Alignment-affixing device

Abstract

According to one aspect, the present invention is an alignment-affixing device having at least two portions, for affixing a projecting member, such as an anchor bolt, through an opening in a support structure, such as a concrete masonry unit, substantially at a right angle. The alignment-affixing device includes a locking collar substantially disposed on an interior side of the concrete masonry unit, and an alignment cap substantially disposed on an exterior side obverse to the interior side. When the anchor bolt is placed through said locking collar and said alignment cap, and when said locking collar and said alignment cap are interlocked, the anchor bolt is affixed substantially at a right angle to the concrete masonry unit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to precision mechanical bracing and, more particularly, relates to the alignment and affixation of a projecting member through an opening in a support structure substantially at a right angle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

In various fields, it is often required to temporarily or permanently affix a projecting member through an opening in a support structure at a specified angle or orientation. In the field of construction, for example, there are several situations which require the precise mechanical bracing of steel reinforcing rods (or “rebar”) through concrete masonry.

FIG. 1 illustrates one typical situation, in which a floor deck is constructed using concrete masonry units (“CMUs”), anchor bolts (or “J-bolts”) and ledgers, using conventional anchoring techniques. Specifically, wall section 100 is constructed by laying CMUs 102 end-to-end. Typical CMU 102, illustrated in detail in FIG. 2, is a hollow brick measuring 12″×8″×16″ or 8″×8″×16″ and is comprised of Portland cement and suitable aggregates combined with water, although variations in design, shape, size or consistency are prevalent. Typical CMU 102 includes hollow cells 105 and 106.

Floor decks are normally constructed by securing anchor bolts, such as anchor bolt 103, orthogonally into a CMU, then attaching ledgers to the projecting anchor bolt. FIG. 1 illustrates this process in detail, showing the various stages of construction. Specifically, anchor bolt 103 is placed through an opening 104 in CMU 102. Hollow cells 105 and 106 are filled with concrete or another grout, securing anchor bolt 103 into place. Once the concrete or grout has hardened, ledgers 107 (supporting floor joists 108) are secured to anchor bolt 103, and floor decking is built atop floor joists 108.

In order to create a level floor deck, anchor bolt 103 must be positioned orthogonally to CMU 102 and wall section 100. FIG. 3 is a side-view close-up view, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of CMU 102, in a state where anchor bolt 103 has been manually positioned and aligned using conventional manual positioning techniques. In detail, anchor bolt 103 is placed through an opening 104 in CMU 102. Wood brace 301 is nailed to the exterior of opening 104 on CMU 102, to hold anchor bolt 103 into an approximately orthogonal position (denoted by reference 305). Grout 306 is the poured into cell 105, and allowed to harden.

There are several problems with conventional manual anchor bolt positioning techniques. Initially, the anchor bolt is oftentimes not positioned substantially at a 90-degree angle relative to the CMU, and will hinder the construction of a substantially horizontal floor deck. Anchor bolt 103, for example, materially deviates from a 90-degree angle by an error angle, θ, which may differ from the error angle of adjacent anchor bolts. In order to partially correct for this deviation, anchor bolt 103 is manually adjusted by removing wood brace 301 from the exterior of CMU 102, and repeatedly hitting anchor bolt 103 with a heavy blunt object, such as a sledgehammer, or bending anchor bolt 103 with a steel pipe, such as sprinkler pipe.

FIG. 5 is a side-view close-up of CMU 102, shown in a state where error angle has been manually corrected using conventional techniques. Manual correction leaves anchor bolt 103 with multiple bends and twists, and still not substantially perpendicular to CMU 102. Furthermore, manual correction causes fissures 501 to form within the hardened concrete, negatively affecting the structural integrity of CMU 102, decreasing the overall tensile strength of wall portion 100. Moreover, the removal of wood brace 301 leaves behind unattractive nail holes 502, which must be filled or otherwise addressed, consuming both time and resources.

Although the problems related to securing a projecting member through an opening in a support structure have been discussed above with respect to concrete masonry, broader applications exist in other construction specialties, such as poured concrete. Furthermore, improved alignment-affixing technology would be beneficial in a wide range of fields such as medicine, for example to precisely affix a projecting member through a corporeal support structure, such as a broken bone.

It is therefore considered highly desirable to overcome the deficiencies of conventional techniques for securing a projecting member through an opening in a support structure at a specified angle, by providing an alignment-affixing device which can be temporarily or permanently affixed to the support structure, holding the projecting member in place substantially at a right angle with respect to the support structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to precision mechanical bracing and, more particularly, relates to the alignment and affixation of a projecting member through an opening in a support structure substantially at a right angle.

