US20190292798A1

US20190292798A1 - String Line Bracket Systems

Info

Publication number: US20190292798A1
Application number: US15/934,626
Authority: US
Inventors: Boyd Warren
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-03-23
Filing date: 2018-03-23
Publication date: 2019-09-26

Abstract

A string line bracket system for assessing linearity of a beam of a container. The string line bracket system including a body configured to attach to at least a portion of the beam of the container, and at least one string line member extending above an end of the body such that when a string having a length is attached to the at least one string line member, the length of the string is positionable along a side of the beam of the container.

Description

BACKGROUND

Building a form for containing concrete may be inefficient. This is particularly true for production work or fast-run work, where workers set string lines, using boards, nails, and string, to construct a concrete form. For example, when building a concrete form, workers may drive nails in boards (e.g., corners of boards), tie string to the nails, adjust the string, and adjust the boards relative to the string.
Building the concrete form by driving nails in boards, tying string to the nails, and adjusting the string can be time-consuming and wasteful. For example, driving nails in boards, tying string to the nails, and adjusting the string can be a three-step process, where each step of the three-step process consumes time. Moreover, the driving of the nails in the boards consumes materials. For example, after driving nails in the boards, the locations where the nails are driven into the boards eventually becomes compromised (e.g., damaged, ruined, broken, etc.), deteriorating the boards through repeated uses. Further, subsequent to constructing the form, workers may go back and remove the nails to be thrown away. For example, subsequent to constructing the form, workers may remove (e.g., pull) the nails driven into the boards before a tradesman (e.g., finisher, concrete finisher) cuts of excess wet concrete (e.g., screeds wet concrete) contained in the form. Moreover, if a nail driven into a board is missed and not removed, the tradesman may stop the cutting of the excess wet concrete to remove the nail, which consumes time and resources.
Accordingly there remains a need in the art for a string line system, allowing the user to build a concrete form more efficiently (e.g., in less time and with fewer resources).

BRIEF SUMMARY

This Brief Summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts relating to string line bracket systems for assessing linearity of a beam of a container (e.g., a mold, a form, a concrete form, etc.) for holding a material (e.g., cement, concrete, fill, sand, dirt, etc.) which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
This disclosure relates to string line bracket systems that are configured to removeably attach to beams for assessing linearity of the beams of the container for holding a material. Generally, the string line bracket systems include bodies (e.g., brackets) having string line posts. The bodies attach to portions of beams (e.g., portions of lumber) of the containers. When a string is attached between the string line posts, the string is positionable along a side (e.g., an inner side) of the beam of the container, and the beam of the container is positionable relative to the string to straighten and/or level the beam of the container. An advantage of such string line bracket systems is that the system allows a user to quickly and easily assess linearity of a beam for constructing containers for holding a material without performing multiple time consuming and wasteful steps involving driving nails in boards, tying string to the nails, adjusting the string, removing the string, and removing the nails from the boards.
In an embodiment, a string line bracket system includes a first body and a second body. A linkage may be attached to a side of an end of the first body and attached to a side of an end of the second body. In an embodiment, the first body may attach to a portion of a first beam of the container, and the second body may attach to a portion of a second beam of the container. In an embodiment, the first body and the second body may attach to a portion of the same beam of the container. The string line bracket system includes a string line member that extends above the end of the first body and above the end of the second body, and when a string is attached to the string line member, the string is positionable along a side of a beam of the container.
In an embodiment, a string line bracket system includes a body arranged to attach to a portion of a beam of a container. The string ling bracket system includes a string line member extending above the body, and when a string is attached to the string line member, the string is positionable along a side of the beam of the container, and the beam of the container is adjustable relative to the string for constructing the container.
In an embodiment, a string line bracket system includes at least one body that is a bracket having an opening. The opening of the bracket may have a c-channel cross-sectional profile. Moreover, the bracket may include a first member forming a first portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile and a second member forming a second portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile, and at least one of the first member or the second member may be displaceable to adjust a width of the opening of the bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example string line bracket system for assessing linearity of a beam of a container.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view and a side view of the example string line bracket system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view and a perspective exploded assembly view of another example string line bracket system for assessing linearity of a beam of the container.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another example string line bracket system for assessing linearity of a beam of the container.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the string line bracket system illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process of using string line bracket systems for assessing linearity of a beam of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

