Work Holder For Positioning Elements Of Building In Installed Location Patents (Class 269/904)
  • Patent number: 6010299
    Abstract: A device for lifting and positioning building materials at different heights and angles. For example, positioning a sheet of drywall or plywood to be fastened to a ceiling or wall, or subsequently a container of materials such as drywall joint compound for finishing the fastened sheets. The lifting and positioning device comprises a platform assembly upon which to place material to be lifted and positioned. The platform assembly can be pivoted and fixed at any desired angle between horizontal and vertical (0 to 90 degrees) by an indexing arrangement. The platform assembly is pivotally connected to lift arm links. The lift arm links are pivotally connected to a lift arm assembly. The lift arm assembly is pivotally connected to a mast support assembly. The lift arm links, lift arm assembly and mast support assembly form a parallelogram. The platform assembly is raised and lowered by a floor jack placed upon a jack support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald M. Jesswein
  • Patent number: 5979887
    Abstract: A device for installing drywall or other sheet materials on a ceiling where access to the joists is limited by an existing ceiling or vapor barrier. The device aligns with the leading edge of an installed sheet, braces against the floor, and provides a support ledge for the trailing edge of a new sheet as it is installed. A clearance gap in the device allows it to be removed while leaving a flush seam between the two sheets. The same device serves to support the leading edge of the new sheet as it is raised into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Dean P. Hassman
  • Patent number: 5966878
    Abstract: A bracket, for facilitating installation of window units, has a support arm and a lower arm, parallel to and spaced apart from each other, and interconnected by a transitional section. Two or more brackets may be used during installation of a window. The lower arm of each bracket is positioned under the sill member, so that the transitional section comes close to the interior edge of the sill member, and each support arm passes over, and cantilevers beyond, the sill member. The window being installed may then be temporarily supported on the cantilevering support arms. Retainers such as screwdrivers may be positioned in holes provided near the ends of the support arms to prevent the window from sliding off the support arms. The brackets may be nailed or screwed to the sill member through holes provided in the transitional sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Theodore Freund
  • Patent number: 5943830
    Abstract: A knee brace bracket for use in a knee bracing system for tilt-up panel constructions. The knee brace bracket includes front and rear face members defining circular structures for extending around a main pipe brace which extends between a panel and a floor slab. The knee brace bracket is rigidly connected to a knee brace extending to a connection point on the panel. The knee brace bracket includes a plurality of rollers engaged with the main pipe brace whereby the main pipe brace is permitted to rotate within the knee brace bracket to permit a screw adjustment for the length of the main pipe brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Dayton Superior Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Truitt
  • Patent number: 5921522
    Abstract: A utility box positioning fixture provides a box holding device onto which a utility box may be easily placed and held relative to the fixture. A set of jaw and spacer bars are mounted onto a vertically held support bar, the width of the jaw and spacer bars establishing the horizontal position of the utility box relative to a horizontal stringer and a vertical stud of a wall structure. With the utility box positioned against the side surface of the stud, and with the jaw bars positioned against the front face of the stud, the box is positioned for mounting and therefore may be accurately fastened into place on the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Scott D. Weber
  • Patent number: 5913546
    Abstract: A one piece door framing tool for use in aligning metal wall studs within a steel doorway is disclosed. The invention comprises two longitudinal spacer legs sized to fit snugly around a metal wall stud. The spacer legs are joined together by two cross members. The first cross member joins the spacer legs together at one of their ends and the second cross member joins the spacer legs together at approximately the halfway point along their length. The first cross member and the space created between the first and second cross member create a handle for using the device. The second cross member also has a radius cut into it near its junction with each spacer leg. The radii permit lips protruding from a steel wall stud to fit within the radii, thereby allowing the metal wall stud edge of the second cross member to come into flush contact with the metal wall stud face. The free ends of the spacer legs may be tapered for use in guiding the studs into the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Flight-X Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry W. Kuchenbrod, Gary W. Kuchenbrod, Roger M. Fitz-Gerald
  • Patent number: 5894705
    Abstract: A floor installation clamp comprising a clamp used for joining floorboards. The clamp includes a tension member with a first end and a second end. The tension member is connectable to opposing counterstays. One or both counterstays of the clamp may comprise suction devices removably attachable floorboard surfaces. Alternatively, the opposing counterstay may comprise an end piece that is removably attachable to a floorboard edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Joel Sutton
