US20220316147A1

US20220316147A1 - Peg and Wedge Combination Stone Laying Tool

Info

Publication number: US20220316147A1
Application number: US17/682,116
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Stokes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-04-06
Filing date: 2022-02-28
Publication date: 2022-10-06

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel stone laying tool which allows for a perfect stone fit for irregularly sized and shaped stones. The tool is a compact, lightweight, one-piece device made from polypropylene and is positioned between two stones. More specifically, the tool has a pointed peg end and an opposite planar wedge end. The tool provides the functions of both a peg and a wedge and therefore eliminates the need to use separate wedges and pegs.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/171,236, which was filed on Apr. 6, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of stone laying tools. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved single-piece tool, designed in the form of a combination peg and wedge for creating a perfect stone fit for irregular sized stones. The tool eliminates the need to use separate wedges and pegs and either end may be is positioned between two stones. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, laying stones can be difficult, labor-intensive work. Generally, stones, rocks, or boulders are of irregular sizes and shape, and therefore require repeated installation and removal. When laying stones; stone masons, tile layers, landscapers, etc., spend time going through multiple pegs and wedges of different sizing to find the correct size for installation, which is time consuming. While searching for correct the correct peg or wedge a stone layer may have to lift and hold heavy stones/rocks for long periods of time, which can be exhausting.
Furthermore, pegs and wedges are typically separately handled by a user when laying stones/rocks to acquire the correct gap and position between stones/rocks. Accordingly, there have been attempts to make a combination of a peg and wedge, however, such devices are ineffective, and users desire an improved tool that can simplify the process of precisely laying stones/rocks.
Generally, stone layers require stones of various shapes and sizes. Stone walls require the stacking of stones and typically a wedge is useful for stacking stones. However, users need to use separate pegs along with the wedges when stacking stone walls. Therefore, users require a device that is shaped as a combination peg and wedge.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a stone laying tool that works as a combination peg and wedge. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a masonry tool that eliminates the need to use separate wedges and pegs. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a stone laying tool that simplifies the process of stone laying and allows it to be less exhaustive and time consuming. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a tool that creates a perfect stone fit for irregular sized stones. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a masonry tool that can be used for creating stone walls, stone columns and other areas. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a stone laying tool that offers a way for stone masons, tile layers, landscapers, maintenance workers, etc., to easily stack stones in place.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multipurpose stone laying tool. The tool is designed to create a perfect stone fit for irregular sized and shaped stones. The tool further comprises a polypropylene peg and wedge combination having an acute angled end and opposite planar end. The tool comprises a tapered surface oriented at approximately a twenty-three-degree angle to a converging first transverse surface at the acute angled end, a second transverse surface extending from the tapered surface to said planar end, the second transverse surface is substantially parallel to said converging first transverse surface, wherein the converging first transverse surface extends from said acute angled end to said planar end.
In this manner, the multipurpose stone laying tool of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a tool that combines the functions of a peg and a wedge. The tool allows a stonemason to create a perfect stone fit for irregular sized and shaped stones. The tool eliminates use of separate wedges and pegs and offers a way for stone layers, tile layers, landscapers, maintenance workers, etc., to easily lift and stack stones for creating a desired landscape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multipurpose stone laying tool. The tool is designed as a combination wedge and peg to allow for the perfect stone fit for irregular sized and shaped stones. The tool further comprises a polypropylene peg and wedge combination having an acute angled peg end and an opposite planar wedge end. Further, the tool comprises a tapered surface oriented at approximately a twenty-three-degree angle to a converging first transverse surface at the acute angled end, a second transverse surface extending from the tapered surface to said planar end, the second transverse surface is substantially parallel to said converging first transverse surface, wherein the converging first transverse surface extends from said acute angled end to said planar end.
In yet another embodiment, the length of the second transverse surface is more than the length of the planar wedge end.
In yet another embodiment, the multipurpose stone laying tool is manufactured from polypropylene and has a one-piece structure.
In yet another embodiment, the length of the tapered surface is approximately 1.5 inches, the length of the top is 0.75″, the length of the bottom is 2.125 inches, the width is 0.375 inches, the height is 0.625 inches.
In yet another embodiment, the tensile strength of the tool is approximately in the range of 1.10-1.40 N/mm².
In yet another embodiment, the notched impact strength of the tool is approximately in the range of 25 Kj/m².
