[001] The invention relates to a profile apparatus for constructing a wall, a profile system and a method of constructing a wall using a profile apparatus or a profile system.

Background

[002] The construction of a wall requires that the wall is correctly placed and aligned, typically being vertically aligned, and constructed to a particular height. Accordingly, when constructing a wall from bricks, known as bricklaying, it is important that the bricks are correctly positioned such that the wall is constructed in the corrected location. It is also important that each row of bricks is correctly aligned with one another and the vertical.

[003] Furthermore, the overall height of the wall is dictated by the number of bricks and the thickness of the mortar between the bricks. Often, the height of the wall may be varied depending on the number of bricks and the thickness of the mortar. The thickness of the mortar between the rows of bricks, for example over 10 to 20 rows of bricks, can make a substantial difference to the height of a wall under construction.

[004] One of the problems that may arise during bricklaying is the bricks not being correctly positioned with where the wall is required to be located and/or the bricks in each row not being correctly aligned with one another. For example, if two walls are being constructed to form perpendicular side walls of a house are not aligned, then the two walls will not correctly fit with one another.

[005] Another of the problems that may arise during bricklaying is the height of the walls not being the same. For example, if two walls are being constructed to form perpendicular side walls of a house are not of the same height, then the two walls will not correctly fit with one another. Moreover, in this situation, the rows of bricks in the two perpendicular side walls will not match with one another. This sometimes results in one or both of the walls being required to be rebuilt.

[006] To address each of the position, alignment and height problems, during brick laying a number of measurements are often taken to check the alignment height of the bricks with in the each row. To assist with the alignment of bricks a fixed length profile is often used. The fixed profile is typically a square section beam which may be cut a variety of lengths to suit the building site.

[007] The position and alignment of the fixed profile is usually determined by string lines to determine position and a plumb bob to determine the vertical alignment. The fixed length profile is usually then fixed in place, typically standing vertically, such that a flat surface of the profile defines an outer surface of the wall against which the bricks are abutted during construction.

[008] The abutting of the bricks with the profile ensures the bricks are aligned with one another and correctly positioned. To determine the vertical height of each row of bricks, height marking are often drawn in pencil or otherwise marked on the fixed length profile. Once a section of wall is complete, then the fixed profile is moved to a new section of the wall. For example, as the wall increases in height, the fixed length profile may be moved up the wall and fixed at a new location.

[009] A problem with this approach is that each time the fixed length profile is moved, the position and alignment of the fixed length profile needs to be reset. The height markings on the profile need to be redrawn. This may create a substantial inefficiency in the construction of a brick wall.

[0010] Another problem with the fixed length profile is that the profile cannot be adapted to being used on walls of varying heights. For example, if the fixed length profile is too short, the fixed length profile may need to be reset multiple times to complete the wall and if the fixed length profile to too long the profile may interfere with a roof structure located over the wall to be constructed. [0011] The invention described herein seeks to address the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

[0012] In accordance with a first main aspect, there is provided a profile for constructing a brick wall, the profile including a first profile section coupled to a second profile section so as to be telescopically moveable between an extended condition and a retracted condition, wherein the first profile includes a first abutment surface and the second profile section includes a second abutment surface, the first and second abutment surfaces being aligned with one another thereby allowing construction of a straight section of the brick wall therebetween.

[0013] In one aspect, the profile includes a locking mechanism adapted to secure the first profile and the second profile in at least one of the extended condition and the retracted condition.

[0014] In another aspect, the first profile section and the second profile section are coupled together by a connecting member which is slidably received by the first profile section, and wherein the locking mechanism is arranged to releasably engage the first profile section and the connecting member so as to lock the position of the first profile section and the connecting member relative to one another.

[0015] In another aspect, the locking mechanism is carried by the first profile section.

[0016] In another aspect, the locking mechanism includes an actuator and an engaging part, wherein the actuator is moveable between an unlocked position, in which the engaging part is disengaged from the connecting member, and a locked position, in which the engaging part is engaged with the connecting member so as to lock the first profile section and the connecting member.

[0017] In another aspect, in the locked position the actuator is arranged to be received by an aperture of first profile section so as to be substantially flush with a surrounding surface of the first profile section. [0018] In another aspect, the profile further includes a third profile section slidably fitted to the connecting member between the first profile section and the second profile section.

