Alignment tool

Abstract

A panel lifting tool 100 comprises a pair of lifting arms 102, 104, each lifting arm comprises a handle 112, a central shaft 106, and a base 110. The tool includes a pair of pivot brackets 202, 204, e

Description

a $ s n n m a n r s n n # s s. s Ws w Field of the Invention This invention relates to an alignment tool for use in civil engineering. Introduction and background Retaining Walls are structures designed to hold or retain soil behind them. They prevent soil from sliding or eroding away, particularly on steep slopes. GeoRoc is a cutting-edge Mechanically Stabilised Earth wall system, It is a closed face system with a face batter of 100mm / 1m vertical it is renowned for its remarkable efficiency and adherence to stringent health and safety standards. With panel heights optimized at 300mm, GeoRoc is a unique concrete alternative to traditional retaining walls. GeoRoc Stabilized Earth Wall Systems are a type of reinforced earth structure widely used in construction, especially for retaining walls, embankments, and other civil engineering applications where soil stability is crucial. The GeoRoc system is a proprietary method of constructing stabilized earth walls. It involves using a combination of geogrids (a type of synthetic material that provides tensile strength) and specialized facing units, often made of concrete, to create a strong and durable retaining wall. Geogrids are synthetic meshes, typically made from polymers, that are embedded within the soil at various intervals. They work by interlocking with the soil particles, providing tensile strength and helping to hold the soil mass together. Facing Units are pre-cast concrete blocks or panels that form the visible face of the wall. The geogrids are attached to these facing units, and they help distribute the loads from the soil to the geogrids. Backfill Soil is the soil that is placed behind the facing units and between the layers of geogrids. The backfill must be carefully selected and compacted to ensure proper interaction with the geogrids. The GeoRoc system works on the principle of mechanical stabilization. The geogrids reinforce the soil by providing tensile resistance to the forces that cause the soil to slide or collapse. The facing units, while providing an aesthetic finish, also help to hold the reinforced soil in place. When the soil behind the wall tries to move due to gravity, the geogrids act like a net, catching and holding the soil. This tension is transferred to the facing units, which are firmly anchored into the ground, providing additional stability. An example of a georoc panel 300 is shown in figure 1(a) and (b). figure 1(a) shows a side view of a panel 300, with counterweight securing block 400, and figure 1(b) is a tope view of the panel 300 with securing block 400. The panel has a front face 302, rear face 304, and securing ring 306. The securing ring 306 is positioned on the rear face 304, to extend outwardly from the rear face 304, and be secured onto a stabilising block 400, in recess 402. In this way, the panel 300 is secured in position by the stabilising block 400. Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of the panels 300 in use to form a wall. As shown, there is initial foundation 500, with a first panel 300 placed on the foundation, and secured to stabilising block 400, by securing ring 306 being held in recess 402. A series of panels will be arranged next to each other to form a row of panels, forming part of a wall. Then the area behind the panels will be filled with approved backfill material such as class 6I granular fill, and then geogrid reinforcement 502, is placed over the backfill. A second row of panels 300, and stabilising blocks 400 can be placed on the reinforcement, so that the wall is constructed. This can be repeated until the wall is the desired length and height. GeoRoc Stabilized Earth Wall Systems are versatile and can be used in a variety of situations: Highway Embankments: Where the road is built on a slope or where space is limited. Bridge Abutments: To support the ends of bridges. Retaining Walls: For landscaping, especially in urban areas where space is at a premium. Slopes and Landslide Remediation: To stabilize areas prone to landslides. Compared to traditional concrete walls, GeoRoc systems are often cheaper, especially for large projects. The system can accommodate slight ground movements without losing integrity. The facing units can be designed in various textures and colors to suit the surrounding environment. However, the assembly of GeoRoc retaining walls, despite its many advantages, is not without its challenges. A particular stage of the installation which presents difficulty is the final stages of positioning, by which the Georoc Panel is attached to the counterfort and aligned with the previously installed panels. This stage can be both time consuming and physical tiring as the installer has limited purchase on the units which must be installed flush with the previous panels. Currently this process is done by hand, with installer physically placing the counterfort before connecting the panel unit, then physically adjusting each component to align with the route of the wall. With the panel weighing 35kg and the counterfort weighing 17kg this can be a physically demanding process. Summary of the Invention Within construction and civil engineering, efficiency and safety are paramount considerations. In this context, we introduce the ‘GeoRoc Alignment Tool’- a lifting and aligning tool designed to improve the installation of GeoRoc retaining wall panels. Recognising the need for enhanced ergonomics and safety, we present an innovative panel alignment tool. According to an embodiment there is provided a panel lifting tool comprising: a pair of lifting arms, each lifting arm comprising a handle, a central shaft, and a base; a pair of pivot brackets, each with a first and second end and a centrally located fixing hole, wherein the first end of the first pivot bracket is secured to the central shaft of the first lifting arm, and the second end of the second pivot bracket is connected to the central shaft of the second lifting arm, a fixing bolt passing through the centrally located fixing hole of each pivot bracket and secured with a nut, so that the pivot bracket s are parallel, to secure the lifting arms to be adjacently located together; and allow the two lifting arms to move relative to each other, wherein in use, the handles of the lifting arms are moved outwardly away from each other, and the base of the two lifting arms are moved inwardly towards each other. Preferably, the pivot brackets are semicircular in shape, with the fixing hole located in the centre of the underside of the pivot bracket .Further preferably, the first pivot bracket is secured to the first lifting arm at the front of the lifting arms, and the second pivot bracket is secured to the second lifting arm at the rear of the lifting arms, so that the lifting arms are inside the pivot bracket s. In an