Abstract: An alignment assembly and method is provided. The alignment assembly is located adjacent to one end of a structure to be erected, and cooperates with a like assembly located adjacent to an opposite end of the structure for vertically aligning a surface of the structure as it is being erected. The alignment assembly includes a base having first and second spaced-apart legs for being driven into a supporting surface, and a web for interconnecting the first and second legs and maintaining the legs in spaced-apart relation. An upright is removably attached to the web, and extends vertically upwardly between the first and second legs of the base. A guide line is secured to the upright, and extends laterally from the first alignment assembly to the second alignment assembly. The guide line is moveable vertically along the upright to maintain the surface of the structure in vertical alignment as the structure is being erected.

Abstract: Construction apparatus used for positioning column base brackets, for positioning hold down plates used to position anchor bolts for steel beams, for constructing brick or block walls and columns, and for positioning concrete forms.

Abstract: A masonry guide for supporting a vertical masonry line parallel to, and at a fixed distance from, a structural shell is disclosed. A masonry line attachment means is slidably mounted on the guide to permit location of the masonry line at the desired distance from the structural shell. The masonry guide may be attached to either a flat surface or corner of the structural shell. Alignment of the masonry guide with door and window jambs is facilitated by a locating tab pivotally mounted in the guide.

Abstract: A cleat for supporting sheet goods during alignment and fastening to underlying support structures. A pattern of holes is provided in the cleat for use in fastening the cleat to strapped or non-strapped mounting surfaces. The ends are shaped to provide a means of positioning the first sheet as well as a subsequent sheets. A removable measured spacing plate is attached to the cleat so that the cleat may be positioned without the need to measure or use spacers.

Abstract: A masonry level is arranged and configured as an elongate plate, including a planar top surface spaced from and parallel to a planar bottom surface, wherein a U-shaped handle is mounted medially of the top surface extending orthogonally and upwardly thereof having a first spirit level positioned within the handle to the top surface, with second and third spirit levels orthogonally oriented relative to the first spirit level and parallel relative to one another arranged to provide for a planar top surface in the leveling of masonry block and brick. A modification of the invention includes impact structure arranged to enhance ease of manipulation of underlying masonry workpieces.

Abstract: A device adapted to be mounted on a wall for vertically and horizontally aligning masonry corners. The device comprises a pair of members connected at a joint, the members defining an interior angle of approximately 90 degrees and a corresponding exterior angle of approximately 270 degress. An adjustable, elongated rod is mounted at the joint to bisect, in the alternative either the interior or exterior angle. A plumb line is secured to the elongated rod a selected distance from the joint.

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

Abstract: A base-point anchor that will allow anchoring of chalklines, plumb bob lines, string for layout lines and tape rules, comprising a body with adhesive locking apertures and an anchor aperture and a bulk adhesive adhering to the body and extruded into the adhesive locking apertures.

Abstract: A masonry clip used to align successive courses of bricks when laying an internal wall comprising an extension attached to form a right angle to a retainer leg with a slot cut into the extension to permit the visual alignment of the clip tied to a guide line on predetermined marks on expendable furring strips set in place behind the wall being laid.

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

Abstract: A novel masonry tool kit that enables masons to plumb their work quickly and easily which saves time and money. The invention consists of two vertical members or story poles which operate in two systems. One system is used for outside corners and the other for inside corners. The vertical members or story poles have markings to save time so brick courses will be pre-gauged which prevents uneven courses on the wall. The lower L shaped members give stability so that the masonry line can be pulled tight and true with no movement. The masonry guide provides a simplified method of insuring accuracy with quality craftsmanship in masonry work. This masonry tool kit eliminates the need to shim or build a lead at the top of the foundation inside or outside corners as the lower L shaped members secure the vertical member or story pole in the correct position.

Abstract: A base-point anchor that will allow anchoring of chalklines, plum bob lines, string for layout lines and tape rules, comprising a body with adhesive locking apertures and an anchor aperture and a bulk adhesive adhering to the body and extruded into the adhesive locking apertures.

Abstract: A masons scale for use in laying courses of brick, adapted to allow a mason to calculate appropriate mortar thicknesses between rows of bricks when constructing a brick wall, so as to evenly space the rows of bricks in such wall. Such scale consists of a plurality of groups of mutually adjacent, individually colored bands arranged along a substantially elongate, flat surface, each group spaced a progressively decreasing distance apart from the next group progressing from bottom to top of the scale, the midpoint of each colored band spaced a uniform distance from the midpoint of a correspondingly colored band in an adjacent group of colored bands. A masonry guide incorporating such scale is also provided, further comprising an elongate post member, and bracket means affixed at each end of the post member, to allow the masonry guide and the associated scale to be affixed to the side of a structure in a vertically upright position.

