Foldable wall brace

Abstract

A wall brace comprising: - two brace parts (10, 20); - an anchor element (30a, 30b) mounted to a first end of each brace part; - a hinge (40), through which the brace parts are pivotally connected to each other at their second ends, wherein the brace parts are pivotable in relation to each other between a folded position alongside of each other and an unfolded position aligned with each other; and - a locking bolt (5) for locking the brace parts to each other in said folded position and in said unfolded position by engagement in a threaded through hole in a first brace part (10), wherein the other brace part (20) is provided with first and second through holes on opposite sides of the hinge (40). Said threaded through hole is aligned with the first through hole when the brace parts are in said unfolded position and with the second through hole when the brace parts are in said folded position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a wall brace according to the preamble of claim 1 for temporarily supporting a wall or wall element of a building in an upright position.

[0002] During construction or renovation of a building, it is often necessary to temporarily support a wall or a prefabricated wall element of the building in an upright position to ensure stability and safety. Wall braces can be used for this purpose, wherein each individual wall brace at one end is fixed to a support surface, such as a floor or other supporting base, and at the opposite end if fixed to the wall or wall element to be supported such that the wall brace extends obliquely between the support surface and the wall or wall element. The wall braces maintain the wall or wall element in a vertical upright position and provide resistance to lateral forces, such as wind, until the wall or wall element has been properly fixed to other structures of the building, whereupon the wall braces may be removed.

[0003] A wall brace is normally adjustable in length, for instance telescopically and / or by means of a threaded mechanism, as disclosed for instance in US 2023 / 0075809 A1 and GB 1 115 902 A.

[0004] A wall brace according to the preamble of claim 1 is previously known from US 6 308 467 B1. The foldable wall brace disclosed in US 6 308 467 B1 has a fixed length and comprises an elongated support bar consisting of first and second elongated members that are pivotally connected to each other through a hinge located at the middle of the support bar. When the wall brace according to US 6 308 467 B1 is used, a first anchor plate at an end of the first elongated member is fixed to a floor with the wall brace in a folded position and a second anchor plate at an end of the second elongated member is fixed to a wall element laying on the floor, whereupon the wall element is raised to an upright position on the floor, which will bring the wall brace into an unfolded position with the first and second elongated members aligned with each other. Finally, the first and second elongated members are locked to each other in the unfolded position by means of pins inserted into mutually aligned pin holes in the first and second elongated members.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a foldable wall brace with a new and favourable design.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to the invention, said object is achieved by means of a wall brace having the features defined in claim 1.

[0007] The wall brace according to the present invention is intended to be used for temporarily supporting a wall or wall element of a building in an upright position and comprises: an elongated first brace part having a first end and an opposite second end; an elongated second brace part having a first end and an opposite second end; a first anchor element mounted to the first brace part at the first end thereof and a second anchor element mounted to the second brace part at the first end thereof, wherein the wall brace is temporarily attachable to a wall or wall element and a support surface, such as the ground or a floor, through the first and second anchor elements in order to allow the wall brace to extend obliquely between the support surface and the wall or wall element and thereby support the wall or wall element in an upright position in relation to the support surface; a hinge, through which the first and second brace parts are pivotally connected to each other at their second ends, wherein the first and second brace parts are pivotable in relation to each other through the hinge between a folded position, in which the first and second brace parts extend alongside of each other, and an unfolded position, in which the first and second brace parts are aligned with each other and configured to jointly form an essentially straight support bar between the first and second anchor elements; and a locking bolt for locking the first and second brace parts to each other in said folded position and in said unfolded position, wherein the locking bolt has an external thread configured to mate with a corresponding internal thread in a threaded through hole that is provided in the first brace part at the second end thereof and that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the first brace part.

[0008] The second brace part is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole located on opposite sides of the hinge as seen in the longitudinal direction of the second brace part, wherein the first through hole extends across the second brace part at a position on the second brace part between the hinge and the second end the second brace part, and wherein the second through hole extends across the second brace part at a position on the second brace part between the hinge and the first end the second brace part. Said threaded through hole in the first brace part and said first through hole in the second brace part are so positioned in relation to each other that the threaded through hole is configured to be aligned with the first through hole when the first and second brace parts are in said unfolded position to thereby allow the locking bolt to lock the first and second brace parts to each other in the unfolded position by extending through the first through hole and being in threaded engagement in the threaded through hole. Said threaded through hole in the first brace part and said second through hole in the second brace part are so positioned in relation to each other that the threaded through hole is configured to be aligned with the second through hole when the first and second brace parts are in said folded position to thereby allow the locking bolt to lock the first and second brace parts to each other in the folded position by extending through the second through hole and being in threaded engagement in the threaded through hole.

