Masonry module spacing and support device

Abstract

A preferably wedge-shaped device that is inserted between two vertically spaced masonry modules, such as flat stones, that are adhered to a wall having a vertical surface. The wedge maintains the dimension of the gap and supports the upper stone to prevent the upper stone from falling away from the wall.

Description

(e) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001] 1. Field Of The Invention[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of masonry, and particularly to a device for maintaining predetermined spaces between vertically spaced masonry modules, such as stones and bricks, and for supporting vertically spaced masonry modules that are being adhered to a substantially vertical wall.[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art[0004] It is known in the masonry field that it is difficult to maintain consistent spacing between irregularly shaped masonry modules, such as natural and fabricated stones. These stones are normally adhered, using a mortar or adhesive, to a substantially vertical wall. Once the mortar is cured, the stones are solidly held in place, and then a grout is injected into the gaps between the spaced stones to support the stones and fill the gaps.[0005] However, after the adhesive is placed between the stones and the wall and before the adhesive cures, the stones are often barely hel...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

It is known in the masonry field that it is difficult to maintain consistent spacing between irregularly shaped masonry modules, such as natural and fabricated stones.

However, after the adhesive is placed between the stones and the wall and before the adhesive cures, the stones are often barely held to the wall by the uncured adhesive.

The force due to gravity can easily overcome the adhesive forces of the wet mortar adhesive, causing a stone to fall down, possibly on the person installing the stones.

Furthermore, if the falling stone strikes the stone below it, which then strikes the stone below it, a virtual avalanche of massive objects can be created, possibly falling onto the installer.

This is undesirable for obvious reasons.

However, none is effective and unobtrusive enough to be used by a significant number of masons and persons who do home remodeling.

Attachment to the wall, with holding structures either beneath or in front of the stones, is undesirable because it significantly slows down the installation process, and therefore falls into disuse.

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