GUIDELINE-POSITIONING DEVICE, METHOD OF USE THEREOF, WALL-STARTER-CONNECTOR THEREFOR, AND WALL-STARTER KIT COMPRISING A GUIDELINE-POSITIONING DEVICE

Abstract

 A guideline-positioning device (10;510) for securing and positioning a builder's guideline when the guideline-positioning device (10;510) is used with a wall-starter device (14) mounted to an existing wall surface (12) is provided. The guideline-positioning device (10;510) includes a main body (24a;524a), a line-connector (24b;124b;524b), a stabiliser (24c;524c) and a wall-starter-connector (24d). The line-connector (24b;124b;524b) enables a builder's guideline to be connected to the guideline-positioning device (10;510). The stabiliser (24c;524c) stabilises the guideline-positioning device (10;510) against the existing wall surface (12). The wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;424d;524d) engages the guideline-positioning device (10;510) with the wall-starter device (14).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for positioning a builder's guideline, and a wall-starter kit comprising the same. The present invention also relates to a method of use of the device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a wall-starter-connector suitable for use with a guideline-positioning device.

[0002] To build an extension on an existing building such as a house, a wall-starter device or apparatus is typically used.

[0003] The wall-starter device connects a new wall being built to an existing wall surface of the building. A typical wall-starter device includes at least one wall forming a channel. The channel is accessible via a narrower slit extending along the length of the wall-starter device such that the channel is an open channel. The open channel is also typically open at one or both ends. The wall-starter device is mounted to the existing wall surface by mounting means, such as screws or bolts, so as to extend vertically. The screw or bolts extend through the wall of the device and into the existing wall surface of the building whilst the slit is oriented to face the new wall being built. To ensure that the new wall is vertical and straight, builders use a taut line, rope, cable or string as a guide when building the new wall. The line may be referred to hereinafter as a guideline or builder's guideline.

[0004] To set up a guideline, it is common practice to forcefully lodge an elongate tool, such as a peg, nail or crowbar, between the mounted wall-starter device and the existing wall surface. One end of the line is attached or wrapped around the tool. The line is tensioned so as to be taut and extending horizontally or substantially horizontally, without inhibiting the laying of a layer or course of bricks or blocks. To build the next course, the height of the guideline is increased. This typically requires dislodging the elongate tool before re-inserting it at a higher position between the wall-starter device and the existing wall surface.

[0005] A number of issues are associated with this practice. The existing wall surface and the wall-starter device may be damaged by the repeated removal and insertion of the elongate tool. Inserting the tool may cause the wall-starter device to become spaced apart from the existing wall surface, resulting in the screws or bolts becoming dislodged. Insertion of the tool from one side may also result in the wall-starter device becoming twisted, and unable to fulfil its function. Tensioning of the line may exacerbate the twisting of the wall-starter device. Tensioning may even result in the tool accidentally moving or becoming dislodged.

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a guideline-positioning device for securing and positioning a builder's guideline when the guideline-positioning device is used with a wall-starter device mounted to an existing wall surface, the guideline-positioning device comprising: a main body; a line-connector for enabling a builder's guideline to be connected to the guideline-positioning device; a stabiliser adapted to stabilise the guideline-positioning device against the existing wall surface; and a wall-starter-connector for engaging the guideline-positioning device with the wall-starter device. The stabiliser enables the guideline-positioning device to be temporarily immobilised or stabilised relative to the existing wall surface. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a guideline-positioning device for securing and positioning a builder's guideline when the guideline-positioning device is used with a wall-starter device mounted to an existing wall surface, the guideline-positioning device comprising: a main body; a line-connector for enabling a builder's guideline to be connected to the guideline-positioning device; a stabiliser for stabilising the guideline-positioning device against the existing wall surface; and a wall-starter-connector for engaging the guideline-positioning device with the wall-starter device, wherein at least one of: the line-connector, the stabiliser and the wall-starter-connector is adjustable.

[0008] The device provides a tool designed to enable a guideline to be positioned which greater accuracy during the laying of courses of a new extension wall. The stabiliser enables the device to be temporarily immobilised relative to the wall. In particularly, the stabiliser may prevent or inhibit vertical movement of the guideline-positioning device. The height of the guideline-positioning device may be selected and temporarily maintained due to the action of the stabiliser. Additionally or alternatively, the stabiliser may prevent or inhibit horizontal movement of the guideline-positioning device. For instance, the stabiliser may prevent or inhibit the distance between the guideline-positioning device or part thereof, and the existing wall surface from changing. Furthermore, the guideline positioning device may eliminate the need to manually build a corner in a traditional manner using a trowel and spirit level.

[0009] Preferably, the wall-starter-connector may be positioned between the stabiliser and the line-connector. Tensioning of the guideline may result in the guideline-positioning device pivoting around its connection to the wall-starter device, and thus twisting of the wall-starter device. The relative positioning of the stabiliser and the line-connector on either side of the wall-starter-connector may enable the stabiliser to oppose the force of the tensioned guideline on the main body, and thereby prevent or inhibit twisting of the wall-starter device. This is particularly beneficial if the stabiliser stabilises the guideline-positioning device by bracing against the existing wall surface. However, it may easily be envisioned that the stabiliser may clamp or grip the existing wall surface, such as a brick thereof, instead of bracing against the existing wall surface. Beneficially, the stabiliser may be adjustable relative to the main body. The stabiliser is preferably non-integrally formed with the main body. Additionally, the main body may comprise a stabiliser-engagement portion for engaging with the stabiliser. The stabiliser may be connectable, and optionally movable relative to the main body. A dimension and/or position of the stabiliser may be varied, as required.

[0010] Furthermore, the stabiliser may include a stabiliser bolt. A bolt may be easy to source and replace if damaged.

[0011] Advantageously, the stabiliser may comprise a first screw-thread, and the stabiliser-engagement portion may comprise a second screw-thread, the first and second screw-threads being complementarily engageable. Complementary screw threads may provide a more secure engagement. Furthermore, a screw-thread engagement may enable incremental movement of the bolt within the stabiliser-engagement portion, in turn providing greater control over the force exerted by the stabiliser against the existing wall surface.

[0012] Furthermore, the stabiliser may comprise a body and a stabiliser foot portion in-use abuttable against existing wall surface. The stabiliser foot portion may provide an improved engagement with the existing wall surface.

[0013] Beneficially, the stabiliser foot portion may be movable relative to the body. Additionally, the stabiliser, and more preferably the body may extend along an axis perpendicular to the existing wall surface, if the existing wall surface is planar. The movability of the stabiliser foot portion enables deviations from the perpendicular axis to be accommodated. If the existing wall surface is curved, the stabiliser foot portion enables the curvature to be accommodated.

[0014] Beneficially, the line-connector may be movable relative to the main body. The position of the line-connector may be varied, as required.

[0015] Furthermore, the line-connector may include a slidable portion which is slidable relative to the main body. Slidability may enable the position of the line-connector to be selected from a, preferably continuous, range of positions. The guideline can be positioned at different positions relative to the main body, such as along the length of the main body, according to the width of the new wall being built and/or to the dimensions of the building material being used, such as bricks or blocks.

[0016] Preferably, the slidable portion may comprise a projection. The guideline can be secured to the projection.

[0017] Beneficially, the wall-starter-connector may be detachably engageable with the main body. The wall-starter-connector is preferably not integrally formed or non-detachably connected to the main body, although either option may be envisioned. A two-part connection provides a greater modularity. The ease of installation may also be increased as the wall-starter-connector may be connected to the wall-starter device first, without the main body obscuring the wall-starter-connector.

[0018] Preferably, the wall-starter-connector may comprise a connector body, and a connector foot portion adapted to engage with the wall-starter device. Additionally, the wall-starter-connector may include fastening means for fastening the wall-starter-connector to the main body. Preferably, the fastening means may include a fastening-bolt. Beneficially, the main body may further comprise a connector-engagement portion, and the fastening means is engageable with the connector-engagement portion. Additionally or alternatively, the connector body may comprise a fastener-engagement portion, and the fastening means may be engageable with the fastener-engagement portion. The wall-starter-connector may be securely engaged with the main body. Preferably, the fastening means may include a third screw-thread, the connector-engagement portion may include a fourth screw-thread, the third and fourth screw-threads being complementarily engageable. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening means may include a third screw-thread, the fastener-engagement portion may include a fifth screw-thread, the third and fifth screw-threads being complementarily engageable. The fastening means is preferably separably connectable from both the main body and the connector body but could easily be non-separably connectable or even integrally formed with either or both the main body and the connector body. A screw-threaded engagement provides a secure and preferably incrementally adjustable engagement.