[0009] The hinge that connects the first and second brace parts to each other at their second ends allows for easy adjustment of the wall brace between its folded and unfolded positions. In the folded position, the brace parts are positioned alongside each other, which implies that the wall brace occupies a reduced space facilitating storage and transportation of the wall brace. In the unfolded position, the brace parts are aligned and locked into place to form a straight support bar that is ready for use in the support of a wall or wall element in an upright position in relation to a support surface. The above-mentioned arrangement of the threaded through hole in the first brace part and the first and second through holes in the second brace part makes it possible to secure the wall brace in the folded position and in the unfolded position in a reliable and convenient manner with one and the same locking bolt. By appropriate tightening of the locking bolt, the first and second brace parts can be firmly locked to each other, in the unfolded position as well as in the folded position, with no looseness between them.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, the second brace part has a hollow end section at its second end, wherein the first through hole extends across this hollow end section and is formed by a first aperture in a first wall of the hollow end section and a second aperture in an opposite second wall of the hollow end section. In this case, the centre axis of the first through hole is formed by a straight line that extends through a centre point of said first aperture and through a centre point of said second aperture.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, also the second through hole extends across said hollow end section and is formed by a third aperture in said first wall of the hollow end section and a fourth aperture in said second wall of the hollow end section. In this case, the centre axis of the second through hole is formed by a straight line that extends through a centre point of said third aperture and through a centre point of said fourth aperture.

[0012] An end surface at the second end of the second brace part is preferably configured to abut against a corresponding axial abutment surface on the first brace part when the first and second brace parts are in said unfolded position, which implies that the first and second brace parts will abut against each other axially in the unfolded position such that axial compressive forces can be transferred directly between the first and second brace parts without subjecting the hinge or the locking bolt to any substantial load.

[0013] Another embodiment of the invention, is characterized in: that the hinge is located on a longitudinal side of the second brace part between a first external wall surface and a second external wall surface on this longitudinal side of the second brace part, wherein said first through hole opens into the first external wall surface and said second through hole opens into the second external wall surface; and that the first brace part comprises an elongated plate member with a part that projects in the longitudinal direction of the first brace part beyond said axial abutment surface and towards the hinge, wherein said threaded through hole extends across this projecting plate member part and wherein this projecting plate member part has a first side, through which the projecting plate member part is configured to abut against said first external wall surface on the second brace part when the first and second brace parts are in said unfolded position, and an opposite second side, which is configured to face away from said first external wall surface on the second brace part when the first and second brace parts are in said unfolded position and to face said second external wall surface on the second brace part when the first and second brace parts are in said folded position.

[0014] At the interface between the first and second brace parts, tensile forces in the support bar, formed by the first and second brace parts in the unfolded position, can be absorbed by the locking bolt and said elongated plate member.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first brace part comprises an elongated first lateral plate member and an elongated second lateral plate member that extend in parallel with each other along opposite longitudinal edges of said projecting plate member part, wherein the first and second lateral plate members project perpendicularly to said projecting plate member part on the first side thereof so as to form a channel with a U-shaped cross-section between said axial abutment surface and the hinge, wherein an end section of the second brace part is configured to be at least partly received in this channel when the first and second brace parts are in said unfolded position. By suitable adaption of the shape of the end section of the second brace part to the shape of said channel at the second end of the first brace part, the channel will form a stabilizing support for the end section of the second brace part in the unfolded position and thereby make the joint between the first and second brace parts less sensitive to lateral forces.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first brace part is connected to the hinge through a front end of the first lateral plate member and a front end of the second lateral plate member.

[0017] Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in: that a first hinge bracket is formed at the front end of the first lateral plate member and a second hinge bracket is formed at the front end of the second lateral plate member; and that the hinge comprises a hinge barrel and a hinge pin extending through the hinge barrel, wherein the hinge barrel is fixed to the second brace part on said longitudinal side thereof at a position between the first through hole and the second through hole, and wherein the hinge pin is fixed to and configured to extend between the first and second hinge brackets.

[0018] A reliable and appropriate hinge between the first and second brace parts can hereby be achieved in a simple and cost-efficient manner.

[0019] The internal thread in the threaded through hole is with advantage formed by an internal thread of a nut that is fixed by welding to said projecting plate member part on the second side thereof. The threaded through hole in the first brace part can hereby be achieved in a simple and cost-efficient manner.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one the first and second brace parts is telescopically extendable to allow an adjustment of the length of the support bar formed by the first and second brace parts in the unfolded position. The length of the support bar can hereby be adjusted as needed in a quick and convenient manner.

