A modular plumb line apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is a modular plumb line apparatus comprising: a support 20 for supporting a framework; the framework includes at least a first carrier bar 12A and a second carrier bar 12B that intersect and

Description

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. Prior Art CN114526714 (CHINESE ELECTRIC POWER) discloses a multifunctional line iron tower foundation construction measuring tool. US2015 / 369602 (BAKER et. al) discloses a surveying and measuring device. 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 intersect 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 comprises: a support for supporting a framework; the framework includes at least a first carrier bar and a second carrier bar that intersect and are received by the support; and 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 plumb line fixing. In some embodiments of the plumb line fixing the plumb line passes through the plumb line fixing and through one or 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. In a preferred embodiment the upright is formed from a length of box section received to the base. 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 upright of the support includes an end cap received at an upper end of the upright. The end cap closes the upper end of the upright and also acts to provide an anchor to which the plate can be secured. In a preferred embodiment the end cap is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the cross section of the upright. For example the end cap may be square to fit to box section. The end cap may be fitted to the upright by a friction fit mechanism, such as the end cap having a plurality of leaves that are received into the hollow region of the upright to engage with inner faces of the upright forming an interference fit. The end cap may be hammered into place. 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. In a preferred embodiment the at least two carrier bars are adapted to interlock. In this way the carrier bars are locked in position enhancing accuracy of position of any plumblines on the frame work. Furthermore the interlocking carrier bars fit together more closely forming a more compact depth than one carrier bar placed upon another. 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. Preferably the carrier bars are elongate and have a rectangular cross section. 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 which may be used 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. The framework can also be assembled to include cradle beams which provide further locations for plumb lines to hang. 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. 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. 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. 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. In some embodiments each cradle beam has a slot through the cutaway region through which at least part of a first embodiment of the plumb line fixing is received and / or 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. According to a first embodiment of the plumb line fixing there is a leg that passes through the channel on a carrier bar or the slot on a cradle beam. Preferably the plumb line fixing has a T-shaped cross section with a leg extending from a body. The body prevents the plumb line fixing passing through the slot or channel. In preferred embodiments the plumb line fixing includes at least one leg that passes through the channel of a carrier bar, or through the slot of a cradle beam, or sits adjacent to a point at which two cradle beams cross. 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. In preferred embodiments the body has a guide with an entrance which the plumb line is received and positioned. The entrance may be tapered to help guide the plumb line. The guide defines 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 some embodiments the leg has two notches that receive part of a first cradle beam when the plumb line fixing is used at an intersection between two cradle beams. In this variation of the first embodiment of the plumb line fixing there are three legs spaced by the two notches that receive part of the cradle beam. This enables the plumb line fixing 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 some embodiments the body has a waist which provides a visual indicator regarding where a plumb line can be passed through all components (plumb line fixing and cradle beams). A second embodiment of the plumb line fixing is adapted to be received over the point at which the cradle beams intersect and does not pass through the cradle beams. Therefore in this embodiment the carrier cradle beams do not require a slot. Preferably a second embodiment of the plumb line fixing has legs that are arranged to engage with the cradle beams where they intersect so that the beams are locked together and movement along either beam is prevented. In this way the position of the plumb line fixing is fixed and is not adjustable as opposed to in the first embodiment that can move along a slot or channel. In the second embodiment of the plumb line fixing there is a guide or guide aperture through which the plumb line passes. Preferably this is a guide or guide aperture passes through part of the body of the fixing that extends beyond the cradle beams so that the plumb line does not have to pass through the cradle beams. 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 brick wall with two carrier bars; Figure 1B shows a second modular plumb line apparatus set up on a brick 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 5A shows a second embodiment of a support; Figure 5B shows a plan view of a base for the second embodiment of the support; Figure 5C shows a side view of the base in Figure 5B; Figure 5D shows a second side view of the base in Figure 5B; Figure 5E shows a reverse plan view of the base in Figure 5B; Figure 5F shows a section of the base in Figure 5B; Figure 6 shows a first carrier bar; Figure 7 shows a second carrier bar; Figure 8 shows a first cradle beam; Figure 9 shows a second cradle beam; Figure 10 shows increments that may be provided on the carrier bars to cradle beams to aid with positioning of the plumb line; Figure 11 shows a framework formed from first and second carrier bars and two first cradle beams and two second cradle beams; Figures 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F show a first embodiment of a plumb line fixing; Figures 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, show different views of a variation of the first embodiment of a plumb line fixing; Figure 14A shows the plumb line fixing fixed to the framework; Figure 14B shows how the plumb line fixing is inserted; Figure 15Ashows the second embodiment of the plumb line fixing arranged on a framework; Figure 15B shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the plumb line fixing being received to a carrier bar; Figure 150 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the plumb line fixing being received to intersecting cradle bars; Figures 15D and 15E shows a wall with two frameworks, a first framework 13D with the first embodiment of the plumb line fixing and a second framework 13E with the second embodiment of the plumb line fixing; Figure 16A and 16B show an end cap for receipt to the support; and Figures 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, 17F show the second embodiment of the plumb line fixing. Detailed Description of Figures