US20200102750A1

US20200102750A1 - Self-leveling Detachable Base

Info

Publication number: US20200102750A1
Application number: US16/702,573
Authority: US
Inventors: Christine Inez Karstens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-09-14
Filing date: 2019-12-04
Publication date: 2020-04-02
Also published as: US20190338522A1; US20190301157A1; US20190301159A1; US20190271158A1; US20200040579A1; US10501937B2; US20190078331A1; US20190271159A1

Abstract

A mechanical utility invention that creates a self-leveling detachable base that when attached to the member beam of the parent application U.S. Ser. No. 15,703,993, creates utility in its substantially different shape, mobility, multi-functional capabilities, and sustainability from its conventional counter part. It can be utilized as a means for independent balance, manipulate angular degrees, attaching to a sub-surface, and attaching to additional member beams. Additionally, it can be used with the expandable sustainable platform from the parent application. Additional utilities include, but not limited to: creating an arch way, creating a plumb and post without the use of digging and concrete, creating a means for a work to attach a beam without the need to for additional workers to stabilize during attachment. Thereafter, it can be used lend to a member beam the ability to install and uninstall and used again for like or different utilities, making the base and the beam largely sustainable.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention was created in the interest of the construction industry and as an alternative embodiment of the self-leveling detachable base of the member beam of the parent application U.S. Ser. No. 15/703,993. In construction there are many instances where independent balance of a beam would be of great assistance to workers, especially those who work alone. Thus, the need arises for a beam that can stand on its own and have independent balance without the need for an additional worker to hold the beam. Additionally, there are often times when it is necessary to make cuts to a beam in order to facilitate an angle or creating an arch. Sometime there are numerous cuts to be made on different beams in relation to one another that can be time consuming and waste material if done incorrectly. Therefore, a need for beam that is capable of creating an angle without the need to cut could save time and materials due to errors. The self-leveling detachable base creates a new beam from an existing beam, one with utilities incorporating independent balance, angular manipulation, economy in force necessary to attach a beam for framing to a base plate, to a sub-surface, versatile attachment capabilities, economy in user effort required to gain independent balance, economy in tools required to fully utilize a member beam, and most importantly, economy in waste. Additionally, once the self-leveling detachable base is attached to a beam it creates a sustainable beam that can be attached and detached without the loss of materials or integrity. Thereby, creating a beam that is largely sustainable.
There is much prior art in the realm of inclinometers and leveling devices that aid in finding a particular angular degree for which to measure and cut a beam. However, much of it is for production of items that are merely for marking and measuring the beam and not for transforming the beam and installing it for end use. Many of them have limited capabilities and are not designed for the construction industry or assistive device community. Additionally, there is much prior art in the realm of connecting member beams together such as recited in U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,525 B. Nicoson recited a method for attaching two member beams together by inserting male pieces into female pieces. Nicoson's invention is substantially different in shape and functions. Although, this method allows for a plurality of beams to be connected, it does not allow for independent balance, self-leveling, angular manipulation, and sub-surface attachment. Another prior art for connecting a lattice system is U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010/0329773 A. Martin recites a connection system that is capable of variable angles. However, this invention is for the use on lattice vs beams and does not provide independent balance, sub-surface attachment, nor is it intended for use with member beams. Additionally, of the similar search results found, none possessed the multi-functional utilities as the ones set forth in this document. Another prior art is found in U.S. Pat. No. 10,253,492 B. Nippon Steel, Et el, recites a column and beam connection for connecting a steel H-beam to a column. This art method is for building and diaphragm framework for a one time end use and does not have capabilities of independent balance, sub-surface attachment, or re-usability. Furthermore, of the similar search results found, none had utility in a readily available means for sub-surface attachment and end use attachment to a beam on both top and bottom, nor did any have capabilities of transforming a dependent beam into a beam with independent balance. Additionally, the detachable capabilities allow for the material apparatus to be used again for the same, or different functions, vs the current conventional model of disposing of member beams and construction materials into landfills when a use seizes. Thus, none of the similar searches found art that offered, nor specifically identified, a multi-functional device such as the invention detailed in this document with a sustainability factor.
Therefore, it is thus promoted in this document that a great need still exists for a mechanical method that solves the problem of economy in the use of tools needed to adapt a beam for usefulness, the economy of skilled labor that might be required in order to use a beam, the economy of blunt force, the economy of connectivity with other like beams or with other building materials. Furthermore, there is a crucial need for a mechanical device that creates a beam that can be installed, removed and reinstalled at a different location when the need arises.
