GB2423111A

GB2423111A - Arching forming device

Info

Publication number: GB2423111A
Application number: GB0502658A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Everett Crack; Simon Bond
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-09
Filing date: 2005-02-09
Publication date: 2006-08-16
Anticipated expiration: 2025-02-09
Also published as: GB0502658D0; GB2423111B

Abstract

A device (1) comprises a support structure and a plurality of support members (17) attached along the length of the support structure, which in use support an arch during its formations. Preferably the support members are two piece (18, 19) and relatively adjustable in length and orientation, with an upper piece having a T shaped head. The support structure may be in the form of rails (5, 6) which are adapted to be secured to free ends (3) of two opposing walls (2) between which the arch is to be made. The device may further comprise a support surface placed over the support members and arrangement for marking said surface.

Description

"An Arch Forming Device" THIS INVENTION relates to an arch forming device,

and in particular, concerns a reusable device for forming internal or external arches and a method employing the device.

Arches are a common architectural feature, both externally, for instance as an upper portion of a window frame, or internally, over a passageway between two rooms.

A conventional technique for forming an arch above, for example, an external doorway, will now be described. A temporary lintel is placed at or near the top of an unfinished doorway and this lintel will generally require support, for instance by way of a pair of vertical struts which extend between the floor and the underside of the temporary lintel. A support, for instance, a block of wood, is placed on an upper surface of the temporary lintel, near the centre thereof. A flexible length of plywood or similar is then bent across the upper surface of the lintel and the support, and is secured at opposing ends thereof to the upper surface of the temporary lintel and is also secured to an upper surface, of the support. It will be appreciated that this technique forms a curved upper surface above the temporary lintel.

An arch is then formed, relying on the curved upper surface for support during the formation thereof. For instance, the arch may be formed by laying a series of bricks on the curved upper surface.

When the arch is being fully formed and is able to support itself (for instance, once mortar between the bricks has dried) the temporary lintel and the curved upper surface are removed.

In the case of an internal doorway, the arch would be finished in plaster, for example In view of the ad hoc nature of the construction of the supporting surface on which the arch is formed, and also in view of the fact that it is unlikely that a further arch of exactly the same dimensions will be required, the temporary lintel and the curved upper surface are typically simply thrown away, or are dismantled and recycled for other purposes.

It will be appreciated that this is a time-consuming method of supporting arches during construction thereof, which is also wasteful of materials.

It is an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate some of the above difficulties.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides an arch- forming device, comprising: a support structure; and one or more support members adapted to be attached to the support structure at any of multiple locations along a length thereof, wherein the support members are operable to support, at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

Advantageously, the device further comprises a securing arrangement to secure the support structure in a fixed position.

Preferably, the securing arrangement is operable to secure the support structure to free ends of two walls, the free ends defining a gap therebetween.

Conveniently, the height at which each support member is operable to support an arch may be varied.

Advantageously, the or each support members comprise an upper support element and a lower support element, the lower support element being adapted to be attached to the support structure at any of multiple locations along a length thereof, and the upper support element being operable to support, at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

Preferably, the height of the upper support element with respect to the lower support element may be varied.

Conveniently, the upper support member is generally in the form of a Tsection.

Advantageously, the upper support member is attachable to the lower support member in one or more fixed orientations.

Preferably, the support structure comprises one or more rails.

Conveniently, at least one of the rails comprises one or more rail sections attached together.

Advantageously, a cross-section of each rail has a width and a depth, each rail being oriented in use such that the width thereof is at an angle to the horizontal.

Preferably, the device further comprises a support surface which is operable to be supported by the one or more support members and in turn is operable to support, at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

Conveniently, at least one support member further comprises a marking arrangement operable to mark a support surface placed over the support member.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of forming an arch, comprising the steps of: providing a support structure; attaching one or more support members to the support structure, the support members being adapted to be attached to the support structure at any of multiple locations along a length thereof; and forming an arch which is, during formation thereof, at least partially supported by the one or more supporting members.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of providing a securing arrangement to secure the support structure in a fixed position.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of securing the support structure to free ends of two walls, the free ends defining a gap therebetween.

