A stringline block

Abstract

A stringline block 10 includes a first wall 12 having at least one first channel 14 defined therein, each of the at least one channel extending between a first surface 16 and a second surface 18of the

Description

5 FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a stringline block. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for a stringline block for laying bricks. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use. 10 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Stringlines are commonly used tools in bricklaying to establish straight lines between two reference points, providing guidance for laying bricks accurately. ^-15 However, there are several challenges associated with tying stringlines to columns. C\l One issue is that it requires significant effort for a bricklayer to tie the ends of £\J a stringline to columns. This process can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, potentially slowing down the bricklaying process and increasing overall construction time. ^^20 Another problem is maintaining a consistent level of the stringline around the column. It can be challenging for a bricklayer to ensure that the stringline remains at the same level throughout the column, which is crucial for achieving precise brick alignments. Additionally, the stringline may be accidentally displaced during the bricklaying process, leading to inaccuracies in the brickwork. Detecting such 25 displacement may not be easy, resulting in potential rework and additional costs. Furthermore, in some bricklaying jobs, a single stringline may not provide sufficient accuracy. Bricklayers may require multiple stringlines at different heights to achieve the desired level of precision. This can further add to the complexity and time required to set up and manage multiple stringlines. 30 As a result, there is a need for improved solutions that address these challenges and provide more efficient and accurate methods for tying stringlines to columns in bricklaying. Such solutions could reduce labour efforts, improve accuracy, and enhance overall productivity in bricklaying tasks. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above mentioned problems with laying bricks and / or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a stringline block, including a first wall having at least one first channel defined therein, each of the at 10 least one channel extending between a first surface and a second surface of the first wall; a second wall with at least one second channel defined therein, each of the at least one second channel extending between a first surface and a second surface of the second wall, the second wall extending in a parallel direction to the first wall; and ^-15 a third wall located between the first wall and the second wall, the third wall C\l having at least one third channel defined therein and wherein the third wall is £\J perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall, wherein the third wall includes one or more outcrop portions, and wherein each of the at least one third channel is defined in a corresponding outcrop portion: ^^20 wherein the stringline block has a screw portion to releasably attach the stringline block to a column, and each of the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel receive and retain at least one guide and wherein one or more stringlines are attachable to the at least one guide. Preferably the first wall is rectangular in shape. Preferably in use the first 25 surface is an upper surface. Preferably in use the second surface is a lower surface. Preferably the first wall includes two side surfaces. Preferably the second wall is rectangular in shape. Preferably in use the first surface of the second wall is an upper surface. Preferably in use the second surface of the second wall is a lower surface. Preferably the second wall includes two side 30 surfaces. Preferably the third wall is rectangular in shape. Preferably the third wall includes a first surface. Preferably in use, the first surface is an upper surface. Preferably the third wall includes a second surface. Preferably in use, the second surface is a lower surface, Preferably the third wall includes two side surfaces. Preferably each of the at least one third channel extends between the first surface and the second surface of the third wall. Preferably each outcrop portion has a first surface and a second surface that are aligned with the first and second surface respectively of the third wall. 5 Preferably the first wall, the second wall and / or the third wall have a same width. Preferably the first wall, the second wall and / or the third wall have a same height. Preferably the first wall, the second wall and / or the third wall have a same thickness. In one embodiment, each of the first wall, the second wall and / or the third wall has a width substantially between 38mm to 52mm. 10 Preferably the stringline block further includes a protrusion. Preferably the protrusion includes at least one fourth channel defined therein. Preferably each of the at least one fourth channel extends between a first surface and a second surface of the protrusion. Preferably the protrusion extends from one of the first or second walls. In one embodiment, the protrusion is attached to an edge of the first wall of ^-15 the stringline block. In another embodiment, the protrusion is attached to an edge of C\l the second wall of the stringline block. £\J Preferably the protrusion is perpendicular to the first wall or the second wall which the protrusion is attached. Preferably the protrusion extends outward the first wall or the second wall which the protrusion is attached. Preferably the protrusion ^^20 has a same height with the first wall or the second wall which the protrusion is attached. Preferably the protrusion has a same thickness with the first wall or the second wall which the protrusion is attached. Preferably the protrusion is rectangular in shape. Preferably in use the first surface of the protrusion is an upper surface. Preferably in use the second surface of 25 the protrusion is a lower surface. Preferably the second wall includes two side surfaces. Preferably each of the at least one first channel has an opening that opens to one of the side surfaces. Preferably the opening is smaller in width than a diameter of the channel. In a less preferred embodiment, each first channel is only open to 30 the first surface and the second surface. Preferably each first channel is substantially circular in cross section. Preferably the opening is defined by a chord of the circular cross section. Preferably the at least one first channel is a plurality of first channels. Preferably the at least one first channel is three or more first channels. Preferably the three or more first channels, are equally spaced from one another. Preferably each of the at least one second channel has an opening that opens to one of the side surfaces. Preferably the opening is smaller in width than a 5 diameter of the channel. In a less preferred embodiment, each second channel is only open to the first surface and the second surface. Preferably each second channel is substantially circular in cross section. Preferably the opening is defined by a chord of the circular cross section. Preferably the at least one second channel is a plurality of second channels. Preferably the at least one second channel is three 10 or more second channels. Preferably the three or more second channels, are equally spaced from one another. Preferably each of the at least one third channel has an opening that opens to one of the side surfaces. Preferably the opening is smaller in width than a diameter of the channel. In a less preferred embodiment, each third channel is only open to ^-15 the first surface and the second surface. Preferably each third channel is C\l substantially circular in cross section. Preferably the opening is defined by a chord £\J of the circular cross section. Preferably the at least one third channel is a plurality of third channels. Preferably each of the at least one fourth channel has an opening that opens ^^20 to one of the side surfaces. Preferably the opening is smaller in width than a diameter of the channel. In a less preferred embodiment, each fourth channel is only open to the first surface and the second surface. Preferably each fourth channel is substantially circular in cross section. Preferably the opening is defined by a chord of the circular cross section. Preferably the at least one fourth channel is a plurality 25 of fourth channels. Preferably the at least one fourth channel is three or more fourth channels. Preferably the three or more fourth channels, are equally spaced from one another. Preferably each of the channels is adapted to receive at least one guide. Preferably each of the channels is adapted to receive and retain a guide into each 30 end thereof. In another embodiment, each of the channels can be a