Bricklaying

Abstract

There is provided a portable apparatus (10) for supporting and carrying a brick structure (22). The portable apparatus (10) includes a base (12) that is configured to carry, in use, the brick structure (22). The portable apparatus (10) also includes a position assembly (14) that has one or more position members (16). The or each position member (16) is configured to define, in use, a first layout for a plurality of bricks of the brick structure (22).

Claims

1. A portable apparatus for supporting and carrying a brick structure, the portable apparatus comprising: a base configured to carry, in use, the brick structure; and a position assembly including one or more position members, the or each position member being configured to define, in use, a first layout for a plurality of bricks of the brick structure, wherein the position assembly includes a first brick position member, the first brick position member including a first overhang arranged to abut, in use, at least a portion of the brick structure, the first overhang extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the first brick position member so as to define at least a part of a perimeter of the first layout of the brick structure; and a mortar guide member, the mortar guide member having a mortar guide portion arranged to guide, in use, a position and/or define, in use, a thickness of mortar being applied to the brick structure; wherein the first brick position member includes a mortar guide portion arranged to guide, in use, a position and/or define, in use, a thickness of mortar being applied to the brick structure, and wherein the mortar guide portion of the first brick position member is cooperable with the mortar guide portion of the mortar guide member so as to guide, in use, a position and/or define, in use, a thickness of mortar being applied to the brick structure.

2. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the position assembly is moveable towards and away from the base to vary the space between the base and the position assembly.

3. A portable apparatus according to claim 2 further including a first elongate support member secured to the base, wherein the base includes a carrier surface that surrounds the first elongate support member, the carrier surface being configured to carry, in use, the brick structure, and wherein the position assembly is moveable along the first elongate support member.

4. A portable apparatus according to claim 3 further including a second elongate support member, the second elongate support member being removably secured to the first elongate support member.

5. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the position assembly includes a second brick position member, the second brick position member including a second overhang arranged to abut, in use, at least a portion of the brick structure, an overhang length of the second overhang being longer than an overhang length of the first overhang.

6. A portable apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the second brick position member is removeably secured to the first brick position member.

7. A portable apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the second brick position member includes four corner overhang portions, each of the corner overhang portions forming the second overhang.

8. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the position assembly includes an angular position member, the angular position member being arranged to define, in use, a second layout for a plurality of bricks of the brick structure, wherein the second layout is rotationally offset from the first layout.

9. A method of laying a brick structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a base at a first location; providing a position assembly including one or more position members, the or each position member being configured to define, in use, a first layout for a plurality of bricks of the brick structure, wherein the position assembly includes a first brick position member, the first brick position member including a first overhang arranged to abut, in use, at least a portion of the brick structure, the first overhang extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the first brick position member so as to define at least a part of a perimeter of the first layout of the brick structure; providing a mortar guide member, the mortar guide member having a mortar guide portion arranged to guide, in use, a position and/or define, in use, a thickness of mortar being applied to the brick structure, wherein the first brick position member includes a mortar guide portion arranged to guide, in use, a position and/or define, in use, a thickness of mortar being applied to the brick structure, wherein the mortar guide portion of the first brick position member is cooperable with the mortar guide portion of the mortar guide member so as to guide, in use, a position and/or define, in use, a thickness of mortar being applied to the brick structure; placing a plurality of bricks on the base and defining the first layout using the or each position member; positioning the plurality of bricks in accordance with the first layout to form the brick structure; applying mortar to the brick structure by arranging the mortar guide portion of the first brick position member to cooperate with the mortar guide portion of the mortar guide member so as to guide, in use, a position and/or define, in use, a thickness of the mortar being applied to the brick structure; transporting the brick structure to a second location by carrying the brick structure on the base.

10. A method according to claim 9 including the step of moving the or each position member towards and away from the base to vary the space between the base and the position assembly.

11. A combination of a mortar application device for applying mortar between adjacent bricks and a portable apparatus for supporting and carrying a brick structure; wherein the mortar application device includes a mortar carrier having a receptacle, the receptacle including an opening at one end thereof, the opening being arranged in the receptacle so as to permit mortar being held, in use, in the receptacle to be pushed through the opening to vacate the receptacle, wherein the portable apparatus includes a base configured to carry, in use, the brick structure; and a position assembly including one or more position members, the or each position member being configured to define, in use, a first layout for a plurality of bricks of the brick structure, wherein the position assembly includes a first brick position member, the first brick position member including a first overhang arranged to abut, in use, at least a portion of the brick structure, the first overhang extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the first brick position member so as to define at least a part of a perimeter of the first layout of the brick structure, wherein the position assembly is shaped to cooperate with the mortar carrier so as to support, in use, the mortar carrier such that the opening faces towards the base.