Conveniently, the method further comprises the step of varying the height at which each support member is operable to support an arch.

Advantageously, the step of attaching the one or more support members to the support structure further comprises the step of providing a lower support element of each support member which is adapted to be attached to the support structure at multiple locations along a length thereof.

Preferably, the step of forming an arch comprises providing an upper support element at each support member which is operable to support, at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

Conveniently, the method further comprises the step of varying the height of the upper support element with respect to the lower support element.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of providing an upper support element which is generally in the form of a T-section.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of attaching the upper support element to the lower support element in one or more fixed orientations.

Conveniently, the method further comprises the step of providing a support structure comprising one or more rails.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of providing one or more rails which are attachable to each other to form a length greater than that of any of the individual rails.

Preferably, a cross-section of each rail has a width and a depth, each rail being oriented in use such that the width thereof is at an angle to the horizontal.

Conveniently, the method further comprises the step of providing a support surface which is operable to be supported by the one or more support members and in turn is operable to support at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

Avantageously, the method further comprises the step of providing a marking arrangement on at least one of the support members operable to mark a supporting surface placed over the support member.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof can be described, by way of example, with referenced to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an arch forming device embodying the present invention; Figure 2 shows a mechanism for use with a device embodying the present invention; and Figure 3 shows another mechanism for use with a device embodying the present invention.

Figure 4a shows a spacing block for use in the present invention.

Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional view of spacing block in use with the present invention.

Referring firstly to figure 1, an arch forming device I embodying the present invention for forming an arch between two walls ends 2 comprises a support structure which may be secured to the wall ends.

The wall ends 2 comprise free ends of two walls which are coplanar with one another and define a gap therebetween, above which an arch is to be formed. The wall ends 2 each have a width, and an end surface 3, the end surfaces 3 being oriented so that they are parallel to each other and separated by a distance. Side surfaces 4 of the walls extend away from each side of each end surface 3, perpendicular to the end surface 3.

The support structure, in this example, comprises two planar, elongate rails 5,6 which are several times wider than they are deep. Each of the rails is operable to be secured to one side surface 4 of each of the wall ends 2, by the use of a securing arrangement (described below). Each rail 5, 6 has a pair of holes 7, 8 through its depth, the holes 7, 8 being provided near each end thereof, and being substantially centrally located with respect to the width of the rail 5, 6. Thus, other similar rails may be attached to each of the ends of the two rails 5, 6 described above by the use of, for example, a nut and bolt, such that the total length of the multiple attached rails is greater than length of a single rail.

The bolt is passed through a hole 7, 8 in each of two rails and the nut attached to the threaded section of the bolt to secure the rails to each other. Using this method, it is possible to use the rails 5, 6 for the formation of an arch between the two wall ends 2, wherein the distance between the two wall ends 2 is larger than the length of one rail 5, 6.

In this example the securing arrangement comprises blocks (not shown in Figure 1) of material, preferably wood, which are adhered or clamped to each of corresponding side surfaces of the wall ends, the blocks of material each having a top supporting surface. The blocks are positioned such that the top supporting surfaces thereof are substantially horizontal and at the same distance from the base of the wall ends 2 as each other. The top supporting surfaces of the blocks of material are designed such that a rail 5, 6 may be, at least partially, rested on the top supporting surface of two blocks which are attached to the respective side surfaces 4 of the two wall ends 2, to ensure that the rail 5, 6 is horizontal.

The securing arrangement further comprises clamps 9, 10 which are provided at or near the ends of each rail 5, 6. Each clamp 9, 10 may be secured to the rail 5, 6 so that the clamp 9, 10 applies a force against the end surface 3 of the respective wall end 2 to which the rail 5, 6 is to be attached in direction substantially perpendicular to the end surface 3.

Each clamp 9, 10 comprises a main body having first 11 and second 12 ends. A slot is defined through the first end 11, through which the rail 5, 6 may pass. In a side wall of the slot is a threaded hole (not shown) through which a correspondingly threaded clamp securing member 13 may pass. In operation the clamp securing member 13 is screwed through the threaded hole into a position which presses against the rail 5, 6, thus securing the clamp 9, 10 in a fixed position on the rail 5, 6.

