SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STAKING A CORNER FOR CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and system for forming and laying out a substantially perfect ninety degree angle that is used to form the corner of a construction footprint.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. non-provisional application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 119(e) to U.S. provisional application No. 63/237,718, filed Aug. 27, 2021. The disclosure of this priority application is incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a non-electronic system and method for staking a corner at a specific angle for construction layout.

BACKGROUND

To begin a construction project, the footprint of the structure must be laid out. To lay out the structure, the contractor starts in one corner or fulcrum point of the structure. The other corners and the sides of the structure are then measured from the fulcrum point.

Often the measurements from the fulcrum point are made with electronic devices for accuracy. Using an electronic device is not, however, always possible.

Making the subsequent measurements via mechanical or non-electrical means often leads to inaccurate angles when, for instance, the structure plan calls for a ninety degree angle at the corner. Too, forming the perfect ninety degree angle is tedious and time consuming, requiring multiple trial and error retries.

For these and other reasons, the present disclosure is directed to easy, simple, and non-electronic systems and methods for measuring, forming, and laying out a construction footprint. Specifically, the present systems and methods enable a user to stake out a substantially perfect ninety degree angle quickly. In doing so, the present systems and methods provide increased confidence, reliability, and accuracy in the measuring of the footprint of a structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are included to meet these and other needs.

One embodiment of the present disclosure comprises three stakes and three cables, the first cable connected to the first and second stakes at opposing ends of the first cable, the second cable connected to the second and third stakes at opposing ends of the second cable, the third cable connected to the third and fist stakes at opposing ends, wherein each of the three cables is drawn taut and all three of the cables form a substantially horizontal plane relative to the ground.

In a further embodiments, each end of each of the first, second, and third cables comprises an insert. In the preferred embodiment, the insert is steel.

In some embodiments, the insert is a loop formed to have a hole. Further embodiments comprise holes of three-quarter inch diameter.

In some embodiments each of the first, second, and third cables have a fixed length. In further embodiments the fixed length of the first cable is forty feet, the fixed length of the second cable is twenty feet, and the fixed length of the third cable is forty-four feet eight and eleven-sixteenths inches.

In one embodiment a ninety degree angle is formed by the system and method.

In one embodiment, a first stake is planted at a fulcrum pivot point and the first and third cables are connected to the first stake. The opposite end of the first cable and one end of a second cable are engaged to a second stake. The opposite end of the second cable and a second end of the third cable are attached to a third stake. The second stake is pulled in a direction away from the first stake until the first cable is taut and substantially horizontal relative to the ground, and then the first stake is set at a desired location along the radius formed by the taut and substantially horizontal first cable. The third stake is then extended to a position such that the second cable and third cable are taut and in the same horizontal plane as the taut and substantially horizontal first cable, and then fixing the third stake in that position. In some embodiments the step of pulling the second stake in a direction away from the first stake is performed prior to the step of attaching the second cable and the third cable to the third stake.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sketch of the angle layout system.

FIG. 2 is a sketch of one embodiment of the tags used to label the cables.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the method for laying out the angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Referring to FIG. 1, the construction layout system 10 is embodied as a first stake 20, a second stake 30, and a third stake 40. A first cable 50 is connected to the first stake 20 at a first end 52 and to the second stake 30 at a second end 54. A second cable 60 is engaged to the second stake 30 at a first end 62 and to the third stake 40 at a second end 64. A third cable 70 is attached to the third stake 40 at a first end 72 and to the first stake 20 at a second end 74.

In some embodiments, the stakes 20, 30, 40 are pieces of rebar. In other embodiments the stakes 20, 30, 40 are made of wood, plastic, and/or metal.

In some embodiments, the cables 50, 60, 70 are formed from braided wire. In other embodiments, the cables 50, 60, 70 are made of string, wire, cords, chains, or any other material known in the art.

In the preferred embodiment, each first end 52, 62, 72 and each second end 54, 64, 74 is formed as an insert 56, 66, 76 that slips over the stakes 20, 30, 40, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, each first end 52, 62, 72 and each second end 54, 64, 74 may be secured to the stakes 20, 30, 40 by tying, nailing, screwing, or any other means of fastening known in the art.