12. A combination of a mortar application device for applying mortar between adjacent bricks and a portable apparatus for supporting and carrying a brick structures; wherein the mortar application device includes a mortar carrier having a receptacle, the receptacle including an opening at one end thereof, the opening being arranged in the receptacle so as to permit mortar being held, in use, in the receptacle to be pushed through the opening to vacate the receptacle, wherein the portable apparatus includes a base configured to carry, in use, the brick structure; and a position assembly including one or more position members, the or each position member being configured to define, in use, a first layout for a plurality of bricks of the brick structure, wherein the position assembly includes a first brick position member, the first brick position member including a first overhang arranged to abut, in use, at least a portion of the brick structure, the first overhang extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the first brick position member so as to define at least a part of a perimeter of the first layout of the brick structure; and a mortar guide member, the mortar guide member having a mortar guide portion arranged to guide, in use, a position and/or define, in use, a thickness of mortar being applied to the brick structure, wherein the mortar guide member is shaped to cooperate with the mortar carrier so as to support, in use, the mortar carrier such that the opening faces towards the base.

13. A combination of a mortar application device and a portable apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the receptacle includes an applicator guide portion adjacent to the opening.

14. A combination of a mortar application device and a portable apparatus according to claim 13 further including a mortar applicator, the mortar applicator having a receptacle guide portion, wherein the mortar applicator is configured to be operable to push the mortar being held, in use, in the receptacle through the opening to vacate the receptacle, the receptacle guide portion being cooperable with the applicator guide portion to guide the movement of the mortar applicator during its operation to push the mortar being held, in use, in the receptacle through the opening to vacate the receptacle.

15. A combination of a mortar application device and a portable apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the receptacle guide portion is a slot.

16. A combination of a mortar application device and a portable apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the receptacle includes an applicator guide portion adjacent to the opening.

17. A combination of a mortar application device and a portable apparatus according to claim 16 further including a mortar applicator, the mortar applicator having a receptacle guide portion, wherein the mortar applicator is configured to be operable to push the mortar being held, in use, in the receptacle through the opening to vacate the receptacle, the receptacle guide portion being cooperable with the applicator guide portion to guide the movement of the mortar applicator during its operation to push the mortar being held, in use, in the receptacle through the opening to vacate the receptacle.

18. A combination of a mortar application device and a portable apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the receptacle guide portion is a slot.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) There now follows a brief description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference being made to the following figures in which:

(2) FIGS. 1 to 4 show schematically a portable apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention;

(3) FIG. 5 shows a portion of the position member shown in FIG. 2;

(4) FIG. 6a shows schematic of the portable apparatus shown in FIG. 1 including a second elongate support member;

(5) FIG. 6b shows an alternative arrangement of the second elongate support member shown in FIG. 6a;

(6) FIG. 7a shows steps associated with using the portable apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

(7) FIG. 7b shows steps associated with using the portable apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3;

(8) FIG. 7c shows steps associated with using the portable apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 4;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a schematic of a mortar application device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

(10) FIG. 9 shows a schematic of a mortar application device cooperating with the portable apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention; and

(11) FIG. 10 shows steps associated with the method of modifying an existing brick structure according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) A portable apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 6b and is designated generally by reference numeral 10.

(13) As shown in FIG. 1, the portable apparatus 10 has a base 12 that is configured to carry, in use, a brick structure.

(14) It will be appreciated that there are standard dimensions of bricks, and these standard dimensions may vary from country to country. As such it will be understood that the portable apparatus 10, and parts thereof, can be made so as to match the standard dimensions of bricks in a particular country.

(15) The portable apparatus 10 also includes a position assembly 14. The position assembly 14 includes a plurality of position members 16 (as shown in FIG. 3), wherein each position member 16 is configured to define, in use, a first layout for a plurality of bricks of the brick structure.

