METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANGING SHEETING MATERIAL

Abstract

A panel lifting device can have a panel lift body and a base. The panel lift body can comprise a plurality of extension arms, each being selectively engaged perpendicular to a main support member. A material stabilizer can be selectively attached to each extension arm, and can be selectively positionable between a stored position and a working position. The panel lift body can comprise a support member attachment that selectively attaches the panel lift body to a supporting member. The support member attachment can be pivotally coupled to a first end of the panel lift body, so the panel lift body can be pivoted up and down. The base can be pivotally coupled to a second end of the panel lift body, such that the base may be pivoted to an opened and closed position. The base may comprise a first and a second leg member that are selectively extendable.

Description

BACKGROUND

Typically, when applying large panels, such as dry wall, composite, or wood-based sheeting, to ceilings and/or walls, two or more persons on ladders may be needed to lift and/or hold the panels in position while they are fastened into place (e.g., to a stud), for example. Alternately, large, specialized lifting devices may be used to lift and hold the panels up to a ceiling while they are being fastened to the studs.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

According to one implementation of the invention, a device has a panel lift body and a base. The panel lift body may have a first and a second extension arm, where the first and the second extension arms can respectively comprise a first and a second bracket, a positioning hinge, and a center member. The positioning hinge can be pivotally coupled to a first end of the center member. Further, the first and the second extension arms can be engaged with the center member to extend substantially perpendicular, relative to the center member. The base may be pivotally coupled to the panel lift body, and may have a first and a second leg member, and a first and a second adjustment stop. The first and the second adjustment stops can allow for incremental extension of the first and second leg members, telescoping from the base.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred implementation of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a component diagram illustrating a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a lift device in an open position.

FIG. 2 is a component diagram illustrating a front perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a lift device in a folded position.

FIG. 3 is a component diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a lift device in a folded position.

FIG. 4 is a component diagram illustrating a side perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a lift device in an open position.

FIG. 4a is a component diagram illustrating an enlarged view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 5 is a component diagram illustrating a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 6a is a component diagram illustrating a side perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 6b is a component diagram illustrating a top perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 7a is a component diagram illustrating a side perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 7b is a component diagram illustrating a bottom perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 8 is a component diagram illustrating a perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 9 is a component diagram illustrating a perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 10 is a component diagram illustrating a partial perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 11 is a component diagram illustrating a side perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 12 is a component diagram illustrating a partial perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 13 is a component diagram illustrating a partial perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 14 is a component diagram illustrating a front perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 15 is a component diagram illustrating a top perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 16 is a component diagram illustrating a side perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 17 is a component diagram illustrating a top perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 18 is a component diagram illustrating a bottom perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 19 is a component diagram illustrating a side perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 20 is a component diagram illustrating a top perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 21a is a component diagram illustrating a bottom perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 21b is a component diagram illustrating an exploded view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 22A is a component diagram illustrating a perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 22B is a component diagram illustrating a close-up perspective view of at least a portion of an exemplary implementation of a lift device.

FIG. 23 is a component diagram illustrating a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a portion of a lift device.

FIG. 24 is a component diagram illustrating a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a portion of a lift device.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are component diagrams illustrating perspective views of an exemplary implementation of a portion of a lift device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.

With reference now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating implementations of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 is a component diagram illustrating a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a lift device in an open position. In FIG. 1, an exemplary Position-On-Studs-Above (POSA) lift device 10 may allow for hanging or securing of a panel sheet 1, such as, for example, a sheet (e.g., four foot by eight foot sheet) of gypsum board (e.g., drywall), on a ceiling structure 2, on an angled surface (not shown), and/or on a vertical surface (not shown), by merely one person. The lift device 10 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of different sized paneling, chosen with sound engineering judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

