A BUILDER'S LINE HOLDER

Abstract

 A device (100) holds a builder's line (102) which in use is held adjacent a brick wall being built, by a mating rod-like structure. The device (100) has an attachment for the builder's line, the device comprises: a substantially planar body (10) having a front surface (12) and a rear surface (14). The body (10) has a central portion (24) and left hand (26) and right hand (28) end portions. The clip parts extend laterally from the central portion. The body (10) has an upper edge (16) that has serrations (40) and lower edge (18) that has castellation to hold the builder's line.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to devices to hold a builder's line and in particular to a device to hold a builder's line at a specific height for use in building a wall.

Background

[0002] In bricklaying there is a need to lay each course of bricks level and to build a wall to a chosen height. Conventionally guide lines or builder's lines are in use, supported by or near the wall, for example using posts erected adjacent the wall. In recent bricklaying practice there is widespread use of wall starters, which are rod-like members, typically shallow extrusions, that are mounted at the starting end of a wall and support brick spacers substantially flat thin elements extending horizontally from the wall starter, that serve to position course of bricks and to guide their laying in even courses with mortar layers.

[0003] There is therefore the need for an easy means to support a bricklayer's guide line relative to the wall starter, without the need for poles or other support devices that would themselves have to be positioned and levelled precisely relative to the wall starter in order to provide an accurate guide line position relative to the wall starter. Such a device is not known in the prior art; the present invention is directed to providing one.

Prior Art

[0004] Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

[0005] Chinese Utility model CN-U-202520003 (First Construction et. al.) relates to a horizontal alignment device used in construction. In particular a device is disclosed for adjusting a wall-in type masonry horizontal line. The device comprises rod bodies, wherein a pull rope is arranged between rod bodies. The bodies are respectively arranged on two sides of a wall body to be built.

[0006] US Patent US 5 125 162 (Prebeck) discloses a brick alignment device comprising a top face, front and rear faces positioned on faces of a brick. A line extends between adjacent devices to align a plurality of bricks. The device is configured to be clamped to an existing course of bricks, and does not assist in situations where there is no brick presented edge-on to the direction of the line, as for example where a wall is to be built up abutting an existing wall.

[0007] US Patent US 4 057 903 (Cantera) discloses: a bracket for supporting a guide line which extends adjacent an existing courses of bricks that form intersecting walls. The bracket includes a base portion defining planar inner surfaces for engaging a pair of wall faces adjacent a corner and a retaining line, of adjustable length, secured to the base and including a spring portion. This device again clamps to a brick course, using a spring action, with similar drawbacks as mentioned above.

[0008] US Patent US 5 711 081 (Zaccaria) reveals a device to aid in constructing a brick wall. The device comprises a bent plate. The angle of the bend is 90° so that the plate is bent into a square angle. The plate rests on top of a brick or course of bricks. The square corner of the plate conforms to one of the square corners of the brick. The device revealed by US 5 711 081 consists of two bent plates and a builder's line which extends between the two plates. Ends of a new brick wall have to be built before the bent plates can be put to use. The bent plates are attached to bricks on ends of the wall and the builder's line is strung between them. Each time a new course of bricks is to be laid; first the bent plates have to be removed, and then the ends of the wall have to be raised by laying bricks at both ends of the newly laid course. Finally, the bent plates have to be re-attached to the bricks on both ends of the newly laid course. As there is no guide for the end bricks there is a risk that they are not laid at the same height, resulting in an uneven or crooked course of bricks.

[0009] US Patent US 2 952 915 (Schrauder) describes a similar device to that disclosed in US 5 711 081 in that the device comprises two bent plates. Each bent plate is similarly held by the corner at the end of the wall.

[0010] UK Patent Application GB-A-2 304 747 (Truline) also reveals a device that in use is attached to bricks of the wall being constructed. US Patent US 1 004 194 (Platt) reveals a similar device attached to ends of a brick wall.

[0011] There is therefore a need for an aid to laying a brick wall which is independent of the wall and does not need to be fixed to the wall in any way. Ideally the aid would be useful for setting the height of all the bricks in the course of a wall including those at the ends as well as those in the central region.

Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device to hold a builder's line which in use is held adjacent a brick wall being built, by a mating rod-like structure, the device has an attachment for the builder's line, the device comprises: a substantially planar body, characterised in that at least one clip is supported by a clip holding portion, located intermediate left and right body portions, so as to connect the device to the rod-like structure and the attachment is defined by an edge on the body in which slots are formed to receive the builder's line at a plurality of locations.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention a device is provided to hold a builder's line which in use is held adjacent a brick wall being built; and as the wall is being built the device is held in use by a mating rod-like structure; said device has an attachment for the builder's line, and the device comprises: a substantially planar body, characterised in that at least one clip is joined to the body proximate an end of the body; said clip is arranged to connect the device to the rod-like structure; and the attachment is defined by an edge on the body in which a slot is formed to receive the builder's line.

[0014] It is understood that because the second aspect is inventively linked to the first aspect, therefore each aspect may share some or all of the preferred features relating to the other.

[0015] Preferably the at least one clip may take a variety of different forms and/or shape and/or size so that a user may connect the device to one of many different proprietary rod-like structures which, for example may be encountered at different locations or in different types of building.

[0016] Ideally the at least one clip extends laterally in a first plane spaced apart from the planar body so as to mate with a formation, such as recess, in the rod-like structure. In use the mating rod-like structure is independent of the wall. To aid construction of a vertical wall with horizontal rows of courses of bricks the rod-like structure stands upright. The rod-like structure stands independently on its own base or it is held adjacent the wall for example by a clamp, nail or other attachment means.

[0017] The rod-like structure includes an extruded form, moulded form, and/or a beading form.

[0018] Preferably the device is for use in building a brick wall by attaching a builder's line such as a cord to a mating rod-like structure independent of the wall. Preferably the device comprises a substantially planar body having a clip holding portion intermediate left and right body portions.

[0019] Preferably the body, and more preferably the left and right body portions, have an edge in which there are slots to receive the builder's line. Preferably connected to the body are parts of a clip that extend laterally in a first plane spaced apart from the body which mate with a recess in the structure and thereby clip the device to the structure.

[0020] Preferably the clip holding portion is a central portion that is located at or proximate the centre of the body.

[0021] Preferably the substantially planar body lies in a second plane which is substantially parallel to the first plane.

[0022] A builder's line includes a flexible cord, twine, thread, wire or an elasticated material.

[0023] The device provides a means to hold a bricklayer's line at a given height, the device being adapted to mount onto a standard wall starter extrusion as known in the art. The wall starter is a rod-like member comprising a shaped channel extrusion having recesses into which the clip is configured to fit. In some embodiments, as found with Simpson (Trade Mark) wall starter extrusions as known in the art, the recesses extend parallel to the edges of the extrusions aligned with the rod-like direction and the clip comprises projections that are sized to fit into them.

[0024] Preferably when the device is clipped to the extrusion the distance from the edge of each of the projections furthest from the centre of the body is chosen to fit within the width between the edges of the recesses. The channel is aligned with the rod-like direction of the extrusion so that the recess is also aligned with the rod-like direction.

[0025] In use the extrusion, that is to say the rod-like structure is aligned with the rod-like direction upright. The device may be set to a chosen height by moving the device along the rod-like structure while it is clipped within the recess. The builder's line held in the device is movable to a chosen height by moving the device.

[0026] Preferably the device is supported on a brick spacer mounted to the rod-like structure. The device is held at the chosen height by being supported on the brick spacer.

[0027] Preferably the projections are sized to be in contact with the walls of the channel that defines the recess. Preferably a distance between the projections is less than a distance across the channel so that the projections are in contact with the channel when the device is clipped to the structure. Preferably the projections in contact with the channel make enough friction to hold the device and thereby the builder's line at the chosen height.

[0028] Further, in use of such wall starters a brick spacer is mounted to the wall starter extrusion. The brick spacer has a substantially flat horizontally projection portion that lies substantially at a right angle to the extrusion when mounted on it. In use, a wall starter will typically be mounted vertically at the starting point of a wall, for example against an existing wall against which a new wall is to be built.