(16) The portable apparatus 10 further includes a first elongate support member 18 that is removeably secured to the base 12. The base 12 has a carrier surface 20 that is configured to carry, in use, the brick structure. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, a brick structure 22 is built on top of the carrier surface 20. The carrier surface 20 surrounds the first elongate support member 18.

(17) Returning to FIG. 1, the base 12 is in the form of a grid 23. The grid 23 is secured at a central portion 24 thereof to a bottom end of the first elongate support member 18 by a collar 26.

(18) In this embodiment, the base 12 is a square shape and includes a number of support portions 28 (in this example there are four support portions 28) that each extend from the central portion 24 of the grid 23 to a perimeter 30 of the grid 23. In this way, the brick structure 22 built on top of the base 12 will be in the form of a column that surrounds the support member 18.

(19) Moreover, the support portions 28 and perimeter 30 define the carrier surface 20, and as such they support the bricks laid thereupon to permit the carrying of the brick structure 22. In other embodiments, the base 12 may take a different form, such as rectangular, so as to permit different types of brick structures to be built.

(20) Moreover, the perimeter 30 of the grid 23 defines the first layout for a plurality of bricks (more specifically a first layer of bricks 32a) of the brick structure 22. In this way, the base 12 also acts as a position member 16.

(21) In this embodiment, the first elongate support member 18 is in the form of a hollow, circular pipe. In other embodiments, the first elongate support member may take a different form, such as a square pipe or a solid member. The first elongate support member 18 may typically have a height of 1.5 m and a diameter of 100 mm.

(22) The position assembly 14 also includes a first brick position member 34 which is shown in FIG. 2. The first brick position member 34 has a first overhang 36 that is arranged to abut, in use, at least a portion of the brick structure 22.

(23) In this embodiment, the first brick position member 34 is in the form of a square (which matches the shape of the base 12). More specifically, the first brick position member 34 includes a number of structural portions 38 (in this example there are four structural portions 38) that extend from a central portion 40 to a perimeter 42 of the first brick position member 34. The structural portions 38 give the first brick position member 34 structural rigidity while allowing sufficient gaps 44 for mortar to be applied in between the structural portions 38.

(24) The first overhang 36 extends around the perimeter 42 of the first brick position member 34, thus defining all of a perimeter of the first layout.

(25) In other embodiments, the first overhang 36 may only extend around portions of the first brick position member 34, such as the corners, so as to define part of a perimeter of the first layout.

(26) The first brick position member 34 is slidably coupled to the first elongate support member 18 via an aperture 46 at the central portion 40 of the first brick position member 34. The first brick position member 34 can move along the first elongate support member 18. More specifically, the first brick position member 34 is moveable towards and away from the base 12 so as to vary a space between the base 12 and the first brick position member 34.

(27) The first brick position member 34 also has a mortar guide portion 48 which is arranged to guide, in use, a position and define, in use, a thickness of mortar being applied to the brick structure 22.

(28) As shown more clearly in FIG. 5, the mortar guide portion 48 includes a mortar thickness guide 50 which is defined by a portion of a wall extending around the perimeter 42 of the first brick position member 34 that extends beyond a top surface of a layer of bricks 32a laid underneath. The portion of wall extending beyond the top surface of the layer of bricks 32a may typically be 6 mm, thus resulting in a mortar thickness of 6 mm.

(29) Moreover, the mortar guide portion 48 includes a mortar position guide 52 which is defined by the gaps 44 that are formed between the structural portions 38 and the perimeter 42 of the first brick position member 34.

(30) Moving onto FIG. 3, the position assembly 14 further includes a second brick position member 54. The second brick position member 54 has a second overhang 56 that is arranged to abut, in use, a plurality of bricks of the brick structure 22. The overhang length of the second overhang 56 is longer than an overhang length of the first overhang 36.

(31) In this embodiment, the second brick position member 54 includes four corner overhang portions 58 which form the second overhang 56. Each of the corner overhang portions 58 are removeably secured to the first brick position member 34 by, for example, a securing member such as a bolt. The securing member may instead be a screw. Alternatively, each corner overhang portion 58 may be removeably secured to the first brick position member 34 by a snap fit connection or a clasp.

