WO2012069779A2 - Apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering - Google Patents

Apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012069779A2
WO2012069779A2 PCT/GB2011/001621 GB2011001621W WO2012069779A2 WO 2012069779 A2 WO2012069779 A2 WO 2012069779A2 GB 2011001621 W GB2011001621 W GB 2011001621W WO 2012069779 A2 WO2012069779 A2 WO 2012069779A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
batten
post
securing means
synthetic material
securing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2011/001621
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2012069779A3 (en
Inventor
Malcolm Leslie Oaten
Original Assignee
Malcolm Leslie Oaten
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Malcolm Leslie Oaten filed Critical Malcolm Leslie Oaten
Priority to GB1308526.1A priority Critical patent/GB2499145B/en
Publication of WO2012069779A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012069779A2/en
Publication of WO2012069779A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012069779A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C15/00—Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C13/00
    • G01C15/02—Means for marking measuring points
    • G01C15/06—Surveyors' staffs; Movable markers

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus for indicating land levels and, more especially, this invention relates to apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering.
  • the land levels need to be established, re-established and optimised. This is a complicated procedure involving the use of expensive theodolite equipment, highly qualified personnel, and a great number of level indicators.
  • the level indicators are erected at regular intervals to show where and how material must be moved or added from the land.
  • the level indicators are surprisingly primitive. More specifically, the level indicators comprise a wooden post and a wooden batten. The wooden post is driven into the ground, and the batten is secured to the post at an appropriate angle. If the post is of an insufficient height, then a wooden extension member such for example as a wooden strip is attached to the post to extend vertically above the post, and the batten is then attached to the extension member.
  • Level indicators are normally erected around the circumference of an area once the land levels have been established. The level indicators are sometimes referred to as profiles. The erection of level indicators is carried out around a site by the personnel involved. The procedure for erecting a level indicator is as follows.
  • Wooden posts are driven partially into the ground at regular intervals.
  • apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering which apparatus comprises a batten for indicating a level, and the batten being characterised in that:
  • the batten is a pre-formed batten
  • the batten is made at least in part from a synthetic material
  • the batten has a body portion which extends vertically in use, and which is for securing to a post;
  • the batten has an edge portion which extends outwardly from the body portion;
  • the edge portion has a groove which extends longitudinally along the edge portion.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that the batten is pre-formed.
  • the batten may be produced from a material which is cost effective and comparable in price to that of a wooden batten.
  • the batten may be produced to be of a standard shape, and the batten may be colour coded during manufacture.
  • the batten may be easier to affix to posts and extension members than existing wooden battens.
  • the battens may be produced in packs so that they are easily delivered on site and easily used.
  • the batten may be a one-piece batten.
  • the batten may be an extruded batten which is produced by extrusion. Alternatively, if desired, the batten may be produced by stamping in a die.
  • the edge portion is located at the top of the body portion.
  • the edge portion may however be located below the top of the body portion if desired.
  • the groove will extend the entire length of the batten. This is especially so when the batten is an extruded batten.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the batten is made entirely of the synthetic material, and in which the synthetic material is a plastics material.
  • the plastics material may be a solid plastics material.
  • the plastics material may be a foam plastics material. Any suitable and appropriate plastics material may be employed.
  • the apparatus may alternatively be one in which the batten is made only partially from the synthetic material, in which the batten is made from a fibre core having a covering of the synthetic material, and in which the synthetic material is a waterproof synthetic material.
  • the fibre core may be made of cellulose fibres.
  • the cellulose fibres may be from paper, cardboard or wood.
  • the cellulose fibres may be regenerated from cellulose fibres obtained from previously used paper, cardboard or wood.
  • the waterproof synthetic material may be a plastics material, for example a plastics paint or film.
  • the body portion may taper in thickness from the top to the bottom of the batten. Alternatively, the body portion may be of a constant thickness from the top to the bottom of the batten.
  • the groove may be configured to receive a gripper arrangement on securing means used to secure the batten to the post and/or to receive string for measuring lines.
  • the batten may have a surface which is able to be marked by a marker pen whereby the surface may be marked for engineers' referencing.
  • the surface may be a mat surface.
  • the mat surface may be a waterproof mat surface.
  • the apparatus of the present invention may include the post.
  • the post will usually be a wooden post.
  • the post may be made of other materials if desired.
  • the apparatus of the present invention may include a connecting member for connecting an extension member to the post in instances where the post is not long enough.
  • the connecting member may comprise a first aperture for receiving the post, and a second aperture for receiving the extension member.
  • the connecting member may be a plastics extrusion.
  • the connecting member may be a double box section plastics extrusion.
  • the apparatus of the present invention may include a base from which the post upstands, the base being such that it rests on the ground and is of use when the post is not driven into the ground.
  • the post may not be driven into the ground because the ground is too hard and/or equipment is not available for driving the post into the ground and/or it is too time consuming and strenuous to drive the post into the ground.