shape other than substantially circular in cross section. In one embodiment each channel can have a substantially rectangular shape. Preferably the stringline block includes at least one guide. More preferably the stringline block includes a plurality of guides. Preferably each channel retains two guides. Preferably a guide is located at each opposed end of each channel. Preferably the guides are substantially cylindrical in shape. Preferably the guides 5 are in the form of pins. More preferably the guides are in the form of spring roll pins. In one embodiment, the screw portion is associated with the first wall to releasably attach the stringline block to the column. In another embodiment, the screw portion is associated with the second wall to releasably attach the stringline block to the column. Preferably the screw portion includes a threaded hole 10 associated with the first wall or the second wall and a screw member movable in the threaded hole. Preferably the stringline block further includes an additional portion located at a rear surface of the third wall. Preferably the additional portion is adapted to retain unused stringline. ^-15 Preferably the stringline block is a one piece component. Preferably the C\l stringline block is substantially made of metallic material. Preferably the stringline £\J block is made of aluminium. In another embodiment, the stringline block is made of steel and / or an alloy of any other metal. Preferably the stringline block is made by extrusion. In another embodiment, the stringline block is made by injection ^^20 moulding. In another embodiment the stringline block is made of a plastic material, a polymer, a fibre reinforced material and / or a composite material. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a stringline block, including a first wall having a plurality of first channels defined therein, each of the first 25 channels extending between a first surface and a second surface of the first wall; a second wall with a plurality of second channels defined therein, each of the second channels extending between a first surface and a second surface of the second wall, the second wall extending in a parallel direction to the first wall; a third wall located between the first wall and the second wall, and wherein 30 the third wall is perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall; a protrusion extending from the second wall, the protrusion having a plurality of fourth channels defined therein, each of the fourth channels extending between a first surface and a second surface of the protrusion; and a plurality of guides, each guide located and retained in an end of a corresponding channel, wherein the stringline block is attachable to a column, and wherein the guides are adapted to be attached to one or more stringlines. 5 In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of stringing up a stringline using a stringline block as described in this specification, including the steps of attaching a first stringline block to a first column, and attaching a first stringline to at least one of a plurality of guides attached to the 10 first stringline block. Preferably the method of stringing up a stringline further includes the step of attaching the first stringline to at least one of a plurality of guides attached to a second stringline block. Preferably the method of stringing up the stringline further includes a step of selecting a predetermined position for the first stringline block ^-15 and / or the second stringline block. Preferably the first stringline block and the C\l second stringline block align with each other. £\J Preferably the method of stringing up a stringline further includes the step of attaching a second stringline to at least another of the plurality of guides located at the first stringline block and / or the second stringline block. ^^20 Preferably the method of stringing up a stringline further includes the step of inserting the guides into corresponding ends of corresponding channels. The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly 25 stated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred 30 embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 is a left rear perspective view of a stringline block according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a left front perspective view of the stringline block of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a right rear perspective view of the stringline block of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a left front perspective view of the stringline block of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a top view of the stringline block of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a rear view of the stringline block of Figure 1 with guides; Figure 7 is a top view of the stringline block of Figure 6; and 5 Figure 8 is a left side view of a stringline block of Figure 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a stringline block 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The stringline block 10 is 10 made by extruding aluminium. The stringline block 10 has a first wall 12 having a plurality of first channels 14 defined therein. Each of the first channels 14 extends between a first surface 16 and a second surface 18 of the first wall 12. The first wall 12 includes a threaded hole 50 to accept a threaded member (52 best seen in figures 6,7,8). ^-15 The stringline block 10 has a second wall 20 with a plurality of second C\l channels 22 defined therein. Each of the second channels 22 extends between a £\J first surface 24 and a second surface 26 of the second wall 20. The second wall 20 extends parallel to the first walH 2. The stringline block 10 has a third wall 30 located between the first wall 12 ^^20 and the second wall 20. The third wall 30 is perpendicular to the first wall 12 and the second wall 20. The third wall 30 includes two outcrop portions 32,34. A third channel 36,38 is defined in a corresponding outcrop portion 32,34. The stringline block 10 has a protrusion 40 extending from the second wall 20. The protrusion 40 has a plurality of fourth channels 42 defined therein. Each of the 25 fourth channels 42 extends between a first surface 44 and a second surface 46 of the protrusion 40. With reference to Figures 6, 7 and 8, there is shown the stringline block 10 of figures 1 to 5. In these Figures, guides in the form of spring roll pins 60 have been inserted into opposed ends of the channels 14,22,36,38,42. The spring roll pins 60 30 are retained in the corresponding channels 14,22,36,38,42 by an expanding force. The spring roll pins 60 are adapted to be connected to one or more stringlines. Stringlines are typically wound around or tied to one or more of the spring roll pins 60. The stringline block 10 is releasably attachable to a column (not shown) by a screw member 52, which is movable in the threaded hole 50 in the first wall 12. The screw member 52 clamps the column (not shown) to the second wall 20. 5 ADVANTAGES An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the stringline block includes that it can be attached to a column in a predetermined position. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the stringline block includes that it can provide an 10 accuracy of tying a stringline. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the stringline block includes that it provides offset options for bricklayers when tying a stringline. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the stringline block includes that it is easy to attach guides to the block. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the stringline block includes that it is easy to manufacture ^-15 by extrusion. CM (\J VARIATIONS While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be ^^20 apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A stringline block, includinga first wall having at least one first channel defined therein, each of the at least one channel extending between a first surface and a second surface of the first wall;a second wall with at least one second channel defined therein, each of the at least one second channel extending between a first surface and a second surface of the second wall, the second wall extending in a parallel direction to the first wall; anda third wall located between the first wall and the second wall, the third wall having at least one third channel defined therein and wherein the third wall is perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall,wherein the third wall includes one or more outcrop portions, and wherein each of the at least one third channel is defined in a corresponding outcrop portion;wherein, the stringline block has a screw portion to releasably attach the stringline block to a column, and each of the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel receive and retain at least one guide and wherein one or more stringlines are attachable to the at least one guide.

