A tool for aiding in the installation of metal furring ceilings

Abstract

A tool for installing metal furring ceilings comprises an elongate body with at least one flange for engageing with a framework to suspend the tool from the framework, and at least two guides. Each g

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to tool for aiding in the installation of metal furring ceilings, in particular but not exclusively a tool that acts a jig to align ceiling channels. Background Metal furring ceilings are formed from a framework that provides a structure to support gypsum boards, metal panels or acoustic tiles. Usually the components of the framework must be evenly spaced to create a grid and the spacing between the components is measured which can take time. Furthermore the components may move as other parts are positioned which can further prolong installation or require additional people to help to avoid this. The present invention provides a tool to aid with regularly spacing and temporarily securing metal furring ceiling channels. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool for aiding in the installation of metal furring ceilings comprising: an elongate body with at least one flange for temporarily engaging with a framework to suspend the tool from the framework and at least two guides, each guide defining a recess for receiving a ceiling channel wherein each recess has at least one magnet to temporarily magnetically hold each ceiling channel in position against the magnet. The framework typically includes bars to which the flange(s) is received. In this way the tool can be suspended by the at least one flange from a bar in a metal furring ceiling framework and a second item of ceiling framework such as a ceiling channel can be arranged to align with each guide so that the spacing between the item of ceiling framework (such as a ceiling channel) is determined by the tool. Once the items of ceiling framework are located in the guides, the item of ceiling framework are fixed in position to the suspended ceiling framework and the tool can then be removed. The tool serves to space the items of ceiling framework a distance determined by the gap between the guides, so that at least to ceiling channels can be quickly aligned and fitted. Preferably the tool is used as a jig to space apart ceiling furring channels. In a typical metal furring ceiling framework the bars are provided perpendicular to the ceiling channels and a preferred embodiment of the tool has at least one flange adapted to engage with a bar in a first axis, and each guide has a recess for receiving a ceiling channel that is perpendicular to the bar in a second axis. In this way the ceiling channels can be quickly fitted perpendicular to the bar(s). The elongate body is a length of material from which the at least one flange and at least two guides extend. Preferably the body is formed from a single piece of sheet metal to which the flange(s) and guides are attached during manufacture. In a preferred embodiment the elongate body is a single piece of bent sheet metal along the edges of the long sides forming a substantially U-shaped channel to limit bending and twisting of the elongate body (body). Ideally an underside of the body has supports for increased strength. Preferably the supports are welded to the underside of the elongate body. There is at least one flange extending from a side of the body. The flange is arranged on a bar in use so that the tool can be suspended from the ceiling framework and does not need to be held in position. The flange (or flanges) preferably has a lip that extends along at least part of or across the whole bar (part of the ceiling framework) so that it can be securely suspended. Ideally the at least one flange extends from a mid-region of the body so that the tool is balanced when it is suspended. In a preferred embodiment there are two flanges, one extending from each opposed side of the body. In this way there are two separate flanges that can engage with parts of the ceiling framework so that the guides can then be used to receiving the ceiling channels. Preferably there is a first flange that is a first size and a second flange that is a second size. In a preferred embodiment the larger flange may include at least one gusset for increased strength. In preferred embodiments the elongate body, or body, has slots for receiving the guides which are manufactured as a separate part and then joined to the body. For example the guides may be a stepped bracket formed from sheet metal with a base for connecting to the body, an upright panel for receiving a magnet and a member that together with the upright panel and the body defines the recess to which the ceiling channel is received. In a preferred embodiment the body has two slots, one at each end of the body. The slots are perpendicular to the axis of the body. The slots at either end allow the stepped bracket to be inserted and positioned through the body, before being welded into place so that the guide (stepped bracket) is fixed to the body. In some embodiments the stepped bracket has one or more gusset extending between the stepped bracket and the body to provide a strengthening support. Preferably the guides and thereby the magnets are spaced apart a distance that corresponds to the board sizes that will be fitted to the ceiling furring channels. In a preferred embodiment the guides and thereby the magnets are spaced 400mm (for 400mm board) or 450mm (for450mm / 12 inch board) away from each other, so that the ceiling channels are spaced apart by 400mm which is an industry standard spacing. It is appreciated that the guides may be set up to any dimensions to match the materials being used. In a preferred embodiment the body may be formed with slots that are 400mm away from each other, to receive stepped brackets that will thereby be 400mm apart which means the magnets are therefore also 400mm from each other. This allows the tool to act as a spacer / jig for the accurate positioning of the ceiling channels (or any other part of the ceiling framework) that are traditionally made from metal or a metal alloy. It is appreciated that the guides may be arranged at any distance to suit the framework on which the tool will be used. In some embodiments the position of the guides may be adjustable. For example, multiple slots may be provided and the guides may be fitted using a removable mechanism such as a twist lock or bolt, so that the guide can be easily repositioned. Each guide is adapted to receive a magnet so that the item of framework such as a ceiling channel formed from a ferrous material can be magnetically attached to the guide to align the ceiling channel. In a preferred embodiment the magnet is mounted on a frame that is attached to the guide. Preferably the guide has an aperture through which the frame and magnet can be received and connected. In this way the tool can be easily assembled during manufacture. Typically the frame may be welded to the guide so that the magnet is arranged in a fixed position. Preferably the magnets are neodymium magnets that once fitted are spaced apart the same distance as the guides so that ceiling channels can be temporarily magnetically connected to the recess of the guide by means of the magnet(s). In preferred embodiments the one or more magnet is removable allowing the ability to be replaced if required. For example the magnet may be received to a channel on the frame from which it can be slid to and from. Preferably the frame is arranged to be flush to the top surface of the guide and may be easily visible through the aperture on the guide (stepped bracket). In a preferred embodiment the tool has a handle on a lower surface so that the handle is held and the body and flanges are presented towards the ceiling. Preferably the handle is arranged at a mid-region, corresponding to the location of the flange(s) so that the tool is balanced. In a preferred embodiment the handle is mounted on a platform that is connected to the underside of body. This raises the handle away from the underside towards the user making it easier to grip and more ergonomic, and allows for convenient transportation on-site. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows a front, top perspective view of the tool; Figure 2 shows a rear, underside perspective view of the tool; Figure 3 shows the elongate body with two flanges; Figure 4 show an example of a guide (stepped bracket); Figure 5 shows the stepped bracket fitted to the body and two gussets; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a recess of the guide housing a channel magnet; Figure 7 shows a channel magnet; Figure 8 shows a handle on a platform; Figure 9 shows the platform; and Figure 10 shows the handle. Detailed Description of Figures Figures 1 and 2 show an assembled example of the tool 100. Figures 3 to 10 show parts of the tool, or magnified regions of the tool to better represent the parts. The tool 100 has an elongate body 10 that extends in a first axis ‘X’. The elongate body 10 has folded edges 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D to strengthen the body. The body 10 has two flanges 20, 30. A first flange 20 is larger than the second flange 30. The first flange 20 has two gusset 21. In use the tool 100 is suspended from ceiling framework by one or both of the flanges 20, 30. The body 10 has two guides 40 that are received through slots 12. Each guide 40 is a stepped bracket with a base 41, an upright panel 42 and a member 43. The base 41 is received through a slot 11 and welded to the underside of the body 10. The upright panel 42 extends upwards through the slot 12. The magnet 60 is received to the upright panel 42. The body 10, upright panel 42 and member 43 together define a recess 50 into which a ceiling channel, or other part of a ceiling framework (not shown) is received in use. The pictured stepped bracket (guide) 40 is formed from a sheet of bent metal. The stepped bracket 40 has an aperture 44 through which the frame 65 and magnet 60 is received and is visible from above when fitted. The magnets 60 are channel magnets that comprise a frame 65 in which the magnet 60 is fitted. The frame has fixing holes 66 that correspond with fixing holes 45 on the upright panel 42. In this way the magnet 60 mounted on the frame 65 can be fitted using a bolt or rivet and removed when there is a requirement to change the magnet 60. An underside of the body 10 has a handle 70. The handle 70 is mounted on a platform 71 that is welded to the underside of the body 10. The holes 81 in the centre (see Figure 4) allow the metal badge 80 to be rivetted into place. In Figure 3 the body 10 is shown without the guides 40 or handle 70. Figure 4 shows the stepped bracket 40 with the base 41, upright panel 42 and the member 43. The aperture 44 is provided at the bend between the upright 42 and the member 43. In this way the frame 65 can be slid in from above and is visible from above when installed. In Figure 5 the stepped bracket 40 is fitted to the body 10 and two gussets 46 are also welded to the body 10 for enhanced strength. In Figure 6 the magnet 60 is fitted in the recess 50. The frame 65 is position at the top region of the recess so that the top of the frame 65 is flush with the upper surface of the member 43 of the stepped bracket 40. The fixing holes 66, 45 are aligned, but no fixing is shown in the drawings. The magnet 60 and frame 65 are shown separately in Figure 7. Figure 8 shows the handle 70 mounted on the platform 71. The platform 71 is a U-shaped piece of sheet metal that has two holes 72 for receiving the handle 70 (see Figure 9). The handle 70 has channels 73 (see Figure 10) for receiving a fixing (not shown) that also passes through the holes 72 on the platform so that the platform 71 and handle 70 are joined together. The platform 71 is welded to an underside of the body 10. The The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A tool for aiding in the installation of metal furring ceilings comprising: an elongate body with at least one flange for temporarily engaging with a framework to suspend the tool from the framework and at least two guides, each guide defining a recess for receiving a ceiling channel wherein each recess has at least one magnet to temporarily magnetically hold each ceiling channel in position against the magnet.

