GB2641712A - Block splitting device and method of manufacturing thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A block splitting device 10 comprising a base portion 12 and a blade portion 14. Base portion 12 has an under surface 16, forming a base plane (P, Fig 1D) on which block splitting device 10 meets the surface on which it is disposed in use. Blade portion 14 terminates at a distal end 18 that comprises a block splitting blade 28 with splitting edge. Device 10 further comprises an impact resistive member 24 with respective blade and base ends 20A, 20B. Blade end 20A contacts block splitting blade 14 and base end 20B terminates at, or beyond, base plane (P) such that in use the base end is in contact with the surface on which the block splitting device is disposed. Also disclosed are splitting blade 28, blade mounting unit 27, fixing apertures 26A-C, splitting edge 30 and opposing base feet 23A-B. An associated method of use, kit and blade per se are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] BLOCK SPLITTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF

[0002] The present invention relates to block splitting devices and methods.

[0003] Block splitting devices are known. Such devices are used in the construction industry by construction workers on-site to spilt building blocks, bricks, paving stones, coping stones, pathway blocks or the like (hereinafter referred simply as "blocks") into two or more pieces.

[0004] Patent document GB2294425 describes a typical known block splitting device. It has a base marked with linear measurements and a blade disposed in the base and protruding from the surface of the base. The device also has guideways each side of the base for receiving and retaining a bladed member. A striking head is disposed immediately above the bladed member. In use, a block to be split is positioned on the base, relative to the linear measurement markings, to rest on the blade and such that the blasé is immediately below the intended fracture plane of the block. The bladed member is then located within the guideways to contact a face of the block immediately above the intended fracture plane of the block such that the blade and blade member are in vertical alignment and separated by the block. The striking head is struck to impact a force onto the bladed member and fracture the block between the bladed member and the blade.

[0005] In the construction industry, construction work must be carried out efficiently and cost-effectively to adhere to a construction schedule and budget, and to mitigate disruption around a site. Therefore, blocks must be laid accurately and quickly. Construction workers will often be paid by the number of blocks laid in each day. A good construction worker may aim to lay up to about 500 blocks in a day.

[0006] Known block splitting devices are either ineffective, overly complicated, unreliable, or prone to breaking in what is a relatively harsh environment. Furthermore, in use, known block splitting devices do not integrally lie within typical standard procedures and methods of block laying. That is to say, known devices often require, for example, additional steps to be included in a typical standard procedure or method, and often must be positioned on the ground or require a support stand. To use such devices, a construction worker must repeatedly turn away from the construction being built. This not only takes additional time, but also requires the construction worker to have to bend and/or twist their back to face the block splitting device and split a block. Lower Back Pain (LBP) is a well-researched and published occupational injury suffered by construction workers. The bending and/or twisting of the construction worker's back significantly increases the risk of LBP injury.

[0007] Known block splitting devices are also disadvantaged in that they function to split a block over a raised portion or edge. A surface of a block to be split is simply laid over the raised portion or edge and the opposite surface of the block is struck with a hammer and chisel.

[0008] Accordingly, the block is split over the raised portion or edge which acts passively. This can make it difficult to obtain a clean and accurate split and result in undesirable cracks and breaks in the block.

[0009] Accordingly, in practice, there is a need for a block splitting device which is simplistic in design and with few parts. There is also a need for a block splitting device which is robust and reliable, easy to handle and easy and quick to use, providing clean and accurate splitting of a block, and which integrally forms part of the construction workers' traditional method of block laying or typical standard operating procedure.

[0010] The present invention addresses the problems of known block splitting devices in that it improves robustness and reliability, integrates and functions within typical procedures and methods of block laying, and mitigates potential construction worker injuries. The present invention thereby improves the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of block construction.