In yet another embodiment, a method of laying stones of various shapes allowing for a perfect stone fit is described. The method includes the steps of providing a combined peg and wedge tool, the tool having a pointed peg end and a planar wedge end, wherein the pointed peg end has a tapered arm positioned at a twenty-three-degree angle relative to a first transverse arm and a second transverse arm extending from the tapered arm, which is substantially parallel to said first transverse arm. The method also comprises positioning of at least one tool between two stones, such that the pointed peg end is placed between the stones; and positioning at least one more tool between the said two stones, such that wedged planar end is placed between the stones.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a stone laying tool for replacing individual pegs and wedges allowing for a perfect stone fit is disclosed. The stone laying tool is comprised of a polypropylene peg and wedge combination system in which a first end is angled at approximately twenty-three degrees and is generally pointed; and an opposite end is generally square or rectangular. The device allows a stonemason to create a perfect stone fit for irregular sized and shaped stones and eliminates the need for using a separate wedge and/or peg tool.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the multipurpose stone laying tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the tapered surface of the multipurpose stone laying tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing two stone laying tools of the present invention in use between two substantially oval or circular shaped stones in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing two stone laying tools of the present invention in use between two irregularly shaped stones in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of laying stones of various shapes and sizes allowing for a perfect stone fit in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a stone laying tool that acts as a combination peg and wedge tool. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a landscaping tool that eliminates the need to use separate wedges and pegs. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a stone laying tool that simplifies the process of stone laying and allows the process to be less exhaustive and time consuming. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a tool that allows for a perfect stone fit for irregularly sized and shaped stones. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a landscaping tool that can be used for creating landscaping stone pavements, walls, etc. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a stone laying tool that offers a way for stone masons, landscapers, maintenance workers, etc., to easily stack varying sized stones in place.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel method of laying stones of various shapes and sizes for creating a perfect stone fit is described. The method includes the steps of providing a combined peg and wedge tool, the tool having a pointed peg end and a planar wedge end, wherein the pointed peg end has a tapered arm positioned at twenty-three degrees relative to a first transverse arm and a second transverse arm extending from the tapered arm, which is substantially parallel to said first transverse arm; positioning at least one tool between two stones, such that the pointed peg end is placed between the stones and positioning at least one more tool between said two stones, such that the wedged planar end is placed between the stones.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the multipurpose stone laying tool 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the multipurpose stone laying tool 100 is an improved stone laying tool designed to allow for a perfect stone fit for irregularly sized and shaped stones. The tool 100 is especially designed to offer a way for stone masons, landscapers, maintenance workers, etc., or any other suitable user as is known in the art, to easily lift a stone in place. More specifically, the tool 100 has a one-piece solid structure manufactured of solid wood or polypropylene, or any other suitable material as is known in the art and provides a peg and wedge combination system. The tool 100 has a pointed acute angled end 102, wherein the acute angled end 102 is formed by the convergence of a first transverse surface 104 and a tapered surface 106. Specifically, the tapered surface 106 forms a substantially twenty-three-degree angle with the first transverse surface 104, at the acute angled end 102, but could form any other suitable angle with the first transverse surface 104 as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.
Furthermore, the tapered surface 106 is approximately 1.5 inches in length, or any other suitable length as is known in the art, and a second transverse surface 108 extends from the tapered surface 106, wherein the second transverse surface 108 is substantially parallel to the first transverse surface 104. The first transverse surface 104 and the second transverse surface 108 are terminated at a planar end 110, which is positioned opposite to the pointed acute angled end 102. Further, a first portion 1042 of the first transverse surface 104 has an approximate length of 1.375 inches, and a second portion 1044 of the first transverse surface 104, as well as the second transverse surface 108 have a length of approximately 0.75 inches, however either portion 1042 or 1044 and second transverse surface 108 can have any suitable length as is known in the art.
The tool 100 of the present embodiment comprises a first face 112 and an opposing second face 114. It should be noted that a portion of each face, formed by tapered surface 106 and the first portion 1042 of the first transverse surface 104 is triangular and the remaining portion is generally rectangular, but both faces 112 and 114 can be any suitable shape as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, the tool 100 can be positioned between irregularly sized and shaped stones to allow for a perfect fit. Accordingly, the tool 100 eliminates the need for a user to utilize a separate wedge tool and peg tool.
