US20050257492A1

US20050257492A1 - Apparatuses and methods for positioning drywall building panels and other building materials

Info

Publication number: US20050257492A1
Application number: US10/840,847
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Miller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-05-07
Filing date: 2004-05-07
Publication date: 2005-11-24

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for positioning drywall, other building panels and other building materials are described. The tool includes a mounting assembly configured to be detachably fastened to a work surface of a supporting framework upon which the building panel is being secured. The tools have engagement heads which engage the lower edge of the building panel and position it for securement to the framework. An adjustment assembly operator extends or retracts the engagement heads. The adjustment assembly operator having an adjustment control which is in some versions is turned by a wrench stored upon the tool during times of non-use. The tools are generally used in pairs when holding and positioning a panel thereon to allow single man installation. The tools are detached from the framework after the panel has been securely mounted on the framework.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for positioning drywall and other building materials, and more specifically to portable tools and methods which enable a single user to easily position, fasten and install a panel of drywall or other suitable material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When building a structure there is often a need to precisely position building materials before such materials are secured to the structure. For example, drywall and other types of sheets or panels are commonly applied to wall framing. Such panels are typically provided in the form of planar sheets. These panels are then permanently secured to the framing with screws, nails and/or adhesives. However, before a panel is secured to the framing, the panel must first be properly positioned. In some situations it is desirable to fit the sheet tightly or closely to the ceiling panels and not leave a gap. However, holding a heavy panel tightly against the ceiling and then securing the panel with fasteners is almost impossible for one man to perform solo.
The process of positioning such panels often is awkward and proves difficult for installers, due to the size and weight of the panels. Twelve foot by four foot sheets of drywall or rock lath are heavy. Therefore, the task of positioning a panel will frequently require at least two persons. In addition, after the panel has been positioned, it is often necessary that at least one person hold the panel in position while another person secures the panel to the framing. This requires the holder to maintain positioning while another workman is nailing or screwing the sheet.
The difficulties experienced by installers are particularly acute when the panel is to be positioned in a high location. In these situations it is more likely that the task of positioning the panel will require at least two persons, and that each of these installers may have difficulties in positioning and then holding and fastening a panel to install it on the supporting frame, substrate, or other support to which the building material piece is being connected.
There has long been a need for a portable, light weight tool which can enable a single installer to position and install panel and sheet building materials, such as drywall, plywood, cement board and other such materials, without the need for additional assistance. There has also been a need for an apparatus or apparatus set which is easy to set up and take down as the building materials are positioned and installed. There has further been a need for a tool or tool set which can straighten lumber for fastening to a frame or other substrate which is easily used by a single person. These and other problems are addressed by aspects and various forms of the invention described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to one version of the invention illustrated by the accompanying drawings which are briefly described below.
FIG. 1 is an environmental, elevational view showing apparatuses in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention being used by an installer to position a building material panel.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a preferred apparatus according to the invention. The apparatus is shown with the adjustment assembly in a partially retracted state.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the apparatus of FIG. 2, with the adjustment assembly in a partially extended state.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing the apparatus of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the apparatus of FIG. 2. The adjustment tool is not shown in cross-section.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the apparatus of FIG. 2.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the apparatus of FIG. 2 mounted upon a substructure and engaging a deck board to straighten the deck board for fastening to the underlying structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Invention in General
Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be recognized that the invention may not be limited in its construction and use to the particular arrangement of components or to the details of the construction shown in the attached drawings. The present invention may be capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in other ways. It should also be understood that the terminology employed herein is presented for the purpose of description of the best mode, and is not necessarily limiting of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
In addition, the abstract is an abbreviated explanation for use by those who are not familiar with the invention. Although it forms a part of this disclosure, the terminology used therein is for quickly determining the general nature of the present invention and may not be fully representative of the particulars of the invention and the combination of features or operational aspects characteristic of the patent claims. As such, it should be understood that the abstract does not attempt and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention for purposes of defining the exclusive rights granted.
Referring to FIGS. 1-7, an apparatus is generally indicated by the numeral 10. The apparatus 10 can be used for positioning a wide variety of materials, such as panels 20 which can be made of various materials in various configurations. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the material 20 which can be positioned by apparatuses 10 includes such things as drywall panels which are to be secured to a wall. Also such materials may be other types of sheet or panel materials, boards, or strips which are to be positioned on floors, decks or walls and in some applications on ceilings. For example, the building material 20 being positioned in FIG. 1 is a drywall panel 22, while the building material 20 being positioned in FIG. 7 is a board 24. Other materials include cement board, rock lath, plywood, tongue and groove materials, or metal plates.
The Mount or Mounting Assembly
Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the apparatus or tool 10 includes a mount 30 used to attach tool 10 to framing or other supporting structure. The supporting substrate is more typically upright, but the tool has features adapting to other orientations as explained more fully below. The mount includes a mounting assembly generally indicated by the numeral 30 which forms the mount in the illustrated version. Mounting assembly 30 may best be appreciated in the exploded view provided in FIG. 6. The mounting assembly 30 is configured to be detachably or releasably coupled to a supporting structure and against a work surface 40 thereof. Work surface 40 can be studs 50 which are used to frame a wall 60 (as shown in FIG. 1), or the work surface 40 can be provided by a supporting horizontal or angled structure.
Referring once again to FIG. 6, the mounting assembly 30 includes a mounting member 90. The mounting assembly may have one or more contact members 90 which have a back or contact surface 100 which is configured to be placed in apposition to the work surface 40 against which the mounting and supporting substrate engage. The mounting member 90 also has a front surface 110. The mounting assembly 30 is configured so that it can be releasably coupled to the work surface 40.
In many instances the tool will be mounted to joists or other supporting structure if the boards 24 are to be installed with a finished surface. The tool head is configured to push.
FIG. 1 shows two tools forming a tool set which is connected to a structural frame. The structural frame is covered by the panels being installed. FIG. 7 alternatively shows a tool installed upon a horizontal framework.
The mount also advantageously has one or more side projections or contacts which are part of the mounting member 90. One or more of these mounting side projections or contacts can be used to mount the tool, such as by installing fasteners in apertures 120 or by other suitable means. Several apertures 120 which extend through the mounting member 90 are advantageously provided. The apertures can be formed in a mounting or base plate, such as in the two rows shown on opposing sides of the adjustment mechanism described below.
A user of tool 10 can insert a screw or other suitable fastener 130 into one or more of the apertures 120 and into the supporting structure through the work surface 40. In most situations at least two screws or other temporary mounting fasteners must be used to prevent rotation of the mount relative to the structure. The mounting fasteners are removable to mount or attach the mounting assembly 30 to the supporting structure. The mounting screws or fasteners 130 can later be removed when the user is ready to detach, remove and reposition the apparatuses 10. Therefore, the screws or fasteners 130 can be used to releasably or temporarily couple or detachably fasten the mounting member 90 to the work surface 40.
