AU2015238832A1 - Bricklaying Tool - Google Patents

Abstract

A bricklaying tool having end members with two side rails and a central rail extending between the end members; the side rails and the central rail include coplanar upper surfaces such that when the bricklaying tool is placed on a surface and mortar applied to spaces defined between the side rails and the central rail, the mortar may be levelled to the upper surfaces to create a layer of mortar having a central furrow defined by the central rail. Na 4-. V '4 e~1 a, 0) c'i U r VI C'

Description

Bricklaying Tool Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to a tool for assisting with the process of laying bricks. Background to the Invention [2] The process of laying bricks generally comprises laying down an appropriate amount of mortar on a previous course and then stacking further bricks onto the mortar. Applying and evenly spreading the appropriate amount of mortar will affect how evenly the course of bricks is constructed. Forming an even and well-constructed wall can therefore be difficult, particularly for persons without sufficient training and experience [3] The present invention relates to a device provided to aid in the process of applying the correct amount of mortar onto which a further course of bricks can be laid. Summary of the Invention [4] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a bricklaying tool comprising first and second end members; parallel first and second side rails each extending from the first end member to the second end member; and a central rail extending between the first and second side rails from the first end member to the second end member; wherein each of the first and second side rails and the central rail include coplanar upper surfaces such that when the bricklaying tool is placed on a surface and mortar applied to spaces defined between the first and second side rails and the central rail, the mortar may be levelled to the upper surfaces to create a layer of mortar having a central furrow defined by the central rail. [5] Preferably the transverse cross sectional shape of the central rail tapers inwardly from the upper surface towards an opposed lower surface. [6] In a preferred embodiment, the taper of the central rail is such that the central rail is generally triangular in transverse cross section. [7] Preferably, the lower surface of the central rail is located offset from lower surfaces of the first and second side rails towards the upper surfaces thereof. [8] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second side rails comprise elongate members, wherein the first side rail extends from a first end of the first end member to a first end of the second end member and the second side rail extends from a second end of the first end member to a second end of the second end member. [9] In a preferred embodiment, the central rail extends between a midpoint of the first end member and a midpoint of the second end member. 1 [10] In one embodiment, each of the first and second side rails comprises an elongate member having a rectangular transverse cross section such that each of the first and second side rails includes coplanar lower surfaces. [11] Preferably each of the first and second end members include a flange portion extending in a direction away from the first and second side rails such that upper surfaces thereof are located coplanar with the upper surfaces of the first and second side rails. [12] In one embodiment, each of the first and second end members includes a first projection adjacent the first end thereof to be received in an opening provided in the adjacent end of the first side rail and a second projection adjacent the second end thereof to be received in an opening provided in the adjacent end of the second side rail. Preferably securing screws are receivable through alignable holes in the first and second side rails and the first and second projections to secure the first and second side rails to the first and second end members respectively. [13] In one embodiment, each of the first and second end members includes a central projection located between the first and second ends thereof to be received in an opening provided in the adjacent end of the central rail. Preferably securing screws are receivable through alignable holes in the central rail and the central projections to secure the central rail to the first and second end members. [14] The first and second side rails have a substantially rectangular cross-section. [15] The central rail has a substantially circular cross-section. [16] The first and second end members are configured such that the undersurface of the central rail may be slightly raised when compared to that of the first and second side rails. [17] Each of the first and second end members may comprise an alignment tab at a corresponding edge of the bricklaying tool configured to abut against a lateral edge of a previously led course of bricks so as to correctly align the bricklaying tool. [18] The first and second side rails may comprise upper laterally projecting flanges comprising apertures configured for receiving fasteners therethrough for fastening the first and second side rails and the central rail. [19] The first and second end members have a substantial right angle side cross-section defining a vertical portion and a horizontal flange portion and wherein the vertical portion may comprises cutouts for engaging the first and second side rails and the central rail. [20] The cutout for the second side rail may be open-ended. [21] The first and second end members are configured so as to space the first and second side members apart such that the inner vertical surfaces of the first and second side rails provide a mortar pouring tolerance to the edges of laid bricks. 