Furthermore, there are instances in the construction industry when building structures where by there is limited availability of manpower and the items necessary to build a structure. Such as, limited access to tools, either by location or environment, and or limited number of persons available for labor in erecting a structure. Thus, the need arises for a reusable expandable sustainable beam that is capable of connectivity by which to attach to beams and other construction materials together without the need for a significant number of workers or tools. Additionally, the need arises for a means of achieving independent balance, and varying angular values, required in building a structure without the need for tools, or skilled labor.
Furthermore, there are instances where human beings need to erect structures that are temporary, and are capable of being built by a single individual with limited skill in the art and science of construction. Therefore, a need arises for an invention that can be easily utilized with self-contained building attributes without the need for skills to cut and measure. Such as, independent balance, self contained stability capabilities, self contained framing capabilities, without the need for tools or blunt force or conventional fasteners, self-leveling capabilities, and ease in connectivity.
Additionally, in construction, there arises a need for mechanical assistance that enhances safety and decreases risky cumbersome labor. Such as, when a worker is holding a beam by themselves while trying to attach it to another beam, as is often the case in framing a structure. The self-leveling detachable base reduces the need for a worker to hold and balance a beam while trying to make an attachment. Therefore, eliminating the risks of injury associated with balancing a beam while forming an attachment to the framing or sub-surface.
It is the object of this invention to create a self-leveling detachable base that substantially increases the utility and versatility of a member beam and to creates a beam that is far more sustainable than its conventional non-sustainable counter part.
The self-leveling detachable base may be disconnected from beams that have expired their usefulness, as in dry rot or termite damage. Thus, the invented base will also help avoid deterioration in a wood beam for which it may be attached by creating a barrier at the end of beam between the beam and the sub-surface. This eliminates contact of the end of the beam to the sub-surface. Thereby, allowing less exposure to the end of the beam where decay typically begins. Wood or metal beam for which the base is attached would regain its' full usefulness after the original use ceases; and thereby, rendering it largely sustainable in value.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A self-leveling detachable base that is attachable to the member beam listed in the parent application Ser. No. 15/703,993. By attachment of the base to the member beam, the member beam gains the invented mechanical attributes, such as, but not limited to: independent balance, angular and dimensional manipulation; attachment to a sub-surface and attachment to additional beams through the base. Additionally, the mechanical attributes invented create gains in utilities in the following ways, but not limited to: economy in knowledge of the art and science of the construction industry required to create usefulness, economy in force, and or, user effort, economy in tools required to utilize fully, and most importantly, economy in waste; thereby, transforming member beams into beams that are largely sustainability.
The invention transforms a member beam into a beam with angular manipulation for framing such things as an arch way or angled wall. Additionally, independent balance is achieved without the use of other materials required to support a beam. Once the beam is connected to the self-leveling detachable base, a mechanical means of achieving independent balance and angular positioning at varying degrees is created. The self-leveling detachable base is manufactured with the proper weight and proportionate geometric shape(s) necessary to sustain the beams' weight and the weight capacities it may encounter from the embodiments' intended uses. Additionally, the self-leveling detachable base can be attached to the expandable sustainable platform of the parent application Ser. No. 15,703,993. Once connected, the beam or platform can now be positioned at different angular degrees. After the desired angular degree is established the angle is then stabilized by inserting the provided accessory stake into one or plural holes provided in the base. Furthermore, if permanence is desired, the base has several threaded holes for which to receive the accessory stake and thereafter to puncture a sub-surface or to receive a threaded rod to thread said base to additional bases therefore attaching plural beams together without the use of additional tools, hardware or cutting. Furthermore, the degreed angle can be manipulated form an elevation other than the ground floor. Where as there are many occasions when a worker is on a ladder and needs to manipulate the angle of a beam and hold steady at the same time. Again, once the base is attached to the beam manipulation of the angle becomes capable from varied potions. The user can than continue to work from the elevated position while re-positioning the beam without the need to descend to the elevation to manipulate the work surface.
Additionally, the base and beam may be utilized upside down creating an apex may be necessary or arch on the northern end of the beam.
Also, using said base vs conventional means of attachment allows for mitigating the use and storage of fastening supplies, such as, but not limited to, magnets, bolts, screws, rivets, hooks, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The drawings, descriptions, components, shapes, materials, and forms, set forth in this document, are intended for representational purposes only, and are provided to enhance clarity of the invention and are not to limit the claims. Furthermore, the drawings are not to scale, and in some cases exaggerated or reduced for clarity. Additionally, not all aspects of each component are illustrated in each drawing to allow space for clarity.