In one implementation, the exemplary lift device 10 may be configured to accommodate a panel sized about four feet in width and about sixteen feet in length, or less. In one implementation, the exemplary lift device 10 may comprise a light-weight, yet strong material, such as aluminum (e.g., or some other light and strong metal or metal alloy) and/or a composite (e.g., carbon or glass fiber composite material) that is capable of supporting the panel sheet 1 while remaining light enough to allow the single user to operate and utilize the exemplary lift device 10. In other implementations, the exemplary lift device 10 may comprise steel, fiberglass, hard plastic, or any combination thereof. The exemplary lift device 10 may comprise any material chosen with sound engineering judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the exemplary lift device 10 may comprise a base 12 and a panel lift body 14. The base 12 may allow the exemplary lift device 10 to be extended to span between the ceiling structure 2 and a ground surface 3, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The base 12 may comprise an adjustable support structure that allows the exemplary lift device 10 to be used with ceiling structures 2 of varying heights with respect to the ground surface 3. In one implementation, the base 12 may be adjustable such that the exemplary lift device 10 may be utilized in conjunction with ceiling structures 2 positioned up to a desired height (e.g., about twelve feet) above the associated ground surface 3. Additionally, the base 12 may allow the exemplary lift device 10 to be utilized in conjunction with scaffolding thereby allowing the exemplary lift device 10 to be utilized in conjunction with ceiling structures 2 of any height chosen with sound judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

In one implementation, the base 12 may be formed by a first base support member 110 and a second base support member 111. The first and second base support members 110, 111 may be positioned at an angle with respect to each other to provide a wider base adjacent the ground surface 3, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Additionally, in one implementation, the base 12 may comprise a one or more rungs 120, comprising varying lengths that can extend between the first and second base support members 110, 111 (e.g., along the length of the base 12). As one example, the plurality of rungs 120 may provide additional structural support (e.g., laterally) to the base 12, thereby allowing the base 12 to support a greater amount of weight. In one implementation, the rungs 120 may be configured to allow a user to utilize the base 12 as a ladder, for example, to assist the user when securing the panel sheet 1 to the ceiling structure 2.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 3, 10, 12, 16, and 17, the base 12 may comprise a first leg member 121 and a second leg member 122 configured to adjust the length of the base 12. The first and second leg members 121, 122 may be slidably engaged with the base 12, such that the first and second leg members 121, 122 may be selectively extended therefrom (e.g., in a telescoping fashion). In one implementation, the first and second leg members 121, 122 may be respectively, slidably engaged with the first and second base support members 110, 111, such that the first and second leg members 121, 122 can be independently adjusted, for example, to allow the exemplary lift device 10 to be utilized on sloped or uneven surfaces.

In one implementation, the first and second leg members 121, 122 may extend at an angle with respect to each other, and may include an adjustable rung 119, as illustrated in FIG. 1, engaged therebetween. The adjustable rung 119 may be selectively elongated or shortened (e.g., telescoped) to accommodate an increasing or decreasing distance between the first and second leg members 121, 122 as the first and second leg members 121, 122 extend from or retract into the first and second base support members 110, 111. As one example, the first and second leg members 121, 122 may be selectively extended between a fully retracted position P1, as illustrated in FIG. 3, and an extended position P2, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

In one implementation, a first and a second adjustment stop 123, 124 may be operatively coupled to the base 12. As one example, a selective operation of the first and/or second adjustment stop 123, 124 may cause the first and/or second leg member 121, 122, respectively, to extend from the base 12. In one implementation, the first adjustment stop 123 and the second adjustment stop 124 may respectively comprise a ratchet assembly, configured to engage with a ratchet stop 127 disposed in the first and/or second leg members 121, 122. In one implementation, the respective leg members 121, 122 may comprise a plurality of ratchet stops 127, as illustrated in FIG. 12, configured to enable the ratchet assembly of the respective adjustment stops 123, 124 to incrementally adjust a height of the exemplary lift device 10. In this implementation, the base 12 may comprise any appropriate means for allowing the selective extension of the first and/or second leg members from the base 12, chosen with sound engineering judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Now with reference now to FIGS. 1, 10, 12, 14, and 15, the base 12 may further comprise a first and second safety stop 125, 126. The first safety stop 125 may mitigate an unintended extension and/or retraction of the first leg member 121, and the second safety stop 126 may mitigate the unintended extension and/or retraction of the second leg member 122. In one implementation, the first and second leg members 121, 122 may respectively comprise a plurality of safety apertures 128 formed in the first and second leg members 121, 122 of the base 12. In one implementation, respective safety apertures 128 disposed in the first leg member 121 can be configured to receive a stopping member 129 disposed on the first safety stop 125; and respective safety apertures 128 disposed in the second leg member 122 can be configured to receive a stopping member 129 disposed on the second safety stop 126.