As noted above, building forms for containing concrete is often inefficient, which may be particularly true for production work or fast-run work, where workers set string lines, using boards, nails, and string, to construct the forms. This disclosure is directed to string line bracket systems for assessing linearity of a beam of a container. The string line bracket systems include a body for attaching to a portion of a beam of a container for holding a material, and at least one string line member extending above an end of the body such that when a string having a length is attached to the at least one string line member, the length of the string is positionable along a side of the beam of the container. For example, the string line bracket systems may include a bracket having an opening for attaching to a portion of lumber, and a string line member extending above the bracket for positioning a length of string along a side of the lumber for positioning the lumber along the length of string. When a string is attached to the string line member, the length of the string is positionable along a side (e.g., an inner side) of the lumber to straighten and/or level the lumber relative to the string. To use the system, for example, a user may perform the following steps: (1) attach (e.g., interference fit, press fit, friction fit, etc.) a first bracket proximate to a first corner of the container, and attach a string to a string line member extending above the first bracket, (2) attach a second bracket proximate to a second corner of the container, and attach the string to a string line member extending above the second bracket, (3) attach a third bracket proximate to a third corner of the container, and attach the string to a string line member extending above the third bracket, (4) attach a fourth bracket proximate to a forth corner of the container, and attach the string to a string line member extending above the fourth bracket, (5) attach the string to a string line member extending above the first bracket, and (5) straighten and/or level the beams of the container relative to the string lines.
In this way, the string line bracket systems quickly and easily removeably attach to beams to provide for a user to assess linearity of one or more beams to construct a container. While this application describes various embodiments of string line bracket systems used in the field of constructing a form for containing a material, this is by way of example and not limitation. For example, the string line bracket systems may be used in other fields such as framing applications, surveying applications, industrial applications, heavy equipment operation applications, machinery operation applications, etc.
The string line bracket systems may include a body and at least one string line member extending above an end of the body. The body may be configured to attach to at least a portion of a beam of a container, and the at least one string line member may extend above the end of the body such that when a string is attached to the at least one string line member, the length of the string is positionable along a side (e.g., an inner side) of the beam of the container for assessing linearity of the beam of the container.
The string line bracket systems may include a first body, a second body, and a linkage attached between the first body and the second body. In one example, the first body may be attached to a first beam of a container and the second body may be attached to a second beam of the container. For example, the first beam and the second beam may form a corner having an angle (e.g., an acute angle, a right angle, an obtuse angle, etc.) of the container, and the first body and the second body may be attached to the corner of the container. In another example, the first body and the second body may be attached to one or more beams forming a rectilinear wall of the container. For example, the first body and the second body may be attached between two ends of a rectilinear beam of the container. In another example, a first beam may be arranged in-line with a second beam, an end of the first beam may abut an end of the second beam, and the first body may be attached to the end of the first beam in-line with the second body attached to the end of the second beam. The string line bracket system may include at least one string line member extending above the first body and the second body. For example, the string line member may extend above an end of the first body and above an end of the second body. When a string is attached to the at least one string line member, a length of the string is positionable along a side (e.g., an inner side) of a beam of a container for assessing linearity of the beam of the container.
The string line bracket system may include an opening arranged in an end of a first body and/or an opening arranged in an end of a second body for alignment of the first body and the second body with a mark marked on a beam of the container. For example, when the first body and the second body are attached to a beam forming a rectilinear wall of a container, the opening provides for a user to see the mark marked on the beam to align the opening with the mark, thereby aligning the first body and the second body.
The string line bracket system may include at least one body that is a bracket having an opening having a c-channel cross-sectional profile. A first member may form a first portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile, and a second member may form a second portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile. At least one of the first member or the second member may be displaceable to adjust a width of the opening of the bracket. For example, the first member of the bracket may be displaced a distance away from the second member of the bracket to make the width of the opening of the bracket larger to provide for attaching the bracket to a larger beam.

