A modular plumb line apparatus

Abstract

A modular plumb line apparatus 100 comprising: a first carrier bar 11A and a second carrier bar 11B that interlock together orthogonally and are received by a support 20. At least one plumb line fixin

Description

22 03 24 Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a modular plumb line apparatus, in particular, but not exclusively for use with laying brick, block or stone. Background It is common to use a plumb line that is naturally weighted by gravity, or a strung plumb line to check the straightness or levelness of a structure that is being built or assembled. When building or assembling a structure from the ground up it can be difficult to find a location to suspend a plumb line and therefore a temporary support may be required. In these situations it can be difficult to exactly align the plumb line due to limitations regarding where a support can be positioned so as not to disrupt the build and to provide a level platform. The present invention provides an apparatus to overcome these problems. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular plumb line apparatus comprising: a support for supporting a framework; the framework includes at least a first carrier bar and a second carrier bar that interlock together and are received by the support; and at least one plumb line fixing received through a channel on a first or second carrier bar that receives a plumb line which passes through the plumb line fixing and through a carrier bar. According to a second aspect of the invention the modular plumb line apparatus includes a first cradle beam and a second cradle beam that are mounted on the 22 03 24 first carrier bar or the second carrier bar; and at least one plumb line fixing received onto a location where the first cradle beam and the second cradle beam intersect that receives a plumb line which passes through the plumb line fixing and through both cradle beams. By using this apparatus, accurate plumb lines can be set up at multiple locations on a structure being built or assembled. Typically the apparatus is intended for use when laying brick, block, or stone where plumb lines are used to check the straightness of vertical face of a wall and where the plumb line(s) may also assist in maintaining the gauge of each course. The support is an upright upon which the framework is arranged. The support is arranged to upstand from a surface such as the ground or a floor and provides a platform on which the framework is received. In a preferred embodiment the support has a base for attaching to a surface. This may be a planar pad with means to aid attachment to a surface, such as apertures for receiving bolts. In this way the support can be temporarily fixed in place during use to ensure accurate positioning of the plumb lines. Preferably the support has a plate provided at an upper end for receiving the carrier bars. This is to enable the carrier bars to be received on a level surface. Typically the base and plate are in parallel planes so that if the base is on a level surface the plate is level. In some embodiments the base and / or plate may be able to pivot and be locked with respect to the upright to ensure that the plate is level, irrespective of the surface upon which the base is located. For example the upper and / or lower end of the upright may have a joint about which the base or plate can pivot. In a preferred embodiment the plate has elongate gulley’s for receiving the carrier bars to further help locate and secure the carrier bars in use. The framework is formed from at least two carrier bars. 22 03 24 The framework can also be assembled to include cradle beams which provide further locations for plumb lines to hang. Preferably the carrier bars are elongate and have a rectangular cross section. Preferably the carrier bars each have a groove for receiving a second carrier bar, so that the carrier bars interlock to form a cross shaped frame. Ideally the depth of the grooves is such that the bars connect to finish flush so that the cross shaped frame extends in a single horizontal plane. Ideally the carrier bars are identical so that fewer different components are required for the assembly, thereby reducing cost. In preferred embodiments the first carrier bar and the second carrier bar interlock orthogonally. In this way the carrier bars can be arranged to be parallel to the structure being created. It is appreciated that the carrier bars may be arranged on the support before the support is fixed in position, thereby allowing the carrier bars to be used to align position with the structure. Also, as the carrier bars interlock, relative movement is prevented to ensure accuracy. Each carrier bar has at least one channel for receiving a plumb line fixing to provide a designated location from which a plumb line is suspended. The channel is preferably elongate so that the plumb line fixing can be located at different positions along the channel to change the position from which a plumb line may be suspended. In a preferred embodiment the framework has first and second carrier bars that are mounted at an upper end of the support. First and second cradle beams are then placed on top of the carrier bars to form a lattice framework. Preferably the cradle beams are also elongate with a rectangular cross section. 