[0019] In another aspect, the third profile section includes a retaining means to secure of the position of the third profile section relative to the connecting member.

[0020] In another aspect, the retaining means is provided in the form of a retaining part fitted to the third profile section, the engaging part being arranged for a slidable friction fit with the connecting member.

[0021] In another aspect, the third profile section includes a window arranged so as to view further marking locatable on the connection member.

[0022] In another aspect, the first profile section, second profile section and third profile section each have a substantially similar cross sectional shape.

[0023] In another aspect, the profile further includes an elongate gauge member moveably coupled to at least the first profile section.

[0024] In another aspect, the first profile member includes a lengthwise channel shaped to substantially receive the elongate gauge member and a keeper adapted to retain the elongate gauge member relative to the channel.

[0025] In another aspect, each of the first, second and third profile sections each include corresponding lengthwise channels shaped to slidably receive the elongate gauge member.

[0026] In another aspect, the lengthwise channels each include a channel body shaped to receive the elongate gauge member and a keeper provided in the form of rails projecting from sides of the channels so as to retain the elongate gauge member therein. [0027] In another aspect, the elongate gauge member includes a series of measurement markings, and wherein the elongate gauge member is slidable lengthwise along the channel so as to align the series of measurement markings with a reference point.

[0028] In another aspect, at least one of the first, second and third profile sections include a second retaining means to secure the position of the elongate gauge member relative to a respective one of the at least one of the first, second and third profile sections.

[0029] In another aspect, the second retaining means is provided in the form of a second retaining part fitted to a respective one of the at least one of the first, second and third profile sections, the second engaging part being arranged for a slidable friction fit with the elongate gauge member.

[0030] In another aspect, the first profile section is a main profile section and the second profile section is secured to an end of the connecting member so as to provide a fixed foot.

[0031] In another aspect, the fixed foot includes a rubber gripping pad.

[0032] In another aspect, the third profile section has a length substantially less than the main profile section so as to provide a hand slidable spacer which is moveable between the fixed foot and the main profile section.

[0033] In another aspect, the profile includes a moveable head connector member received by an opposing end of the first profile section relative to the connection member, wherein the head connector member is adapted to couple, in use, with a corresponding head connection member of another corresponding profile.

[0034] In another aspect, the head member is moveable between a stowed condition, in which the head member is wholly received by the first profile section, and an extended condition in which the head member extends from the first profile section, wherein the first profile section includes a second locking means which is arranged to releasably lock the head member in at least one of the stowed and extended conditions.

[0035] In another aspect, the head member includes a first end having a hook and a second end adapted to couple with the hook of another associated profile.

[0036] In another aspect, the head member is reversibly receivable by the first profile section.

[0037] In accordance with a second main aspect there is provided, a profile system including three profiles as defined in any one of the previous claims, each of the three profiles being adapted to fit with one another so as to be able to form a self-supporting structure.

[0038] In accordance with a third main aspect there is provided a method of constructing a brick wall using a profile as defined above, the method including the steps of: Adjusting the length of the profile by telescopically moving the first profile section relative to the second profile section; Arranging at least the first abutment surface of the first profile section so as to be aligned where an outer surface of the brick wall is to be located; Locating a brick so as to substantially abut with the first abutment surface of the first profile section.

[0039] In an aspect, the method further includes the step of arranging at least the second abutment surface of the second profile against a surface so as to align the first abutment surface of the first profile section where the outer surface of the brick wall is to be located.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0040] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a profile apparatus; [0042] Figure 2a is a front view illustrating the profile apparatus with an elongate gauge member being located toward a foot of the profile apparatus;

[0043] Figure 2b is a side view illustrating the profile apparatus;

[0044] Figure 2c is a back view illustrating the profile apparatus;

[0045] Figure 2d is an opposing side view illustrating the profile apparatus;

[0046] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the profile apparatus fitted against a brick wall being constructed;

[0047] Figure 4 is an exploded parts perspective view illustrating the profile apparatus;

[0048] Figure 5 is a view of a connecting member which carries a foot profile and a sliding profile;

[0049] Figure 6 is a partial cutaway perspective view illustrating the profile apparatus;

[0050] Figure 7 is another partial cutaway perspective view illustrating the profile apparatus;