  • the base may include a reception formation for receiving ballast material for holding the base firmly on the ground.
  • the ballast material may be the material from which the ground is composed, for example earth and/or rubble.
  • the reception formation for receiving the ballast material may comprise a plurality of compartments. By way of example, it is mentioned that there may be four of the compartments. More or less than four compartments may be employed.
  • the apparatus of the present invention may include securing means for securing the batten to the post.
  • the securing means may be a manual securing means such for example as a hammer.
  • the securing means may be a powered securing means.
  • the powered securing means may be a gun for firing securing members into the batten and the post.
  • the securing members may be staples, nails or rivets. Other types of securing means may be employed.
  • the powered securing means may be an adjustable powered securing means able to fire securing members to different depths into the batten and the post.
  • the powered securing means may fire the securing members fully into the batten and the post so that the securing members do not project from the batten.
  • the powered securing means may fire the securing members into the batten and the post such that the securing members project from the batten. This may facilitate removal of the securing members and thereby enable easy reuse of the battens.
  • Figures 1 - 4 show known apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering, the known apparatus comprising wooden posts and wooden battens;
  • Figure 5 is a side view, partially in section, of first apparatus of the present invention for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering;
  • FIGS 6, 7 and 8 illustrate how the apparatus shown in Figure 5 operates
  • Figure 9 is a view like Figure 6 but illustrates second apparatus of the present invention.
  • FIGS 10, 11 and 12 shown three different types of battens forming part of third, fourth and fifth apparatus of the present invention
  • Figure 13 is a side view of sixth apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 14 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 13;
  • Figure 15 is a section through part of the apparatus shown in Figure
  • Figure 16 is a section like Figure 15 but of a smaller size
  • Figure 17 is a front view of seventh apparatus of the present invention
  • Figure 18 shows a modified construction for the bottom of the apparatus shown in Figure 17
  • Figure 19 is a top sectional view through part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 17;
  • Figures 20 and 21 show how adjustable powered securing means may be employed to fire securing members to different depths into apparatus of the present invention comprising a batten and a post;
  • Figure 22 is a side view of a modified gripper arrangement
  • Figure 23 is top view of the gripper arrangement shown in Figure 22;
  • Figure 24 is an end view of the gripper arrangement shown in Figure
  • Figure 25 is a circuit diagram for the gripper arrangement shown in Figure 22.
  • Figure 26 is a front view of a modified batten.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown known apparatus 2 for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering.
  • the apparatus 2 comprises a post 4 which has been driven into the ground 6.
  • a batten 8 is secured to the post 4.
  • a marker member 10 is provided as shown.
  • FIGs 2, 3 and 4 show respectively known apparatus 12, 14, 16. Similar parts as in Figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.
  • the post 4 is driven further into the ground 6 than in Figure 1.
  • the batten 8 is secured at an inclined angle between two posts 4.
  • the batten 8 extends mainly from one side of the post 4.
  • the apparatus 18 comprises a batten 20 for indicating a level.
  • the batten 20 is characterised in that:
  • the batten 20 is a pre-formed batten
  • the batten 20 is made at least in part from a synthetic plastics material
  • the batten 20 has a body portion 22 which extends vertically in use and which secures the batten 20 to a post 24;
  • the batten 20 has an edge portion 26 which extends outwardly from the body portion 22;
  • the edge portion 26 has a groove 28 which extends longitudinally along the edge portion 26.
  • the batten 20 is an extruded batten which is produced by extrusion.
  • the edge portion 26 is located at the top end of the body portion 22.
  • the groove 28 extends the entire length of the batten 20.
  • the batten 20 is made entirely from the synthetic material, and the synthetic material is a plastics material.
  • the plastics material is a solid plastics material but it could alternatively be a foam plastics material.
  • the body portion 22 tapers in thickness from the top to the bottom of the batten 22.
  • the groove 28 is configured to receive a gripper arrangement 30 on securing means 32 used to secure the batten 20 to the post 24.
  • the gripper arrangement 30 comprises a ball 34 such for example as a ball bearing.
  • the ball 34 is biased by a spring 36 into the groove 28.
  • the ball 34 is arranged to enter the groove 28 such that the board 34 moved over centre and thus helps to force the securing means 32 into contact with the batten 20 and the post 24.
  • the pressure on the spring 36 is able to be adjusted via a screw threaded abutment member 38.
  • the securing means 32 is a gun which is able to fire staples (not shown) into the body portion 22 of the batten 20 and then into the post 25.
  • the securing means 32 has a trigger 40 which is squeezed in an operator's hand to cause the securing means 32 to fire a staple.
  • the securing means 32 has a finger grip aperture 42 for receiving an operator's fingers and thereby facilitating squeezing of the trigger 40.
  • the apparatus 44 has a batten 46 which has a tapered body portion 48 and an edge portion 60.
  • the edge portion 50 has a groove 52 for receiving a bead 54 forming part of a gripper arrangement 56 on the securing means 32.
  • the bead 54 is able to be forced into the groove 52.
  • the groove 52 is able to flex slightly due to the provision of a longitudinally extending groove 58 in the upper surface of the edge portion 50.
  • FIG 10 shows a batten 60 having a parallel sided body portion 62 and a groove 64 in an edge portion 66.
  • Figure 11 shows a similar batten 68 and
  • Figure 12 shows a similar batten 70. Similar parts in battens 60, 68, 70 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.
  • the groove 64 is able to be used for receiving a string (not shown) for measuring lines.
