Building block placement apparatus

Abstract

A building block placement apparatus is disclosed for facilitating the placement of a building block at a work site. The apparatus includes a pedestal which defines an opening. An elongate support has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the support is inserted within the opening of the pedestal for support therein. The elongate support extends upwardly from the pedestal. A telescopic extension has a first end and a second end, the first end of the telescopic extension being hingedly supported by the distal end of the elongate support. An adjustable jacking device has a first extremity and a second extremity, the first extremity being pivotally secured to the elongate support between the proximal end and the distal end thereof. The second extremity is pivotally secured to the telescopic extension between the first end and the second end thereof such that when the jacking device is adjusted, an angle defined between the elongate support and the telescopic extension is changed. A hoist is secured to the telescopic extension. The hoist includes a flexible line which has an outboard end. A building block moving device is secured to the outboard end of the flexible line for facilitating placement of the building blocks at the work site. The building block moving device includes a first elongate arm having a first termination supported by the outboard end of the line. A second elongate arm has a first edge pivotally secured to the first termination of the first arm. The first arm and the second arm define respectively a second termination and a second edge disposed remote from the outboard end of the line. A third elongate arm has a further termination pivotally secured to the second termination. A fourth elongate arm has a further edge pivotally secured to the second edge. The third elongate arm and the fourth elongate arm have a remote first end and remote second end respectively. The third arm and the fourth arm are pivotally secured relative to each other between the further termination and the remote first end of the third arm and between the further edge and the remote second end of the fourth arm. A building block engaging device extends from the remote first end of the third arm. A further building block engaging device extends from the remote second end of the fourth arm such that in the absence of any tension in the line, the block engaging device and the further block engaging device are free to move away from each other so that at least a portion of the building block is disposed between the block engaging devices, but when tension is applied to the line by the hoist, the block engaging devices move towards each other for firmly and securely engaging therebetween the at least a portion of the building block for facilitating lifting, transportation and accurate placement of the building block without any need for manual lifting of the building block and the possibility of any back injury that could result from such manual lifting, transportation and accurate placement of the building block.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a building block placement apparatus for facilitating the placement of building blocks.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a building block placement apparatus for facilitating the placement of building blocks at a work site.

Background Information

Concrete blocks otherwise known as concrete masonry units (CMU), are fabricated from cement or concrete. The dimensions of a typical block will be 16 inches in length by 8 inches in width and 8 inches in height. Although such a block will usually define two through cavities with a web disposed between such cavities, the weight of such a block is in the region of 38 pounds. Although initially, this weight is relatively easy to lift during a block laying procedure, such weight can impose considerable stress on a worker performing an eight to nine hour shift.

During a block laying procedure such as the building of a wall, the lifting and careful placement of a building block can impose a considerable strain on a worker's back resulting in lost production time and sometimes, disability claims.

The present invention relates to an apparatus that enables an operator to mechanically lift a building block and accurately maneuver such building block to a precise location at a building site.

Furthermore, the apparatus according to the present invention permits the operator to easily raise the block laying apparatus as the height of the building block wall increases.

Also, the apparatus according to the present invention permits mechanical holding of the block by a web disposed on the inside of the block which permits the operator to place a bock in close proximity to a previously laid adjacent block without the holding mechanism blocking such placement as has been the case with prior art arrangements in which holding arms clamp the outside faces of the block.

Therefore, it is a primary feature of the present invention to provide a building block placement apparatus that overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with previously known block building arrangements.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a building block placement apparatus that avoids back injuries and the like that have often resulted from manual block lifting and placement procedures.

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a building block placement apparatus that enables an operator to accurately align and place a building block at a work site at a faster rate than is possible with manual block laying techniques.

Yet another feature of the present invention is the provision of a building block placement apparatus that enables an operator to accurately position a building block by holding and supporting the block internally, thereby permitting placement of a block closely adjacent to a previously laid block without any interference from associated holding equipment.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention contained herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a building block placement apparatus for facilitating the placement of building blocks for building a wall or the like at a work site. The apparatus includes a pedestal which defines an opening. An elongate support has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the elongate support is inserted within the opening of the pedestal for supporting the elongate support. The elongate support extends upwardly from the pedestal and a telescopic extension has a first end and a second end with the first end of the telescopic extension being hingedly supported by the distal end of the elongate support. An adjustable jacking device has a first extremity and a second extremity, and the first extremity of the jacking device is pivotally secured to the elongate support between the proximal and the distal end thereof. The second extremity of the jacking device is pivotally secured to the telescopic extension between the first and the second ends thereof such that when the jacking device is adjusted, an angle defined between the elongate support and the telescopic extension is changed. A hoist is secured to the telescopic extension. The hoist includes a flexible line which has an outboard end.