It should be appreciated, that using a screw or other fastener 130 as described above is but one example of how the mounting assembly 30 can be configured to be releasbly coupled to the work surface 40. The present invention contemplates that the mounting assembly 30 can be configured to be detachably connected to the work surface by a screw, although other forms of fastening may be useful and suitable. These detachable mounting pieces or fixtures allow the mounting assembly 30 to be releasably coupled to the work surface 40 for a temporary time during installation of the building material.
In one typical application of the tool or a tool set, the mounting assemblies are attached to a nominal 2×4 inch piece of lumber. In such application only the mount contact on one side is used. The opposite mount contact is spaced beyond the width of the 2×4 piece of lumber. Since the mount includes two contact extensions, a particular use of the tool may use one side, another use may use the opposing side. In some uses mounting fasteners may be used on both sides of each mount.
The mounting member 90 can also be mounted to a mounting surface in a variety of positions. For example, when the mounting member 90 is coupled or otherwise mounted to a post or wide stud 50, the mounting member 90 can be centered on the post 50 as shown in FIG. 1. The stud size and the tool may be scaled for various sizes of structured pieces to which they are attached. If it is helpful to the user, the mounting member 90 can alternatively be mounted off-center, toward the left or to the right edges of the stud 50 using one side or the other to receive mounting fasteners. Thus, the tool or tool sets are adaptable to many mounting configurations.
Adjustment Assembly Receiver
As best shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment the mounting assembly 30 also includes receiver plates that serve as guide plates which extend outwardly from the front surface 100 of mounting member 90. As shown, there are two receiver sides in parallel relation. The two sides are advantageously formed using four plates including a first large plate 140, a first small plate 150, a second large plate 160, and a second small plate 170. Preferably, the first large and small plates 140 and 150 are positioned in parallel relation to the second large and small plates 160 and 170. The pairs of large and small plates are in paired opposition.
A rectangular segment 180 of the front surface 110 of mounting member 90 separates the first large and small plates 140 and 150 from the second large and small plates 160 and 170.
A first slot 190 separates the first large plate 140 from the first small plate 150. A second slot 200 separates the second large plate 160 from the second small plate 170. First and second slots 190 are used to receive and locate an adjustment bearing or support piece which fixes certain portions of the adjustment mechanism. The support 710 shown is in the form of a bearing and support collar 710.
The first and second large plates 140 and 160 serve as both a receiver of adjustment portions of the tool. They also serve as guide plates to non-rotatably guide post piece 480 as explained more fully below. The post piece adjustably slides in a line or suitable manner within the receiver guide plates 140 and 160.
Cover and Cover Lock
A small groove 202 preferably extends along the outer surfaces of the first side plates 140 and 150. Similarly, a small groove 204 extends along the outer surface of the second large and small receiver side plates 160 and 170. These are used to lock a cover 210 to the mounting.
As shown best in the exploded view of FIG. 6, a cover member 210 is configured to be releasably coupled to the mounting member 90. Cover member 210 is advantageously configured so that the cover member 210 will snap into place on the mounting member 90. This can be accomplished by providing small lips 212 on opposing inside surfaces of the cover member 210. The locking lips are received within grooves 202 and 204 of the mounting member 90, thereby allowing the cover member 210 to snap into place on the mounting member 90. Other forms of cover locks or fasteners may also be suitable for keeping cover 210 on mount 30.
Cover Member
The cover member 210 includes a front cover 220, a first side cover 230, and a second side cover 240. The front of cover 220 has an outer surface 242 and an inner surface 244 (FIG. 7). When the cover is locked to the mounting member, then the adjustment mechanism receiver is confined at all four lateral sides. This restrains post 480 against rotation or pivotal action.
The outer front surface of the cover advantageously includes a wrench groove 250. Wrench groove 250 is for receiving rivets on the wrench 580 and help to hold the wrench centered to the cover 210. The front 220 of cover 210 is preferably provided and configured to accommodate an adjustment wrench as described below and illustrated. An aperture may be provided near one end of the front cover so that a clip 270 can be attached to the cover by a screw 280 or other suitable fastener. Clip 270 allows the tool 10 to be easily transported on a user's belt 282 (FIG. 1) and serves to help retain wrench 580 when not being used and is stored as shown in FIG. 2.