FIG. 1A shows a view of the self-leveling detachable base 3, the threaded holes 6, the southern three dimensional trapezoid 16, the northern three dimensional trapezoid 17, the accessory stake 18, and the perforated ball-nut 26.

FIG. 1B shows an expanded view of the self-leveling detachable base 3, the mount point 5, the threaded holes 6, the receiving cylinder 9, the southern trapezoid 16, the northern trapezoid 17, the accessory spikes 18, the perforated ball-nut 26, and the threaded rod 27.

FIG. 1C shows front view of two self-leveling detachable bases 3, the mount point 5, the threaded holes 6, the accessory stake 18, the perforated ball-nut 26, and the threaded rod 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

FIG. 1A show the southern 3D trapezoid 16, as a base to stabilize the northern 3D trapezoid 17. Also showing, the accessory stake 18, utilized as inserted into the threaded holes 6 and the perforated ball-nut 26 to stabilize a given angle.
FIG. 1B shows an expanded view of the self-leveling detachable base 3, comprising said southern most 3D trapezoid 16, the northern most 3D trapezoid 17, the threaded holes 6 located on the southern and northern most trapezoid 16 and 17 respectively, the threaded rod 27 which threads to the threaded receiving cylinder 9 on one end and on the opposite end threads through the mount point 5 and subsequently into the perforated ball-nut 26; thereby, joining the self-leveling detachable base 3 to the expandable sustainable member beam. Further showing, the detachable accessory stake(s) 18, housed on the self-leveling detachable base 3 and is provided to be utilized in the threaded holes 6 to puncture a sub-surface, or in conjunction with the perforated ball-nut 26, to stabilize the self-leveling detachable base 3.
FIG. 1C shows a view of two self-leveling detachable bases 3, where the first base 3 showing the accessory stake 18 engaged in the perforated ball-nut 26. Additionally, shows a view of the second self-leveling detachable base 3, where as the accessory stake 18 is engaged in the threaded holes 6 and extended through said holes attaching said base to a sub-surface. Also, shows an additional threaded rod 27 utilized in the threaded holes 6 to connect the first self-leveling detachable base 3 to the second self-leveling detachable base 3.

Claims

1. A self-leveling detachable base for attaching to a member beam to achieve independent balance, leveling, positioning at various angular degrees, attachment to a sub-surface, and attaching plural member beams together, wherein comprising:

a base, wherein a threaded rod from said base, threads through a mount point attaching to a member beam, thereafter the rod receives a perforated ball-nut attaching the beam to the self-leveling detachable base;

wherein said base having a rotation mechanism comprising;

said perforated ball-nut;

and said mounting point;

wherein a means for stabilizing the angle created by rotating a member beam on the perforated ball-nut comprising:

a detachable accessory stake; inserted at one end into threaded holes located on the base and at the opposite end inserted into the perforated ball-nut;

the base capable of being used singularly or as a plurality connecting said base together with additional self-leveling detachable bases, comprising;

threaded holes located on the base, wherein threaded rods connect at one end to said threaded holes of one base, and connect at the opposite to said threaded holes of a second base;

said base further including: accessory stakes utilized for attaching to a sub-surface by inserting said stakes through the threaded holes located on the base and subsequently through a sub-surface

said base further capable of being used on the bottom, side or top of a member beam to create apex angles and arches from its' inverted vertex.