According to one aspect, the present invention is an alignment-affixing device having at least two portions, where the alignment-affixing device is for affixing an anchor bolt through an opening in a concrete masonry unit substantially at a right angle. The alignment-affixing device includes an alignment cap and a locking collar which slidably engages with the alignment cap. The alignment cap includes an outer collar with slots, the outer collar dimensioned to receive the anchor bolt of varying sizes, at least a portion of the outer collar having inwardly extending fins for releasably securing the anchor bolt to the alignment-affixing device. The alignment cap also includes a leveling structure orthogonally attached to the outer collar, the leveling structure for aligning the alignment-affixing device perpendicular to the concrete masonry unit. Additionally, the alignment cap includes a plurality of arm flexures attached to the leveling structure obverse to the outer collar, the plurality of arm flexures passing through the opening in the concrete masonry unit. The locking collar includes an inner collar dimensioned to fit within the outer collar, where the inner collar passes through the an opening in the concrete masonry unit and is for supporting and slidably receiving an anchor bolt. The locking collar also includes a plurality of arm extenders which flex the plurality of arm flexures outward, and a plurality of locking flexures which lock within the slots of the outer collar, the plurality of locking flexures and the plurality of arm extenders affixing the alignment cap into the concrete masonry unit and preventing disengagement of the alignment-affixing device from the concrete masonry unit.

According to another aspect, the present invention is an alignment-affixing device having at least two portions, the alignment-affixing device for affixing a projecting member, such as an anchor bolt, to a support structure, such as a CMU, substantially at a right angle. The alignment-affixing device includes a locking collar substantially disposed on an interior side of the CMU, and an alignment cap substantially disposed on an exterior side obverse to the interior side. When the anchor bolt is placed through the locking collar and the alignment cap, and when the locking collar and the alignment cap are interlocked, the anchor bolt is affixed substantially at a right angle to the CMU.

The alignment-affixing device according to the present invention has many advantages over conventional manual positioning, including (i) increased production for each worker, reducing labor costs, (ii) reduced material waste, by facilitating the accurate and secure placement of anchor bolts or other projecting members the first time, each time, (iii) increased tensile strength in construction applications, by effectuating the precise positioning of anchor bolts through supporting structures, and allowing reinforcing materials to meet or exceed building codes and architectural designs (iv) reduced need to individually secure and set anchor bolts in a piecemeal fashion, allowing a plurality of anchor bolts to be secured through a CMU at the same time, (v) allowing the use of custom-sized anchor bolts, without involving additional costs, and (vi) allowing an inspector to see the bolt in place prior to grouting.

The locking collar further includes an elongated cylindrical inner collar dimensioned to receive the anchor bolt, the inner collar including a first end, and a second end obverse to the first end. The locking collar also includes a planar sealing structure affixed orthogonally around the inner collar, the sealing structure disposed between the first and second ends.

The alignment cap further includes an elongated cylindrical outer collar dimensioned to receive the inner collar, and a planar leveling structure affixed orthogonally around the outer collar, the leveling structure disposed at one end of the outer collar. When the inner collar and the outer collar are slidably engaged, the leveling structure interfaces with the CMU and the sealing structure.

At least a portion of the outer collar and/or the inner collar has inwardly-extending fins for releasably securing the anchor bolt to the alignment-affixing device. The alignment-affixing device is made of plastic.

In one arrangement, the locking collar further includes a plurality of substantially identical, locking flexures parallel to and disposed equiangularly at an angle θ₁ circumferentially around the inner collar, the plurality of locking flexures being disposed between the first end and the sealing structure. The alignment cap further includes a plurality of an openings through the outer collar, the plurality of an openings disposed equiangularly at angle θ₁ circumferentially around the outer collar and dimensioned to receive the plurality of locking flexures. When the plurality of locking flexures and the plurality of an openings are engaged, the leveling structure locks against the CMU and the sealing structure, and the locking collar is prevented from slidably disengaging the alignment cap.

In a second, alternate arrangement, the locking collar further includes a plurality of substantially identical arm extenders for flexing said plurality of arm flexures outward, the plurality of arm extenders being disposed equiangularly at an angle θ₂ circumferentially around the inner collar, the plurality of arm extenders being disposed between the sealing structure and the second end. The alignment cap further includes a plurality of arm flexures affixed on the leveling structure obverse to the outer collar, each of the plurality of arm flexures being aligned circularly and equiangularly at angle θ₂, and each of the plurality of arm flexures having a distal catch. When the plurality of arm flexures and the plurality of arm extenders are slidably engaged, the distal catch locks the leveling structure against the CMU and the sealing structure, and the locking collar is prevented from slidably disengaging the alignment cap.

In an additional arrangement, the locking collar further includes a plurality of substantially identical elongated guide tabs disposed equiangularly at an angle θ₃ circumferentially around the inner collar, the plurality of guide tabs located between the first end and the sealing structure. The alignment cap further includes a plurality of substantially identical, inward-facing, elongated grooves through the outer collar, the plurality of grooves disposed parallel to and equiangularly at angle θ₃ circumferentially around the outer collar and dimensioned to receive the plurality of guide tabs. When the plurality of guide tabs and the plurality of elongated grooves are slidably engaged, the inner collar cannot rotate within the outer collar.