2 [22] The mortar pouring tolerance may be substantially 2 mm. Brief Description of the Drawings [23] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which: [24] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a bricklaying tool in accordance with the present invention; [25] Figure 2a is a bottom view of the bricklaying tool of Figure 1; [26] Figure 2b is a side view of the bricklaying tool of Figure 1; [27] Figure 2c is an end view of the bricklaying tool of Figure 1; [28] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the bricklaying tool of Figure 1; [29] Figure 4a is an upper perspective view of an end member of the bricklaying tool of Figure 1; [30] Figure 4b is a lower perspective view of the end member of Figure 4a; [31] Figure 5a is a bottom view of the end member of Figure 4; [32] Figure 5b is an end view of the end member of Figure 4; [33] Figure 5c is a side view of the end member of Figure 4; [34] Figure 6a is an upper perspective view of a second embodiment of a bricklaying tool in accordance with the present invention; [35] Figure 6b is an exploded view of the bricklaying tool of Figure 6a; [36] Figure 7 is an upper perspective view of a connecting member of the bricklaying tool of Figure 6; [37] Figure 8a is a bottom view of the connecting member of Figure 7; [38] Figure 8b is an end view of the connecting member of Figure 7; [39] Figure 8c is a side view of the connecting member of Figure 7; [40] Figure 9a is a view showing application of mortar into the bricklaying tool on a partially constructed wall; [41] Figure 9b is a view showing the mortar levelled within the bricklaying tool; [42] Figure 9c is a view showing the bricklaying tool removed from the levelled mortar. [43] Figure 10 shows a top perspective view of a third embodiment of the bricklaying tool in accordance with the present invention; [44] Figure 11A shows a bottom perspective view of the bricklaying tool of Figure 10; [45] Figure 11B shows a bottom perspective view of the end member of the bricklaying tool of Figure 10; [46] Figure 12 shows a top perspective view of the deconstructed end member of Figure 11B; 3 [47] Figure 13 shows an end view of the bricklaying tool of Figure 10 in situ showing exemplary dimensions; [48] Figure 14 shows a side view of the bricklaying tool of Figure 10 showing exemplary dimensions; [49] Figure 15A shows a perspective view of the end member of the bricklaying tool of Figure 10; [50] Figure 15B shows a top view of the end member of the bricklaying tool of Figure 10; [51] Figure 15C shows a side view of the end member of the bricklaying tool of Figure 10; and [52] Figure 15D shows an end view of the end member of the bricklaying tool of Figure 10. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments [53] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a bricklaying tool 10 comprising first and second end members 12 and 14 and first and second side rails 16 and 18. [54] The first and second end members 12 and 14 comprise elongate members arranged parallel to each other. The first side rail 16 comprises an elongate member extending from a first end of the first end member 12 to a first end of the second end member 14. The second side rail 18 is oriented parallel to the first side rail 16 and extends from a second end of the first end member 12 to a second end of the second end member 14. The first and second end members 12 and 14 and the first and second side rails 16 and 18 thereby defines a generally rectangular frame 11. [55] Each of the first and second side rails 16 and 18 comprises an elongate member having a rectangular transverse cross section such that each of the side rails 16 and 18 includes a planar upper surface 20 adjacent a first side of the frame 11 and a planar lower surface 22 adjacent a second opposite side of the frame 11. The planar upper surface 20 of the first side rail 16 is coplanar with the upper surface 20 of the second side rail 18. [56] The first end member 12 includes a flange portion 24 extending away from the first and second side rails 16 and 18. The second end member 14 also includes a flange portion 24 extending away from the first and second side rails 16 and 18. The flange portions 24 are located such that an upper surface 25 thereof is located coplanar with the upper surfaces 20 of the first and second side rails 16 and 18. [57] In the embodiment shown, the first and second side rails 16 and 18 comprise separate members securable to the first and second end members 12 and 14. Each of the first and second end members 12 and 14 includes a first projection 26 adjacent the first end thereof extending in a direction away from the flange portion 24 and a second projection 28 adjacent the second end thereof extending in a direction away from the flange portion 24. The first projection 26 is receivable in an opening 30 provided in the adjacent end of the first side rail 16 and the second projection 28 is 4 receivable in an opening 30 provided in the adjacent end of the second side rail 18. Securing screws 32 are receivable through alignable holes 34 in the side rails 16 and 18 and the projections 26 and 28. [58] In the embodiment shown, each of the first and second projections 26 and 28 comprises a pair of parallel tabs and each of the openings 30 comprises a pair of adjacent slots into which the tabs are inserted. [59] The bricklaying tool 10 includes also a central rail 36. The central rail 36 extends between the first and second end members 12 and 14 such that the central rail 36 is located between and parallel to the first and second side members 16 and 18. The central rail 36 extends between a midpoint of the first end member 12 and a midpoint of the second end member 14. [60] The central rail 36 includes a planar upper surface 38. The upper surface 38 of the central rail 36 is coplanar with the upper surfaces 20 of the first and second side rails 16 and 18. [61] The central rail 36 also comprises a separate member having openings 30 in opposed ends thereof. The first and second end members 12 and 14 each include a central projection 42 extending between and parallel to the first and second projections 26 and 28. The central projections 42 are received in the openings 30 in the central rail 36 to secure the central rail 36 to the end members 12 and 14 in the same manner as the side rails 16 and 18. The central projection 42 also comprises a pair of parallel tabs received in adjacent slots in the central rail 36. [62] The transverse cross sectional shape of the central rail 36 tapers inwardly from the upper surface 38 towards an opposed lower surface 40. In the embodiment shown, the taper is such that the central rail 36 is generally triangular in transverse cross section. The lower surface 40 is located offset from the lower surfaces 22 of the first and second side rails 16 and 18 towards the upper surfaces 20. [63] In use, the bricklaying tool 10 is placed on a course of bricks (as can be seen in Figure 9a) with the first and second side rails 16 and 18 parallel to the edges of the bricks. The lower surfaces 22 of the side rails 16 and 18 rest on the bricks. An amount of mortar may then be placed into the bricklaying tool 10 in the spaces defined between the first and second side rails 16 and 18 and the central rail 36. By dragging a suitable tool, such as a trowel, along the upper surfaces 20 of the first and second side rails 16 and 18 and the central rail 36, a flat layer of mortar can be created within the confines of the bricklaying tool 10 (as shown in Figure 9b). [64] The bricklaying tool 10 can then be removed as shown in Figure 9c, leaving a flat layer of mortar onto which further bricks can be placed. The thickness of the first and second side rails 16 and 18 between the upper and lower surfaces 20 and 22 is dimensioned to create the desired height of the mortar layer (allowing for some compression of the layer when the next course of bricks is laid). 