As one example, the first safety stop 125 and second safety stop 126 can respectively comprise a stopping member 129 (as illustrated in FIG. 15) that can be biased to extend through a corresponding safety aperture 128 formed in the corresponding first leg member 121 or second leg member 122, thereby mitigating extension and/or retraction of the leg member 121, 122. For example, when the first adjustment stop 123 and/or second adjustment stop 124 is positioned to allow extension of a corresponding leg member 121, 122 to a desired distance from the base 12, the stopping member 129 in the corresponding safety stop 125, 126 may extend into the corresponding safety aperture 128 to mitigate further extension (e.g., without releasing the stopping member). In one implementation, a spring, not shown, may be disposed in the safety stop 125, 126, and configured to bias the stopping member 129 toward the corresponding safety apertures 128, for example, providing bias that pushes the stopping member into the safety apertures 128.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-5, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 18-20, 21a, and 22b, in one implementation, the panel lift body 14 may comprise a structure that can be used to selectively engage with, retain, raise, and/or support the panel sheet 1. In one implementation, the panel lift body 14 may substantially comprise an I-shaped, rectangular, or U-shaped support structure. The panel lift body 14 may comprise a one-piece structure (e.g., integrally formed as one-piece and/or fixedly combined into one piece) comprising a plurality of material stabilizers 145, configured to secure sheeting or paneling to the panel lift body 14. The plurality of material stabilizers 145 may be fixedly engaged with, and/or selectively engaged with, the panel lift body 14.

In one implementation, respective material stabilizers 145 may be engaged with an extension arm of the panel lift body 14. In a more specific implementation, each of the plurality of material stabilizers 145 may be selectively received by an extension arm bracket coupled to an extension arm portion of the panel lift body 14. In one implementation, the panel lift body 14 may comprise a first extension arm 140, a second extension arm 141, a third extension arm 142, and a fourth extension arm 143. The first and second extension arms 140, 141 may extend substantially equal distance from opposing sides of the panel lift body 14 to form a supporting member that extends substantially perpendicular to the panel lift body 14. The third and fourth extension arms 142, 143 may also extend substantially equal distance from opposing sides of the panel lift body 14 to form a second supporting member that extends substantially perpendicular to the panel lift body 14.

In one implementation, the first and second extension arms 140, 141 and/or the third and fourth extension arms 142, 143 may be selectively positionable along the panel lift body 14 such that the effective width of the panel lift body 14 may be increased or decreased to allow the exemplary lift device 10 to accommodate panel sheets 1 of differing sizes. In another implementation, the first and second extension arms 140, 141 and the third and fourth extension arms 142, 143 may be fixedly attached to the panel lift body 14 (e.g., integrally formed with the panel lift body 14, and/or fixedly engaged with the panel lift body 14). Additionally, in one implementation, the panel lift body 14 may comprise a fifth extension arm 144 (e.g., and sixth, etc.), where the fifth extension arm may be engaged with a second end 14b of the panel lift body 14.

The first, second, third, and fourth extension arms 140, 141, 142, 143 (e.g., and fifth 144, and sixth, etc.) may respectively comprise a material stabilizer 145. In one implementation, a material stabilizer 145 may be selectively positionable along respective extension arms 140, 141, 142, 143, and may be configured to grip, hold or retain the panel sheet 1, for example, as the panel sheet 1 is raised and positioned against the ceiling structure 2. In one implementation, instead of utilizing the fifth extension arm 144, a material stabilizer 145 may be engaged directly with the second end 14b of the panel lift body 14, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 18-20, 21a, and 22b, in one implementation, a material stabilizer 145 may be pivotally coupled to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth extension arms 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, for example, thereby allowing the material stabilizer 145 to pivot between a first or stored position P3, shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, and a second or working position P4, shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. As one example, the stored position P3 may comprise a position wherein respective one or more material stabilizers 145 are substantially parallel to or positioned within the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth extension arms 140, 141, 142, 143, 144.