According to an additional aspect, the present invention is a method for affixing a projecting member, such as an anchor bolt, through a support structure, such as a CMU, substantially at a right angle using a two-portion alignment-affixing device. The method includes the steps of mounting one end of the anchor bolt on a locking collar of the alignment-affixing device, and positioning the locking collar within the CMU through an opening in the CMU. The method also includes the steps of mounting an alignment cap of the alignment-affixing device on the anchor bolt, in front of the CMU, and interlocking the locking collar and the alignment cap, such that the locking collar and the alignment cap affix the anchor bolt substantially at a right angle to the CMU.

The locking collar and the anchor bolt are secured to the CMU, and a portion of the alignment-affixing device is removed from the CMU and the anchor bolt. The portion of the alignment-affixing device is removed by twisting the alignment cap.

According to a further aspect, the present invention is a single-piece alignment-affixing device for affixing an anchor bolt through an opening in a concrete masonry unit substantially at a right angle. The single-piece alignment-affixing device includes an alignment portion for aligning the alignment-affixing device substantially perpendicular to the concrete masonry unit and a locking portion for preventing disengagement of the alignment-affixing device from the concrete masonry unit. The alignment-affixing device is dimensioned to receive the anchor bolt of varying sizes.

According to an additional aspect, the present invention is a method for affixing an anchor bolt through an opening in a concrete masonry unit substantially at a right angle using a single-portion alignment-affixing device. The method includes the steps of mounting one end of the anchor bolt on the alignment-affixing device, and positioning the alignment-affixing within the concrete masonry unit through an opening in the concrete masonry unit. The method further includes the steps of mounting the alignment-affixing device onto the concrete masonry unit such that the an alignment portion of the alignment-affixing device affixes the anchor bolt substantially at a right angle to the concrete masonry unit.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates the construction of a floor deck using conventional anchoring techniques;

FIG. 2 depicts a typical CMU;

FIG. 3 is a side-view close-up of a conventional CMU, shown in a state where an anchor bolt has been manually positioned and aligned using conventional construction techniques;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the FIG. 3 conventional CMU;

FIG. 5 is a side-view close-up of a conventional CMU, shown in a state where error angle has been manually corrected;

FIG. 6 depicts the improved alignment-affixing device according to the present invention, including a locking collar and an alignment cap, in a state where the locking collar and the alignment cap are slidably engaged and interlocked;

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict side and front views, respectively, of a locking collar of an improved alignment-affixing device according to the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict side and front views, respectively, of an alignment cap of an improved alignment-affixing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates the improved alignment-affixing device according to the present invention, being used to affix an anchor bolt into a CMU, substantially at a right angle;

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict side and front views, respectively, of a locking collar of an improved alignment-affixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C depict front, side and rear views, respectively, of an alignment cap of an improved alignment-affixing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart depicting the process for affixing a projecting member through an opening in a support structure substantially at a right angle using an improved alignment-affixing device, according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 6 depicts an example of the improved alignment-affixing device according to the present invention. Briefly, the improved alignment-affixing device having at least two portions, for affixing a projecting member, such as an anchor bolt, to a support structure, such as a CMU, substantially at a right angle includes a locking collar substantially disposed on an interior side of the CMU. The alignment-affixing device further includes an alignment cap substantially disposed on an exterior side obverse to the interior side. When the anchor bolt is placed through the locking collar and the alignment cap, and when the locking collar and the alignment cap are interlocked, the anchor bolt is affixed substantially at a right angle to the CMU.

In more detail, improved alignment-affixing device 600 for affixing a projecting member (not shown) to CMU 602 substantially at a right angle includes locking collar 604 substantially disposed on an interior side of CMU 602. Alignment-affixing device 600 further includes alignment cap 605 substantially disposed on an exterior side obverse to the interior side. When an anchor bolt is placed through locking collar 604 and alignment cap 605, and when locking collar 604 and alignment cap 605 are interlocked, the anchor bolt is affixed substantially at a right angle to CMU 602. In FIG. 6 locking collar 604 and alignment cap 605 are slidably engaged and interlocked.

As shown in FIG. 6, certain parts of locking collar 604 extend to the exterior of CMU 602, and certain parts of alignment cap 605 extend into the interior of CMU 602. The substantial portions of locking collar 604 and alignment cap 605 remain, however, on the interior and exterior, respectively, of CMU 602, with the exception being those components which interlock, affix and/or align the respective portions of improved alignment-affixing device 600 into position.

Although it is desired to affix a projecting member at a right angle to the support structure, variations in manufacture, composition, size, shape, texture or type of the support structure or projecting member may cause insubstantial deviations to a precise 90-degree angle of projection. Even with potential insubstantial deviations, however, the improved alignment-affixing device still overcomes the deficiencies associated with conventional manual positioning of anchor bolts.

