Patent Application
20160376797
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an adjustable storey pole bracket that can be used to affix to, measure, and align masonry units during the progressive construction of corners and walls of a masonry structure; and more particularly relates to a length adjustable storey pole bracket comprising a central ring for holding a guidance rod, and a pair of arms that extend and retract generally perpendicular to the ring for affixing the bracket to the walls of the masonry structure with a pair of right angularly disposed flanges.
Description of the Related Art
Masonry guidance tools, such as a bracketing apparatus, are often used to improve the measuring, plumbing, and leveling of each storey of a veneer on a building structure. Often, the corner section of the structure is the first part of the progressive construction. The corner must be aligned correctly for the rest of the structure to be constructed properly.
It is known that the appropriate alignment of the subsequently built walls requires a storey pole to be maintained along the length of the corner, and plumb lines to be extended between each adjacent storey pole. Retaining the storey poles in a secure arrangement for structural masonry requires special bracketing tools.
Often, a bracketing apparatus is affixed to the corner of the building, up to the height of one storey. The bracketing apparatus is used as a layout tool for any kind of repeated work in veneer masonry, such as buildings that have prior completed structure. The bracketing apparatus must be affixed to each subsequent storey as the building progresses.
The storey pole passes perpendicular through the apex of the bracket apparatus, parallel to the corner of the building. The storey pole is used to extend a plumb line between corners, or so that strings may be connected as a guide to create a straight line, and from a top view used for height delineation. The storey pole is also used to connect plumb lines from adjacent storey poles being held in place by an adjacent bracket.
As the height of the building rises, a second bracketing apparatus must be added above the lower first bracketing apparatus to form a new anchor for attaching one end of the plumb line. This gradual elevated affixation of bracketing apparatus can be problematic though; especially for taller buildings. Often, when there is no storey pole for attachment of the plumb line, the plumb line is directly attached to a mounting surface/object on the corner of the cinder block. However in this configuration, the plumb line is not assured to stay one securely.
Furthermore, placing the storey poles in the correct position in the bracketing apparatus and then maintaining the storey poles in that position can be difficult. Additionally, current methods for placing storey poles typically require that at least a portion of the brick structure be constructed beforehand. Likewise, when making repairs to existing structures, it can be difficult to accurately place the necessary storey poles.
Yet another problem arises when quoin corners are constructed. The positioning of the bracketing apparatus at each quoin corner must typically be changed so that a straight reference line can be provided for setting the quoin corner blocks. Because of the difficulty this creates, it is common for the blocks that make up the quoin corner to be set without a straight reference line.
The bracketing apparatus for storey poles and the attached plumb lines in the prior art are used for veneer structures. However, they are not adaptable so as to remain affixed to structural masonry corners and on the various sizes and dimensions of progressively constructed structures. Also, as the size and dimensions of the walls on the structure change, the readjustment of the bracketing apparatus for the storey poles may be problematic.
Current methods and apparatii do not adjustably affix to the masonry structures and accompanying measurement tools for constructing corners and walls on structural masonry, while also easily attaching and detaching from the corner, without covering a substantial portion of the corner. It is therefore desirable that an adjustable storey pole bracket be provided that can attach to a structural masonry unit itself, and not just an existing veneer structure for constructing masonry structures.
From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a length adjustable storey pole bracket for affixing to, aligning, and enabling quick measurements of structural masonry units that make up corners and walls on a masonry structure. The bracket is defined by a central ring; perpendicularly extending adjustable arms; and right angularly disposed flanges that terminate the arms.
In one embodiment, the adjustable storey pole bracket is used for constructing structural masonry; whereas the prior art bracketing apparatii can only be used with veneer structures. Thus, it is the adjustable configuration and adaptability of the bracket to securely hold a guidance rod along the full length of the corner of the masonry structure that enables the bracket to be used with the masonry structure.
Beneficially, such a bracket would overcome many of the difficulties of the prior art by providing an adjustable storey pole bracket comprising a central ring. The central ring straddles and affixes to a corner of a masonry unit from a masonry structure. The central ring is configured to securely hold a guidance rod, such as a storey pole, in a vertically disposed orientation along the corner. The adjustable storey pole bracket further includes a pair of arms that extend and retract generally perpendicular relative to the ring. The arms help fixedly fasten the adjustable storey pole bracket along the sides of the masonry structure through a pair of right angularly disposed flanges that insert into gaps between individual masonry units.