Illustrative String Line Bracket Systems

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view 100 of an example string line bracket system 102(1) of a plurality of example string line bracket systems 102(1), 102(2), 102(3), 102(4), 102(5), 102(6), 102(7), 102(8), 102(9), 102(10), 102(11), and 102(n) for assessing linearity (e.g., straightness) of a beam 104(1) of a plurality of beams 104(1), 104(2), 104(3), and 104(n) of a container 106. For example, a user may be building a mold, a form, a concrete form, etc. for holding a material (e.g., cement, concrete, fill, sand, dirt, etc.), and the user may attach (e.g., interference fit, press fit, friction fit, etc.) one or more of the string line bracket systems 102(1)-102(n) to one or more of the beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container 106 to assess a straightness of any of the one or more beams 104(1)-104(n). For example, a user may attach a body 108 of the string line bracket system 102(1) to the beam 104(1) to assess the straightness of the beam 104(1).
Further, while attempting to assess linearity of the beam 104(1) of the container 106, a string 110 extending in a direction 112 may be attached (e.g., secured, tied, knotted, wrapped, etc.) onto a string line member 114(1) extending above an end 116 of the body 108 of the string line bracket system 102(1), such that when the string 110 is attached to the string line member 114(1), the length of the string 110 is positionable along a side 118 of the beam 104(1) of the container 106. For example, a user may attach a portion of the string 110 to the string line member 114(1) extending above the end 116 of the body 108 of the string line bracket system 102(1), such that when the string 110 is attached to the string line member 114(1), the length of the string 110 is positionable along an inner side of the beam 104(1) of the container 106. One or more of the beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container 106 may be formed of wood, plywood, plastic, metal, etc. For example, one or more of the beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container 106 may be formed of lumber or timber. The container 106 may be for forming a foundation, a footing, a wall (e.g., a tilt-up), etc.
FIG. 1 illustrates a user may attach the plurality of the string line bracket systems 102(1)-102(n) to respective portions of the plurality of beams 104(1)-104(n) for assessing the linearity of each of the beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container 106. While FIG. 1 illustrates a user may attach two string line bracket systems of the plurality of the string line bracket systems 102(1)-102(n) proximate to a respective corner of the plurality corners of the container 106 to assess the linearity of each of the beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container 106, the user may attach one string line bracket system of the plurality of the string line bracket systems 102(1)-102(n) proximate to a respective corner of the plurality corners of the container 106 to assess the linearity of each of the beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container 106.
For example, a user may attach the string line bracket system 102(1) proximate to a first corner of the container 106, attach the string 110 to the string line member 114(1) extending above the string line bracket system 102(1), attach the string line bracket system 102(3) proximate to a second corner of the container 106, attach the string 110 to a string line member extending above the string line bracket system 102(3), attach the string line bracket system 102(7) proximate to a third corner of the container 106, attach the string 110 to a string line member extending above string line bracket system 102(7), attach the string line bracket system 102(9) to a forth corner of the container 106, attach the string to a string line member extending above the string line bracket system 102(9), and attach the string 110 to another string line member 114(n) extending above the string line bracket system 102(1). The user may then assess the linearity of each of the beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container 106 and straighten and/or level one or more of the beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container relative to the string 110 depending on the assessed linearity of each of the beams 104(1)-104(n).
In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates a user may attach one or more of the plurality of the string line bracket systems 102(1)-102(n) to one or more of the beams 104(1)-104(n) between the corners of the container 106. In one example, a user may attach the string line bracket system 102(2) to the beam 104(1) between the two corners of the container 106 to assess a linearity of a beam (not shown) of another container (not shown) arranged adjacent to the container 106. In another example, a user may attach the string line bracket system 102(2) to the beam between the two corners of the container 106 to assess a linearity of a beam (not shown) arranged inside the container 106. In another example, a user may attach the string line bracket system 102(2) to the beam between the two corners of the container 106 to locate a position inside the container 106 for placing another container (not shown) inside the container 106. In another example, a user may attach the string line bracket system 102(2) to the beam between the two corners of the container 106 to assess linearity of another beam (not shown) of a container (not shown) arranged inside the container 106.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view 200 and a side view 202 of the string line bracket system 102(1) shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates the body 108 of the string line bracket system 102(1) may be a bracket having an opening 204. The opening 204 of the bracket is configured to attach to at least a portion of a beam of the plurality of beams 104(1)-104(n). For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the opening 204 of the bracket may have a c-channel cross-sectional profile configured to attach to a piece of lumber having a rectangular cross-sectional profile. For example, the opening 204 of the bracket may have c-channel cross-sectional profile configured to attach to a piece of lumber having a nominal size of about “2 inches×4 inches,” “2 inches×6 inches,” “2 inches×8 inches,” “2 inches×10 inches,” “2 inches×12 inches,” etc. While FIG. 2 illustrates the opening 204 of the bracket having a c-channel cross-sectional profile, the opening 204 may have other cross-sectional profiles. For example, the opening 204 of the bracket may have a L-channel cross-sectional profile, a t-channel cross-sectional profile, an I-channel cross-sectional profile, a planar cross-sectional profile, etc. Further, the lumber may have a different nominal size. For example, the lumber may have a nominal size of ranging from about 1-inch-wide to about 12 inches wide.