[0051] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating the profile apparatus illustrating a head member fitted to the profile apparatus in a first orientation;

[0052] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating the profile apparatus illustrating a head member fitted to the profile apparatus in a second orientation;

[0053] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the sliding profile in isolation;

[0054] Figure 1 la is a part perspective view illustrating a locking means of the profile apparatus in an unlocked position; [0055] Figure 1 lb is a side sectional view illustrating the locking means of the profile apparatus in the unlocked position;

[0056] Figure 12a is a part perspective view illustrating the locking means of the profile apparatus in a locked position;

[0057] Figure 12b is a side sectional view illustrating the locking means of the profile apparatus in the locked position;

[0058] Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating a system of three profile apparatus connected via the connecting member to form a tripod;

[0059] Figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating another example of the profile inverted and the foot profile having a rubber foot removed;

[0060] Figure 15 is another perspective view illustrating the other profile inverted and the foot profile having a rubber foot removed;

[0061] Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating another example of a fixed profile apparatus; and

[0062] Figure 17 is an exploded parts perspective view illustrating the fixed profile apparatus.

Detailed Description

[0063] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a profile apparatus 10 for constructing a brick wall 12 (shown in Figure 3). The profile apparatus 10 includes a first profile section 14 coupled to a second profile section 16 so as to be moveable between an extended condition and a retracted condition. The profile apparatus 10 includes a releasable locking means 30 adapted to secure the first profile 14 and the second profile 16 in at least one of the extended condition and the retracted condition. [0064] The first profile section 14 and the second profile section 16 are coupled together by a connecting member 18. The connection member 18 is elongate and includes a first end 19 (best shown in Figure 4) which is slidably received by the first profile section 14 and second end 21 which is fixed, in use, to the second profile section 16. This enables the first profile section 14 to be telescopically moved between the extended condition and the retracted condition relative to the fixed second profile section 16.

[0065] The first profile section 14 is a hollow section which is elongate in shape and provides a main profile section 15 for the profile apparatus 10. The main profile 15 section includes a first end 32 and a second end 36 in which the connection member 18 is received.

[0066] As best shown in Figure 4, the second profile section 16 is secured to the end 21 of the connection member 18 by fasteners 33 and includes a rubber foot or rubber gripping pad 38 secured to an underside of the second profile section 16. Accordingly, the second profile section 16 may be considered to provide a fixed profile foot or foot profile 40 for the profile apparatus 10. The length of the foot profile 40 is relatively short in comparison to the length of the main profile section 15. It is noted that, as will be further described with reference to Figures 16 and 17, that profile apparatus 10 is invertible and the foot profile 40 may also function as a head of the profile apparatus 10 in some uses.

[0067] The profile apparatus 10 further includes a third profile section 20 slidably fitted to the connecting member 18 between the main profile 15 and the foot profile 40. The third profile section 20 is dimensioned to be captured and travel between the main profile 15 and the foot profile 40. The length through which the third profile section 20 is slidable depends on the telescopic position between the main profile 15 and the foot profile 40. For example, if the profile apparatus 10 is in the extended condition, the main profile 15 and the foot profile 40 are spaced relatively far apart and the third profile section 20 is slidable along the exposed connecting member 18 between the first profile section 14 and the second profile section 16. [0068] The third profile section 20 has a length substantially less than the main profile section 15 so as to provide a hand operable slidable spacer or sliding profile 42 which is moveable between the fixed foot profile 40 and the main profile 15. The sliding profile 42 provides a moveable surface which is aligned with the surfaces of the fixed foot profile 40 and the main profile 15 as is further outlined below.

[0069] The first or main profile 15 includes first abutment surfaces 22, the second or foot profile 40 includes second abutment surfaces 24 and the third or sliding profile 42 includes third abutment surfaces 26. The abutments surfaces 22, 24 and 26 may be used to define an outer plane or outer surface of a wall to be built and may be abutted against bricks of the brick wall 12 under construction (as shown in Figure 3). The abutment surfaces 22, 24 and 26 may be on one or all of sides of the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42.