  • Patent number: 5884411
    Abstract: A building frame alignment apparatus includes a T-shaped beam member which includes a top planar portion and a bottom planar portion which projects from the top planar portion at a right angle. A longitudinally oriented leveling indicator assembly is connected to the bottom planar portion, and a transversely oriented leveling indicator assembly is connected to the bottom planar portion. The bottom planar portion includes a plurality of beam-reception notches positioned longitudinally along a bottom edge of the bottom planar portion. Side walls of the beam-reception notches are oriented perpendicular to the top planar portion. The plurality of beam-reception notches includes a first beam-reception notch located at a first end of the bottom planar portion, a second beam-reception notch located at a second end of the bottom planar portion, and a third beam-reception notch located on the bottom planar portion between the first beam-reception notch and the second beam-reception notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: William G. Raber
  • Patent number: 5848478
    Abstract: A template for use in the installation of water faucets and spouts adjacent to a sink or tub upon a plywood support. The plywood, acting as a support for mortar and tile, is opened to the approximate dimension of the template upon which suitable valve and faucets stems are appended and fixedly attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Advant/edge, LLC
    Inventor: Scott E. Duncan
  • Patent number: 5785306
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in installing the framework for supporting a suspended ceiling having a pair of parallel legs for supporting a section of gridwork and a clamp for attaching the apparatus to a ceiling joist. The apparatus includes a plurality of grid supporting positions as well as level indicating means to accurately position the suspended ceiling supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Earnest L. Wilson, Robert A. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5768830
    Abstract: A support for construction material provides for the temporary support of elongate materials during construction projects or storage of the materials. The device comprises a generally U-shaped frame having a flat, planar base and opposite parallel planar arms extending upwardly and generally normal to the base. Each arm includes an elongate slot therein, with an axle having a series of rollers thereon, adjustably installed in the slots. One of the arms includes an additional roller at the uppermost end thereof, with its axis normal to the adjustable rollers extending between the arms. The opposite arm includes at least two nail slots, adapted to receive partially driven nails so the device may be temporarily suspended during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Kevin J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5758430
    Abstract: An electrical box installation apparatus including a mast. The apparatus includes a gripper assembly comprised of a pivoting arm, a stationary arm, and a pivoting handle. The gripper assembly is coupled with the mast. A wallboard gauge is secured to the mast. The apparatus allows for a switchboard to be held securely in position as it is nailed to a framing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Neil H. Holloway
  • Patent number: 5732527
    Abstract: An apparatus illustrated in two embodiments assists a sole worker in the positioning and installing of ceiling panels, such as sheetrock, to ceiling joists. In the first embodiment, a panel is placed on an arm pivotably connected to a post firmly positioned between a floor and a ceiling. Upon the release of a lever, a pressurized gas cylinder causes the arm to lift the panel angularly into substantially horizontal orientation adjacent the ceiling joists. In the second embodiment a plate formed with a ramp portion extends at an angle to a bearing plate portion. The bearing plate portion is fastened to a ceiling joist with the ramp portion angled downward. A first edge of a ceiling panel is placed on the ramp and the opposite edge of the ceiling panel is lifted by a worker so that the first edge is forced upward on the ramp to rest on the bearing portion as the second edge is brought into a substantially horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: John E. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5673903
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus which is used to temporarily support one end of a cross piece during construction of a deck or fence rail. The apparatus is in the form of a C-shaped frame having an elongated base plate and a pair of leg plates extending from each end of the base plate. An adjustable clamp member is attached to one of the legs for securing the apparatus to a first vertical beam. A platform is attached to the other leg and receives one end of the cross piece for holding that end of the cross piece in position on one beam while the other end is secured to a second adjacent spaced apart beam. Once a cross piece has been attached to the two adjacent beams, the clamp may be flipped over and the other side of the clamp may be attached to the second beam so that another cross piece may be abutted against the first cross piece and attached between the second beam and a third beam. The apparatus enables cross pieces to be attached to beams by one person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Robert W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5658113
    Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for handling construction materials such as wall boards or the like. The device includes an elongated body and an upstanding wall which projects from the top surface of the body between the opposed front and rear surfaces thereof. The upstanding wall and the top surface of the body cooperate to form a support region therebetween for supporting a building panel proximate a supporting structure such as a stud wall. In use, the device is temporarily secured to the supporting structure and a building panel such as a wall board is positioned in the support region. Once positioned in the support region, the wall board may be easily manipulated and secured to the supporting structure by a sole individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: David Lazo
  • Patent number: 5653012
    Abstract: A device for locating a striker on a vehicle body in position for engagement with a latch on a closure mounted on the vehicle body for swinging movement from an open position to a closed and latched position comprises a central frame, and a pair of elongated, rigid support bars. The inner ends of the bars are pivoted to the frame for swinging movement between a retracted position and an operative position in which the bars extend in opposite directions laterally outwardly from the frame in substantial alignment with one another. A spring mounted foot on the outer end of each bar is adapted to support the device on the vehicle body when the bars are in their operative positions. A striker locator is attached to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Pasternak, Francis C. Whittle, Thomas N. Seel
  • Patent number: 5645272
    Abstract: A workpiece holder apparatus for either panels or cabinets is disclosed. The holder can be used for either panels or the like or cabinets and assists workers in holding the workpiece, raising the workpiece, and precisely positioning the workpiece into place, thereby facilitating the permanent affixing of the workpiece to the ceiling joist or wall studs and in the case of cabinets installation, against the wall itself. Thereafter, the workpiece holder apparatus can be quickly disassembled after the attachment of the workpiece to the ceiling joist or wall studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: KimRick, Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard Brennan, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5630281
    Abstract: An electrical utility box locator (11) is provided for convenient and accurate location of electrical utility boxes on the studs of a framed-in wall. The locator has a paddle shaped body (12) with a bottom portion (13) that rests against the floor and against a sole plate of the framed-in wall. The side of the paddle rests against a vertical stud extending upwardly from the sole plate. A recess is formed in the middle section (15) intermediate the top and bottom sections (13 and 14) of the body for receiving the front rim of a utility box to be affixed to the stud. The depth of the recess corresponds to the distance that the forward edge of the utility box is to protrude outwardly from the side of the stud to which it is attached. In use, the locator of this invention is positioned with its bottom portion resting on the floor and against a sole plate, its side resting against a vertical stud, and the side of a utility box in the recess also resting against the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventors: G. Dale Pledger, John L. Morris
  • Patent number: 5628119
    Abstract: A jig for framing as used in building construction is provided formed from metal or other suitable materials. The framing jig is adjustable for setting, for example, 2.times.4 wall studs on 16 inch centers. The framing jig includes right side legs and left side legs which are parallel so each side can receive a stud therebetween for attachment to a transverse header or other member. The framing jig can be adjusted for other stud spacings and by the use of wing nuts the jig is secured to prevent errors or slippage during stud placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Old Stone Corporation
    Inventors: Grady A. Bingham, Victor C. Stone
  • Patent number: 5624222
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) and rail system (80) for installing divider wall panels (100) into ceiling rails, is described. The apparatus includes a base (12) which is adapted to be attached to a forklift truck (200). A frame (22) is rotatably mounted on the base and includes vertical members (24) to which are mounted support channels (50) and a holding channel (54). The channels act together along the sides (100C) of the panel to hold the panel in the apparatus. An end channel (60) is connected to one of the support channels and to the holding channel and is mounted to one end (100B) of the panel. The rail system includes an entry rail (82) comprised of rail segments (84 and 86) with a keyway (88) therebetween and a rail key (95). In use, the panel is mounted in the apparatus which is attached to the forklift truck. The channels are tightened around the panel to hold the panel in the apparatus. The forklift truck then lifts the apparatus and the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: HNH, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Hiatt, Lyle J. Heeg
  • Patent number: 5611189
    Abstract: A hanger for holding and supporting fascia board during installation along the rafters of a roof. The hanger is formed of a saddle or bracket which attaches to the upper edge of the rafter. A fascia catch is pivotally attached to the saddle through an adjusting bar. The catch can be adjusted along the adjusting bar as needed and then locked in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Randy J. Fleck
  • Patent number: 5609332