A building block moving device is secured to the outboard end of the flexible line for facilitating placement of the building blocks at the work site. The building block moving device includes a first elongate arm having a first termination supported by the outboard end of the flexible line. A second elongate arm has a first edge which is pivotally secured to the first termination of the first arm. The first arm and the second arm define respectively a second termination and a second edge that are disposed remote from the outboard end of the line. A third elongate arm has a further termination which is pivotally secured to the second termination. A fourth elongate arm has a further edge which is pivotally secured to the second edge. The third elongate arm and the fourth elongate arm have a remote first and second end respectively. The third and the fourth arm are pivotally secured relative to each other between the further termination and the remote first end of the third arm and between the further edge and the remote second end of the fourth arm. A building block engaging device extends from the remote first end of the third arm. A further building block engaging device extends from the remote second end of the fourth arm such that in the absence of any tension in the line, the block engaging device and the further block engaging device are free to move away from each other so that at least a portion of the building block is disposed between the block engaging devices. However, when tension is applied to the line by the hoist, the block engaging devices move towards each other for firmly and securely engaging therebetween the at least a portion of the building block. This arrangement facilitates lifting, transportation and accurate placement of the building block without any need for manual lifting of the building block and the possibility of any back injury that could result from such manual lifting, transportation and accurate placement of the building block.

In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a trailer for transporting the building block placement apparatus to and from a work site. The pedestal is anchored to the trailer.

Furthermore, the opening in the pedestal is of round-shaped configuration for the rotatable reception therein of the proximal end of the elongate support such that rotation of the elongate support relative to the pedestal is permitted.

Additionally, the elongate support is removably secured within the opening for facilitating transportation of the building block placement apparatus by the trailer.

Also, a lifting device is secured to the trailer for lifting the elongate support together with the rest of the placement apparatus.

Further, a first extension has a first lower connector and a first upper connector. The first lower connector selectively cooperates with the opening in the pedestal, the first lower connector being removably received within the opening in the pedestal. The first upper connector of the extension removably receives therein the proximal end of the elongate support when, in use of the building block placement apparatus, the building blocks have been laid up to a first height thereof.

Moreover, a second extension has a second lower connector and a second upper connector. The second lower connector selectively cooperates with the first upper connector of the first extension and the second lower connector of the second extension is removably received within the first upper connector of the first extension. The second upper connector of the second extension then removably receives therein the proximal end of the elongate support when, in use of the building block placement apparatus, the building blocks have been laid up to a second height or 15 stage thereof.

Additionally, the telescopic extension includes a first member which has an inboard end and an outboard end. The inboard end of the first member is pivotally secured to the distal end of the elongate support such that pivoting of the first member relative to the elongate support is permitted.

Furthermore, a second member has an inside end and an outside end. The inside end of the second member slidably cooperates with the outboard end of the first member such that telescopic movement between the first and second members is permitted. A locking device is provided for locking the first member and the second member relative to each other. The locking device permits telescopic adjustment of a distance between the inboard end of the first member and the outside end of the second member.

More specifically, the adjustable jacking device includes, a hydraulic jack.

Also, the hoist includes an electric motor and a pulley drivingly connected to the electric motor.

The flexible line is wound around the pulley such that when the electric motor is activated, the outboard end of the flexible line moves the building block moving device for facilitating placement of the building blocks at the work site.

Moreover, the building block moving device further includes a handle secured to the first elongate arm for assisting an operator to maneuver the building block moving device so that alignment of the block supported by the building block moving device is facilitated.

The building block engaging device extending from the remote first end of the third arm is fabricated from tungsten steel.

Also, the further building block engaging device extending from the remote second end of the fourth arm is fabricated from tungsten steel such that the tungsten steel remote ends reliably and firmly hold and support the building block.

A remote-control device is operatively connected to the hoist for permitting an operator disposed adjacent to the block to control the hoist.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote-control device is hard wired to the hoist.

However, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the remote-control device is electronically and wirelessly connected to the hoist.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, such modifications and variations fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a building block placement apparatus according to the present invention for facilitating the placement of a building block at a work site;

FIG. 2 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 1 but shows the apparatus rotated for engaging and picking up the building block;

FIG. 3 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 2 but shows the apparatus includes a trailer for transporting the building block placement apparatus to and from the work site;

FIG. 4 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 3 but shows the elongate support is removably secured within the opening for facilitating transportation of the building block placement apparatus by the trailer;

FIG. 5 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 4 but shows the apparatus connected again to the pedestal;

FIG. 6 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 5 but shows further building blocks laid to a second height;

FIG. 7 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 6 but shows the apparatus lifted from the upper connector of the first extension;

FIG. 8 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 7 but shows the second lower connector selectively cooperates with the first upper connector of the first extension;

FIG. 9 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 8 but shows the apparatus connected to the second extension;

FIG. 9a is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 8 but shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 9 but shows the wall raised to a third height.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various views and embodiments of the present invention as shown in the drawings but with a suffix added thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a building block placement apparatus 10 according to the present invention for facilitating the placement of a building block 12 at a work site 14.

The building block placement apparatus 10 includes a pedestal 16 which defines an opening 18. An elongate support 20 has a proximal end 22 and a distal end 24. The proximal end 22 of the support 20 is inserted within the opening 18 of the pedestal 16 for supporting the elongate support 20 which extends upwardly from the pedestal 16.

A telescopic extension generally designated 26 has a first end 28 and a second end 30. The first end 28 of the telescopic extension 26 is hingedly supported by the distal end 24 of the elongate support 20.

An adjustable jacking device 32 has a first extremity 34 and a second extremity 36. The first extremity 34 jacking device 32 is pivotally secured to the elongate support 20 between the proximal end 22 and the distal end 24 thereof. The second extremity 36 of the jacking device 32 is pivotally secured to the telescopic extension 26 between the first end 28 and the second end 30 thereof such that when the jacking device 32 is adjusted, an angle A defined between the elongate support 20 and the telescopic extension 26 is changed.

A hoist 38 is secured to the telescopic extension 26, the hoist 38 including a flexible line 40 which has an outboard end 42.

A building block moving device generally designated 43 is secured to the outboard end 42 of the flexible line 40 for facilitating placement of the building blocks 12 at the work site 14.

The building block moving device 43 includes a first elongate arm 44 having a first termination 46 supported by the outboard end 42 of the line 40. A second elongate arm 48 has a first edge 50 which is pivotally secured to the first termination 46 of the first arm 44. The first arm 44 and the second arm 48 define respectively a second termination 52 and a second edge 54 disposed remote from the outboard end 42 of the line 40.

A third elongate arm 56 has a further termination 58 pivotally secured to the second termination 52. A fourth elongate arm 60 has a further edge 62 which is pivotally secured to the second edge 54. The third elongate arm 56 and the fourth elongate arm 60 have a remote first end 64 and remote second end 66 respectively. The third arm 56 and the fourth arm 60 are pivotally secured relative to each other between the further termination 58 and the remote first end 64 of the third arm 56 and between the further edge 62 and the remote second end 66 of the fourth arm 60.

A building block engaging device 68 extends from the remote first end 64 of the third arm 56. Also, a further building block engaging device 70 extends from the remote second end 66 of the fourth arm 60.

FIG. 2 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 1 but shows the apparatus rotated for engaging and picking up the building block 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the arrangement is such that in the absence of any tension T in the line 40, the block engaging device 68 and the further block engaging device 70 are free to move away from each other so that at least a portion 72 of the building block 12 is disposed between the block engaging devices 68 and 70. However, when tension T is applied to the line 40 by the hoist 38, the block engaging devices 68 and 70 move towards each other as indicated by the arrows 74, the engaging devices 68 and 70 firmly and securely engage therebetween the at least a portion 72 of the building block 12. This facilitates lifting, transportation and accurate placement of the building block 12 without any need for manual lifting of the building block 12 and the possibility of any back injury that could result from such manual lifting, transportation and accurate placement of the building block 12.

FIG. 3 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 2 but shows the apparatus 10 includes a trailer generally designated 76 for transporting the building block placement apparatus 10 to and from the work site 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the pedestal 16 is anchored to the trailer 76.

Furthermore, the opening 18 in the pedestal 16 is of round shaped configuration for the rotatable reception therein of the proximal end 22 of the elongate support 20 such that rotation of the elongate support 20 relative to the pedestal 16 is permitted as indicated by the arrow 23.