2. A stringline block as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least one third channel extending between a first surface and a second surface of the third wall.

3. A stringline block as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including a protrusion extending from one of the first or second walls, the protrusion including at least one fourth channel defined therein, each of the at least one fourth channel extending between a first surface and a second surface of the protrusion4. A stringline block as claimed in claim 3, wherein the protrusion is perpendicular to the first wall or the second wall5. A stringline block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first channels has an opening that opens to a side surface of the first wall.

6. A stringline block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second channels has an opening that opens to a side surface of the second wall.xt CMCM7. A stringline block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one third channels has an opening that opens to a side surface of the third wall.

8. A stringline block as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the opening is smaller in width than a diameter of the channel.

9. A stringline block as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein each channel is substantially circular in cross section.

10. A stringline block as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one first channel is a plurality of first channels, and the at least one second channels is a plurality of channels.

11. A stringline block as claimed in claims 3 or 4 wherein the at least one fourthchannel is a plurality of fourth channels.

12. A stringline block as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including a plurality of guides, one for each end of each channel.CM13. A stringline block as claimed in claim 12, wherein each guide is a spring roll pin.

14. A stringline block as claimed in any one of the preceding claims madepredominantly of aluminium.

15. A stringline block as claimed in any one of the preceding made by extrusion.

16. A method of stringing up a stringline using a stringline block as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, the method including the steps ofattaching a first stringline block to a first column, andattaching a first stringline to at least one of a plurality of guides attached to the first stringline block.xt CMCMCM17. A method as claimed in claim 16, further including the step of inserting the guides into corresponding ends of corresponding channels.

18. A method as claimed in claim 16 or 17, further including the step of attaching the first stringline to at least one of a plurality of guides attached to a second stringline block.

19. A method as claimed in claim 19, further including the step of attaching a second stringline to at least another of the plurality of guides located at the first stringline block and / or the second stringline block.

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