[0019] Beneficially, the connector-engagement portion may further comprise a recess, the connector body being receivable within the recess. Furthermore, the recess may have a first shape in cross-section and the connector body has a second shape in cross-section, the second shape being complementary to the first shape for providing a complementary fit between the recess and the connector body. Preferably, the first shape and the second shape may be the same shape. Furthermore, the first shape and/or the second shape may be a rectangle. The complementary shapes of the recess and the connector body provide a key engagement.

[0020] Optionally, the guideline-positioning device may be provided as a kit of parts. The guideline-positioning device may be provided in a disassembled condition.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a wall-starter kit comprising a guideline-positioning device, preferably in accordance with the first aspect or second aspect, and a wall-starter device. The kit includes both a guideline-positioning device and a wall-starter device. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a wall-starter-connector for use with a main body of a guideline-positioning device, preferably in accordance with the first aspect or second aspect, the wall-starter-connector having a connector body adapted to complementarily engage with the main body, and a connector foot portion adapted to complementarily engage with a wall-starter device. An individual wall-starter-connector may be provided. Modularity increases the ease of replacement in case of damage to an existing wall surface-starter-connector. Optionally, the wall-starter-connector may further include a groove having a groove-width and a groove-depth adapted to be greater than the width and depth of any protruding portion of mounting means used to mount a wall-starter device to an existing wall surface such that the wall-starter-connector to be slidably movable along the wall-starter device uninhibited by the mounting means. The groove enables the wall-starter-connector to slide along the length of the wall-starter device, regardless of any protrusions of the mounting means into the channel.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using a guideline-positioning device, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a guideline-positioning device, preferably in accordance with the first aspect or second aspect of the invention, and b] engaging a builder's guideline to the line-connector, engaging the wall-starter-connector with a wall-starter device mounted on an existing wall surface and stabilising the guideline-positioning device relative to the existing wall surface via the stabiliser. The stabiliser stabilises the guideline-positioning device vertically and/or horizontally relative to the existing wall surface.

[0023] The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a guideline-positioning device in accordance with the first and second aspects of the invention; in-use, connected with a wall-starter device mounted to an existing wall, with a guideline connected to a line-connector of the guideline-positioning device, and the outline of two courses of bricks in dashed lines;

Figure 2 illustrates a cutaway top view of the guideline-positioning device, wall-starter device and existing wall taken along line A-A in Figure 1, with the outline of two bricks of a same course being laid being shown in dashed lines;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional representation of a main body of the guideline-positioning device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective representation of a line-connector of the guideline-positioning device of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional representation of the line-connector of Figure 4;

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective representation of a stabiliser body and thumb screws of the guideline-positioning device of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a perspective representation of a stabiliser foot portion of the guideline-positioning device of Figure 1;

Figure 8 shows a perspective representation of a wall-starter connector of the guideline-positioning device of Figure 1, the wall-starter connector being accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention;

Figure 9 is a top representation of the wall-starter connector of Figure 8;

Figure 10 illustrates a side representation of the wall-starter connector of Figure 9;

Figure 11 illustrates a perspective representation of fastening means of the guideline-positioning device of Figure 1;

Figure 12 is a side view of a first alternative line-connector;

Figure 13 is a top view of the line-connector of Figure 12, received around the main body of the guideline-positioning device of Figure 1 in accordance with the first and second aspects of the invention, with parts of the main body omitted for clarity;

Figure 14 illustrates a cross-sectional representation of an alternative stabiliser foot portion of a stabiliser;

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a first alternative wall-starter connector, in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a second alternative wall-starter connector, in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention;

Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional representation of the wall-starter connector, taken along the x-plane X shown in dashed lines in Figure 16; and

Figure 18 illustrates a cutaway top view of a second embodiment of a guideline-positioning device in accordance with the first and second aspects of the invention.

[0024] Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a device indicated generally at 10. The device 10 is used for, adapted for, or configured to secure and position a builder's guideline, preferably when the device 10 is used with a wall-starter device mounted to an existing wall surface. The device 10 may thus be referred to as a guideline-positioning device or apparatus 10.

[0025] Figures 1 and 2 also show an existing wall surface 12 and a wall-starter device 14.

[0026] The wall-starter device 14, also referred to as a wall starter rail, includes at least one wall 16 forming an open channel 18 accessible via a slit 20. An example of a suitable wall-starter device 14 is a Simpson wall starter. The slit 20 is narrower than the channel 18. Mounting means or mounts 22, such as screws or bolts, may be used to mount the wall-starter device 14 to the existing wall surface 12. The mounting means 22 may include a protruding portion 22a which protrudes into the open channel 18. For example, when the wall-starter device 14 is mounted to the existing wall surface 12 by screws, the heads of the screws may extend into the open channel 18 as shown in Figure 2. Figures 1 and 2 additionally illustrate the outlines of bricks.

[0027] The guideline-positioning device 10 has a main body 24a, a line-connector 24b, a stabiliser 24c, and a wall-starter-connector 24d, but any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The guideline-positioning device 10 or any part thereof, may be formed at least in part of metal, but any alternative or additional material to metal may be envisioned, such as a polymer, wood, glass, glass fibre, carbon fibre, cardboard, card, paper, a ferrous material, a magnetic material, any other suitable material, and any combination thereof, for all or any part of the guideline-positioning device 10. The polymer may include plastics and/or an elastomer, such as a rubber. Any part of the guideline-positioning device 10 may be moulded, machined and/or formed by extrusion.

[0028] The main body 24a in-use provides a support for the other components of the guideline-positioning device 10. Preferably, at least one of, and more preferably each of: the line-connector 24b, the stabiliser 24c, and the wall-starter-connector 24d is adjustable, but none being adjustable may be an option. More preferably, any or all of the line-connector 24b, the stabiliser 24c, and the wall-starter-connector 24d may be adjustable by being extendable and/or movable relative to the main body 24a.

[0029] The main body 24a preferably has a first dimension, a second dimension and a third dimension. As shown in Figure 3, the main body 24a is preferably elongate, but non-elongate may be an option. If the main body 24a is elongate, as in the present embodiment, the first, second and third dimensions may correspond to a length axis, a height axis, and a depth axis. Correspondingly, an extent of the main body 24a measured along these axes may be referred to as a length, height and depth, respectively. The height and/or depth may be fixed or non-fixed along the length. The length of the main body 24a is here fixed but non-fixed, such as elongatable, may be envisioned. For example, a modular and/or telescopic main body may be envisioned.

[0030] Furthermore, three mutually perpendicular planes may be defined. For clarity, the first plane may be referred to as the x-plane X. The second plane may be referred to as the y-plane Y. The third plane may be referred to as the z-plane Z. The x-plane X or a plane parallel thereto is shown in Figure 1 as a dash-dotted line. The y-plane Y and z-plane Z, or planes parallel thereto, are shown as dash-dotted lines in Figure 3. The main body 24a is preferably rectangular or substantially rectangular in at least one, and preferably all three planes. However, non-rectangular in one or more planes may be envisioned. The main body 24a may be shaped as an I-beam in an alternative embodiment. This may provide additional resistance to bending.

[0031] The main body 24a further comprises a stabiliser-engagement portion 26a, a connector-engagement portion 26b, but any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided.

[0032] The stabiliser-engagement portion 26a in-use enables the stabiliser 24c to be connected or engaged with the main body 24a. Preferably, the stabiliser-engagement portion 26a includes a stabiliser-recess 28a and a stabiliser-bore 28b for receiving the stabiliser 24c at least in part within, but any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The stabiliser-bore 28b may be a blind bore or, preferably, a through bore, as shown in Figure 3. In the shown embodiment, the stabiliser-engagement portion 26a, and more preferably the stabiliser-bore 28b thereof, comprises a screw-thread.