[0011] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a block splitting device comprising a base portion and a blade portion, the base portion having an under surface forming a base plane on which the block splitting device meets the surface on which it is disposed in use, the blade portion terminating at a distal end, the distal end comprising a block splitting blade having a splitting edge wherein the block splitting device further comprises an impact resistive member having a blade end and a base end, the blade end contacting the block splitting blade and the base end terminating at, or beyond, the base plane, such that in use the base end is in contact with the surface on which the block splitting device is disposed.

[0013] The block splitting device advantageously comprises a pair of angled members arranged and fixed relative to each other to form a combined base and blade portion unit.

[0014] The impact resistive member is advantageously attached to the blade portion.

[0015] The impact resistive member is advantageously formed from a material having relatively high impact resistance.

[0016] The base portion is advantageously formed from a material having a lower impact resistance relative to the impact resistive member.

[0017] The blade portion advantageously comprises a blade spacer on which the block splitting blade is disposed, the blade spacer operable to dispose the splitting edge at an operable splitting edge height above the base plane.

[0018] The operable splitting blade edge height is advantageously greater than a predetermined dimension of a standard size block to be split.

[0019] The blade spacer is preferably the impact resistive member.

[0020] The block splitting device advantageously comprises holding means disposed on the blade portion and ergonomically arranged to correspond with the centre of gravity of the block splitting device lifted or carried at different orientations.

[0021] The holding means advantageously comprises at least one carrying aperture extending through the blade portion. The, or each, carrying aperture preferably having one or more holding portions arranged at an angle to correspond with the centre of gravity of the block splitting device when carried at a predetermined angle.

[0022] The external dimensions of the base portion and the blade portion is advantageously substantially that of a predetermined dimension of a standard size block to be split.

[0023] The block splitting device may further comprise a block base having a block support surface and an elongate slot within which the blade portion is disposed such that the splitting edge, of the block splitting blade, protrudes above the block support surface.

[0024] The block splitting blade may comprise a blade foot and the elongate slot may comprise a transverse slot for receiving the blade foot.

[0025] The elongate slot and transverse slot may be open ended such that a blade comprising a blade foot is removable from the base.

[0026] The block base may comprise a resilient material for facilitating insertion of the blade into the slot. The block base may comprise a polymeric material.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a block splitting device, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a hammer, and a chisel.

[0028] According to third aspect of the present invention there is provided a block splitting blade for use in a block splitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a block splitting device, the method comprising; forming a base portion and a blade portion, the base portion having an under surface forming a base plane on which the block splitting device meets the surface on which it is disposed in use, and the blade portion terminating at a distal end; providing a block splitting blade having a splitting edge, and fixing the block splitting blade relative to the blade portion at the distal end thereof; . providing an impact resistive member, having a blade end and a base end; disposing the impact resistive member such that the blade end contacts the block splitting blade, and the base end terminates at, or beyond the base plane.

[0030] The method advantageously comprises forming a pair of angled members and fixing the pair of angled members relative to each other to form a combined base and blade portion unit.

[0031] The impact resistive member is advantageously formed from a material having relatively high impact resistance.

[0032] The base portion is advantageously formed from a material having a lower impact resistance relative to the impact resistive member.

[0033] The blade portion advantageously comprises a blade spacer on which the block splitting blade is disposed, the blade spacer advantageously operable to dispose the splitting edge at an operable splitting edge height above the base plane.

[0034] The blade spacer is preferably the impact resistive member.

[0035] The method advantageously further comprises forming at least one carrying aperture extending through the blade portion; wherein the, or each, carrying aperture is formed comprising one or more holding portions arranged at an angle to correspond with the centre of gravity of the block splitting device when carried at a predetermined angle.

[0036] The block splitting device advantageously comprises external dimensions similar to or the same as those of a standard block to be split using the block splitting device, i.e., a standard breeze or aerated block.

[0037] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may', "and/or", "e.g.", "for example" and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present.