Abstract: A single piece spacer element is disclosed for insertion between spaces between tiles for uniform spacing of the tiles. The spacer element comprising a plurality of legs extending radially from a common juncture, with the legs being formed with beveled edges which facilitate their removal from the adhesive material between the tiles once the adhesive has cured. The invention also comprises integrally formed cylindrical or U-shaped stems which extend from the surface of the spacer element and which aid in placement and removal thereof. The invention also comprises the method of using the spacer element to space and align tiles.

Abstract: An adjustable guide assembly for use by a stone mason in constructing a brick wall so that the bricks thereof are uniformly spaced forwardly from a preexisting subwall. The guide assembly includes an elongated guide member having a longitudinally extending substantially straight guide face thereon, an elongated spacer element and a clamp for securing the spacer element to the guide member so that it extends outwardly from the guide face by a predetermined gauge distance. After an initial or bottom row of bricks has been laid so that the front surfaces of the bricks therein are spaced forwardly from a subwall by the gauge distance, the guide assembly can be utilized by positioning it so that the guide member is in a substantially vertical disposition with the guide face in engagement with the front surfaces of the bricks in the bottom row and so that the terminal end of the spacer element is in engagement with subwall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laying out foundations prior to construction. Ideally, two stakes are provided for each corner to be formed in a construction project and line extends from each corner to an adjacent corner. Each stake is configured with a clamping mechanism which allows vertical and horizontal adjustment of the string associated therewith.

Abstract: An under layer of a mortar material such as stucco is first applied to a structural surface such as a wall or floor. Over this under layer a second layer is applied generally of a different color than the first layer. A tool having a guide bar, an elongated strip forming a measuring rod removably attached along one edge of the guide bar, a bubble level mounted thereon and a handle for manipulating the guide bar is used to form a straight edge for a mortar scratcher which is used to groove channels in the top layer of material. The measuring rod is placed in successive channels thus formed to provide a guide for the formation of subsequent such channels. The measuring rod is removably attached to the guide bar and can be selectively positioned in a vertical orientation relative thereto or in predetermined angular orientations so that the guide bar can be utilized in forming channels at right angles or acute angles relative to the channels initially formed.

Abstract: Methods for leveling masonry blocks and making a foundation from such blocks are disclosed by which two substantially complete courses of blocks can be laid and leveled without having to construct lead corners.

Abstract: An adjustable T-square apparatus comprising a generally triangular frame having first and second working surfaces normal to each other and a third working surface at a 45.degree. angle to the first and second working surfaces is disclosed. The apparatus further comprises three level vials mounted on the frame in parallel relation to separate working surfaces. A pair of measuring blades are slidably mounted on the frame in parallel relation to the first and second working surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing car and counterweight rails for elevators accurately positioned the rails in a linear, parallel orientation. The apparatus includes a pair of mirror-image guide assemblies which attach to the rails. Each assembly includes an adjustable reference guide assembly which positions the rail relative to an adjacent plumb line. The assembly also includes an interconnecting guide line which ensures co-planar disposition of certain rail surfaces. The method includes the steps of suspending the car and counterweight rails within the elevator shaft from above. A plumb line is suspended adjacent each rail. The lower terminus of each rails is then secured in an appropriate position relative to the other rails and the hoistway walls. The guide assemblies are then secured to the rails and adjusted to receive the plumb line in a reference location.

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

Abstract: A guide line clamp supports a guide line in an alignment slot to accurately position the line. The clamp includes a releasable clamp body having a groove and a manually operable lever for closing a jaw onto a structural supporting flange of a T-shaped member for a drop-in panel ceiling. A guide line body extends from the clamp body and includes the alignment slot which is perpendicular to the groove and has a base aligned with the clamping surface of the groove. The inner end of the slot splits and extends laterally to the sidewalls. An offset line clamp plate is secured to the bottom of the guide line body and defines an encircling and laterally offset recess having inclined walls within which the line is wrapped and releasably gripped. The plate has edge openings for the end of the line.

Abstract: A masonry guide including an upright standard; a fork affixed to the standard adjacent its lowermost end for engaging the external corner of a building structure; a pair of arms pivotally engaging the standard at right angles to one another, the arms each carrying a common pin and an end pin adapted for placement upon the top surface of the walls under construction; and adjustment rods pivotally and angularly connected between the standard and each arm for vertically plumbing the standard and for providing arm support. Guide line blocks are attachable to the standard for holding horizontally extending guidelines in place. The masonry guide also preferably includes a pair of spirit levels adjacent the top of the standard for vertical positioning of the standard and may also include a measurement rule for setting of guidelines at proper height. An accessory pin, rearwardly extending from the standard, cooperates with the end pins of the arms to permit the device to be used on an internal corner.