[0021] Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in: that the wall brace comprises a first end piece non-rotatably fixed to the first brace part at the first end thereof and a second end piece non-rotatably fixed to the second brace part at the first end thereof; that the wall brace comprises a first connecting member provided with a rod having an external thread that is in threaded engagement with a corresponding internal thread provided in the first end piece, wherein the first anchor element is pivotally connected to this first connecting member; that the wall brace comprises a second connecting member provided with a rod having an external thread that is in threaded engagement with a corresponding internal thread provided in the second end piece, wherein the second anchor element is pivotally connected to this second connecting member; and that the external thread on the rod included in the first connecting member and the external thread on the rod included in the second connecting member are oppositely threaded to allow the distance between the first and second anchor elements to be increased by rotation of said support bar, in relation to the first and second connecting members, in a first direction of rotation about a longitudinal centre axis of the support bar and to be decreased by rotation of the support bar, in relation to the first and second connecting members, in an opposite second direction of rotation about the longitudinal centre axis of the support bar.

[0022] Hereby, a fine adjustment of the length of the wall brace can be effected in a convenient manner by rotation of the support bar when the wall brace has been properly mounted between a support surface and a wall or wall element.

[0023] Further advantageous features of the wall brace according to the present invention will appear from the dependent claims and from the description following below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] With reference to the appended drawings, a specific description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples follows below. In the drawings: Figs 1 and 2are perspective views from different directions of a wall brace according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen with the wall brace in an unfolded position, Fig 3is a schematic illustration of a wall supported by the wall brace of Figs 1 and 2, Fig 4is a perspective view of the wall brace of Figs 1 and 2, as seen with a locking bolt of the wall brace separated from the remaining part of the wall brace, Fig 5is a perspective view of a part of the wall brace of Figs 1 and 2, as seen with a hinge pin of the wall brace separated from the remaining part of a hinge included in the wall brace, Fig 6is a lateral view of the wall brace of Figs 1 and 2, as seen with the wall brace in a folded position, Figs 7 and 8are perspective views from different directions of the wall brace of Figs 1 and 2, as seen with the wall brace in a folded position, Fig 9is a perspective view of the wall brace of Figs 1 and 2, as seen with a locking element of the wall brace separated from the remaining part of the wall brace, Fig 10is a perspective view of the wall brace of Figs 1 and 2, as seen with a telescopically displaceable section of a brace part included in the wall brace separated from an associated base section of the same brace part, Fig 11is a perspective view of the wall brace of Figs 1 and 2, as seen with the telescopically displaceable section in an extended position in relation to the associated base section, and Figs 12 and 13are perspective views from different directions of the wall brace of Figs 1 and 2, as seen with connecting members of the wall brace separated from a support bar of the wall brace. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0025] A foldable wall brace 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figs 1-13. The wall brace 1 is intended to be used for temporarily supporting a wall or wall element of a building in an upright position, for instance during construction or renovation of a building.

[0026] The wall brace 1 comprises an elongated first brace part 10 having a first end 10a and an opposite second end 10b, and an elongated second brace part 20 having a first end 20a and an opposite second end 20b. A first anchor element 30a is mounted to the first end 10a of the first brace part 10 and a second anchor element 30b is mounted to the first end 20a of the second brace part 20. The wall brace 1 is temporarily attachable to a wall 2 (see Fig 3) or wall element and a support surface 3, such as the ground or a floor, through the first and second anchor elements 30a, 30b in order to allow the wall brace 1 to extend obliquely between the support surface 3 and the wall 2 or wall element and thereby support the wall 2 or wall element in an upright position in relation to the support surface 3.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the first anchor element 30a is mounted to the first end 10a of the first brace part 10 through a first connecting member 31a, wherein the first anchor element 30a is pivotally connected to this first connecting member 31a through a joint 32a that forms a first pivot axis P1 (see Figs 3 and 6), to thereby allow the first anchor element 30a and the first brace part 10 to be pivoted in relation to each other about this first pivot axis P1. In the corresponding manner, the second anchor element 30b is mounted to the first end 20a of the second brace part 20 through a second connecting member 31b, wherein the second anchor element 30b is pivotally connected to this second connecting member 31b through a joint 32b that forms a second pivot axis P2, to thereby allow the second anchor element 30b and the second brace part 20 to be pivoted in relation to each other about this second pivot axis P2. The first and second pivot axes P1, P2 are parallel or at least essentially parallel to each other.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, each one of the first and second anchor elements 30a, 30b comprises an anchor plate 33, preferably of metallic material, which is provided with attachment holes 34, through which fastening elements, for instance in the form of nails or screws, may be driven in order to secure the anchor plate 33 to a wall 2 or wall element or to a floor or other support surface 3.