[0038] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

[0039] DESCRIPTION

[0040] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a block splitting device according to the present invention; Figure 1B is a schematic side view of the block splitting device of Figure 1A; Figure 1C is a schematic end view of the block splitting device of Figure 1A; Figure 1D is a schematic view from above of the block splitting device of Figure 1A; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a block splitting device according to the present invention.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D a block splitting device 10, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, comprises a base portion 12 and a blade portion 14. The base portion 12 has a under surface 16 for contacting an external surface on which the block splitting device 10 is disposed, in operation. The under surface 16 defines a base plane P on which the under surface 16, of the base portion 12, meets the surface on which the block splitting device is disposed in normal use. The base portion 12 is suitably shaped and dimensioned to provide sufficient operational stability.

[0042] The blade portion 14 extends in a direction away from the base portion 12, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base portion 12 and terminates at a distal end 18. Therefore, in use, the base portion 12 provides operational stability with the block splitting device 10 disposed on a substantially horizontal surface and, in normal use, the blade portion 14 extends from the base portion 12 in a substantially upright position relative to the base portion 12.

[0043] In the first embodiment, a pair of angled members, 20A and 20B, are fixed to each other to provide a combined base and blade unit 22. The pair of angled members, 20A and 20B, each have a region of curvature, 21A and 21B, of a radius to distribute the load of the block splitting device 10 from the blade portion 14 laterally into opposing base feet, 23A and 23B, extending in an opposing relationship to each other to form the base portion 12 and thereby improve stability of the block splitting device 10 in operation.

[0044] An impact resistive member 24 is disposed between the pair of angled members, 20A and 20B.

[0045] The pair of angled members, 20A and 20B, and the impact resistive member 24 are fixed, relative to each other, using known types of fixings (not shown) extending into fixing apertures or holes, 26A, 26B and 26C. Although different types of fixings may be used, a preferred fixing is a threaded fixing which engages with a corresponding thread around respective fixing apertures or holes 26A, 26B and 26C. Once assembled, the pair of angled members, 20A and 20B and the impact resistive member 24 are preferably permanently fixed relative to each other to provide a blade mounting unit 27.

[0046] A block splitting blade 28, having a splitting edge 30, is disposed above and in contact with the impact resistive member 24 at the distal end 18 of the blade portion 14. The block splitting blade 28 is fixed in position relative to the blade portion 14 using known types of fixings (not shown) extending into fixing apertures or holes, 32A-32E.

[0047] Although different types of fixings may be used, a preferred fixing is a threaded fixing which engages with a corresponding thread around respective fixing apertures or holes, 32A-32E, and clamps onto the block splitting blade 28 to fix it in position relative to the blade portion 14. The fixings are operable to detachably attach the blade 28 relative to the blade portion 14, such that the blade can be detached from the blade portion 14 to remove it from the blade mounting unit 27 and replace it with a new or different type of blade 28.

[0048] The block splitting blade 28 is disposed between the pair of angled members, 20A and 20B, at the distal end 18 of the blade portion 14.

[0049] The impact resistive member 24 has a base end 36 and a blade end 38. The base end 36 extends into the base portion 12 and terminates at, around, or beyond the base plane P of the under surface 16 of the base portion 14. The base plane P of the under surface 16 also being substantially that of the surface on which the block splitting device 10 is disposed in use. The blade end 38 abuts the block splitting blade 28.

[0050] Accordingly, the impact resistive member 24 abuts the block splitting blade 28, at its blade end 38, and extends at least substantially in the direction of the block splitting blade 28, through the base portion 12 to, in normal use, contact the surface on which the block splitting device 10 is disposed, with its base end 36.

[0051] The impact resistive member 24 comprises a material having a high impact resistance, such as, for example, steel or preferably stainless steel. The impact resistive member 24 is operable to resist (i.e. not absorb) energy received from the block splitting blade 28 caused by an impact incident on the cutting edge 30.