[0033] The stabiliser-recess 28a may enable part of the stabiliser 24c to be recessed within the stabiliser-recess 28a, such as a stabiliser user-engageable portion of the stabiliser 24c. Thus, the guideline-positioning device 10 may be more compact in-use. Compactness may be beneficial as enabling bricks or blocks to be positioned accurately and/or more closely to the guideline-positioning device 10. Furthermore, the wall-starter-connector 24d is preferably positioned between the stabiliser 24c and the line-connector 24b in-use, but alternative relative arrangements may be envisioned. The connector-engagement portion 26b in-use enables the wall-starter-connector 24d to be engaged with the main body 24a. Preferably, the connector-engagement portion 26b includes a connector-recess 30a and a connector-bore 30b, but either may be omitted and/or a plurality of either may be provided. The connector-bore 30b may be a blind bore but preferably is a through-bore. The connector-engagement portion 26b, and more preferably, the connector-bore 30b includes a screw-thread.

[0034] The line-connector 24b in-use enables, or is adapted or configured to enable a builder's guideline to be connected to the guideline-positioning device 10. Close-up representations of the line-connector 24b are shown in Figures 4 and 5. The line-connector 24b may also be referred to as a line clip or line clip bulkhead. The line-connector 24b is movable relative to the main body 24a, but non-movable may be envisioned, such as by being non-movably connected to or integrally formed with the main body 24a. The line-connector 24b is preferably separably connected to the main body 24a. This may enable the user to attach the line to the line-connector 24b before engaging the line-connector 24b to the main body 24a. Preferably, the line-connector 24b includes at least one slidable portion 32, also referred to as a slider, which is slidable relative to the main body 24a. A said slidable portion 32 includes a slidable body 32a and a guideline attachment 32b, but either may be omitted and/or a plurality of either may be provided.

[0035] The slidable body 32a is engageable with the main body 24a. More preferably, the slidable body 32a is received or receivable in, on, through, or at least in part around the main body 24a. In the shown embodiment, the slidable body 32a in-use at least partly and more preferably, fully encloses or surrounds the main body 24a.

[0036] The guideline attachment 32b in-use enables the guideline to be connected, attached or secured to the line-connector 24b. The guideline attachment 32b includes a protrusion or projection but the guideline attachment may take any take any suitable form, such as an aperture through the main body or the slidable body, a ring, a clamp, or a clip, by way of examples only. The projection may function as a cleat and thus may alternatively be referred to as a cleat or cleat element. The projection may be wedge-shaped, L-shaped, or T-shaped or any other suitable shape to act as a cleat. There are preferably two guideline attachments 32b in the illustrated embodiment of Figures 4 and 5.

[0037] Preferably, no slots or groove are provided in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, but at least one slot or groove may be provided.

[0038] The stabiliser 24c in-use enables, or is adapted or configured to enable the guideline-positioning device 10 and/or the main body 24a thereof to be stabilised relative to the existing wall surface 12. The stabiliser 24c may in-use stabilise the guideline-positioning device 10 relative to the existing wall surface 12 by preventing or inhibiting displacement of the guideline-positioning device 10 and/or the main body 24a thereof in a plane parallel with or tangential to the existing wall surface 12. In other words, the stabiliser 24c in-use may prevent or inhibit vertical displacement of the guideline-positioning device 10 and/or displacement along the length of the wall-starter device 14.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, the stabiliser 24c may in-use stabilise the guideline-positioning device 10 relative to the existing wall surface 12 by preventing or inhibiting displacement of the guideline-positioning device 10 in a plane perpendicular with the existing wall surface 12. In other words, the stabiliser 24c may prevent or inhibit movement of the guideline-positioning device 10 and/or main body 24a thereof towards and/or away from the existing wall surface 12.

[0040] Preferably, for reasons that will be explained hereinafter, the wall-starter-connector 24d is provided in, on, around, through or is connectable to the main body 24a between the stabiliser 24c and the line-connector 24b along the main body 24a. Correspondingly, the connector-engagement portion 26b is preferably positioned between the stabiliser-engagement portion 26a and the line-connector 24b along the main body 24a.

[0041] The connector-engagement portion 26b thereby divides the main body 24a into two subportions. The first subportion includes the stabiliser-engagement portion 26a. The second subportion includes or receives the line-connector 24b. The length of the first subportion preferably differs from the length of the second subportion, but same lengths, such as for symmetry, may be envisioned.

[0042] Preferably, the length of the first subportion is selected or designed so as to fit in a wall cavity for enabling a new well with a wall cavity to be built. The wall cavity is preferably at least 25 mm, more preferably at least 50 mm and even more preferably is minimum 75 mm wide.

[0043] Preferably, the length of the second subportion is selected or designed so as to enable the line-connector 24b to be positioned from the connector-engagement portion 26b by a distance equal to at least half the width of a brick. More preferably, the distance is equal to at least the width of a full brick. More preferably yet, the distance may equal the width of a plurality of bricks. It may even be desirable to select the length of the main body and/or second subportion such that the guideline-positioning device may span and optionally connect to a plurality of wall-starter devices simultaneously, for example to build a plurality of skins of brickwork at the same time. In this alternative, the guideline-positioning device may have a plurality of connector-engagement portions and a plurality of wall-starter connectors.

[0044] Preferably, the stabiliser 24c is adjustable relative to the main body 24a, and more preferably is movable relative thereto. The stabiliser 24c preferably includes a leg element 34. In the preferred embodiment shows in Figure 6, the leg element 34 is provided in the form of a bolt, referred to as a stabiliser bolt 36 for clarity. A telescopic and/or modular leg element may be alternative options.

[0045] Preferably, the leg element 34 has a body 38a which terminates at a terminal end 38b. As the leg element 34 is preferably a stabiliser bolt 36, the stabiliser bolt 36 comprises a bolt body 38a which terminates at a terminal end 38b.

[0046] Optionally, the stabiliser 24c further comprises a said stabiliser user-engageable portion 40a and a stabiliser foot portion 40b, but either may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided.

[0047] The stabiliser user-engageable portion 40a in-use enables the user to actuate the stabiliser 24c without tools. The stabiliser user-engageable portion 40a may comprise a thumb screw and/or a thumb nut by way of examples only.

[0048] The stabiliser foot portion 40b may in-use be engaged or engageable with the terminal end 38b. The stabiliser foot portion 40b is illustrated in Figure 7. The stabiliser foot portion 40b may also be referred to as a bolt pad. The terminal end 38b, or, if a stabiliser foot portion 40b is provided, the stabiliser foot portion 40b is in-use engaged or engageable with the existing wall surface 12. More preferably, the terminal end 38b or stabiliser foot portion 40b is in-use abutted or abuttable against the existing wall surface 12.

[0049] The stabiliser foot portion 40b is preferably movable relative to the stabiliser 24c and/or body of the leg element 34 but non-movable may be envisioned. More preferably, the stabiliser foot portion 40b may be removably connected to the body of the leg element 34. Additionally or alternatively, the stabiliser foot portion 40b may be re-orientable relative to the leg element 34. The re-orientable stabiliser foot portion 40b may or may not be removably connected to body of the leg element 34. The stabiliser foot portion 40b has a, preferably planar, wall-contact surface. Whilst the stabiliser 24c preferably extends normally to the existing wall surface 12, re-orientability enables the stabiliser foot portion 40b to accommodate deviations from normality. A re-orientable stabiliser foot portion 40b also accommodates non-planar existing wall surfaces 12. Additionally, the force applied by the stabiliser 24c on the existing wall surface 12 is spread out over the area of the wall-contact surface, which may reduce the risk of the stabiliser 24c damaging the existing wall surface 12. The terminal end 38b, or, if a stabiliser foot portion is provided, the stabiliser foot portion 40b preferably comprise metal and/or plastics. However, an elastomer, such as rubber, may additionally or alternatively be considered. The elastomer may provide increased friction with the existing wall surface 12. Rubber may also reduce or inhibit damage to the existing wall surface 12, such as render, plaster or paint, at least compared to a harder material.

[0050] In the shown embodiment, the terminal end 38b has a curved surface. The stabiliser foot portion 40b may have a complementary curved surface, which can cooperate with the terminal end 38b to function like a ball and a socket. In the shown embodiment, the curved surface of the terminal end 38b is convex, and the curved surface of the stabiliser foot portion 40b is convex, but the opposite arrangement may be easily envisioned. One or more hinges may also be an option.

