Wall Support System

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to a wall support system for construction, and more particularly, pertains to a wall support system utilizing a chain between a base member, a cement loop, and a wall support member, and a 4.times.4 extending between the base and wall support.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Prior art efforts in supporting walls under construction have included a particular amount of framing lumber which has now become expensive or metal tubes usually including a screw on one or both ends. Neither have been practical.

Framing lumber because of the spotted owl has become expensive, and also time consuming to frame a support structure. Usually the framing lumber after use is sometimes impractical for reuse, or if the lumber is reusable, it takes time to clean up the lumber such as pulling out nails and disassembly, etc.

Piping for supporting a wall usually requires a pipe with screw threads on either end or both ends, some type of support structure which is not always practical because the screw threads become coated with concrete such as from the mortar. Also, the piping still requires additional backbracing with framing lumber and also requires cleanup at the end during disassembly, especially about the screw threads which can be difficult.

The present invention overcomes the disadvantage of prior art by providing a wall support system which is easily utilized and requires minimal framing lumber only being a 4.times.4 which can be easily reused.

The general purpose of the present invention is a wall support system for supporting a wall such as a masonry wall or a concrete block wall, and requires minimal framing lumber such as only a single 4.times.4. The wall support system is easily utilizable with minimal effort and minimal time, and can be rapidly positioned in a manner of a few minutes. The wall support system includes a chain loop which is cemented below the wall such as in the footing, and is usually formed from reinforcing bar.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a wall support system for supporting a wall with respect to the ground which includes a base with a 4.times.4 fitting and a pivotal chain lever, a wall support including a chain loop, a cement loop for the chain at the base of the masonry wall, and a chain with a hook extending between the pivotal chain lever of the base, through the cement loop, through a chain loop on the wall support, and hooked to an overlapping link when a 4.times.4 is placed in position between the 4.times.4 fittings. The pivotal chain lever tightens the chain between the base, the wall support and with respect to the cement loop, and tensions the system for support of a wall.

One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a wall support system which is easily utilizable in the field within a matter of minutes, and only requires a 4.times.4 for use in addition to a cement loop for a chain secured into the footing, foundation or the base of the wall.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a wall support system which tensions about itself.

An additional significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a wall support system which is easily storable and transportable.

Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a wall support system which utilizes a 4.times.4 wooden post.

Having thus described embodiments of the present invention, it is the principal object hereof to provide a wall support system for supporting walls such as a masonry wall or a concrete block wall.

One object of the present invention is a wall support system which is light weight and easy to install.

Another object of the present invention is a wall support system which supports a wall under construction, especially preventing a collapse or cave in of the wall.

A further object of the present invention is a wall support which can be installed by a single individual.

Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of the wall support system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a base;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the wall support; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the current loop for the chain.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a wall support system 10 including a footing 12 in the ground 14 for supporting a masonry wall 16. A base 18 of 2.times.6 steel channel includes square tubing 20 for accommodation of a 4.times.4 wood lumber welded to the base 18 at a suitable angle. A pivotal chain lever 24 of 1.times.2 steel channel rotates about pivots 22 and 23 which engage tabs 26 and 28 welded to the base 18 as illustrated in FIG. 3. A chain 30 secures to the lever 24 such as by a loop chain link 32 welded to the lower portion of the lever 24 or any other suitable securing means such as illustrated in FIG. 3. A wall support 33 includes square tubing 34 welded to the wall support 33 and a square chain loop 36 made from 2.times.3 tubing welded to the support 33 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The chain 30 includes a hook 38 which hooks back upon itself at an appropriate chain link. The chain 30 extends through a cement loop 42 which is formed from reinforcing bar and is about 12 inches on each side, and bent at an angle of about 30.degree.-60.degree.. The loop 42 can also include toes 44 and 46 to further engage in the footing. The angle of the 4.times.4 fittings is preferably 45.degree. although any suitable angle can be utilized. Pivots 22 and 23 can be nut and bolt assemblies.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view along the center of the base 18 along line 2--2 of FIG. 1 where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. Illustrated in particular is the pivotal chain lever 24 upon which a chain link 32 is welded. A cutout area 37 in the pivotal chain lever 24 allows room for attachment of the chain 30 to the chain link 32.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2 where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. Illustrated in particular is the lower end of the chain lever 24 which is pivotally attached to the tabs 26 and 28 on the base 18.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view along line 4--4 of FIG, 1 of the wall support 30 where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described.

A 4.times.4 timber or lumber is positioned between the square tubing members 20 and 34, then with the pivotal chain lever 24 disengaged, the chain 30 is led through the chain loop 36 and is overlapped and hooked, and then the chain is tensioned. The pivotal chain lever 24 is engaged for tightening the chain 30 between the base and the wall support members 18 and 33 with respect to the cement loop 42 causing the linkages of the 4.times.4's and the chain 30 to equalize under tension for supporting the wall 16 with respect to the ground. The 4.times.4 can be wood, formed of metal lumber, or two 2.times.4's nailed together. A wood 4.times.4 is the most practical. The wall can be a masonry wall, concrete block wall, or a poured wall.

The sizes of the members can be changed. The 4.times.4 angled fitting can be a three sided angled member welded to the base and to the wall support metal tubes could be substituted for the brace. The size of the chain can vary. The end chain loop can be welded or bolted to the lever which can also be formed like a handle.

Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope hereof.

The cement loop can be a eye bolt or other like loop structure.