[0070] In this example, the first, second and third abutment surfaces 22, 24, 26 are provided on three sides of each of the respective the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42. The first, second and third abutment surfaces 22, 24, 26 are all aligned with one another so as to form a flat or straight surface or plane against which the brick wall 12 may be constructed. For example, in Figure 3, the first, second and third abutment surfaces 22, 24, 26 along one side the profile apparatus 10 allow for the correct spacing and alignment of the brick wall 12 relative to the profile 10 and footing or slab 28 on which the brick wall 12 is being constructed.

[0071] The profile apparatus 10 further includes an elongate gauge member 72 which is slidably coupled to at least the first profile sections 14. The elongate gauge member 72 may be arranged to carry markings 73 such as measurement marking and is able to be slid relative to at least the first profile sections 14 so as to align with bricks of the brick wall 12 under construction.

[0072] More specifically, in this example, each of the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42 include corresponding lengthwise channels 70 (shown best in Figure 4) shaped to slidably receive the elongate gauge member 72. The lengthwise channels 70 are each aligned with one another and shaped to capture and guide the elongate gauge member 72 between one or more of the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42. [0073] The lengthwise channels 70 each include a central channel body 74 and a keeper 75 to retain the elongate gauge member 72 within the channels 70. In this example, the keeper 75 is provided in the form of side rails 76 arranged to capture the elongate gauge member 72 within central channel body 74. The arrangement of the central channel body 74 and side rails 76 is such that the elongate gauge member 72 is slightly recessed inwardly relative to the side rails 76 and free to slide within the channel body 74.

[0074] In this example, the side rails 76 extend lengthwise along each side of the channel body 74. However, it is envisaged that side rails 76 may also be configured differently such as by being formed of a series of discrete retaining tabs. It is also envisaged the keeper 75 may be provided by other means such as a magnetic strip or the like to retain the elongate gauge member 72 or even a press or friction fit between the lengthwise channels 70 and the elongate gauge member 72 which does not strictly require side rails.

[0075] The elongate gauge member 72 may include a series of measurement markings 73. The markings 73 may be used to set out the spacing between bricks or blocks used to construct the wall 12 as is shown in Figure 3. The elongate gauge member 72 is slibable within the lengthwise channels 70 of the respective main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42 to align the markings on the elongate gauge member 72 with a desired height location. For example, in Figure 3, the base of the elongate gauge member 72 and markings thereon are aligned with the top of the slab 28 on which the brick wall 12 is to be constructed.

[0076] A retaining means 78 is provided between the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42 and the elongate gauge member 72 so as to allow for releasable sliding of the elongate gauge member 72 relative to the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42. In this example, each of the lengthwise channels 70 of the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42 includes the retaining means 78 provided in the form of a retaining part fitted between an inner face of the lengthwise channels 70 and an underside of the elongate gauge member 72. [0077] The retaining part 80 is a small resilient plastic component 82 connected to the inner face of the lengthwise channels 70. The plastic component 82 has a curved shape so as to bear against the underside of the elongate gauge member 72 so as to urge the elongate gauge member 72 into a light friction fit against the side rails 76 of the lengthwise channels 70. This light friction fit is sufficient to retain the position of the elongate gauge member 72 relative to the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42 when the profile 10 is in use in an upright position. However, the light friction fit is light enough to still allow a user to slidably actuate the elongate gauge member 72 so as to hand slide the elongate gauge member 72 relative to the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42. The retaining parts 80 are attached to the respective lengthwise channels 70 of the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42 by fasteners 76.

[0078] The cross sectional shape of the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42 are substantially similar in shape so as to provide the first, second and third abutment surfaces 22, 24, 26. More specifically, main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42 each have a generally square cross section with the corresponding lengthwise channels 70 running along one for the four sides.

[0079] Each of the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42 have a generally square hollow cross sections and may be, for example, a 40mm by 40mm or 50mm by 50mm hollow square section formed to have the lengthwise channel 70 extending along one side. The main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42 are preferably made from a metal material such as aluminium. The elongate gauge member 72 has a rectangular cross section and may also be formed from a metal material such as aluminium. The length of the elongate gauge member 72 is approximately the same as the main profile section 15 such that elongate gauge member 72 may be stowed substantially within the main profile section 15 when the profile apparatus 10 is in the retracted condition. The length may be about 1.4 metres. The connection member 18 has an "I" shaped profile shaped to fit within and also accommodate the lengthwise channels 70 of the main, foot and slidable profiles 15, 40, 42. The connection member 18 is elongate and may be formed from a metal material such as aluminium. [0080] As shown best in Figure 4, a further retaining means 60 is provided to releasably secure the position of the third profile section 20, provided in the form of the slidable profile 42, relative to the connecting member 18. This retaining means 60 is also provided in the form of a retaining part 62 fitted between an underside of the channel 70 of the slidable profile 42 and a face of the connecting member 18.

