Abstract: The brick chimney guide is an apparatus for holding successive brick courses in proper alignment during the construction of brick chimneys or columns. The apparatus is comprised of four angle upright members mutually connected by eight horizontal bars. The end of each horizontal bar is held frictionally by corner brackets at the top and bottom of each angle upright member. The guide is attached to a chimney by jacking screws on the bottom of each of the four angle upright members. The screws hold the guide in place by friction and help align the guide in a plumb and square manner. The angle upright members physically maintain each of the four corners of the brick structure in vertical alignment throughout the construction process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination roof top solar installation tool, and more particularly, to a tool for measuring, securing, and supporting solar installation equipment to allow for quick, safe, consistent, and efficient installations. The tool may include a first housing, a second housing, and third housing that fit telescopically together and are secured through a clip locking mechanism that extends the housings when released via a clip and roller system. The tool has ruling etched along the top of the housings, a level, and also has a series of ratchet heads for tightening and loosening tools on a roof. The invention may include a series of seam clamp holes along the surface of the housings, which receive a seam clamp. The invention may also have an elongating device secured onto one of the housings, which is used for measuring distances beyond the length of the installation tool.

Abstract: A self-supporting story pole eliminates the need to build leads with a level and improves on current systems by using a self-supporting base that only needs to be anchored at one point, rather than two, and can preset the block height and plumb of the wall by using the mounting base system. Mounting hardware that slides on the pole is used for string alignment and also for eliminating flex in the pole by means of a follower guide. The system of the present invention is fast to set up and is designed to be away from the corner for the purpose of tooling the joints.

Abstract: A corner bracket having a base member and a first wall attachment portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the top side of the base member and a second wall attachment portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the top side of the base member, such that a first wall attachment surface of the first wall attachment portion is perpendicular to a second wall attachment surface of the second wall attachment portion. A central bracket member, an inner bracket member, and an outer bracket member each extend from the top side of the base member. The central bracket member is positioned substantially between at least a portion of the inner bracket member and the outer bracket member and a base member edge, two opposing central bracket member edges, an inner bracket member edge, and an outer bracket member edge are each aligned.

Abstract: An elongated base component has primary and secondary ends with a first length and upper and lower and lateral side surfaces. A first cross piece with a second length is operatively located at the primary end of the base component and has an upper end extending upwardly and a lower end extending downwardly. A second cross piece having a third length is coupled to the base component and spaced from the secondary end has an upper end extending upwardly and a lower end extending downwardly. An intermediate means is coupled to the base component intermediate the first and second cross pieces.

Abstract: An anchoring device for a mason's line and method for its use includes a first and a second spaced apart parallel rail. Each rail includes a belaying nub to provide a protuberance upon which to tie the mason's line and a leg in opposed relation to the belaying nub. A bight spans between the first and the second rail. The bight joins each rail assembly at a junction between the belaying nub and the leg.

Abstract: A line block having a body; a first leg extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body; a first leg quoin line groove extending from a front surface of the first leg; a first leg wall line groove extending from a bottom surface of the first leg; a second leg spaced apart from the first leg, wherein the second leg extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body, wherein a corner pole receiving groove is defined between at least a portion of the body, the first leg, and the second leg; a second leg quoin line groove extending from a front surface of the body and a front surface of the second leg, along a portion of an inner wall surface of the second leg; and a second leg wall line groove extending from a right side surface of the second leg.

Abstract: An improved adjustable gable end line puller is disclosed. A method for using the improved adjustable gable end line puller is also disclosed.

Abstract: An anchoring device for a mason's line and method for its use includes a first and a second spaced apart parallel rail. Each rail includes a belaying nub to provide a protuberance upon which to tie the mason's line and a leg in opposed relation to the belaying nub. A bight spans between the first and the second rail. The bight joins each rail assembly at a junction between the belaying nub and the leg.

Abstract: An alignment device for assembling a masonry joint includes a main body configured to slidably engage a generally vertical support pole, the main body including a first arm and a second arm projecting away from the main body, the first arm defining a predetermined angle relative to the second arm, and a reel assembly on the main body for supporting a reel of string, the main body further including a string guide between the reel assembly and the first arm for guiding a string from the reel to the first arm. Also a method of building a wall using the alignment device.