(32) Each of the corner overhang portions 58 has an attachment portion 60a and an abutment portion 60b. Each attachment portion 60a cooperates with a respective corner of the first brick position member 34 for securing purposes, while each abutment portion 60b abuts an outward face of more than one layer of bricks (i.e. a first layer 32a and a second layer 32b of bricks) of the brick structure 22.

(33) The abutment portion 60b of each corner overhang portion 58 is in line, i.e. directly underneath when assembled, with the first overhang 36 of the first brick position member 34. In this way, the alignment of each layer of bricks is consistent.

(34) The second brick position member 54 may instead have a continuous overhang portion (not shown) which extends around the perimeter 42 of the first brick position member 34.

(35) Alternatively, the second brick position member 54 may be a separate component that is itself slidably secured to the first elongate support member 18 (therefore allowing movement towards and away from the base 12 so as to vary the space between the base 12 and the second brick position member 54). In this way, the second brick position member 54 is not secured to the first brick position member 34 and can be used independently.

(36) In addition to the foregoing, the position assembly 14 includes an angular position member 62 that is rotatably coupled to the first elongate support member 18. The angular position member 62 is shown in FIG. 4. The angular position member 62 is arranged to define, in use, a second layout for a plurality of bricks forming the brick structure 22, wherein the second layout is rotationally offset from the first layout.

(37) In this embodiment, the angular position member 62 is in the form of a grid 64 which has a square perimeter 66. The perimeter 66 of the angular position grid 64 provides a full perimeter of the second layout for a plurality of bricks to be laid thereupon. The perimeter 66 also defines a gap 68 that permits the passing of bricks therethrough.

(38) The angular position member 62 is rotatably coupled to the first elongate support member 18 via an aperture 70 at a central portion 72 of the angular position member 62.

(39) The angular position member 62 also has an angular indicator portion 74 which extends from the central portion 72 to the perimeter 66. The angular indicator portion 74 can be used to measure an angle relative to the first elongate support member 18 so that the position of the angular position member 62 can be rotationally offset from the layer of bricks laid 32a, 32b underneath by a predetermined angle.

(40) In this way, each layer of bricks 32b laid upon the angle position member 62 can be rotationally offset from the previous layer of bricks 32a by an angle so that the resulting brick structure 22 is a spiral column.

(41) The angular position member 62 is also slidably coupled to the first elongate support member 18 such that is can move along the first elongate support member 18. More specifically, the angular position member 62 is moveable towards and away from the base 12 so as to vary the space between the base 12 and the angular position member 62.

(42) Returning to FIG. 2, the portable apparatus 10 also includes a mortar guide member 76. The mortar guide member 76 has a mortar guide portion 78 arranged to guide, in use, a position and define, in use, a thickness of mortar being applied to the brick structure 22.

(43) The mortar guide portion 78 of this embodiment is shown in more detail in FIG. 5. The mortar guide portion 78 is similar to that of the first brick position member 34, and like features are indicated by identical reference numerals.

(44) However the mortar thickness guide 50 of the mortar guide member 76 is defined by a portion of a wall extending around a perimeter 79 of the mortar guide member 76 that extends beyond a top surface of the first brick position member 34.

(45) The portion of wall extending beyond the top surface of the first brick position member 34 may also typically be 6 mm, thus resulting in a mortar thickness of 12 mm when combined with the mortar guide portion 48 of the first brick position member 34. The mortar guide member 76 may instead be used on its own to define a mortar thickness of 6 mm.

(46) Alternatively, the mortar guide member 76 may not be cooperable with the mortar guide portion 48 of the first brick position member 34. In this embodiment, the mortar guide portion 78 of the mortar guide member 76 is instead defined by a portion of a wall extending around the perimeter 79 of the mortar guide member 76 that extends beyond a top surface of a layer of bricks 32a, 32b laid underneath.

(47) The mortar guide member 76 is slidably coupled to the first elongate support member 18 via an aperture 80 at a central portion 82 of the mortar guide member 76. The mortar guide member 76 can move along the first elongate support member 18. More specifically, the mortar guide member 76 is moveable towards and away from the base 12 so as to vary the space between the base 12 and the mortar guide member 76.

(48) The portable apparatus 10 further includes a second elongate support member 84. The second elongate support member 84 is selectively secured to a top end of the first elongate support member 18.