[0081] The retaining part 62 is a small resilient plastic component 64 connected to the inner face of the connecting member 18 via a fastener 63. The plastic component 64 has a curved shape so as to bear against the underside of the slidable profile 42 so as to create a light friction fit between the slidable profile 42 and the connecting member 18. Again, this light friction fit is sufficient to retain the position of the slidable profile 42 relative to the connection member 18 when the profile 10 is in use in an upright position. However, the light friction fit is light enough to still allow a user to hand slidably actuate the slidable profile 42 for positioning between the main and the foot profiles 15, 40.

[0082] The profile apparatus 10 includes a removable head connection member 44 (shown removed in Figure 4) received by the first end 32 of the main profile section 15. The head member 44 and the main profile 15 are releasably connectable by a locking means 58. The locking means 58 in this example is provide by a slot 90 provided on main profile 15 the which is arranged to snap fit or lock with a locking part 59 carried by the head member 44.

[0083] The slot 90 is bone shaped having enlarged ends 91 into which the locking part 59 is receivable and a narrow slot portion 92 between the enlarged ends 91. The narrow slot portion 92 is sufficiently wide to allow a user to insert a finger or tool into the narrow slot portion 92 to actuate or move the connection member 44.

[0084] Referring additionally to Figures 6 to 9, the head member 44 has a generally rectangular shaped body having a hooked end 45 and an open end 47. The locking part 59 is provided in the form of a circular depressible button 61 carried intermediate the hooked end 45 and the open end 47. The button 61 is receivable in one of the ends 91 of the slot 90 to snap fit and lock the head member 44 to the main profile section [0085] The head member 44 may be fitted in an extended condition in which the button 61 is received in an upper of the one of the ends 91 of the slot 90 and a retracted condition in which the profile is fitted in a lower one of the ends 91 of the slot 90. In the extended condition, either the hooked end 45 or the open end 47 protrudes from the main profile section and the retracted condition the member 44 is wholly received and secured within the main profile section 15 for convenience of storage and ease of transport.

[0086] The head member 44 is receivable in the main profile 15 in a first orientation with the hooked end 45 extending from the main profile 15 as is shown in Figure 8. The member 44 is also receivable in the main profile 15 in a second, reverse, orientation with the open end 47 extending from the main profile 15 as is shown in Figure 9. Accordingly, the extendable head member 44 is reversibly receivable by the main profile 15 or may be removed completely.

[0087] Accordingly, when two profile apparatuses 10 are used together the head member 44 may be inserted in the first orientation in one of the profiles 10a, such as that shown in Figure 8, and inserted in the second orientation in a second profile 10b. The hooked end 45 of one of the profiles 10a may be coupled or attached to the open end 47 of the second profile 10b. In particular, the open end 47 is an open rectangular shape which provides an edge or lip 48 which is received by a hooked end 45 of an associated profile 10. Multiple profiles may also be attached in this manner as is further shown in Figure 15.

[0088] Figure 10 shows a more detailed view of the third profile section 20 by the form of slidable profile 42. The slidable profile 42 includes windows 79 on two opposing sides of the slidable profile 42. The windows 79 allow a user to view the size of the connection member 18 which is received within the slidable profile 42. This is useful in situations where the user has marked the connection member 18 and needs to view these markings.

[0089] Figure 10 also more clearly shows the arrangement of the channel 70 and the rails 76 which provide the guiding keeper 75 in which the elongate gauge member 72 is received. The shape and connection of the retaining means 78 provided in the form of the retaining part 80 shown in more detail with the retaining part 80 having a rectangular plan form shaped to fit within the channel 70 having a curved or bow shaped body which extends toward the underside of the elongate gauge member 72 to movably secure the elongate gauge member 72 relative to the channel 70 and hence the slidable profile member 42.