Improved alignment-affixing device 600 has several distinct advantages over conventional anchor bolt affixing techniques. For instance, improved alignment-affixing device 600 increases production for each worker, reducing labor costs and eliminating the need for lifting support structures (such as CMUs) over projecting members (such as anchor bolts). These advantages reduce the danger of harmful contact between an anchor bolt and a worker's face, and reduce material waste by facilitating the accurate and secure placement of anchor bolts the first time, each time. Furthermore, improved alignment-affixing device 600 allows both vertical and horizontal positioning of anchor bolts, providing natural mechanical bonding with securing materials such as concrete, with no gaps.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict side and front views, respectively, of locking collar 604 of improved alignment-affixing device 600. Specifically, locking collar 604 further includes elongated cylindrical inner collar 606 dimensioned to receive an anchor bolt (not depicted), inner collar 606 including first end 608, and second end 609 obverse to first end 608. Locking collar 604 also includes planar sealing structure 610 affixed orthogonally around inner collar 606, sealing structure 610 being disposed between first end 608 and second end 609.

Locking collar 604 further includes a plurality of substantially identical, locking flexures, including flexures 611, 612, 613 and 701, parallel to and disposed equiangularly at angle θ₁ circumferentially around inner collar 606, the plurality of locking flexures being disposed between first end 608 and sealing structure 610. In an alternate arrangement, flexures 611, 612, 613 and/or 701 are omitted.

Locking collar 604 further includes a plurality of substantially identical arm extenders, including arm extenders 615, 616, 617 and 702, disposed equiangularly at an angle θ₂ circumferentially around inner collar 606, the plurality of arm extenders being disposed between sealing structure 610 and second end 609. In an alternate arrangement, flexures 615, 616, 617 and/or 702 are omitted.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict side and front views, respectively, of alignment cap 605 of improved alignment-affixing device 600. Specifically, alignment cap 605 further includes elongated cylindrical outer collar 619 dimensioned to receive inner collar 606, and planar leveling structure 620 affixed orthogonally around outer collar 619, leveling structure 620 disposed at one end of outer collar 619. When inner collar 606 and outer collar 619 are slidably engaged, leveling structure 620 interfaces with CMU 602 and sealing structure 610. With increased customization in masonry designs, however, non-standard sized CMUs and, correspondingly, non-standard sized alignment-affixing devices with long or short collar sections are required.

Alignment cap 605 includes a plurality of an openings, including an openings 801 to 804, through outer collar 619. The plurality of an openings are disposed equiangularly at angle θ₁ circumferentially around outer collar 619, and dimensioned to receive the plurality of locking flexures. When the plurality of locking flexures and the plurality of an openings are engaged, leveling structure 620 locks against CMU 602 and sealing structure 610, and locking collar 604 is prevented from slidably disengaging alignment cap 605. In an additional arrangement, an openings 801 to 804 are omitted.

The alignment cap includes a plurality of arm flexures, including flexures 621, 622, 623 and 805, affixed on leveling structure 620 obverse to outer collar 619, each of the plurality of arm flexures being aligned circularly and equiangularly at angle θ₂, and each of the plurality of arm flexures having a distal catch, such as catch 625 and 626. When the plurality of arm flexures and the plurality of arm extenders are slidably engaged, catches 625 and 626 lock leveling structure 620 against CMU 602 and sealing structure 610, and locking collar 604 is prevented from slidably disengaging alignment cap 605.

The alignment-affixing device according to the present invention has many advantages over conventional positioning techniques, including (i) increased production for each worker, reducing labor costs, (ii) reduced material waste, by facilitating the accurate and secure placement of anchor bolts or other projecting members the first time, each time, (iii) increased tensile strength in construction applications, by effectuating the precise positioning of anchor bolts through supporting structures, and allowing reinforcing materials to meet or exceed building codes and architectural designs (iv) reduced need to individually secure and set anchor bolts in a piecemeal fashion, allowing a plurality of anchor bolts to be secured through a CMU at the same time, and (v) allowing the use of custom-sized anchor bolts, without involving additional costs.

FIG. 9 illustrates the improved alignment-affixing device according to the present invention, being used to affix an anchor bolt into a CMU, substantially at a right angle. Specifically, improved alignment-affixing device 600 has been placed through an opening in CMU 901. The inner collar and outer collars of alignment-affixing device 600 are dimensioned to receive anchor bolt 902, where anchor bolt 902 is a J-shaped section of a ½″ or ⅝″ steel reinforcing rod.

Anchor bolt 902 has been affixed to CMU 901 substantially at a right angle by mounting one end of anchor bolt 902 on a locking collar of alignment-affixing device 600, and positioning the locking collar within cell 903 of CMU 600 via an opening in CMU 600. An alignment cap of alignment-affixing device 600 is mounted on anchor bolt 902 in front of CMU 600, and the locking collar and the alignment cap are interlocked. According to this design, alignment-affixing device 600 increases tensile strength by effectuating the precise positioning of anchor bolts through CMUs at desired positions, allowing the anchor bolts to meet or exceed building codes and architectural designs.