FIG. 2 illustrates the bracket may have a length of about 4 inches and a width of about 1.5 inches. While FIG. 2 illustrates the opening 204 having a length of about 4 inches and a width of about 1.5 inches, the opening 204 may have a length ranging from about 1 inch to about 8 inches, and a width ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches. The width of the opening 204 of the bracket may have a size about the same as a size of a thickness of a beam of the plurality of beams 104(1)-104(n) to provide for the opening 204 of the bracket to interference fit, press fit, friction fit, etc. with the beam. For example, the width of the opening 204 of the bracket may have a width of about 1.5 inches arranged to interference fit, press fit, friction fit, etc. with a piece of lumber (e.g., “2×4,” “2×6,” “2×8,” “2×10,” etc.) having an actual width of about 1.5 inches.
FIG. 2 illustrates the string line member 114(1) extending a distance 206 above the end 116 of the body 108, and the string line member 114(n) extending the distance 206 above another end 208 of the body 108. The distance 206 may be about 2 inches. FIG. 2 illustrates the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) may extend above the body 108 from a side 210 of the body 108.
FIG. 2 illustrates the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) may include at least one of a first indentation 212(1) positioned a distance 214 above the body 108, or a second indentation 212(n) positioned a distance 216 above the body 108. The distance 214 of the first indentation 212(1) may be about ¾ inches above the body 108, and the distance 216 of the second indentation 212(n) may be about 1¾ inches above the body 108. The first and second indentations 212(1) and 212(n) may assist in securely attaching a portion of the string 110 to the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) at about the distance 214 of the first indentation 212(1) or at about the distance 216 of the second indentation 212(1). In one example, a user may attach a portion of the string 110 to the first indentation 212(1) to provide for arranging the length of the string 110 proximate to the side 118 of the beam 104(1). In another example, a user may attach a portion of the string 110 to the second indentation 212(n) to provide for arranging the length of the string 110 above one or more obstructions (e.g., spreaders) arranged proximate to the side 118 of the beam 104(1). For example, in the case where the container 106 forms a footing, one or more spreaders (e.g., “2×4” boards) may be attached between two beams of the plurality of beams 104(1)-104(n) to prevent the beams of the footing from being dislodged (e.g., prevent the footing from “blowing out”) while pouring a cementitious mixture (e.g., composite mixture, concrete, cement, etc.) into the container 106. Further, the spreaders may protrude a distance (e.g., a distance of about 1½ inches above the beams), and the user may attach the string 110 to the second indentation 212(n) in order to arrange the length of the string 110 above the protruding spreaders and along the beam of the plurality of beams 104(10-104(n).
While FIG. 2 illustrates the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) extending above the body 108 from the side 210 of the body 108, the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) may extend above the body 108 from other locations of the body 108. For example, the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) may extend from the other side of the body 108 opposite the side 210, the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) may extend from a top surface 218 of the body 108. Moreover, while FIG. 2 illustrates the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) being individual posts attached to the side 210 of the body 108, the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) and the body 108 may be formed of a single unit of material. For example, the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) and the body 108 may formed of a single unit of material (e.g., metal, plastic, composite, wood, etc.). For example, the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) and the body 108 may be cast, molded, injection molded, machined, etc. as one piece of metal, plastic, composite, wood, etc.
FIG. 2 illustrates a portion 220 of an outside surface 222 of the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) and an inside surface 224 of the side 210 of the body 108 may be arranged substantially in a same plane 226. The portion 220 of the outside surface 222 of the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) and the inside surface 224 of the side 210 of the body 108 may be arranged substantially in the same plane 226 such that when the string 110 is attached to either one of the string line members 114(1) and 114(n), the length of the string 110 is positionable along the side 118 of the beam 104(1) of the container 106. For example, when the body 108 is attach to the beam 104(1), the side 118 of the beam 104(1) is arranged substantially in the same plane 226 as the inside surface 224 of the side 210 of the body 108 and the portion 220 of the outside surface 222 of the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) that the string 110 is attached thereto, such that the length of the string 110 is positionable along the side 118 of the beam 104(1). For example, a user may attach a portion of the string 110 to the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) such that the length of the string 110 extends from the portion 220 of the outside surface 222 of the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) substantially in the same plane 226 as the inside surface 224 of the side 210 of the body and the portion 220 of the outside surface 222 of the string line members 114(1) and 114(n). While FIG. 2 illustrates the portion 220 of the outside surface 222 of the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) and the inside surface 224 of the side 210 of the body 108 may be arranged substantially in the same plane 226, other portions of the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) may be arranged substantially in the same plane 226 as the inside surface 224 of the side 210 of the body 108. For example, the string line members 114(1) and 114(n) may be attached to, and extend from, the top surface 218 of the body 108, and another portion of the outside surface 222 of the string line members 114(1) and 114(n), opposite the portion 220 of the outside surface 222 of the string line members 114(1) and 114(n), may be arranged substantially in the same plane 226 as the inside surface 224 of the side 210 of the body 108.
FIG. 2 illustrates the body 108 of the string line bracket system 102(1) may include one or more attachment members 228 fixed to the body 108 for attaching at least a portion of the string 110 to the body 108. One or more of the attachment members 228 may be a curved, angled, bent, etc. member fixed to the top surface 218 of the body 108 for attaching a portion of the string 110 to the body 108. Further, one or more of the attachment members 228 may be a hook, a peg, a fastener, a catch, etc. fixed to the top surface 218 of the body 108 for attaching a portion of the string 110 to the body 108. A user may attach (e.g., secure, tie, knot, wrap, etc.) a first portion of the string 110 to at least one of the attachment members 228, and then the user may attach a second portion of the string 110 to at least one of the string line members 114(1) or 114(n). For example, a user may first hook a first portion of the string 110 to at least one attachment member 228 and then wrap a second portion of the string 110 around at least one of the string line members 114(1) or 114(n) proximate to the first indentation 212(1) or to the second indentation 212(n) of the string line member 114(1) or 114(n) such that the length of string 110 extends from the portion 220 of the outside surface 222 of the string line member 114(1) or 114(n).