Wrench groove 250 helps to align the clip 270, helps hold the clip 270 in position, and prevents the clip 270 from turning. The clip may also additionally or alternatively be secured against rotation by an inside clip tail 271 which extends into the lower parts of the enclosed receiver and bears against walls 230 and 240 of the cover if torque is applied to the clip relative to the cover.
The mounting assembly 30 is preferably constructed of aluminum or other durable, lightweight material. Magnesium alloys, tungsten or tungsten alloys, or fiber and resin composites may also be suitable, as may many other materials now known or hereafter developed.
The Adjustable Engagement Head Member
The apparatus or tool 10 also includes an engagement member 300. The engagement member 300 is preferably configured as a headpiece which pivots or otherwise adjusts angularly. The head 300 also engages the building material 20. A number of features are provided to improve engagement and prevent damage to the material being positioned and installed as is illustrated and described herein.
The engagement head member includes a front plate 310 having an inner surface 320 and an outer surface 330. A pivot feature, such as in the form of pivot aperture 340, extends through the front plate 310. A top plate 350 extends perpendicularly from the inner surface 320 of the front plate 310. The top plate 350 includes an inner surface 360 and an outer surface 370. As shown, the top plate 350 does not extend from the edge of the front plate 310, but is instead positioned so that a top lip portion 380 of the front plate 310 extends beyond the point of attachment 385. This lip 380 helps prevent building materials 20 from slipping from the outer surface 370 of top plate 350 when the apparatus 10 is in use. Top plate 350 may in some versions be used to push upon a building material piece 20 by adjusting the head adjustment mechanism.
A rear plate 390 extends perpendicularly from the inner surface 360 of the top plate 350. As shown, the rear plate 390 does not extend from the edge of the top plate 350, but is instead positioned so that a lip portion 400 of the top plate 350 extends beyond the point of attachment 410 but is removed from contact surface 100 to give clearance from a wall or insulation barrier. Refer now to FIGS. 5 and 7, which show that this form of engagement head 300 is recessed relative to the mounting member 90 back surface. A recessed configuration provides clearance for fastener 550 (see FIG. 5), and helps to prevent damage to any vapor barrier or any other material which covers the work surface 40. The engagement member 300 is preferably constructed of aluminum, but can alternatively be constructed of any other suitable material as mentioned above.
The Engagement Head Adjustment Assembly
Referring once again to FIG. 6, the apparatus 10 also includes an adjustment assembly 450. As shown, the adjustment assembly 450 is connected to or supported by the mounting assembly 30. The adjustment assembly 450 is also advantageously connected to the engagement head member 300 as further described below.
The adjustment assembly 450 includes an adjustment control or engagement part 460. The adjustment control engagement part 460 can be the head of an adjustment bolt as shown in FIG. 6. Turning the adjustment control 460 will controllably adjust an extension distance 470 (shown best in FIGS. 3 and 4). The extension distance is between the mounting assembly 30 and the engagement head member 300. This is used to position building material 20 relative to the work surface 40 upon which the tool is mounted.
The adjustment assembly 450 preferably includes a post 480 having a proximal end 490 and a distal end 500. The post 480 includes an inner cavity 530 which forms a longitudinal passageway therethrough. Post 480 has an outer surface 510 and an inner surface 520 along inner cavity 530 which extends between the proximal and distal ends 490 and 500 of post 480.
Post Engagement Head Pivot Connection
The engagement head is preferably mounted to the adjustment mechanism so as to pivot or otherwise automatically adjust angularly. This can be accomplished using a post aperture 540 located near the distal end 500 of post 480. The post aperture 540 is used to attach the engagement member 300 to the distal end 500 of the post 480. For example, once the post aperture 540 has been aligned with the engagement member aperture 340, a fastener 550, can be passed through the engagement member aperture 340 and through the post aperture 540 to form an attachment. The attachment is preferably capable of pivoting, thereby allowing the engagement member 300 to move pivotally relative to the post 480 and mount assembly to allow the engagement heads to evenly contact the building material being placed.
One advantage of pivotally coupling the engagement member 300 to the post 480 is that it is not necessary that the post 480 be oriented perpendicularly to the edge of the building material 20 when the apparatus 10 is coupled to the work surface 40. For example, if apparatus 10 is mounted at an angle, the engagement member 300 can pivot to thereby match the edge of the building material 20.