As another example, the working position P4 may comprise a position wherein respective one or more material stabilizers 145 are positioned to form a retaining perimeter that is substantially perpendicular to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth extension arms 140, 141, 142, 143, 144. In this example, in the working position P4, the outer perimeter or retention barrier formed by the material stabilizers 145 may mitigate the panel sheet 1 from shifting or moving relative to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth extension arms 140, 141, 142, 143, 144. Optionally, in one implementation, the respective one or more material stabilizers 145 may comprise at least a first biasing member (e.g., a spring), not shown, which can be configured to bias a material stabilizers 145 into the stored position P3 and/or the working position P4, where appropriate.

In one implementation, a material stabilizer 145 may be selectively removable from the respective extension arms 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, for example, thereby allowing for the selective replacement one or more of the material stabilizers 145 to accommodate a different sized and/or shaped panel sheet 1. In one implementation, a material stabilizer 145 may comprise a locking pin 150. The locking pin 150 may comprise a first tang 151 and a second tang 152, where respective tangs 151, 152 are configured to be selectively inserted into a corresponding stabilizer aperture 149, for example, formed within one or more of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth extension arms 140, 141, 142, 143, 144.

In one implementation, the first tang 151 and/or second tang 152 may be biased to extend from a cylinder 153. As one example, a locking pin 150 may be positioned within a material stabilizer 145 such that the cylinder 153 extends across the interior body width of the material stabilizer 145, and the tangs 151, 152 may respectively protrude outside the body of the material stabilizer 145, through a via formed in the side of the body of the material stabilizer 145, as illustrated in FIGS. 18, 19, 21a and 21b.

As one example, one or more of the tangs 151, 152 can be urged into the cylinder 153 (e.g., by a user of the exemplary lifting device 10), for example, thereby allowing the material stabilizer 145 to be positioned appropriately on the extension arm 140, 141, 142, 143, 144. Thereafter, in this example, one or more of the tangs 151, 152 can be release from the urging into the cylinder 153, and may be selectively received and retained by a corresponding stabilizer aperture 149. In one implementation, upon releasing one or more of the tangs 151, 152, the biasing member, for example, a spring disposed within the cylinder 153, may urge or cause the tangs 151, 152 to extend from the material stabilizers 145, through the vias, and be received and retained by the corresponding stabilizer aperture 149; thereby causing the material stabilizer 145 to be selectively positioned on the extension arm 140, 141, 142, 143, 144.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 4, 4a, 8, and 9, in one implementation, a positioning hinge 130 may be pivotally coupled with a first end 14a of the panel lift body 14. In one implementation, the positioning hinge 130 may be configured to be selectively attached to the ceiling structure 2 or side wall 4, for example, thereby providing for the first end 14a of the panel lift body 14 to be selectively attached to the ceiling structure 2 or side wall 4, as shown in FIGS. 4, 4a, 8 and 9. In one implementation, the positioning hinge 130 may be selectively attached to the ceiling structure 2 or sidewall 4 utilizing a conventional fastener 5, such as a screw or nail (e.g., or other type of fastener). As one example, the pivotal attachment of the positioning hinge 130 may allow the panel lift body 14 of the exemplary lift device 10 to be suspended from and rotated relative to the ceiling structure 2.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 4a, 8, 9, 22a and 22b, in one implementation, a gripper attachment 2200 may be pivotally coupled with a first end 14a of the panel lift body 14. In one implementation, the gripper attachment 2200 may be configured to be selectively attached to the ceiling structure 2 or side wall 4, for example, thereby providing for the first end 14a of the panel lift body 14 to be selectively attached to the ceiling structure 2 or side wall 4. In one implementation, the gripper attachment 2200 can comprise one or more gripper plates 2204, fixedly engaged with (e.g., welded to, or integrally formed with) a gripping end of the gripper attachment 2200. Further, in one implementation, the one or more gripper plates 2204 can respectively comprise one or more gripping teeth 2206, fixedly disposed on (e.g., welded to, or integrally formed with) a gripping surface of the gripper plate 2204.

