Masonry Construction Patents (Class 33/518)
  • Patent number: 11724536
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tool including: first and second members that respectively define: first and second forward ends; first and second bodies that extend along respective first and second elongate axises to first and second aft ends, wherein the first and second forward ends are pivotally connected to a pivot member, whereby the first and second members are configured to pivot about a pivot axis, so that the first and second aft ends move toward and away from each other; and a third member that defines a first transverse end and a third body that extends along a third elongate axis to a second transverse end, wherein: a first slide lock is fixed to the first transverse end of the third member and is operationally connected to the first member; and a second slide lock is operationally connected to the second member and the third member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: TOOLBRO INNOVATORS, LLC
    Inventors: Philip J. Bahler, Kent R. Bahler
  • Patent number: 11408184
    Abstract: A tile spacing device and accompanying system and method are disclosed for spacing multiple tiles. In one embodiment, a central body has four arms extending therefrom with a releasably frangible connection. Each of the four arms has a cellular sheet structure defined by multiple cells, including at least one hexagonal cell. The central body and the four arms provide a four-tile engagement configuration. By selectively breaking and removing an arm, a three-tile engagement configuration may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Acufloor, LLC
    Inventors: Clinton D. Bunch, Joshua A. Bunch
  • Patent number: 10787824
    Abstract: A tile spacing device and accompanying system and method are disclosed for spacing multiple tiles. In one embodiment, a central body has four arms extending therefrom with a releasably frangible connection. Each of the four arms has a cellular sheet structure defined by multiple cells, including at least one hexagonal cell. The central body and the four arms provide a four-tile engagement configuration. By selectively breaking and removing an arm, a three-tile engagement configuration may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventors: Clinton D. Bunch, Joshua A. Bunch
  • Publication number: 20150089825
    Abstract: A method for aligning concrete masonry units for a concrete structure is disclosed. In the present method a plurality of concrete masonry units are provided. Each concrete masonry unit includes six sides, including a top and a bottom and preferably two cores or vertical voids therein. The top and bottom of the concrete masonry unit each include two lateral grooves along the length of the block. The lateral grooves are designed to accept the spacers provided in the present method. Spacers consist of a planar member and at least one finger. Planar member is inserted into the lateral groove of a concrete masonry unit for use. Once inserted the fingers of the spacer sit within a joint between the concrete masonry units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Jones
  • Publication number: 20150075019
    Abstract: A device for measuring the depth of concrete comprising an elongated spine, a stepped blade attached at the distal end of the spine and having a plurality of bi-lateral steps having a predetermined width and height tapering toward the distal end of the spine, a depth probe slidably mounted longitudinally within an internal channel of the spine and including an indicator; and a scale aligned with the indicator. The depth probe may have a pointed or beveled distal tip which is useful for penetrating concrete or other aggregate materials. The stepped blade is provided into concrete and comes in contact with the top of the rebar grid, with the steps measuring the depth of the concrete cover over the rebar. The depth probe is plunged into the concrete until the tip reaches the bottom. The scale measures the distance between a distal tip of the depth probe and the leading edge of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: H. Houston Spear, IV
  • Patent number: 8763270
    Abstract: A device for measuring the depth of concrete comprising an elongated spine, a stepped blade attached at the distal end of the spine and having a plurality of bi-lateral steps having a predetermined width and height tapering toward the distal end of the spine, a depth probe slidably attached longitudinally along the spine and including an indicator; and a scale aligned with the indicator. The depth probe may have a pointed or beveled distal tip which is useful for penetrating concrete or other aggregate materials. The stepped blade is provided into concrete and comes in contact with the top of the rebar grid, with the steps measuring the depth of the concrete cover over the rebar. The depth probe is plunged into the concrete until the tip reaches the bottom. The scale measures the distance between a distal tip of the depth probe and the leading edge of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: H. Houston Spear, IV
  • Patent number: 8544182
    Abstract: The assembly for leveling new concrete includes a driver that has a guide that is placed in a mounting structure so that the driver may be used to drive the mounting structure into the ground. The driver has both a removable rebar marker and conduit marker so that depending on whether an individual wants to use a screed pipe conduit or rebar as a support structure in their concrete the support structures are properly aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: KCK Inventions, LLC
    Inventor: Keri J. Storjohann
  • Publication number: 20130219730