5 The central rail 36 creates a generally triangular furrow 42 in the layer of mortar to allow for even compression of the mortar layer when the next course of bricks is laid. [65] Figures 6 to 8 show a second embodiment of a bricklaying tool 10 in accordance with the present invention. The second embodiment of the bricklaying tool 10 is similar to the first embodiment and like reference numerals are used to denote like parts. [66] In the embodiment of Figures 6 to 8, the bricklaying tool 10 comprises first and second end members 12 and 14, first and second side rails 16 and 18 and a central rail 36, all of the same construction as the first embodiment. There is however provided a second set of side rails 16' and 18' and a second central rail 36'. A connecting member 44 is provided to connect the second set of side rails 16' and 18' to the first set of side rails 16 and 18 and to connect the second central rail 36' to the central rail 36. The connecting member 44 thereby creates a longer version of the bricklaying tool 10. [67] The connecting member 44 comprises a central elongate portion 46 having a first pair of projections 26' extending outwardly in opposite directions at a first end thereof and a second pair of projections 28' extending outwardly in opposite directions at a second end thereof. A pair of central projections 42' extend outwardly in opposite directions between the first and second pairs of projections 26' and 28'. The first projections 26' connect to the first side rails 16 and 16', the second projections 28' connect to the second side rails 18 and 18' and the central projections 42' connect to the central rails 36 and 36' as described previously. [68] Turning now to figure 10, there is shown a third embodiment of the bricklaying tool 10. As is immediately apparent from the figure, in a preferred embodiment, the side rails 16, 22 have a rectangular cross-section whereas the central rail 36 has a circular cross-section. [69] Specifically, turning now to Figure 11, there is shown the bricklaying tool 10 of the third embodiment in further detail. Specifically, Figure 11A shows an underside view of the bricklaying tool 10. [70] Furthermore, Figure 11B shows a magnified view of the end member 12 showing the engagement of the end member 12 and the rails 16, 22 and 36. [71] Figure 12 shows a disassembled view of the bricklaying tool 10 showing the end member 12 and the rails 16, 36 and 22. As is shown, the end member 12 comprises various cutouts, including cutout 51 adapted for accommodation of side rail 16, central cutout 53 adapted for accommodating central rail 36 and cutout 52 adapted for accommodating side rail 22. [72] As can be seen, cutout 53 is substantially circular so as to match the cross-sectional profile of the central rail 36. Furthermore, cutout 52 is open-ended such that the bottom edge of the end member 12 is substantially flush with the undersurface of the rail 22. 6 [73] As is also shown, the nadir of the circular cutout 53 is slightly above that of the cutouts 51 and 52 so as to form a trough in the laid mortar rather than a dissection. [74] Now, cutout 51 is bounded by alignment tab 50 which reaches under side rail 16. Alignment tab 50 is utilised for the purposes of aligning the tool 10 by abutting against the edge of the laid bricks of the previous course. Specifically, figure 13 shows an exemplary representation showing the bricklaying tool 10 resting atop a course of bricks wherein alignment tab 50 abutts against the lateral edge of the bricks so as to align the bricklaying tool properly. As can be seen, the spacing of the side rails 16, 22 is adapted to span the width of the bricks leaving 2 mm tolerance on either side allowing for the subsequent even compression of the laid mortar. [75] It should be noted, that in one particular embodiment, the tool 10 does not comprise the central rail 36. In this embodiment, the lateral tolerance provided by side rails 16, 22 may be configured accordingly so as to allow for the expansion of the mortar when the next course of bricks is laid. [76] Considering again figure 12, the rails 16, 36 and 22 are held in place by rivets 32 penetrating rivet holes 34 on the upper surface of the end member 12. [77] Figure 14 shows a side view of the tool 10 shown exemplary dimensions of the end member 12. [78] Furthermore, Figure 15 shows various exemplary dimensions of the end member 12 wherein Figure 15A shows a perspective view of the end member 12, Figure 15B shows a top view of the end member, Figure 15C shows a side view of the end member 12 and Figure 15D shows an end view of the end member 12. [79] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. 7 Interpretation Embodiments: [80] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. [81] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. [82] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Different Instances of Objects [83] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details [84] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. 8 Terminology [85] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Comprising and Including [86] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. [87] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention [88] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. [89] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability [90] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the bricklaying industry. 9