  • the batten 60 is made entirely of a plastics material, and it has a plastics material foam core, with a plastics outer membrane forming the surface of the batten 60.
  • the batten 68 is made as a hollow plastics extrusion, having internal strengthening ribs 72.
  • the batten 70 is made with a fibre core 74 which may be a cellulose fibre.
  • the fibre core 74 is covered with a covering 76 which is of a synthetic plastics waterproof material.
  • the batten 70 is an example of a batten which is made only partially from a synthetic material because the batten 70 has the fibre core 74.
  • FIGS 13, 14 and 5 show apparatus 78 of the present invention.
  • the apparatus 78 comprises a wooden post 80 which has been driven into the ground 82.
  • the post 80 is not tall enough and so the post 80 has been provided with a connecting member 84 which connects a wooden extension member 86 to the post 80.
  • the connecting member 84 comprises a first aperture 88 for receiving the post 80, and a second aperture 90 for receiving the extension member 86.
  • the extension member 86 is provided with a batten 92 having a parallel sided body portion 94 and an edge portion 96.
  • the edge portion 96 has a groove (not shown) which extends longitudinally along the edge portion 96 and which may be like the groove 28 or the groove 64.
  • Figure 16 is a cross section like Figure 15 and shows how the connecting member 84 may be made to be of a smaller size for smaller sized posts 80 and extension members 86.
  • the connecting member 84 is a plastics extrusion and, more specifically is a double box section plastics extrusion.
  • Figure 17 shows how the apparatus 78 shown in Figure 14 is able to be provided with a base 98 from which the post 80 upstands.
  • the base 98 is such that it rests on the ground and is of use when the post 80 is not driven into the ground.
  • the base 98 has a reception formation 100 for receiving ballast material (not shown) for holding the base 98 firmly on the ground.
  • the reception formation 100 for receiving the ballast material comprises four compartments 102.
  • the compartments 102 are best seen in Figure 19.
  • Figure 18 shows a connecting device 104 for connecting the base 98 to the post 80.
  • the post 80 may be forced into an aperture 106 in the base 98.
  • the connecting device 104 may be a screw
  • FIG 20 and 21 show apparatus 108 of the present invention.
  • a batten 110 is shown secured to the top of a post 112.
  • the batten 1 0 has a parallel sided body portion 114, an edge portion 116 and a longitudinally extending groove 8.
  • the batten 110 is secured to the post 112 by securing members in the form of staples 120.
  • the staples 120 extend completely into the batten 110 in Figure 20.
  • the staples 120 extend proud of the batten 110. This enables the staples 120 easily to be removed for re-use of the batten 110.
  • the batten 0 is made of a plastics material.
  • the post 112 is a wooden post.
  • the gripper arrangement 122 is provided with visual indicating means in the form of a light emitting diode 124.
  • the light emitting diode 124 may be mounted in a body 126 which is an interference fit in the gripper arrangement 122.
  • the light emitting diode 124 is preferably coloured green but it may be of another colour if desired.
  • the light emitting diode 124 may form part of a circuit such for example as the circuit 128 shown in Figure 25.
  • the circuit 128 utilises a horizontal mercury switch 130 containing mercury 132.
  • the circuit 128 is powered by a battery 134 as shown.
  • the gripper arrangement 122 also comprises shoulders 136.
  • the shoulders 136 aid in the release of the securing means 32 after the fixing procedure of fixing the batten of the present invention, for example the batten 20 shown in Figure 5, to a post such for example as the post 24. More specifically, the shoulders 136 enable the securing means 32 to be removed by moving it sideways to the left or right and creating a lever action using the shoulders 136.
  • the securing means 32 may be a staple gun or a nail gun.
  • FIG. 26 there is shown the left hand end 138 of the batten 20.
  • the rear face of the end 138 as shown in Figure 26 is able to receive an adhesive 140 on a directional device in the form of an arrowhead 142.
  • the adhesive 140 is on a part of the arrowhead 142 which enables the arrowhead 142 to abut against the end 138 of the batten 20, and thus in effect form a directional end to the batten 120.
  • steel fixing steel erecting, shuttering, and concrete pouring. All of these procedures have to be coordinated on site.
  • directional arrows would help with logistics in enabling materials and personnel to be moved efficiently to the correct part of the site such for example as a building site.
  • the directional means in the form of the arrowhead 142 may form part of a colour coded directional system with different colours being for different materials or workmen.
  • concrete lorries could be required to follow green arrows
  • steel fixers could be required to follow yellow arrows.
  • the adhesive 140 is able to be protected by a peel-off protective strip 144.
  • the battens shown in the drawings may be of different shapes to those shown.
  • the longitudinally extending body portion 22 may be longer or shorter and/or the longitudinally extending body portion 22 may be parallel sided instead of being tapered as shown.
  • the posts and the extension members may be made of materials other than wood, although wood is preferred because it is the accepted cheapest and most convenient material used in the building and civil engineering industries.
  • the mercury switch shown in Figure 25 may be any suitable other type of switch, for example a microswitch. Securing means other than the illustrated gun 32 may be employed. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Conveying And Assembling Of Building Elements In Situ (AREA)
  • Revetment (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus (18) for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering, which apparatus (18) comprises a batten (20) for indicating a level, and the batten (20) being characterised in that: (i) the batten (20) is a pre-formed batten (20); (ii) the batten (20) is made at least in part from a synthetic material; (iii) the batten (20) has a body portion (22) which extends vertically in use, and which is for securing to a post (24); (iv) the batten (20) has an edge portion (26) which extends outwardly from the body portion (22); and (v) the edge portion (26) has a groove (28) which extends longitudinally along the edge portion (26).