(49) In the embodiment shown at FIG. 6a, a collar 86 can be fitted to the top end of the first elongate support member 18 so that the collar 86 can receive the second elongate support member 84. Alternatively, the first elongate support member 18 can be replaced by a support member that includes a collar 86 at the top end.

(50) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6b, the first elongate support member 18 is removed and a shorter first elongate support member 88 that includes a collar 86 at the top end is inserted to a base 12. At least 3 layers of bricks are then build around the shorter first elongate support member 88 before securing the second elongate support member 84 to the shorter first elongate support member 88. In this embodiment, the second elongate support member 84 may in fact be the first elongate support member 18 that has been removed and replaced by the shorter first elongate support member 88. In this way, the collarless first elongate support member 18 can be re-used.

(51) A step-by-step illustration of the portable bricklaying apparatus 10 in use is shown in FIGS. 7a to 7c.

(52) Starting with FIG. 7a, in use, the base 12 is placed on a surface (e.g. the ground) and the first elongate support member 18 is secured at its bottom end to the central portion 24 of the base 12 via the collar 26.

(53) A plurality of bricks are placed on the carrier surface 20 of the base 12 to form the first layer of bricks 32a. The perimeter 30 of the base 12 provides the first layout for the positioning of the first layer of bricks 32a.

(54) Next, the first brick position member 34 is slid, via its central aperture 46, down the first elongate support member 18 to meet the top surface of the first layer of bricks 32a. Each brick can then be moved so that an outer face abuts the first overhang 36.

(55) The mortar guide member 76 is also slid, via its central aperture 80, down the first elongate support member 18 to meet the first brick position member 34. The mortar guide portions 48, 78 of both the mortar guide member 76 and the first brick position member 34 cooperate with one another.

(56) Mortar 90 can now be laid in the gaps 44 (i.e. the position guides 52) formed in the mortar guide member 76 and the first brick position member 34. The mortar 90 is laid to the level defined by the thickness guide 50 defined by the mortar guide member 76 and the first brick position member 34.

(57) Once the mortar 90 is laid, the mortar guide member 76 and the first brick position member 34 can then be slid up the first elongate support member 18 and removed therefrom.

(58) Next, as shown at FIG. 7b, a second layer of bricks 32b are placed on top of the first layer of mortar 90. The first brick position member 34 is again slid down the first elongate support member 18 to meet the top surface of the second layer of bricks 32b.

(59) Each of the corner overhang portions 58 are secured to a respective corner of the first brick position member 34, and each brick in the second layer of bricks 32b can be moved so that an outer face abuts a respective corner overhang portion 58. Each corner overhang portion 58 has a length that allows it to also abut a portion of the first layer of bricks 32a.

(60) The mortar guide member 76 is slid down the first elongate support member 18 to meet the first brick position member 34, and the same steps as outlined above are carried out so as to form a second layer of mortar 90 on the second layer of bricks 32b.

(61) These steps are repeated so as to build a column brick structure 22 to a desired height. The brick structure 22 can then be carried via the base 12 to a desired location on its own or onto an existing brick structure so as to modify the existing brick structure.

(62) Turning to FIG. 7c, alternatively, after laying the first layer of bricks 32a and mortar 90, the angular position member 62 can be slid, via its central aperture 70, down the first elongate support member 18 to meet the first layer of mortar 90. The angular indicator portion 74 can then be used to define the second layout which lies at a desired angle relative to the first layout (i.e. relative to the first layer of bricks 32a).

(63) Subsequently, a second layer of bricks 32b can be placed on the angular position member 62 and positioned in accordance with the second layout defined by the perimeter 66 of the angular position member 62.

(64) A brick that is obstructing the angular indicator portion 74 is then removed so as to allow the angular position member 62 to be slid up the first elongate support member 18 (passing the remaining bricks via its gap 68) and removed therefrom. The removed brick is replaced, and then the first brick position member 34 and the mortar guide member 76 is used to position the second layer of bricks 32b as outlined above in relation to the first layer of bricks 32a. In this instance, the second layer of bricks 32b will be rotationally offset from the first layer of bricks 32a.

(65) The angular position member 62 is again slid down the first elongate support member 18 to meet the second layer of mortar 90 and the steps above are repeated so as to form a spiral brick column 22.

(66) It may be desirable, particularly when building spiral brick column 22, to introduce another base 12 every 3 to 5 layers of bricks so as to provide structural rigidity.