[0029] Preferably in use brick spacer extends horizontally from the wall starter and is placed to indicate the top of a layer of bricks. Preferably in use the device of the invention then rests with its lower edge on top of the brick spacer and so be supported by it, then being usable to support a bricklayer's line to indicate the level of the brick layer extending away from the wall starter.

[0030] Preferably the parts of the clip comprise left and right clip parts that extend laterally from the body in the first plane. Preferably the left and right parts of the clip each comprise a laterally oriented projection extending in the first plane.

[0031] In some embodiments the left and right parts of the clip are attached and continuous with the central portion of the body.

[0032] In some embodiments the left and right hand projections are attached and continuous with the central portion of the device, the projections having a bend backwards from the front of the device adjacent to their point of attachment to the central portion, and a further bend adjacent to the first such that the projection comprises a region substantially parallel to the body of the device and displaced a distance to the rear. In other words each projection has a bend away from the body adjacent to their point of attachment, and a further bend adjacent to the first towards the body. Thus the projection comprises a region substantially parallel to the body and displaced a distance to the body.

[0033] Preferably the distance that the projection is displaced from the body corresponds to the thickness of a wall of the channel. When the device is clipped to the rod-like member the wall of the channel is intermediate the body and the projection.

[0034] The projections may be formed from a common sheet of material with the body of the device.

[0035] In some embodiments one of the left and right projections is tapered from top to bottom such that the upper edge of the projection is narrower than the lower edge and the other of the projections is tapered from bottom to top such that the lower edge of the projection is narrower than the upper. In other words a length of the edge of each of the projections that is furthest from the centre of the body is tapered toward the centre of the body such that the two tapered edges are substantially parallel.

[0036] In some embodiments the dimension from the left edge of the left hand projection to the right edge of the right projection is chosen to fit within the profile of a wall starter as known in the art. Thus the distance from the edge of each of the projections furthest from the centre of the body is chosen to fit within the profile of a channel aligned in the rod-like direction structure which is the direction in which the recess is aligned.

[0037] In some embodiments the device comprises a plurality of slots in the upper and lower edges of the side portions, the upper edge slots being aligned perpendicularly with the lower edge slots.

[0038] In some embodiments one or both of the upper edge slots have an acute angle at their extremity distal to the edge. In this way the slot has a pointed end such that a plumber's line within the slot and under tension will be gripped by the sides of the angled and pointed end. In some embodiments the upper edge slots have a square or rounded end such that they do not tend to grip a line passing through them.

[0039] In some embodiments the device comprises a recess in the lower edge of the central portion having an inner edge substantially parallel to the upper and lower edges of the left and the right portions, the recess being sized to receive a brick spacer mounted on a wall starter.

[0040] Accordingly, in alternative embodiments the device is in the form of a small sheet steel hook that clips into a standard wall starter metal extrusion and sits onto a brick spacer, the hook being in the form of a substantially rectangular piece of metal with a central clip to attach to the wall starter extrusion and a line of notches at either end where a 2mm thick brick layer's line can be attached.

[0041] In some embodiments the device is formed in one metal press and punching process enabling it to be made at a low production cost.

[0042] In some embodiments the device is adapted to clip into a standard Simpson extrusion wall starter, and in some embodiments comprises a recess in its lower edge such that it is adapted to sit over a standard Simpson brick spacer.

[0043] The device is in the orientation of being clipped to the rod-like structure comprises: the substantially planar body comprising an upper and a lower edge, a left and a right hand edge, and a front and a rear surface extending there between, in which the body has the central portion and left and right hand end portions, each portion having a width and a height, and in which the body further comprises the left and the right parts of the clip extending laterally from the central portion of the rear surface of the body, in which the parts of the clip each comprise the projection which is laterally oriented projection extending in the first plane spaced apart from the rear surface of the body, and in which one or more of the slot are provided in the upper and lower edges of the left and the right hand portions, adapted to receive a builder's line within the slot.

