Device for holding and positioning construction materials

Abstract

A device and method that allows the installation of construction materials, such as drywall, by a single person, is described. The device includes an extension (or hoist) section coupled at one end to a support that can receive and support a piece of drywall during installation. The extension section is further coupled to a base portion at the end opposite to the support. The base portion includes a pivot feature that serves to lift the construction materials into an elevated position once it has been positioned on the support. The extension is adjustable to install construction drywall on a stud wall at various heights. A stand member allows the drywall to be supported in the elevated position. The base portion is foldable between a transport position and an operating position to facilitate transport and shipping.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 019,919 filed on Dec. 22, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to a device for holding and positioning construction materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for holding and positioning construction materials, such as drywall.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Drywall (also commonly referred to as or wallboard or sheetrock) is commonly installed on studs to form the basis for finished interior walls of residential and commercial buildings. While drywall is produced in many sizes, the typical sizes for installation are in sheets four feet wide and eight or twelve feet in length.[0004]Standard pieces or sheets of drywall are heavy and difficult to install by one person alone. Accordingly...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous apparatus and method for lifting or hoisting a variety of construction materials.

[0014]Advantageously, this device is lightweight, easy to transport and does not require assembly once on site. It may thus be used immediately upon reaching a construction site, saving on construction time and therefore money. The simplicity of the design should appeal not only to experts in the construction field, but also to novices who engage in home renovation and repair, for example.

[0015]Moreover, the device is secure and allows a sheet of drywall to be readily installed by a single person.

[0022]It adjusts easily to the desired height; and allows the user to lock the construction materials in the elevated position so the user can attach the construction materials using fasteners such as screws, nails, etc.

Problems solved by technology

Standard pieces or sheets of drywall are heavy and difficult to install by one person alone.

Use of multiple people reduces efficiency and, therefore, adds to the cost of construction.

A particular problem associated with drywall or wallboard installation relates to hanging the drywall on upper portions of a stud wall.

It is particularly difficult to hold drywall at elevated positions on the stud wall for installation.

It is also difficult to hold the drywall so that it remains properly aligned with the stud wall, the ceiling, etc. before being secured in place.

These devices, while useful for their intended purpose, can be bulky and in many cases do not lend themselves to use by a single person.

While suitable for certain types of construction projects, these devices do not permit materials to be positioned at the higher reaches of a wall.

In addition, these devices can be bulky and heavy, including such features as tripods and scaffolding.

This installation apparatus, while suitable for certain types of walls, such as the stud walls having metal brackets that are favored in many parts of North America, is less convenient for use on other types of wall surfaces.

Images