[0090] The fastener 77 is fitted through one end of the retaining part 80 and may be provided in the form of a screw passed through corresponding apertures in the retaining part and the slidable profile 42. The profile shape of the slidable profile 42 (which is similar to the main and foot profiles 15, 40) includes a fastening channel 81 which is accessible via a fastening slit 83 running along the base of the channel 70. The fastening channel 81 and slit 83 span the channel 70 and allow the fastener 77 to be coupled at a variety of locations along the channel 70 by passing the fastener 77 through the slit 83 and threadedly coupling the fastener 77 to the fastening channel 81.

[0091] Referring to Figures 11a, l ib, 12a and 12b, the releasable locking means 30 is shown in more detail. The locking means 30 is provided in the form of a locking mechanism 31 arranged to releasably engage the main profile section 15 and the connecting member 18 so as to lock or retain the position of the first profile section 14 and the connecting member relative 18 to one another.

[0092] The locking mechanism 31 is carried by the main profile section 15 and is located toward the second end 36 of the main profile section 15 so as to allow engagement with the connecting member relative 18 when the connecting member 18 is fully extended.

[0093] The locking mechanism 31 includes an actuator 50, a lock housing 67 and an engaging part 52. The actuator 50 is moveable between an unlocked position (as shown in Figures 11a and 1 lb), in which the engaging part 52 is disengaged from the connecting member 18 so as to allow the connecting member 18 to be extended and retracted relative to the main profile section 15. [0094] The actuator 50 is moveable to a locked position, as shown in Figures 12a and 12b, in which the engaging part 52 is engaged with the connecting member 18 so as to lock or secure the main profile section 15 and the connecting member 18.

[0095] The lock housing 67 is located within an aperture 102 of the main profile section 15 and houses the actuator 50. The lock housing 67 is coupled to the main profile via fasteners 104. The lock housing 67 includes a pivot 55 to which a first end 51 of the actuator 50 is pivotally coupled. The actuator 50 has a second free end 53 which provides a handle for a user to actuate or pivot the actuator 50.

[0096] The engaging part 52 is provided by a resilient tongue 108 which extends along a floor 110 of the lock housing 67 beneath the actuator 50 and between the actuator 50 and the connection member 18. The first end 51 of the actuator 50 has a curved engaging surface which is offset from a pivot point 55 so as to releasably engage with the resilient tongue 108 when the actuator 50 is pivoted between the locked position and the unlocked condition. This in turn urges the resilient tongue 108 into and out of engagement with the connection member 18.

[0097] The actuator 50 is generally wedge shaped in side profile and is received by a corresponding shaped lock housing 67 so as to be substantially flush with the surrounding abutment surfaces 22 of the main profile section 15 when in the locked position. This flush arrangement allows the abutment surfaces 22 on the face which includes the locking means 30 to be utilised with interference by the locking mechanism. The lock housing 67 is also shaped to include a finger recess 59 to allow a user to access the second free end 53 of the actuator 50 and includes an end stop or rest 57 on which the actuator 50 is seating in the locked position. An underside 112 of the lock housing 67 provides a ramped surface 114 to guide the connection member 18 around the locking means 30 and provide a snug fit between the lock housing 67 and the main profile 15. The locking mechanism 31, in particular the housing 67, may be formed from plastic, such as a moulded plastic part, so as to fit with the aperture 102 of the main profile section 15.

[0098] Referring now to Figure 13, in some examples the profile 10 may be provided as a profile system 100 including three profiles 10a, 10b, 10c. Each of the three profiles 10 are adapted to fit with one another so as to form a self-supporting tripod structure. In this example, two of the three profiles, 10a and 10b, have the connection member 44 fitted in the first orientation with the hooked end 45 extending from the main profile 15 and one of the three profiles, 10c, has the connection member 44 in the second orientation with the open end 47 extending from the main profile 15. In this arrangement, the hooked ends 45 of the two profiles 10a and 10b are hooked over a lip or edge of the profile end 47 of the third or prop profile 10c which secures the three profiles 10a, 10b and 10c together.

[0099] Figures 16 and 17 show another example of the profile apparatus 200 in which the main profile section 15 includes two of the locking means 30 located at opposing first and second ends 32, 36. The other parts of the profile apparatus 200 are similar to profile apparatus 200 described above and like numerals are used to denote like parts. In this arrangement, the connection member 18 may be received and secure from either of the first and second ends 32, 36. In addition, more than one connection member 18 which carry the sliding profile 42 and the fixed foot profile 40 may be used to allow the profile apparatus 200 to be extended in length. It is also noted that the fixed foot profile 40 may also be used a head profile, as is shown here, depending on the orientation of the profile apparatus 200.