[0052] The pair of angled members, 20A and 20B, may be formed from the same material as the impact resistive member 24. However, in a preferred embodiment, the pair of angled members, 20A and 20B are formed from a material having a lower impact resistance relative to the impact resistive member 24. Therefore, the pair of angled members, 20A and 20B, particular the base portion 12, is operable to resiliently react to energy received from the block splitting blade 28 caused by an impact incident on the cutting edge 30.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the block splitting device 10 further comprises a blade spacer 25, operable to raise the block splitting blade 28 and thereby raise the splitting edge 30 to an operable splitting edge height 0 above the base plane P formed by the lower surface 16, of the base portion 14. The lower surface 16 corresponds to the surface on which the block splitting device 10 is disposed, in use.

[0054] In a more preferred embodiment, the impact resistive member 24 is the blade spacer 25 and operable to raise the block splitting blade 28 and thereby raise the splitting 5 edge 30 to an operable splitting edge height 0 above the base plane P formed by the lower surface 16, of the base portion 14.

[0055] The combined base and blade unit 20 has a length L, width W and height H, which are substantially the same as a standard block to be split using the block splitting device 10. For example, a block splitting device 10 for splitting a standard Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU), commonly known as a breeze block, has combined base and blade unit 22 with a length L, width W and height H at least substantially that of a standard CMU. Therefore, a CMU block splitting device 10 preferably has a combined base and blade unit 22 with a length L of approximately 440mm, a height H of approximately 215mm, and a width W of approximately 100mm. The dimensions, form, and size of the block splitting device 10 being substantially the same as a block to be split using the block splitting device 10 is an important feature of the present invention as it enables the block splitting device 10 to be operational and handled as part of a wall or other construction being built and integrates into typical standardised procedures and methods of construction.

[0056] The block splitting device 10, according to the present invention, is easily carried along the length of a wall as it is being built and it can use the built wall as a surface and support to facilitate its use. For example, in use, with the block splitting device 10 disposed on the upper surface of a block forming part of the recently built wall, the operable splitting edge height 0, of the splitting edge 30, is at a predefined height higher than the height of an adjacent block. This allows both the recently built wall and readily available adjacent blocks to be used to facilitate operation of the block splitting device 10.

[0057] The operable splitting edge height 0 is preferably between approximately 1mm and 10mm above the distal end 18 of the blade portion 14, or more preferably between 5 3mm and 7mm above the distal end 18 of the blade portion 14, or even more preferably approximately 5mm above the distal end 18 of the blade portion 14. For a block splitting device 10 for use with a standard CMU block, the operable splitting edge height 0 is preferably approximately between 216mm and 225mm above the lower surface 16 of the base portion 14, or more preferably between approximately 218mm 10 and 222mm above the lower surface 16 of the base portion 14, or even more preferably approximately 220mm above the lower surface 16, of the base portion 14.

[0058] Different types of building blocks will have different measurements and the measurements of the combined base and blade unit 20 and the operable splitting edge height 0 may be adapted accordingly.

[0059] The block splitting device 10 further comprises handling means ergonomically arranged and operable to enable a user to easily handle, lift or carry the block splitting device 10 in different orientations. This is an important feature of the present invention as it enables a construction worker to easily manoeuvre and position the block splitting device 10 when needed between for block splitting. The carrying means is preferably formed from one or more apertures, of a size suitable for receiving the hand of a user, extending through the blade portion 14.

[0060] Referring particularly to Figures 1A and 1B, the handling means comprises a first group of handling apertures 34, disposed at one end of the blade portion 14 and a second group of handling apertures 36, disposed at the opposing end of the blade portion 14. Each of the first and second group of handling apertures, 34 and 36, comprise an outer side handling aperture, 38 and 40 respectively, an upper handling aperture, 42 and 44 respectively, and a lower handling aperture, 46 and 48 respectively.