[0051] Optionally, at least part of the stabiliser 24c, more preferably the leg element 34, and most preferably the bolt body 38a comprises a screw-thread. For clarity, the screw-thread on the stabiliser 24c may be referred to as the first screw-thread 42a, and the screw thread of the stabiliser-engagement portion 26a may be referred to as the second screw-thread 42b. The first screw-thread 42a and the second screw-thread 42b are here complementarily engageable. The wall-starter-connector 24d in-use enables or is adapted to or configured to enable engagement between the guideline-positioning device 10 and/or the main body 24a thereof with the wall-starter device 14. The wall-starter-connector 24d may alternatively be referred to as a slider key.

[0052] The wall-starter-connector 24d is detachably engageable with the main body 24a, but non detachably engageable, such as engaged or integrally formed, may be envisioned. Preferably, the wall-starter-connector 24d is complementarily shaped to engage with the, or at least one and more preferably all wall-starter devices 14 if a range of different wall-starter devices 14 is available. Thus, the wall-starter-connector 24d is preferably universal.

[0053] The wall-starter-connector 24d comprises a connector body 44a, a connector foot portion 44b, but any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The guideline-positioning device 10 may further comprise a fastening means 44c, which may optionally be considered part of the wall-starter-connector 24d.

[0054] The connector body 44a is in-use engageable or engaged, or adapted to engaged, preferably complementarily, with the main body 24a. More preferably, the connector body 44a is receivable or received, or adapted or configured to be receivable or received in, on, around, or through the connector-engagement portion 26b. As previously mentioned, the connector-engagement portion 26b preferably has a connector-recess 30a. The connector body 44a is preferably receivable within the connector-recess 30a. The connector-recess 30a has a first shape in cross-section in any of the x-plane X, y-plane, or z-plane Z. The connector body 44a has a second shape in cross-section any of the x-plane X, y-plane, or z-plane Z. Preferably the second shape is complementary to the first shape in the same plane. This may beneficially provide a complementary fit, key or interlock between the connector-recess 30a and the connector body 44a. The first shape and the second shape are preferably the same shape, but different shapes may be envisioned. More preferably, the connector body 44a and the connector-recess 30a are complementary to each other in a plurality of planes.

[0055] More preferably, the connector body 44a is a parallelepiped or cuboid. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the connector body 44a has a square shape in the z-plane Z, a rectangular shape in the x-plane X, and a rectangular shape in the y-plane Y. Similarly, the connector-recess 30a has a square shape in the z-plane Z, a rectangular shape in the x-plane X, and a rectangular shape in the y-plane Y. However, any alternative shape may be envisioned.

[0056] Optionally, the connector body 44a further comprises a fastener-engagement portion 46 for engaging with the fastening means 44c. The fastener-engagement portion 46 may include a fastener-engagement recess or a fastener-engagement bore. The fastener-engagement bore may be a blind or a through bore. Optionally, the fastener-engagement portion 46 may include a screw-thread. However the fastening means may easily be connected or integrally formed with the connector body and/or the main body in an alternative embodiment.

[0057] The connector foot portion 44b in-use engages or is engageable, or adapted to be engaged or engageable, preferably complementarily, with the wall-starter device 14. Preferably, the connector foot portion 44b is receivable at least partly in, on, around, or through the wall-starter device 14. More preferably, the connector foot portion 44b is receivable through the slit 20 and at least in part in the open channel 18. Once received in the open channel 18, the at least one connector foot portion 44b prevents or inhibits removal of the wall-starter-connector 24d via the slit 20. The interaction between the at least one connector foot portion 44b and the wall-starter device 14 is best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0058] Referring back to Figures 8 to 10, the wall-starter-connector 24d optionally comprises at least one groove element or groove 44d. A said groove 44d may be provided in the connector body 44a and/or in the or a said connector foot portion 44b. The groove 44d may be formed by one or more connector foot portions 44b. The groove 44d has a groove-width 48a, a groove-depth 48b and a groove-length 48c. The groove-length 48c of one groove 44d is illustrated in Figure 9 as a dashed double-headed arrow. The groove-width 48a and the groove-depth 48b of the same groove 44d are illustrated in Figure 10 as dashed double-headed arrows. Preferably, the groove-width 48a and groove-depth 48b are dimensioned or adapted to be greater than the width and depth of any protruding portion 22a of the mounting means 22, such as screw or bolt heads, used to mount the wall-starter device 14 to the existing wall surface 12. The groove 44d thereby enables the wall-starter-connector 24d to be slidably movable along the wall-starter device 14 uninhibited by the mounting means 22.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the wall-starter-connector 24d has a plurality of connector foot portions 44b. Each connector foot portion 44b preferably has a bridge element 50a and an abutment element 50b. The abutment element 50b has a first surface 52a and a second surface 52b opposite the first surface 52a. The first surface 52a and/or the second surface 52b are preferably part-planar or substantially planar, but solely planar or non-planar may be options for one or both surfaces. A junction between the first surface 52a and the second surface 52b is preferably rounded. The or each abutment element 50b is spaced apart from the connector body 44a by the bridge element 50a. Thus, the connector foot portions 44b form or substantially form an L-shape in the x-plane X and/or the y-plane Y, as best shown in Figure 10. In-use, when the wall-starter-connector 24d is engaged with the main body 24a, the or each abutment element 50b may at least partially overlap with and be spaced apart from the main body 24a, as best illustrated in Figure 2. This results in a space 54 being formed between the main body 24a and the abutment element 50b. The or each space 54 is adapted to or configured to receive part of the wall 16 of the wall-starter device 14. A said space 54 is shown in Figure 2.

[0060] Referring back to Figures 8 to 10, the connector foot portions 44b are preferably pairwise mirrored relative to each other. Mirrored connector foot portions 44b are spaced apart from each, thereby forming a said groove 44d between them. Even more preferably, the wall-starter-connector 24d has a plurality of said grooves 44d. Two such grooves 44d may be, as shown, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other, and optionally overlapping or intersecting each other. The wall-starter-connector 24d may therefore have four connector foot portions 44b, spaced apart from each other to form the grooves 44d. A plurality of grooves 44d may enable the wall-starter-connector 24d to be used in a plurality of orientations.

[0061] The fastening means 44c, also referred to as a fastening element, portion or fastener, is in-use engageable or engaged, or adapted or configured to engage with the connector-engagement portion 26b and/or with the fastener-engagement portion 46, preferably both. An embodiment of a fastening means 44c is shown in Figure 11. The fastening means 44c enables the wall-starter-connector 24d to be fastened to the main body 24a. Furthermore, depending on the relative depths of the connector-recess 30a and the connector body 44a, the fastening means may determine the relative positions of the connector-recess 30a and the connector body 44a. This enables the user to select the spacing between the, each or at least one abutment element 50b relative to the main body 24a, thereby varying the or each space 54. The abutment element 50b and the main body 24a may cooperate together and form a clamp, pincer or vice.

[0062] The fastening means 44c preferably includes a fastening-screw or fastening-bolt. More preferably, the fastener-engagement bore of the fastener-engagement portion 46 and the connector-bore 30b may be coaxially aligned or alignable. This may enable the fastening-screw or fastening bolt to extend through both the fastener-engagement bore and the connector-bore 30b simultaneously.

[0063] Optionally, the fastening means 44c may include a fastener user-engageable portion 56 and a screw-thread, referred to as a third screw-thread 58a for clarity, but either may be omitted and/or a plurality may be provided. The fastening means 44c further comprises a fastener body on which the third screw-thread 58a is provided. If provided, the screw-thread of the connector-engagement portion 26b may be referred to as the fourth screw-thread 58b for clarity. Preferably, the third screw-thread 58a and the fourth screw-thread 58b may be complementarily engageable. If provided, the screw-thread of the fastener-engagement portion 46 may be referred to as a fifth screw-thread 58c. The third screw-thread 58a and the fifth screw-thread 58c may be complementarily engageable. The fastener user-engageable portion 56 in-use enables the user to actuate the fastening means without tools, such as thumb screws or a thumb nut.

[0064] In-use, the user obtains a guideline-positioning device 10. If the wall-starter device 14 is not already provided, a user may obtain a wall-starter kit which includes the guideline-positioning device 10, and a wall-starter device 14. If a range of wall-starter-connectors 24d is available, such as to accommodate a range of possible different wall-starter devices 14, the user selects the wall-starter-connector 24d appropriate for use with the selected wall-starter device 14.