FIG. 9 also depicts the CMU in a state after an improved alignment-affixing device has been removed. Specifically, anchor bolt 905 has been secured into CMU 901 with an alignment-affixing device in place, using concrete poured into hollow cell 906. After the concrete has set, a portion of the alignment-affixing device is removed from CMU 901 and anchor bolt 905, by twisting or other removal method. After the removal of the alignment cap of the alignment-affixing device, an opening 907 (which is now filled with hardened concrete) is exposed. After the removal of the alignment-affixing device, anchor bolt 905 is affixed through CMU 901 substantially at a right angle.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict side and front views, respectively, of a locking collar of an improved alignment-affixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In more detail, the improved alignment-affixing device includes locking collar 1004, where locking collar 1004 is substantially disposed on an interior side of a CMU. Locking collar 1004 further includes elongated cylindrical inner collar 1006 dimensioned to receive an anchor bolt (not depicted), inner collar 1006 including first end 1008, and second end 1009 obverse to first end 1008. Locking collar 1004 also includes planar sealing structure 1010 affixed orthogonally around inner collar 1006, sealing structure 1010 disposed between first end 1008 and second end 1009.

Locking collar 1004 includes a plurality of substantially identical, locking flexures, including flexures 1011 to 1014, parallel to and disposed equiangularly at angle θ₁ circumferentially around inner collar 1006, the plurality of locking flexures being disposed between first end 1008 and sealing structure 1010.

Locking collar 1004 includes a plurality of substantially identical arm extenders, including arm extenders 1015 to 1018, disposed equiangularly at an angle θ₂ circumferentially around inner collar 606, the plurality of arm extenders being disposed between sealing structure 1010 and second end 1009.

Locking collar 1004 includes a plurality of substantially identical elongated guide tabs, including guide tabs 1020 to 1023, disposed equiangularly at an angle θ₃ circumferentially around inner collar 1006, the plurality of guide tabs located between first end 1008 and sealing structure 1010.

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C depict front, side and rear views, respectively, of an alignment cap of an improved alignment-affixing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Alignment cap 1105 is substantially disposed on an exterior side of a CMU (not shown), obverse to the interior side. When the an anchor bolt (not shown) is placed through locking collar 1004 and alignment cap 1105, and when locking collar 1004 and alignment cap 1105 are interlocked, the anchor bolt is affixed substantially at a right angle to the CMU.

Alignment cap 1105 further includes elongated cylindrical outer collar 1119 dimensioned to receive inner collar 1006, and planar leveling structure 1120 affixed orthogonally around outer collar 1119, leveling structure 1120 disposed at one end of outer collar 1119. When inner collar 1006 and outer collar 1119 are slidably engaged, leveling structure 1120 interfaces with the CMU (not shown) and sealing structure 1010.

Alignment cap 1105 includes a plurality of an openings, including an openings 1101 to 1104, through the outer collar 1119. The plurality of an openings are disposed equiangularly at angle θ₁ circumferentially around outer collar 1119, and dimensioned to receive the plurality of locking flexures. When the plurality of locking flexures and the plurality of an openings are engaged, leveling structure 1120 locks against the CMU and sealing structure 1010, and locking collar 1004 is prevented from slidably disengaging alignment cap 1105.

Alignment cap 1105 includes a plurality of arm flexures, including flexures 1121 to 1124, affixed on leveling structure 1120 obverse to outer collar 1119, each of the plurality of arm flexures being aligned circularly and equiangularly at angle θ₂, and each of the plurality of arm flexures having a distal catch, such as distal catch 1125. When the plurality of arm flexures and the plurality of arm extenders are slidably engaged, distal catch 1125 locks leveling structure 1120 against the CMU and sealing structure 1010, and locking collar 1004 is prevented from slidably disengaging alignment cap 1105.

Alignment cap 1105 further includes a plurality of substantially identical, inward-facing, elongated grooves, including grooves 1131 to 1134, through the outer collar. The plurality of grooves are disposed parallel to and equiangularly at angle θ₃ circumferentially around outer collar 1119 and dimensioned to receive the plurality of guide tabs. When the plurality of guide tabs and the plurality of elongated grooves are slidably engaged, inner collar 1006 cannot rotate within outer collar 1119. In an additional arrangement, grooves 1131 to 1134 are omitted.

At least a portion of outer collar 1119 and/or inner collar 1006 has inwardly-extending fins, such as fins 1126 to 1129, for releasably securing the anchor bolt to the alignment-affixing device. In a further arrangement, fins 1126 to 1129 are omitted, and is instead arranged to receive anchor bolts of varying sizes in another fashion. In either arrangement, however, the alignment-affixing device can be used with custom-sized anchor bolts, without incurring additional costs.

The alignment-affixing device is comprised of plastic, although in alternate arrangements the alignment-affixing device is composed of other materials, including metals, ceramics, glass or wood. Material selection for the alignment-affixing device depends on several factors, including the type of anchor bolt and/or CMU. As one example, the alignment-affixing device can be manufactured using plastic if it is to be re-used, or manufactured out of wood if it is meant to be used once then destroyed.