    Abstract: A device for lifting and holding a cabinet to be mounted to a wall or ceiling. A base member is mounted on a suitable support, and a hollow, linear, elongate drive shaft extends upwardly from the base member. An elongate lift shaft is received coaxially within the drive shaft, with the lift shaft being driven in a longitudinal movement up and down within the drive shaft. At least two elongate, hollow stabilizer shafts are spaced outwardly from the drive shaft, with a longitudinal axis of each stabilizer shaft being substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. An elongate idler shaft is received coaxially within each stabilizer shaft, with each idler shaft being movable longitudinally within its respective stabilizer shaft so that the upper end of the idler shaft can move up and down relative to the upper end of the respective stabilizer shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Clayton Hassell
  • Patent number: 5598638
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an Electrical Stick used to install electrical boxes. The Stick is made of a durable material as to prevent bending. The Stick has height indicators on both sides to ensure proper height when installing the electrical boxes. The Stick has box height indicators on both sides to make certain the installer keeps the electrical boxes uniform. The Stick has an arrow and an up sign to make certain the Stick is used properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Anthony L. Plesh
  • Patent number: 5593137
    Abstract: An bi-directional, adjustable elevating and support mechanism to assist in the removal, installation and repair of rack-mounted items such as electronic telecommunications modules by supporting and aligning such modules during the removal, installation and repair of such modules from support racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Charles L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5580036
    Abstract: An apparatus for safely and remotely securing in place and spacing building members such as roof trusses or gables. The apparatus is primarily comprised of a spacer having a first truss connector and a second truss connector. A pull-down arrangement is used to remotely engage the apparatus with a truss. In use, the apparatus is attached to a first building member which is then positioned with the apparatus attached. The apparatus is then remotely secured to a second, adjacent building member. A gable brace is provided that may be used alone or with an attached truss connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Douglas A. Browning
  • Patent number: 5527016
    Abstract: A handrail positioning apparatus for accurately positioning a handrail during the process of installing the handrail in an inclined position on a building wall above an inclined stairway. The apparatus may include two vertically adjustable stanchions positionable at the upper and lower ends of the stairway. Miniature platforms are tiltably mounted on the upper end portions of the stanchions to underlie end areas of a handrail. C-clamps may be used to clamp the handrail to the platforms. The platforms are so tiltable that the platforms can seat flatwise against the handrail, whatever the slope or inclination of the rail, and the stanchions are vertically adjustable to control the rail slope and rail height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Wilborn F. Wilkerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5490334
    Abstract: A construction framing tool is provide by an elongated body member and a pair of cooperative members at its opposite ends for assembling studs, joists and rafters between headers and footers. The tool includes a holder or cradle as part of one cooperative member and a shoulder as part of the other cooperative member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Frame Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Payne
  • Patent number: 5489088
    Abstract: A clamp suitable for securing a support post to a structural member of a railing such as may be associated with a deck is disclosed. The clamp includes an outer bracket movably connected to an inner bracket, and a clamping bolt. The clamp is secured to a structural member such as a joist or fascia strip by adjusting the position of the outer bracket relative to the inner bracket using the clamping bolt. With the clamp secured, the user has both hands free to position the support post within the clamp and adjacent to the structural member. In a second clamping movement, the clamping bolt is utilized to clamp the support post to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Stephen W. Warter
  • Patent number: 5465499
    Abstract: A tool for installing siding on a building wall is disclosed wherein only two formed metal parts are shown which are of utter simplicity and are relatively adjustable one to the other to provide variation in desired exposure to weather of each underlying siding member as determined by the positioning of the parts in assembled relation. A generally J-shaped bracket and an adjustable U-shaped siding support are provided with the support being releasably attached to the bracket with a pair of legs on the support extending through a pair of a series of openings in the bracket. The bracket has a lower hook with a reversely bent lip which may be inserted into wedged engagement between a building wall and an affixed strip of siding for readily securing the tool in position to enable a leg of the support to provide the only assistance required for a single worker to install an overlying strip of siding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Daniel J. LaPlante
  • Patent number: 5457314