[0044] Preferably the device comprises laser light detector and an indicator to show a user that the laser light detector has detected a laser beam. Thereby the device is easily set to a height indicated by a laser radiating device.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the invention there is a kit for laying bricks comprising a device adapted to interfit with a rod-like structure and further comprising the rod-like structure and one or more brick spacers adapted to interfit with the rod-like structure and the device.

[0046] Preferably the kit comprises a pair of devices whereby in use each device is clipped to one of the structures and supports a cord received in the slot of each device and thereby held at a specific height for use in building a wall.

[0047] Preferably the kit further comprises a brick spacer arranged to clip into the structure and adapted to interfit with each device.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a system for use in building a brick wall comprising a builder's line, a pair of the devices, and a pair of the mating rod-like structures independent of the wall, wherein each of the devices is clipped to one the structures and the builder's line is received in the slot of each device and thereby held at a specific height with respect to the wall.

[0049] According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is a method of laying bricks to form a wall using a device, comprising the steps of: providing one of the rod-like structures at a desired starting point of the wall, mounting a brick spacer in the structure, clipping a device according to the invention on the structure such that it is supported by the brick spacer, and attaching a builder's line in the slot so that the builder's line extends away from the device.

[0050] In some embodiments the wall starter is a Simpson (Trade Mark) wall starter as known in the art.

[0051] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

[0052] 

Figure 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment in figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a top view of the embodiment in figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a front three quarter view of the embodiment in figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a rear three quarter view of the embodiment in figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a front three quarter view of a device according to the invention mounted on a wall starter;

Figure 7 shows a front view of a second embodiment of the device according the invention wherein the device is clipped into the rod-like structure and with the body rotated to extend perpendicularly from the rod-like structure;

Figure 8 shows a edgewise view looking along the rod-like direction of the second embodiment shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a portion of the second embodiment of the device shown in Figure 7 unclipped from the rod-like structure;

Figure 10 shows a front view of a portion of the second embodiment of the device shown in Figure 7 unclipped from the rod-like structure;

Figure 11 shows a front view of a second embodiment of the device shown in Figure 7 wherein the device is clipped into the rod-like structure and with the body rotated to extend perpendicularly from the rod-like structure; and

Figure 12 shows a side view of the second embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 shows a side view of a third embodiment of the device wherein the device is clipped into the rod-like structure by a clip comprising a flexible squeezable portion.

Detailed Description of Figures

[0053] Referring to figures 1 to 6 there are shown views of a device 100 to hold a builder's line 106. The device 100 is in the general form of a rectangular plate. In use, device 100 attaches the builder's line 106 to a rod-like structure which is shown as an upright member 102 in figure 6. The builder' line 106 is a flexible cord that indicates a level against which a layer of bricks or blocks may be laid.

[0054] As shown in figures 1 to 5, the device 100 comprises: a substantially planar body 10 having a front surface 12 and a rear surface 14. An upper edge 16 has serrations formed by a plurality of slots 40 in the upper edge. Lower edge 18 has castellation and serrations 60 form by V shaped slots in the lower edge. A left hand edge 20 and a right hand edge 22 define the limits of the left and right hand end portions. The left and right portion have a width (W) and a height (H) shown in figure 5 and a thickness (T) shown in figure 2.

[0055] The body 10 has a central portion 24, which is the clip holding portion, and left hand 26 and right hand 28 end portions. The clip holding portion 2 is intermediate the left hand 26 and right hand end portion. Each portion has a width and a height, and left 30 and right 32 clip parts extending laterally from the central portion of the rear surface comprising a laterally oriented projection 34, 36 in a plane separated from the rear surface 14 by a distance 38. One or more slots 40 are provided in the upper 16 and lower edges of the left and the right hand portions, adapted to receive a builder's line within the slot.

[0056] The clip parts are made from material that is resilient and flexible so as to aid clipping action into the recess of the rod-like structure. The flexible material is spring steel or a solid polymer.

[0057] It is understood that the terms upper, lower, left and right refer to the orientation of the edges of the body when the device is viewed towards its front face, as shown in figures 1, 4, 5, and 6.