22 03 24 Preferably the cradle beams each have a recess for receiving a carrier bar, so that the cradle beams and carrier bars interlock to form a cross shaped frame. In this way the cradle beam is placed upon the carrier bar and locked in position. Preferably each cradle beam also has at least two cutaway regions provided at end regions of the cradle beams that engage with a second cradle beam where two cradle beams cross at the ends. The cutaway regions are provided either side of the recess. In use when mounted on the carrier bars the cutaway region of a first cradle beam is aligned with the cutaway region of a second cradle beam. The cutaway regions match the recesses in depth allowing the beams to overlap in the same plane. The first cradle beam and second cradle beam are not identical because the cutaway region of the first cradle beam is fitted in use in a different orientation to the cutaway region of the second carrier beam, thus the cutaway regions are provided on different faces of the first and second cradle beams. A first cradle beam has a recess on a lower face for receiving a carrier bar and cutaway regions on an upper surface for engaging with a second cradle beam. A second cradle beam has a recess on a lower face for receiving a carrier bar and cutaway regions on a lower surface for engaging with a first cradle beam. The cutaway regions of the first and second cradle beams are arranged to interface each other when assembled. The cutaway regions are longer than the width of the engaging cradle beam so that each cradle beam can be slid along the carrier bar upon which it is mounted to adjust the location at where the cradle beams cross and therefore the location at which the plumb line fixing is arranged and thereby where the plumb line will hang. Advantageously this enables a user to set an array of plumb lines at desired locations. 22 03 24 Each cradle beam has a slot through the cutaway region through which at least part of the plumb line fixing is received and through which a plumb line can pass. This allows for the plumb line to pass through two cradle beams at the point the beams intersect. Ideally the slot extends along most of the length of the cutaway region to enable a plumb line fixing to be fitted at plural locations. In preferred embodiments the recess on the cradle beam is orientated to receive a carrier bar that is orthogonal to the axis of the cradle beam. In this way the cradle beams cross to form 90 degree angles. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus has at least four cradle beams that when arranged on the at least two carrier bars, cross over each other at four locations to provide at least four plumb line locations. Typically the cradle beams are arranged in parallel pairs; a first pair of cradle beams provided on a first carrier bar and a second pair of cradle beams provided on a second carrier bar so that the first and second pair of cradle beams intersect. The plumb line fixing serves to locate the plumb line that is passed through. In preferred embodiments the plumb line fixing includes at least one leg that passes through the channel of a carrier bar or the slot of a cradle beam. In this way the plumb line fixing is engaged with at least a carrier bar or alternatively a cradle beam or a pair of intersecting cradle beams. This provides a secure location for the plumb line fixing and ensures that the plumb line falls accurately. 22 03 24 The at least one leg of the plumb line fixing is adapted to fit over an intersect between a pair of cradle beams so that the leg passes through the slots of both intersecting cradle beams. In a preferred embodiment the at least one leg has a notch and preferably two notches for receiving the lower cradle beam. Preferably the plumb line fixing has a guide for receiving the plumb line to define the region through which the plumb line is received and when in the correct position can be lowered through the at least one leg, through the carrier bar, or cradle beam(s) to the structure being built below. The guide may also help to limit movement of the line as it is positioned. In a preferred embodiment an upper face of the plumb line fixing has a waist which guides the user where to position the plumb line so that it passes through the fixing. In some embodiments of the modular plumb line apparatus the carrier bars, the cradle beams and / or a plumb line fixing may include one or more aperture through which a bolt, pin or other securing means may be secured. This may serve as an extra connection means to secure the framework together and / or a plumb line fixing to the framework. For example the apertures may be aligned on different components so that a securing means passes through aligned apertures to lock the components together. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1A shows a first modular plumb line apparatus set up on a block wall with two carrier bars; 22 03 24 Figure 1B shows a second modular plumb line apparatus set up on a block wall with two carrier bars and four cradle beams; Figure 2 shows a support; Figures 3A shows a top view of the plate; Figure 3B shows a side view of the plate; Figure 3C shows a bottom view of the plate; Figure 4A shows a top view of the base; Figure 4B shows a side view of the base; Figure 4C shows a bottom view of the base; Figure 4D shows a section of the base; Figure 5 shows a first carrier bar; Figure 6 shows a second carrier bar; Figure 7 shows a first cradle beam; Figure 8 shows a second cradle beam; Figure 9 shows a framework formed from first and second carrier bars and two first cradle beams and two second cradle beams; Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, show different views of a plumb line fixing; Figure 11A shows the plumb line fixing fixed to the framework; and Figure 11B shows how the plumb line fixing is inserted. 