Additionally, the gripper attachment 2200 can comprise a gripper coupling means 2202, configured to selectively engage, in a pivotal coupling, with the first end 14a of the panel lift body 14. In one implementation, the gripper coupling means 2202 can comprise a ridged tube (e.g., comprising metal, polymer, carbon composite, and/or a combination of materials) disposed in a pivotal hinge position of the gripper attachment 2200. As one example, the gripper attachment 2200 may be configured as a plier-type device, such as when a gripping force is applied to respective handles 2210 of the gripper attachment 2200, a correspond gripping force may be applied to the respective gripper plates 2204. In this example, the gripper coupling means 2202, comprising the ridged tube in the pivotal hinge position of the gripper attachment 2200, can allow for rotational engagement of the respective handles 2210, such that the gripping force on the handles 2210 is applied to the plates 2204 in a plier-like (e.g., scissor-like) action.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, in one implementation, the gripper coupling means 2202 may be engaged with the first end 14a of the panel lift body 14 using a coupling pin (e.g., such as 802 in FIG. 8 and/or 902 in FIG. 9), for example, that may be inserted through a first via (e.g., 804 in FIG. 8 and/or 904 in FIG. 9) in a first side of the first end 14a of the panel lift body 14, through the gripper coupling means 2202, and into a second via (not shown) in a second side of the second end 14b of the panel lift body 14. In one embodiment, the coupling pin may be secured utilizing any appropriate method for securing a coupling pin to the panel lift body chosen with sound engineering judgment, such as a cotter pin.

As one example, the pivotal attachment of the gripper attachment 2200 may allow the panel lift body 14 of the exemplary lift device 10 to be suspended from and rotated relative to the ceiling structure 2. For example, the gripper attachment 2200 may be attached to a wooden ceiling stud (e.g., 4 in FIG. 9), where the gripping teeth 2206 may facilitate gripping the gripper plates 2204 to the wood. In one implementation, the gripper attachment 2200 can comprise a gripper adjustment means 2208, configured to adjust a gripping width of the gripper plates 2204. For example, a tightening of the gripper adjustment means 2208 may result in a smaller gripping width of the gripper plates 2204, accommodating a smaller stud width; while a loosening of the gripper adjustment means 2208 may result in a larger gripping width of the gripper plates 2204, accommodating a larger stud width.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, in one implementation, the gripper attachment 2200 may be stored proximate to one or more of the respective extension arms 140, 141, 142, 143 (e.g., and/or fifth extension arm 144). That is, for example, when the panel lifting device is not in use, and/or prior to installation and use of the panel lifting device, the respective extension arms 140, 141, 142, 143, and the panel lift body 14 may be folded against the base 12. In this example, the gripper attachment 2200 can be selectively detached from the first end 14a of the panel lift body 14, and stored proximate to one or more of the respective extension arms 140, 141, 142, 143, such as by clamping the gripper attachment 2200 to (e.g., or through) a portion of the panel lift body 14, and/or the base 12; or by using a coupling pin to attach the gripper attachment 2200 to (e.g., or through) a portion of the panel lift body 14, and/or the base 12.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are component diagrams illustrating perspective views of an exemplary implementation of a portion of a lift device. In one implementation, as illustrated in FIG. 25A, the gripper attachment 2200 may be selectively engaged (e.g., or fixedly engaged) with an attachment extension 2504, using a gripper extension coupling means 2508. In this implementation, the attachment extension 2504 may be pivotally engaged to a panel lift body attachment arm 2502 by pivotal engagement means 2506, such as a fastener (e.g., bolt, rivet, screw, etc.). Further, in this implementation, the panel lift body attachment arm 2502 can be selectively engaged with the panel lift body 14, at the first end 14a, using a fastening means, such as a coupling pin 902. In this way, for example, the gripper attachment 2200 may be engaged with the panel lift body 14, and can be selectively rotated around the gripper extension coupling means 2508 (e.g., a coupling pin) to a desired position, such as to engage with a target ceiling stud or wall stud (e.g., 4 in FIG. 9). Additionally, in one implementation, as illustrated in FIG. 25B, the attachment extension 2504 may be selectively rotated around the pivotal engagement means 2506, such that the gripper attachment 2200 can be oriented in a desired position relative to a target structure (e.g., 4 in FIGS. 9 and 10). In this way, for example, the user may be able to rotate the gripper attachment 2200 around to axes, comprising the gripper extension coupling means 2508 and the pivotal engagement means 2506.