Abstract: A chalk line anchoring device is disclosed for anchoring an end of a chalk line on a building element. The anchoring device may comprise an elongated base wall for positioning adjacent to an edge of the building element. The base wall has opposite ends and opposite sides. A notch is formed in the base wall for receiving a chalk line. A first side wall is mounted on and extends from the base wall, and a second side wall is mounted on and extends from the base wall. The anchoring device also includes structure for resisting movement with respect to the building element.

Abstract: A brick laying alignment apparatus comprising two identical holders fitted with stagger bolts and guide pins. Each holder further comprises a vee on the first end, the vee having a ramp on either side and a wedge in the base of the vee for removable string engagement. The string is pulled taught between the holders, thereby holding them in place on remotely positioned bricks to be used in aligning further bricklaying.

Abstract: A plumbing system and method for plumbing a control joint in a masonry wall. The plumbing system comprises: a bracket mountable to an interior wall surface, wherein the bracket includes an extension having a guiding system; and a vertically oriented plumb rod that can be engaged through the guiding system and placed within the control joint as the masonry wall is erected.

Abstract: A quoin template made for aiding a mason in constructing quoin corners. The tool is fabricated from aluminum flat stock bent at 90 degrees with two horizontal faces of equal length comprising an upper and lower face bent at 90 degrees to form an extruded flat surface. The quoin template contains a corner brace for added strength and a handle situated at an area for proper balance. The quoin template is designed to be set on a quoin corner and aid a mason in aligning and offsetting the first course of brick on a quoin corner. The quoin template is designed to be quickly mounted and removed during the construction of quoin corners.

Abstract: A brick placement guiding apparatus and method of the same for guiding placement of a vertical series of protruding bricks in a plumb orientation. The brick placement guiding apparatus and method of the same includes a base plate adapted for mounting on an outer surface of the building adjacent to an opening in the building. An elongate arm is mounted on the base plate for extending outwardly from the outer surface of the building adjacent to the opening. A line support structure is mounted on the arm in a manner permitting movement of the line support structure in the longitudinal direction of the arm. A line is mounted on the line support structure for depending from the arm.

Abstract: A quoin form device and method for constructing a quoin corner and a regular corner on a structure. The quoin form includes a two frames rotatably joined by a central hinge. The frames include parallel proximal and distal members joined by a series of cross-members. Slots are defined between the cross-members to allow egress of mortar during bricklaying. Spacers are attached to the frame, to provide along with the frame, a surface for arranging bricks in a protruding pattern. The frame removably attaches to the structure via a pair of braces and is supported by brackets attached to the bottom of the frame. The regular corner is of a similar configuration but without the spacers so that the brick are flush with an adjoining wall. Furthermore, the method includes use of a twig for quickly running and securing a leveling line to serve as a guide in laying courses of brick.

Abstract: An apparatus (11) for aligning and positioning a mason's string (13) is provided which comprises a pair of line blocks (11). A housing (15) for the line blocks (11) is provided containing a spring-loaded (29) reel assembly (25) around which the string (13) is coiled. The reel assemblies (25) of each line blocks (11) cooperate with each other to tension the string (13) and hold the line block (11) in place on the workpiece (21) upon which the device (11) is attached. In an alternative embodiment, a weight (43) is placed on or about the housing (15) to assist in attaching the apparatus (11) to the workpiece (21).

Abstract: An apparatus and process for assisting a mason in laying brick columns, the apparatus comprising a telescopic vertical mast, a vertical alignment assembly further comprising pivotally attached telescopic legs for maintaining the vertical mast plumb, a lower guide bar in contact with first and second courses of bricks for insuring vertical stability, an adjustable upper guide hoop attached to a rolling truck in contact with the vertical mast for maintaining a perimeter guide for laying bricks in a column and an upper telescopic member attachable to a structure around which the brick column is being laid or adjacent thereto, for providing vertical alignment in addition to or in lieu of the telescopic legs. The truck assembly and upper guide hoop are in rolling contact with a portion of the mast and moved incrementally by releasing a friction brake. The lower guide and upper hoop are incrementally adjustable to fit various size columns.