22 03 24 Detailed Description of Figures Figures 1 to 11 show an example of a preferred modular plumb line apparatus 100. The modular plumb line apparatus 100 has a support 20 for supporting a framework 10. The framework 10 includes at least a first carrier bar 11A and a second carrier bar 11B that interlock together and are received by the support 20. A first cradle beam 12A and a second cradle beam 12B are mounted on the first carrier bar 11A or the second carrier bar Plumb line fixings 30 are received onto a location where the first cradle beam 12A and the second cradle beam 12B intersect. A plumb line 200 passes through the plumb line fixing 30 and through both cradle beams 12A, 12B. Figure 1 shows two modular plumb line apparatus 100 set up on a block wall 300. Each apparatus 100 has four plumb lines 200 each indicated by a dashed line. The first assembly 100A has a support 20 with a base 21 and plate 22. The plate 22 has gulley’s 23 into which carrier bars 11A and 11B are received. When the carrier bars 11 A, 11B are inserted to the gulley’s 23 the upper surfaces of the carrier bars 11 A, 11B are substantially flush with the upper surface of the plate 22. In the first assembly 100A plumb line fixings 30 are received through channels 14 on the carrier bars 11A, 11B. There are four channels 14 in which a plumb 22 03 24 line fixing could be received and slid along the length of the channel 14 to the desired position for the plumb line(s) to be suspended. In the second assembly 100B, cradle beams 12A, 12B have been added to the framework 10 to provide four alternative plumb line locations to those provided in the first assembly 100A. In the second assembly 100B the plumb line fixings 30 are received through two intersecting cradle beams 12A, 12B. Figures 2, 3A to 3C, 4A to 4D show the support 20 which is an upright section that includes a base 21 and plate 22. The support 20 is a length of box section tube that receives the base 21 and the plate 22. The base 21 may be weighted. In the pictured embodiment the base 21 has four feet 24 with bolt holes 25 for use to secure the base 21 to a surface or to the ground. The base 21 has cuts 26 for receiving the box section support 20. In this way the support 20 can be quickly and easily assembled on site. The plate 22 has gulley’s 23 on an upper surface that receive the carrier bars 11 A, 11B. There are two gulley’s 23A, 23B that transect orthogonally. Figures 3A to 3C, 4A to 4D include preferred dimensions, but it is appreciated that the parts may be provided in different sizes. Figures 5 and 6 show first and second carrier bars 11 A, 11B. The carrier bars 11 A, 11B are identical, but are shown in different orientations to reflect how they are assembled to intersect. Each carrier bar 11A, 11B has a groove 13 and two channels 14. The grooves 14 engage to connect the carrier bars 11 A, 11B in a cross formation. 22 03 24 The groove 13 has an aperture 13A to receive a bolt or similar. It is appreciated that the aperture is not a requirement of the invention but is an optional feature that may be provided in some embodiments. The channels 14 are elongate to enable the plumb line fixing (not shown in Figures 5 or 6) to be inserted and slid to different positions depending on where the plumb line 200 is required to hang. The carrier bars 11 A, 11B are formed from rectangular box section. Preferred dimensions are included, but it is appreciated that the carrier bars may be provided in different dimensions. Figure 7 shows a first cradle beam 12A. The first cradle beam 12A has a recess 15 on a lower face 18 for receiving a carrier bar 11 A, 11B and two cutaway regions 16 on an upper face 19. The recess 15 has an aperture 15A to receive bolt or similar. It is appreciated that the aperture is not a requirement of the invention but is an optional feature that may be provided in some embodiments. The cutaway regions 16 include slots 17 through which part of the plumb line fixing 30 and the plumb line 200 pass (see Figure 1). The cradle beams 12A, 12B are formed from rectangular box section. Figure 8 shows a second cradle beam 12B. The second cradle beam 12A has a recess 15 on a lower face 18 for receiving a carrier bar 11 A, 11B and two cutaway regions 16 on the lower face 18. The recess 15 has an aperture 15A as described above. 22 03 24 The cutaway regions 16 include slots 17 through which part of the plumb line fixing 30 and the plumb line 200 pass (see Figure 1). The cutaway regions 16 an elongate to provide an area of engagement between intersecting cradle beams 12A, 12B so that the cradle beams can be moved relative to each other to change the position of the intersect and thereby the location at which the plumb line 200 will be suspended. Preferred dimensions are included, but it is appreciated that the cradle beams may be provided in different dimensions. In the pictured embodiments the total depth of a cradle beam is 30mm. The cutaway regions 16 have a depth of 15mm and the remaining thickness of the cradle beam at this point is 15mm so that when assembled so that two cradle beams intersect to engage at the cutaway regions 16, the total depth of the two intersecting cradle beams 12A, 12B is the same as the depth of a single cradle beam, 30mm. Figure 9 shows an assembled framework 10 formed from first and second carrier bars 11 A, 11B, and two first cradle beams 12A and two second cradle beams 12B. Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F show different views of a plumb line fixing 30. The plumb line fixing 30 has a T-shaped cross section with a leg 32 extending from a body 31. The body 31 has a guide 33 with a tapered entrance 34 along which the plumb line (not shown) is received and positioned. The leg 32 has two notches 35 that receive part of a first cradle beam 12A when the plumb line fixing is used at an intersection between two cradle beams 12A, 12B. 22 03 24 The body 31 has a waist 36 which provides a visual indicator regarding where a plumb line can be passed through all components as shown in section in Figure 11B. Figure 11A shows four the plumb line fixings 30 fixed to the framework 10 and indicated plumb lines 200. The body 31 also has an aperture 37 for receiving bolt, a securing pin or similar. It is appreciated that the aperture is not a requirement of the invention but is an optional feature that may be provided in some embodiments. Figure 11B shows how the plumb line fixing 30 is inserted to pass through the slot 17 of the second cradle beam 12B and for the notches 35 to receive the portion of the first cradle beam 12A that is either side of the slot 17. Once the framework 10 has been assembled as shown in Figure 11A and Figure 1, a plumb line 200 can be passed through the entrance 34 to the guide 33, guided to the waist 36 and then lowered through the leg 32. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