Portions of locking collar 1004 extend to the exterior of the support structure, and certain portions of alignment cap 1105 extend into the interior of the support structure. The substantial portions of locking collar 1004 and alignment cap 1105 remain, however, on the interior and exterior, respectively, of the support structure, with the primary exception being those components which interlock, affix and/or align the respective portions of the improved alignment-affixing device into position.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart depicting the process for affixing a projecting member, such as an anchor bolt, through an opening in a support structure, such as a CMU, substantially at a right angle using a two-portion alignment-affixing device, according to an additional embodiment of the present invention. Briefly, one end of the anchor bolt is mounted on a locking collar of the alignment-affixing device, and the locking collar is positioned within the CMU through an opening in the CMU. An alignment cap of the alignment-affixing device is positioned on the anchor bolt, in front of the CMU, and the locking collar and the alignment cap are interlocked such that the locking collar and the alignment cap affix the anchor bolt substantially at a right angle to the CMU.

Although it is desired to affix a projecting member at a right angle to the support structure, variations in manufacture, composition, size, shape, texture or type of the support structure or projecting member may cause insubstantial deviations to a precise 90-degree angle of projection.

The process begins (step S 1201), and one end of the anchor bolt is mounted on a locking collar of the alignment-affixing device (step S 1202). The mounting step would ordinarily be performed by sliding the anchor bolt through the locking collar of the alignment-affixing device, where the locking collar is dimensioned to receive an anchor bolt of varying sizes.

The locking collar is positioned within the CMU through an opening in the CMU (step S1204). An alignment cap of the alignment-affixing device is mounted on the anchor bolt, in front of the CMU (step 1205). This mounting step is ordinarily performed by sliding the alignment cap over the exposed end of the anchor bolt, where the alignment cap is dimensioned to receive both the anchor bolt as well as a portion of the locking collar.

The locking collar and the alignment cap are interlocked, such that the locking collar and the alignment cap affix the anchor bolt at a right angle to the CMU (step S1206). Interlocking can occur through many means, such as a screw-type means, an adhesive or, as described more fully above, a system of flexures, fins, tabs, catches, slots and openings on the alignment cap and/or locking collar, which lock the alignment cap against the concrete masonry unit and the locking collar, and prevent the locking collar from disengaging the alignment cap.

The locking collar and the anchor bolt are secured to the concrete masonry unit (step S1207). The locking collar is secured by pouring concrete or other grout material into the hollow cell of the CMU in which the anchor bolt and the locking collar have been fed, then waiting for the grout material to harden or set.

A portion of the alignment-affixing device is removed from the concrete masonry unit and the anchor bolt (step S1209), and the process ends (step S1210). The portion of the alignment-affixing device is removed by twisting the alignment cap.

Although the present invention has been described above using examples relating to reinforced concrete masonry and poured concrete construction techniques, broader applications exist in other construction specialties. In particular, the present invention has been demonstrated using a CMU as the support structure, and using an anchor bolt as the projecting member. In any instance where a CMU or an anchor bolt are discussed, it should be understood that other types of support structures or projecting members are contemplated. In one example, improved alignment-affixing technology can be used in the field of medicine, to precisely affix a projecting member or structure through a broken bone support structure.

Furthermore, although the present invention has been described using an example of a two-piece design, single-piece or additional-piece designs are also contemplated. Specifically, according to an additional aspect, the present invention is a single-piece alignment-affixing device for affixing an anchor bolt through an opening in a concrete masonry unit substantially at a right angle. The single-piece alignment-affixing device includes an alignment portion for aligning the alignment-affixing device substantially perpendicular to the concrete masonry unit and a locking portion for preventing disengagement of the alignment-affixing device from the concrete masonry unit. The alignment-affixing device is dimensioned to receive the anchor bolt of varying sizes.

The invention also contemplates a method for affixing an anchor bolt through an opening in a concrete masonry unit substantially at a right angle using a single-portion alignment-affixing device. The method includes the steps of mounting one end of the anchor bolt on the alignment-affixing device, and positioning the alignment-affixing within the concrete masonry unit through an opening in the concrete masonry unit. The method further includes the steps of mounting the alignment-affixing device onto the concrete masonry unit such that the an alignment portion of the alignment-affixing device affixes the anchor bolt substantially at a right angle to the concrete masonry unit.