[0058] By substantially planar is meant that a body that is thin relative to its other dimensions. The body may have corrugations, raised and depressed portions provided within the central portion, the left and right hand portions, for example to give rigidity against flexure.

[0059] In the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 6 the left hand 30 and right hand 32 projections are attached and continuous with the central portion 24 of the device, the projections having a bend 42 backwards from the front of the device adjacent to their point of attachment 44 to the central portion, and a further bend adjacent 46 to the first such that the projection comprises a region 48 substantially parallel to the body of the device and displaced a distance to the rear. In this way the projections may be formed from a common sheet of material with the body of the device.

[0060] In the embodiments shown figures 1, 4, and 5 the left projection 30 is tapered from top to bottom such that the upper edge 50 of the projection is narrower than the lower edge 52 and the right hand projection is tapered from bottom to top such that the lower edge 54 of the projection is narrower than the upper 56.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, the dimension 58 from the left edge of the left hand projection to the right edge of the right projection is chosen to fit within the profile of a wall starter as known in the art, for example a Simpson (Trade Mark) wall starter.

[0062] As shown in figures 1, 4, 5, and 6 the device comprises a plurality of slots 40 in the upper edges and 60 in the lower edges of the side portions, one or more upper edge slots being aligned perpendicularly with a lower edge slot.

[0063] The lower edge slots have an acute angle 62 at their extremity distal to the edge. In this way the slot has a pointed end such that a plumber's line within the slot and under tension will be gripped by the sides of the angled and pointed end. In this embodiment the upper edge slots 40 have a square or rounded end 64 such that they do not tend to grip a line passing through them.

[0064] As shown in figures 1, 4, and 5 the device comprises a nook 66 in the lower edge of the central portion having an inner edge 68 substantially parallel to the upper 16 and lower edges 18 of the left 26 and the right 28 portions, adapted to receive a standard Simpson (Trade Mark) brick spacer. Thus when the device 100 is clipped to the rod-like structure 102, which is shown a Simpson (Trade Mark) wall starter 102 in figure 6, the lower edge 18 is the lowest edge of the central portion 24.

[0065] The device 100 comprises the nook 66 in an edge 68 of the clip holding portion 24 which when the device 100 is clipped to the rod-like structure 102 is the lowest edge 68 of the of clip holding portion 24; the nook 66 being sized to receive a brick spacer 104 mounted on the rod-like structure 102 whereby by the device 100 rests on the lowest edge 68.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in figures 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 the body 10 comprises a corrugated profile and as shown in figure 4 has a central trough 70 and raised lower 72 and upper 74 edge portions. In this way the body 10 is made more rigid compared to a flat sheet material.

[0067] The device is adapted to be formed from pressed and stamped metal sheet. It may instead be made from a rigid moulded polymer.

[0068] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the device 100 clipped in place to a Simpson (Trade Mark) wall starter 102 mounted against a wall. A brick spacer 104 below the device is shown supporting the device. A builder's line 106 is attached to the notches 60 on the right hand side portion of the device.

[0069] A second embodiment of the device is shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. In the second embodiment the device 200 is provided to hold a builder's line 106 which in use is held adjacent a brick wall 300 being built. The device 200 is held by a mating rod-like structure 102. The device 200 has an attachment 240, 260 for the builder's line 106. The device 200 comprises: a substantially planar body 210, characterised in that at least one clip 230, 232 is supported by a clip holding portion 226 joined to the body 210 proximate an end of the body 210. The clip 230, 232 connect the device 200 to the rod-like structure 102. The attachment 240 is defined by an edge 216, 218 on the body in which slots 240, 260 are formed to receive the builder's line at a plurality of locations.

[0070] The clip 230, 232 has a circular or oval form. It may be in the shape of ball, ovoid, or oval disk or a circular disk.

[0071] In an embodiment where the clip is a circular ball or circular disk the diameter of the ball or disk is sized to fit within a formation 104, 105 of the rod-like structure 102 which form recesses 106. These formations and recesses are shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8.

[0072] In an embodiment where the clip is an ovoid or oval disc, the major diameter is sized to fit within the formation 104, 105 of the rod-like structure which form recesses.

