Abstract: A two-part expandable wall clip and jointing apparatus to be used in wall board construction to temporarily hold a wall board patch in alignment within an opening in a wall by securing same to the joining perimeter edge of the opening forming a supporting surface for the patch. The wall clip adjusts to varied wall board thicknesses and can be adapted to non-support corner wall configurations.

Abstract: A method for repairing or protecting doors which includes a kit having the components to form, when assembled, a single U-shaped unit which when installed covers the area around the door latch. The repair kit comprises a multi-component system including front and rear panel pieces; one or more edge panel pieces of varyng widths, and a strike plate large enough to cover any damaged areas. The repair kit is designed for use on standard thickness doors.

Abstract: Cracks in concrete structures are repaired by attaching over the crack a series of cutoff agent-sealing members having a predetermined open area and volume necessary for filling the crack. A blowing resin is introduced under pressure into internal chambers of the cutoff agent-sealing members to elevate the pressure within the cutoff agent-sealing members. Inlet and outlet valves of the chambers are closed, whereupon the elevated pressure causes the cutoff agent to intrude deeply into the interior of the crack, whereby an inundation and leakage of water from the crack can be prevented.

Abstract: In a concrete column supporting an overhead load and having a base end resting on a surface, a process of strengthening the column to increase its ability to withstand atypical physical loading accompanying an earthquake, involving the steps of defining a work area about the surface of the column to which the strengthening is to be applied, the work area defined by circumferential marginal edges arranged in spaced-apart relation; overwrapping the work area with at least one layer of high-strength, stretchable fibers wherein the fibers are oriented at an angle to the vertical axis of the column; applying a coat of hardenable material, having a modulus at least as great as that of the fibers, over the layer of fibers to form a hard outer shell thereover; and, injecting a quantity of a hardenable, low-shrink liquid under the layer of fibers and over the surface of the work area in an amount sufficient to cause the fibers to undergo stretching from about 1/2% to about 4% of their elongation.

Abstract: A repair patch for damaged sections of panels made of composite materials, wherein the damaged section of the panel has been cut out by, for example, a hole cutting saw, includes a bolt which is inserted through the hole and a rigid washer on the bolt, of about the same diameter as the hole. A flexible washer, substantially larger than the hole, is pushed through the hole and the rigid washer bears against it. The flexible washer has radiating flukes, extending from a central hub region, which can bend when the flexible washer is pushed through the hole, and then spring back to about their original shape on the blind-side. One edge of the flukes is curved which causes the flukes to twist and present only one edge to the edge of the hole as the flexible washer is pushed through, to facilitate passage of the flexible washer through the hole.

Abstract: A device for repairing a hole in an object, including a flexible backing member which can be bent and positioned through a hole, of smaller diameter than the backing member, in order to support and position a fluent patching material. A rigid front dam is then positioned on the front of the hole and attached to the backing member using a connecting member. Front dam may have an impressionable material on one of its sides so that a desired texture can be impressed, and cast on the front of the hole repair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing composite skin structures from a blind side. The method includes using an elongated patch with a compression jig to hold the patch in place while the patch is either bonded in place or fixed in place with countersunk fasteners or both. The patch, when used on composite materials, is constructed and positioned so as to have the same anisotropic load-carrying characteristics as does the material to be repaired. A blind side repair can be completely made in the field without requiring extensive facilities.

Abstract: A pole replacement system employs a pole replacement section. The section includes a sleeve partially filled with a substantially non-compressible material. The material defines a cavity with the sleeve for receiving an end of a pole. The non-compressible material is only located in the sleeve and does not extend axially beyond the sleeve.

Abstract: A device and method for the repair of holes in gypsum wallboard where the device is positioned behind the hole and temporarily secured. The device is the form of a hinged circular plate which can be folded in half to permit its insertion through the hole to be repaired. Elements connected to the two halves are provided to secure the plate in place for application of patching material by fixing the elements to the front surface of the wallboard.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a knot hole in a piece of lumber includes a rod of compressible polyethylene material and an adhesive caulk. The caulk is applied to the knot hole. The rod is forcibly inserted into the knot hole being secured by a force fit and the adhesive caulk. The rod is cut flush with the surface of the wood being repaired. The surface can be stained or painted along with the remainder of the structure.