It should be noted that the width of the tapered surface 106, the first transverse surface 104, the second transverse surface 108 and the planar end 110 is the same and can be approximately 0.375 inches, but can also be any suitable width as is known in the art. The tool 100 is lightweight, yet sturdy and durable. Further, the tool 100 can be easily stored in a bag and carried to the work site. More specifically, the tensile strength of the tool 100 is approximately in the range of 1.10-1.40 N/mm². Further, the notched impact strength of the tool 100 is approximately in the range of 25 Kj/m². In other embodiments, the tool 100 can be manufactured from flame retardant Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art. The tool 100 of the present invention can also be manufactured by using injection molding or CNC modeling, or any other suitable manufacturing technique as is known in the art.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the multipurpose stone laying tool 200 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the tool 200 has a tapered surface 202, which is oriented at approximately twenty-three degrees to the lower transverse surface 204, at the pointed end 206. An upper transverse surface 208 extends from the tapered surface 202 to a planar end 210. The lower transverse surface 204 also extends from the pointed end 206 to the planar end 210. The lower transverse surface 204 is partitioned into two portions: a first portion 2040 position corresponding to the tapered surface 202 and a second portion 2042 position corresponding to the upper transverse surface 208.
In the present embodiment, the height of the planar end 210, the length of the upper transverse surface 208 and the second portion 2042 of the lower transverse surface 204 are generally the same measurement, thereby providing a generally square portion for the stone laying tool 200, but can be any suitable measurement as is known in the art.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing two stone laying tools 100 and 200 of the present invention in use between two substantially oval or circular shaped stones. The tools 100 and 200 are easily used between stones of any shape and size to allow for stacking of the stones to form a landscape, path, fence, etc., or any other suitable stone structure. As illustrated, a pair of tools 100 and 200 of the present invention are used in any desired orientation between a first stone 302 and a second stone 304. Various embodiments of the tools 100 and 200 as described in the present disclosure can be used, such that either the pointed end 102 facing upwards as shown in tool 100 or the planar end 210 facing upwards as shown in tool 200 can be utilized between the stones 302 and 304.
Furthermore, the tools 100, 200 stabilize the stones 302, 304 in a desired orientation, to allow for the lifting and placing of the stones 302, 304. It should be noted that although the pair of tools 100, 200 have differing embodiments, a single tool 100 or 200, or a pair of the same embodiments of the tools 100, 100 or 200, 200 can be utilized with the stones 302, 304.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing two stone laying tools 100, 200 of the present invention in use between two irregularly shaped stones. As illustrated, a pair of tools 100, 200 of the present invention are used in any desired orientation between a first irregularly shaped stone 402 and a second irregularly shaped stone 404. Various embodiments of the tools 100, 200 as described in the present disclosure can be used, such that the pointed or peg end 102 facing upwards as shown in tool 100 and the planar or wedge end 210 facing upwards as shown in tool 200 can be utilized between the stones 402 and 404.
The tools 100, 200 stabilize the stones 402, 404 in a desired orientation to allow for the lifting and placing of the stones 402, 404. It should be noted that although the pair of tools 100, 200 have differing embodiments, a single tool 100 or 200, or a pair of the same embodiments of the tools 100, 100 or 200, 200 can be utilized with the stones 402, 404.
FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of the method of laying stones of various shapes and sizes allowing for a perfect stone fit. The method includes the steps of providing a combined peg and wedge tool at 500, the tool having a pointed peg end and a planar wedge end. Further, the pointed peg end has a tapered arm positioned at twenty-three degrees relative to a first transverse arm and a second transverse arm extending from the tapered arm, which is substantially parallel to said first transverse arm. At 502, positioning at least one first tool between two stones, such that the pointed peg end is placed between the two stones. At 504, positioning at least one second tool between said two stones, such that the wedged planar end is placed between the two stones. Then, at 506, utilizing the at least one first and second tools to lift and position the two stones.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “multipurpose stone laying tool”, “stone laying tool”, “tool”, and “combined peg and wedge device” are interchangeable and refer to the multipurpose stone laying tool 100, 200 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the multipurpose stone laying tool 100, 200 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the multipurpose stone laying tool 100, 200 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multipurpose stone laying tool 100, 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multipurpose stone laying tool 100, 200 are important design parameters for user convenience, the multipurpose stone laying tool 100, 200 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multipurpose stone laying tool for positioning irregularly sized and shaped stones comprising:

a first transverse surface;

a second transverse surface; and

a tapered surface, wherein the tapered surface forms an angled end with the first transverse surface.

2. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 1, wherein the angled end is approximately a twenty-three-degree angle.

3. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 2, wherein the first transverse surface is substantially parallel to the second transverse surface.

4. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 3, wherein the first transverse surface and the second transverse surface terminate at a planar end.

5. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 4, wherein the planar end is positioned opposite of the angled end.

6. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 5, wherein the first transverse surface is partitioned into two portions.

7. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 6, wherein the first portion is positioned corresponding to the tapered surface.

8. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 7, wherein the second portion is positioned corresponding to the second transverse surface.

9. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 8, wherein width of the tapered surface, the first transverse surface, the second transverse surface, and the planar end are the same measurement.

10. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 1 further comprising a first face and a second face that opposes the first face.

11. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 10, wherein a portion of the first face and the second face is formed by the tapered surface and the first transverse surface is triangular and a remaining portion is rectangular.

12. A multipurpose stone laying tool for positioning irregularly sized and shaped stones comprising:

a lower transverse surface;

an upper transverse surface;

a tapered surface;

wherein the tapered surface forms an angled end with the lower transverse surface;

wherein the tapered surface is oriented approximately twenty-three degrees to the lower transverse surface, at the angled end;

wherein the upper transverse surface extends from the tapered surface to a planar end; and

further wherein the lower transverse surface extends from the angled end to the planar end.

13. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 12, wherein the lower transverse surface is partitioned into two portions.

14. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 13, wherein the first portion is positioned corresponding to the tapered surface.

15. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 14, wherein the second portion is positioned corresponding to the upper transverse surface.

16. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 15, wherein a height of the planar end, a length of the upper transverse surface and the second portion of the lower transverse surface are the same measurement, thereby providing a square portion.

17. The multipurpose stone laying tool of claim 16, wherein the lower transverse surface is substantially parallel to the upper transverse surface.

18. A method of laying stones of various shapes and sizes allowing for a perfect stone fit, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a combined peg and wedge tool;

positioning at least one first combined peg and wedge tool between two stones, such that a pointed peg end is placed between the two stones;

positioning at least one second combined peg and wedge tool between the two stones, such that a wedged planar end is placed between the two stones; and

utilizing the at least one first and second combined peg and wedge tools to lift and position the two stones.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the combined peg and wedge tool comprises a pointed peg end and a planar wedge end.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the pointed peg end comprises a tapered surface positioned at twenty-three degrees relative to a first transverse surface and a second transverse surface extending from the tapered surface, which is substantially parallel to said first transverse surface.