embodiment, the pivot brackets are centrally located on the central shaft of the lifting arms. Preferably, the pivot brackets are welded to the lifting arms. Preferably, the base of the first and second lifting arms is an inverted T shape, with positioning notches extending from each end of the base. In a preferred embodiment, one or more components of the tool are made of metal. Preferably, the metal is steel. In an embodiment, the securing notch of the pivot bracket s is secured to the central shaft by welding. Preferably, the central shaft of each lifting arm is cylindrical and the base of each lifting arm is flat. In an embodiment, the length of the tool is between 30-70cm, preferably, the length of the tool is between 40-60cm. In an embodiment, the length of the base is between 1.5-5cm, further preferably, the length of the base is 2.5cm or less. Preferably, the width of the handle is between 10-20cm, further preferably, the width of the handle is no greater than 13 cm. Preferably, the width of the pivot bracket is between 15-30cm, further preferably the width of the pivot bracket is 20cm or less. Brief description of the figures Further details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers are used to identify like or functionally similar elements. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Figure 1(a) is a side view of a GeoRocwall panel and counterweight securing block; Figure 1 (b) is a side view of a GeoRoc wall panel and counterweight securing block; Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a wall constructed using GeoRoc panels; Figure 3 is a plan view of the lifting handles, according to an embodiment; Figure 4(a) is a plan view of a left pivot bracket, according to an embodiment; Figure 4(b) is a plan view of a right pivot bracket, according to an embodiment; Figure 5 is a plan view of the lifting handles secured together by the bracket according to an embodiment; Figure 6 is a plan view of the lifting handles with the pivot bracket attached according to an embodiment; Figure 7(A) is a plan view of two lifting handles, connected by two pivot brackets according to an embodiment; Figure 7(b) is a close up view of region A in figure 5(a) according to an embodiment; Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of the lifting device according to an embodiment; Figures 9(a) and (b) are alternative views of the lifting tool 100 in use Detailed description of Invention Examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which there is illustrated an example of a panel lifting alignment tool for use in civil engineering However, it will be appreciated by a skilled artisan that the concepts disclosed are not limited to the specific examples herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The ‘panel lifting Alignment Tool’ tool comprises of two ergonomic handle units connected by pivoting brackets. It is designed to empower installers to effortlessly position the tool behind a panel and securely grasp the panel by expanding the two handles away from each other. With this tool, GeoRoc panels can be easily gripped and aligned to the cadence of the wall, speeding up installation and minimising excessive movements of the units that is typically associated with panel installation. As described below we detail the design, functionality, and unique features of this lifting and carrying tool, showcasing its potential to vastly improve the installation of GeoRoc panels. With a commitment to enhancing construction efficiency and worker safety, our innovation is poised to become an indispensable asset in the installation of GeoRoc retaining walls. Figure 3 shows an example of two lifting arms 102, 104, used for the panel lifting tool 100. The arms have a central shaft 106, and handle 108, and base 110. The handle has a connection 112, connecting to the top of the shaft 106, section 114 connecting the connection 112 to a top handle section 116, and the top handle section 116 is connected at the opposite end to one end of side handle section 118. Ina first embodiment there may be a gap between the end of side handle section 118, and connection 112. Alternatively, the end of section 118 may be connected to section 112, so that there is no gap in the handle section Preferably, the width of the handle is approximately 12.5cm, and the length of the lifting arm is approximately 53cm. The handle on arm 102 is a mirror of the handle on lifting arm 104, so arm 102is a left lifting arm, and arm 104 is a right lifting arm. The handle arrangement may also be a continuous handle attached to the top of the central shaft 106. In an embodiment, a panel lifting tool comprises: a pair of lifting arms, each lifting arm comprising a handle, a central shaft, and a base; a pair of pivot brackets, each with a first and second end and a centrally located fixing hole, wherein the first end of the first pivot bracket is secured to the central shaft of the first lifting arm, and the second end of the second pivot bracket is connected to the central shaft of the second lifting arm, a fixing bolt passing through the centrally located fixing hole of each pivot bracket and secured with a nut, so that the pivot connectors are parallel, to secure the lifting arms to be adjacently located together; and allow the two lifting arms to move relative to each other, wherein in use, the handles of the lifting arms are moved outwardly away from each other, and the base of the two lifting arms are moved inwardly towards each other. At the rear end of the central shaft 106, is base 110. The underside of base 110 is preferably flat with a length of approximately 2.5cm, and the upper side of base 110, has two curved notches 124, either side of the central shaft. These notches extend upwardly from the base 110. Preferably, the base of the first and second lifting arms is an inverted T shape, with positioning notches extending from each end of the base. In an embodiment, the central shaft of each lifting arm is cylindrical and the base of each lifting arm is flat. Preferably the lifting arms are made of metal, more preferably, they are made of stainless steel. Figures 4(a) and (b) show an example of the pivoting bracket 200 for use with the lifting arms 102, 104 in figure 1. As shown, in Figure 2(a) there is a left pivoting bracket 202, and right pivoting bracket 204 shown in figure 2(b). Both of the brackets have a curved section, 206, preferably a semicircular section, with an inner section 208, and an outer section 210. Preferably, the pivot brackets are semicircular in shape, with the fixing hole located in the centre of the underside of the pivot connector. The diameter of the pivoting bracket is approximately 20cm, In the centre of the inner section is fixing section 212, with a central hole 214. On the left hand end of left pivoting bracket 202 is a securing section 220, preferably this is trapezium shaped. On the right hand end of right pivoting bracket 204 is a securing section 222, again this is preferably trapezium shaped. The bracket 200 is preferably