Wrench Holder
The fastener 550 which is advantageously used to pivotally couple the engagement member 300 to the post 480 can also be used to attach a wrench rest 560 to the apparatus 10 near the distal end 500 of the post 480 and at the engagement head. The wrench rest 560 is preferably constructed of plastic, but can alternatively be constructed of any other suitable material.
The wrench holder shown uses the wrench rest 560 by receiving the rest within the box or socket of the wrench 580.
The wrench holder shown herein also advantageously includes clip 270 which holds the handle end of the wrench in the grooves 242 and 250 to provide a secure holder for the wrench to prevent inadvertent loss of the wrench.
Attached Wrench
As mentioned above, the tool 10 also may preferably include an adjustment operator. The adjustment operator may advantageously be included in the form of a mounted, detachable wrench 580. The wrench 580 is advantageously a closed or box type wrench with reversible ratchet mechanism. The following description shows a preferred wrench 580 which is a preferred form of the apparatuses made according to this invention.
Wrench 580 is configured so that it can be releasably coupled to the wrench holder 560 when the wrench 580 is not in use. The wrench 580 includes at least one end 590 configured to be releasably engaged with the adjustment control 460. The wrench 580 can include a ratcheting mechanism 600 configured to facilitate turning the adjustment control 460. The ratcheting mechanism 600 allows the user to turn the adjustment control 460 as needed without having to remove and reattach the wrench 580. The clip 270 is configured to hold the other end 610 of wrench 580 in place when wrench 580 is not in use and additionally allows tool 10 to be hung from a belt, pants, tool belt or other personal garment to keep the tool easily available.
Further Description of Adjustment Assembly
Once again focusing on the adjustment assembly 450, and as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a threaded insert 630 is partially received within the center cavity 530 at the proximal end 490 of the post 480. The threaded insert 630 includes a flange 640 which bears upon the post longitudinally.
The adjustment assembly 450 also includes a threaded bolt 650. The threaded bolt 650 has a first end 660 which is threaded so that it can be threadably received by the threaded insert 630 which is located at the proximate end 490 of the post 480. The threaded shaft 650 is connected to second end 670. The second end 670 of bolt 650 is configured to facilitate turning bolt 650. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end or head of the bolt 670 is the adjustment control 460.
As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, bolt 650 passes through several parts before it is threadably received by the threaded insert 630. The parts or other structures through which bolt 650 passes are now described starting with the first structure to receive bolt 650. An O-ring 680 can be coupled to the second end 670 of the bolt 650 as shown. In operation, O-ring 680 prevents or helps to prevent wrench 580 from slipping from the second end 670 of bolt 650. A flanged nut 690 is then threaded onto bolt 650, so that the O-ring 680 is captured between nut 690 and the head 460 of bolt 650. The flange on nut 690 acts as a stop against which wrench 580 bears when fully installed on head 460.
Bolt 650 then passes through a spring 700 which biases the threaded operator away from bearing collar 710 to eliminate slop or play in the adjustment assembly and applies friction so the rachet of the wrench will work without free spin of the bolt. After spring 700, bolt 650 passes through a bearing piece or collar 710 having a passageway or hole 711 therethrough. The bearing collar 710 is received within the first and second slots 190 and 200 of the mounting member 30, so that it is held in place by the first large and small plates 140 and 150, and by the second large and small plates 160 and 170. The spring 700 is therefore positioned between the bearing collar 710 and the flanged nut 690.
After the bearing piece 710, bolt 650 preferably passes through a spacer or washer 720. Spacer 720 is preferably made of a plastic to prevent friction as bolt 650 turns within the aperture 711 and against bearing piece 710. After the spacer 720, bolt 650 is threadably received by a lock-nut 730 which does not rotate with the bolt 650 when turned. Lock nut 730 transfers axial load from the bolt 650 to the bearing piece 710 as lubricated by thrust spacer 720.
FIG. 6 also shows a follower insert 630 which has a threaded interior and is mounted within the receiver. the insert and attached post 480 extend or retract in accordance with turning of bolt 650. Alternatively, the interior cavity of post 480 may instead be threaded or threaded and then counterbored from the top end. The insert version preferably uses a brass insert with fluted exterior which is press or interference fit into the lower end of the post cavity. This version has the advantage of eliminating the threading and counterboring during production. Depending on the specific needs of the user, either version can be alternatively selected.