The invention has been described with particular illustrative embodiments. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An alignment-affixing device having at least two portions, the alignment-affixing device for affixing an anchor bolt through an opening in a concrete masonry unit substantially at a right angle, comprising:

an alignment cap further comprising: an outer collar with slots, the outer collar dimensioned to receive the anchor bolt of varying sizes, at least a portion of said outer collar having inwardly extending fins for releasably securing the anchor bolt to the alignment-affixing device, a leveling structure orthogonally attached to said outer collar, the leveling structure for aligning the alignment-affixing device perpendicular to the concrete masonry unit, and a plurality of arm flexures attached to said leveling structure obverse to said outer collar, said plurality of arm flexures passing through the opening in the concrete masonry unit; and

a locking collar which slidably engages with said alignment cap, the locking collar further comprising: an inner collar dimensioned to fit within said outer collar, said inner collar for passing through the opening in the concrete masonry unit and for supporting and slidably receiving an anchor bolt; a plurality of arm extenders which flex said plurality of arm flexures outward, a plurality of locking flexures which lock within the slots of said outer collar, the plurality of locking flexures and the plurality of arm extenders affixing said alignment cap into the concrete masonry unit and preventing disengagement of the alignment-affixing device from the concrete masonry unit.

2. An alignment-affixing device having at least two portions, the alignment-affixing device for affixing an anchor bolt through an opening in a concrete masonry unit substantially at a right angle, comprising:

a locking collar substantially disposed on an interior side of the concrete masonry unit; and

an alignment cap substantially disposed on an exterior side obverse to the interior side,

wherein, when the anchor bolt is placed through said locking collar and said alignment cap, and when said locking collar and said alignment cap are interlocked, the anchor bolt is affixed substantially at a right angle to the concrete masonry unit.

3. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 2,

wherein said locking collar further comprises: an elongated cylindrical inner collar dimensioned to receive the anchor bolt, said inner collar including a first end, and a second end obverse to the first end, and a planar sealing structure affixed orthogonally around said inner collar, said sealing structure disposed between the first and second ends.

4. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 3,

wherein said alignment cap further comprises: an elongated cylindrical outer collar dimensioned to receive said inner collar, and a planar leveling structure affixed orthogonally around said outer collar, said leveling structure disposed at one end of said outer collar,

wherein, when said inner collar and said outer collar are slidably engaged, said leveling structure interfaces with the concrete masonry unit and said sealing structure.

5. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 4,

wherein said locking collar further comprises a plurality of substantially identical, locking flexures parallel to and disposed equiangularly at an angle 0, circumferentially around said inner collar, said plurality of locking flexures being disposed between the first end and said sealing structure,

wherein said alignment cap further comprises a plurality of an openings through said outer collar, the plurality of an openings disposed equiangularly at angle 0, circumferentially around said outer collar and dimensioned to receive said plurality of locking flexures, and

wherein, when said plurality of locking flexures and said plurality of an openings are engaged, said leveling structure locks against the concrete masonry unit and said sealing structure, and said locking collar is prevented from slidably disengaging said alignment cap.

6. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 4,

wherein said locking collar further comprises a plurality of substantially identical arm extenders for flexing said plurality of arm flexures outward, the plurality of arm extenders being disposed equiangularly at an angle θ2 circumferentially around said inner collar, said plurality of arm extenders being disposed between said sealing structure and said second end,

wherein said alignment cap further comprises a plurality of arm flexures affixed on said leveling structure obverse to said outer collar, each of said plurality of arm flexures being aligned circularly and equiangularly at angle θ2, and each of said plurality of arm flexures having a distal catch, and

wherein, when said plurality of arm flexures and said plurality of arm extenders are slidably engaged, the distal catch locks said leveling structure against the concrete masonry unit and said sealing structure, and said locking collar is prevented from slidably disengaging said alignment cap.

7. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 4,

wherein said locking collar further comprises a plurality of substantially identical elongated guide tabs disposed equiangularly at an angle θ3 circumferentially around said inner collar, said plurality of guide tabs located between said first end and said sealing structure,

wherein said alignment cap further comprises a plurality of substantially identical, inward-facing, elongated grooves through said outer collar, the plurality of grooves disposed parallel to and equiangularly at angle θ3 circumferentially around said outer collar and dimensioned to receive said plurality of guide tabs, and

wherein, when said plurality of guide tabs and said plurality of elongated grooves are slidably engaged, said inner collar cannot rotate within said outer collar.

8. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 4,

wherein at least a portion of said outer collar and/or said inner collar has inwardly-extending fins for releasably securing the anchor bolt to the alignment-affixing device.

9. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 4,

wherein said alignment-affixing device is comprised of plastic.

10. A method for affixing an anchor bolt through an opening in a concrete masonry unit substantially at a right angle using a two-portion alignment-affixing device, comprising the steps of:

mounting one end of the anchor bolt on a locking collar of the alignment-affixing device;

positioning the locking collar within the concrete masonry unit through an opening in the concrete masonry unit;

mounting an alignment cap of the alignment-affixing device on the anchor bolt, in front of the concrete masonry unit; and

interlocking the locking collar and the alignment cap, such that the locking collar and the alignment cap affix the anchor bolt substantially at a right angle to the concrete masonry unit.

11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

securing the locking collar and the anchor bolt to the concrete masonry unit, removing a portion of the alignment-affixing device from the concrete masonry unit and the anchor bolt.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the portion of the alignment-affixing device is removed by twisting the alignment cap.