[0061] The outer side handling aperture 38, the upper handling aperture 42 and the lower handling aperture 46, of the first group 34, extend through the blade portion 14 and are disposed in a circumferential arrangement. Similarly, outer side handling aperture 40, the upper handling aperture 44 and the lower handling aperture 48, of the second group 36, extend through the blade portion 14 and are disposed in a circumferential arrangement relative to each other.

[0062] The outer side handling apertures, 38 and 40, each have a side hand griping portion, 50 and 52, respectively. Similarly, the upper handling apertures, 42 and 44, each have an upper hand griping portion, 54 and 56. The embodiment of the block splitting device shown in Figures 1A and 1B shows a first and second group of handling apertures, 34 and 36 apertures, each having three triangular-shaped handling apertures and two of the three handling apertures having hand gripping portions. The first and second group of handling apertures, 34 and 36 respectively, are disposed and arranged relative to the centre of gravity of the block splitting device 10 such that, upon lifting the block splitting device 10 using the appropriate handling apertures (38, 40, 42, 44.46, 48) and the hand gripping portions (50, 52, 54, 56), the load of the block splitting device 10 remains balanced, facilitating and enabling easy lifting, manoeuvring and positioning of the block splitting device.

[0063] Other embodiments, in accordance with the invention, may have a greater or lesser number of handling apertures, which may be disposed in different arrangements, be of different shapes and may have greater or fewer hand gripping portions. The important aspect of this feature being that the quantity, shape and arrangement of the handling apertures and hand gripping portions provide a balanced lifting and handling effect around the centre of gravity of the block splitting device 10.

[0064] In use, the block splitting device 10 is disposed on a suitable surface within the user's immediate location and within the workflow of the user's typical standard procedures and methods of block laying. The technical features of the block splitting device 10, according to the present invention, enables the suitable surface to be, for example, the wall being built or adjacent blocks to be laid.

[0065] With the block splitting device 10 suitably disposed, the downward facing surface of the block to be split is placed to rest upon the splitting edge 30. The opposing upward-facing surface of the block is scored, using a chisel, to correspond with the underlying splitting edge 30.

[0066] The block is struck, by striking the chisel with a hammer, along the scored line at least once with the chisel, such that the block is split or severed substantially along the splitting edge 130 and scored line.

[0067] The impact resistive member 24 resists absorption of the impact energy being received from the block splitting blade 28 from the impact. The grounding of the base end 36, of the impact resistive member 24 into, or onto, the surface on which the block splitting device 10 is disposed, directs and/or maintains received impact energy in the block splitting blade 28, at the splitting edge 30, to provide a reactive impact force through the splitting edge 130 on the downward-facing surface of the block being split. In practice, this provides two corresponding opposing splitting impacts along the same line on opposing surfaces of the block. This enables a cleaner and more accurate splitting of the block, which improves speed and accuracy of construction and mitigates wastage due to incorrectly split blocks.

[0068] The operability of the block splitting device 10 may be optionally improved wherein the pair of angled members, 20A and 20B, are formed from a material having a lesser impact resistance, relative to the impact resistive member 24. Having lesser impact resistance allows the base portion 12 to provide some resilience, for example, around the regions of curvature, 21A and 21B. The contrast and combination of the impact resistive member 24 having a high impact resistance and being stiff relative to the lesser impact resistance and relative resiliency of the base portion 12 enables increased impact force to be applied in splitting a block, utilising the impact resistive member 24, facilitated by the improved stability provided by the resilience of base portion 12.

[0069] The block splitting device 10 having substantially the same dimensions as a standard block enables the block splitting device 10 to be inserted between blocks in a stack of blocks, for improved stability when splitting a block. More specifically, when blocks are stacked ready for use, a user splitting the block can place a block on its side and on top of the stack. The block splitting can then be performed, with the chisel, with the block to be split positioned on top of the stack. Therefore, with block splitting device 10 positioned such that the splitting edge 30 of the blade 28 is proud of the stack, and the distal end 18, of the blade portion 14, at a similar level to a top surface of the stack of blocks, the block to be split is positioned with stability on the stack of blocks with the splitting edge 30 in contact with the block to be split.