[0029] The wall brace 1 also comprises a hinge 40, through which the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are pivotally connected to each other at their second ends 10b, 20b. The hinge 40 defines a pivot axis P3 (see Figs 3 and 6) between the first and second brace parts 10, 20 that extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the first brace part 10 and perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the second brace part 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot axis P3 between the first and second brace parts 10, 20 is parallel or at least essentially parallel to the above-mentioned first and second pivot axes P1, P2.

[0030] The first and second brace parts 10, 20 are pivotable in relation to each other through the hinge 40 between a folded position (see Figs 6-8), in which the first and second brace parts 10, 20 extend alongside of each other, and an unfolded position (see Figs 1-4), in which the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are aligned with each other and configured to jointly form straight or at least essentially straight support bar 4 extending between the first and second anchor elements 30a, 30b. In the folded position, the first and second brace parts 10, 20 extend in parallel or at least essentially in parallel with each other, as illustrated in Fig 6. In the unfolded position, the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are aligned along a common axis. In the illustrated embodiment, an end surface 23 (see Figs 7 and 8) at the second end 20b of the second brace part 20 is configured to abut against a corresponding axial abutment surface 13 on the first brace part 10 when the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are in the unfolded position.

[0031] The wall brace 1 comprises a locking bolt 5 for locking the first and second brace parts 10, 20 to each other in said folded position and in said unfolded position. The locking bolt 5 comprises an elongated bolt shank 5a (see Fig 4), which is provided with an external thread 5b configured to mate with a corresponding internal thread in a threaded through hole 11 that is provided in the first brace part 10 at the second end 10b thereof and that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the first brace part 10. The locking bolt 5 also comprises a bolt head 5c, which is fixed to the bolt shank 5a.

[0032] The second brace part 20 is provided with a first through hole 21 and a second through hole 22 located on opposite sides of the hinge 40 as seen in the longitudinal direction of the second brace part 20. Thus, the first and second through holes 21, 22 are located at a distance from each other as seen in the longitudinal direction of the second brace part 20. The first and second through holes 21, 22 are non-threaded. The first through hole 21 extends across the second brace part 20 at a position on the second brace part between the hinge 40 and the second end 20b the second brace part. The second through hole 22 extends across the second brace part 20 at a position on the second brace part between the hinge 40 and the first end 20a the second brace part. Thus, the second through hole 22 is located at a longer distance from the second end 20b of the second brace part 20 than the first through hole 21. Each one of the first and second through holes 21, 22 has a centre axis that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the second brace part 20, wherein the centre axis of the first through hole 21 extends in parallel with the centre axis of the second through hole 22. The above-mentioned pivot axis P3 between the first and second brace parts 10, 20 extends perpendicularly to the centre axis of the first through hole 21 and perpendicularly to the centre axis of the second through hole 22.

[0033] The above-mentioned threaded through hole 11 in the first brace part 10 and said first through hole 21 in the second brace part 20 are so positioned in relation to each other that the threaded through hole 11 is aligned with the first through hole 21 when the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are in the unfolded position to thereby allow the locking bolt 5 to lock the first and second brace parts 10, 20 to each other in the unfolded position by extending through the first through hole 21 in the second brace part 20 and being in threaded engagement in the threaded through hole 11 in the first brace part 10.

[0034] The threaded through hole 11 in the first brace part 10 and said second through hole 22 in the second brace part 20 are so positioned in relation to each other that the threaded through hole 11 is aligned with the second through hole 22 when the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are in the folded position to thereby allow the locking bolt 5 to lock the first and second brace parts 10, 20 to each other in the folded position by extending through the second through hole 22 in the second brace part 20 and being in threaded engagement in the threaded through hole 11 in the first brace part 10.

[0035] The distance between the pivot axis P3 and the first through hole 21 is equal or at least essentially equal to the distance between the pivot axis P3 and the second through hole 22, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the second brace part 20. The distance, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the second brace part 20, between the pivot axis P3 and the first through hole 21 is also equal or at least essentially equal to the distance, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the first brace part 10, between the pivot axis P3 and the threaded through hole 11.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the second brace part 20 is tubular and has a hollow end section 20d (see Figs 6-8) at its second end 20b, wherein the first and second through holes 21, 22 extend across this hollow end section 20d. In this case, the first through hole 21 is formed by a first aperture in a first wall 25 of the hollow end section 20d and a second aperture in an opposite second wall 26 of the hollow end section 20d, and the second through hole 22 is formed by a third aperture in said first wall 25 of the hollow end section 20d and a fourth aperture in said second wall 26 of the hollow end section 20d. As an alternative, the second brace part 20 may consist of a solid bar.