The main body extends away from the slot in a direction substantially parallel thereto. On the second end 12 of the main body of the clamp 9, is a threaded hole, through which a correspondingly threaded clamping member 14 may be passed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main body. On an end of the clamping member 14 there is a handle 15, to facilitate the turning of the clamping member 14 relative to the main body of the clamp 9,10. On the other end of the clamping member 14 is a pad 16, preferably made of rubber or another soft material. By rotating the clamping member 14 appropriately it is possible to use the pad 16 to apply a pressure to the end surface 3 of the wall end 2. Hence, when one clamp 9, 10 is provided on each end of a rail 5, 6 the clamps 9, 10 are operable to secure of the rail 5, 6 to the wall ends 3 at a desired height.

Preferably each rail 5,6 is secured so that the width thereof is at an angle relative to the side surface 4 of the wall end 2, for aiding in the reduction of damage to the surface thereof by reducing the surface area of the rail 5,6 which is in contact with the side surface 4 of the wall end 2. In addition, to secure each rail 5,6 in this manner will also aid in the operation of the securing arrangement. In particular, the clamps 9,10 used in the securing arrangement may be placed in such a way that the pad 16 of the clamping member 14, which passes through the second end 12 of the main body of the clamp 9,10, may be pressed against the end surface 3 of the respective wall end 2. In addition, a rail 5,6 secured in such a manner may reduce the force applied directly to the top supporting surface of the blocks of material, of the securing arrangement, thus reducing the possibility of them moving with respect to their position on the side surface 4 of the wall end 2. The angle of each rail 5, 6 relative to the appropriate side surface 4 may be acute with respect to side surface 4, and is preferably 150.

In this manner, the rails 5, 6 are attached to the wall ends 2 so that the rails extend between the wall ends 2, and are horizontal, parallel and spaced apart from one another.

One or more support members 17 are operable to be attached to the rails 5, 6 at any of multiple locations along the lengths thereof. Each support member 17 comprises an upper support element 18 and a lower support element 19.

The lower support element 19 is elongate, having a substantially square cross-section, and is attachable to the rails 5, 6 by the use of a pair of support member clamps 20. When attached to the rails 5, 6, the lower support element 19 extends between the two rails 5, 6 in a direction substantially parallel to the end surfaces 3 of the wall ends 2, and substantially perpendicular to the lengths of the rails. The lower support element 19 further comprises upper 21 and lower 22 planar end members which extend from upper and lower surfaces of each end of the lower support element 19 in directions parallel with the length of the lower support element 19. The distance between the upper 21 and lower 22 end members is substantially equal to the profile width of each rail 5, 6 (i.e. the height occupied by each rail). An end surface 39 of the lower support element 19, is defined between each of the upper 21 and lower 22 end members thereof. The distance from the tips of the end members 21, 22 at one end of the lower support element 19 to the tips of the end members 21, 22 at the opposing end of the lower support element 19 is greater than the distance between the two rails 5,6. The upper end members 21 on each end of the lower support element 19 extend above the relevant rail 5, 6, and the lower end members 22 extend below the relevant rail 5, 6.

Retaining protrusions 23, in this case two on each end upper member 21, extend from the inner surface of each of the upper end members 21 towards corresponding retaining protrusions 23 on the opposing inner surface of each of the lower end members 22. The retaining protrusions 23 may take the form of threaded bolts secured through holes in the end members 21, 22 and fastened to corresponding threaded nuts on the opposing surface of the end members 21, 22.

Each support member clamp 20 comprises a substantially rectangular plate 24 and a support member clamp handle 25. The width of the plate 24 is similar to the distance between the inner surface of a lower support element 19 upper end member 21 and its opposing lower end member 22. The length of the plate 24 is greater than the width of the lower support element 19 end members, and two locating protrusions 26 extend respectively upwardly and downwardly from each of the edges of the plate 24 sides. The locating protrusions 26 are spaced such that the distance between inner edges of two upward or downward-facing locating protrusions 26 is substantially equal to the width of the end members 21, 22 of the lower support member 19. Therefore, the plate 24 can be fitted to one end of the lower support element 19 such that the plate 24 lies between the retaining protrusions 26 and the appropriate rail 5, 6, and is perpendicular to the length of the lower support element 19.