[0070] Therefore, the features of the block splitting device 10, according to the present invention, enable it to be used as an integral step in the typical standardised procedures and methods of construction, tenabling construction workers to work more efficiently without interrupting their block laying workflow. Because the block splitting device 10, according to the present invention, is used on the wall being built or adjacent stacks of blocks, it also eliminates the need for construction workers to bend and/or twist their back to split blocks thereby mitigating the occurrence of Lower Back Pain (LBP) frequently suffered by construction workers.

[0071] The block splitting device 10, according to the present invention, allows a construction worker to lay a larger number of blocks in a shorter period of time and eliminates interruption of construction workers' traditional methods of block laying and typical standard operating procedures and the need for bending and/or twisting of the construction worker's body, thereby substantially mitigating potential injury.

[0072] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a second embodiment of a block splitting device 110. The block splitting device 110 has a base portion 112 and blade portion 114.

[0073] The blade portion 114 has a cutter 115 having a block splitting blade 128 and a pair of elongate laterally extending feet 129A and 129B. The cutter 115 has in an inverted 'T' shape formed by the upwardly extending block splitting blade 128 and the laterally extending feet 129. The block splitting blade 128 has a pointed tip or splitting edge 130 extending along its entire length.

[0074] The width of each foot of the laterally extending feet 129 of the cutter 115 is at least twice the height or depth of the block splitting blade 128. In this example the cutter 111 is made from steel.

[0075] The base portion 112 has an under surface 116. The under surface 116 defines a base plane P on which the under surface 116, of the base portion 112, meets the surface on which the block splitting device is disposed in normal use. The base portion 112 is suitably shaped and dimensioned to provide sufficient operational stability.

[0076] An impact resistive member 124 extends from under surface 116, (i.e. the base plane P) upwards to abut the cutter 115, and such that the impact resistive member 124 underlies the block splitting blade 128 in a perpendicular direction relative to the laterally extending elongate feet 129.

[0077] The impact resistive member 124 comprises a material having a high impact resistance, such as, for example, steel or preferably stainless steel. The impact resistive member 124 is operable to resist (i.e. not absorb) energy received from the block splitting blade 128 caused by an impact incident on the cutting edge 130.

[0078] The base portion 112 comprises laterally opposing base feet, 123A and 123B, extending laterally outwards from the central portion of the base portion 112, in a direction substantially perpendicular relative to the direction in which the impact resistive member 124 extends.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the block splitting device 110 further comprises a blade spacer 125, operable to raise the block splitting blade 128 and thereby raise the splitting edge 130 to an operable splitting edge height 0 above the base plane P formed by the lower surface 116, of the base portion 114. The lower surface 116 corresponds to the surface on which the block splitting device 110 is disposed, in use.

[0080] In a more preferred embodiment, the impact resistive member 124 is the blade spacer 125 and operable to raise the block splitting blade 128 and thereby raise the splitting edge 130 to an operable splitting edge height 0 above the base plane P formed by the lower surface 116, of the base portion 114.

[0081] The bock splitting device 110 further comprises a housing 131 disposed on the laterally opposing base feet, 123A and 123B, and extending upwards therefrom terminating at a distal end 118 to provide an upper surface 119 with an elongate slot 127 through which extends the splitting edge 130, of the block splitting blade 128. The length of the impact resistive member 124/blade spacer 125 determines the operable splitting edge height 0 for the splitting edge 130 relative to the base plane P formed from the under surface of the base feet, 123A and 123B, which corresponds to the surface on which the block splitting device is disposed, in use.