    Abstract: A mount for adjusting the position of a photodetector in a fine range is described. The adjustment of the photodetector is carried in one direction or both directions along X and/or Y axis in a condition that the photodetector is fixed on a base plate by fixing the photodetector on the mount of an optical instrument, and is also for fine adjustment of a position of the photodetector by a set screw or a general screw by forming cantilever supporting working points at one or more places of the mount and by installing said set screw at a place opposite to the working points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon-Bae Kim, Martin J. McCaslin
  • Patent number: 5431381
    Abstract: A secure storage drawer and an installation clamp for the drawer are disclosed. The drawer is suitable for mounting to a horizontal surface without surrounding cabinetry. Suspension rails which support the slides for the drawer are so designed that when the drawer is closed there are no exposed fasteners. Tampering is thus discouraged. The drawer has a wide shallow preferably partitioned front storage area and a wide deep rear storage area which is large enough to accommodate purses or handbags. The drawer is readily retrofitted to installed furniture. An advantage of the drawer is that it provides generous storage capacity yet permits a seated user to move freely across a front of a desk or table to which the drawer is mounted. The installation clamp permits a drawer to be retrofitted to installed furniture quickly and efficiently. The installation clamp is useful for mounting any drawer supported by suspension brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Ole Smed
    Inventor: Ole Smed
  • Patent number: 5431380
    Abstract: An apparatus for accurately setting the height and depth placement of electrical boxes on wall studs or the like. The apparatus telescopically extends to the required height and a plurality of steps are disposed upon both a top plate and base plate. The steps correspond to various wall covering thicknesses. Proper operation ensures accurate positioning and maintenance of the height and depth settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Richard F. Vergato, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5407182
    Abstract: An improved forming jig comprising a flat strip of rigid material having a plurality of projections extending from one surface of said strip, one pair of said projections being located at each end of said strip and being spaced approximately 1 9/16 inches from each other, an additional one of said projections spaced approximately 1 9/16 inches from the inner projection of one of said pairs and approximately 53/4 inches from the inner projection of the other of said pairs, and having an opening formed in said strip located approximately four inches from the end of said strip adjacent said other of said pairs. If desired a carpenters level may be mounted on the surface of said strip opposite from said projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas Hartley
  • Patent number: 5407183
    Abstract: There is provided a drywall installation tool which is generally rectangular and has a first and second section. In one embodiment, the first section being provided with at least two apertures through which nails or screws can be placed to secure the tool to a drywall sheet that is already in place. A spacer is provided on the surface of the first section of the tool to properly position the tool on the installed drywall surface. When the tool is positioned on a installed drywall surface, the next sheet of drywall is then placed on the second section of the tool and pushed upwardly to properly position the second sheet of drywall on studs or metal supports and the drywall tool holds the sheet of drywall in place while it is being secured with either nails or screws to the underlying support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: James C. Singeltary
  • Patent number: 5388813
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a ceiling clamp to assist in mounting panels to a ceiling, including: an upwardly open channel defined by a distal vertical wall, an upper portion of a proximal vertical wall parallel to the distal vertical wall, and a horizontal floor joining the distal and proximal walls, the upwardly open channel being dimensioned to accommodate therein a lower portion of a ceiling joist; clamping means to clamp the lower portion of the ceiling joist in the upwardly open channel; and a horizontal base member attached to the upwardly open channel to provide a surface upon which an end or edge of ceiling panel may be placed when the ceiling clamp is clamped to the ceiling joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Cyrus L. Arsenault
  • Patent number: 5377462
    Abstract: An assembly jig for bracing a metal door frame includes a pair of squaring braces that fit into diagonally opposite corners of metal door frame that square the door frame and a door-spreading brace that interacts with the squaring braces at a single point which properly spaces the side jambs of the door frame. The squared door frame may be plumbed with a pair of plumbing braces which attach to the floor by means of an anchor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventors: Michael Beals, Brian Marine
  • Patent number: 5370377