Abstract: A method of resetting a separated portion of a tile floor from a base flooring, such as a concrete slab, by drilling a hole through the tile floor into the slab, forcing an adhesive into the hole and separated portion, monitoring the flow controlling upward force on the tiles and controlling the leveling of the titles and resetting.

Abstract: Construction methods and clip apparatus for joining or repairing wall or ceiling panels such as sheet rock, gypsum boards, plywood, or other generally planar wall panels. The clip is enables permanent edgewise joining of wallboard panels, ceiling panels, or the like at any desired position along the length of the wall frame or ceiling framework independent of framing back- up studs or joists. A plurality of metallic clips unite to provide an edgewise mechanical bond between adjacent panel edges by creating an artificial backing in wall regions having no studs or support columns. A preferred clip comprises a generally planar, elongated body having a pair of parallel reinforcement grooves, and body is preferably stamped from metal stock and selectively perforated. A pair of integral, spaced apart, prong-like spring tab structures formed on opposite sides of the clip body initially grasp the edges of a panel.

Abstract: A device for repairing a hole in a plasterboard wall formed of a flat relatively thin, stiff coverboard, an insulation board secured by adhesive to the coverboard rear surface, the insulation board being dimensioned less than the coverboard leaving a clear space around the peripheral of the coverboard rear surface, the insulation board being dimensioned to be received in the hole to be repaired, and screws or adhesive for securing the coverboard rear surface peripheral clear space to the wall to thereby retain the insulation board in the hole with the coverboard completely covering the hole.

Abstract: A hole (12) in a panel (10) of composite material is cut by a router or the like to dress it into a rounded hole (12'). A cavity is routed or otherwise formed in the panel (10) to extend across the dressed hole (12') in the direction of maximum tension loads in the panel (10). An insert (16) is secured in the cavity (18). The insert (16) and the cavity (18) have matching plan forms and each has a relatively narrow central portion and enlarged end portions (42, 44). The end portions (42, 44) of the insert interlock with end portions of the cavity (18) such that tension loads will be carried by the insert (16) from a region of the wall (10) on one side of the hole (12') across the hole (12') to a region of the wall (10) on the opposite side of the hole (12').

Abstract: A method for repairing damaged sections of panels made of composite materials includes the steps of cutting the damaged section out of the panel and inserting, from the near-side, a bolt having a rigid washer, of about the same diameter as the hole to be repaired, and a flexible washer that is substantially larger than the hole, and against which the rigid washer bears. The flexible washer has radiating flukes, extending from a central hub region, which can bend when the flexible washer is pushed through the hole, and then spring back to about their original shape on the blind-side. One edge of the flukes is curved which causes the flukes to twist and present only one edge to the edge of the hole as the flexible washer is pushed through, to facilitate passage of the flexible washer through the hole.

Abstract: An elastic patch for the repair of a hole in an interior wall. This patch is easy to apply and requires no tools. The patch has a pressure sensitive adhesive backing which can be affixed to the wall surrounding the hole. Peripheral portions of the patch are thinner than that portion of the patch disposed over the hole itself. This tapering in the thickness of the patch allows it to be blended in with the rest of the wall so that when the patch is covered with paint, the patch becomes unnoticeable and at the same time this tapering gives the patch a thick central region where strength is needed. A material having a high elasticity is used for the patch so that it can absorb shocks to the wall and then spring back to its original shape, thereby preventing any reoccurrence of damage in the area of the wall protected by the patch.

Abstract: A device includes a shaft having first and second ends and a length between the first and second ends sufficient to span an airspace between first and second wallboards mounted on a wall framework. First and second mountings are provided for securing a separately supplied patch to the first end of the shaft and the second end of the shaft to the second wallboard in order to support the patch in a hole in the first wallboard. A method of patching a hole in a wallboard includes providing a device as described above, securing a patch to the first end of the shaft and securing the second end of the shaft to the second wallboard so that the patch is in the hole in the first wallboard.

Abstract: Boards of lumber or similar material having knotholes or other defects in an edge region are repaired by cutting an opening in the edge region to remove the defect and by filling the opening with a conforming plug formed of hardened mastic or of pieces of solid material which are adhered together. The opening extends inward from the edge of the board and is of greater extent at a location spaced inward from the edge than it is at another location that is closer to the edge. The expanse of the opening preferably increases at a first depth within the board and decreases at a second depth within the board. The configuration of the opening interlocks the conforming plug into the board thereby preventing ejection of the plug.