The plate 24 of the support member clamp 20 further comprises a substantially centrally located threaded hole 27. A threaded section of the support member clamp handle 25 passes through the threaded hole 27. The support member clamp handle 25 extends substantially perpendicular to the plate 24, and a variable portion of the threaded section of the clamp handle 25 may, upon rotation thereof, pass through the plate 24. In use, the plate 24 is positioned on the lower support element 19 as previously described and the clamp handle 25 rotated such that the end of the portion which passes through the plate 24, advances towards the rail 5,6, and applies a force thereto. In addition, the plate 24 applies a force in the opposing direction upon the retaining protrusions 23 of the lower support element 19. These two opposing forces have the effect of securing an end of the lower support element 19 in a fixed position on the rail 5, 6. Thus each end of the lower support element 19 may be attached to both rails 5, 6 at any of multiple locations along the lengths thereof by using a pair of support member clamps 20 as described above.

The lower support element 19 further comprises an attachment hole 28 which passes from the upper surface thereof to the lower surface thereof, and is located in a substantially central position on the upper surface thereof so that, when the lower support element is attached to the rails 5, 6 in the manner described above, the attachment hole 28 lies substantially mid-way between the rails 5, 6. A threaded hole 29 passes through a side surface of the lower support element 19 and meets the attachment hole 28 generally at a right angle thereto. A securing bolt 30 with a threaded section corresponding to the threaded hole 29 is operable to be attached thereto. In operation, the securing bolt 30 may be rotated such that a portion thereof extends into the attachment hole 28.

The upper support element 18 is generally in the form of a T-section, a vertical member 31 thereof having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the attachment hole 28 in the lower support element 19. The vertical member 31 is operable to be passed through the attachment hole 28, as can be seen in figure 2. A horizontal member 32 of the T- section is fixed to an upper end of the vertical member 31 substantially at a right angle thereto, such that is above and substantially parallel to the lower support element 19 when the vertical member 31 passes through the attachment hole 28. In operation the upper support element securing bolt 30 is operable to fix the vertical member 31 of the upper support element 18 to the lower support element 19 at a desired location along the length of the vertical member 31, Thus, the horizontal member 32 may be fixed at a desired height with respect to the lower support element 19.

Figure 3 shows the lower support element 19 clamped to the support structure, using the clamping arrangement described above, clamps 9, attaching the support structure to a wall end 2, and the connection arrangement for attaching the upper support element 8 to the lower support element 19.

In operation, the rails 5,6 can be secured to two wall ends 2 defining a gap above which it is intended to build an arch. The support members 17 can be positioned and secured, as described above, in multiple locations along the length of the rails 5,6. The horizontal members 32 of respective upper support elements 18 can then be secured in a fixed vertical position relative to the lower support elements 19, and the upper support elements 18 can support, at least partially, the arch while it is being formed.

Preferably, and as described above in the example and shown in the figures, an end of the support structure is attachable to an end of a further support structure, so that the width of the arch may be greater than that of a single support structure. The example device of figure 1 shows the support structure comprising two rails 5, 6. However, it is envisaged that the support structure may take the form of one, three or any greater number of rails 5, 6, suitably secured to the wall ends 2.

The clamping arrangement for achieving the securing of the one or more rails to the wall ends 2 may take a form different from than that described above as a skilled person will understand. In addition, it is also envisaged that a free standing frame structure, for example scaffolding, may be used instead, thus obviating the need for the support structure to be attached to wall ends 2.

The support structure described above is secured to side surfaces 4 of wall ends 2. It is, however, envisaged that the support structure may be secured to the end surfaces 3 of the wall ends 2.