[0037] The hinge 40 is located on a longitudinal side 20e of the second brace part 20 between a first external wall surface 27a and a second external wall surface 27b on this longitudinal side 20e of the second brace part 20, wherein the first through hole 21 opens into the first external wall surface 27a and the second through hole 22 opens into the second external wall surface 27b. The first external wall surface 27a is located between the hinge 40 and the second end 20b of the second brace part 20.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the first brace part 10 comprises an elongated plate member 14 with a part 14a (see Figs 6-8) that projects in the longitudinal direction of the first brace part 10 beyond the above-mentioned axial abutment surface 13 and towards the hinge 40, as illustrated in Fig 8. The threaded through hole 11 extends across this projecting plate member part 14a, which has a first side 14a, (see Fig 8), through which the projecting plate member part 14a is configured to abut against the above-mentioned first external wall surface 27a on the second brace part 20 when the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are in the unfolded position, and an opposite second side 14a 2 (see Fig 7), which is configured to face away from said first external wall surface 27a on the second brace part 20 when the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are in the unfolded position and to face said second external wall surface 27b on the second brace part 20 when the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are in the folded position. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal thread in the threaded through hole 11 is formed by an internal thread of a nut 15 that is fixed by welding to the projecting plate member part 14a on the second side 14a 2 thereof.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the first brace part 10 also comprises an elongated first lateral plate member 16 and an elongated second lateral plate member 17 that extend in parallel with each other along opposite longitudinal edges of the projecting plate member part 14a. The first and second lateral plate members 16, 17 project perpendicularly to the projecting plate member part 14a on the first side 14a, thereof so as to form a channel 18 with a U-shaped cross-section between the axial abutment surface 13 on the first brace part 10 and the hinge 40, wherein an end section of the second brace part 20 is configured to be at least partly received in this channel 18 when the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are in the unfolded position.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the first brace part 10 is connected to the hinge 40 through a front end of the first lateral plate member 16 and a front end of the second lateral plate member 17, wherein a first hinge bracket 41 is formed at the front end of the first lateral plate member 16 and a second hinge bracket 42 is formed at the front end of the second lateral plate member 17. The hinge 40 comprises a hinge barrel 43 and a hinge pin 44 (see Fig 5) that extends through the hinge barrel 43. The hinge barrel 43 is fixed to the second brace part 20 on the above-mentioned longitudinal side 20e thereof at a position between the first through hole 21 and the second through hole 22. The hinge pin 44 extends between the first and second hinge brackets 41, 42 and is fixed to these hinge brackets. In the illustrated example, the hinge pin 44 is formed by the bolt shank of a bolt 45, which is provided with an external thread 45a configured to mate with a corresponding internal thread in a nut 46. In the assembling of the wall brace 10, the hinge barrel 43 is positioned between the first and second hinge brackets 41, 42 in alignment with an aperture 46 in the first hinge bracket 41 and a corresponding aperture in the second hinge bracket 42, whereupon the bolt shank of the bolt 45 is pushed through said apertures 46 in the first and second hinge brackets 41, 42 and through the hinge barrel 43 and the nut 46 is screwed onto the external thread 45a on the bolt shank to thereby secure the bolt 45 and the hinge pin 44 to the first and second hinge brackets 41, 42. The hinge 40 may of course also be designed in any other suitable manner.