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a masonry block. The apparatus includes a body part that is at least substantially planar, has a perimeter, has a front surface and an opposed rear surface. The apparatus also includes a ¼ block stop part extending from the front surface and a ½ block stop part extending from the rear surface, the body part being dimensioned and the stop parts being positioned and dimensioned such that, when the body part is operatively positioned in a first configuration with the ¼ block stop part abutting the block, the perimeter of the body part can be used to mark the block for a ¼ block cut and when the body part is operatively positioned in a second configuration with the ½ block stop part abutting the block, the perimeter of the body part can be used to mark the block for a ½ block cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Korevaar
  • Patent number: 8359760
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a form aligner for concrete formwork, having a fastening part that extends along an axis (A), with a base for purposes of placement onto a structural component and having an opening with an abutment for a fastening element as well as at least one form alignment contact point for a formwork wall. With such a form aligner, several elongated form alignment contact points running coaxially to the axis (A) are provided, of which at least two form alignment contact points constitute form alignment pairs that are in a shared plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Foser
  • Patent number: 8136260
    Abstract: The invention comprises a reusable, combination—anchor bolt holder, form board alignment and retention, and, thread protection device—for holding an anchor bolt in a secure vertical alignment at an exact depth in the form for either a 2×4 or 2×6 sill plate with the threads fully protected from fouling by cement; and, allowing of early hand float finishing around the bolt thread area that projects above the top of the stem wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Jones
  • Patent number: 8096060
    Abstract: The assembly for leveling new concrete includes a driver that has a guide that is placed in a mounting structure so that the driver may be used to drive the mounting structure into the ground. The driver has both a removable rebar marker and conduit marker so that depending on whether an individual wants to use a screed pipe conduit or rebar as a support structure in their concrete the support structures are properly aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Keri J. Storjohann
  • Patent number: 8001698
    Abstract: A digital displacement measuring instrument detects a displacement of a spindle by an encoder and then displays the displacement on a digital display unit. With an imaginary base line centered along an axial direction of an outer circumference of a sleeve, a millimeter graduation for displaying the displacement of the spindle in millimeters is provided on one side, and the inch graduation for displaying the displacement of the spindle is provided on the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Hayashida, Masahiko Tachikake, Yuji Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 7946046
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Jon O. Carver
  • Patent number: 7818888
    Abstract: A hand tool for tracing the course of a line of pavers at a distance selectively spaced therefrom, so as to facilitate the construction of uniform borders along a walkway, path, or the like, consists of a tracking head for running the tool along the installed line of pavers, a marking head for remotely replicating the course, a beam on which the heads are mounted, and a handle. The positions of the marking head and handle are longitudinally adjustable on the beam, relative to the tracking head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Toolbro Innovators LLC
    Inventor: Philip J. Bahler
  • Patent number: 7735232
    Abstract: A bed-depth gauge consists of a guide member, a screed member, and means for assembling them for relative movement, for effective depth adjustment, in a vertical direction that is generally perpendicular to a bottom edge of the screed member. The guide member has a pair of arms that extend laterally, at different heights, which are used to engage and follow a fixed reference surface to thereby enable the bottom edge of the screed member to level and control the depth of both a base layer and also an overlying upper layer, comprising a bed prepared for installation of paving blocks and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: ToolBro Innovators LLC
    Inventor: Philip J. Bahler
  • Patent number: 7730626
    Abstract: A masonry guiding tool for attachment to a backing wall, comprising a base member for attachment to the backing wall and an elbowed plumb line holder. The plumb line holder comprises an elongated mounting portion defining a first axis therealong, the mounting portion being movably carried by the base member and axially movable relative thereto along the first axis which is destined to be parallel to the backing wall. The plumb line holder also comprises an elongated plumb line support portion transversally connected to the mounting portion, the elongated plumb line support portion defining and extending along a second axis transversal to the first axis, the plumb line support portion for movably holding a plumb line. The guiding tool allows the plumb line to be movable along the first axis by axially moving the mounting portion relative to the base member, and along the second axis of the plumb line support portion by moving the plumb line along the plumb line support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Charpentier Design Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Charpentier
  • Patent number: 7631435
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to plumbing control joints in masonry walls, and apparatus for plumbing a control joint in a brick wall surface. A mounting bracket supports a bracket rod and cylindrical collar which may slide axially along and pivot about the bracket rod. The plumb rod is slidably received in an adjustable holding member. The plumb rod is then secured relative to the holding member. A spirit level is fixed within a circular bore of the holding member, which can be adjusted to the user's desired position. To ensure the plumb rod is perpendicular to level ground, the holding member is pivoted until the spirit level indicates the desired result and the position is secured. A plumb control joint is guaranteed by successively laying the brick layers against the plumb rod in a manner which is typically known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Patrick Brown