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view 300 and a perspective exploded assembly view 302 of another example string line bracket system 304 for assessing linearity of the plurality of beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container 106 illustrated in FIG. 1. Inasmuch as FIG. 3 illustrates another example string line bracket system 304, while referring to the same elements and features of the plurality of string line bracket system 104(1)-104(n) depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the following discussion of specific features may refer interchangeably to any of FIG. 1 or 2 except where explicitly indicated. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates the string line bracket system 304, including the body 108, the string line members 114(1) and 114(n), the first and second indentations 212(1) and 212(n), and the one or more attachment members 228.
As illustrated, and in some instances, the string line bracket system 304 may be a bracket having the opening 204 having a c-channel cross-sectional profile. The bracket including a first member 306(1) forming a first portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile and a second member 306(2) forming a second portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile. FIG. 3 illustrates at least one of the first member 306(1) or the second member 306(2) being displaceable in a direction depicted by arrows 308 to adjust a width 310 of the opening 204 of the bracket. For example, the first member 306(1) or the second member 306(2) may be displaceable relative to each other to adjust the width 310 of the opening 204. FIG. 3 illustrates a fastening mechanism 312 arranged to provide for locking and/or unlocking the first and second members 306(1) and 306(2). While FIG. 3 illustrates the fastening mechanism 312 being a threaded fastener arranged to provide for locking and/or unlocking the first and second members 306(1) and 306(2), the fastening mechanism 312 may be an interface fit mechanism, a press fit mechanism, a friction fit mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, an adhesive mechanism, a hook-and-loop mechanism, etc. arranged to provide for locking and/or unlocking the first and second members 306(1) and 306(2).
A user may adjust the width 310 of the opening 204 of the bracket to attach the string line bracket system 304 to different sized beams of the container 106. For example, a user may adjust the width 310 of the opening 204 of the bracket to attach the string line bracket system 304 to a piece of lumber having a thickness ranging from about 1½ inches thick to about 3 inches thick. In one example, a user may adjust the width 310 of the opening 204 of the bracket to attach the string line bracket system 304 to a “2×4” board of a container (e.g., container 106). In another example, a user may adjust the width 310 of the opening 204 of the bracket to attach the string line bracket system 304 to two “2×4” boards arranged back to back. In another example a user may adjust the width 310 of the opening 204 of the bracket to attach the string line bracket system 304 to a “4×4” board having an actual width of about 3 inches. While FIG. 3 illustrates the string line bracket system 304 being adjustable to attach to a beam having a thickness ranging from about 1½ inches thick to about 3 inches thick, other thickness are contemplated. For example, the string line bracket system 304 may be configured to be adjustable to attach to a beam having a thickness ranging from about ¼ inches thick to about 6 inches thick.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view 400 of another example string line bracket system 402 for assessing linearity of the plurality of beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container 106 illustrated in FIG. 1. Inasmuch as FIG. 4 illustrates another example string line bracket system 402, while referring to the same elements and features of the plurality of string line bracket system 104(1)-104(n) and 304 depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 the following discussion of specific features may refer interchangeably to any of FIG. 1, 2 or 3 except where explicitly indicated. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates the string line bracket system 402, including the string line members 114(1) and 114(n), the first and second indentations 212(1) and 212(n), and the one or more attachment members 228.
As illustrated, and in some instances, the string line bracket system 402 may include a first body 404(1) and a second body 404(2). The first and second bodies 404(1) and 404(2) may be the same as the body 108 discussed above. FIG. 4 illustrates a linkage 406 attached to a side 408(1) of an end 410(1) of the first body 404(1) and attached to a side 408(2) of an end 410(2) of the second body 404(2). Further, the linkage 406 may be attached to the side 408(1) of the end 410(1) of the first body 404(1) and attached to the side 408(2) of an end 410(2) of the second body 404(2) such that the linkage 406 is tangent to the inside surfaces of the first and second bodies 404(1) and 404(2) (described in more detail below with regard to FIG. 5). While FIG. 4 illustrates the linkage 406 being a mechanical hinge (e.g. a mechanical bearing), other linkages are contemplated. For example, the linkage 406 may be a living hinge (e.g., a flexure bearing). The linkage 406 may provide for pivoting the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) about the linkage 406 to attach the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to one or more of the plurality of beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container 106.
In one example, a user may pivot the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to have about a right angle between the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to provide for attaching the string line bracket system 402 to a corner of the container 106. For example, a user may pivot the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to have about a right angle between the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to provide for attaching the first body 404(1) to the beam 104(n) and attaching the second body 404(2) to the beam 104(1). In another example, a user may pivot the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to have about a straight angle between the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to provide for attaching the string line bracket system 402 to a portion of a beam between two corners of the container 106. For example, a user may pivot the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to have about a straight angle between the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to provide for attaching the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to the beam 104(n). In another example, a user may pivot the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to have an acute angle between the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to provide for attaching the string line bracket system 402 to a corner of a container having an acute angle. In another example, a user may pivot the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to have an obtuse angle between the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to provide for attaching the string line bracket system 402 to a corner of a container having an obtuse angle.