[0041] The first and second anchor elements 30a, 30b are preferably so adapted to each other that the anchor plates 33 of the first and second anchor elements 30a, 30b may abut against each other when the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are locked to each other in the folded position, as illustrated in Figs 6-8.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the wall brace 1 comprises a first end piece 35a non-rotatably fixed to the first brace part 10 at the first end 10a thereof and a second end piece 35b non-rotatably fixed to the second brace part 20 at the first end 20a thereof, wherein the above-mentioned first connecting member 31a is provided with a rod 36a having an external thread 37a that is in threaded engagement with a corresponding internal thread 38a (see Fig 13) provided in the first end piece 35a and the above-mentioned second connecting member 31b is provided with a rod 36b having an external thread 37b that is in threaded engagement with a corresponding internal thread 38b (see Fig 12) provided in the second end piece 35b. The external thread 37a on the rod 36a included in the first connecting member 31a and the external thread 37b on the rod 36b included in the second connecting member 31b are oppositely threaded. When the support bar 4 formed by the first and second brace parts 10, 20 in the unfolded position is rotated in relation to the first and second connecting members 31a, 31b in a first direction of rotation about a longitudinal centre axis of the support bar 4, each end piece 35a, 35b will move axially along the external thread 37a, 37b on the associated rod 36a, 36b in a direction away from the adjacent anchor element 30a, 30b, which will result in an increase of the distance between the first and second anchor elements 30a, 30b and thereby in an increase of the overall length of the wall brace 1. When the support bar 4 is rotated in relation to the first and second connecting members 31a, 31b in an opposite second direction of rotation about the longitudinal centre axis of the support bar 4, each end piece 35a, 35b will move axially along the external thread 37a, 37b on the associated rod 36a, 36b in a direction towards the adjacent anchor element 30a, 30b, which will result in a decrease of the distance between the first and second anchor elements 30a, 30b and thereby in a decrease of the overall length of the wall brace 1.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the second brace part 20 is telescopically extendable to allow an adjustment of the length of the second brace part 20 and thereby an adjustment of the length of the support bar 4 formed by the first and second brace parts 10, 20 in the unfolded position. In this case, the second brace part 20 comprises a hollow outer base section 50 (see Figs 10 and 11) and an inner telescopic section 51. The telescopic section 51 is slidably received in the base section 50 and displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the base section for adjustment of the length of the second brace part 20. The telescopic section 51 extends through an opening 52 at an end of the base section 50. In this case, the above-mentioned second end piece 35b is fixed to the telescopic section 51 at an outer end thereof. The telescopic section 51 can be locked to the base section 50, in different predefined axial positions in relation to the base section 50, by means of a locking element 53. The telescopic section 51 is provided with several holes 54, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the telescopic section 51 and which are configured to define said predefined axial positions of the telescopic section 51 in relation to the base section 50, wherein the locking element 53 extends through a through hole 55 in the base section 50 and is inserted into a selected one of the holes 54 in the telescopic section 51 in order to lock the telescopic section 51 to the base section 50 in the axial position defined by the selected hole 54 in question. In the illustrated example, the locking element 53 is provided with an external thread 53a configured to mate with a corresponding internal thread in said through hole 55 in the base section 50 to thereby allow the locking element 53 to be secured to the base section 50 by being screwed into the through hole 55 in the base section 50. In the illustrated example, the internal thread of the through hole 55 in the base section 50 is formed by the internal thread of a nut 56 that is fixed by welding to an outer wall surface of the base section 50.

[0044] The first brace part 10 and the base section 50 and telescopic section 51 of the second brace part 20 are with advantage formed by square steel tubing.

[0045] During storage and transportation of the wall brace 1, the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are locked to each other in the folded position by means of the locking bolt 5 and the telescopic section 51 is locked to the base section 50 in a retracted position by means of the locking element 53, as illustrated in Figs 6-8. In order to lock the first and second brace parts 10, 20 to each other in the folded position, the bolt shank 5a of the locking bolt 5 is inserted into the second through hole 22 in the second brace part 20 and the external thread 5b on the bolt shank 5a is screwed into the internal thread in the threaded through hole 11 in the first brace part 10 from a first side of the threaded through hole 11 that faces away from the above-mentioned channel 18. A washer 6 may be positioned between the bolt head 5c of the locking bolt 5 and the outer surface of the second brace part 20. The first and second anchor elements 30a, 30b are preferably positioned with the anchor plates 33 of the first and second anchor elements 30a, 30b abutting against each other when the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are locked to each other in the folded position.

[0046] When the wall brace 1 is to be used, the locking bolt 5 is released from the threaded through hole 11 in the first brace part 10 and pulled out of the second through hole 22 in the second brace part 20, whereupon the first and second brace parts 10, 20 are pivoted in relation to each other through the hinge 40 into the unfolded position with the first and second brace parts 10, 20 aligned with each other and with an end section of the second brace part 20 received in the above-mentioned channel 18. In order to lock the first and second brace parts 10, 20 to each other in the unfolded position, the bolt shank 5a of the locking bolt 5 is inserted into the first through hole 21 in the second brace part 20 and the external thread 5b on the bolt shank 5a is screwed into the internal thread in the threaded through hole 11 in the first brace part 10 from a second side of the threaded through hole 11 that faces the above-mentioned channel 18. Thereafter, the length of the wall brace 1 may be roughly adjusted by releasing the locking element 53 and displacing the telescopic section 51 of the second brace part 20 into a desired axial position in relation to the base section 50 of the second brace part 20, whereupon the telescopic section 51 is locked in the selected axial positions in relation to the base section 50 by means of the locking element 53. The wall brace 1 may then be fixed obliquely between a support surface 3 and a wall 2 or wall element to be supported in an upright position in relation to the support surface 3, wherein the anchor plate 33 of one of the anchor elements 30a, 30b is fixed to the support surface 3 and the anchor plate 33 of the other anchor element is fixed to the wall 2 or wall element, as illustrated in Fig 3. Finally, a fine adjustment of the length of the wall brace 1 may be effected by rotation of the support bar 4 formed by the first and second brace parts 10, 20.