The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available apparatii and methods. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an adjustable storey pole bracket that easily attaches and detaches from a corner of a structure during progressive construction of a structure to help in affixing to, measuring, and aligning the masonry units at the corners (including quoin corners), and along the length of the walls of a masonry structure.
The adjustable storey pole bracket, hereafter “bracket”, is essentially a masonry guide tool that is adjustable to affix to eclectic styles and sizes of masonry structures. The bracket is portable and easily detachable from the masonry structure. The bracket is supportive of a guidance rod, such as a storey pole. The bracket is scalable to include a plurality of brackets that work together at different corners or in a vertically stacked disposition on the same corner of the masonry structure. Furthermore, the bracket does not cover a substantial portion of the corner when in use, so as to obstruct the progressive construction thereof.
In one embodiment, the bracket comprises a substantially L-shape, forming about a 90° angle on a corner of a masonry structure. In this manner, the bracket may affix to at least one masonry unit during progressive construction of the masonry structure. However in other embodiments, the bracket may form a 45° angle for affixing to 45° corners of the masonry structure. The bracket may be attached to the first four feet along the height of the storey. Each subsequent bracket may be affixed to the corner every four feet thereafter.
In particular, the bracket, in one embodiment, includes a central ring that abuts and affixes to the corner. The central ring is configured to securely retain a guidance rod, such as a storey pole, in a vertical disposition relative to the corner and wall. The central ring may have a generally square shape.
In some embodiments, the central ring may be defined by a plurality of fastening holes through which a plurality of fasteners pass through for fastening the guidance rod into the ring. In one embodiment, the fasteners rotatably press into the guidance rod to hold it into place. The guidance rod enables quick, repeatable measurements without the need of otherwise calibrated measuring devices or workers skilled in using them. The guidance rod may also be used to extend a plumb line between corners of the masonry structure.
As discussed above, the bracket further includes a pair of arms that are disposed to join with, and project away from the central ring in a generally perpendicular orientation. In one embodiment, the pair of arms form an interior angle of about 90°. However in other embodiments, there are also 45° arms for affixing to 45° corners of the masonry structure. The pair of arms may also form a generally planer, elongated shape. In one embodiment, the length of the arms is incongruent, wherein there is a short arm and a long arm.
Each arm is defined by a corner end and a wall end. The corner end is proximal to the corner of the structure, and the wall end engages the wall of the structure, distally from the corner. The wall end comprises a terminus flange. The terminus flange has a terminus adjustment opening. It is this terminus adjustment opening that enables the adjustability of the bracket through slidable communication.
In some embodiments, a pair of corner flanges are disposed at a junction between the central ring and the pair of wall ends. The pair of corner flanges are generally coplanar to each other and perpendicular to the pair of arms. The pair of corner flanges may be effective for affixing to at least one masonry unit that makes up the structure. The masonry unit may include, without limitation, a brick, a stone block, and a rock.
In some embodiments, a fastening block is disposed in an adjustable, spaced-apart relationship with the wall end of each arm. The fastening block slides in relation to the wall end of the arm, such that the length of the arms is adjustable. In one embodiment, the fastening block extends and retracts along a longitudinal axis of each arm. The fastening block is defined by a fastening adjustment opening and a right angularly disposed flange.
The right angularly disposed flange may be substantially planar and extends perpendicularly from the fastening block. The right angularly disposed flange can be extended to fasten to an adjacent corner for helping to fasten the bracket to the structure. Though in some embodiments, the right angularly disposed flange is configured to be inserted into a gap between the masonry units along the wall.
In some embodiments, an adjustment pin is disposed to pass through the terminus adjustment opening and the fastening adjustment opening. The adjustment pin carries the fastening block along a longitudinal axis of the pair of arms. The adjustment pin is configured to help restrict movement of the fastening block relative to the wall end of each arm by frictionally engaging the terminus adjustment opening and the fastening adjustment opening.
The bracket, in one embodiment, is configured to affix to, measure, and align at least one masonry unit that makes up corners and walls on a structure.
The bracket, in another embodiment, is configured to retain a guidance rod, such as a storey pole, for making quick measurements and extending a plumb line between corners.
The bracket, in yet another embodiment, is configured to adjust to variously sized and dimensioned walls by extending and retracting the fastening block relative to the respective arm.
The bracket, in yet another embodiment, is configured to affix to at least one masonry unit with the pair of corner flanges.
The bracket, in yet another embodiment, is configured to easily detach and attach to the corner for expediting the progressive construction of the corner and walls on a structure.