It is envisaged that the cross-sectional shape of the vertical member 31 of the upper support element 18, and the corresponding attachment hole 28, may be such that the upper support element 18 may only be attached in one or more limited orientational positions with respect to the lower support element 19. For instance, the attachment hole 28 may be substantially round in shape, with one or more keyways (not shown) being provided on the vertical member 31, and with a corresponding key being provided within the attachment hole 28. Thus, the horizontal member 32 of the upper support element 18 may be fixed at any one of several orientational positions with respect to the lower support element 19, of which parallel with one another is just one example. Alternatively, both the attachment hole 28 and the vertical member 31 may have a cross- sectional shape which prevents rotation of the vertical member 31 within the attachment hole 28, for instance square or hexagonal.

A support surface, not shown, may be placed over the horizontal members of the one more upper support elements 18. The support surface will typically need to be flexible, to bend over the horizontal members 32 of the upper support elements 18 and may comprise a sheet of plywood or a flexible plastic material. The support surface would, therefore, be able to provide support, at least partially, to an arch during the formation thereof.

An arrangement may be provided on a horizontal member 32 of an upper support element 18 to mark the support surface in order to aid its positioning, and enable an operator of the device to cut on appropriately sized support surface for the length of arch required. Preferably, the marking arrangement comprises one or more vertical pins or spikes extending from an upper surface of the horizontal member 32 of one of the upper support elements 18. The support member 17, of which the upper support element 18 is a part, is placed in a centrally located position with respect to the distance between the two wall ends 2.

In operation, a user may place one end of a flexible, planar support surface at a position where the support structure meets a wall end 2.

The user may then flex the support surface over the horizontal members 32 of the one or more upper support elements 18. The pins located on the support member 17 mark the support surface and thus aid in making any refinements to the of size of said support surface. In particular, the pins or spikes provided on the support member 17 which is centrally located between the wall ends 2 will make indentations in the underside of the support surface, and these will mark the centre of the required length of the support surface.

In the above-described example, the support members 17 may be slid along the rails 5, 6 and secured thereto at any locations along the lengths of the rails 5, 6. However, it is also envisaged that the support members 17 may be placed at variable locations along the length of the support structure by use of any of spaced apart attachment means provided along the length of the support structure, operable to attach the support member 17 to the support structure. For example, a series of holes may be provided in the support structure along the length thereof, through which bolts may be passed. The bolts may, in turn, pass into correspondingly threaded holes in a support member 17. Thus, the support members 17 may be fixed to the support structure only at predetermined locations along the length thereof.

In addition to the arrangements described above, it is also envisaged that a lower support element 19 may further comprise attachment means for the connection of two or more upper support elements 18.

The present invention may be used with wall ends of different widths.

The device of the invention may, therefore, be adjustable to accommodate different widths of wall end, and in advantageous embodiments may be adjustable to vary the distance between the rails 5, 6. In one such embodiment, the arrangement described above may be used in relation to one or more different widths of wall end by the use of one or more spacing blocks 40. Each spacing block has a height which is substantially equal to the distance between the inner surface of a lower support element upper end member 21 and its opposing lower end member 22. Each spacing block 40 is generally in the form of a right-angled cuboid, but with one end face 38 inclined at an angle to its opposing end face 37, so that two side surfaces 34, 36 of the block 40 are trapezium-shaped. It will be understood that a top surface 33 of the spacing block 40 will have a greater length than a bottom surface 35 thereof. The width of the main body of each spacing block 40 may be substantially equal to the cross-sectional width of the lower support element 19. The angle of the inclined end face 38, relative to the opposing end face 37, is substantially equal to the angle of each rail 5, 6 relative to the appropriate side surface (in the above example, 15 ).

Each spacing block 40 is operable to be placed between two opposing upper 21 and lower 22 end members of a lower support element 19, so that the top 33 and bottom 35 faces respectively contact the upper 21 and lower 22 end members. The end face 37 of each spacing block 40 is of a shape and angle corresponding to the end surface 39 of the lower support element 19, and the end face 37 and end surface 39 are operable to contact each other. The inclined end face 38, therefore, faces outwardly away from the end surface 39 of the lower support element 19, when the spacing block is in this position.