made from metal, more preferably from stainless steel. Figure 5 shows an example of two lifting arms 102, 104where the central shafts 106 of each lifting arm are connected by a pivoting bracket 200, in this case, the left pivoting bracket 202 is connected to the central shaft 106 of the uppermost lifting arm in the figure, by the securing section 220. The right pivot bracket 204, not visible is positioned immediately behind the left pivot bracket, and secured to the back of the central shaft of the lifting arm 104. The lifting arms 102, 104 are arranged to be adjacent to each other, and the central shafts 106 are connected together by the pivoting bracket 200, 202. In an embodiment, the two pivoting brackets 200 are parallel, with one pivoting bracket 200 in front of the central shaft 106 of the lifting arm, and one pivoting bracket 200 behind the central shafts 106 of the lifting arms 102. Preferably, the first pivot bracket is secured to the first lifting arm at the front of the lifting arms, and the second pivot bracket is secured to the second lifting arm at the rear of the lifting arms, so that the lifting arms are inside the pivot brackets. Further preferably, the pivot brackets are centrally located on the central shaft of the lifting arms. Preferably, the length of the tool 100 is between 30-70cm, further preferably, the length of the tool is between 40-60cm. In an embodiment, the length of the base 110 of the panel lifting tool 100 is between 1.5-5cm. Further preferably, the length of the base is 2.5cm or less. In an embodiment, the width of the handle 112 is between 10-20cm. Preferably, the width of the handle is no greater than 13 cm. In an embodiment, the width of the pivot bracket is between 15-30cm. Further preferably, the width of the pivot bracket is 20cm or less. Figure 6 shows an example of how the securing section 220 is fixed to the central shaft 106 of the lifting arm 102, 104. As shown, the left pivot bracket 202 is secured to the central shaft106 at the front of the left lifting arm 102, by welding section 220 to the centre of the shaft 106. For lifting arm 104, the right lifting arm, the right pivot bracket 204 is secured to the back of central shaft106 of right lifting arm 105, by welding section 222 to the centre of the shaft 106. Thus, the brackets and lifting arms are permanently secured together. Preferably, the pivot brackets are welded to the lifting arms. Preferably, the securing notch of the pivot bracket is secured to the central shaft by welding. Figures 7(a) and (b) show an example of how the lifting arms 102 are connected by two pivot brackets 200 for panel lifting tool 100. Figure 7(a) shows a view of the two lifting arms 102, 104, with pivot bracket 202 attached to lifting arm 102, and pivot bracket 204, attached to the lifting arm 104. Also shown are screw 230, sleeve 234 and nut 232. Region A is highlighted in figure 7(a), and figure 7(b) is a close up of region when the pivot brackets 202 and 204 have been secured together. The screw is inserted through hole 214 in section 212 of the bracket 200, passes through sleeve 234, positioned between the two brackets 202, 204, and will be secured by nut 232.Tyically, the screw has a length of 5cm, and a diameter of 0,5cm, and the sleeve 234 has a length of approximately 1cm / . Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of the lifting tool 100, showing the pivot brackets 202, 205 and cross sections of central shaft 106. A simple bracket 240 is also indicated joining the two pivot brackets 202, 204, but as discussed above, these are typically secured by screw 230m sleeve 234, and nut 232. This illustrates how one of the brackets 202 is connected to the front of shaft 106, whereas the other bracket 204 is connected to the back of the shaft 106 of the other lifting arm, In this way the shafts are both inside the region formed by the pivot brackets 202, 204. Figures 9(a) and (b) are alternative views of the lifting tool 100 in use. Typically the device is used to move a panel 300, that has been attached to a stabilising block 400. In use, the notches 112, on the inside of the device will hold the securing ring 306, and mean the block and panel can be moved much more easily. In Figure 9(a), the lifting arms 102, 104, are moved so that the handles move towards each other, and the bases 110, and the inner notches 112 move away from each other. In figure 7(b), the opposite motion occurs, that is the handles move away from each other, and the bases move inwardly towards each other. Once the securing ring 306, of a panel 300 secured to stablising block 400 is positioned on the notches 112 of the panel lifting tool 100, the panel and associated block 400, can be easily moved on site into a final position in a wall. Key Benefits • Increased precision of laying the panels 300. By ensuring accurate and exact placement of panels 300, lifting tool 100 significantly reduces the margin for error and minimises the risk of costly mistakes during the installation process. • Enhances the safety of the installation. The precision of the panel lifting tool 100 minimises the need for potentially strenuous adjustments or corrections. • Increased speed. With a reduction in time spent adjusting for correct placement the installation of GeoRoc Walls will be significantly increased. • Increased precision. • Reduces overall install time. • Improved installer wellbeing. Furthermore, because the illustrated embodiments of the present invention may, for the most part, be implemented using components known to those skilled in the art, details will not be explained in any greater detail than that considered necessary as illustrated below, for the understanding and appreciation of the underlying concepts of the present invention and in order not to obfuscate or distract from the teachings of the present invention. In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and that the claims are not limited to the specific examples described above. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that boundaries between the above described operations merely illustrative. The multiple operations may be combined into a single operation, a single operation may be distributed in additional operations and operations may be executed at least partially overlapping in time. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order of operations may be altered in various other embodiments. However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible. The specifications and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms ‘a’ or ‘an,’ as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as ‘at least one’ and ‘one 5 or more’ in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles ‘a’ or ‘an’ limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases ‘one or more’ or ‘at least one’ and indefinite articles such as ‘a’ or ‘an.’ The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, 10 terms such as ‘first’ and ‘second’ are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. 15