[0065] To mount the wall-starter device 14 to the existing wall surface 12, the user determines the desired position and orientation of the wall-starter device 14 on the existing wall surface 12. In particular, the wall-starter device 14 extends preferably vertically. Verticality may be determined by any known method such as tape measurements, a plumb line, a spirit level, any other known method, and any combination thereof. Optionally, the guideline-positioning device 10, once the guideline has been connected to the guideline-positioning device 10, can even be suspended to act as a plumb line. Alternatively or additionally, the guideline-positioning device 10 may include a spirit level, such as in the main body.

[0066] The wall-starter device 14 is positioned and mounted to the existing wall surface 12 by the mounting means 22. The mounting means 22, here screws, are made to extend from the open channel 18, through the back of the wall-starter device 14 and into the existing wall surface 12. The user may determine, and optionally strike a plumb line on the existing wall, for example using a spirit level and pencil to show the plumb line of the new wall being built. This can be 100 mm or 250mm, to suit the requirements of the new wall. In other words, the user may mark on the existing wall surface the edge of the new wall, as a reference.

[0067] The guideline-positioning device 10 may be provided in an assembled condition. However, if provided in a disassembled condition, such as a kit of parts, the guideline-positioning device 10 may need to be assembled before it can be used to secure and position a guideline 60. To assemble the guideline-positioning device 10, the following steps are taken, not necessarily in the following order.

[0068] The wall-starter-connector 24d is engaged with the wall-starter device 14. In the shown embodiment, this involves inserting the, each or at least one connector foot portion 44b thereof, into the open channel 18, preferably slidably into one end of the wall 16. The bridge element 50a extends through the slit 20 such that the connector body 44a is preferably outside of the wall-starter device 14. The wall-starter-connector 24d is slidable along the length of the wall-starter device 14. If the wall-starter-connector 24d includes a groove 44d and if any protruding portion 22a, such as a head of the screw remains in the open channel 18, the groove 44d provides clearance such that the wall-starter-connector 24d is slidable along the length of the wall-starter device 14 uninhibited by any such protruding portion 22a.

[0069] The wall-starter-connector 24d may be engaged with the main body 24a, if not already connected to or integrally formed therewith. Engagement of the wall-starter-connector 24d and main body 24a may be before or, preferably, after engagement of the wall-starter-connector 24d with the wall-starter device 14. The connector body 44a is inserted into the connector-recess 30a. The complementary shapes prevent or inhibit movement of the main body 24a relative to the connector body 44a. As the connector-recess 30a preferably extends from at least one of, and more preferably all three of: the in-use upper surface 62a, the in-use lower surface 62b, and the in-use rear surface 62c of the main body 24a, there may be a range of directions from which the connector body 44a may be engaged with the connector-recess 30a. This may facilitate the assembly.

[0070] The connector body 44a is secured or fastened to the main body 24a via the fastening means 44c. In the preferred embodiment, this involves engaging the fastening means 44c, here a fastening bolt, with one or both of: the connector-engagement portion 26b and the fastener-engagement portion 46. If screw-threads are provided, the screw-threads may be used to provide a more secure engagement between the main body 24a and the connector body 44a. If the wall-starter-connector 24d forms a monobloc with the main body 24a, no fastening means may be required.

[0071] Preferably, the guideline-positioning device 10 includes a said stabiliser 24c. If not already connected to or integrally formed therewith, the stabiliser 24c is engaged with the stabiliser-engagement portion 26a. This step may be done at any stage during assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the stabiliser 24c, which includes a stabiliser bolt 36, is inserted into the stabiliser bore 36. Furthermore, the stabiliser bolt 36 extends through and beyond the stabiliser bore and/or stabiliser-engagement portion 26a. Additionally, the stabiliser 24c extends from the main body 24a beyond the or each abutment element 50b. Preferably, as both the stabiliser 24c and the stabiliser-engagement portion 26a have complementary screw-threads, the stabiliser 24c is secured via the screw-threaded engagement. The screw-threads may additionally enable the length of the stabiliser 24c extending beyond the main body 24a and/or the stabiliser bore towards the existing wall surface 12 to be altered, as required. The portion of the stabiliser 24c which protrudes from the main body 24a and/or stabiliser-engagement portion 26a towards the in-use existing wall surface 12 may be referred to as the bridging portion 64 of the stabiliser 24c. The bridging portion 64 in-use bridges the gap between the main body 24a and the existing wall surface 12.

[0072] If required, the user moves, preferably translatably, the main body 24a and wall-starter-connector 24d to the desired height before stabilising or immobilising the main body 24a to temporarily prevent or inhibit any further vertical movement. To prevent or inhibit undesired vertical movement, the user may adjust the stabiliser 24c so as to increase the length of the bridging portion 64 until the stabiliser 24c contacts or engages the existing wall surface 12. Optionally, if provided, the stabiliser foot portion 40b may be positioned on the terminal end 38b of the stabiliser 24c prior to engaging the existing wall surface 12. The stabiliser 24c braces against the existing wall surface 12 such that sufficient friction is generated between the existing wall surface 12 and the stabiliser 24c or stabiliser foot portion 40b thereof; and/or between the wall-starter-connector 24d and the wall-starter device 14, to prevent or inhibit vertical movement of the guideline-positioning device 10. The stabiliser 24c may thus also be referred to as a bracing element or a brace.

[0073] Optionally, the undesirable vertical movement may be prevented or inhibited by reducing the space 54 being formed between the main body 24a and the abutment element 50b of the wall-starter-connector 24d. This results in the main body 24a and the abutment element 50b forming a vice or clamp around the wall 16 of the wall-starter device 14 on at least one edge of the slit 20. The stabiliser 24c may be omitted in this case. Thus, undesirable vertical movement of the guideline-positioning device 10 may be prevented or inhibited by either the stabiliser 24c, the clamp formed by the connector foot portion 44b and main body 24a, or both mechanisms acting simultaneously.

[0074] Preferably, the guideline-positioning device 10 includes a said line-connector 24b. If not already connected to or integrally formed therewith, the line-connector 24b is engaged with the main body 24a. This step may be done at any stage during assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the main body 24a is slidably inserted into the line-connector 24b. The guideline may also be connected to the line-connector 24b at any stage of assembly. Preferably however, due to the proximity of the guideline-positioning device 10 to the existing wall surface 12 potentially hindering or preventing attachment of the guideline 60 to the line-connector 24b, the guideline 60 may be secured to the line-connector 24b prior to the line-connector 24b being engaged with the main body 24a and/or before the guideline-positioning device 10 is engaged with the wall-starter device 14.

[0075] The guideline 60 is preferably secured to the guideline attachment 32b. The guideline 60 may be additionally or alternatively be immobilised by being held in place between the existing wall surface 12, and the stabiliser foot portion 40b and/or terminal end 38b. This may provide a second anchoring point for the guideline 60.

[0076] If the line-connector 24b further includes a slot or groove, the guideline 60 may be positioned within the slot or groove for greater security and/or accuracy. The line-connector 24b in the shown embodiment is adjusted by being translated along the main body 24a until the guideline 60 extends from the guideline-positioning device 10 at a desired position relative to the existing wall and the new wall being built. Optionally, the user can align the line-connector 24b with the reference plumb line marked on the existing wall.

[0077] The guideline 60 is tensioned so as to be taut or substantially taut. This may involve using a post or line-securing connector spaced-apart from the guideline-positioning device 10. The guideline 60 thus extends in or substantially in a horizontal plane, adjacent the course of bricks or blocks being laid as best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0078] The tensioning of the guideline 60 may cause the line-connector 24b and thus the main body 24a to be biased into moving away from the existing wall surface 12. As connected to the wall-starter device 14, the main body 24a is thus biased to pivoting around the wall-starter device 14 and the wall-starter device 14 to twist. However, the biasing force applied by the taut guideline 60 is or is substantially opposed by the stabiliser 24c. Thus, the main body 24a is prevented or inhibited from moving away from the existing wall surface 12. Pivoting of the guideline-positioning device 10 and thus twisting of the wall-starter device 14 is thus prevented or inhibited.