Abstract: A wall repair device and method of use are disclosed. The device comprises a plunger shaped to fit within a barrel containing a compressed support member. The barrel is fitted into a hole in a wall surface and the plunger inserted within the barrel to deliver the support member which expands within a wall space behind the wall surface. The expanded support member functions as a support for applying a filler compound to mend the hole.

Abstract: A process for reinforcing and repairing utility poles and the like, including the steps of placing gasket layers above and below the area to be repaired and a resin pervious layer, such as fiberglass, between the two gaskets followed by the step of wrapping the area from the lower gasket to a point near the upper gasket with a resin impervious layer, such as duct tape. Next, a liquid resin is preferably injected under pressure into the space between the utility pole and the resin impervious layer. Holes may be drilled to guide the resin into the interior of the pole, and injection tubes may be inserted into the hole to further direct the resin into the interior of the pole. The resin is then allowed to cure. Preferably, vertical grooves are formed in the exterior of the pole, and reinforcing rods are placed therein before the resin is injected.

Abstract: A hole (12) in a panel (10) of composite material is cut by a router or the like to dress it into a rounded hole (12'). A cavity is routed or otherwise formed in the panel (10) to extend across the dressed hole (12') in the direction of maximum tension loads in the panel (10). An insert (16) is secured in the cavity (18). The insert (16) and the cavity (18) have matching plan forms and each has a relatively narrow central portion and enlarged end portions (42, 44). The end portions (42, 44) of the insert interlock with end portions of the cavity (18) such that tension loads will be carried by the insert (16) from a region of the wall (10) on one side of the hole (12') across the hole (12') to a region of the wall (10) on the opposite side of the hole (12').

Abstract: A system for strengthening a structural element, such as a wooden utility pole, wherein a structural foaming agent fills a void space defined by the structural element and a structural foaming agent within a container is employed to plug a passageway leading from the exterior of the structural element to the void space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for filling up a recess left in a concrete wall after removal of a separator terminal, the device comprising a main body including a circumferential step formed around its outer periphery at a longitudinal intermediate location so that the circumferential step defines a diameter-reduced portion and a diameter-enlarged portion of the main body, a threaded hole centrally formed and axially extending in an end surface of the diameter-reduced portion to be engaged with a threaded end of the separator, tool receiving apertures formed in an end surface of the diameter-enlarged portion and in elastic water-swollen rubber cylinder put around the diameter-reduced portion so that an outer periphery of said cylinder is tapered towards the end surface of the diameter-reduced portion and an end surface of the cylinder looking towards the end surface of the diameter-enlarged portion bears against the step of the main body while the end surface of the cylinder looking towards the en

Abstract: Boards of lumber or the like which exhibit defects such as knots or knotholes are repaired by cutting a bore through the board at the site of the defect and by filling the bore with a plug of conforming shape. The width of the bore changes at a first location along its axis and undergoes a reverse change at another location in order to interlock the plug with the board. The plug may be formed by filling the bore with hardenable mastic or by fitting conforming pieces of wood or the like into opposite ends of the bore, the pieces being abutted and secured together by adhesive. The interlocking configuration of the bore and plug assures that the plug cannot be ejected from the board.

Abstract: A method of repairing, protecting or strengthening a utility pole projecting from the ground comprises fitting a compressible elastomeric interlayer around the pole so as to mechanically bind the interlayer to the pole, fitting a sleeve around the pole clad with the elastomeric interlayer, filling the clearance between the interlayer and the sleeve with a flowable hardenable composition essentially free from shrink on hardening, and allowing the composition to harden so as to form a solid core mechanically bonded to each of the interlayer and the sleeve. This method therefore provides an assembly of structural components each mechanically bonded one to the next.

Abstract: The method of re-finishing an uneven opened-angle construction joint of a ceiling or the like, includes an inventive kit including a line marking device to impart two straight lines, one at the uneven line of the open angle construction, and the second parallel to the first and at a distance equal to the width of a blade of a trowel of the kit to be used in applying a refinishing material to the ceiling. Then one or more elongated guides of the kit are temporarily attached end-to-end to the ceiling along the second line. After attaching the guides, a refinishing material is applied to the ceiling at the uneven joint, by drawing the trowel blade positioned with one of its corner edges against the marginal edge of the guide and its other corner edge against the open-angle corner.

