Dual-directional builders corner block for string line aligment

Abstract

A dual-directional builder’s corner block tool for string line alignment comprises two arms 101 / 102, with corresponding faces 103 / 104 that sit against a corner brick, and horizontal grooves 105 /

Description

Background of the Invention Builders laying brick or block walls traditionally use a string line to ensure layers are straight, level, and aligned. This string line typically spans between pre-constructed corner sections, with the string line kept taut and level to guide subsequent layers. Traditionally, builders have used wooden blocks cut into an “L” shape, positioned at two wall corners to hold and guide the string line. Once the string reaches the second corner block, it is wrapped around the block, with tension maintaining its placement on the wall edge. This system only allows for string alignment along one build direction. While effective, this method has limitations, particularly in setups requiring multiple perpendicular or adjacent walls. Existing solutions to this include freestanding profiles with attached blocks, enabling string line alignment for adjacent walls. However, these devices are cumbersome and less efficient. Summary of the Invention This invention overcomes the above limitations by introducing a dual-directional builder’s corner block, with guide and pivot points, that eliminates the need for freestanding devices, and allows the string line to be secured by the shape of the block itself and the tension in the string line. A pivot and guide gaps allows a single line system to simultaneously be run around all four or more construction walls. The block comprises two arms, each with a face and optionally a groove, to guide the string line. At the junction of the two arms, a pivot point with guide gaps separates the pivot from each arm. The pivot allows the string to loop smoothly between directions, guided by grooves in the arm faces. Contralateral attachment points enable the string to anchor securely, maintaining tension and stability. The invention facilitates multi-directional alignment using a series of blocks. These blocks guide the string line and can be used to support a string line around a full rectangular building perimeter, ensuring consistent height and alignment for brickwork or block layers. After completing one layer, the corner blocks can be repositioned for construction of subsequent layers. Detailed Description with Reference to Accompanying Drawings The dual-directional builder’s corner block is shown in various views (Figs. 1 -6): 1. Dual-Directional Corner Block (Fig. 1): o Arms (101,102): Left and right arms with corresponding faces. o Faces (103,104): Each arm features a face typically positioned at a 90-degree angle, or the angle required between adjacent walls. o Grooves (105,106): Horizontal grooves in each face guide the string line precisely. o Pivot Point (107): Located at the junction of the arms, the pivot’s outer edges align the stringto the face of the brickwork. Guide Gaps (108,109) separate the arms from the pivot, allowing the string to pass through without interference, to be looped around the pivot before progressing in the next direction. o Attachment Points (110,111): Positioned contralaterally on each arm, these pegs secure the string line either as a starting or ending anchor. 2. Isometric View (Fig. 2): Provides a three-dimensional view highlighting the left and right arms (101,102) with their corresponding faces (103,104), with each face having a groove (105,106), pivot point (107), guide gaps (108,109) and attachment points (110,111). This view displays the spatial relationship between groves, pivot, arm and attachment points. 3. Top Plan View (Fig. 3): An alternative embodiment showing different shaped arms and attachment point orientation - depicts the layout of arms (101,102),, with their correspondingfaces (103,104),pivot point (107), guide gaps (108,109), and attachment points (110,111). 4. Front Elevation with Hidden Edges (Fig. 4): Illustrates the vertical profile of the corner block, showing the alignment of grooves (105,106) and pivot (107) in relation to the arms. 5. Image showing the Corner block in use. (Fig 5) Illustrates the incoming string line (112) being guided along the face (104) of arm (102), passing through guide gap (108), looping around pivot (107), passing through guide gap (109) before passing along face (103) of arm (101) with the string line being terminated by anchoring at attachment point (110). 6. Image showing the corner block being used as an intermediate corner block (Fig 6). Whereby the incoming string line (112) is looped around the pivot (107) and the string line exists the block support (113) and progresses to the next corner block. To set up the corner block array: • The string line is fed along the first arm’s (102) groove (106), passes through guide gap (108), and loops around pivot point (107). • It passes through guide gap (109) continues along the second arm’s (101) groove (105) and is anchored at an attachment point (110). • This process ensures the string remains taut, with the string line tension holding the block in place on the wall. • By repeating the procedure with additional blocks, the string line can form a full loop around a rectangular building perimeter. After completing one layer of construction, the blocks are repositioned for the next layer. The design ensures stable and accurate multi-directional alignment

Claims

1. A dual-directional builder’s corner block for string alignment, comprising:o Two arms (101,102) each with a corresponding face (103,104) positioned at an angle for adjacent wall alignment.o A horizontal groove (105,106) along each face to guide the string line.o A pivot point (107) located at the junction of the arms.

2. The corner block of claim 1, wherein:o The pivot point (107) is separated from each arm by guide gaps (108,109) to allow the string line to pass through.o The pivot’s (107) outer edges guide the string along the required wall alignment.

3. The corner block of claim 1, further comprising:o Contralateral attachment points (110,111) on each arm for securing and anchoring the string line.

4. The corner block of claim 1, wherein:o The design facilitates multi-directional alignment around rectangular perimeters using a series of multiple blocks. (Typically four block for a rectangular arrangement)5. The corner block of claim 1, wherein:o The blocks are repositionable for subsequent layers of construction.

6. The corner block of claim 1, further comprising:o An alternative embodiment with varied arm shapes and attachment peg orientations (Fig. 3).