Now with reference now to FIGS. 1-4, the first end 12a of the base 12 may be pivotally coupled to the second end 14b of the panel lift body 14. The base 12 may be pivotally coupled to the panel lift body 14 such that the exemplary lift device 10 may be selectively pivoted between a folded position FP, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and an open position OP shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The folded position FP may comprise the base 12 positioned substantially flat against the panel lift body 14. The open position OP may comprise the base 12 positioned at an angle from the panel lift body 14. Commonly, when utilizing the exemplary lift device 10 to secure the panel sheet 1 to the ceiling structure 2, for example, the open position OP can comprise the panel lift body 14 being positioned substantially parallel to the ceiling structure 2 and the base 12 being about perpendicular to the panel lift body 14 and extending between the ceiling structure 2 and the ground 3.

In one implementation, the panel lift body 14 may comprise a first panel lift body attachment 31 and a second panel lift body attachment 32, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. In this implementation, for example, the first panel lift body attachment 31 and/or the second panel lift body attachment 32 can be selectively and pivotally coupled with the first end 12a of the base 12. As one example, the second end 14b of the panel lift body 14 may be decoupled from the first end 12a of the base 12, the panel lift body 14 can be rotated approximately ninety degrees, and the panel lift body 14 may be recoupled to the first end 12a of the base 12 using the first panel lift body attachment 31 and a second panel lift body attachment 32. In this way, for example, the exemplary lift device 10 may be utilized in a variety of positions and locations. Further, in one implementation, when the exemplary lift device is disposed in the folded position FP, the first and second panel lift body attachments 31, 32 may be positioned to extend through the base 12, as in FIG. 3, such that a retaining pin, not shown, or similar device, can be inserted through the first and second panel lift body attachments 31, 32 to retain the exemplary lift device 10 in the folded position FP.

Now with reference now to all the FIGURES, a method for securing the panel sheet 1 to the ceiling structure 2 according to one implementation of the invention will now be described. In one implementation, the exemplary lift device 10 may be disposed in the folded position FP and be positioned substantially perpendicular to the ceiling structure 2. In this implementation, the panel lift body 14 can be rotated or pivoted (e.g., into the open position OP) away from the base 12 until the first end 14a is positioned substantially adjacent to a supporting surface, such as, for example, a stud, joist, the ceiling structure 2, or the sidewall 4. Further, in this implementation, the panel lift body 14 can be secured to the ceiling structure 2 using the positioning hinge 130 utilizing a conventional fastener 5, or using the gripper attachment 2200 that grips onto the ceiling structure (e.g., or wall structure 4). In one implementation, the exemplary lift device 10 may substantially be returned to the folded position FP by rotating the base 12 towards the panel lift body 14 such that the first end 14a of the panel lift body 14 and the second end 12b of the base 12 are positioned adjacent to the ground 3.

In one implementation, a fifth extension arm 144 may be engaged with the panel lift body 14, and the fifth extension arm 144 can be selectively adjusted to increase and/or decrease an effective length of the panel lift body 14 (e.g., to accommodate an associated panel, targeted for lifting). In this implementation, the associated panel sheet 1 may be placed against the panel lift body 14 and one or more of the material stabilizers 145 of the respective extension arms 140, 141, 142, 143, 144 may be moved from the stored position P3 to the working position P4 to at least partially support and retain the associated panel sheet 1 against the panel lift body 14. The panel lift body 14, and accompanying associated panel sheet 1, can be rotated upwards toward the ceiling structure 2. In one implementation, when the panel lift body 14 is rotated upwards toward the ceiling structure 2, the base 12 may be allowed to rotate away from the panel lift body 14, for example, such that the first and second leg members 121, 122 can be moved into contact with the ground 3.