Claims (19)

1. A bricklaying tool comprising: first and second end members; parallel first and second side rails each extending from the first end member to the second end member; and a central rail extending between the first and second side rails from the first end member to the second end member; wherein each of the first and second side rails and the central rail include coplanar upper surfaces such that when the bricklaying tool is placed on a surface and mortar applied to spaces defined between the first and second side rails and the central rail, the mortar may be levelled to the upper surfaces to create a layer of mortar having a central furrow defined by the central rail.

2. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transverse cross sectional shape of the central rail tapers inwardly from the upper surface towards an opposed lower surface.

3. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 2, wherein the taper of the central rail is such that the central rail is generally triangular in transverse cross section.

4. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the central rail is located offset from lower surfaces of the first and second side rails towards the upper surfaces thereof.

5. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second side rails comprise elongate members and wherein the first side rail extends from a first end of the first end member to a first end of the second end member and the second side rail extends from a second end of the first end member to a second end of the second end member.

6. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central rail extends between a midpoint of the first end member and a midpoint of the second end member.

7. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second side rails comprises an elongate member having a rectangular transverse cross section such that each of the first and second side rails includes coplanar lower surfaces.

8. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second end members include a flange portion extending in a direction away from the first and second side rails such that upper surfaces thereof are located coplanar with the upper surfaces of the first and second side rails.

9. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second end members includes a first projection adjacent the first end thereof to be received in an opening provided in the 10 adjacent end of the first side rail and a second projection adjacent the second end thereof to be received in an opening provided in the adjacent end of the second side rail.

10. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 9, wherein securing screws are receivable through alignable holes in the first and second side rails and the first and second projections to secure the first and second side rails to the first and second end members respectively.

11. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second side rails have a substantially rectangular cross-section.

12. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 11, wherein the central rail has a substantially circular cross-section.

13. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first and second end members are configured such that the undersurface of the central rail is slightly raised when compared to that of the first and second side rails.

14. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second end members comprise an alignment tab at a corresponding edge of the bricklaying tool configured to abut against a lateral edge of a previously laid course of bricks so as to correctly align the bricklaying tool.

15. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second side rails comprise upper laterally projecting flanges comprising apertures configured for receiving fasteners therethrough for fastening the first and second side rails and the central rail.

16. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second end members have a substantial right angle side cross-section defining a vertical portion and a horizontal flange portion and wherein the vertical portion comprises cutouts for engaging the first and second side rails and the central rail.

17. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 16, wherein the cutout for the second side rail is open-ended.

18. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second end members are configured so as to space the first and second side members apart such that the inner vertical surfaces of the first and second side rails provide a mortar pouring tolerance to the edges of laid bricks.

19. The bricklaying tool as claimed in claim 18, wherein the mortar pouring tolerance is substantially 2 mm. 11