    Abstract: A tool for use in the fixing of plank cladding where the tool includes a first member (1) and a second member (11) shorter than and spaced from the first member (1) to provide the sides of a plank receiving slot (36) which has a bottom (35), a hook (12) on the second member faces away from the first member (1), a plank retainer (21) extends through the first member (10) and is biassed by a spring (28) to obstruct the slot (36). In use the tool hook (12) is engaged with an already fixed support plank and the next plank to be fixed is supported on the retainer (21). When the next plank is part fixed the retainer (21) is withdrawn from the plank slot (36) to allow the part fixed plank to enter further into the slot (36) as the tool is raised to unhook it from the support plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Johannes Van Der Meer
  • Patent number: 5364084
    Abstract: A carpenter's toe-nail backup clamp for use in positioning a first board, such as a 2.times.4 wall stud, to a second board, such as a 2.times.4 plate, to facilitate attaching the first board to the second board with nails, the backup clamp having a base member to rest on the second board, an end plate affixed to one end of the base member for extending along one edge of the second board, a cam member secured to the base member at the other end thereof about an axis that is parallel to the end plate, the cam member providing variable spacing from the end plate according to the rotational position of the cam member, and a handle extending from the cam member by which the cam member can be rotated to clamp the second board between the cam member and the backup plate, the base member thereby providing a backup for a first board so that the first board may be toe-nailed to the second board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Karding, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Stanley Karash
  • Patent number: 5361509
    Abstract: A tool for holding electrical boxes in position for attachment to upright studs in residential and commercial building construction. The tool comprises a main body made of an elongated tubular support member, a holder attached to the main body for releasably holding an electrical box in position for installation, a height adjuster connected to the main body for positioning the electrical box at a predetermined distance above the floor, a depth adjuster attached to the main body for positioning the electrical box at a predetermined depth relative to the face of the upright stud, and an alignment device attached to the main body for positioning the electrical box so that the sides of the box are parallel to the sides of the upright stud. One aspect of the invention provides a clamping trigger for automatic activation of the box gripping force. The clamping trigger is located and configured so that electrical boxes which are presented in misalignment do not activate the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventors: Charles H. Wheeler, Sr., Thomas N. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5357730
    Abstract: A metal stud spreader for the U-channel of metal studs comprising a handle portion; an intermediate body portion; head portion; and at least one boss on the head to be placed in the U-channel whereby the U-channel is prevented from inward collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: George R. Pickeral
  • Patent number: 5351460
    Abstract: A tool for accurately positioning an electrical box on a wall stud in a building. The tool is preferably embodied by a strip of generally rigid material having a set of indentations for positioning the electrical box at any of several locations along a wall stud. The dimensions of the indentations are preferably such that the electrical box will not protrude beyond mounted drywall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Herman Small
  • Patent number: 5348274
    Abstract: Apparatus for locating an electrical outlet box to either side of a vertical wall stud in which the box is accurately registered without benefit of complex adjusting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas Breen
  • Patent number: 5329743
    Abstract: A variable set-up, reusable center frame for the realization of concrete and masonry arches and for restoration applications. The center frame includes a succession of Y-shaped modular rod members. Each branch is provided at its end with a first and second upper hinge joint and a lower hinge joint. The lower hinge joint is provided with a slide rod, and a plate-shaped connection locks the slide rod in place. The upper hinge joints are hingedly connected to supporting saddles extending out of a lower surface of a flexible forming member which is placed in contact with the member being supported. The slide rods are adjustable in position with respect to the lower branch such that the space between the lower branches can be adjusted to achieve different formations in the forming member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Vincenzo A. Legnante
  • Patent number: 5322397
    Abstract: A supporting apparatus for supporting a drill in an elevated position, the drill including a drill chuck having an axis of rotation, the drill being supported by the supporting apparatus such that the axis of rotation of the drill chuck is orientated substantially vertically, the supporting apparatus including an elongated column, an actuating lever pivotally connected to the column at a pivot point and extending outward from the pivot point in two diametrically opposed directions to thereby form two lever arms, an attachment mechanism formed on a first of the two lever arms for attaching the first lever arm to a portion of the drill, a manual grip portion formed on a second of the two lever arms, a guide link pivotally connected to both the column and to the drill adjacent the drill chuck, the pivotal connection of the guide link to the column being disposed vertically above the pivot point pivotally connecting the actuating lever to the column, and an extended plate member connected to an upper portion of t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: James C. Spear