13. An alignment-affixing device having at least two portions, the alignment-affixing device for affixing a projecting member through an opening in a support structure substantially at a right angle, comprising:

a locking collar substantially disposed on an interior side of the support structure; and

an alignment cap substantially disposed on an exterior side obverse to the interior side,

wherein, when the projecting member is placed through said locking collar and said alignment cap, and when said locking collar and said alignment cap are interlocked, the projecting member is affixed substantially at a right angle to the support structure.

14. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 13,

wherein said locking collar further comprises: an elongated cylindrical inner collar dimensioned to receive the projecting member, said inner collar including a first end, and a second end obverse to the first end, and a planar sealing structure affixed orthogonally around said inner collar, said sealing structure disposed between the first and second ends.

15. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 14,

wherein said alignment cap further comprises: an elongated cylindrical outer collar dimensioned to receive said inner collar, and a planar leveling structure affixed orthogonally around said outer collar, said leveling structure disposed at one end of said outer collar,

wherein, when said inner collar and said outer collar are slidably engaged, said leveling structure interfaces with the support structure and said sealing structure.

16. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 15,

wherein said locking collar further comprises a plurality of substantially identical, locking flexures parallel to and disposed equiangularly at an angle θ1 circumferentially around said inner collar, said plurality of locking flexures being disposed between the first end and said sealing structure,

wherein said alignment cap further comprises a plurality of an openings through said outer collar, the plurality of an openings disposed equiangularly at angle θ1 circumferentially around said outer collar and dimensioned to receive said plurality of locking flexures, and

wherein, when said plurality of locking flexures and said plurality of an openings are engaged, said leveling structure locks against the support structure and said sealing structure, and said locking collar is prevented from slidably disengaging said alignment cap.

17. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 15,

wherein said locking collar further comprises a plurality of substantially identical arm extenders for flexing said plurality of arm flexures outward, the plurality of arm extenders being disposed equiangularly at an angle θ2 circumferentially around said inner collar, said plurality of arm extenders being disposed between said sealing structure and said second end,

wherein said alignment cap further comprises a plurality of arm flexures affixed on said leveling structure obverse to said outer collar, each of said plurality of arm flexures being aligned circularly and equiangularly at angle θ2, and each of said plurality of arm flexures having a distal catch, and

wherein, when said plurality of arm flexures and said plurality of arm extenders are slidably engaged, the distal catch locks said leveling structure against the support structure and said sealing structure, and said locking collar is prevented from slidably disengaging said alignment cap.

18. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 15,

wherein said locking collar further comprises a plurality of substantially identical elongated guide tabs disposed equiangularly at an angle θ3 circumferentially around said inner collar, said plurality of guide tabs located between said first end and said sealing structure,

wherein said alignment cap further comprises a plurality of substantially identical, inward-facing, elongated grooves through said outer collar, the plurality of grooves disposed parallel to and equiangularly at angle θ3 circumferentially around said outer collar and dimensioned to receive said plurality of guide tabs, and

wherein, when said plurality of guide tabs and said plurality of elongated grooves are slidably engaged, said inner collar cannot rotate within said outer collar.

19. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 15,

wherein at least a portion of said outer collar and/or said inner collar has inwardly-extending fins for releasably securing the projecting member to the alignment-affixing device.

20. An alignment-affixing device according to claim 15,

wherein said alignment-affixing device is comprised of plastic.

21. A method for affixing a projecting member through an opening in a support structure substantially at a right angle using a two-portion alignment-affixing device, comprising the steps of:

mounting one end of the projecting member on a locking collar of the alignment-affixing device;

positioning the locking collar within the support structure through an opening in the support structure;

mounting an alignment cap of the alignment-affixing device on the projecting member, in front of the support structure; and

interlocking the locking collar and the alignment cap, such that the locking collar and the alignment cap affix the projecting member substantially at a right angle to the support structure.

22. A method according to claim 21, further comprising the steps of:

securing the locking collar and the projecting member to the support structure, removing a portion of the alignment-affixing device from the support structure and the projecting member.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the portion of the alignment-affixing device is removed by twisting the alignment cap.

24. A single-piece alignment-affixing device for affixing an anchor bolt through an opening in a concrete masonry unit substantially at a right angle, comprising:

an alignment portion for aligning the alignment-affixing device substantially perpendicular to the concrete masonry unit; and

a locking portion for preventing disengagement of the alignment-affixing device from the concrete masonry unit,

wherein the alignment-affixing device is dimensioned to receive the anchor bolt of varying sizes.

25. A method for affixing an anchor bolt through an opening in a concrete masonry unit substantially at a right angle using a single-portion alignment-affixing device, comprising the steps of:

mounting one end of the anchor bolt on the alignment-affixing device;

positioning the alignment-affixing within the concrete masonry unit through an opening in the concrete masonry unit; and

mounting the alignment-affixing device onto the concrete masonry unit such that the an alignment portion of the alignment-affixing device affixes the anchor bolt substantially at a right angle to the concrete masonry unit.