FIG. 3 shows four rows of building blocks 12 added to the work site 14.

FIG. 4 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 3 but shows the elongate support 20 is removably secured within the opening 18 for facilitating transportation of the building block placement apparatus 10 by the trailer 76.

Also, a lifting device 78 is secured to the trailer 76 for lifting the elongate support 20. This lifting device 78 facilitates transportation of the apparatus 10 to and from the work site 14. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that instead of the lifting device 78, the apparatus can easily be lifted manually from the pedestal 16 for stowage on the trailer during transportation.

Additionally, removal of the apparatus 10 from the pedestal permits a first extension 80 to be connected to the pedestal 16. The first extension 80 has a first lower connector 82 and a first upper connector 84. The first lower connector 82 selectively cooperates with the opening 18 in the pedestal 16, the first lower connector 82 being removably received within the opening 18 in the pedestal 16. The first upper connector 84 of the first extension 80 removably receives therein the proximal end 22 of the elongate support 20 when in use of the building block placement apparatus 10, the building blocks 12 have been laid up to a first height H1 thereof as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 4 but shows the apparatus 10 connected again to the pedestal 16. As shown in FIG. 5, the first lower connector 82 is fitted within the opening 18 of the pedestal 16.

FIG. 6 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 5 but shows further building blocks 12 laid to a second height H2. As shown in FIG. 6, with the first extension 80, an operator can similarly use the pile of blocks generally designated 81 to lay the blocks to the new second height H2.

FIG. 7 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 6 but shows the apparatus 10 lifted from the upper connector 84 of the first extension 80. As shown in FIG. 7, a second extension 86 has a second lower connector 88 and a second upper connector 90.

FIG. 8 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 7 but shows the second lower connector 88 selectively cooperates with the first upper connector 84 of the first extension 80 and the second lower connector 88 of the second extension 86 is removably received within the first upper connector 84 of the first extension 80. The second upper connector 90 of the second extension 86 then removably receives therein the proximal end 22 of the elongate support 20 when in use of the building block placement apparatus 10, the building blocks 12 have been laid up to a second height H2 thereof as shown in FIG. 4.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8, the telescopic extension 26 includes a first member 92 which has an inboard end 94 and an outboard end 96. The inboard end 94 of the first member 92 is pivotally secured to the distal end 24 of the elongate support 20 such that pivoting of the first member 92 relative to the elongate support 20 is permitted.

Furthermore, a second member 98 has an inside end 100 and an outside end 102. The inside end 100 of the second member 98 slidably cooperates with the outboard end 96 of the first member 92 such that telescopic movement as indicated by the arrow 104 between the first and second members 92 and 98 is permitted. A locking device 106 is provided for locking the first member 92 and the second member 98 relative to each other. The locking device 106 permits telescopic adjustment of a distance D between the inboard end 94 of the first member 92 and the outside end 102 of the second member 98.

More specifically, the adjustable jacking device 32 includes, a hydraulic jack 108.

Also, the hoist 38 includes an electric motor 110 and a pulley 112 drivingly connected to the electric motor 110.

The flexible line 40 is wound around the pulley 112 such that when the electric motor 110 is activated, the outboard end 42 of the flexible line 40 moves the building block moving device 43 for facilitating placement of the building blocks 12 at the work site 14.

FIG. 9 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 8 but shows the apparatus 10 connected to the second extension 86. As shown in FIG. 9, the building block moving device 43 further includes a handle 114 secured to the first elongate arm 44 for assisting an operator to maneuver the building block moving device 43 so that alignment of the block 12 supported by the building block moving device 43 is facilitated.

The building block engaging device 68 extending from the remote first end 64 of the third arm 56 is fabricated from tungsten carbide steel.

Also, the further building block engaging device 70 extending from the remote second end 66 of the fourth arm 60 is also fabricated from tungsten carbide steel such that the tungsten carbide steel remote ends 64 and 66 reliably and firmly hold and support the block 12.

A remote-control device 116 is operatively connected to the hoist for permitting an operator disposed adjacent to the block 12 to control the hoist 38.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote-control device 116 is hard wired to the hoist 38.

FIG. 9a is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 8 but shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9a, the remote-control device 116a is electronically connected wirelessly to the hoist 38.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 9a, with the addition of the second extension 86, the operator can further increase the height of the wall.

FIG. 10 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 9 but shows the wall raised to a third height H3.