[0079] In other words, the stabiliser 24c and the line-connector 24b may create a bridge between them when pressure to the wall starter rail pulling the whole device back against the wall giving a solid bridged tool over the wall starter device to connect a guideline 60 under tension. Optionally, prior to tensioning the builder's guideline, the stabiliser 24c may be actuated, moved or adjusted to apply a slight pressure to the existing wall surface 12 and/or wall-starter device 14. Once the guideline is tensioned, the stabiliser 24c may be eased to provide or increase clearance between the line-connector 24b and the existing wall surface 12.

[0080] Thus, according to a method of use of the guideline-positioning device, a said guideline-positioning device 10 is provided. A builder's guideline 60 is engaged to the line-connector 24b. The wall-starter-connector 24d is engaged with the wall-starter device 14 mounted on the existing wall surface 12. The guideline-positioning device 10 is stabilised relative to the existing wall surface 12 via the stabiliser 24c.

[0081] The user starts by laying the blocks or bricks 66, at a set position relative to the guideline 60. The ability to lock the vertical position enables the guideline-positioning device 10 to be positioned above the course of bricks being laid, such that the user can lay the course starting at the existing wall surface 12 if desired, uninhibited by the guideline-positioning device 10.

[0082] When the guideline-positioning device 10 needs to be moved upwards in order to lay the next course, the user reduces the length of the bridging portion 64 of the stabiliser 24c and/or the clamping force exerted by the clamp formed by the main body 24a and the wall-starter-connector 24d. The guideline-positioning device 10 is moved, preferably slidably, along the wall-starter device 14 until at the desired height. The stabiliser 24c and/or the clamp are re-engaged to prevent or inhibit undesired vertical movement of the guideline-positioning device 10. The tensioned guideline 60 may be raised simultaneously at the line-connector 24b and at the opposite post or line-securing connector. Alternatively, the guideline 60 may be slackened so as to be raised, before being re-tensioned. The user lays the next course of bricks or blocks, guided by the guideline 60. This process may be repeated as often as necessary, such as for each course of bricks.

[0083] When the guideline-positioning device 10 is no longer required, the guideline-positioning device 10 may be dismantled or disassembled. In no particular order, the wall-starter-connector 24d is removed from the open channel 18 of the wall-starter device 14; the guideline 60 is disconnected from the line-connector 24b; and, if separable from the main body 24a, the stabiliser 24c, line-connector 24b and wall-starter-connector 24d are disengaged from the main body 24a.

[0084] Referring now to Figures 12 and 13, there is shown an alternative line-connector 124b. The alternative line-connector 124b may be used instead of or in addition to the first embodiment of the line-connector 24b. The alternative line-connector 124b is similar to the first embodiment of the line-connector 24b. Detailed description of the common features, the caveats and the uses of the line-connector is omitted for brevity. Features of the alternative line-connector 124b which are similar or the same as those of the first embodiment of the line-connector 24b have similar reference numerals, with the prefix "1" added.

[0085] In the alternative line-connector 124b, preferably only one guideline attachment 132b is provided, although a plurality may be envisioned. Furthermore, at least one line-receiving groove or slot 168 may be provided, as shown in Figure 16. The or a said slot 168 may be provided on any or any combination of the surfaces of the line-connector 24b. The guideline attachment 132b extends from one surface. Said surface may be the in-use front surface of the main body 24a and/or the in-use front surface of the line-connector 124b. The front surface may enable easier access to tie and/or untie the guideline around the guideline attachment 132b when the line-connector 124b is mounted onto the main body 24a. Preferably however, said surface is the in-use rear surface of the main body 24a and/or the in-use rear surface of the line-connector 124b. In other words, the guideline attachment 132b may extend in-use towards the existing wall. The guideline attachment 132b may thus optionally have, in addition to or instead of providing an attachment for the guideline, a second function and/or a third function but either or both functions may be omitted.

[0086] The second function may be to brace against the existing wall. This may enable the guideline-positioning device 10 to be square with the wall-starter and/or the existing wall. The guideline attachment 132b may thereby provide a second stabiliser 24c. The two stabilisers 24c and main body 24a thereby form a bridge. The second stabiliser 24c may also further prevent or inhibit movement of the second subportion of the main body 24a toward the existing wall.

[0087] The third function may be to pin or immobilise the guideline between the guideline attachment 132b and the existing wall.

[0088] The slot 168 may be provided on any surface, but more preferably is on the opposite face or opposite surface relative to the surface from which the guideline attachment 132b extends. In the present embodiment, the slot 168 may be on the in-use rear face or front face of the main body and/or line-connector 124b. Optionally, a spacer lip 170 may be provided. In-use, the spacer lip 170 may space the guideline away from part of the slidable body 132a. The guideline may be in-use connected to the guideline attachment 132b, then wrapped around the in-use lower or upper surface of the line-connector 124b, received at least in part in the slot 168 before extending away from the guideline-positioning device 10. If the slot 168 extends along two adjacent and non-coplanar faces, the slot 168 may have curvature at the junction of the faces. This may reduce or inhibit a sharp edge sawing through the guideline. Even if no slot is provided, edges between adjacent of surfaces may be rounded. The outer surface of the line-connector may even be curved or part curved.

[0089] Referring now to Figure 14, there is shown an alternative stabiliser foot portion 240b. The alternative stabiliser foot portion 240b may be used instead of or in addition to the first embodiment of the stabiliser foot portion 40b. The alternative stabiliser foot portion 240b is similar to the first embodiment of the stabiliser foot portion 40b. Detailed description of the common features, the caveats and the uses of the stabiliser foot portion 40b is omitted for brevity. Features of the alternative stabiliser foot portion 240b which are similar or the same as those of the first embodiment of the stabiliser foot portion 40b have similar reference numerals, with the prefix "2" added.

[0090] In the alternative stabiliser foot portion 240b, the preferably concave, or at least partly curved internal surface is replaced with a tapered surface. More preferably, the internal surface 274 includes a conical, frustoconical or substantially conical or frustoconical area. As manufacturing a conical or frustoconical surface may be easier than a manufacturing a concave surface, the manufacturing of the alternative stabiliser may be facilitated.

[0091] Referring now to Figure 15, there is shown a first alternative wall-starter-connector 324d. The first alternative wall-starter-connector 324d may be used instead of or in addition to the first embodiment of the wall-starter-connector 24d. The first alternative wall-starter-connector 324d is similar to the first embodiment of the wall-starter-connector 24d. Detailed description of the common features, the caveats and the uses of the wall-starter-connector 324d is omitted for brevity. Features of the first alternative wall-starter-connector 324d which are similar or the same as those of the first embodiment of the wall-starter-connector 24d have similar reference numerals, with the prefix "3" added.

[0092] The first alternative wall-starter-connector 324d has one or more alternative connector foot portions 344b. As shown, the first surface 352a or part thereof of at least one, and preferably each connector foot portion 344b is preferably curved. In-use, the curvature may provide an improved fit with the open channel 18 of an, optionally alternative, wall-starter device 14. The curvature may also provide a support to the wall 16 of the wall-starter device 14 by preventing or inhibiting the wall-starter device 14 being compressed. Again, the first alternative wall-starter-connector 324d may be usable in a plurality of orientations due to having at least one, and here two, preferably perpendicular and optionally intersecting grooves 344d. Furthermore, in the first alternative wall-starter-connector 324d, at least one, preferably four abutment lips 372 are provided. Each abutment lip 372 extends from each abutment element 350b. The abutment lips enable a second, different geometry of channel to be accommodated when the first alternative wall-starter-connector 324d is used in a different orientation. No bridge element is provided.

[0093] Referring now to Figures 16 and 17, there is shown a second alternative wall-starter-connector 424d. The second alternative wall-starter-connector 424d may be used instead of or in addition to the first embodiment wall-starter-connector and/or the first alternative wall-starter-connector. The second alternative wall-starter-connector 424d is similar to the first embodiment of the wall-starter-connector 24d. Detailed description of the common features, the caveats and the uses of the wall-starter-connector 324d is omitted for brevity. Features of the second alternative wall-starter-connector 424d which are similar or the same as those of the first embodiment of the wall-starter-connector 24d have similar reference numerals, with the prefix "4" added.