In this implementation, the panel lift body 14 can be rotated to be substantially parallel to the ceiling structure 2, thereby causing the panel sheet 1 to abut the ceiling structure 2. The base 12 can be rotated to cause the exemplary lift device 10 to be disposed in the open position OP, such that the base 12 is about perpendicular to the ceiling structure 2. Optionally, in one implementation, the first and second leg members 121, 122 may be extended from the first and second base support members 110, 111 to increase and/or decrease the effective length of the base 12, thereby causing the panel sheet 1 to be effectively retained against the ceiling structure 2.

In one implementation, the first and second safety stops 125, 126 and the first and second adjustment stops 123, 124 may be released or positioned to allow the first and second leg members 121, 122 to be extended from the first and second base support members 110, 111. The panel sheet 1 may be secured to the ceiling structure 2, for example, utilizing any appropriate method for attaching a panel sheet to a ceiling structure chosen with sound engineering judgment. Upon attachment of the panel sheet 1 to the ceiling structure 2, the attaching hinge 130, or gripper attachment 2200, may be unattached from the supporting surface, the panel lift body 14 can be rotated downward towards the base 12, such that the exemplary lift device 10 is disposed in the folded position FP. The method may be repeated to attach a second associated panel sheet 1 to the ceiling structure 2.

According to one implementation of the invention, a method for hanging a panel sheet overhead can comprise one or more of the following steps of: (a) providing a device comprising a panel lift body pivotally coupled to a base; (b) positioning the device in a first position, wherein the first position comprises the device disposed in a folded position and substantially parallel to a sidewall; (c) pivoting a first end of the panel lift body in an upwards direction toward a ceiling; (d) attaching a positioning hinge, and/or a gripper attachment to a supporting surface, wherein the positioning hinge and/or a gripper attachment is pivotally coupled to the first end of the panel lift body; (e) folding the base in an upwards motion towards the first end of the panel lift body to bring a second end of the panel lift body near a ground surface; (f) releasing at least a first material stabilizer from a stored position to a working position; (g) placing an associated panel sheet against the panel lift body; (h) pivoting a second end of the panel lift body in an upwards direction toward the ceiling; (i) releasing a first and a second safety stop; (j) extending a first and a second leg member from the base to cause the device to support the panel sheet against the ceiling; (k) engaging the first and the second safety stop; (l) attaching the panel sheet to the ceiling; (m) un-attaching the positioning hinge and/or gripper attachment from the supporting surface; and, (n) returning the device to the first position.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Further, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims may generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure.

In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a panel lift body comprising: a support member attachment means pivotally engaged to a first end of said panel lift body, and configured to selectively attach said device to an associated support member; and a plurality of side extension arms selectively engaged with a central support member of said panel lift body at a first end of respective extension arms, wherein: respective side extension arms are extending relative to said central support member; respective side extension arms comprise a material stabilizer selectively engaged at a second end of said side extension arm; and said material stabilizer is configured to mitigate movement of an associated panel during lifting; and

a support base, comprising: a first leg and a second leg respectively configured to selectively extend and retract; and at least one lift body engagement means configured to pivotally engage with a second end of said panel lift body, wherein said support base is configured to pivot between a folded position, comprising an adjacent position parallel to said panel lift body, and an open position, comprising a position perpendicular to said panel lift body when said associated panel is lifted into an installation position.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first leg and a second leg respectively comprise one or more of:

an internal member and an external member, said internal member configured to selectively extend from and retract into said external member;

an adjustable stop comprising a ratchet assembly configured to allow said internal member to extend from said external member and mitigate said internal member retracting into said external member; and

a safety stop configured to selectively mitigate said internal member extending from said external member.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said support base further comprises at least one rung fixedly engaged with, and disposed between, said external member of said first leg and said external member of said second leg.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein one or more of said at least one rung comprises an adjustable rung, configured to be selectively adjustable in length.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said panel lift body comprises a first, a second, a third, and a fourth side extension arm, and wherein respective material stabilizers are selectively positionable between a stored position and a working position.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said support member attachment means comprises a positioning hinge, wherein said positioning hinge is configured to be selectively attached to said associated support member by a fastening means engaged with said positioning hinge and said associated support member.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said support member attachment means comprises a gripper attachment, wherein said gripper attachment is configured to be selectively attached to said associated support member by a gripping action selectively locked into a gripping position on said associated support member.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said panel lift body has an effective width for accommodating different sizes of sheeting material, and wherein said effective width is selectively changeable.

