Abstract: A tile spacing tool is disclosed herein that spans a gap between tile rows where the gap is sized to receive a decorative insert or the like. The spacing tool spans the gap and transfers the weight of the upper tile rows across the gap to the lower tile rows, which are supported by a floor or ledge. As a result, the entire wall can be built including the decorative insert without waiting for the bottom tile rows to dry to support the weight of the tile rows above the decorative insert.

Abstract: A string holder for use with concrete forms comprising a main body having a central portion and first and second wing type portions that are coupled to the central portion. The central portion includes a first axial arm extending in a first direction and a second axial arm extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the first axial arm has formed thereon one or more grooves sized and dimensioned for accommodating a string. The first wing type portion and the second wing type portion are angled relative to the central portion and extend radially outwardly therefrom. Each of the wing type portions includes a radial arm and a further axial arm.

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

Abstract: Devices for aiding installation of control lines in suspended ceiling systems; each comprising a flat base portion, a squared side having a paralleled horizontal groove formed therein to receive a portion of wall angle molding used with grids at 90° angles in relation to walls, an angled side having a paralleled horizontal groove formed therein to receive a portion of wall angle molding used with grids at 45° angles in relation to walls, threaded holes formed through top portion, first and second means for temporarily attaching devices onto wall angle moldings, means for restricting movement of main tees and cross tees which together allow a control line be wrapped around horizontal grooves, pulled taut, and wrapped around first or second means for temporarily attaching said devices onto wall angle moldings to lock said control line taut.

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.

Abstract: A string line tool having a string line reel and a uniquely shaped string line block integral with the string line reel. The string line tool is especially adapted to work on various construction tasks or jobs that require the use of a pair of pegs or rods stuck in the ground and spaced from each other at a predetermined distance. The uniquely shaped string line block has a semi-cylindrical inner surface and the string line reel has a string with a metal ring attached to a free end of the string. A main advantage in using this string line tool is that it is self supporting.

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.

Abstract: For producing wall panels (8) from bricks (1), a line-up path (4) on which bricks to be masoned are deposited in a row with a gripper, a transfer device (10) for transporting the brick row from the line-up path (4) to a bricklaying station (7) for masoning the wall panel, and a device for moving apart the bricks to form vertical joints (9) between the bricks (1) of the wall panel (8) are provided. The gripper depositing the bricks (1) on the line-up path (4) is formed by a depiling gripper (3) that depiles the bricks (1) of a pile (2) in rows with its two longitudinal grippers (13, 14). The device for moving apart the bricks (1) is formed by transverse grippers (21, 21a) disposed on the depiling gripper (3) between the longitudinal grippers (13, 14), said transverse grippers (21, 21a) individually holding the bricks (1) of the brick row depiled with the longitudinal grippers (13, 14) and being formed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the depiling gripper (3).

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

Abstract: A bridge for aiding in setting tile on a surface above a fireplace including a pair of horizontal elongated guide bars and a pair of vertical elongated support bars, each guide bar and support bar having an elongated slot, the guide pair bolted together through slots providing a single guide bar. Each end of the single guide bar is bolted to near an end of a support bar by a fastener through the slots so that the bridge is formed. In use, the bridge is positioned at the entrance to the fireplace with a lower end of each support bar supported on the floor of the fireplace. The single guide bar is positioned along the top edge of the entrance and a first course of files is set against a front surface of a wall above the fireplace with a lower edge of each tile arranged parallel to and along the horizontal edge. A marker clip is snapped onto the guide bar and moved along to position each successively laid tile.

Abstract: A brick laying aid comprising a box-shaped container open at one end and one side to receive a brick as a relatively close fit between two side walls and lying against a base wall and an end wall which may be of adjustable thicknesses, one side wall having an opening enabling the brick to be finger pressed against the opposite side wall to hold the brick in place when the device is grasped by the hand across the base wall, which is equipped on the outside with a handle which may be adjustable for hand size.

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

Abstract: A masonry tool is provided for a concrete block wall which consists of a mechanism for positioning a side end of a first concrete block, with mortar applied thereto, next to a side end of a second concrete block on the wall when being built, so as to form front and rear mortar joints therebetween. A structure on the positioning mechanism is for preventing the mortar from entering into a vertical open space in a third concrete block located below the front and rear mortar joints.

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

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

Abstract: A masonry line stretching apparatus which has a body (20) of cast aluminum material with an integral upright finger (24) and lower jaw (32). A slideable jaw (40) is positioned on the body and is free to be adjustably moved relative to the lower jaw. A stop (52) retains the slideable jaw and the device is used in pairs with the jaws being adjusted into a gripping position on a building block (38) in the form of a brick (44) or concrete block (48). A masons line (36) is strung between two of the apparatus positioned adjacent to corner building blocks allowing the mason to maintain a straight row or face during the construction process. The device may be used with the body disposed on top of the block or opposite with the body cantilevered therefrom. The jaws grip either the entire block, in the case of a brick, or from the opening (46) to the edge, in the case of a concrete or cinder block (48).

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

Abstract: For constructing walls of building blocks and the like a device is provided that can be clamped down upon a corner block by turning a hand crank at the top of a long rod that extends above the top of the wall. Slide grips for a running line are provided that fit vertical flanges on the device.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A 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.