  • Patent number: 7596877
    Abstract: A stone wall alignment tool for checking the plumbness of a stone wall during construction thereof. The tool comprises a first “L” shaped bracket having a long leg and a short side leg. The tool also comprises a second “L” shaped bracket having a long leg and a short side leg, wherein the long legs of the first and the second brackets are slidably and lockingly adjustable with respect to one another, and wherein the long legs are arranged to be disposed on top of a wall and its side legs are arranged to be disposed on the sides of the stone wall as a plumb-alignment-tool during the wall's construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Clifford W. Basford
  • Publication number: 20090235548
    Abstract: A tile spacer for a plurality of tiles arranged on the surface with spaces in between. The tile spacer has a first set of elongate members, each having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are connected together and the distal ends are spaced-apart for setting the spaces between the tiles. The spacer has a body having a portion which is spaced-apart above the tiles when the distal ends of the members are fitted within the spaces between the tiles, thereby facilitating removal of the spacer when tile spacing is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: David John Higgs, Davor Baros
  • Publication number: 20090199422
    Abstract: A hand tool for tracing the course of a line of pavers at a distance selectively spaced therefrom, so as to facilitate the construction of uniform borders along a walkway, path, or the like, consists of a tracking head for running the tool along the installed line of pavers, a marking head for remotely replicating the course, a beam on which the heads are mounted, and a handle. The positions of the marking head and handle are longitudinally adjustable on the beam, relative to the tracking head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Philip J. Bahler
  • Publication number: 20090178288
    Abstract: A bed-depth gauge consists of a guide member, a screed member, and means for assembling them for relative movement, for effective depth adjustment, in a vertical direction that is generally perpendicular to a bottom edge of the screed member. The guide member has a pair of arms that extend laterally, at different heights, which are used to engage and follow a fixed reference surface to thereby enable the bottom edge of the screed member to level and control the depth of both a base layer and also an overlying upper layer, comprising a bed prepared for installation of paving blocks and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Philip J. Bahler
  • Publication number: 20090106992
    Abstract: An improved tool and method for vertically aligning bricks in a wall is provided. The tool may include an elongated member for placing against an outer face of a brick wall and a cross member for placing against a top course of brick in the brick wall. The cross member may be attached to the elongated member at a right angle thereto. Additionally, a position of a distal end of the cross member relative to the elongated member may be adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: QUICK LEADS LLC
    Inventor: Stephen E. Howell
  • Patent number: 7516558
    Abstract: A spacer providing a substantially uniform space between adjacent tiles includes spacer legs extending radially from a common junction. The spacer legs, made from a porous material, are permanently adherable to a tile bonding material utilized to adhere the tiles to an underlying surface, and/or a grout material filling a gap between tiles. A process for making a tile spacer includes providing thinset material to which a liquid latex admix material is added. The materials are distributed evenly to a consistency of a damp fluffy sand-like mixture which is then placed into a mold of a desired shape and packed into the mold to bond the materials while still damp to form the tile spacer. The spacer is extracted from the mold and placed on a flat rigid sheet. The spacer is moist cured and dried at room temperature environment with 40-99% humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventors: Keith Frank, Scott Gerling
  • Publication number: 20080301963
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Roy L. Beck
  • Publication number: 20080229595
    Abstract: A spirit level (10) includes a profiled body with lateral surfaces (20, 22), end faces or areas (24, 26), and longitudinal surfaces (28, 30) that form measuring surfaces running between the lateral surfaces, which project laterally over the lateral surfaces with their longitudinal edges (32, 34, 36, 38), as well as at least one position sensor, such as a vial (14, 16, 18). In order to carry out a verification of horizontality or verticality not only in the conventional way, but especially also to assist in maintaining intervals in assembled brickwork, it is proposed to provide a uniform series of indentations (46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58) within at least one longitudinal edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: STABILA Messgerate Gustav Ullrich GmbH
    Inventor: Jurgen Henschel
  • Publication number: 20080168672