Description

APPARATUS FOR INDICATING LAND LEVELS AS
REQUIRED IN BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
This invention relates to apparatus for indicating land levels and, more especially, this invention relates to apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering.
In the building and civil engineering industries, it is necessary to indicate land levels before any construction work is undertaken. The land levels need to be established, re-established and optimised. This is a complicated procedure involving the use of expensive theodolite equipment, highly qualified personnel, and a great number of level indicators. The level indicators are erected at regular intervals to show where and how material must be moved or added from the land.
Given the sophistication of the theodolite equipment and the personnel, the level indicators are surprisingly primitive. More specifically, the level indicators comprise a wooden post and a wooden batten. The wooden post is driven into the ground, and the batten is secured to the post at an appropriate angle. If the post is of an insufficient height, then a wooden extension member such for example as a wooden strip is attached to the post to extend vertically above the post, and the batten is then attached to the extension member. Level indicators are normally erected around the circumference of an area once the land levels have been established. The level indicators are sometimes referred to as profiles. The erection of level indicators is carried out around a site by the personnel involved. The procedure for erecting a level indicator is as follows.
(i) Wooden posts are driven partially into the ground at regular intervals.
(ii) Levels are taken and the wooden posts are marked for the position of their wooden battens.
(Hi) The battens are nailed to the stakes to form the level indicators.
(iv) If a wooden post is not tall enough, then a wooden extension member is nailed to the post and the batten is fixed to wooden extension member.
The above procedure is difficult to perform because the wood posts do not offer much support for the nailing of battens, for example in a horizontal position. It is normal for the battens to be placed on the ground and nails partially driven through them before they are nailed to their posts or their extension members. Usually a batten is nailed to a post or an extension member by placing the batten at the correct position with respect to the post or the extension member, and then supporting the post or the extension member with the person's body and holding the batten with one hand such that the nails are driven through the batten into the post or the extension member to form the required. It is an aim of the present invention to reduced the above mentioned problems.
Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering, which apparatus comprises a batten for indicating a level, and the batten being characterised in that:
(i) the batten is a pre-formed batten;
(ii) the batten is made at least in part from a synthetic material;
(iii) the batten has a body portion which extends vertically in use, and which is for securing to a post;
(iv) the batten has an edge portion which extends outwardly from the body portion; and
(v) the edge portion has a groove which extends longitudinally along the edge portion.
The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that the batten is pre-formed. The batten may be produced from a material which is cost effective and comparable in price to that of a wooden batten. The batten may be produced to be of a standard shape, and the batten may be colour coded during manufacture. The batten may be easier to affix to posts and extension members than existing wooden battens. The battens may be produced in packs so that they are easily delivered on site and easily used.
The batten may be a one-piece batten. The batten may be an extruded batten which is produced by extrusion. Alternatively, if desired, the batten may be produced by stamping in a die.
Preferably, the edge portion is located at the top of the body portion. The edge portion may however be located below the top of the body portion if desired.
Usually, the groove will extend the entire length of the batten. This is especially so when the batten is an extruded batten.
The apparatus may be one in which the batten is made entirely of the synthetic material, and in which the synthetic material is a plastics material. The plastics material may be a solid plastics material. Alternatively, the plastics material may be a foam plastics material. Any suitable and appropriate plastics material may be employed.
The apparatus may alternatively be one in which the batten is made only partially from the synthetic material, in which the batten is made from a fibre core having a covering of the synthetic material, and in which the synthetic material is a waterproof synthetic material.
The fibre core may be made of cellulose fibres. Thus, for example the cellulose fibres may be from paper, cardboard or wood. The cellulose fibres may be regenerated from cellulose fibres obtained from previously used paper, cardboard or wood. The waterproof synthetic material may be a plastics material, for example a plastics paint or film. The body portion may taper in thickness from the top to the bottom of the batten. Alternatively, the body portion may be of a constant thickness from the top to the bottom of the batten.
The groove may be configured to receive a gripper arrangement on securing means used to secure the batten to the post and/or to receive string for measuring lines.
The batten may have a surface which is able to be marked by a marker pen whereby the surface may be marked for engineers' referencing. The surface may be a mat surface. The mat surface may be a waterproof mat surface.
The apparatus of the present invention may include the post.
The post will usually be a wooden post. The post may be made of other materials if desired.
The apparatus of the present invention may include a connecting member for connecting an extension member to the post in instances where the post is not long enough.
The connecting member may comprise a first aperture for receiving the post, and a second aperture for receiving the extension member.
The connecting member may be a plastics extrusion. The connecting member may be a double box section plastics extrusion.