(67) In the event that the height of the brick structure 22 exceeds that of the first elongate support member 18, the second elongate support member 84 can be attached to the top end of the first elongate support member 18 (as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b).

(68) A mortar application device according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 8 and is designated generally by reference numeral 100.

(69) The mortar application device 100 includes a mortar carrier 102 that has a receptacle 104. The receptacle 104 has an opening 106 at one end thereof, and the opening 106 is arranged in the receptacle 104 so as to permit mortar 90 being held in the receptacle 104 to be pushed through the opening 106 to vacate the receptacle 104.

(70) In this embodiment, the receptacle 104 includes two walls 108 that lie opposite one another. Each wall 108 lies adjacent to the opening 106 and each wall 108 includes an applicator guide portion 110. The receptacle 104 also includes a connecting wall 112 that connects the two walls 108 at an end of the receptacle 104 that lies opposite the opening 106.

(71) The mortar application device 100 further includes a mortar applicator 114 which has two receptacle guide portions 116. Each receptacle guide portion 116 is cooperable with a respective applicator guide portion 110. The mortar applicator 114 is configured to push the mortar 90 being held in the receptacle 104 through the opening 106 to vacate the receptacle 104.

(72) In this embodiment, the mortar applicator 114 is a trowel 118 which has two receptacle guide portions 116 in the form of slots 120.

(73) The mortar application device 100 further includes a handle portion 122 that extends from the receptacle 104 at an opposite end to the opening 106.

(74) FIG. 9 shows a mortar application device according to a third embodiment of the invention, which is designated generally by the reference numeral 200.

(75) The mortar application device 200 of the third embodiment is similar to the mortar application device 100 of the second embodiment and identical features share the same reference numerals.

(76) The mortar application device 200 is cooperable with the portable apparatus 10 of the first embodiment of the invention. More specifically, one of the two walls 108 of the receptacle 104 abuts the central portion 40, 82 of both the first brick position member 34 and the mortar guide member 76, while the other wall 108 of the receptacle 104 abuts the perimeter 42, 79 of the both the first brick position member 34 and the mortar guide member 76.

(77) A back face of the mortar carrier 102 abuts a structural portion 38 of both the first brick position member 34 and the mortar guide member 76 so that the opening 106 of the receptacle 104 faces towards the base 12 and is in line with a gap between the bricks.

(78) The receptacle guide portions 116 engage with respective applicator guide portions 110 such that, in use, the mortar applicator 114 pushes mortar 90 being held in the receptacle 104 down towards the opening 106 and into the gap formed by adjacent bricks.

(79) FIG. 10 shows the steps of a method of modifying an existing brick structure 222 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The steps include positioning a first guide member, i.e. a base 212, of a guide assembly 236 onto an existing brick structure 222. The existing brick structure 222 in this embodiment is a chimney. The existing brick structure 222 may take another form. The base 212 is similar to the base 12 as described hereinabove in relation to the first embodiment of the invention and identical features share the same reference numerals.

(80) A first layer of bricks 232a is laid on top of the base 212 and a second guide member 234 is placed over the first layer of bricks 232. The second guide member 234 is similar to the first brick position member 34 as herein described above in relation to the first embodiment of the invention, and identical features share the same reference numerals.

(81) Each brick of the first layer of bricks 232a is positioned so that an outer surface abuts the first overhang 36 of the second guide member 234. Mortar 90 is then laid in the gaps 44 formed in the second guide member 234. A mortar guide member 76 as described above in relation to the first embodiment of the invention may also be placed on top of the brick position member 234 before the mortar 90 is applied.

(82) The second guide member 234 (and the mortar guide member 76, if used) is then removed and the mortar 90 is left to set.

(83) A second layer of bricks 232b is then placed on top of the set mortar 90. An elongate support member 218 is then attached to the base 212. The elongate support member 218 is secured to the base 212 via a collar 226.

(84) The second guide member 234, as described hereinabove, is then slid down the elongate support member 218 so as to vary the space between the second guide member 234 and the base 212. An extension is then built in accordance with the step-by-step illustration as shown in FIGS. 7a to 7c and described above so as to form a modified brick structure, for example a column modified brick structure.

(85) Once the modified brick structure is built, the elongate support member 218 and the second guide member 234 are then removed from the base 212.