[0047] The invention is of course not in any way restricted to the embodiments described above. On the contrary, many possibilities to modifications thereof will be apparent to a person with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wall brace for temporarily supporting a wall or wall element of a building in an upright position, the wall brace (1) comprising: - an elongated first brace part (10) having a first end (10a) and an opposite second end (10b); - an elongated second brace part (20) having a first end (20a) and an opposite second end (20b); - a first anchor element (30a) mounted to the first brace part (10) at the first end (10a) thereof and a second anchor element (30b) mounted to the second brace part (20) at the first end (20a) thereof, wherein the wall brace (1) is temporarily attachable to a wall or wall element and a support surface, such as the ground or a floor, through the first and second anchor elements (30a, 30b) in order to allow the wall brace (1) to extend obliquely between the support surface and the wall or wall element and thereby support the wall or wall element in an upright position in relation to the support surface; and - a hinge (40), through which the first and second brace parts (10, 20) are pivotally connected to each other at their second ends (10b, 20b), wherein the first and second brace parts (10, 20) are pivotable in relation to each other through the hinge (40) between a folded position, in which the first and second brace parts (10, 20) extend alongside of each other, and an unfolded position, in which the first and second brace parts (10, 20) are aligned with each other and configured to jointly form an essentially straight support bar (4) between the first and second anchor elements (30a, 30b), characterized in: - that the wall brace (1) comprises a locking bolt (5) for locking the first and second brace parts (10, 20) to each other in said folded position and in said unfolded position, wherein the locking bolt (5) has an external thread (5b) configured to mate with a corresponding internal thread in a threaded through hole (11) that is provided in the first brace part (10) at the second end (10b) thereof and that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the first brace part (10); - that the second brace part (20) is provided with a first through hole (21) and a second through hole (22) located on opposite sides of the hinge (40) as seen in the longitudinal direction of the second brace part (20), wherein the first through hole (21) extends across the second brace part (20) at a position on the second brace part between the hinge (40) and the second end (20b) the second brace part (20), and wherein the second through hole (22) extends across the second brace part (20) at a position on the second brace part between the hinge (40) and the first end (20a) the second brace part (20); - that said threaded through hole (11) and said first through hole (21) are so positioned in relation to each other that the threaded through hole (11) is configured to be aligned with the first through hole (21) when the first and second brace parts (10, 20) are in said unfolded position to thereby allow the locking bolt (5) to lock the first and second brace parts (10, 20) to each other in the unfolded position by extending through the first through hole (21) and being in threaded engagement in the threaded through hole (11); and - that said threaded through hole (11) and said second through hole (22) are so positioned in relation to each other that the threaded through hole (11) is configured to be aligned with the second through hole (22) when the first and second brace parts (10, 20) are in said folded position to thereby allow the locking bolt (5) to lock the first and second brace parts (10, 20) to each other in the folded position by extending through the second through hole (22) and being in threaded engagement in the threaded through hole (11).

2. A wall brace according to claim 1, characterized in that the first through hole (21) has a centre axis that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the second brace part (20) and in parallel with a centre axis of the second through hole (22).

3. A wall brace according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second brace part (20) has a hollow end section (20d) at its second end (20b), wherein the first through hole (21) extends across this hollow end section (20d) and is formed by a first aperture in a first wall (25) of the hollow end section (20d) and a second aperture in an opposite second wall (26) of the hollow end section (20d).

4. A wall brace according to claim 3, characterized in that the second through hole (22) extends across said hollow end section (20d) and is formed by a third aperture in said first wall (25) of the hollow end section (20d) and a fourth aperture in said second wall (26) of the hollow end section (20d).

5. A wall brace according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that an end surface (23) at the second end (20b) of the second brace part (20) is configured to abut against a corresponding axial abutment surface (13) on the first brace part (10) when the first and second brace parts (10, 20) are in said unfolded position.

