GB2625755A

GB2625755A - Jig for cutting building material

Info

Publication number: GB2625755A
Application number: GB2219566.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Taylor Nathan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-12-22
Filing date: 2022-12-22
Publication date: 2024-07-03
Also published as: GB202219566D0; WO2024134204A1

Abstract

A jig 100 comprising a base110 , the base includes an opening for evacuation of debris resulting from cutting of the building material in the jig, the jig also comprises a pair of sidewalls 120, 125 attached to the base and configured to accommodate the building material in the jig, each of the sidewalls includes an aperture 121, the apertures configured to receive a blade for cutting the building material in a plane, the jig also comprises a projection upstanding from the base, the projection located between the apertures, an edge of the projection aligned with the plane. Also, a tool (figure 4, 200) for use with the jig, comprising a handle (figure 4, 210), a blade (figure 4, 220) extending from the handle, and a striking pad (figure 4, 230) configured to be struck by a user to impart a force for cutting a building material.

Description

JIG FOR CUTTING BUILDING MATERIAL

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a jig for cutting building material, a tool for use with the jig and a kit comprising the jig and the tool.

BACKGROUND

Cutting brittle building material, such as bricks, blocks (e.g., concrete masonry units), flagstones, pavers or tiles, is typically time consuming due to the requirement that building material is cut cleanly and reliably. That is, it is important that building materials are consistently cut to meet expected dimensions. Further, it is important the cutting of building materials can be undertaken safely.

Traditionally, brittle building material is cut using bolster and hammer. However, methods of this nature are not conducive to consistently precise cutting. Further, the edges of the cut building material are susceptible to damage by such methods. Methods such as sawing building material, in addition to being time consuming, produce copious amounts of dust, which can be harmful to health.

Hence, there is a desire to provide a device for cutting building material that enables building material to be consistently cut precisely, efficiently and safely.

SUM MARY

It is one aim of the present disclosure, amongst others, to provide a device for cutting building material which at least partially obviates or mitigates at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere, or to provide an alternative approach. For instance, it is an aim of embodiments of the invention to provide a device for cutting building material that that enables building material to be consistently cut precisely, efficiently and safely.

According to the present invention there is provided a jig for cutting building material, a tool for use with the jig and a kit comprising the jig and the tool, as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims and the description that follows.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a jig for cutting building material. The jig comprises a base. The base includes an opening for evacuation of debris resulting from cutting of the building material in the jig. The jig also comprises a pair of sidewalls attached to the base and configured to accommodate the building material in the jig. Each of the sidewalls includes an aperture, the apertures configured to receive a blade for cutting the building material in a plane. The jig also comprises a projection upstanding from the base, the projection located between the apertures. An edge of the projection is aligned with the plane.

The base may include a frame supporting both a first plate and a second plate, the first plate and the second plate configured to hold the projection in place therebetween.

The projection and at least one of the first plate and the second plate may be removable from the jig.

The first plate may have a length of 220 mm, and the second plate may have a length of 330 mm.

The pair of sidewalls may be parallel to each other. At least one of the sidewalls may include a window.

Upper corners of the sidewalls may be rounded at an end of the jig.

The jig may further comprise a ledge projecting outwardly from one of the pair of sidewalls, the ledge including an interval scale.

The ledge may be angled with respect to the one sidewall. The base may include a damping layer.

The jig may further comprise a protrusion at each end of the base, the height of each protrusion being the same as the height of the projection relative to the base.

The edge of the projection may be sharpened.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a tool for use with the jig of the first aspect. The tool comprises a handle configured to be gripped by a user. The tool also comprises a blade configured to be guided in a plane by the apertures to cut building material accommodated in the jig. The tool also comprises a striking pad configured to be struck by the user to impart a force for cutting the building material.

The blade may have a convex shape.

The tool may comprise steel having a hardness of 500 HBW.

The striking pad may comprise at least one of ENS and EN19 steel.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a kit comprising the jig of the first aspect and the tool of any of the second aspect.

The kit or the jig may further comprise an adapter configured to change the space between the sidewalls for accommodating the building material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments of the same may be brought into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures, in which: Figure 1 schematically depicts a device for cutting building material according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 schematically depicts an exploded view of the device of Figure 1; Figures 3A and 3B schematically depict a perspective along the longitudinal axis of the device of Figure 1 in use according to an exemplary embodiment; and Figure 4 schematically depicts a tool for cutting building material using the device of Figure 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 schematically depicts a device 100 for cutting (i.e., cleaving) brittle building material such as bricks, blocks (e.g., concrete masonry units), flagstones, pavers or tiles, according to an exemplary embodiment. Such a device is typically termed a jig. The device 100 comprises a base 110, a pair of sidewalls 120 and a projection 130. Figure 2 schematically depicts an exploded view of the device 100.