Abstract: To prevent the corrosion of steel structures or steel reinforcements of buildings the finished steel structure or the embedded reinforcement is treated with the solution of a modified alkali silicate having a Me.sub.2 O:SiO ratio of 1:2 to 1:3.

Abstract: For the repair of near-surface layers of buildings reinforced with constructional steel the corroded constructional steel is laid bare, treated with a solution of a modified alkali silicate with a Me.sub.2 O: SiO.sub.2 ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 and covered with a mortar containing 2 to 6% by weight relative to the amount of cement of a finely composed amorphous silicic acid with at least 90% by weight SiO.sub.2 finely composesd, precipitated, active silicates of magnesium, calcium, barium or aluminum with a BET surface of 50 to 200 m.sup.2 /g and a d.sub.50 % value below 20 .mu.m.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for repair of deteriorated eaveposts on houses having eaveposts. The apparatus consists of an elongated, tubular body with an end cap and a mounting flange. The apparatus slips over the deteriorated eavepost and attaches to the house with conventional fasteners. The body and end cap of the apparatus are textured to resemble the texture of an intact wooden eavepost and the mounting flange is textured to resemble the texture of the exterior wall of the house.

Abstract: For the subsurface reconstruction of buildings reinforced with constructional steel, the damaged concrete is drilled into until behind the corroded reinforcement, a solution of a modified alkali silicate having a Me.sub.2 O:SiO.sub.2 ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 is injected into the drilling hole under pressure and thereafter a cement-water sludge with alkali silicate solution or a mortar mixture is injected under pressure containing 2 to 6% by weight relative to the amount of cement of a finely composed amorphous silicic acid with at least 90% by weight SiO.sub.2 or finely composed, precipitated, active silicates of magnesium, calcium, barium or aluminum with a BET surface of 50 to 200 m.sup.2 /g and a d.sub.5 % value below 20 .mu.m.

Abstract: A door jamp reinforcement plate includes an elongate support plate having an L-shaped cross section with a first side to overlap the inside of a door jamb and a second side to overlap the front of a door jamb, and a plurality of vertically arrayed punch-out tabs located along a length of the first side that may be selectively punched out to facilitate alignment with the striker or bolt of each door lock. The vertically arrayed punch-out tabs allow the door jamb reinforcement plate to be universally adaptable to any door frame with only simple adjustment with conventional home tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device designed to be used in repairing a hole in a wall, door, or other structure. The device includes a male member threaded into a recess in a female member with an umbrella-shaped device mounted on the male member and initially stored within a recess in the female member but released therefrom when the male member is unthreaded from the female member whereupon the umbrella device spreads outwardly to cover or obscure the opening. Break points are formed on the male member to allow the shaft thereof to be broken off after the device is properly positioned.

Abstract: An arrangement to close an unwanted opening in wall is provided wherein the area of the opening when it has been plugged presents a surface which is flush with the face of the wall.The opening closure system provided permits the use of otherwise surplus unusable modular wall panels to be converted to plain panels that are readily integrated into a swimming pool wall structure. The closure plugs are formed so as to have a dual wall thickness; a central portion having an area co-extensive with the area of the opening to be plugged and a peripheral "frame" portion of a lesser thickness which abuts against the back of the panel portion which frames the opening in the panel. Teeth or mounting screw hole filling protuberance may be integrally formed on the peripheral portion of the closure plug to fill screw or fastener holes present in the wall contiguous to the opening which is to be closed.

Abstract: A repair patch kit for repairing holes in panels of composite materials includes a bolt having a rigid washer of about the same diameter as the hole to be repaired. The rigid washer bears against a flexible washer that is substantially larger than the hole. The flexible washer has radiating flukes extending from a central hub region. The flukes can bend when the flexible washer is pushed through the hole and then spring back to their original shape on the blind-side. One edge of the flukes is curved which causes the flukes to twist and present only one edge to the edge of the hole as the flexible washer is pushed through, to facilitate passage of the flexible washer through the hole. A set of resin-impregnated fabric plies is pushed through the hole behind the flexible washer on the bolt and is pressed against the marginal regions of the hole on the blind side of the panel by the flexible washer.