The apparatus of the present invention may include a base from which the post upstands, the base being such that it rests on the ground and is of use when the post is not driven into the ground. For example, the post may not be driven into the ground because the ground is too hard and/or equipment is not available for driving the post into the ground and/or it is too time consuming and strenuous to drive the post into the ground.
The base may include a reception formation for receiving ballast material for holding the base firmly on the ground. The ballast material may be the material from which the ground is composed, for example earth and/or rubble.
The reception formation for receiving the ballast material may comprise a plurality of compartments. By way of example, it is mentioned that there may be four of the compartments. More or less than four compartments may be employed.
The apparatus of the present invention may include securing means for securing the batten to the post.
The securing means may be a manual securing means such for example as a hammer. Alternatively, the securing means may be a powered securing means. The powered securing means may be a gun for firing securing members into the batten and the post. The securing members may be staples, nails or rivets. Other types of securing means may be employed.
The powered securing means may be an adjustable powered securing means able to fire securing members to different depths into the batten and the post. Thus, for example, the powered securing means may fire the securing members fully into the batten and the post so that the securing members do not project from the batten. Alternatively, the powered securing means may fire the securing members into the batten and the post such that the securing members project from the batten. This may facilitate removal of the securing members and thereby enable easy reuse of the battens.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figures 1 - 4 show known apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering, the known apparatus comprising wooden posts and wooden battens;
Figure 5 is a side view, partially in section, of first apparatus of the present invention for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering;
Figures 6, 7 and 8 illustrate how the apparatus shown in Figure 5 operates;
Figure 9 is a view like Figure 6 but illustrates second apparatus of the present invention;
Figures 10, 11 and 12 shown three different types of battens forming part of third, fourth and fifth apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 13 is a side view of sixth apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 14 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 13;
Figure 15 is a section through part of the apparatus shown in Figure
13;
Figure 16 is a section like Figure 15 but of a smaller size;
Figure 17 is a front view of seventh apparatus of the present invention; Figure 18 shows a modified construction for the bottom of the apparatus shown in Figure 17; Figure 19 is a top sectional view through part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 17;
Figures 20 and 21 show how adjustable powered securing means may be employed to fire securing members to different depths into apparatus of the present invention comprising a batten and a post;
Figure 22 is a side view of a modified gripper arrangement;
Figure 23 is top view of the gripper arrangement shown in Figure 22;
Figure 24 is an end view of the gripper arrangement shown in Figure
22;
Figure 25 is a circuit diagram for the gripper arrangement shown in Figure 22; and
Figure 26 is a front view of a modified batten.
Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown known apparatus 2 for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering. The apparatus 2 comprises a post 4 which has been driven into the ground 6. A batten 8 is secured to the post 4. A marker member 10 is provided as shown.
Figures 2, 3 and 4 show respectively known apparatus 12, 14, 16. Similar parts as in Figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.
In Figure 2, the post 4 is driven further into the ground 6 than in Figure 1. In Figure 3, the batten 8 is secured at an inclined angle between two posts 4. In Figure 4, the batten 8 extends mainly from one side of the post 4.
Referring now to Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 there is shown first apparatus building and civil engineering. The apparatus 18 comprises a batten 20 for indicating a level. The batten 20 is characterised in that:
(i) the batten 20 is a pre-formed batten;
(ii) the batten 20 is made at least in part from a synthetic plastics material;
(iii) the batten 20 has a body portion 22 which extends vertically in use and which secures the batten 20 to a post 24;
(iv) the batten 20 has an edge portion 26 which extends outwardly from the body portion 22; and
(v) the edge portion 26 has a groove 28 which extends longitudinally along the edge portion 26.
The batten 20 is an extruded batten which is produced by extrusion. The edge portion 26 is located at the top end of the body portion 22. The groove 28 extends the entire length of the batten 20. The batten 20 is made entirely from the synthetic material, and the synthetic material is a plastics material. The plastics material is a solid plastics material but it could alternatively be a foam plastics material. The body portion 22 tapers in thickness from the top to the bottom of the batten 22.
The groove 28 is configured to receive a gripper arrangement 30 on securing means 32 used to secure the batten 20 to the post 24. The gripper arrangement 30 comprises a ball 34 such for example as a ball bearing. The ball 34 is biased by a spring 36 into the groove 28. The ball 34 is arranged to enter the groove 28 such that the board 34 moved over centre and thus helps to force the securing means 32 into contact with the batten 20 and the post 24. The pressure on the spring 36 is able to be adjusted via a screw threaded abutment member 38.
The securing means 32 is a gun which is able to fire staples (not shown) into the body portion 22 of the batten 20 and then into the post 25. The securing means 32 has a trigger 40 which is squeezed in an operator's hand to cause the securing means 32 to fire a staple. The securing means 32 has a finger grip aperture 42 for receiving an operator's fingers and thereby facilitating squeezing of the trigger 40.
Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown apparatus 44 of the present invention. The apparatus 44 has a batten 46 which has a tapered body portion 48 and an edge portion 60. The edge portion 50 has a groove 52 for receiving a bead 54 forming part of a gripper arrangement 56 on the securing means 32. The bead 54 is able to be forced into the groove 52. The groove 52 is able to flex slightly due to the provision of a longitudinally extending groove 58 in the upper surface of the edge portion 50.
Figure 10 shows a batten 60 having a parallel sided body portion 62 and a groove 64 in an edge portion 66. Figure 11 shows a similar batten 68 and Figure 12 shows a similar batten 70. Similar parts in battens 60, 68, 70 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The groove 64 is able to be used for receiving a string (not shown) for measuring lines. The batten 60 is made entirely of a plastics material, and it has a plastics material foam core, with a plastics outer membrane forming the surface of the batten 60.
The batten 68 is made as a hollow plastics extrusion, having internal strengthening ribs 72. The batten 70 is made with a fibre core 74 which may be a cellulose fibre. The fibre core 74 is covered with a covering 76 which is of a synthetic plastics waterproof material. Thus the batten 70 is an example of a batten which is made only partially from a synthetic material because the batten 70 has the fibre core 74.
Figures 13, 14 and 5 show apparatus 78 of the present invention. The apparatus 78 comprises a wooden post 80 which has been driven into the ground 82. The post 80 is not tall enough and so the post 80 has been provided with a connecting member 84 which connects a wooden extension member 86 to the post 80. The connecting member 84 comprises a first aperture 88 for receiving the post 80, and a second aperture 90 for receiving the extension member 86. The extension member 86 is provided with a batten 92 having a parallel sided body portion 94 and an edge portion 96. The edge portion 96 has a groove (not shown) which extends longitudinally along the edge portion 96 and which may be like the groove 28 or the groove 64.
Figure 16 is a cross section like Figure 15 and shows how the connecting member 84 may be made to be of a smaller size for smaller sized posts 80 and extension members 86. The connecting member 84 is a plastics extrusion and, more specifically is a double box section plastics extrusion. Figure 17 shows how the apparatus 78 shown in Figure 14 is able to be provided with a base 98 from which the post 80 upstands. The base 98 is such that it rests on the ground and is of use when the post 80 is not driven into the ground. The base 98 has a reception formation 100 for receiving ballast material (not shown) for holding the base 98 firmly on the ground. The reception formation 100 for receiving the ballast material comprises four compartments 102. The compartments 102 are best seen in Figure 19. Figure 18 shows a connecting device 104 for connecting the base 98 to the post 80. In Figure 17, the post 80 may be forced into an aperture 106 in the base 98. The connecting device 104 may be a screw clip like a jubilee clip.
Figure 20 and 21 show apparatus 108 of the present invention. A batten 110 is shown secured to the top of a post 112. The batten 1 0 has a parallel sided body portion 114, an edge portion 116 and a longitudinally extending groove 8. The batten 110 is secured to the post 112 by securing members in the form of staples 120. The staples 120 extend completely into the batten 110 in Figure 20. In Figure 21, the staples 120 extend proud of the batten 110. This enables the staples 120 easily to be removed for re-use of the batten 110. The batten 0 is made of a plastics material. The post 112 is a wooden post.
Referring to Figures 22 - 24, there is shown a gripper arrangement 122 which is like the gripper arrangement 30 shown in Figure 5. Similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The gripper arrangement 122 is provided with visual indicating means in the form of a light emitting diode 124. The light emitting diode 124 may be mounted in a body 126 which is an interference fit in the gripper arrangement 122. The light emitting diode 124 is preferably coloured green but it may be of another colour if desired. The light emitting diode 124 may form part of a circuit such for example as the circuit 128 shown in Figure 25. The circuit 128 utilises a horizontal mercury switch 130 containing mercury 132. The circuit 128 is powered by a battery 134 as shown. When the batten 20 is in the horizontal position ready for being fixed to a vertical post such for example as the post 24 shown in Figure 5, then the light emitting diode will be illuminated.
The gripper arrangement 122 also comprises shoulders 136. The shoulders 136 aid in the release of the securing means 32 after the fixing procedure of fixing the batten of the present invention, for example the batten 20 shown in Figure 5, to a post such for example as the post 24. More specifically, the shoulders 136 enable the securing means 32 to be removed by moving it sideways to the left or right and creating a lever action using the shoulders 136. The securing means 32 may be a staple gun or a nail gun.
Referring now to Figure 26, there is shown the left hand end 138 of the batten 20. The rear face of the end 138 as shown in Figure 26 is able to receive an adhesive 140 on a directional device in the form of an arrowhead 142. The adhesive 140 is on a part of the arrowhead 142 which enables the arrowhead 142 to abut against the end 138 of the batten 20, and thus in effect form a directional end to the batten 120. On many large building sites, there are many different procedures that need to be carried out at the same time, for example steel fixing, steel erecting, shuttering, and concrete pouring. All of these procedures have to be coordinated on site. Often directional arrows would help with logistics in enabling materials and personnel to be moved efficiently to the correct part of the site such for example as a building site. The directional means in the form of the arrowhead 142 may form part of a colour coded directional system with different colours being for different materials or workmen. Thus, for example, concrete lorries could be required to follow green arrows, and steel fixers could be required to follow yellow arrows. Prior to use, the adhesive 140 is able to be protected by a peel-off protective strip 144.