The base 110 includes at least one opening 115 (see Figure 2) for evacuation of debris resulting from cutting of the building material in the device 100. In other words, debris produced by the cutting of the building material (e.g., fragments of the building material) does not remain in the device 100 but falls through the opening 115 to exit the device. To this end, the device 100 (e.g., the sidewalls 120) may include feet 140 to raise the base 110 from a surface on which the device 100 is resting during use. In this way, a user can use the device 100 for a prolonged period without having to take action to remove debris, which may hinder effective cutting of the building material, from the device 100.

The base 110 may include a frame 111 supporting both a first plate 112 and a second plate 113 (see Figure 2). The first plate 112 and the second plate 113 are configured to hold the projection 130 in place therebetween. In other words, each of the first plate 112 and the second plate 113 sandwich the projection 130 to maintain its position. The end of one or both plates 112, 113 may have a complementary form or shape with respect to the projection 130 to facilitate secure holding of the projection between the plates 112, 113. Additionally or alternatively to having a complementary form or shape, the base 110 may comprise one or more magnets to hold the projection 130 in place.

At least one of the first plate 112 and the second plate 113 may be removable from the device 100, engendering ease of maintenance, repair and transportation. Therefore, the sidewalls 120 may be configured to engage with the at least one the plates 112, 113 to hold the at least one plate 112, 113 in place. For example, the sidewalls 120 may have folded portions 124 to engage with one or both the plates 112, 113, thereby holding one or both the plates 112, 113 in place.

Preferably, the first plate 112 has a length of 220 mm and the second plate 113 has a length of 330 mm. Advantageously, plates 112, 113 of these lengths correspond to the typical lengths to which blocks (e.g., concrete masonry units) need to be cut.

The pair of sidewalls 120 are attached (e.g., welded) to the base 110, upstanding from the base 110, and are configured to accommodate the building material in the device 100. The sidewalls 120 may be adjustable or exchangeable for different sized sidewalls 120 to accommodate building material of various dimensions. Accommodating the building material may mean holding or containing the building material. In the case of the building material being a cuboidal brick or block, for instance, the sidewalls 120 hold the building material such that the sidewalls 120 are in contact with the building material.

Positioning the building material in this way advantageously enables a square cut of the building material to be made.

Each of the sidewalls 120 includes an aperture 121 and are typically parallel. The apertures 121 are configured to receive a blade (i.e., a cutting edge of a tool) for cutting the building material, thereby guiding the blade and hence, together with an edge of the projection, defining a plane in which cutting takes place. The apertures 121 typically take the form of slots. The blade and the edge of the projection 130 are described in detail below in relation to Figures 3A, 3B and 4.

At least one, typically both, of the sidewalls 120 preferably includes at least one window 122 (i.e., an opening). Advantageously, as with the opening 115 in the base 110, the windows 122 allow evacuation of debris resulting from the cutting of the building material. Also advantageously, the windows 122 function as handles, facilitating transportation of the device 100 between sites. Relatedly, both the opening 115 and the windows 112 facilitate transportation of the device 100 by reducing its weight. The shape of the opening 115 and the windows 122 is not restricted to a particular geometry.

Upper corners 123 of the sidewalls 120 may be rounded (e.g., radiused or chamfered) at an end of the device 100. For example, by the upper corners 123 of both sidewalls 120 being rounded at the same end of the device, a user can rock the device 100 back and forth about the rounded ends 123. In doing so, the user may grip the device 100 using the windows 122, which, as mentioned, function as handles. In this way, debris that collects in the device 100 can be removed without needing to, for example, tip the device 100 over or pick up the entire device 100.

The projection 130 is upstanding from the base. The projection 130 is located between the apertures 121, typically extending between the apertures 121 (i.e., across the width of the base 110 between the sidewalls 120). The projection 130 may be removable from the device 100, engendering ease of maintenance, repair and transportation.

Figures 3A and 3B schematically depict a perspective along the longitudinal axis of the device 100 of Figure 1 in use according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 3A and 3B show the building material BM to be cut. As mentioned, the projection 130 includes the edge 131. The edge 131 is configured to be aligned with (i.e., in the same vertical plane as) the blade 220 (i.e., cutting edge) of the tool received and guided by the apertures 121. The alignment of the edge 131 and the blade 220 is emphasised by the dashed line. Said differently, the contact point of the blade 220 as received by the apertures 121 with the building material is vertically aligned with the contact point of the edge 131 with the building material. This arrangement facilitates reliable and accurate cutting of the building material when the building material is struck by the blade 220 without producing copious amounts of dust.