Abstract: A bracket to hold a bricklayer's speed lead in position on a wall. The bracket, which is contoured to fit the speed lead, has two vertical flanges, one of which is longer than the other, a horizontal flange extending perpendicularly between the vertical flanges, and a stepped block beneath part of the horizontal flange at right angles to the horizontal flange and the longer vertical flange. The bracket is also provided with a rotatably mounted cam and a rotatably mounted bushing.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning bricks placed in a predetermined pattern during construction of a static structure, particularly a chimney, with the bricks being placed in an angular relationship with upstanding walls of the chimney, includes an assembly for attaching the apparatus to a preexisting vertically oriented wall portion of the chimney, with the attachment assembly being removably attachable to and extending parallel with the wall portion, an assembly for supporting bricks oriented in a predetermined angular relationship with the wall portion with the brick support assembly being disposed in an angular relationship with the wall portion and aligned for brick abutment thereagainst and an arrangement for connecting the brick support assembly to the attachment assembly with the brick support assembly projecting a predetermined distance away from the attachment assembly in a predetermined angular relationship therewith.

Abstract: A gable mason's tool is provided for suitable insertion into wet mortar between a first course and a second course of bricks, wherein both courses are vertically below the last course of bricks so as to enable a brick mason to establish a horizontal guideline above the last course of bricks, the guideline extending from one side of the tool. A plate member for insertion into wet mortar is provided having a front wall, a rear wall and a side wall. A tensioner is provided for selectively stretching the guideline from being slack to a desired level of tautness. A reel is provided for selectively winding and unwinding the guideline such that the guideline winds around the reel as the guideline is being stretched to the desired tautness.

Abstract: A pair of brackets (B1, B2) are mounted on the outside corner of a brick wall, one above the other. Each bracket (B1, B2) includes a pair of arms (16, 18) and inwardly directed cleats (32, 34) on the arms (16, 18) which fit into vertical joints (J) between the bricks in a corner. The cleats (32, 34) are adjustable in position along the arms (16, 18). Adjustment bolts (50, 52) are rotated to move the cleats (32, 34) towards the arms (18, 16) to in that manner clamp the corner bricks (78, 80) between the cleats (32, 34) and the arms (18, 16). Each bracket (B1, B2) includes a pair of pole sockets (82, 84). A vertical string pole (10) is positioned within the pole sockets (82). A vertical string pole (12) is positioned within the vertical pole sockets (84). Set screws (94, 96, 98) and (100, 102, 104) are adjustable to plumb the string poles (10, 12) and secure them to the brackets (B1, B2). Strings (S) extend horizontally between string poles (12, 14) at opposite ends of the wall part (112).

Abstract: A unique brick alignment clip is disclosed comprising a top face, and front and rear faces positioned on faces of a brick. A line extends between adjacent clips to align a plurality of bricks. In one aspect of the present invention the front of the clip has irregular toothed surfaces which are drawn into the laterally outward face of the brick to secure the clip on the brick. Further, a thumb screw in the rear face also helps secure the clip on the brick. In another feature of the present invention the line extends through a central slot in the front face and around front and rear ears to secure the line to the clip. The ears are speced laterally from a central axis of the clip, while the center slot is aligned with the central axis. The line extends rearwardly from the center slot and around the ears, such that the direction of the application of force from the line to the clip is predictable.

Abstract: A mechanical device for laying a cement block upon a previously laid course consisting of two main body legs (7), (3), supporting a pivot arm and adjustable stop (4), (5), (6), for gauging a block to be laid and set in mortar in respect to a prior course maintaining accurate block-to-block head joint as well as layer-to-layer uniformity in respect to the first course.

Abstract: A profiling tool, which is suitable for providing a reference for an internal or external brickwork corner at a right angle or a predetermined non-perpendicular angle, comprises a plate to be secured typically to a horizontal course of brickwork and a datum post arranged for locating a higher course of brickwork. The post is pivotally connected to the plate and is arranged to be set at an angle to the horizontal. The plate is fixed in place by means of anchors embedded in only a single course of bricks.