The bracket, in yet another embodiment, is configured to retain the arms at a desired length with adjustment pins that frictionally engage the terminus adjustment opening of the arm, and the fastening adjustment opening of the fastening block.
A method of the present invention is also presented for progressively constructing a corner and wall of a structure with an adjustable storey pole bracket. The method in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described bracket. In one embodiment, the method includes: orienting an adjustable storey pole bracket along a corner of a structure; abutting an inner surface of a central ring against the corner; aligning a pair of arms along a wall of the structure; adjusting a fastening block for each arm along the wall to a desired length; inserting a right angularly disposed flange into a gap along the wall; passing a guidance rod through the central ring; and extending a plumb line between at least one guidance rod.
Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
As referenced in
In some embodiments, the bracket 100 is length adjustable to fixedly connect to eclectic styles and sizes of masonry units 122a-d and structures 126. The bracket 100 utilizes flanges at its terminus for affixing to adjacent corners or along gaps in the wall of the masonry structure 126.
It is significant to note that the bracket 100 is used for constructing structural masonry; whereas the prior art is utilized with veneer structures. Thus, it is the adjustable configuration and adaptability of the bracket 100 to securely hold a guidance rod 124 along the full length of the corner of the masonry structure 126 that enables the bracket 100 to be used with the masonry structure 126.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the bracket 100 is scalable to include a plurality of brackets 100 that work together at adjacent corners, or in a vertical stack on the same corner of the masonry structure 126. Furthermore, the bracket 100 does not cover a substantial portion of the corner when in use, so as not to obstruct the progressive construction thereof.
As referenced in
In some embodiments, the bracket 100 may be solid or hollow but may also be fabricated from materials, including, without limitation, plastic, metal, and composites. However, for maximum efficiency and corrosion resistance with lightweight but durable characteristics, aluminum metal is preferred.
The bracket 100 comprises a central ring 102 that abuts flush against, and affixes firmly to the corner of each masonry unit 122a. The bracket 100 may be attached to the first four feet along the height of the storey. Each subsequent bracket 100 may be affixed to the corner every four feet thereafter. In this manner, the plumb line may be extended in a progressive vertical disposition along the height of the masonry structure 126.
The central ring 102 is configured to securely retain a guidance rod 124, such as a storey pole, in a vertical disposition relative to the corner and wall. The central ring 102 may have a generally square shaped cross section. Though in other embodiments, the ring 102 may be, circular or rectangular in cross section. In one embodiment, the guidance rod 124 may include, without limitation, a 2×2 square tube configured to pass through the central ring 102.
In some embodiments, the central ring 102 may be defined by a plurality of fastening holes (not shown) through which a plurality of fasteners 104a-d pass through for fastening the guidance rod 124 into the ring 102. In one embodiment, the fasteners 104a-d rotatably press into the guidance rod 124 to hold it into place. In one possible embodiment, the fastening holes are configured such that a bolt may pass for tightening with a complementary nut. The bolt may first pass through flattened and drilled end of the fastening holes, as shown in
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the central ring 102 is critical to hold the guidance rod 124 in a substantially vertical orientation in relation to the corner of the structure. The guidance rod 124 enables quick, repeatable measurements without the need of otherwise calibrated measuring devices or workers skilled in using them. The guidance rod 124 is used as a layout tool for any kind of repeated work in masonry.
In one embodiment, the guidance rod 124 is used to extend a plumb line between corners, or so that plumb lines may be connected as a guide to create a straight line, and from a top view used for height delineation. The guidance rod 124 may also be effective to connect plumb lines from adjacent guidance rods 124 being supported by a second bracket 100. The guidance rod 124 can also form a structural support for the progressive construction of the corner of the masonry structure 126. In any case, the central ring 102 forms a sturdy retention point for maintaining the guidance rod 124 at a desired orientation.
Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will also recognize that the myriad sizes and dimensions of corners and walls requires efficient and quick removal of the bracket 100 for repositioning. When, for example, quoin corners are constructed, the positioning of the guidance rods 124 must typically be changed so that a straight reference line can be provided for setting the quoin corner blocks. The central ring 102 not only provides a reference point for engaging the corner, but is attached to a pair of adjustable arms 108a-b that enable quick, manual manipulations to the bracket 100 during the progressive construction of the masonry structure 126.