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to plumbing control joints in masonry walls, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for plumbing a control joint in a brick wall surface. The invention includes a plumb rod which is positioned in a vertical control joint as bricks are being laid against a wall surface. A mounting bracket supports a bracket rod and cylindrical collar which may slide axially along and pivot about the bracket rod. The plumb rod is slidably received in an adjustable holding member. The plumb rod is then secured relative to the holding member. A spirit level is fixed within a circular bore of the holding member, which can be adjusted to the user's desired position. The plumbing apparatus is used to ensure that a control joint is vertical or plumb to level ground. The mounting bracket is attached to the wall surface, and the collar adjusted to position the plumb rod. The plumb rod is secured when the desired vertical position of is attained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Patrick BROWN
  • Patent number: 7353617
    Abstract: A surface template is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the surface template includes at least two template panels of similar size and shape and disposed in spaced-apart relationship to each other. Each of the at least two template panels has a pair of side edges disposed in generally perpendicular relationship to each other and a surface edge extending between the pair of side edges. A method of forming a surface between adjoining surfaces is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventors: Marty L. Simones, Gary J. Rolfer
  • Patent number: 7313872
    Abstract: A board alignment tool includes a first plate having a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end is pointed. A second plate has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the first plate. A catch is attached to the second plate adjacent to the second end. The catch extends in a substantial same direction as the bottom end when the second plate is oriented perpendicular to the first plate. The bottom end is extendable into a first board and the catch is extended into a second board. The top end is urged away from the second board and the second board pulled toward and against the first board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas R. Nygard
  • Patent number: 7254899
    Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the arc of an arched window comprising a base; measuring means selectively rotatable relative said base for measuring a distance between said base and said arch at a selected angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Shade-O-Matic Ltd.
    Inventors: Mario Marocco, Norbert Marocco
  • Patent number: 7254920
    Abstract: A device for setting and leveling tile is provided that comprises an elongated straight edge. The straight edge includes a horizontal tile support flange and a vertical flange. A support leg is adjustably attached to the vertical flange adjacent each end of the straight edge and a bubble level is centered on the vertical flange between the support legs. The thickness of the horizontal support flange is sized so that after all the courses of tile are laid and the straight edge is removed, only a layer of grout is required to complete the installation. If the floor is not level, the support legs are adjusted to center the bubble in the level prior to laying the tiles. When leveling tile around a bathtub, an adjustable brace is affixed onto each of the support legs. Each brace includes and adjustment slot therethrough and a rubber boot secured on one end for engaging the bottom of the tub for supporting the straight edge on the edge of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Roland Steele
  • Patent number: 7200947
    Abstract: A fully adjustable masonry block tool for lifting, transporting, laying and leveling concrete block, webbed block corner block whether flat or rock faced with an attached leveling system. Tool is designed to center on and support a cement block of substantial weight, while giving more control to block layer. This invention in its entirety is a one piece unit which will be shown and described in further detail in claims, drawings and pictures of unit design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Victor Michael Kern
  • Patent number: 7103984
    Abstract: An anchor bolt setting template is used to position an anchor bolt in a wall for attachment of a first plate or a second plate to the wall. The first and second plates having different dimensions from each other. The template includes a rigid washer plate having first and second ends and defining a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. An opening is formed in the washer plate lying along the longitudinal axis. The opening is non-equidistant between the first and second ends and defines a first distance between the opening and the first end and a second distance between the opening and the second end. The first distance is established to position the anchor bolt in the wall to properly position the first plate for attachment to the wall, and the second distance is established to position the anchor bolt in the wall to properly position the second plate for attachment to the wall. The template can include a sleeve frangibly connected to the plate for receiving the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: David J. Kastberg
  • Patent number: 7047588
    Abstract: A masonry tuck point tool has a plurality of tuck blades pivotally attached at one end. Among the tuck blades is a selected tuck blade that has the desired width of the grout or mortar joint to be formed. There are also at lease one remaining tuck blade. All tuck blades have a distinct blade width and similar blade lengths. The selected tuck blade is pivoted approximately 180 degrees away from the remaining tuck blades thereby allowing the remaining tuck blades to be used as a handle at the one end while the opposite end of the selected tuck blade is used to strike a grout or mortar joint between two adjacent masonry elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Harry Bennett
  • Patent number: 6964115
    Abstract: A leveling device for leveling floor pavement layers comprises a rod (1) having a hollow (90) therethrough and a fixing flange (11) for fitting with a fixing member at a lower end, a fixing member (3) including an aperture (31) in the center thereof to be releasably coupled with the rod (1), fixing holes (33) on the outer periphery thereof, a finger stop (310) formed at an end of the aperture (31) to be fitted with the fixing flange (11) of the rod (1) and a cap (4) releasably coupled with the hollow (90) of the rod (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Jin Sul Kim