[0082] The housing 131 has slots for receiving the cutter 115 including the block splitting blade 128 and the pair of elongate laterally extending feet 129A and 129B. The slot has an elongate support surface below, and substantially parallel to, an upper surface. The pair of elongate laterally extending feet 129, of the cutter 115, are supported on the elongate support surface. The upper surface 119 of the housing 131 is substantially rectangular and the slot extends therealong at an oblique angle relative to at least one of its peripheral edges. In this example the slot has two lips or ledges spaced from the support surface. Therefore, the slot has an inverted 'T' shape thereby providing a T-slot which the cutter 115 is configured to cooperate with. The slot extends along the length direction of the housing 131 and has an open end on one side of the housing 131 for enabling the cutter 115 to be inserted into and/or removed from the slot. In this example, the slot extends along the entire length of the housing 131 and is open at both ends, so that the cutter 115 can be inserted into and/or removed from the slot at either end. However, in other examples the slot may be blind, and so only open at one end. The slot and the cutter 115 have dimensions such that the cutter 115 is insertable and removable form the slot, but so that the cutter 115 is held securely in the housing 131. When the cutter 115 is inserted into the slot the cutting edge 130 of the block splitting blade 128 stands proud of the upper surface 119 of the housing 131. Each ledge cooperates with a respective one of the laterally extending feet 129 of the cutter 115 for inhibiting upward movement of the cutter 115 relative to the housing 131. In this way, the slot forms a keyway and the cutter 115 forms a key which cooperates with the keyway for retaining the cutter 115 within the slot. In this example the housing 131 is a block with the blade spacer 124 functioning as a reinforcing spine forming a part of the support surface. In this example the blade spacer 124 is a steel member having an inverted T-shaped cross-section. More specifically, the blade spacer 124 has a spine portion extending from the centre of the base portion 112. The remainder of the housing 131 is attached to upper surfaces of the base portion 112 on either side of the spine portion of the blade spacer 124. An upper end of the blade spacer 124, which is furthest from the base portion 112, provides the part of the support surface. In another example the blade spacer 124 may be below the support surface, for example, slightly below the support surface. In this example the housing 131 has substantially the same dimensions as a standard block to be split using the block splitting device 110, e.g., breeze or aerated block, namely 440 mm long, 215 mm high and 100 mm wide.

[0083] The housing 131 can be manufactured using any suitable material such as an aggregate material such as concrete, or a polymeric material. To assemble the block splitting device 110 the cutter 115 is inserted into the open end, or one of the open ends, of the slot in the housing 131. The cutter 115 is then slid along the length of the slot.

[0084] To split a block, the block is placed upon or adjacent to the upper surface 119 of the housing 131 such that the block rests upon the splitting edge 130. The block is scored, using the chisel C, along an upper surface, along a line that is substantially aligned with the splitting edge 130. The block is struck, by striking the chisel C with the hammer H, along the scored line at least once with a brick chisel C such that the block is split or severed substantially along the splitting edge 130 and scored line. The impact force from the hammer H is transmitted along the blade spacer 124 of the reinforcing spine to provide a reaction force to the hammer strike to cause the block to split more effectively, as described above for the first embodiment.

[0085] Because the block splitting device 110 has substantially the same dimensions as a standard block this enables the block splitting device 110 to be inserted between blocks in a stack of blocks, for improved stability when splitting a block. More specifically, when blocks are stacked ready for use, a user can place a block on its side and on top of the stack. They then perform the block splitting, with the chisel C, with the block to be split positioned on top of the stack. Therefore, with the block splitting device 110 positioned such that the splitting edge 130 of the blade 128 is proud of the stack, whilst the upper surface 119 of the housing 131 is at a similar level to a top surface of the stack of blocks, the block to be split is stably positioned on the stack of blocks with the splitting edge 130 of the blade 115 in contact with the block to be split.

[0086] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the bases may be of different dimensions and need not be sized in a way corresponding to the sizes of standard blocks. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims (25)

1. CLAIMS1. A block splitting device comprising a base portion and a blade portion, the base portion having an under surface forming a base plane on which the block splitting device meets the surface on which it is disposed in use, the blade portion terminating at a distal end, the distal end comprising a block splitting blade having a splitting edge wherein the block splitting device further comprises an impact resistive member having a blade end and a base end, the blade end contacting the block splitting blade and the base end terminating at, or beyond, the base plane, such that in use the base end is in contact with the surface on which the block splitting device is disposed.