FIG. 4 illustrates the string line bracket system 402 may include a string line member 412 that extends, from the linkage 406, above the end 410(1) of the first body 404(1) and above the end 410(2) of the second body 404(2). Similar to the string line members 114(1) and 114(n), the string line member 412 may include the first indentation 212(1) and the second indentation 212(n).
Similar to the plurality of the string line bracket systems 102(1)-102(n) and 304 discussed above, a user may attach the string line bracket system 402 to a first corner of the container 106, attach the string 110 to the string line member 412, attach a second string line bracket system 402 to a second corner of the container 106, attach the string 110 to the string line member 412 of the second string line bracket system 402, attach a third string line bracket system 402 to a third corner of the container 106, attach the string 110 to the string line member 412 of the third string line bracket system 402, attach a fourth string line bracket system 402 to a fourth corner of the container 106, attach the string 110 to string line member 412 of the fourth string line bracket system 402, and attach the string 110 to the string line member 412 of the string line bracket system 402 attached to the first corner of the container 106. The user may then assess the linearity of each of the beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container 106 and straighten and/or level one or more of the beams 104(1)-104(n) of the container 106 relative to the string 110 depending on the assessed linearity of each of the beams 104(1)-104(n).
In addition, and similar to the plurality of the string line bracket systems 102(1)-102(n), a user may attach one or more of the string line bracket system 402 to one or more of the beams 104(1)-104(n) between the corners of the container 106. In one example, a user may attach the string line bracket system 402 to the beam 104(1) between the two corners of the container 106 to assess a linearity of a beam (not shown) of another container (not shown) arranged adjacent to container 106. In another example, a user may attach the string line bracket system 402 to the beam between the two corners of the container 106 to assess a linearity of a beam (not shown) arranged inside the container 106. In another example, a user may attach the string line bracket system 402 to the beam between the two corners of the container 106 to locate a position inside the container 106 for placing another container (not shown) inside the container 106. In another example, a user may attach the string line bracket system 402 to the beam between the two corners of the container 106 to assess linearity of another beam (not shown) of a container (not shown) arranged inside the container 106.
While FIG. 4 illustrates the first and second bodies 404(1) and 404(2) having a single member having the opening 204 having a c-channel cross-sectional profile (similar to the string line bracket system 102(1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2), the first and second bodies 404(1) and 404(2) may have the first member 306(1) forming the first portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile and the second member 306(2) forming the second portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile (similar to the string line bracket system 304 illustrated in FIG. 3). For example, the first and second bodies 404(1) and 404(2) may each have the first member 306(1) forming the first portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile and the second member 306(2) forming the second portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile that are displaceable to adjust the width of the openings 204 of the brackets.
FIG. 4 illustrates the string line bracket system 402 may include an opening 414 arranged in the end 410(1) of the first body 404(1), or the opening 414 may be arranged in the end 410(2) of the second body 404(2). The openings 414 arranged in the ends 410(1) and 410(2) of the first and second bodies 404(1) and 404(2) may provide for alignment of the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) with a mark marked on a beam of the container 106. For example, when a user pivots the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to have about a straight angle between the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to provide for attaching the first body 404(1) and the second body 404(2) to the beam 104(n), the openings 414 provide for the user to obtain a visual of the mark marked on the beam 104(1) for position the string line bracket system 402 according to the mark marked on the beam 104(1).
FIG. 5 illustrates a top view 500 of the string line bracket system 402 illustrated in FIG. 4 with hidden lines shown in dashed lines. FIG. 5 illustrates a first detail view 502(1) of a section 504 of the string line bracket system 402, and a second detail view 502(2) of the section 504 of the string line bracket system 402. FIG. 5 illustrates an outside surface 506 of the string line member 412 may be tangent to an inside surface 508 of a side 510 of the first body 404(1). Because the outside surface 506 of the string line member 412 may be tangent to the inside surface 508 of the side 510 of the first body 404(1), the length of the string 110 is positionable along a side of a beam attached to the first body 404(1). FIG. 5 illustrates the outside surface 506 of the string line member 412 may be tangent to an inside surface 512 of a side 514 of the second body 404(2). Because the outside surface 506 of the string line member 412 may be tangent to the inside surface 512 of the side 514 of the second body 404(2), the length of the string 110 is positionable along a side of a beam attached to the second body 404(2).
In one example, detail view 502(1) illustrates a portion 516 of the outside surface 506 of the string line member 412 and the inside surface 508 of the side 510 of the first body 404(1) may be arranged substantially in a same plane 518. This is because the outside surface 506 of the string line member 412 is tangent to the inside surface 508 of the first body 404(1). Thus, any portion of the outside surface 506 of the string line member 412 and the inside surface 508 of the side 510 of the first body 404(1) will be substantially in a same plane as the first body 404(1) pivots about the linkage 406.
In another example, detail view 502(2) illustrates a portion 520 of the outside surface 506 of the string line member 412 and the inside surface 512 of the side 514 of the second body 404(2) may be arranged substantially in a same plane 522. This is because the outside surface 506 of the string line member 412 is tangent to the inside surface 512 of the second body 404(2). Thus, any portion of the outside surface 506 of the string line member 412 and the inside surface 512 of the side 514 of the second body 404(2) will be substantially in a same plane as the second body 404(2) pivots about the linkage 406.