[0073] The formations thereby hold the clip parts 230, 232 to the rod-like structure in use.

[0074] The formations 104, 105 run parallel to the rod-like direction of the of the rod-like structure so that the slip part can slide along the rod-like structure and remain clipped into the rod-like structure.

[0075] The fit between the circular or oval clip parts 230, 232 and the rod-like structure is one wherein there is contact and friction between the clips parts and the rod-like structure.

[0076] The friction holds the device 200 in position with respect to the rod-like structured and allows the device to be moved under operation by user.

[0077] A user can slide the device 200 with respect to the rod-like structure when the device is clipped to the rod-like structure and the friction will hold the device in the position to which it has been moved in the rod-like direction of the rod-like structure.

[0078] A user can turn the device 200 with respect to the rod-like structure when the device is clipped to the rod-like like structure and the friction will hold the device in the position to which it has been turned.

[0079] The user can turn the device to a position where the body 210 is perpendicular to the rod-like direction 210 of the rod like structure as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0080] The user can turn the device to a position where the body 210 is aligned with the rod-like direction of the rod-like structure.

[0081] The device comprises a brick-tie in the form of an elongate strip 290. The shape of the strip is substantially rectangular. The strip 290 has a length is longer than its width. The length has two ends. One end of the length is connected to the body 210. The location of the connection is proximate where the clip 230, 232 is connected to the body.

[0082] The body 210 is elongate and substantially rectangular. The body has a length longer than its width.

[0083] The clip 230, 232 is connected to the body 210 proximate one of the ends of the length. The brick-tie is therefore connected to the body proximate where the body is clipped to the rod-like structure in use.

[0084] As shown in Figure 8 the brick-tie is connected to the body by a hinge 292. The hinge 292 enables the brick-tie 290 to swing toward and away from the body 210 as shown in Figure 8. The brick-tie can swing to a first position where it is parallel with the body as shown in Figure 11. The brick-tie can swing to a second position where it perpendicular to the body 210 as shown Figure 12.

[0085] To use the brick-tie, the device is clipped the rod-like structure. The body is rotated to an aligned position where the body is aligned with the rod-like structure as shown in Figure 11.

[0086] With the body in the aligned position the brick-tie is swung on the hinge 292 to the second position where it is perpendicular to the body. Advantageously this aligns the brick tie with courses of bricks the device has been useful for laying in straight line. The device is slid so that the brick-tie lies parallel with the top of the top course of bricks. The brick-tie is laid on the top course of bricks. Mortar is plastered over the brick-tie on the top course. This connects the brick tie to the course of bricks that has been build with the aid of the device.

[0087] The rod-like structure 102 is connected to a second wall by fasteners 106. The course of bricks that has been built with the aid of the device is joined by being mortared to the brick-tie to the wall that the rod-like structure is fastened to by the fasteners 106. Advantageously the connected second wall and wall built with the aid of the device are strong and stable by virtue of being connected.

[0088] Apertures 117 are provided through the rod-like structure 102 for the fasteners 106 to penetrate through. The apertures 117 are shown in Figure 7 as being round. They can also be elongated with the long elongate direction of the aperture being perpendicular to the rod-like direction of the rod-like device. The rod-like direction is parallel with the longest dimension of the rod-like structure.

[0089] Figure 13 shows a side view of a third embodiment of the device 400. The clip comprises clip parts 430, 432 which are projections that clip into recesses 107, of the formed by formations 105 in the rod-like structure. The clip also comprises a squeezable flexible portion 426 which joins the projections 430, 432 to the body 410.

[0090] The squeezable flexible portion 426 has an open sided pentagonal profile. The centre side of the pentagonal profile is connected to the body while the open end edges of the pentagonal profiled are connected to the projections.

[0091] It will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combination with other embodiments.

[0092] With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the claims.

[0093] 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 the claims.