Spacing blocks 40 of equal or similar size can be placed between upper 21 and lower 22 end members of each lower support element 19 and rails 5, 6 can then be placed against the inclined end surfaces 38 of the spacing blocks 40. By using spacing blocks 40 of appropriate lengths, or combinations of spacing blocks 40 of appropriate lengths, it is therefore possible to position a lower support element 19 between two rails 5, 6, where the distance between the rails is greater than the distance between the two end surfaces 39 of the lower support element 19.

The angle at which the inclined end face 38 is set should correspond with the angle of the rail 5, 6, with respect to side surfaces 4 of a wall end, as described above, in order to aid in the positioning thereof. The angle of the inclined end face 38 relative to the opposing end face 37, may not be such that the angle is substantially equal to that of the rail 5, 6 relative to the appropriate side surface. Indeed, the spacing block 40 may take any shape, as long as it may be positioned against an end surface 39 of a lower support element 19 and present an outward-facing surface which is inclined at an appropriate angle for a rail 5, 6 to be abutted thereagainst.

It will be understood that the present invention may be used to form arches of various sizes and dimensions. The positioning of one or more support members 17 on the support structure and the relative positioning of the upper support member 18 of each support members 17, being used to determine the shape of the arch to be formed.

It would be understood that the present invention forms a modular,reusable, and simple to use device for forming arches, which does not suffer from the drawbacks associated with the conventional arch-forming techniques.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. An arch-forming device, comprising: a support structure; and one or more support members adapted to be attached to the support structure at any of multiple locations along a length thereof, wherein the support members are operable to support, at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

2. A device according to Claim 1, further comprising a securing arrangement to secure the support structure in a fixed position.

3. A device according to Claim 2, wherein the securing arrangement is operable to secure the support structure to free ends of two walls, the free ends defining a gap therebetween.

4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the height at which each support member is operable to support an arch may be varied.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each support members comprise an upper support element and a lower support element, the lower support element being adapted to be attached to the support structure at any of multiple locations along a length thereof, and the upper support element being operable to support, at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

6. A device according to Claim 5, wherein the height of the upper support element with respect to the lower support element may be varied.

7. A device according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the upper support member is generally in the form of a T-section.

8. A device according to any one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the upper support member is attachable to the lower support member in one or more fixed orientations.

9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the support structure comprises one or more rails.

10. A device according to Claim 9, wherein at least one of the rails comprises one or more rail sections attached together.

II. A device according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein a cross-section of each rail has a width and a depth, each rail being oriented in use such that the width thereof is at an angle to the horizontal.

12. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising a support surface which is operable to be supported by the one or more support members and in turn is operable to support, at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one support member further comprises a marking arrangement operable to mark a support surface placed over the support member.

14. A method of forming an arch, comprising the steps of: providing a support structure; attaching one or more support members to the support structure, the support members being adapted to be attached to the support structure at any of multiple locations along a length thereof; and forming an arch which is, during formation thereof, at least partially supported by the one or more supporting members.

15. A method according to Claim 14 further comprising the step of providing a securing arrangement to secure the support structure in a fixed position.

16. A method according to Claim 15, further comprising the step of securing the support structure to free ends of two walls, the free ends defining a gap therebetween.

17. A method according to any one of Claims 14 to 16, further comprising the step of varying the height at which each support member is operable to support an arch.

18. A method according to any one of Claims 14 to 17, wherein the step of attaching the one or more support members to the support structure further comprises the step of providing a lower support element of each support member which is adapted to be attached to the support structure at multiple locations along a length thereof.

19. A method according to Claim 18, wherein the step of forming an arch comprises providing an upper support element at each support member which is operable to support, at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

20. A method according to Claim 19, further comprising the step of varying the height of the upper support element with respect to the lower support element.

21. A method according to Claim 19 or 20 further comprising the step of providing an upper support element which is generally in the form of a 1section.

22. A method according to any one of Claims 19 to 21 further comprising the step of attaching the upper support element to the lower support element in one or more fixed orientations.