As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, typically the edge 131 is be pointed and/or sharpened.

Being sharpened may mean that the projection has a V-edge 131 (Figure 3A) or a chisel edge 131 (Figure 3B). Similarly, the blade 220 may be a V-shaped blade 220 (Figure 3A) or a chisel edge blade 220 (Figure 3B). As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, typically the type of edge 131 and the type of blade 220 correspond. However, any type of edge 131 may be used in the device with any type of blade provided that in use in the device the edge 131 is in vertical alignment with the blade 220. Part of the projection 130 may be exchangeable such that different types of edge 131 can be used. Advantageously, a chisel edge is easier to maintain compared with a V-edge.

The top of the projection 130 is typically 1 mm to 6 mm above the base 110. The edge of the projection 130 may be toothed.

The device 100 may further comprise a ledge 125 (see Figures 1 and 2) projecting outwardly from one of the pair of sidewalls 120, the ledge 125 including an interval scale. The inclusion of an interval scale enables dimensions of building material to be cut to be measured in use. Preferably, the ledge 125 is angled with respect to the one sidewall 120. In other words, the angle between the ledge 125 and the sidewall 120 deviates from 90 degrees such that the ledge 125 slopes away from the sidewall 120. Having an angled ledge 125 means that wear of the interval scale is reduced, because debris does not accumulate on the ledge 125 but slides off.

The base 110 may include a damping layer (not shown). Preferably, the damping layer comprises a natural or a synthetic rubber material. A damping layer comprising natural or synthetic rubber is advantageously shock-absorbing without causing rebound. The damping layer may be on the top of the base 110 (i.e., in contact with the building material during use) or on the bottom of the base 110 (i.e., in contact with the surface on which the device 100 is resting). Preferably, the damping layer is on the bottom of the base 110, because the damping layer is more likely to suffer wear if in contact with the building material as it is being cut. In the case of the damping layer being on the bottom of the base 110, in order that the building material does not rock about the projection 130, the device 100 may further comprise a protrusion 150 (see Figures 3A and 3B) at or towards each end of the base 110, the height of each protrusion being the same as the height of the projection 130 relative to the base 110, whereby the building material BM is kept level during cutting.

Figure 4 schematically depicts a tool 200 for cutting building material using the device 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The tool 200 comprises a handle 210 configured to be gripped by a user. For example, the handle 210 may comprise a non-abrasive material such that the handle 210 can be held without damaging the user's skin. Relatedly, the handle 210 may have a form (e.g., size and shape) that conforms to a closed hand of the user so as to be easily held.

As mentioned, the tool 200 also comprises the blade 220 (i.e., a cutting edge) extending from the handle 210. The blade 220 is configured to be received and guided by the apertures 121 to cut building material accommodated in the device 100. The tool 200 also includes a striking pad 230 configured to be struck by the user (e.g., using a hammer or mallet) to impart a force for cutting the building material. To this end, the striking pad 230 is attached to an edge opposite to the blade 220.

The blade 220 may have a convex shape. In other words, the blade 220 with which the building material is struck may curve away from the building material. Advantageously, it has been found that a curved blade produces a cleaner cut than a straight one. The blade 220 may be toothed.

The blade 220 may have a hooked end or tip to engage with an underside of the building material, thereby increasing the stability of the tool 200 when it is struck by the user. Also to engender stability of the tool 200 during use, one of the apertures 121 may include a bridge structure at least partially spanning the width of the one of the apertures 121 towards the top of the one of the apertures 121. In this way, one end of the tool 200 (e.g., the hooked end or tip) may be positioned in the one of the apertures 121 beneath the bridge structure, thereby minimising vertical motion of the tool 200 during use.

The tool 200, in particular the blade 220, may comprise steel having a hardness of 500 HBW. For instance, the tool 200 may comprise Hardox® steel, which has suitable abrasion values and is not brittle. Brittle blades are more likely to crack. The projection 130 may comprise the same material as the tool 200.

The striking pad 230 may comprise at least one of EN8 and EN19 steel. Advantageously, ENS and EN19 steel weld more easily to the materials that the tool 200 (e.g., the blade 220) preferably comprises, meaning that the striking pad 230 is less likely to become detached from the tool 200 through repeated use.