Claims

1. A device (100) to hold a builder's line (106) which is in use held adjacent a brick wall being built by a mating rod-like structure (102), the device (100) has an attachment (40, 60) for the builder's line, the device comprises: a substantially planar body (10), characterised in that at least one clip (30, 32, 48) is supported by a clip holding portion (24) located intermediate left and right body portions (26, 28), so as to connect the device (100) to the rod-like structure (102) and the attachment (40, 60) is defined by an edge (16, 18) on the body (10) in which slots (60, 62, 40) are formed to receive the builder's line (106) at a plurality of locations.

2. A device (200) is provided to hold a builder's line (106) which in use is held adjacent a brick wall 300 being built; and as the wall (300) is being built, the device (200) is held in use by a mating rod-like structure (102); said device (200) has an attachment (240, 260) for the builder's line (106), and the device (200) comprises: a substantially planar body (210), characterised in that at least one clip (230, 232) is joined to the body (210) proximate an end of the body (210); said clip (230, 232) is arranged to connect the device (200) to the rod-like structure (102); and the attachment 240 is defined by an edge (216, 218) on the body in which a slot (240, 260) is formed to receive the builder's line(106).

3. A device (100) according to claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the at least one clip (30, 32) has a form to connect the device (100) to one of a plurality of different rod-like structures (102).

4. A device (100) according to any preceding claim characterised in that the at least one clip (30, 32) extends laterally in a first plane spaced apart from the planar body (10) so as to mate with a formation, such as a recess, in the rod-like structure (102).

5. A device (100) according claim 4 characterised in that the planar body (10) lies in a second plane which is substantially parallel to the first plane.

6. A device (100) according to claim 4 or 5 characterised in that the parts of the clip comprise left and right parts (30, 32) of the clip that extend laterally from the body in the first plane.

7. A device (100) according to claim 6 characterised in that the left and right parts (30, 32) of the clip are attached and continuous with the clip holding portion of the body.

8. A device (100) according to claim 7 characterised in that the left and right parts (30, 32) each comprise a projection that has a bend (42) away from the body (10) adjacent to their point of attachment to the clip holding portion, and a further bend (46) adjacent to the first towards the body (10) such that the projection comprises a region substantially parallel to the body (10) of the device and displaced a distance to the surface of the body.

9. A device (100) according to claim 8 characterised in that a length of the edge (82, 84) of each of the projections that is furthest from the centre of the body (10) is tapered toward the centre of the body such that the two tapered edges are substantially parallel.

10. A device (100) according to any preceding claim characterised in that at least one of the slots (60) have an acute angle at their extremity (62) distal to the edge (18).

11. A device (100) according to any preceding claim characterised in that the device (100) comprises a nook (66) in an edge (68) of the clip holding portion (24) which when the device (100) is clipped to the rod-like structure (102) is the lowest edge (68) of the of clip holding portion (24); the nook (66) being sized to receive a brick spacer (104) mounted on the rod-like structure (102) whereby by the device (100) rests on the lowest edge (68).

12. A device (100) according to any preceding claim characterised in that the device (100) is in the form of a small sheet steel hook that clips into a standard rod-like structure (102) and thereby sits onto a brick spacer (104), the hook being in the form of a substantially rectangular body (10) with a central clip (24) to attach to the rod-like structure and a line of notches (40, 60) at either end (26, 28) where a brick layer's line (106) can be attached.

13. A kit for laying bricks comprising a device (100, 200) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 adapted to interfit with a rod-like structure (102) and further comprising the rod-like structure (102) and one or more brick spacers (104) adapted to interfit with the rod-like structure (102) and the device (100).

14. A system for use in building a brick wall comprising a builder's line (106), a pair of the devices (100, 200) according to any of claims 1 to 12, and a pair of the mating rod-like structures (102) independent of the wall, wherein each of the devices (100, 200) is clipped to one the structures (102) and the builder's line is received in the slot (40, 60) of each device (100) and thereby held at a specific height with respect to the wall.

15. A method of laying bricks to form a wall using a device (100, 200) according to any of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: providing one of the rod-like structures (102) at a desired starting point of the wall, mounting a brick spacer (104) in the structure, clipping a device (100) according to the invention on the structure (102) such that it is supported by the brick spacer (104), and attaching a builder's line in the slot (60, 40) so that the builder's line extends away from the device (100).

Drawing