  • Patent number: 5312095
    Abstract: A tool for the carpenter or welder in the building industry. The tool quickly and accurately places joist hangars, which are used to fasten and support joists. The tool frees the users hands while holding the hangar in its proper position. Gravity holds the tool and joist hangar combination plumb. The flanges (4) on the tool body (1) engage the flanges on the hangar in proper configuration. The tool has a centered, adjustable sliding support hook which is bent to hook over the top of the beam and slide vertically through the body. The adjustable sliding support hook(2) is secured by a hand operated set screw(3), which is threaded into the body(1). The joist hangar slides into the tool easily. When the joist hangar is nailed or welded, the tool slides off of the installed joist hangar just as easily. The tool can be made in appropriate sizes for different joist hangars. This tool can be fabricated, cast, or injection molded from either metal or plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Robert J. Rennie
  • Patent number: 5291719
    Abstract: A device of novel design employed as a support and guide during the installation of horizontally-disposed building siding, said device comprising principally a shelf-like component and a means incorporating a camming action for clamping the shelf-like component onto an installed length of siding. When two or more of the devices are clamped vertically at spaced intervals onto the uppermost length of installed siding, the shelf-like components provide a horizontal base on which the siding to be installed at the next higher level can be supported during installation, thereby enabling an installer to work alone. The shelf-like components further function to correctly position the siding to be installed relative to the siding already in place without the need for constant measuring and leveling. The device operates in a quick, easy and trouble-free manner, and it assures efficient, accurate and uniform siding installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Claude Buster
  • Patent number: 5290019
    Abstract: A siding installation hanger has a elastic cord storing mid-section from which opposite extending legs having backturned end portions extend. The backturned end portions have gripping edges which in response to tension in the elastic cord, easily and removably grip the protruding longitudinal lip on siding strips which interlock. The upper end section of the hanger strap releasably retains the rope and may include hook-like slotted portions for that purpose. The hanger strap is retained in a upright vertical position in support of horizontal siding strips. Loose wraps are wound around the elastic cord storage section of the hanger member to ensure that the elastic cord is always the proper length to tensively hold successive siding strips at any vertical location along the wall surface to be sided. The device is quickly and easily adjusted and quickly and easily removed. A method employing the device for installing siding is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Gerald W. Beyers
  • Patent number: 5275390
    Abstract: A workpiece holder apparatus for either panels or cabinets is disclosed. The holder can be used for either panels or the like or cabinets and assists workers in holding the workpiece, raising the workpiece, and precisely positioning the workpiece into place, thereby facilitating the permanent affixing of the workpiece to the ceiling joist or wall studs and in the case of cabinets installation, against the wall itself. Thereafter, the workpiece holder apparatus can be quickly disassembled after the attachment of the workpiece to the ceiling joist or wall studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: KimRick, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Brennan
  • Patent number: 5274978
    Abstract: A clamp for fastening plate-form bodies, such as solar panels, onto a support plate comprises two U-shaped portions opening in opposite directions with a common shank portion of the two U-shaped portions. The body, such as the solar panel, has its edge received in one of the U-shaped portions, such as the upper U-shaped portion, while the opposite edge is received in a lower U-shaped portion of an adjacent row of clamps. Preferably, an elastic part having a U-shaped and profiled surfaces is placed between each of the U-shaped portions and edges of the bodies to prevent damage to the plate-shaped bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Siemens Solar GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Perkonigg, Manfred Riermeier
  • Patent number: 5257775
    Abstract: Jigs comprising rectangular plates (30, 50, and 60) have centrally positioned concentric recesses and/or holes (37, 39, 51, 53, 61, and 62) for accepting the lip (40) of recessed light fixtures, ceiling fans, and heaters during installation between adjacent ceiling joists. Jigs are attached to joists by screws passing through slots (33 and 65) which enable jigs to be adjusted side-to-side for exact position. Jigs have graduated scale (41) along edges for visual reference and correct positioning of fixture and centrally aligned slots (47) for attaching tape ruler when measuring to another fixture position. A rabbet (45) along one end allows jigs to be used as right-angle square for scribing adjacent joist. A handle (42) provides a balanced position for holding jig while attaching to joists. The jigs make it possible to wire multiple fixtures before installation. A fourth embodiment jig is spaced 0.5" below joists by spacers (72) and has concentric markings and parallel lines for positioning fixtures thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: John Burns