Claims

1. A panel lifting tool comprising:a pair of lifting arms, each lifting arm comprising a handle, a central shaft, and a base;a pair of pivot brackets, each with a first and second end and a centrally located fixing hole, wherein the first end of the first pivot bracket is secured to the central shaft of the first lifting arm, and the second end of the second pivot bracket is connected to the central shaft of the second lifting arm,a fixing bolt passing through the centrally located fixing hole of each pivot bracket and secured with a nut, so that the pivot brackets are parallel, to secure the lifting arms to be adjacently located together; and allow the two lifting arms to move relative to each other,wherein in use, the handles of the lifting arms are moved outwardly away from each other, and the base of the two lifting arms are moved inwardly towards each other.

2. The panel lifting tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pivot connectors are semicircular in shape, with the fixing hole located in the centre of the underside of the pivot bracket.

3. The panel lifting tool as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first pivot bracket is secured to the first lifting arm at the front of the lifting arms, and the second pivot bracket is secured to the second lifting arm at the rear of the lifting arms, so that the lifting arms are inside the pivot brackets.

4. The panel lifting tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pivot brackets are centrally located on the central shaft of the lifting arms.

5. The panel lifting tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pivot brackets are welded to the lifting arms.

6. The panel lifting tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the base of the first and second lifting arms is an inverted T shape, with positioning notches extending from each end of the base.

7. The panel lifting tool as claimed in any preceding claim where in one or more components of the tool are made of metal.

8. The panel lifting tool as claimed in claim 7 wherein the metal is steel, wherein the securing notch of the pivot connectors is secured to the central shaft by welding.

9. The panel lifting tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the central shaft of each lifting arm is cylindrical and the base of each lifting arm is flat.

10. The panel lifting tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the length of the tool is between 30-70cm.

11. The panel lifting tool as claimed in claim 10 wherein the length of the tool is between 40-60cm.

12. The panel lifting tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the length of the base is between 1.5-5cm.

13. The panel lifting tool as claimed in claim 12 wherein the length of the base is 2.5cm or less.

14. The panel lifting tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the width of the handle is between 10-20cm.

15. The panel lifting tool as claimed in claim 14 wherein the width of the handle is no greater than 13 cm.

16. The panel lifting tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the width of the pivot bracket is between 15-30cm.

17. The panel lifting tool as claimed in claim 16 wherein the width of the pivot bracket is 20cm or less.

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