In the preferred embodiment, the inserts 56, 66, 76 are rigid loops that have a roughly circular shape as shown in FIG. 1. The rigid loops may be made of steel, plastic, wood, or any other material with sufficient stiffness to hold the roughly circular shape so that a stake may pass through the insert and anchor a cable end to the stake. In other embodiments, the inserts 56, 66, 76 are not rigid loops.

Referring to FIG. 1, a tag 58, 68, 78 is fixed to each cable 50, 60, 70, respectively. Each tag 58, 68, 78 comprises a written and/or pictorial representation of the identity, length, and/or placement in the system 10 of the cable 50, 60, 70, respectively, to which it is fixed, as is depicted in FIG. 2.

In one embodiment, the first cable 50 is forty feet long, the second cable 60 is twenty feet, and the third cable is forty-four feet eight and eleven-sixteenths inches such that when all three cables 50, 60, and 70 are taut and secured to stakes 20, 30, and 40, an angle D that is formed between the first cable 50 and the second cable 60 is ninety degrees.

In other embodiments, each cable 50, 60, 70 is pre-cut and/or formed to a specific length based on the angle D that the user desires. The required lengths of the cables 50, 60, 70 to achieve the desired angle D is determined by mathematical formulas known in the art. The angle D could practically range from greater than zero degrees to less than one hundred eighty degrees.

FIG. 3 depicts the method 100 for using the construction layout system 10. In the preferred embodiment, the steps are planting 100 the first stake 20 at a fulcrum pivot point 15, as shown in FIG. 1; connecting 110 the first end 52 of the first cable 50 and the second end 74 of the third cable 70 to the first stake 20; engaging 120 the second end 54 of the first cable 50 and the first end 62 of the second cable 60 to the second stake 30; attaching 130 the second end 64 of the second cable 60 and the first end 72 of the third cable 70 to the third stake 40; pulling 140 the second stake 30 in a direction away from the first stake 20 until the first cable 50 is taut and substantially horizontal; setting 150 the second stake 30 to a desired location (not shown) along a radius formed by the length of the taut and substantially horizontal first cable 20; extending 160 the third stake 40 to a position (not shown) such that the second cable 60 and the third cable 70 are taut and roughly in a same horizontal plane (not shown) as the taut and substantially horizontal first cable 50; and fixing 170 the third stake 70 at the position.

The three cables 50, 60, 70 need not be in the exact same horizontal plane but rather only need to be in roughly, nearly, approximately, or about the same horizontal plane.

In other embodiments, the steps of pulling 140 the second stake 30 in a direction away from the first stake 20 until the first cable 50 is taut and substantially horizontal and setting 150 the second stake 30 to a desired location (not shown) along a radius formed by the length of the taut and substantially horizontal first cable 20 are performed prior to the step of attaching 130 the second end 64 of the second cable 60 and the first end 72 of the third cable 70 to the third stake 40.

In an embodiment of the method that forms angle D into a ninety degree angle, after the step of fixing 170 the third stake 70 at the position, a square is formed by using the third cable 40 as a line of symmetry; moving the second stake 30 from the desired location to a point kitty-corner the line of symmetry such that the first cable 50 and the second cable 60 are taut and roughly in the same horizontal plane as the third cable 70.

In some embodiments, each cable 50, 60, 70 is stored when not in use. Each cable 50, 60, 70 can be stored by spooling each cable 50, 60, 70 round a splint, cone, rod, wheel, or other suitable device. In other embodiments, each cable 50, 60, 70 is wound and stored in a box or clipped with a pin, tie, band, or other suitable device to prevent unwinding during storage.

The above embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice what is claimed and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the presently described subject matter are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Specified numerical ranges of units, measurements, and/or values include, consist essentially or, or consist of all the numerical values, units, measurements, and/or ranges including or within those ranges and/or endpoints, whether those numerical values, units, measurements, and/or ranges are explicitly specified in the present disclosure or not.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terms “first”, “second”, “third”, and the like, as used herein do not denote any order or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The term “or” and “and/or” is meant to be inclusive and mean either, all, or any combination of the listed items. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Direct connection and/or coupling can include such connections and/or couplings where no intermittent connection or component is present between two endpoints, components or items. Indirect connection and/or coupling can include where there is one or more intermittent or intervening connections and/or couplings present between respective endpoints, components or items.

Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising”, “including”, or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. The term “comprising” or “comprises” refers to a composition, compound, formulation, or method that is inclusive and does not exclude additional elements, components, and/or method steps. The term “comprising” also refers to a composition, compound, formulation, or method embodiment of the present disclosure that is inclusive and does not exclude additional elements, components, or method steps. The phrase “consisting of” or “consists of” refers to a compound, composition, formulation, or method that excludes the presence of any additional elements, components, or method steps.

The term “consisting of” also refers to a compound, composition, formulation, or method of the present disclosure that excludes the presence of any additional elements, components, or method steps. The phrase “consisting essentially of” or “consists essentially of” refers to a composition, compound, formulation, or method that is inclusive of additional elements, components, or method steps that do not materially affect the characteristic(s) of the composition, compound, formulation, or method. The phrase “consisting essentially of” also refers to a composition, compound, formulation, or method of the present disclosure that is inclusive of additional elements, components, or method steps that do not materially affect the characteristic(s) of the composition, compound, formulation, or method steps.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about”, and “substantially” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances, the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used individually, together, or in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject matter set forth herein without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the disclosed subject matter, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the subject matter described herein should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the subject matter set forth herein, including the best mode, and also to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of disclosed subject matter, including making and using the devices or systems and performing the methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A non-electronic, construction layout system for forming a right angle, the system comprising:

a first stake,

a second stake,

a third stake,

a first cable,

a second cable,

a third cable, and

a means for laying out a corner for construction without using electronic equipment so that an ninety-degree angle is formed,

wherein each of the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable have a first end and a second end,

wherein the first end of the first cable is engaged to the first stake and the second end of the first cable is engaged to the second stake,

wherein the first end of the second cable is engaged to the second stake and the second end of the second cable is engaged to the third stake, and

wherein the first end of the third cable is engaged to the third stake and the second end of the third cable is engaged to the first stake,

wherein each of the first stake, the second stake, and the third stake is secured such that each of the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable is taut and form a substantially horizontal plane.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end of each of the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable comprises an insert.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the insert is a loop having a hole.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the hole has a diameter of about three-quarters of an inch.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the insert comprises steel.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the first cable is a fixed length A, the second cable is a fixed length B, and the third cable is a fixed length C.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the fixed length A is forty feet, the fixed length B is twenty feet, and the fixed length C is forty-four feet eight and eleven-sixteenths inches.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein a tag is fixed to each of the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable, the tag comprising a written description of the identify and the fixed length A, B, or C of the cable to which it is fixed.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first cable is a fixed length A, the second cable is a fixed length B, and the third cable is a fixed length C.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the fixed length A is forty feet, the fixed length B is twenty feet, and the fixed length C is forty-four feet eight and eleven-sixteenths inches.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein a tag is fixed to each of the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable, the tag comprising a written description of the fixed length A, B, or C of the cable to which it is fixed.

12. A non-electronic method for laying out a structure having a right angle, the method comprising:

planting a first stake at a fulcrum pivot point,

connecting a first end of a first cable and a second end of a third cable to the first stake,

engaging a second end of the first cable and a first end of a second cable to a second stake,

attaching a second end of the second cable and a first end of a third cable to a third stake,

pulling the second stake in a direction away from the first stake until the first cable is taut and substantially horizontal,

setting the second stake to a desired location along the radius formed by a length of the taut and substantially horizontal first cable,

extending the third stake to a position such that the second cable and the third cable are taut and roughly in a same horizontal plane as the taut and substantially horizontal first cable, and

fixing the third stake at the position.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first end and the second end of each of the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable comprises an insert.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the insert is a loop formed to have a hole.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the steps of connecting, engaging, and attaching each comprise inserting the stake through the insert.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first cable is a fixed length A, the second cable is a fixed length B, and the third cable is a fixed length C.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the fixed length A is forty feet, the fixed length B is twenty feet, and the fixed length C is forty-four feet eight and eleven-sixteenths inches.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein a tag is fixed to each of the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable, the tag comprising a written description of the identify and the fixed length A, B, or C of the cable to which it is fixed.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the steps of pulling the second stake and extending the third stake form a ninety degree angle between the first cable and the second cable.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the steps of pulling the second stake in a direction away from the first stake until the first cable is taut and substantially horizontal and fixing the second stake to a desired location along the radius formed by the taut and substantially horizontal first cable are performed prior to the step of attaching a second end of the second cable and a first end of a third cable to a third stake.