In operation of the apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the operator moves the building block moving device 43 to a stack of blocks 12 by means of the handle 114. As the building block engaging devices 68 and 70 cooperate with a block 12 and there is no tension in the flexible line 40, the building block engaging devices 68 and 70 move apart and away from each other due to the weight of the building block moving device 43. The building block engaging devices 68 and 70 are positioned on opposite sides of the central web of the building bloc 12. The operator then energizes the electric motor 110 so that the building block engaging devices 68 and 70 move towards each other for engaging and gripping the web of the building block 12. The tension in the flexible line 40 causes the building block engaging devices 68 and 70 to firmly and reliably support the block 12 until it has been accurately placed at the work site 14 so that the block 12 cooperates and has been aligned with the previously laid blocks 12. As the weight of the laid block becomes supported by the previously laid blocks, the tension in the flexible line becomes zero so that the building block engaging devices 68 and 70 automatically disengage from the web of the block 12.

As the block 12 is being moved from the stack of blocks to the work site 14, the block 12 is free to be swung into position because the telescopic extension 26 supported by the elongate support 20 is free to rotate about the pedestal 16.

When the wall has been built up to the first stage, the lifting device 78 is used to lift the elongate support 20 together with the telescopic extension 26 so that the first extension 80 can be located on the pedestal 16. The elongate support 20 and the telescopic extension 26 are then located with the first lower connector 82 supported in the opening 18 of the pedestal 16 and the proximal end 22 of the elongate support connected to the first upper connector. The apparatus is now ready for the laying of the second stage of the wall. As the various stages are completed, a corresponding extension is inserted until the height of the wall is completed.

Claims

1. A building block placement apparatus for facilitating the placement of a building block at a work site, said apparatus comprising: a pedestal defining an opening;an elongate support having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said support being inserted within said opening of said pedestal for support therein, said elongate support extending upwardly from said pedestal;a telescopic extension having a first end and a second end, said first end of said telescopic extension being hingedly supported by said distal end of said elongate support;an adjustable jacking device having a first extremity and a second extremity, said first extremity being pivotally secured to said elongate support between said proximal end and said distal end thereof, said second extremity being pivotally secured to said telescopic extension between said first end and said second end thereof such that when said jacking device is adjusted, an angle defined between said elongate support and said telescopic extension is changed;a hoist secured to said telescopic extension, said hoist including: a flexible line having an outboard end;a building block moving device secured to said outboard end of said flexible line for facilitating placement of the building blocks at the work site;said building block moving device including:a first elongate arm having a first termination supported by said outboard end of said line;a second elongate arm having a first edge pivotally secured to said first termination of said first arm;said first arm and said second arm defining respectively a second termination and a second edge disposed remote from said outboard end of said line;a third elongate arm having a further termination pivotally secured to said second termination;a fourth elongate arm having a further edge pivotally secured to said second edge;said third elongate arm and said fourth elongate arm having a remote first end and remote second end respectively, said third arm and said fourth arm being pivotally secured relative to each other between said further termination and said remote first end of said third arm and between said further edge and said remote second end of said fourth arm;a building block engaging device extending from said remote first end of said third arm; anda further building block engaging device extending from said remote second end of said fourth arm such that in the absence of any tension in said line, said block engaging device and said further block engaging device are free to move away from each other so that at least a portion of the building block is disposed between said block engaging devices, but when tension is applied to said line by said hoist, said block engaging devices move towards each other for firmly and securely engaging therebetween said at least a portion of the building block for facilitating lifting, transportation and accurate placement of the building block without any need for manual lifting of the building block and the possibility of any back injury that could result from such manual lifting, transportation and accurate placement of the building block.

2. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including: a trailer for transporting the building block placement apparatus to and from a work site said pedestal being anchored to said trailer.

3. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said opening in said pedestal being of round shaped configuration for rotatable reception therein of said proximal end of said support such that rotation of said elongate support relative to said pedestal is permitted.

4. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said elongate support is removably secured within said opening for facilitating transportation of the building block placement apparatus by said trailer.

5. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 4 further including: a lifting device secured to said trailer for lifting said elongate support.

6. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including: a first extension having a first lower connector and a first upper connector;said first lower connector selectively cooperating with said opening in said pedestal, said first lower connector being removably received within said opening in said pedestal, said first upper connector of said extension removably receiving therein said proximal end of said elongate support when in use of the building block placement apparatus, the building blocks have been laid up to a first height thereof;a second extension having a second lower connector and a second upper connector;said second lower connector selectively cooperating with said first upper connector of said first extension, said second lower connector of said second extension being removably received within said first upper connector of said first extension, said second upper connector of said second extension then removably receiving therein said proximal end of said elongate support when in use of the building block placement apparatus, the building blocks have been laid up to a second height thereof.

7. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said telescopic extension including;a first member having an inboard end and an outboard end, said inboard end of said first member being pivotally secured to said distal end of said elongate support such that pivoting of said first member relative to said elongate support is permitted;a second member having an inside end and an outside end, said inside end of said second member slidably cooperating with said outboard end of said first member such that telescopic movement between said first and second members is permitted;a locking device for locking said first member and said second member relative to each other, said locking device permitting telescopic adjustment of a distance between said inboard end of said first member and said outside end of said second member.

8. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said adjustable jacking device includes:a hydraulic jack.

9. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said hoist includes:an electric motor;a pulley drivingly connected to said electric motor;said flexible line being wound around said pulley such that when said electric motor is activated, said outboard end of said flexible line moves said building block moving device for facilitating placement of the building blocks at the work site

10. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said building block moving device further includes:a handle secured to said first elongate arm for assisting an operator to maneuver said building block moving device so that alignment of the block supported by said building block moving device is facilitated.

11. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said building block engaging device extending from said remote first end of said third arm is fabricated from tungsten steel;said further building block engaging device extending from said remote second end of said fourth arm is fabricated from tungsten steel such that said tungsten steel remote ends reliably and firmly hold and support the block.

12. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including: a remote-control device operatively connected to said hoist for permitting an operator disposed adjacent to the block to control said hoist.

13. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said remote-control device is hard wired to said hoist.

14. A building block placement apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said remote-control device is electronically connected to said hoist.

15. A building block placement apparatus for facilitating the placement of a building block at a work site, said apparatus comprising:a pedestal defining an opening;an elongate support having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said support being inserted within said opening of said pedestal for support therein, said elongate support extending upwardly from said pedestal;a telescopic extension having a first end and a second end, said first end of said telescopic extension being hingedly supported by said distal end of said elongate support;an adjustable jacking device having a first extremity and a second extremity, said first extremity being pivotally secured to said elongate support between said proximal end and said distal end thereof, said second extremity being pivotally secured to said telescopic extension between said first end and said second end thereof such that when said jacking device is adjusted, an angle defined between said elongate support and said telescopic extension is changed;a hoist secured to said telescopic extension, said hoist including: a flexible line having an outboard end;a building block moving device secured to said outboard end of said flexible line for facilitating placement of the building blocks at the work site;said building block moving device including:a first elongate arm having a first termination supported by said outboard end of said line;a second elongate arm having a first edge pivotally secured to said first termination of said first arm;said first arm and said second arm defining respectively a second termination and a second edge disposed remote from said outboard end of said line;a third elongate arm having a further termination pivotally secured to said second termination;a fourth elongate arm having a further edge pivotally secured to said second edge;said third elongate arm and said fourth elongate arm having a remote first end and remote second end respectively, said third arm and said fourth arm being pivotally secured relative to each other between said further termination and said remote first end of said third arm and between said further edge and said remote second end of said fourth arm;a building block engaging device extending from said remote first end of said third arm;a further building block engaging device extending from said remote second end of said fourth arm such that in the absence of any tension in said line, said block engaging device and said further block engaging device are free to move away from each other so that at least a portion of the building block is disposed between said block engaging devices, but when tension is applied to said line by said hoist, said block engaging devices move towards each other for firmly and securely engaging therebetween said at least a portion of the building block for facilitating lifting, transportation and accurate placement of the building block without any need for manual lifting of the building block and the possibility of any back injury that could result from such manual lifting, transportation and accurate placement of the building block;a first extension having a first lower connector and a first upper connector;said first lower connector selectively cooperating with said opening in said pedestal, said first lower connector being removably received within said opening in said pedestal, said first upper connector of said extension removably receiving therein said proximal end of said elongate support when in use of the building block placement apparatus, the building blocks have been laid up to a first height thereof;a second extension having a second lower connector and a second upper connector; andsaid second lower connector selectively cooperating with said first upper connector of said first extension, said second lower connector of said second extension being removably received within said first upper connector of said first extension, said second upper connector of said second extension then removably receiving therein said proximal end of said elongate support when in use of the building block placement apparatus, the building blocks have been laid up to a second height thereof.

