second wall, wherein the protrusion further includes at least one fourth guide adapted to be attached to the stringline.
3. A stringline block, including a first wall with at least one first guide; a second wall with at least one second guide, wherein the second wall is parallel to the first wall; a third wall with at least one third guide, wherein the third wall is located between the first wall and the second wall, and wherein the third wall is perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall, and a protrusion with at least one fourth guide, wherein the protrusion is attached an edge of the first wall or the second wall, and wherein the protrusion is perpendicular to and extends outward the first wall and/or second wall which the protrusion is attached, wherein in use, the stringline block is attachable to a column, and the at least one first guide, the at least one second guide, the at least one third guide and the at least one fourth guide are adapted to be attached to a stringline.
-16 - 4. A stringline block as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stringline block further includes a screw portion operable to releasably attach the stringline block to a column.
5. A stringline block as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wall is rectangular in shape, having an upper surface, a lower surface and two side surfaces.
6. A stringline block as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one first guide is located at the upper surface of the first wall.
7. A stringline block as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one first guide is located at the lower surface of the first wall.
8. A stringline block as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second wall is rectangular in shape, having an upper surface, a lower surface and two side surfaces.
9. A stringline block as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one second guide is located at the upper surface of the second wall.
10. A stringline block as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one second guide is located at the lower surface of the second wall.
11. A stringline block as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third wall is rectangular in shape, having an upper surface, a lower surface and two side surfaces.
12. A stringline block as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one third guide is located at the upper surface of the third wall.
13. A stringline block as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one third guide is located at the lower surface of the third wall.
-17 - 14. A stringline block as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a screw portion, wherein the screw portion is adapted to releasably attach the stringline block to a column, and wherein the screw portion is associated with the first wall or the second wall to releasably attach the stringline block to the column.
15. A stringline block as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a protrusion attached to an edge of the first wall or to an edge of the second wall, the protrusion extending perpendicular from the first wall or the second wall.
16. A stringline as claimed in claim 15, wherein the protrusion includes at least one fourth guide to guide the stringline.
17. A stringline block as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first guide includes a plurality of first guides, the at least one second guide includes a plurality of second guides, and the at least one third guide includes a plurality of third guides.
18. A method of stringing up a stringline, including the steps of attaching a first stringline block to a first column; attaching a second stringline block to a second column, and attaching a stringline to a plurality of guides located at the first stringline block and the second stringline block, wherein the first stringline block aligns with the second stringline block, and the plurality of guides are located at a same level relative to the first column and the second column.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18 further including the step of attaching the first stringline to at least one of a plurality of guides located on the second stringline 30 block.
20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 further including the step of attaching a second stringline to at least another of the plurality of guides located at the first stringline block and/or the second stringline block.