Turning now to
Each arm 108a-b is defined by a corner end 110a-b and a wall end 112a-b. The corner end 110a-b is proximal to the corner of the structure, and the wall end 112a-b engages the wall of the structure, distally from the corner. The corner end 110a-b for each arm 108a-b meets at the ring 102, forming a flush engagement with the corner. The wall end 112a-b comprises a terminus flange 114a-b. The terminus flange 114a-b has a terminus adjustment opening (not shown). It is this terminus adjustment opening that enables the adjustability of the bracket 100 through slidable communication.
Turning back to
In some embodiments, a fastening block 116a-b is disposed in an adjustable, spaced-apart relationship with the wall end 112a-b of each arm 108a-b. The fastening block 116a-b slides in relation to the wall end 112a-b of the arm 108a, such that the length of the arm 108 is adjustable. In one embodiment, the fastening block 116a-b extends and retracts along a longitudinal axis of each arm 108a-b. In this manner, the bracket 100 adjusts to variously sized and dimensioned walls by extending and retracting the fastening block 116a-b relative to the respective arm 108a-b. In various exemplary embodiments, the fastening block 116a-b is in the form of a rectangular prism or a cube and may be solid, hollow, or tubular.
The fastening block 116a-b is defined by a fastening adjustment opening (not shown) and a right angularly disposed flange 118a-b. The right angularly disposed flange 118a-b may be substantially planar and extends perpendicularly from the fastening block 116a-b. The right angularly disposed flange 118a-b can be extended to fasten to an adjacent corner for helping to fasten the bracket 100 to the masonry structure 126. Though in some embodiments, the right angularly disposed flange 118a-b is configured to be inserted into a gap between the masonry units 122a-d along the wall. In any case, the fastening block 116a-b is determinative of the length of the arms 108a-b. The fastening adjustment opening is shaped and dimensioned to receive at least one adjustment pin 120a-b.
As referenced in
The method 200 may further comprise a Step 204 of abutting an inner surface of a central ring 102 against the corner. The bracket 100 comprises a substantially L-shape, forming an interior surface with about a 90° angle to match the contour of a corner. However in other embodiments, the bracket 100 forms a 45° angle for affixing to 45° corners of the masonry structure 126. The bracket 100 is easily positioned and removed from the corner. In this disposition, the bracket 100 contours the shape of the corner and walls, while affixing to a plurality of masonry units 122a-d during progressive construction of the masonry structure 126.
A Step 206 includes aligning a pair of arms 108a-b along the wall of the masonry structure 126. The pair of arms 108a-b form an interior angle of about 90°. However, the interior angle may also be 45°. In another embodiment, the pair of arms 108a-b have a generally planer, elongated shape that is effective for engaging flush against the walls. The junction where the arms 108a-b meet also meets the corner of the masonry structure 126 flush. The length of the arms 108a-b is adjustable so as to conform to variously sized and dimensioned walls.
In some embodiments, a Step 208 comprises adjusting a fastening block 116a-b for each arm 108a-b along the wall to a desired length. The fastening block 116a-b is disposed in an adjustable, spaced-apart relationship with the wall end 112a-b of each arm 108a-b. The fastening block 116a-b slides in relation to the wall end 112a-b of the arm 108a-b, such that the length of the arms 108a-b is adjustable. The fastening block 116a-b may be pulled and pushed manually to the desired length.
A Step 210 includes fastening the bracket 100 to the wall with a right angularly disposed flange 118a-b by engaging an adjacent corner or inserting a right angularly disposed flange 118a-b into a gap along the wall. The right angularly disposed flange 118a-b is configured to securely retain the bracket 100 along the wall of the masonry structure 126. The right angularly disposed flange 118a-b may either engage an adjacent corner or be inserted into a gap along the wall for this purpose.
In some embodiments, a Step 212 may include passing a guidance rod 124 through the central ring 102. The central ring 102 is critical to hold the guidance rod 124 in a substantially vertical orientation in relation to the corner of the masonry structure 126. The guidance rod 124 enables quick, repeatable measurements without the need of otherwise calibrated measuring devices or workers skilled in using them.
A final Step 214 comprises performing measurements of the masonry structure 126 with multiple guidance rods 124. The guidance rod 124 is used to extend a plumb line between corners, or so that a guiding a straight line is extended therebetween; and also from a top view used for height delineation. The guidance rod 124 may also be effective to connect strings from adjacent guidance rods 124 being supported by a second bracket 100. The guidance rod 124 can also form a structural support for the progressive construction of the corner of the masonry structure 126.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