It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the battens shown in the drawings may be of different shapes to those shown. For example, in all aspects of the invention, the longitudinally extending body portion 22 may be longer or shorter and/or the longitudinally extending body portion 22 may be parallel sided instead of being tapered as shown. The posts and the extension members may be made of materials other than wood, although wood is preferred because it is the accepted cheapest and most convenient material used in the building and civil engineering industries. The mercury switch shown in Figure 25 may be any suitable other type of switch, for example a microswitch. Securing means other than the illustrated gun 32 may be employed. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. Apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering, which apparatus comprises a batten for indicating a level, and the batten being characterised in that:
(i) the batten is a pre-formed batten;
(ii) the batten is made at least in part from a synthetic material;
(iii) the batten has a body portion which extends vertically in use, and which is for securing to a post;
(iv) the batten has an edge portion which extends outwardly from the body portion; and
(v) the edge portion has a groove which extends longitudinally along the edge portion.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the batten is a one-piece batten.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the batten is an extruded batten which is produced by extrusion.
4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the edge portion is located at the top of the body portion.
5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the groove extends the entire length of the batten.
6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the batten is made entirely from the synthetic material, and which the synthetic material is a plastics material.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the plastics material is a solid plastics material.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the plastics material is a foam plastics material.
9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 5 in which the batten is made only partially from the synthetic material, in which the batten is made of a fibre core having a covering of the synthetic material, and in which the synthetic material is a waterproof synthetic material.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 in which the fibre core is made of cellulose fibres.
11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10 in which the waterproof synthetic material is a plastics material.
12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the body portion tapers in thickness from the top to the bottom of the batten.
13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 11 in which the body portion is of a constant thickness from the top to the bottom of the batten.
14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the groove is configured to receive a gripper arrangement on securing means used to secure the batten to the post and/or to receive a string for measuring lines.
15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the batten has a surface which is able to be marked by a marker pen, whereby the surface may be marked for engineers' referencing.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15 in which the surface is a mat surface.
17. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including the post.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17 in which the post is a wooden post.
19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a connecting member for connecting an extension member to the post in instances where the post is not long enough.
20. Apparatus according to claim 19 in which the connecting member comprises a first aperture for receiving the post, and a second aperture for receiving the extension member. .
21. Apparatus according to claim 20 in which the connecting member is a plastics extrusion.
22. Apparatus according to claim 21 in which the connecting member is a double box section plastics extrusion.
23. Apparatus according to any one of preceding claims and including a base from which the post upstands, the base being such that it rests on the ground and is of use when the post is not driven into the ground.
24. Apparatus according to claim 23 in which the base includes a reception formation for receiving ballast material for holding the base firmly on the ground.
25. Apparatus according to claim 24 in which the reception formation for receiving the ballast material comprises a plurality of compartments.
26. Apparatus according to claim 25 in which there are four of the compartments.
27. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including securing means for securing the batten to the post.
28. Apparatus according to claim 27 in which the securing means is a powered securing means.
29. Apparatus according to claim 28 in which the powered securing means is a gun for firing securing members into the batten and the post.
30. Apparatus according to claim 29 in which the securing members are staples, nails or rivets.
31. Apparatus according to any one of claims 28 - 30 in which the powered securing means is an adjustable powered securing means able to fire securing members to different depths into the batten and the post.
32. Apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering, substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 5 - 26 of the accompanying drawings.
PCT/GB2011/001621 2010-11-23 2011-11-17 Apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering WO2012069779A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1308526.1A GB2499145B (en) 2010-11-23 2011-11-17 Apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1019791.1 2010-11-23
GBGB1019791.1A GB201019791D0 (en) 2010-11-23 2010-11-23 Level indicator system
GB1106387.2 2011-04-14
GBGB1106387.2A GB201106387D0 (en) 2010-11-23 2011-04-14 Apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012069779A2 true WO2012069779A2 (en) 2012-05-31
WO2012069779A3 WO2012069779A3 (en) 2012-09-27