2. A tool according to claim 1 wherein the elongate body defines a first axis and at least one flange is adapted to engage with the framework in the first axis and each guide has a recess defining a second axis for receiving an item of framework that is perpendicular to the framework from which the tool is suspended.

3. A tool according to claim 1 or claim 2 with at least one flange extending from a mid-region of the elongate body.

4. A tool according to claim 3 having two flanges, one extending from each opposed side of the elongate body.

5. A tool according to claim 4 wherein a first flange that is a first size and a second flange that is a second size.

6. A tool according to claim 5 wherein the larger flange has at least one gusset for increased strength.

7. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the at least two guides are spaced apart by 400mm.

8. A tool according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the at least two guides are spaced apart by 450mm.

9. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the guides are adjustable to change the position of one or both of the guides on the elongate body.

10. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate body has at least one slot for receiving a guide which is manufactured as a separate part, inserted through the slot, and then joined to the body.

11. A tool according to claim 10 wherein the guide is a stepped bracket having a base for connecting to the elongated body, an upright panel for receiving a magnet and a member that together with the upright panel and the elongate body defines the recess into which the item of framework is received.

12. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one magnet is mounted on a frame that is attached to the guide.

13. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the guide has an aperture through which the frame and magnet can be received and connected.

14. A tool according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the magnet and frame is removeable from the guide.

15. A tool according to any preceding claim including a handle on a lower surface so that the handle is held and the elongate body and flanges are presented towards the ceiling.

16. A tool according to claim 15 wherein the handle is provided at a mid-region, corresponding to the location of the flange(s), so that the tool is balanced.

17. A tool according to claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the handle is mounted on a platform that is connected to the underside of body.

Images