  • Patent number: 6732441
    Abstract: A leveling device for a construction material surface surrounding a drainpipe presents an elongated beam having a central seat therein for reception of the end of a drainpipe therein. Upon a seating of the drainpipe, a pair of opposed inclined surfaces contact the construction material surrounding the drainpipe. Rotation of the beam about the drainpipe presents a smoothed, inclined surface about the drainpipe with the excess poured material being collected in pockets in a sidewall of the device. The depth of the inclined surfaces below the drainpipe top can be regulated. Bubble levels assure a proper orientation of the beam during rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Dale J. Charay, Jeff W. Berberick
  • Patent number: 6708418
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for masonry brick laying of a column, such apparatus employing an apparatus for setting a layer of brick or other structural material, allowing the column of bricks to be placed in a straight, or spiral, format while keeping each layer within the column both plumb and level. Each layer of brick column can consists of a shape that can be square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. whereas such shape can be spiraled from one layer of brick to another. Alternate embodiment of apparatus allows a curvilinear wall to be constructed, guiding each layer of brick as the wall is constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Larry J. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6643945
    Abstract: A universal anchor bolt template including a plate member having a square configuration. The plate member has planar upper and lower surfaces. The plate member has a plurality of apertures therethrough arranged in at least one group of four radial aperture lines. The apertures are spaced along each of the aperture lines in the group at corresponding distances, such that the use of corresponding apertures allows the anchoring bolts to be positioned in a square configuration with a selected center-to-center distance. Each of the apertures is surrounded by at least one concentric knock-out for allowing the apertures to be enlarged for the use of larger anchoring bolts than could be accommodated by the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: William Starks
  • Patent number: 6625951
    Abstract: A system for laying and leveling a tile walking surface, i.e. indoor floor or outdoor patio or pathway, where the system relies upon the use of inserts embedded within the adhesive for securing the tile. A preferred insert is a single plastic member, preferably circular in configuration, and contains plural through openings for receiving and securing the insert into the adhesive. Optionally, removable space dividers may be provided where the space dividers are initially positioned in the openings for spacing adjacent tiles, then removed to allow grouting of the spaces. Alternately, the insert may be a two-piece member that can be vertically adjusted where needed to ensure a level substrate and hence a level walking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Lawrence McCarthy
  • Patent number: 6505408
    Abstract: A leveling trowel for ensuring a level surface when using a trowel. The leveling trowel includes a plate having a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge. The plate is rigid and has a generally rectangular shape. A handle member is securely attached to the plate. The handle member has an outer surface, an inner surface and a pair of side surfaces. The handle member has a chamber therein. The outer surface has first window therein extending to and exposing the chamber. A spirit level is positioned in the chamber and orientated for determining a horizontal orientation of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Ernesto Talamantez, Arthur Talamantez, Susan M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6430826
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Sigl
  • Patent number: 6412185
    Abstract: A tile laying gauge and leveling assembly for preparing a recipient surface for the laying of tiles and for properly positioning the tiles on the recipient surface includes a plurality of elongated side members and a leveling assembly. Each of the side members has a first flange and a second flange whereby each side member has a generally L-shaped cross section. The leveling assembly has a substantially planar central panel and extension arms. The extension arms extend outward from opposite sides of the central panel and are designed to rest on the second flanges of the side members when the side members are positioned generally parallel with respect to each other. The central panel has a first longitudinal side that has a straight edge for determining if a plurality of tile has been properly positioned. In addition, the central panel has a second longitudinal side that has a plurality of notches designed for facilitating preparation of a recipient surface and for properly positioning tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Oscar Mills, Mary Mills
  • Patent number: 6347459
    Abstract: A template system enables an installer to mark a plurality of bricks laid in a pattern to define a desired edge shape of the bricks. The template system includes a flexible tool which provides a surface against which a marking tool can be placed, and a plurality of anchors. Each anchor is attached to at least one brick and is removable therefrom. In use, the anchors are attached to the bricks. The tool is then attached to the anchors such that the desired shape is provided. Thereafter, the marking tool is run along the length of the tool to mark the desired shape onto the bricks. The tool and anchors are removed and the bricks are then cut by suitable means so that the desired border or edge shape is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Mark R. Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20020001509