22 03 241. A modular plumb line apparatus comprising: a support for supporting a framework; the framework includes at least a first carrier bar and a second carrier bar that interlock together and are received by the support; and at least one plumb line fixing received through a channel on the first or the second carrier bar that receives a plumb line which passes through the plumb line fixing and through the carrier bar.

2. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 1 including a first cradle beam and a second cradle beam that are mounted on the first carrier bar or the second carrier bar; and at least one plumb line fixing received onto a location where the first cradle beam and the second cradle beam intersect that receives a plumb line which passes through the plumbline fixing and through both cradle beams.

3. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first carrier bar and the second carrier bar interlock orthogonally.

4. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3 when dependent on claim 2 wherein each cradle beam has a recess for receiving a carrier bar.

5. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the recess on the cradle beam is orientated to receive a carrier bar that is orthogonal to the axis of the cradle beam.

6. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 2 and claims 3 to 5 when dependent on claim 2 wherein each cradle beam has at least two cutaway regions wherein intersecting cradle beams engage.

7. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 2 and claims 3 to 6 when dependent on claim 2 including at least two four cradle beams.22 03 248. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the cradle beams are arranged in parallel pairs; a first pair of cradle beams provided on a first carrier bar and a second pair of cradle beams provided on a second carrier bar so that the first and second pair of cradle beams intersect.

9. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 2 and claims 3 to 8 when dependent on claim 2 wherein each cradle beam has a slot through which at least part of the plumb line fixing is received and through which a plumb line can pass.

10. A modular plumb line apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the support has a base for attaching to a surface.

11. A modular plumb line apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the support has a plate provided at an upper end for receiving the carrier bars.

12. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the plate has gulley’s for receiving the carrier bars.

13. A modular plumb line apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the plumb line fixing has at least one leg for being received through the channel of a carrier bar, or the slot of a cradle beam.

14. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the leg has at least one notch for receiving the lower cradle beam.

15. A modular plumb line apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the plumb line fixing has a guide for receiving the plumb line.

16. A modular plumb line apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the plumb line fixing has a waist to provide a visual indicator.

17. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the carrier bars each include an aperture through which a securing means is received.

18. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the cradle beams each include an aperture through which a securing means is received.

19. A modular plumb line apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein a plumb line fixing includes an aperture through which a securing means is secured.22 03 24

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