Further Aspects And Methods
In order for the reader to better appreciate apparatus 10, certain aspects of the structure are now further described. For example, as described previously, the cover member 210 (of the mounting assembly 30) can be configured so that the cover member 210 will snap into place on the mounting member 90. Once the cover member 210 has been coupled to the mounting member 90, a mortise or channel 750 is formed (FIG. 5). The mortise 750 serves as an enclosed channel or receiving tunnel having first and second ends 760 and 770 which are open, and which extend along the mounting assembly 30. In addition, it should be appreciated that once the cover member 210 has been attached to the mounting member 90, the cover member 210 helps to hold the collar 710 in place along with other parts of the adjustment mechanism.
Referring to FIG. 5, parts of the adjustment assembly 450 are positioned within and extend from the mortise 750. For example, the distal end 500 of the post 480 extends outwardly from the first end 760 of the mortise 750 where it is coupled to the engagement member 300. The proximal end 490 of the post 480 is threaded or includes the threaded insert 630 and is positioned within the mortise 750.
Bolt 650 has first and second ends 660 and 670 as described above. The first end 660 of bolt 650 is threadably received by the proximal end 490 of post 480. The second end 670 of bolt 650 is positioned near the second end 770 of the mortise 750 and is configured to facilitate turning bolt 650. As shown, the second end 670 of bolt 650 preferably extends from the second end 770 of mortise 750, so that the wrench 580 can easily be coupled to the second end 670 of the bolt 650 to provide adjustment control 460.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, one can appreciate that turning the adjustment control 460 causes bolt 650 to be threaded further into or out of the threaded insert 630 which is attached to the proximal end 490 of post 480. When bolt 650 is threaded into or out of the threaded insert 630, post 480 will move relative to the mounting assembly 30. Therefore, turning adjustment control 460 controllably adjusts distance 470 between mounting assembly 30 and engagement member 300, thereby positioning the building material 20 on the work surface 40. Turning the adjustment control 450 in a first direction 800 (shown by an arrow in FIG. 3) causes the distance 470 between the mounting assembly 30 and the engagement member 300 to increase, thereby raising or extending building material 20 which is positioned on the engagement member 300. Similarly, turning the adjustment control 450 in a second direction 810 (shown by an arrow in FIG. 3) causes the distance 470 between the mounting assembly 30 and the engagement member 300 to decrease, thereby lowering any building material 20 which is positioned on the engagement member 300.
Methods of the present invention are now described with particular emphasis to FIG. 1. The methods are described with reference to positioning a building material 20 (such as drywall panel 22). The method includes fastening the mounting assembly 30 to the work surface 40, here the mounting assembly is fastened to a stud 50 of the supporting framework. This can be accomplished by inserting at least two screws 130 into the stud or other structure. More screws can be used for a more secure attachment. It should be noted that it is not necessary for the mounting assembly 30 to be perfectly positioned, since the engagement member 300 is piviotolly coupled and will therefore pivot to match the edge of the drywall 22 or other building materials. In some of the preferred methods two or more of the tools are mounted at spaced positions on the structure.
After the mounting assembly 30 has been fastened to stud 50, the method includes placing the drywall workpiece 22 on the engagement member 300 so that the drywall workpiece 22 can be positioned for installation. When placed on the top plate 350 of the engagement member 300, the drywall 22 will be resting on the outer surface 370 of the top plate 350. The lip 380 of the front plate 310 helps to prevent the drywall 22 from slipping from the engagement member 300 during positioning and/or installation.
After the drywall 22 is resting on the engagement member 300, the method includes turning the adjustment control 460 to position the drywall 22. Turning the adjustment control 460 causes the engagement member mounting assembly 300 to move relative to the mounting assembly 30.
In one implementation, the method includes turning the adjustment control 460 in a first direction 800 thereby increasing the distance between the mounting assembly 30 and the engagement member 300 to raise the drywall 22 into position. While in another implementation, the method includes turning the adjustment control 460 in a second direction 810 thereby decreasing the distance between the mounting assembly 30 and the engagement member 300 to lower the drywall 22 into position.