23. A method according to any one of Claims 14 to 22, further comprising the step of providing a support structure comprising one or more rails.

24 A method according to Claim 23 further comprising the step of providing one or more rails which are attachable to each other to form a length greater than that of any of the individual rails.

25. A method of forming an arch as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

25. A method according to Claim 23 or 24, wherein a cross-section of each rail has a width and a depth, each rail being oriented in use such that the width thereof is at an angle to the horizontal.

26. A method according to any one of Claims 14 to 25 further comprising the step of providing a support surface which is operable to be supported by the one or more support members and in turn is operable to support at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

27. A method according to any one of Claims 14 to 26, further comprising the step of providing a marking arrangement on at least one of the support members operable to mark a supporting surface placed over the support member.

28. An arch-forming device as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

29. A method of forming an arch as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

30. Any novel feature or combination of features described herein.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS

CLAIMS: 1. An arch-forming device, comprising: a support structure; a securing arrangement to secure the support structure in a fixed position, the securing arrangement being operable to secure the support structure to free ends of two walls, the free ends defining a gap therebetween; and one or more support members adapted to be attached to the support structure at any of multiple locations along a length thereof, wherein the support members are operable to support, at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the height at which each support member is operable to support an arch may be varied.

3. A device according to Claim I or 2, wherein the or each support members comprise an upper support element and a lower support element, the lower support element being adapted to be attached to the support structure at any of multiple locations along a length thereof, and the upper support element being operable to support, at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

4. A device according to Claim 3, wherein the height of the upper support element with respect to the lower support element may be varied.

5. A device according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the upper support member is generally in the form of a T-section.

6. A device according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the upper support member is attachable to the lower support member in one or more fixed orientations.

7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the support structure comprises one or more rails.

8. A device according to Claim 7, wherein at least one of the rails comprises one or more rail sections attached together.

9. A device according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein a cross-section of each rail has a width and a depth, each rail being oriented in use such that the width thereof is at an angle to the horizontal.

10. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising a support surface which is operable to be supported by the one or more support members and in turn is operable to support, at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

II. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one support member further comprises a marking arrangement operable to mark a support surface placed over the support member.

12. A method of forming an arch, comprising the steps of: providing a support structure; providing a securing arrangement to secure the support structure in a fixed position to free ends of two walls, the free ends defining a gap therebetween; attaching one or more support members to the support structure, the support members being adapted to be attached to the support structure at any of multiple locations along a length thereof; and forming an arch which is, during formation thereof, at least partially supported by the one or more supporting members.

13. A method according to Claim 12, further comprising the step of varying the height at which each support member is operable to support an arch.

14. A method according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein the step of attaching the one or more support members to the support structure further comprises the step of providing a lower support element of each support member which is adapted to be attached to the support structure at multiple locations along a length thereof.

15. A method according to Claim 14, wherein the step of forming an arch comprises providing an upper support element at each support member which is operable to support, at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

16. A method according to Claim 15, further comprising the step of varying the height of the upper support element with respect to the lower support element.

17. A method according to Claim 15 or 16 further comprising the step of providing an upper support element which is generally in the form of a Tsection.

18. A method according to any one of Claims 15 to 17 further comprising the step of attaching the upper support element to the lower support element in one or more fixed orientations.

19. A method according to any one of Claims 12 to 18, further comprising the step of providing a support structure comprising one or more rails.

20. A method according to Claim 19 further comprising the step of providing one or more rails which are attachable to each other to form a length greater than that of any of the individual rails.

21. A method according to Claim 19 or 20, wherein a cross-section of each rail has a width and a depth, each rail being oriented in use such that the width thereof is at an angle to the horizontal.

22. A method according to any one of Claims 12 to 21 further comprising the step of providing a support surface which is operable to be supported by the one or more support members and in turn is operable to support at least partially, an arch during the formation thereof.

23. A method according to any one of Claims 12 to 22, further comprising the step of providing a marking arrangement on at least one of the support members operable to mark a supporting surface placed over the support member.

24. An arch-forming device as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.