Abstract: A method of covering a wood deck by premolding a fiberglass covering at a remote site and then bonding the premolded fiberglass covering to the wood deck using a flexible exterior mastic bonding agent. A premolded fiberglass covering including a laminated, seamless, premolded fiberglass covering having a decorative upper surface. A combination fiberglass-covered deck and seamless premolded fiberglass covering of gel coat, fiberglass, and cured resin with a flexible bonding material joining the covering to the wood deck.

Abstract: A device for inserting a cork plug into a hole to a pre-determined depth, the hole having a diameter d and having been made in the concrete foundation of a building for termite control purposes, the device including in one embodiment a rod for partial insertion into the hole having a bottom end and a cross-sectional diameter less than d. A pin is mounted on the bottom end of the rod so that a cork plug may be mounted thereto. Depth-setting means having a length greater than d is mounted to said rod for varying the extent to which the rod may be inserted into the hole. In one variation of this embodiment, the rod has a plurality of transverse holes uniformly spaced along its longitudinal axis and the depth-setting means includes a depth-setting pin for removable insertion into one of the transverse holes and a depth-setting cap removably mounted to the depth-setting pin for use in securing the depth-setting pin in the selected transverse hole.

Abstract: A wall or ceiling hole repair method using plastic foam in which the foam, while expanding, is confined to the hole requiring repair so that it expands into gripping contact with the edges bounding the hole, and thus in effect wedges itself in place.

Abstract: A plug for sealing holes in concrete to prevent ingress of water and/or vapor, especially after chemical treatment for termites. The plug has a cylindrical, tapered plug body and a sealing lip flaring outwardly at the top end. The plug is fabricated of plastisol with a durometer in the range 75-80, and includes a mold release (polypropylene clylo) to aid in insertion and a fungicide (10,10,-oxybisthenoxarsine) to prevent growth of mold and algae which compromise the seal.

Abstract: An enclosure constituting a barrier for a buried segment of a pole to prevent leaching of pole preservatives into the ground. Pliable sheet material is formed into a tubular sheath by means of a lengthwise seam. A closure is formed at the lower end of the sheath by folding and a thermal weld. A band at the barrier upper end may be shrunk to close the barrier snugly about the pole.

Abstract: The upper post section of a batting tee is strengthened and/or repaired by a solid plug being positioned in the open upper end and a sleeve initially rolled up is unrolled downwardly and around the post upper end.

Abstract: A waterstop repair method and structure for use in both new and existing concrete structures in which a reinforced neoprene diaphragm is anchored to the concrete structure using corrosion-resistant anchors, fiberglass hold-down strips and polyester felt adhesive strips saturated with epoxy adhesive. The diaphragm is supported by a pressure injected hydrophylic urethane foam which is pumped beneath the diaphragm which thereby provides support for the diaphragm and fills the interstices of the existing concrete joint to prevent water leakage in and around a failed waterstop and to thereby form an integral, water-tight structure for new and existing concrete joints.

Abstract: The covering (20) for repairing worn-out steps has two unitary flanges (21, 22, 25, 29) linked together, and is made of step and scuff resistant plastic. At least the capping (21) comprises at its underside facing the step (10) an insert of press board, which has less specific weight as the plastic (23) of the covering (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for joining or repairing wall or ceiling panels such as sheet rock, gypsum boards, plywood, or other generally planar wall panels. Means are provided for permanently joining the edges of wallboard panels, ceiling panels, or the like at any desired position along the length of the wall frame or ceiling framework independent of framing backup studs or joists. Each embodiment of the invention contemplates the use of a plurality of metallic clips adapted to provide a working union or edgewise mechanical bond between adjacent panel edges, by creating an artificial backing in wall regions having no studs or support columns. A preferred clip comprises a generally planar, elongated body having a pair of parallel of reinforcement grooves, and the whole body is preferably stamped from perforated metal stock. A pair of integral, spaced apart, prong-like spring tab structures are formed on opposite sides of the clip body to grasp the edges of a panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for insitu reinforcement of a section of a wooden pole at a position below the groundline is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a cavity around the pole, mounting an elongated sleeve around the pole to define an annular space with the pole, and filling the space with a reinforcing material. The improved portion of the method includes supporting the sleeve above the groundline while mounting the same around the pole and securing the lower end against radial expansion, lowering the sleeve until it extends over the section to be reinforced, and filling the sleeve with a bonding agent, such as a foaming epoxy resin system, which bonds the sleeve to the pole over the length of the section to be reinforced. Preferably the upper end of the sleeve is contracted and sealed against the pole.