Typically, the blade 220 and the grip 210 are in the same plane. Advantageously, this arrangement facilitates more accurate cutting compared with a tool 200 in which the sharpened edge is perpendicular to the grip, for example. Therefore, the tool 200 preferably comprises a protuberance 240, such as a knuckle, knob or square, which prevents the blade 220 from being received by the apertures 121 of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2 beyond the position of the protuberance 240 along the length of the sharpened edge 220. Advantageously, the protuberance 240 may also function as a guard such that it protects the hands of the user.

A kit comprising the device 100 of Figures 1 and 2 and the tool 200 of Figure 3, may further comprise an adapter. The adapter, placeable between the sidewalls 120, is configured to change the space between the sidewalls 120 for accommodating building material. Advantageously, this feature means that building material of different sizes can be accurately cut. The adapter may comprise attachment points, such as hooks, to

B

engage with the base 110 of the device 100. For instance, the adapter may comprise hooks to engage with the opening 115 in the base 110 of the device 100. The adapter may take any form but typically has a rectangular cross section. The adapter may comprise the same or different material as the device 100.

Each of the tool 200 and the adapter may comprise an interval scale In summary, the present disclosure has described a device 100, a tool 200 and a kit for cutting building material that enables building material to be consistently cut precisely, efficiently and safely.

Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" or "comprises" means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of other components.

The term "consisting essentially of" or "consists essentially of" means including the components specified but excluding other components except for materials present as impurities, unavoidable materials present as a result of processes used to provide the components, and components added for a purpose other than achieving the technical effect of the invention, such as colourants, and the like.

The term "consisting of or "consists of means including the components specified but excluding other components.

Whenever appropriate, depending upon the context, the use of the term "comprises" or "comprising" may also be taken to include the meaning "consists essentially of or "consisting essentially of', and also may also be taken to include the meaning "consists of" or "consisting of.

The optional features set out herein may be used either individually or in combination with each other where appropriate and particularly in the combinations as set out in the accompanying claims. The optional features for each aspect or exemplary embodiment of the invention, as set out herein are also applicable to all other aspects or exemplary embodiments of the invention, where appropriate. In other words, the skilled person reading this specification should consider the optional features for each aspect or exemplary embodiment of the invention as interchangeable and combinable between different aspects and exemplary embodiments.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings) may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at most some of such features steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A jig for cutting building material, the jig comprising: a base, the base including an opening for evacuation of debris resulting from cutting of the building material in the jig; a pair of sidewalls attached to the base and configured to accommodate the building material in the device, wherein each of the sidewalls includes an aperture, the apertures configured to guide a blade for cutting the building material in a plane; and a projection upstanding from the base, the projection located between the apertures, an edge of the projection aligned with the plane.
2. The jig of claim 1, wherein the base includes a frame supporting both a first plate and a second plate, the first plate and the second plate configured to hold the projection in place therebetween.
3. The jig of claim 2, wherein the projection and at least one of the first plate and the second plate are removable from the jig.
4. The jig of claim 2 or 3, wherein the first plate has a length of 220 mm, and the second plate has a length of 330 mm.
5. The jig of any preceding claim, wherein the pair of sidewalls are parallel to each other.
6. The jig of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the sidewalls includes a 25 window.
7. The jig of any preceding claim, wherein upper corners of the sidewalls are rounded at an end of the jig.
8. The jig of any preceding claim, further comprising: a ledge projecting outwardly from one of the pair of sidewalls, the ledge including an interval scale.
9. The jig of claim 8, wherein the ledge is angled with respect to the one sidewall. 5
10. The jig of any preceding claim, wherein the base includes a damping layer.
11. The jig of any preceding claim, further comprising: a protrusion at each end of the base, the height of each protrusion being the same as the height of the projection relative to the base.
12. The jig of any preceding claim, wherein the edge of the projection is sharpened.
13. A tool for use with the jig of any preceding claim, the tool comprising: a handle configured to be gripped by a user; a blade extending from the handle and configured to be guided in a plane by the apertures to cut building material accommodated in the jig; and a striking pad configured to be struck by the user to impart a force for cutting the building material.
14. The tool of claim 13, wherein the blade has a convex shape.
15. The tool of claim 13 or 14, wherein the tool comprises steel having a hardness of 500 HBW.
16. The tool of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the striking pad comprises at least one of ENS and EN19 steel.
17. A kit comprising the jig of any of claims 1 to 12 and the tool of any of claims 13 to 16.
18. The kit of claim 17 or the jig of any of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: an adapter configured to change the space between the sidewalls for accommodating the building material.