As shown in FIG. 1, two or more apparatus 10 can be used in conjunction as a tool set to support and position the building material 20 as it is positioned and installed. This can be particularly useful when working alone or with building materials 20 which are large and/or heavy. Although the apparatus 10 weighs only about one pound, the apparatus is capable of lifting and supporting more than three hundred pounds. For example, a single installer can use the apparatus 10 to position a large drywall or concrete board panel 22 for installation. The apparatus 10 can support the drywall 22 while the installer checks the fit of the drywall 22 and scribes any needed apertures or corrections which are to be made before final installation.
Operation Summary
The operation of the present invention is believed to be apparent from the above description and is further explained at this point. In one embodiment the apparatus 10 includes a mounting assembly 30 which is configured to be detachably fastened to a work surface 40. The mounting assembly 30 is preferably configured to be fastened so the post moves in the direction of travel of the engagement head. The adjustment assembly 450 couples the mounting assembly 30 to the engagement member 300, and includes an adjustment control 460. Turning the adjustment control 460 controllably adjusts the distance 470 between the mounting assembly 30 and the engagement member 300, thereby positioning the building material 20 on the work surface 40.
In another aspect, turning the adjustment control 460 in a first direction 800 causes the distance 470 between the mounting assembly 30 and the engagement member 300 to increase and the engagement head extends. Turning the adjustment control 460 in an opposite, second direction 810 causes the distance 470 between the mounting assembly 30 and the engagement member 300 to be decreased and the engagement head retracts.
In another implementation, a clip 270 is included in the apparatus. The clip 270 is configured to allow the apparatus 10 to be attached to and transported on a user's belt 282 or at another suitable place on the user. Clip 270 also advantageously may serve as a holder or part of a holder for an operator wrench which may be kept with the tool and provide another novel combination of features according to the invention.
In another aspect, the adjustment assembly 450 includes a post 480 having proximal and distal ends 490 and 500. The distal end 500 of the post 480 is pivotally coupled to the engagement member 300, thereby allowing the engagement member 300 to move pivotally relative to the post 480 to automatically align the engagement head contacting face against the workpiece.
In yet another implementation, apparatus 10 includes a wrench holder 560. The wrench holder may be attached to the tool near both the engagement head and near the opposing end. Wrench 580 is configured to be releasably coupled to the wrench rest 560 while the wrench 580 is not in use. In yet another implementation, the wrench 580 includes a ratcheting mechanism 600 configured to facilitate turning the adjustment control 460 in either direction while maintained in position.
In another embodiment, an apparatus 10 for positioning drywall is described. The apparatus 10 includes a mounting assembly 30 configured to be releasably fastened to a stud 50. The mounting assembly defines in part a mortise 750 having first and second ends 760 and 770 which are open. Apparatus 10 also includes an engagement member 300 configured to engage the drywall 22, and an adjustment assembly 450 connecting the mounting assembly 30 to the engagement member 300. The adjustment assembly 450 may include a post 480 having proximal and distal ends 490 and 500. The distal end 500 of the post 480 extends outwardly from the first end 760 of the mortise 750 where it is coupled to the engagement member 300. The proximal end 490 of the post 480 is threaded and is positioned within the mortise 750. The adjustment assembly 450 also includes a bolt 650 having first and second ends 660 and 670. The first end 660 of the bolt 650 is threadably received by the proximate end 490 of the post 480, while the second end 670 of the bolt 650 is positioned at the second end 770 of the mortise 750 and is configured to facilitate turning the bolt 650. In operation the post 480 is configured to extend from the first end 760 of the mortise 750 when the bolt 650 is turned in a first direction 800, and is configured to retract into the first end 760 of the mortise 750 when the bolt 650 is turned in a second direction 810.
In another embodiment, a method for positioning a drywall panel 22 is described. The method includes fastening a mounting assembly 30 to stud 50 or other support, and then placing the drywall 22 on a pair of engagement members 300. After placing the drywall 22 on the engagement members 300, the method includes turning the adjustment controls 460 to position and orient the drywall 22. Turning the adjustment control 460 causes the engagement member 300 move relative to the mounting assembly 30.
The invention also includes various permutations and combinations of the features and actions described herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for positioning a building material, the apparatus comprising:

a mounting assembly configured to be detachably fastened to a structure forming a work surface upon which the building material is being secured;

an adjustment assembly extending through the mounting assembly, the adjustment assembly having an adjustment control which when operated extends or contracts an engagement head end of the adjustment assembly;

an engagement head mounted upon said engagement head end of the adjustment assembly which extends and contracts relative to the mounting assembly, said engagement head being configured to angularly adjust when engaging the engagement head against an edge of a building material;

whereby adjusting the adjustment control provides positioning of the building material relative to the work surface to thereby allow the building material to be positioned and secured upon the structure forming said work surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the adjustment control turns in a first direction to extend and in a second direction to retract the engagement head.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein turning the adjustment control causes a post slidably mounted within the mounting assembly to extend or retract therefrom.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the engagement head comprises:

an outer face configured to push the building material away from the mounting assembly, and an inner face configured to pull the building material towards the mounting assembly.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising an O-ring on the adjustment control periphery which helps retain a wrench which engages the adjustment control for operation of the engagement head.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mounting assembly has a contact configured to be placed in apposition to the work surface, said contact having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough for detachably fastening the mounting member to the work surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising a clip attached to the mounting assembly and configured to allow the apparatus to be clipped to a user.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mounting assembly comprises:

a contact configured to be placed in apposition to the work surface, said contact having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough for detachably fastening the mounting assembly to the work surface;

a receiver channel that receives the adjustment assembly therein;

a cover member coupled to the mounting member to cover the receiver channel and position the adjustment assembly.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 and further comprising:

a wrench which engages the adjustment assembly;

a wrench holder for holding the wrench upon said apparatus;

wherein the wrench is configured to be stored on the apparatus while the wrench is not in use.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising:

a wrench which engages the adjustment assembly;

a wrench holder for holding the wrench upon said apparatus;

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the wrench includes a ratcheting mechanism configured to facilitate turning the adjustment control.

12. An apparatus for holding and positioning drywall, comprising:

a mounting assembly configured to be releasably fastened to a framework upon which the drywall is being hung;

said mounting assembly defines at least in part a mortise having first and second ends which are open;

an adjustment assembly mounted in said mortise to allow extension and retraction of an engagement end of the adjustment assembly using an adjustment operator;

an engagement head pivotally connected to the engagement end of the adjustment assembly for engaging an edge of drywall;

an adjustment operator head which extends in opposition from said engagement head;

a wrench for engaging said adjustment operator head;

a wrench holder formed on said apparatus for engaging and storing the wrench while not in use.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the mounting assembly includes mounting contacts having a plurality of apertures therein for receiving fasteners therethrough.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 and further comprising a clip attached to the mounting assembly which may be clipped to a user.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 and further comprising a clip attached to the mounting assembly which may be clipped to a user, and which also serves to form part of said wrench holder.

16. The apparatus of claim 12 and further comprising an O-ring on the adjustment operator head which helps prevent the wrench from slipping therefrom.

17. A method for mounting a building panel on a supporting framework, comprising:

fastening a plurality of mounting tools to a work surface of said supporting framework, said mounting tools having connected engagement heads with operators that cause the engagement heads to extend and retract;

placing the building panel on said plurality of mounting tools upon said engagement heads;

adjusting the engagement heads to controllably position the building panel relative to said framework;

securing the building panel to the supporting framework;

detaching the mounting tools from the work surface of said supporting framework.

18. The method of claim 17 and wherein said securing includes fastening the building panel to the supporting framework.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of adjusting the engagement heads is performed by torquing an engagement head adjustment assembly using a wrench which is mountable on the mounting tools.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of fastening a plurality of mounting tools includes screwing the mounting tools to the framework.