    Abstract: Disclosed are a block retaining wall structure having a plurality of blocks stacked each other, and an setback locator therefor. The block retaining wall structure comprises at least one pillar-accommodating hole formed on each block along stacking direction of the blocks; at least one head-accommodating hole depressed along the stacking direction of the blocks, so as to correspond to the pillar-accommodating hole; and an setback locator including a pillar part taking a bar shape, being inserted into the pillar-accommodating hole, and a head part formed at one end of the pillar part and accommodated in the head-accommodating hole, and having a plurality of contact faces having different radial contact distances from an axial line of the pillar part to an inner wall face of the head-accommodating hole. With this configuration, a retaining wall having a variety of batter angles can be selectively constructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Sung-min Hong
  • Publication number: 20010034946
    Abstract: A leveling tool including a screed bar and a scraper blade. The screed bar includes either a slot or a bracket to slightingly accommodate the scraper blade. These grape or blade is vertically adjusted within the slot or bracket to a desired height and may be fixed at the desired height by inserting bolts through aligned holes. Once the leveling tool has been adjusted to a desired height, the soil surface proximate the land escaping block can be planed or leveled at an elevation to enable a second block to be placed next to the first block, the tops of the blocks being level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Duane Hamdorf
  • Patent number: 6164037
    Abstract: A formliner for use in manufacturing a decorative panel made up of a layer of concrete or other cementitious material interconnecting a layer of spaced apart bricks or other decorative elements, secured in the cementitious material. The formliner is made of a resilient elastomeric material and has a generally planar layer with a plurality of upstanding laterally and transversely extending ribs that extend from the generally planar layer to define a plurality of brick receiving recesses. Each brick is received in a respective recess with its front face positioned toward the generally planar layer. The ribs extend partly up the sides of the brick from the generally planar layer to allow cementitious material to partly fill the spaces between the sides of the bricks. Cementitious material is prevented from reaching the front faces of the bricks within the recesses by a plurality of ridges that extend from the ribs to sealingly engage an adjacent surface of the brick within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: James Kenneth Passeno
  • Patent number: 6041567
    Abstract: A formliner for use in manufacturing a decorative panel made up of a layer of concrete or other cementitious material interconnecting a layer of spaced apart bricks or other decorative elements, secured in the cementitious material. The formliner is made of a resilient elastomeric material and has a generally planar layer with a plurality of upstanding laterally and transversely extending ribs that extend from the generally planar layer to define a plurality of brick receiving recesses. Each brick is received in a respective recess with its front face positioned toward the generally planar layer. The ribs extend partly up the sides of the brick from the generally planar layer to allow cementitious material to partly fill the spaces between the sides of the bricks. Cementitious material is prevented from reaching the front faces of the bricks within the recesses by a plurality of ridges that extend from the ribs to sealingly engage an adjacent surface of the brick within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: James Kenneth Passeno
  • Patent number: 5915809
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Jim A. Gilliam
  • Patent number: 5894676
    Abstract: A template for laying a plurality of bricks including a substantially planar and rigid sheet having a plurality of support pins projecting therefrom at a 90.degree. angle in a predetermined pattern for supporting a plurality of bricks. This pattern includes a first plurality of support pins being disposed along a first horizontal line at predetermined spaces corresponding to the length of a brick, and a second plurality of support pins being disposed along a second horizontal line at predetermined spaces corresponding to the length of a brick. The first horizontal line of support pins is parallel to the second horizontal line of support pins, and the first horizontal line is spaced from the second horizontal line by more than the height of a brick. In addition, the support pins in the first horizontal line are offset from the support pins in the second horizontal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Robert DiGiovanni
  • Patent number: 5855075
    Abstract: A template for laying a plurality of bricks including a substantially planar and rigid sheet having a plurality of support pins projecting therefrom at a 90.degree. angle in a predetermined pattern for supporting a plurality of bricks. This pattern includes a first plurality of support pins being disposed along a first horizontal line at predetermined spaces corresponding to the length of a brick, and a second plurality of support pins being disposed along a second horizontal line at predetermined spaces corresponding to the length of a brick. The first horizontal line of support pins is parallel to the second horizontal line of support pins, and the first horizontal line is spaced from the second horizontal line by more than the height of a brick. In addition, the support pins in the first horizontal line are offset from the support pins in the second horizontal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Robert DiGiovanni
  • Patent number: 5722176
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Wayne Hinson