6. A wall brace according to claim 5, characterized in: - that the hinge (40) is located on a longitudinal side (20e) of the second brace part (20) between a first external wall surface (27a) and a second external wall surface (27b) on this longitudinal side (20e) of the second brace part (20), wherein said first through hole (21) opens into the first external wall surface (27a) and said second through hole (22) opens into the second external wall surface (27b); and - that the first brace part (10) comprises an elongated plate member (14) with a part (14a) that projects in the longitudinal direction of the first brace part (10) beyond said axial abutment surface (13) and towards the hinge (40), wherein said threaded through hole (11) extends across this projecting plate member part (14a) and wherein this projecting plate member part (14a) has a first side (14a1), through which the projecting plate member part (14a) is configured to abut against said first external wall surface (27a) on the second brace part (20) when the first and second brace parts (10, 20) are in said unfolded position, and an opposite second side (14a2), which is configured to face away from said first external wall surface (27a) on the second brace part (20) when the first and second brace parts (10, 20) are in said unfolded position and to face said second external wall surface (27b) on the second brace part (20) when the first and second brace parts (10, 20) are in said folded position.

7. A wall brace according to claim 6, characterized in that the first brace part (10) comprises an elongated first lateral plate member (16) and an elongated second lateral plate member (17) that extend in parallel with each other along opposite longitudinal edges of said projecting plate member part (14a), wherein the first and second lateral plate members (16, 17) project perpendicularly to said projecting plate member part (14a) on the first side (14a1) thereof so as to form a channel (18) with a U-shaped cross-section between said axial abutment surface (13) and the hinge (40), wherein an end section of the second brace part (20) is configured to be at least partly received in this channel (18) when the first and second brace parts (10, 20) are in said unfolded position.

8. A wall brace according to claim 7, characterized in that the first brace part (10) is connected to the hinge (40) through a front end of the first lateral plate member (16) and a front end of the second lateral plate member (17).

9. A wall brace according to claim 8, characterized in: - that a first hinge bracket (41) is formed at the front end of the first lateral plate member (16) and a second hinge bracket (42) is formed at the front end of the second lateral plate member (17); and - that the hinge (40) comprises a hinge barrel (43) and a hinge pin (44) extending through the hinge barrel (43), wherein the hinge barrel (43) is fixed to the second brace part (20) on said longitudinal side (20e) thereof at a position between the first through hole (21) and the second through hole (22), and wherein the hinge pin (44) is fixed to and configured to extend between the first and second hinge brackets (41, 42).

10. A wall brace according to any of claims 6-9, characterized in that the internal thread in the threaded through hole (11) is formed by an internal thread of a nut (15) that is fixed by welding to said projecting plate member part (14a) on the second side (14a2) thereof.

11. A wall brace according to any of claims 1-10, characterized in that the hinge (40) defines a pivot axis (P3) between the first and second brace parts (10, 20) that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the first brace part (10) and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the second brace part (20).

12. A wall brace according to claim 11, characterized in that said pivot axis (P3) extends perpendicularly to a centre axis of the first through hole (21) and perpendicularly to a centre axis of the second through hole (22).

13. A wall brace according to any of claims 1-12, characterized in that at least one the first and second brace parts (10, 20) is telescopically extendable to allow an adjustment of the length of the support bar (4) formed by the first and second brace parts (10, 20) in the unfolded position.

14. A wall brace according to any of claims 1-13, characterized in: - that the wall brace (1) comprises a first end piece (35a) non-rotatably fixed to the first brace part (10) at the first end (10a) thereof and a second end piece (35b) non-rotatably fixed to the second brace part (20) at the first end (20a) thereof; - that the wall brace (1) comprises a first connecting member (31a) provided with a rod (36a) having an external thread (37a) that is in threaded engagement with a corresponding internal thread (38a) provided in the first end piece (35a), wherein the first anchor element (30a) is pivotally connected to this first connecting member (31a); - that the wall brace (1) comprises a second connecting member (31b) provided with a rod (36b) having an external thread (37b) that is in threaded engagement with a corresponding internal thread (38b) provided in the second end piece (35b), wherein the second anchor element (30b) is pivotally connected to this second connecting member (31b); and - that the external thread (37a) on the rod (36a) included in the first connecting member (31a) and the external thread (37b) on the rod (36b) included in the second connecting member (31b) are oppositely threaded to allow the distance between the first and second anchor elements (30a, 30b) to be increased by rotation of said support bar (4), in relation to the first and second connecting members (31a, 31b), in a first direction of rotation about a longitudinal centre axis of the support bar (4) and to be decreased by rotation of the support bar (4), in relation to the first and second connecting members (31a, 31b), in an opposite second direction of rotation about the longitudinal centre axis of the support bar (4).

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