Masonry Construction Patents (Class 33/518)
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Patent number: 12252891Abstract: A deck fasteners alignment tool enables accurate positioning of deck boards before being fastened to respective deck joists. The alignment tool includes or defines a pair of V-shaped recesses on a template body which provides proper alignment to deck fasteners so long as outer locating pins are aligned with laterally adjacent gaps between deck boards, respectively. The alignment tool includes a pair of internally positioned neodymium magnets adjacent the alignment recesses for magnetically holding deck board screws in a perpendicular or upstanding position so that the screws may be driven single-handedly by the person building the deck. In addition, some embodiments provide the alignment tool with laterally adjustable V-shaped recesses for selectively aligning deck fasteners into laterally adjacent ribs of the deck boards, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2024Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Inventor: Brian Morris
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Patent number: 11724536Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: TOOLBRO INNOVATORS, LLCInventors: Philip J. Bahler, Kent R. Bahler
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Patent number: 11408184Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Acufloor, LLCInventors: Clinton D. Bunch, Joshua A. Bunch
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Patent number: 10787824Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 15, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Inventors: Clinton D. Bunch, Joshua A. Bunch
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Publication number: 20150089825Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventor: Jonathan E. Jones
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Publication number: 20150075019Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventor: H. Houston Spear, IV
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Patent number: 8763270Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: H. Houston Spear, IV
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Patent number: 8544182Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: KCK Inventions, LLCInventor: Keri J. Storjohann
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Publication number: 20130219730Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventor: Peter Korevaar
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Patent number: 8359760Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Foser
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Patent number: 8136260Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Inventor: Paul Jones
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Patent number: 8096060Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventor: Keri J. Storjohann
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Patent number: 8001698Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: Shuji Hayashida, Masahiko Tachikake, Yuji Fujikawa
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Patent number: 7946046Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventor: Jon O. Carver
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Patent number: 7818888Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Toolbro Innovators LLCInventor: Philip J. Bahler
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Patent number: 7735232Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: ToolBro Innovators LLCInventor: Philip J. Bahler
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Patent number: 7730626Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 3, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Charpentier Design Inc.Inventor: Daniel Charpentier
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Patent number: 7631435Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Inventor: Patrick Brown
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Patent number: 7596877Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventor: Clifford W. Basford
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Publication number: 20090235548Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: David John Higgs, Davor Baros
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Publication number: 20090199422Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Philip J. Bahler
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Publication number: 20090178288Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventor: Philip J. Bahler
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Publication number: 20090106992Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: QUICK LEADS LLCInventor: Stephen E. Howell
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Patent number: 7516558Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventors: Keith Frank, Scott Gerling
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Publication number: 20080301963Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventor: Roy L. Beck
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Publication number: 20080229595Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: STABILA Messgerate Gustav Ullrich GmbHInventor: Jurgen Henschel
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Publication number: 20080168672Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventor: Patrick BROWN
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Patent number: 7353617Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Inventors: Marty L. Simones, Gary J. Rolfer
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Patent number: 7313872Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Inventor: Thomas R. Nygard
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Patent number: 7254920Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Inventor: Roland Steele
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Patent number: 7254899Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Shade-O-Matic Ltd.Inventors: Mario Marocco, Norbert Marocco
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Patent number: 7200947Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Inventor: Victor Michael Kern
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Patent number: 7103984Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: David J. Kastberg
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Patent number: 7047588Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Inventor: Harry Bennett
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Patent number: 6964115Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Inventor: Jin Sul Kim
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Patent number: 6732441Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Inventors: Dale J. Charay, Jeff W. Berberick
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Patent number: 6708418Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Larry J. Schaefer
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Patent number: 6643945Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventor: William Starks
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Patent number: 6625951Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: Lawrence McCarthy
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Patent number: 6505408Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Inventors: Ernesto Talamantez, Arthur Talamantez, Susan M. Anderson
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Patent number: 6430826Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Inventor: Jeffrey J. Sigl
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Patent number: 6412185Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Inventors: Oscar Mills, Mary Mills
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Patent number: 6347459Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Inventor: Mark R. Schmitt
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Publication number: 20020001509Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2001Publication date: January 3, 2002Inventor: Sung-min Hong
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Publication number: 20010034946Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventor: Duane Hamdorf
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Patent number: 6164037Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Inventor: James Kenneth Passeno
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Patent number: 6041567Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 5, 1996Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Inventor: James Kenneth Passeno
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Patent number: 5915809Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 13, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Inventor: Jim A. Gilliam
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Patent number: 5894676Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 2, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Inventor: Robert DiGiovanni
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Patent number: 5855075Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 5, 1997Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Inventor: Robert DiGiovanni