Illustrative Methods of Using String Line Bracket Systems

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process 600 of using string line bracket systems (e.g., string line bracket systems 102(1)-102(n), 304, or 402) for assessing linearity (e.g., straightness) of a beam (e.g., beam 104(1)) of a plurality of beams (e.g., plurality of beams 104(1)-104(n)) of a container (e.g., container 106). By way of example and not limitation, this process may be performed at a job site, a project site, a construction site, a manufacturing facility, a plant cast construction site, a yard, a factory, in the field, or the like.
Process 600 includes operation 602, which represents attaching a string line bracket system to at least a portion of the beam of the container. For example, a user may attach a body (e.g., body 108, 404(1), or 404(2)) of the string line bracket system to the beam to assess the straightness of the beam. For example, a user may interference fit, press fit, friction fit, etc. the body of the string line bracket system to a least a portion of the beam of the container. Operation 602 may include displacing a first member (e.g., first member 306(1)) with respect to a second member (e.g., second member 306(2)) or displacing the second member with respect to the first member, and adjusting a width (e.g., width 310) of an opening (e.g., opening 204) of the body.
Process 600 continues with operation 604, which represents attaching a portion of a string (e.g., string 110) having a length to at least one string line member (e.g., string line member 114(1), 114(n), or 412) extending above the body. For example, a user may attach the portion of the string to at least one string line member at a first indentation (e.g., first indentation 212(1)) or at a second indentation (e.g., second indentation 212(2)).
Process 600 continues with operation 606, which represents positioning the length of the string along a side (e.g., side 118) of the beam of the container. For example, a user may attach a portion of the string to the string line member extending above the body of the string line bracket system, such that when the string is attached to the string line member, the length of the string is positionable along an inner side of the beam of the container.
In one example, process 600 may continue with operation 608, which represents attaching a second string line bracket system to at least a second portion of the beam of the container, or attaching the second string line bracket system to at least a portion of a second beam of the container. Operation 608 may include attaching a second portion of the string to a second string line member extending above the second string line bracket system.
In another example, process 600 may continue with operation 610, which represents attaching a second string line bracket system to at least a portion of a second beam of the container, the second string line bracket system hingeably coupled to the string line bracket system.
In another example, process 600 may continue with operation 612, which represents attaching a second string line bracket system to at least a second portion the beam of the container, the second bracket hingeably coupled to a third string line bracket system attached to the beam. Operation 612 may include aligning the second bracket and the third bracket with a mark marked on the beam via an opening (e.g., opening 414) arranged in an end (e.g., end 410(1)) of the second bracket or an opening (e.g., opening 414) arranged in an end (e.g., end 410(2) of the third bracket.
In another example, process 600 may continue with operation 614, which represents attaching a second string line bracket system to at least a portion a second beam of the container, the second string line bracket system hingeably coupled to a third bracket attached to the second beam. Operation 614 may include aligning the second bracket and the third bracket with a mark marked on the second beam via an opening (e.g., opening 414) arranged in an end (e.g., end 410(1)) of the second bracket or an opening (e.g., opening 414) arranged in an end (e.g., end 410(2) of the third bracket.
Process 600 may be completed with operation 616, which represents adjusting (e.g., straightening and/or leveling) the beam relative to the string depending on an assessed linearity of the beam.