The Figures show preferred examples of 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 either onto carrier bars 11A, 11B or 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. Figures 1A, 1B, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 13A, 13B, 14B and 14D show a first embodiment of the plumb line fixing 30A that is received through a channel 14 on a carrier bar 11, or through a slot 17 on the cradle bar 12. The first embodiment of the plumb line fixing 30A (see Figures 12A to 12F) has a T-shaped cross section with a leg 32 extending from a body 31. The body 31 also has an aperture 37 for receiving bolt, a securing pin or similar. It is appreciated that the aperture 37 is not a requirement of the invention but is an optional feature that may be provided in some embodiments. Variations of the first embodiment of the plumb line fixing 30A are described below. In Figures 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F the plumb line fixing 30A has a T-shaped cross section. The body 31 has a guide 33 with a tapered entrance 34 along which the plumb line (not shown) is received and positioned. The body 31 has a waist 36 which provides a visual indicator regarding where a plumb line can be passed through a leg and through all components as shown in section in Figure 13A, 13B. The pictured embodiment has three legs 32A, 23B, 32 C (see Figure 13B) and the waist is aligned with the middle leg 32B. In Figures 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 14A, 14B 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. Figure 14A shows four of the first embodiment of plumb line fixings 30A fixed to the framework 10 at four locations where the cradle beams 12A, 12B intersect and indicated plumb lines 200. Figure 14B shows how the plumb line fixing 30A 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 14A and Figures 1 A, 1B, 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. Figures 15A, 15C, 15D and 15E, 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E and 17F show a second embodiment of the plumb line fixing 20B. The second embodiment of the plumb line fixing 30B is positioned over a point where the cradle beams 12A, 12B intersect. The second embodiment of the plumb line fixing 30B has a guide aperture 33 through which the plumb line 200 is received. In this embodiment the plumb line 200 only passes through the guide aperture 33 and does not pass through the cradle beams 12A, 12B. In the second embodiment 30B the legs 32 and notches 35 are arranged to that the plumb line fixing fits over and engages at the point where the cradle beams 12A, 12B intersect so that the position is fixed. In Figures 5A, 16A, 16B show an upright 20 that receives an end cap 40. The end cap 40 is substantially square to correspond to the cross section of the upright 20. The end cap 40 closes the upper opening to the upright 20. A lower face of the end cap 40 has an array of leaves 41 that engage with an inner face of the box section of the upright 20 to form an interference fit that holds the end cap 40 in place. The leaves 41 are dimensioned to connect with inner walls of the upright 20 so that the leaves 41 deflect when inserted to form the friction fit. The end cap 40 has a hole 42 that acts as an anchor to receive a securing means 43 that passes through the plate 22 to the hole 42 on the end cap 40 so that the plate 22 is fixed to the support 20. In Figures 17A to 17E a bolt 38 with a wingnut 39 and washers 39A is shown passing through the plumb line fixing 30B. This enables the bolt 38 to pass through the slots 17 in the cradle beams 12A, 12B and be secured by the wing nuts 39 for maximum accuracy of positioning of the plumb line 200. Figures 1A, 1B shows two modular plumb line apparatus 100 set up on a brick 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 11 A, 11B. There are four channels 14 in which a plumb 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 and 5A 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 of the base 21 shown in Figure 2, 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D 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. In a second embodiment of the base 21 shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F the base has a length of box section 21A that fits concentrically within the support 20. In this way the support 20 is fitted over the length of box section on the base 21 and the parts can be bolted together by passing bolts through corresponding holes 27. 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 6 and 7 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 11 A, 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. 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 in the Figures for the carrier bars, but it is appreciated that the carrier bars may be provided in different dimensions. Figure 8 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 1B). The cradle beams 12A, 12B are formed from rectangular box section. Figure 9 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. The cutaway regions 16 include slots 17 through which part of the plumb line fixing 30 and the plumb line 200 pass (see Figure 1B). 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 of the cradle beams 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 10 shows an example of increments shown in millimetres that may be included on a carrier bar or cradle bar to aid with exact positioning of the plumb lines 200. The increments include marks 50 to show brick spacing so assist with aligning the plumb line to a spacing of bricks. Figure 11 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. The carrier bars 11A, 11B are at a fixed orientation which is arranged on the plate of the support. The cradle beams 12A, 12B are moveable along the carrier beams 12A, 12B and therefore the assembly of the framework can be varied to reflect the brick or block work. Some Figures include preferred dimensions, but it is appreciated that the parts may be provided in different sizes. 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

1. 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 intersect 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 comprising: a support for supporting a framework; the framework includes at least a first carrier bar and a second carrier bar that intersect and are received by the support; 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 plumb line fixing.

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.

8. 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 11 wherein the plate has a gulley for receiving each carrier bar.

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, or about a point of intersection of two cradle beams.

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 or guide aperture for receiving the plumb line.

16. A modular plumb line apparatusaccording to any preceding claimwherein the plumb line fixing has a waist to provide a visual locationindicator.

17. A modular plumb line apparatus according to any preceding claim 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.

20. A modular plumb line apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the support receives an end cap to close an upper end.

21. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the end cap includes an interference fit mechanism.

22. A modular plumb line apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the end cap has a hole to provide an anchor to which the plate can be secured.

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