2. A block splitting device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a pair of angled members arranged and fixed relative to each other to form a combined base and blade portion unit.

3. A block splitting device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the impact resistive member is attached to the blade portion.

4. A block splitting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the impact resistive member is formed from a material having relatively high impact resistance.

5. A block splitting device as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the base portion is formed from a material having a lower impact resistance relative to the impact resistive member.

6. A block splitting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the blade portion comprises a blade spacer on which the block splitting blade is disposed, the blade spacer operable to dispose the splitting edge at an operable splitting edge height above the base plane.

7. A block splitting device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the operable splitting blade edge height is greater than a predetermined dimension of a standard size block to be split.

8. A block splitting device as claimed in Claims 6 or 7, wherein the blade spacer is the impact resistive member.

9. A block splitting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising holding means disposed on the blade portion and ergonomically arranged to correspond with the centre of gravity of the block splitting device lifted or carried at different orientations.

10. 10.A block splitting device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the holding means comprises at least one carrying aperture extending through the blade portion, the, or each, carrying aperture having one or more holding portions arranged at an angle to correspond with the centre of gravity of the block splitting device when carried at a predetermined angle.

11. 11.A block splitting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the external dimensions of the base portion and the blade portion is substantially that of a predetermined dimension of a standard size block to be split.

12. 12.A block splitting device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a block base having a block support surface and an elongate slot within which the blade portion is disposed such that the splitting edge, of the block splitting blade, protrudes above the block support surface.

13. 13.A block splitting device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the block splitting blade comprises a blade foot and the elongate slot comprises a transverse slot for receiving the blade foot.

14. 14.A block splitting device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the elongate slot and transverse slot are open ended such that a blade comprising a blade foot is removable from the base.

15. 15.A block splitting device as claimed in claims 12 to 14, wherein the block base comprises a resilient material for facilitating insertion of the blade into the slot.

16. 16.A block splitting device as claimed in claims 12 to 15, wherein the block base comprises a polymeric material.

17. A kit of parts comprising a block splitting device, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, a hammer and a chisel.

18. 18.A block splitting blade for use in a block splitting device as claimed in claims 1 to 17.

19. 19.A method of manufacturing a block splitting device, the method comprising; forming a base portion and a blade portion, the base portion having an under surface forming a base plane on which the block splitting device meets the surface on which it is disposed in use, and the blade portion terminating at a distal end; providing a block splitting blade having a splitting edge, and fixing the block splitting blade relative to the blade portion at the distal end thereof; . providing an impact resistive member, having a blade end and a base end; disposing the impact resistive member such that the blade end contacts the block splitting blade, and the base end terminates at, or beyond the base plane.

20. 20.A method as claimed in claim 19, comprising forming a pair of angled members and fixing the pair of angled members relative to each other to form a combined base and blade portion unit.

21. 21.A method as claimed in Claims 19 or 20, wherein the impact resistive member is formed from a material having relatively high impact resistance.

22. 22.A method as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the base portion is formed from a material having a lower impact resistance relative to the impact resistive member.

23. 23.A method as claimed in Claims 18 to 23, wherein the blade portion comprises a blade spacer on which the block splitting blade is disposed, the blade spacer operable to dispose the splitting edge at an operable splitting edge height above the base plane.

24. 24.A method as claimed in Claim 23, wherein the blade spacer is the impact resistive member.

25. 25.A method as claimed in claims 19 to 24, further comprising forming at least one carrying aperture extending through the blade portion; wherein the, or each, carrying aperture is formed comprising one or more holding portions arranged at an angle to correspond with the centre of gravity of the block splitting device when carried at a predetermined angle.