CONCLUSION

Although the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the invention. For example, while embodiments are described having certain shapes, sizes, and configurations, these shapes, sizes, and configurations are merely illustrative.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A string line bracket system for assessing linearity of a beam of a container, the string line bracket system comprising:

a body configured to attach to at least a portion of the beam of the container; and

at least one string line member extending above an end of the body such that when a string having a length is attached to the at least one string line member, the length of the string is positionable along a side of the beam of the container.

2. The string line bracket system of claim 1, wherein the body is a bracket having an opening, the opening of the bracket having a c-channel cross-sectional profile, the bracket including a first member forming a first portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile and a second member forming a second portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile, at least one of the first member or the second member being displaceable to adjust a width of the opening of the bracket.

3. The string line bracket system of claim 1, wherein the body is a first body and the beam is a first beam of the container, and the string line bracket system further comprises:

a second body configured to attach to at least a portion of the first beam or a second beam of the container; and

a linkage attached to a side of an end of the first body and attached to a side of an end of the second body.

4. The string line bracket system of claim 3, wherein the linkage is a hinge.

5. The string line bracket system of claim 3, wherein the at least one string line member extends, from the linkage, above the end of the first body and above the end of the second body.

6. The string line bracket system of claim 3, further comprising at least one of:

an opening arranged in the end of the first body, or

an opening arranged in the end of the second body.

7. The string line bracket system of claim 1, wherein the body includes at least one attachment member fixed to the body for attaching at least a portion of the string to the body.

8. A string line bracket system for assessing linearity of a beam of a container, the string line bracket system comprising:

a bracket having an opening configured to attach to at least a portion of the beam of the container;

at least one string line member extending above the bracket; and

wherein when a string having a length is attached to the at least one string line member, the length of the string is positionable along a side of the beam of the container.

9. The string line bracket system of claim 8, wherein the at least one string line member extends above the bracket from a side of the bracket.

10. The string line bracket system of claim 8, wherein the opening of the bracket has a c-channel cross-sectional profile, the bracket including a first member forming a first portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile and a second member forming a second portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile, at least one of the first member or the second member being displaceable to adjust a width of the opening of the bracket.

11. The string line bracket system of claim 8, wherein the bracket includes an attachment member fixed to the bracket for attaching at least a portion of the string to the bracket.

12. The string line bracket system of claim 8, wherein the at least one string line member is a first string line member, and the string line bracket system further comprises a second string line member extending above the bracket.

13. The string line bracket system of claim 8, wherein the at least one string line member includes at least one of a first indentation positioned a distance of about ¾ inches above the bracket, or a second indentation positioned a distance of about 1¾ inches above the bracket.

14. A method of assessing linearity of a beam of a container, the method comprising:

attaching a bracket to at least a portion of the beam of the container;

attaching a portion of a string having a length to at least one string line member extending above the bracket; and

positioning the length of the string along a side of the beam of the container.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the beam of the container is a first beam of the container, the portion of the beam of the container is a first portion of the first beam of the container, the bracket is a first bracket, the portion of the string is a first portion of the string, and the at least one string line member is a first string line member extending above the first bracket, and the method further comprising:

attaching a second bracket to at least a second portion of the first beam of the container, or attaching the second bracket to at least a portion of a second beam of the container; and

attaching a second portion of the string to a second string line member extending above the second bracket.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the beam of the container is a first beam of the container and the bracket is a first bracket, and

wherein the method further comprises attaching a second bracket to at least a portion of a second beam of the container, the second bracket hingeably coupled to the first bracket.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the portion of the beam of the container is a first portion of the beam of the container, the bracket is a first bracket, and wherein the method further comprises:

attaching a second bracket to at least a second portion the beam of the container, the second bracket hingeably coupled to a third bracket attached to the beam; and

aligning the second bracket and the third bracket with a mark marked on the beam via an opening arranged in an end of the second bracket or an opening arranged in an end of the third bracket.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the beam of the container is a first beam of the container, the portion of the beam of the container is a first portion of the first beam of the container, the bracket is a first bracket, and the method further comprising:

attaching a second bracket to at least a portion a second beam of the container, the second bracket hingeably coupled to a third bracket attached to the second beam; and

aligning the second bracket and the third bracket with a mark marked on the second beam via an opening arranged in an end of the second bracket or an opening arranged in an end of the third bracket.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the opening of the bracket has a c-channel cross-sectional profile, the bracket including a first member forming a first portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile and a second member forming a second portion of the c-channel cross-sectional profile, the first member or the second member being displaceable to adjust a width of the opening of the bracket, and wherein the method further comprises:

displacing the first member with respect to the second member or displacing the second member with respect to the first member; and

adjusting the width of the opening of the body.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one string line member includes at least one of a first indentation positioned a distance of about ¾ inches above the bracket, or a second indentation positioned a distance of about 1¾ inches above the bracket, and wherein the method further comprises:

attaching the portion of the string to the at least one string line member at the first indentation or at the second indentation.