16. A building block placement apparatus for facilitating the placement of a building block at a work site, said apparatus comprising: a pedestal defining an opening;an elongate support having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said support being inserted within said opening of said pedestal for support therein, said elongate support extending upwardly from said pedestal;a telescopic extension having a first end and a second end, said first end of said telescopic extension being hingedly supported by said distal end of said elongate support;an adjustable jacking device having a first extremity and a second extremity, said first extremity being pivotally secured to said elongate support between said proximal end and said distal end thereof, said second extremity being pivotally secured to said telescopic extension between said first end and said second end thereof such that when said jacking device is adjusted, an angle defined between said elongate support and said telescopic extension is changed;a hoist secured to said telescopic extension, said hoist including: a flexible line having an outboard end;a building block moving device secured to said outboard end of said flexible line for facilitating placement of the building blocks at the work site;said building block moving device including:a first elongate arm having a first termination supported by said outboard end of said line;a second elongate arm having a first edge pivotally secured to said first termination of said first arm;said first arm and said second arm defining respectively a second termination and a second edge disposed remote from said outboard end of said line;a third elongate arm having a further termination pivotally secured to said second termination;a fourth elongate arm having a further edge pivotally secured to said second edge;said third elongate arm and said fourth elongate arm having a remote first end and remote second end respectively, said third arm and said fourth arm being pivotally secured relative to each other between said further termination and said remote first end of said third arm and between said further edge and said remote second end of said fourth arm;a building block engaging device extending from said remote first end of said third arm;a further building block engaging device extending from said remote second end of said fourth arm such that in the absence of any tension in said line, said block engaging device and said further block engaging device are free to move away from each other so that at least a portion of the building block is disposed between said block engaging devices, but when tension is applied to said line by said hoist, said block engaging devices move towards each other for firmly and securely engaging therebetween said at least a portion of the building block for facilitating lifting, transportation and accurate placement of the building block without any need for manual lifting of the building block and the possibility of any back injury that could result from such manual lifting, transportation and accurate placement of the building block;a trailer for transporting the building block placement apparatus to and from a work site;said pedestal being anchored to said trailer;said opening in said pedestal being of round shaped configuration for rotatable reception therein of said proximal end of said support such that rotation of said elongate support relative to said pedestal is permitted;said elongate support is removably secured within said opening for facilitating transportation of the building block placement apparatus by said trailer.a lifting device secured to said trailer for lifting said elongate support;a first extension having a first lower connector and a first upper connector;said first lower connector selectively cooperating with said opening in said pedestal, said first lower connector being removably received within said opening in said pedestal, said first upper connector of said extension removably receiving therein said proximal end of said elongate support when in use of the building block placement apparatus, the building blocks have been laid up to a first height thereof;a second extension having a second lower connector and a second upper connector;said second lower connector selectively cooperating with said first upper connector of said first extension, said second lower connector of said second extension being removably received within said first upper connector of said first extension, said second upper connector of said second extension then removably receiving therein said proximal end of said elongate support when in use of the building block placement apparatus, the building blocks have been laid up to a second height thereof;said telescopic extension including;a first member having an inboard end and an outboard end, said inboard end of said first member being pivotally secured to said distal end of said elongate support such that pivoting of said first member relative to said elongate support is permitted;a second member having an inside end and an outside end, said inside end of said second member slidably cooperating with said outboard end of said first member such that telescopic movement between said first and second members is permitted;a locking device for locking said first member and said second member relative to each other, said locking device permitting telescopic adjustment of a distance between said inboard end of said first member and said outside end of said second member;said adjustable jacking device includes:a hydraulic jack;said hoist includes:an electric motor;a pulley drivingly connected to said electric motor;said flexible line being wound around said pulley such that when said electric motor is activated, said outboard end of said flexible line moves said building block moving device for facilitating placement of the building blocks at the work site;said building block moving device further includes:a handle secured to said first elongate arm for assisting an operator to maneuver said building block moving device so that alignment of the block supported by said building block moving device is facilitated;said building block engaging device extending from said remote first end of said third arm is fabricated from tungsten steel;said further building block engaging device extending from said remote second end of said fourth arm is fabricated from tungsten steel such that said tungsten steel remote ends reliably and firmly hold and support the block;a remote-control device for controlling said hoist; andsaid remote-control device being electronically connected to said hoist.