[0094] The second alternative wall-starter-connector 424d has an alternative connector foot portion 444b. No bridge element is provided. As shown, at least part of the first surface 452a is preferably planar but angled, rather than parallel to the second surface 452b. The second surface 452b is preferably solely planar but part planar or non planar may be options. The edge between the first surface 452a and the second surface 452b is preferably rounded but non-rounded such as chamfered or a sharp edge may be options. No groove is provided in the second alternative wall-starter-connector 424d but one or more grooves may easily be envisioned. Furthermore, the second alternative wall-starter-connector 424d has at least one, and preferably two abutment lips 472. The alternative shape in two and/or three dimensions of the connector foot portion 444b may provide an enhanced fit with a complementarily shaped channel in-use.

[0095] Referring now to Figure 18, there is shown a second embodiment of a guideline-positioning device 510, which is similar to the first embodiment of the guideline-positioning device 10. Features of the second embodiment of the guideline-positioning device 510 which are similar or identical to those of the first embodiment have similar reference numerals with the prefix "5" added or replacing the previous prefix.

[0096] The second embodiment of the guideline-positioning device 510 has similar or same main body 524a, a line-connector 524b, a stabiliser 524c, a wall-starter-connector 524d, the main body 524a further comprising a stabiliser-engagement portion 526a and/or a connector-engagement portion 526b, the stabiliser-engagement portion 526a including a stabiliser-bore 528b, the wall-starter-connector 524d having a connector body 544a and optionally one or more connector foot portions 544b and/or fastening means 544c, the connector body 544a comprising a fastener-engagement portion and at least one groove 544d, the connector-engagement portion 526b including a connector-recess 530a and a connector-bore 530b, but any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. Any further features may be provided. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity.

[0097] More preferably, the line-connector 524b of the second embodiment of the guideline-positioning device 510 is similar or identical to the alternative line-connector 124b of Figures 12 and 13. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity.

[0098] The stabiliser 524c does not comprise a stabiliser foot portion, but this alternative may be envisioned.

[0099] Preferably, the stabiliser-engagement portion 526a does not include any stabiliser-recess but this feature may easily be considered. Furthermore, the stabiliser-engagement portion 526a may further comprise a nut 576, and more preferably a threaded nut 576. A plurality of nuts 576 may be envisioned. The stabiliser-engagement portion 526a may still comprise a screw-thread. However, if the stabiliser-engagement portion 526a has a screw-thread, the stabiliser-bore 528b may be non-threaded. The or at least one nut 576 of the stabiliser-engagement portion 526a may provide the screw-thread. Tapping a thread within the stabiliser-bore 528b may be challenging or at least more challenging compared to tapping a thread within a nut. The nut 576 may be off-the-shelf. For instance, the nut 576 may be an M 10 nut. The stabiliser 524c may optionally be an M 10 wing bolt.

[0100] The nut 576 is preferably positionable, positioned or embedded fully within the main body 524a, as shown, but may be at least partly or fully outside of the main body 524a. The nut 576 may be removable or non-removable from within the main body 524a. The nut 576 in transverse cross-section is preferably non-circular. A non-circular cross-section may beneficially prevent or inhibit rotation of the nut 576, such as by bracing against the main body 524a or part thereof. Preferably, the nut 576 is polygonal, and more preferably is a square nut 576. The nut 576 has a nut-inner-diameter D. Preferably, the nut-inner-diameter D matches or substantially matches a diameter of the stabiliser-bore 528b but non-matching, such the nut-inner-diameter being greater or smaller than the diameter of the stabiliser-bore may be envisioned.

[0101] Preferably, the connector-bore 530b is devoid of a screw-thread. Optionally, the fastener-engagement portion of the wall-starter-connector 524d may be devoid of a screw-thread, although this may be envisioned. For clarity, the wall-starter-connector 524d of the second embodiment of the guideline-positioning device 510 may be referred to as the third alternative wall-starter connector 524d.

[0102] The wall-starter-connector 524d preferably still includes a fastening means 544c. The fastening means 544c is preferably a fastening-screw or fastening-bolt. The fastening means 544c has a fastener user-engageable portion 556, a fastener body 557, and a fastener head 578, but any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. Optionally, the fastening means 544c may further comprise a nut, not shown.

[0103] Preferably, the fastener body 557 has a third screw-thread 558a, similar to the first embodiment of a guideline-positioning device 10. The fastener user-engageable portion 556 is identical or similar to the fastener user-engageable portion 56 of the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, however, the fastener user-engageable portion 556, and the fastener body 557 are separably connectable or separably connected, rather than integrally formed. The fastener user-engageable portion 556 may have an internal screw thread, engageable with the third screw-thread 558a. The fastener user-engageable portion 556 may be an M10 wing nut.

[0104] The fastener body 557 and the fastener head 578 are preferably integrally formed, but non-integrally formed, such as connected or connectable may be envisioned. The fastener body 557 and the fastener head 578 may together have or generally have a T-shape in cross-section, as shown in Figure 18. Most preferably, the fastener body 557 and the fastener head 578 are a standard M10 bolt.

[0105] If provided, the nut of the fastening means 544c may be similar or identical to the nut 576 of the stabiliser-engagement portion 526a. Thus, the nut may be circular or non-circular. If non circular, the nut may be polygonal, and more preferably a square nut. The nut is preferably threaded. The screw-thread of the nut may be engageable with the third screw-thread 558a.

[0106] Additionally, the wall-starter-connector 524d has at least one inner face defining a recessed volume 580. In other words, the wall-starter-connector 524d may be or be substantially hollow.

[0107] The fastener head 578 is receivable or received within the at least one groove 544d, and more preferably within the recessed volume 580, if the wall-starter-connector 524d has a recessed volume 580. Being received within the recessed volume 580 may enable the groove or grooves 544d to be clear of any obstruction. As such, the groove or grooves 544d can fulfil their function of accommodating any protruding portion of mounting means to enable the wall-starter-connector 24d to be slidably movable along the wall-starter device 14 uninhibited by the mounting means 22.

[0108] Furthermore, the fastener head 578 has a dimension, such as a diameter, greater than the fastener-engagement bore and/or than the connector-bore 530b. The greater dimension of the fastener head 578 prevents or inhibits the fastener head 578 from being able to enter to fastener-engagement bore and/or than the connector-bore 530b. Instead, the fastener head 578 has an abutment surface 582. The abutment surface 582 in-use enters into abutment with the main body 524a and/or, preferably, the wall-starter-connector 24d. More preferably, the abutment surface 582 is abuttable against the or an inner face of the wall-starter-connector 524d.

[0109] The uses of the second embodiment are similar or identical to those of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common steps and of the caveats is omitted for brevity.

[0110] The nut 576 may optionally be embedded, such as during manufacture and/or during assembly, of the main body 524a.

[0111] The stabiliser 524c is engaged with the stabiliser-engagement portion 526a and the nut 576. More preferably, the screw-thread associated with the stabiliser 524c is made to engage with the nut 576. As the nut 576 is preferably immobilised relative to the main body 524a, rotation of the stabiliser 524c when engaged with the nut 576 causes axial movement of the stabiliser 524c along the stabiliser-bore 28b. The user can select the length of stabiliser 524c that protrudes from the main body 524a, so as to in-use stabilise the device 510 against the wall.

[0112] To connect the main body 524a and the wall-starter-connector 524d, the user preferably inserts the wall-starter-connector 524d into the connector-engagement portion 526b and the fastening means 544c is engaged. In the second embodiment, the user positions the fastener head 578, preferably the abutment surface 582 thereof, to face or abut against the inner face of the wall-starter-connector 524d with the fastener body 557 extending through the fastener-engagement bore and/or than the connector-bore 530b. The fastener user-engageable portion 556, here a separate wing nut, is engaged with the fastener body 557, preferably by screwing the two together. Tightening the engagement between the fastener user-engageable portion 556 and the fastener body 557 causes the fastener head 578 and the fastener user-engageable portion 556 to cooperate, thereby forming a clamp or vice around the wall-starter-connector 524d and the main body 524a, and optionally the wall-starter device 14 if the wall-starter-connector 524d is received within the wall-starter device 14.

[0113] Any of the features and caveats that apply to the first embodiment, second embodiment or any one of the alternative parts may easily be provided or applied to the first embodiment, second embodiment and/or any of the other alternative parts.