[00100] Figures 18 and 19 show yet another example of a profile apparatus 300 in which like numerals are used to denote like parts. In this example, the profile apparatus 300 only includes the main profile section 15 without the telescopic components and locking means 30. The main profile section 15 includes the elongate channel 70 and the elongate gauge member 72 received and captured by the elongate channel 70. Similarly to the profile apparatus 10, the main profile section 15 includes a series of retaining means 78 provided in the form of retaining parts 80 secured within the channel 70 by fasters 77. The retaining parts 80 engage with an underside of the elongate gauge member 72 so slidably secure the elongate gauge member 72 relative to the channel 70. The elongate gauge member 72 may include markings or a surface suitable to be marked such as a sticker or the like. The elongate gauge member 72 is slidable in use to align with locates of bricks or blocks of a wall to be built. [00101] In use, the profile apparatus 10, 200, 300 may be used in the construction of brick or block walls to define the outer or inner surface of the wall, the wall height and the spacing between individual blocks or bricks.

[00102] In one example, a method of constructing a brick wall using the profile

10 as described above may include the following steps of: adjusting the length of the profile 10 by telescopically moving the main profile section 15 relative to the foot profile 40. This may involve actuating the locking means 30 by toggling the actuator 50 between the locked and unlocked position to allow telescopic movement of the profile 10 and then again actuator 50 between the locked and unlocked position to lock the length of the profile 10.

[00103] The method may also include arranging at least the first abutment surface 22 of the main profile 15 section so as to be aligned where an outer surface of the brick wall 12 is to be located and locating a brick so as to substantially abut with the first abutment surface 22 of the main profile section 15. Similarly, the method may include aligning the second abutment surfaces 24 of the foot profile 40 against a surface so as to align the first abutment surfaces 22 of the main profile 15 to where the wall 12 is to be constructed. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the abutment surface 24 of foot profile 40 may be abutted against the slab 28 which therefore aligns the abutment surfaces of the main profile section 15 with the slab 28 and hence an outer surface where the wall 12 is to be aligned with during construction.

[00104] The method may also including actuating, more specifically sliding, the sliding profile 42 to a position between the main profile 15 and the foot profile 40. For example, in Figure 3, the sliding profile 42 is moved to a junction between the brick wall 12 and the slab 28 to ensure the bricks align with the slab.

[00105] The method may also include moving the elongate gauge member 72 such that the markings 73 align with the top surface of the slab 28 and define the spacing between the bricks.

[00106] In use, the profile apparatuses 10, 100, 200 may be secured to wall or slab by a bracket or other means to maintain the location of the profile apparatuses 10, 100, 200. Alternatively, as was shown in Figure 15, a system of the profiles 10 may be used together as a profile system so as to form a free standing structure.

[00107] Advantageously, there has been described a profile apparatus system of profile apparatuses which have a number of interconnected profile sections to allow the profile apparatus to be telescopically adjusted in length to suit a variety of building situations such as constructing walls of different heights fitting beneath all within buildings of differing sizes.

[00108] In particular, each of the profile sections includes abutment surfaces which are aligned with one another so as to define flat plane against which a wall may be constructed. This allows, for example, the abutment surface on a lowermost first profile section to be abutted with an alignment surface such as a footing, and the uppermost second profile section, which includes a further abutment surface, to be arranged to project upwardly and define, in otherwise free space, an uppermost plane against which the wall is to be constructed.

[00109] The components of the profile apparatus, such as the locking mechanism are arranged to be flush with all recess within the abutment surfaces so as to not interfere be abutment surfaces and flat plane defined by the profile apparatus.

[00110] Further advantageously, the profile apparatus may include a sliding gauge member which is received within guiding channels of each of the movable profile sections. This allows the profile apparatus to the carry measurements to mark out the building levels required and spacing between the bricks which reduces the requirement to separately mark the profile apparatus and assists with maintaining consistent measurements throughout the construction process.

[001] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. [00111] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[00112] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[00113] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.