Abstract: A method of converting a conventional grid deck to an exodermic deck is disclosed. The method includes the steps of removing existing concrete if the deck is a filled grid. Tertiary load bearing bars are placed on top of the grating parallel to and between the primary load bearing bars. Shear members are vertically mounted on the tertiary load bearing bars to provide structural integrity. The interstices of the grating are filled to prevent concrete from penetrating the grating. A concrete overlay is poured and cured on the top surface of the grating and the interstice filling is removed.

Abstract: A method is provided for masking a crack in a drywall or plaster surface of a dwelling, comprising the steps of die cutting a repair patch from a heat-shrinkable plastic film of a defined size presenting a surface area adapted to be placed in covering relation over the crack and bounded about its periphery by surrounding edges. The patch is prepared with an adhesive confined to the surrounding edges only and is placed over the crack making an initial attachment to the drywall and heat is applied to the patch, to cause a contraction in size of the patch while exerting a pressure normal in size in the patch.

Abstract: A method of stopping leakage of water in a concrete structure comprising injecting a hydrophilic one component type polyurethane prepolymer or an impregnating agent which is prepared by adding cement to such polyurethane prepolymer into a hermetically sealed chamber formed in a leaking part of the concrete structure, whereby the polyurethane prepolymer foams and cures through reaction with water leaking in the concrete structure and the foamed prepolymer is forced to enter all cracks in the leaking part of the concrete structure by means of foaming pressure and volume expansion caused by the reaction, thereby caulking and hermetically sealing the cracks, and thus restoring the strength and watertightness of the concrete structure.

Abstract: A rod hole plugging system for providing an effective permanent plug within a tie rod hole extending through the thickness of a poured cement wall utilizes a short, low cost plug selected from natural fibre or synthetic foam, which is soaked by a liquid resin coating which is seasonally selectible to meet environmental conditions. The selected plug has a diameter exceeding that of the rod hole to be plugged. The selected group of resins is water-tolerating and impermeable, and may be a high solids polyisocyanate prepolymer that will harden to a polyurethane polymer; or it may be a selected mixture of epoxy resin and hardener. The plug is soaked in the resin, and is then diametrically compressed and inserted within the interior (i.e., inside the foundation of the structure) end of the rod hole being treated. The elastic memory of the plug material causes it to swell and engage the walls of the rod hole, in which condition the liquid resin sets up.

Abstract: A window construction is disclosed wherein a unitary vinyl seal 36, corresponding in shape to the window sash 20 and frame 18, is employed to seal the translucent panes 28, 30, 31, etc., in position. Double-backed adhesive foam tape strips 38, 40, 42, 44, 45, 46, etc., serve to sealingly bond vinyl seal 36, 36a, and 66 to the translucent panes, the associated sash 20 and frame 18 structure. Replacement of broken panes involves cutting around the periphery of the broken pane (FIGS. 6 and 7), removing the cut segment, installing a replacement pane and sealing it in position. The same segment of vinyl seal 36 removed, or a new seal 66 cut or formed to the same dimensions as the segment cut away, is employed to seal the replacement pane 28a in position. Sealing of the new seal (FIG. 7) is accomplished by an essentially triangular strip of adhesive foam tape 68 having adhesive on all surfaces thereof. Similar replacement seals can also be formed from the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.

Abstract: A plasterboard repair kit for use in patching a hole in a plaster wall includes a substantially cube-shaped inflatable member comprised of a flexible but substantially inelastic plastic. The front wall of the inflatable member includes a valved opening therein through which the device can be inflated and an interior retainer extends between the front and rear walls to prevent them from bulging after inflation. In its deflated form, the device is inserted into the cavity behind a hole in a plaster or plasterboard wall and is then inflated utilizing a carbon dioxide cartridge in a holder having a nozzle inserted into the opening. After inflation, the inflated member acts as a seal behind the hole so that the hole can then be filled with plaster or other patch material.