[0114] The guideline-positioning device may be provided as a kit of parts. The kit of parts may include any or any combination of: the main body, the first embodiment of line-connector, the alternative line-connector, the first embodiment of stabiliser, the first embodiment of stabiliser foot portion, the alternative stabiliser foot portion, the first embodiment of wall-starter-connector, the first alternative wall-starter-connector, the second alternative wall-starter-connector, the third alternative wall-starter-connector, the fastening means, a plurality of any of above, and all the above. Any of the disclosed wall-starter-connectors may be provided in isolation.

[0115] The main body and the wall-starter-connector are preferably two parts in the illustrated first and second embodiments and alternatives. However, the main body and the wall-starter-connector may be a monobloc, such as by being integrally formed or non-separably connected. If monobloc, the main body and the wall-starter-connector may not be able to provide any clamping, pincer or vice action. In this alternative embodiment, the stabiliser may be the only component which enables the guideline-positioning device to be temporarily immobilised at a desired height.

[0116] In a further modification, the connector body may, be omitted, such that one or more connector foot portions may extend from the main body. The connector foot portions may be connectable, non-removably connected or even integrally formed with the main body.

[0117] It may even be envisioned that the wall-starter-connector may be provided as a recess in the main body, into which the wall-starter device or part thereof may be received.

[0118] Although not provided in the present embodiment, the main body may optionally comprise a measurement guide. The measurement guide may provide a measurement of the position of the line-connector along the main body. The measurement guide may comprise etchings, graduations, a ruler element or an indexing element by way of examples.

[0119] The line-connector may further comprise a position-locking element. The position-locking element, such as a clamp, screw, lock, toggle or any other suitable mechanism, may enable the user to temporarily immobilise the line-connector relative to the main body.

[0120] The stabiliser may prevent or inhibit vertical movement of the guideline-positioning device by being supported by a brick or by clamping a brick, instead of or in addition to bracing against the existing wall surface.

[0121] Whilst a preferred shape may have been specified for any of the above-described features, any alternative shape may be envisioned in any of cross-section taken in any of the x-plane, y-plane, z-plane, or any plane parallel thereto, in side view, or in plan view. The shape may be any or any combination of: curved, part curved, non-curved, linear, part linear, non-linear, a broken line, any polygon, whether regular or irregular, having one or more chamfered and/or rounded corners, a triangle, a quadrilateral, such as a square, a rectangle, a trapezium, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, or any other polygon, a cross, an ellipse, a circle, part circular, an oval, a star, or any abstract shape. For example, the connector body is a parallelepiped or cuboid in all alternatives disclosed above and connector-recess has the same shape such that they are both a square in the z-plane Z, and a rectangle in the x-plane X and y-plane Y. However, any alternative shape may be envisioned in any plane for either or both the connector body and the connector-recess. For example, the connector body may be any, regular or irregular, polygon in any of the planes, such as a triangle, square, rectangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon. The connector body may even have a star-shape in any of the planes. The connector-recess may have the same shape or a different shape. For example, a connector-recess which is square in the z-plane, may receive a connector body which may be hexagonal or octagonal in the z-plane. If the differently-shaped connector body and connector-recess are similarly sized, one or more outer surfaces and/or edges of the connector body may engage with and abut against the walls of and/or edges of the main body defining the connector-recess.

[0122] The connector-recess and the connector-body may have interlocking male and female parts, slots and/or protrusions. Whilst the connector body is preferably universal, different shapes may provide specificity so that any one key may only fit any one connector-recess.

[0123] It is therefore possible to provide a guideline-positioning device which enables a guideline to be secured and positioned accurate at a desired height. Simultaneously, the damage to the wall-starter device due to twisting caused by the tensioning of the guideline is reduced or eliminated. Either one or both benefits are provided by virtue of the guideline-positioning device having a stabiliser. It is therefore also possible to provide a wall-starter kit which has a wall-starter device and complementary guideline-positioning device. It is also possible to provide a method of using a guideline-positioning device which enables the guideline-positioning device to be stabilised or immobilised in the vertical and/or horizontal planes, which in turn enables the height of the guideline-positioning device to be selected and/or which reduces or eliminates turning moments acting on the wall-starter device.

[0124] It is also possible to provide a wall-starter connector for use with the main body of a guideline-positioning device.

[0125] The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0126] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0127] The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A guideline-positioning device (10;510) for securing and positioning a builder's guideline when the guideline-positioning device (10;510) is used with a wall-starter device (14) mounted to an existing wall surface (12), the guideline-positioning device (10;510) comprising: a main body (24a;524a); a line-connector (24b;124b;524b) for enabling a builder's guideline to be connected to the guideline-positioning device (10;510); a stabiliser (24c;524c) adapted to stabilise the guideline-positioning device (10;510) against the existing wall surface (12); and a wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;424d;524d) for engaging the guideline-positioning device (10) with the wall-starter device (14).

2. A guideline-positioning device (10;510) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of: the line-connector (24b;124b;524b), the stabiliser (24c;524c) and the wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;424d;524d) is adjustable.

3. A guideline-positioning device (10;510) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of: the wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;424d;524d) is positioned between the stabiliser (24c;524c) and the line-connector (24b;124b;524b); the main body (24a;524a) comprises a stabiliser-engagement portion (26a;526a) for engaging with the stabiliser (24c;524c); and the stabiliser (24c;524c) includes a stabiliser bolt (36).

4. A guideline-positioning device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabiliser (24c) comprises a body (38a) and a stabiliser foot portion (40b) in-use abuttable against an existing wall surface (12), and optionally, the stabiliser foot portion (40b) is movable relative to the body (38a).

5. A guideline-positioning device (10;510) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the line-connector (24b;124b;524b) is movable relative to the main body (24a;524a), and optionally, the line-connector (24b;124b;524b) includes a slidable portion (32) which is slidable relative to the main body (24a;524a).

6. A guideline-positioning device (10;510) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;424d;524d) is detachably engageable with the main body (24a;524a).

7. A guideline-positioning device (10;510) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;424d;524d) comprises a connector body (44a;544a), and a connector foot portion (44b;344b;444b;544b) adapted to engage with the wall-starter device (14).

8. A guideline-positioning device (10;510) as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;424d;524d) includes fastening means (44c;544c) for fastening the wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;424d;524d) to the main body (24a;524a).

9. A guideline-positioning device (10;510) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the fastening means (44c;544c) includes a fastening-bolt and/or wherein the main body (24a;524a) further comprises a connector-engagement portion (26b;526b), and the fastening means (44c;544c) is engageable with the connector-engagement portion (26b;526b)and/or the connector body (44a;544a) comprises a fastener-engagement portion (46), and the fastening means (44c;544c) is engageable with the fastener-engagement portion (546).

10. A guideline-positioning device (10;510) as claimed in claim 9 when depending on claim 7, wherein the connector-engagement portion (26b;526b) further comprises a recess (30a;530a), the connector body (44a;544a) being receivable within the recess (30a;530a).

11. A guideline-positioning device (10;510) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the recess (30a;530a) has a first shape in cross-section and the connector body (44a;544a) has a second shape in cross-section, the second shape being complementary to the first shape for providing a complementary fit between the recess (30a;530a) and the connector body (44a;544a), and optionally, the first shape and the second shape are the same shape.

12. A wall-starter kit comprising a guideline-positioning device (10;510) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, and a wall-starter device (14).

13. A wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;424d;524d) for use with a main body (24a;524a) of a guideline-positioning device (10;510) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, the wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;424d;524d) having a connector body (44a;544a) adapted to complementarily engage with the main body (24a;524a), and a connector foot portion (44b;344b;444b;544b) adapted to complementarily engage with a wall-starter device (14).

14. The wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;524d) as claimed in claim 13, further including a groove (44d;344d;544d) having a groove-width (48a) and a groove-depth (48b) adapted to be greater than the width and depth of any protruding portion (22a) of mounting means (22) used to mount a wall-starter device (14) to an existing wall surface (12) such that the wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;524d) to be slidably movable along the wall-starter device (14) uninhibited by the mounting means (22).

15. A method of using a guideline-positioning device (10;510), the method comprising the steps of:

a] providing a guideline-positioning device (10;510) as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 11; and

b] engaging a builder's guideline to the line-connector (24b;124b;524b), engaging the wall-starter-connector (24d;324d;424d;524d) with a wall-starter device (14) mounted on an existing wall surface (12) and stabilising the guideline-positioning device (10;510) relative to the existing wall surface (12) via the stabiliser (24c;524c).

Drawing