Abstract: There is provided a chalkline string holder for positioning and anchoring the free end of a chalkline string, thereby allowing a single operator to pay-out, stretch, and snap the chalkline string without assistance from another.

Abstract: A device for supporting a building line reference consists of an elongate plate member for adjustable attachment to a wall face having upper and lower parallel channels, and a vertically oriented square section hollow member, in which said reference is received, secured to a plate slidably engaged in said channels having means for locking the plate against slidable movement. Said hollow member including two horizontal pivot bars located on the inside of two adjacent walls and threaded holes formed in said other two adjacent walls and positioned above and below said pivot bars whereby the reference member may be urged against said bars and brought into vertical orientation by the adjustment of threaded bolts received in said threaded holes.

Abstract: A post support unit for use in establishing a straight line along which a wall of bricks or blocks may be built is provided with a pair of upper and lower plate units which have edges which are inserted into unmortared joints in a corner for the wall. The upper plate unit is supported on three legs and after the upper plate unit has been leveled into a horizontal plane, fasteners are tightened on the legs to clamp the upper and lower plate units to the bricks. A post has its lower end inserted into a socket on a lower plate unit. The post is then trued to the vertical and adjustment screws are tightened to lock the post at the true vertical. In other instances the post may be aligned at a predetermined angle to the vertical where the corner of the wall is to extend inwardly or outwardly relative to the true vertical. The post is locked in its predetermined orientation by adjustment screws.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guide for constructing brick corners in which the corner is constructed from a plurality of stacked brick layers which are spaced apart from each other by a joint. The guide includes at least one guide bracket having two wall sections which intersect each other at the same angle as the sides of the corner and the bracket is positioned against a partially constructed brick corner so that the wall sections flatly abut against opposite sides of the corner. A lip is formed along the top edge of each wall section and the lips are positioned on top of the top row of brick in the partially constructed corner. Several further rows of bricks are then laid on the corner so that the lip, and hence the guide bracket, is trapped within the joint between two brick layers. A pair of elongated rails are secured to the bracket so that the rails extend vertically and parallel to the corner.

Abstract: An improved bricklayer's guide, and more particularly, a simplified and efficient adjustable support for the line used by masons as a guide for laying successive layers of bricks or blocks of various sizes. The bricklayer's guide or "line dog" consists of a combination of notched posts or standards that will cooperate in providing the desired width and a series of notches on one post that will engage an offset notch on a second post to provide the desired adjustment and secure the guide in place.

Abstract: The invention is a speed lead for use in laying bricks, comprising a main L-shaped structure having side structures attached perpendicularly to either end of the main structure so as to define a generally rectangular opening, and reversible clips adjustably mounted on the side structures and having projections around which a mason's plumb line can be strung.

Abstract: A holder or assister for enabling one person to set and stretch a chalking line and strike a chalk line without an assistant. The holder comprises a toe plate, a tubular member and a retainer plate integrally formed with each other and a center shaft inside the tubular member, these parts cooperate to hold the assister on various configurations of workpieces. Means are provided to attach one end of a chalking string to the assister and to permit accurate alignment of the chalking string with a reference mark on which a chalk line is to be struck.

Abstract: An alignment strut for use in constructing prefabricated walls comprises a reusable sheet metal strut having an interior pocket accommodating a lumber two by four which serves as a splice bar between adjacent struts and as a brace anchor point. Each strut is provided with means for suspending it on the upper edge of the marginal plates of a prefabricated wall structure and bears against such plates below their upper margins.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for leveling masonry blocks are disclosed by which at least two courses of blocks can be laid and leveled without having to reposition the apparatus and without having to construct lead corners.

Abstract: A device providing a guide to facilitate the laying of masonry units having side faces and a top surface to form a wall or the like. The device includes a plurality of clamping members for engaging the side faces of masonry units of a previously laid row or course with said clamping members providing a support for a rigid guide unit. The guide unit constitutes a straight edge against which masonry units may be positioned during the laying of a row or course of said units, whereby said units will be flush and level throughout said row or course, and in vertical alignment with the units of previously laid courses or rows.