9. An apparatus configured to facilitate merely one person applying sheet material, the apparatus comprising:

a selectively adjustable lift body support base configured to pivot from a folded position to a support position to support an associated panel sheet during application of an associated sheet panel; and

a panel lift body pivotally engaged with said lift body support base at a second end of said panel lift body, said panel lift body configured to retain said associated panel sheet during lifting and application of said associated sheet panel to an associated ceiling structure, said panel lift body comprising: a support attachment selectively, pivotally engaged with a first end of said panel lift body, and configured to selectively attach to a support member to secure said first end of said panel lift body to said support member during lifting and application of said associated sheet panel to an associated ceiling structure; and a center support member selectively engaged with a first, second, third, and fourth extension arm, wherein a combination of said center support member said first, second, third, and fourth extension arms are configured mitigate movement of said associated panel sheet during lifting and application of said associated sheet panel to said associated ceiling structure.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said panel lift body further comprises one or more of:

a fifth extension arm selectively engaged with the second end of said panel lift body; and

at least one material stabilizer selectively engaged with at least one extension arm, wherein the material stabilizer is configured to be selectively positionable between a stored position and a working position.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said support attachment comprises one or more of:

a positioning hinge, pivotally coupled to said first end, and configured to be selectively fastened to said support member using a fastening means; and

a gripper attachment, pivotally coupled to said first end, and configured to apply gripping force to said support member to selectively secure said first end of said panel lift body to said support member.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said lift body support base is pivotally coupled to a second end of said panel lift body.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said lift body support base further comprises a first leg and a second leg, wherein said first leg and a second leg respectively comprise an internal member and an external member, said internal member configured to selectively extend from and retract into said external member.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said lift body support base further comprises an adjustable stop comprising a ratchet assembly configured to allow said internal member to extend from said external member and mitigate said internal member retracting into said external member.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said lift body support base further comprises a safety stop configured to selectively mitigate said internal member extending from said external member.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said lift body support base further comprises one or more rungs disposed between said first leg and said second leg, wherein at least one of the one or more rungs comprises an adjustable rung configured to allow the length of said adjustable rung to be adjusted.

17. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one of said extension arms are configured to be selectively positionable along said center support member of said panel lift body.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the panel lift body has an effective width configured to accommodate said associated panel sheet, and wherein at least one of said extension arms are selectively positionable along said center support member to adjust said effective width of said panel lift body.

19. A method for hanging a panel sheet overhead comprising the steps of:

providing a device comprising a lift body pivotally coupled to a base;

positioning said device in a first position comprising said device disposed in a folded position and substantially parallel to a sidewall;

pivoting a first end of said lift body upward toward a ceiling structure;

attaching a support member attachment means to a supporting member, wherein said support member attachment means is pivotally engaged with said first end of said lift body;

pivoting said base adjacent and parallel to said lift body, resulting in a second end of said lift body being disposed near a ground surface;

placing an associated panel sheet against the lift body;

pivoting said second end of said lift body in upward toward said ceiling structure, resulting in said associated panel sheet being positioned substantially adjacent to said ceiling structure;

pivoting said base down to a support position substantially parallel to said sidewall, resulting in said base supporting said associated panel sheet adjacent to said ceiling structure; and

attaching the panel sheet to a ceiling member.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

releasing at least a first material stabilizer from a stored position to a working position;

releasing one or more of a first safety stop and a second safety stop;

extending a first leg member and a second leg member from said base resulting in said associated panel sheet to be supporting adjacent to said ceiling structure;

engaging said one or more of said first safety stop and said second safety stop;

un-attaching said support member attachment means from said supporting member; and

returning said device to said first position.