Family

ID=43467124

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2011/001621 WO2012069779A2 (en) 2010-11-23 2011-11-17 Apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (3) GB201019791D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2012069779A2 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU5203279A (en) * 1978-11-02 1980-05-08 Anson Engineering Pty. Ltd. Self calculating survey staff
AT381337B (en) * 1984-11-20 1986-09-25 Walter Ing Neyer TRANSPARENT LATHE
US6508006B1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-01-21 Tom Black Apparatus for producing a horizontal foundation for a masonry wall
US6659409B2 (en) * 2002-03-21 2003-12-09 Topson Gps Llc Positioning poles for surveying equipment, global positioning antennas, and the like

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2499145B (en) 2016-10-26
WO2012069779A3 (en) 2012-09-27
GB201106387D0 (en) 2011-06-01
GB201019791D0 (en) 2011-01-05
GB201308526D0 (en) 2013-06-19
GB2499145A (en) 2013-08-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8132792B2 (en) Temporary guard rail support
US10054440B2 (en) Building profile
US9435119B2 (en) Structural support spacer
CN102505862B (en) Installing process of lightweight internal partition wallboards
US9404257B2 (en) Truss and wall stabilizer
CN102777041A (en) Installation technology of inner separation wall body
US4479342A (en) Post frame building and method of constructing the same
US20190380282A1 (en) Ground Stake Kit
US9771735B2 (en) Post reinforcement
WO2012069779A2 (en) Apparatus for indicating land levels as required in building and civil engineering
GB2454265A (en) Prefabricated Multi Structural Timber Alignment Fixture
US20080307666A1 (en) Measuring Band
CN205476573U (en) Civil engineering uses interim guardrail
WO2000023664A2 (en) Headwall for drain pipe
CN209062196U (en) A kind of mobile constructional column drilling device for bonded rebar with slag ash device
CN202945813U (en) Rebar planting tool
US20170044735A1 (en) System and method for building retaining wall and repairing existing fence
EP2458113A1 (en) Wall protection for temporarily protecting an exterior wall
CN2295194Y (en) Device for assisting measure of fixed point
US20050076597A1 (en) Emergency roof repair kit
US20070137136A1 (en) System and method for minimizing holes on slab floor when forming tilt concrete walls
NL2004473C2 (en) METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE PLACE OF A MASON PROFILE TO BE ESTABLISHED AND A SOCLE TO BE USED IN THAT METHOD FOR THAT PROFILE.
Maley CONSTRUCTION CLUSTER--AN INVESTIGATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CLUSTER CONCEPT AS A PROGRAM IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AT THE SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL.
JP3022004U (en) Survey pile
AU2007101133A4 (en) Safepeg

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 11794838

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 1308526

Country of ref document: GB

Kind code of ref document: A

Free format text: PCT FILING DATE = 20111117

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1308526.1

Country of ref document: GB

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 11794838

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2