Control Joint and Related Accessories

BACKGROUND

A control joint is a type of framing accessory used in the construction industry, particularly as part of wall assemblies. Traditionally, control joints have been used to “break up” vast expanses of drywall in wall assemblies, which can be prone to cracking. Building codes recommend the use of a control joint in conjunction with a gap in the drywall to allow the whole assembly to flex and move, thus avoiding or at least reducing cracking and the drywall being compromised. Control joints are typically made out of a substantially rigid material, such as a pure zinc alloy or a plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Typically, control joints are fabricated into preformed segments or rigid sticks of a specified length or various lengths having substantial uniformity. For example, conventional control joints are commonly available in 10 foot lengths. FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a conventional control joint 10 and corresponding conventional wall assemblies 20, 30 that include control joint 10.

As shown, control joint 10 includes a pair of flanges 12, 14 attached to and extending from either side of a central portion 16. Central portion 16 is configured to allow control joint 10 to flex. In the illustrated embodiment central portion 16 is v-shaped, although other shapes suitable to provide the desired flexing capability may also be used.

In this embodiment, control joint 10 also includes a removable protective strip 18 positioned over central portion 16. Protective strip 18 may be configured to help prevent material, such as joint compound, paint or other similar materials, from entering central portion 16 during installation of control joint 10. Once control joint 10 is installed, then protective strip 18 may be removed leaving central portion 16 substantially free of material that could impede the performance or aesthetic appearance of control joint 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, control joint 10 is installed as part of wall assembly 20. Specifically, control joint 10 is installed within gap 22 between a pair of adjacent drywall panels 24, 26. Control joint 10 is installed such that central portion 16 is positioned within gap 22 and flanges 12, 14 are positioned against an outer surface 24a, 26a of a respective drywall panel 24, 26. Control joint 10 may be attached to drywall panels 24, 26 via adhesive, fasteners or any other suitable means or methods known in the industry. After installation, flanges 12, 14 may be coated with a finishing material 5, such as joint compound and/or paint, such that finishing material 5 suitably covers raised feature 15 extending from flanges 12, 14. The openings in each of the respective flanges 12, 14 may facilitate application of the finishing material.

FIG. 3 depicts another illustrative wall assembly 30 that includes a pair of control joints 10 installed on either side of wall assembly 30 within a respective gap 32 between respective pairs of drywall panels 34, 36. Wall assembly 30 also includes a pair of vertical metal studs 38.

While a variety of control joints have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used an invention as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a prior art control joint;

FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view of an illustrative wall assembly that includes the control joint of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of another illustrative wall assembly that includes the control joint of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative control joint;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a pre-rolled control joint assembly including a central roll tube and a strip of pre-rolled control joint material that may be used to form the control joint of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of the pre-rolled control joint assembly of FIG. 5 housed within a container having a folding plate;

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of the pre-rolled control joint assembly of FIG. 5 housed within the container of FIG. 6A, with the folding plate initially folding the control joint along a plurality of manufactured crease lines;

FIG. 7A depicts a front plan view of control joint material in a flattened configuration;

FIG. 7B depicts a front plan view of the control joint material in a folded configuration to form the control joint of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 depicts a top plan view of the control joint of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 depicts a top plan view of an alternative control joint;

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative wedge that may be used during the installation of the control joint of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative clean out tool that may be used during the installation of the control joint of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a control joint installation tool;

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of another control joint installation tool;

FIG. 14A depicts a perspective view of a user pulling an end of the pre-rolled control joint assembly to unroll a selected length of control joint material;

FIG. 14B depicts a perspective view of a selected segment of the control joint material being separated from the rest of the pre-rolled control joint assembly;

FIG. 14C depicts a perspective view of the selected segment of control joint material in FIG. 14B being initially folded along a plurality of manufactured crease lines;

FIG. 14D depicts a perspective view of the selected segment of control joint material in FIG. 14B being further folded along the plurality of manufactured crease lines of FIG. 14C;

FIG. 14E depicts a perspective view of a first end of the selected segment of control joint material being shaped into a control joint after the manufactured crease lines of FIG. 14C have been folded;

FIG. 14F depicts a perspective view of a central portion of the control joint of FIG. 14E being inserted within a gap defined by two pieces of drywall;

FIG. 14G depicts a perspective view of the central portion of FIG. 14F inserted within the gap of FIG. 14F, where a pair of flanges of the control joint are positioned against outer surfaces of the two pieces of drywall, where the foam wedge of FIG. 10 is being inserted within the gap;

FIG. 14H depicts a perspective view of the control joint of FIG. 14E and the foam wedge of FIG. 10 being covered with a finishing material;

FIG. 14I depicts a perspective view of the foam wedge of FIG. 10 being removed from the installed control joint of FIG. 14E after the finishing material of FIG. 14H has been applied to the outer surfaces of the two pieces of drywall;

FIG. 15A depicts a perspective view of the control joint of FIG. 14F positioned within the wall assembly and the control joint installation tool of FIG. 12 being used to install the control joint;

FIG. 15B depicts a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 15A wherein the control joint installation tool has been moved along the control joint to facilitate installation thereof;

FIG. 16 depicts a cross-sectional view of the installation tool of FIG. 12 engaged with the control joint and two pieces of drywall of FIG. 14F; and

FIG. 17 depicts cross-sectional view of the installation tool of FIG. 13 engaged with the control joint and two pieces of drywall of FIG. 14F.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

As mentioned above, control joints 10 are typically fabricated into preformed segments of specified lengths having substantial uniformity. In some instances, the preformed length of control joints 10 do not suitably match the length of gap 22 defined by drywall panels 24, 26. Therefore, in some instances, a worker may have to use multiple control joints 10 aligned in an end-to end fashion in order to suitably fill the length of gap 22 defined by drywall panels 24, 26. In such instances where two segments of control joints 10 are used to fill one gap 22, one end 11 of a control joint 10 may have to abut against another end 11 of the second control joint 10, thereby creating an undesirable butt joint. Such a butt joint may create an undesirable aesthetic, or even allow for the formation of a small opening within gap 22 between ends 11 of control joints 10. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a control joint 10 that may be formed of any suitable length in the field (i.e., the construction site where control joint 110 is being installed).

Additionally, control joints 10 are typically fabricated from a rigid stick material, such as PVC or zinc alloy, such that control joints 10 must be transported and stored in the same general shape (i.e. a linear segment) as when installed in the field. If control joints 10 formed from rigid stick material are bent prior to being installed, such control joints 10 may become unusable. Such rigid stick material control joints 10 may take up unnecessary workspace prior to their installation. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a control joint 10 that is compactly stored prior to being installed, to thereby reduce the amount of clutter in the field and/or facilitate shipment of the control joint 10.

Additionally, control joint 10 may include a raised feature 15 extending from flanges 12, 14, such as a notch or lip, such that a suitable amount of finishing material 5 must be applied in order to cover such raised features 15. This can result in an undesirable bump in the finished wall surface. Therefore, in some instances, it may be desirable to reduce the amount of finishing material 5 required and/or eliminate that bump by eliminating raised features 15.

FIGS. 4, 7B, and 8 show an illustrative control joint 110 while FIG. 5-6B shows a pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 that may be utilized to form a control joint 110 of any suitable length as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Control joint 110 may be substantially similar to control joint 10 described above, with differences elaborated below. In particular, as will be described in greater detail below, control joint 110 may be formed from material provided by pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 such that control joint 110 may be created with a custom length in the field; and such that control joint 110 may be compactly shipped and stored prior to being installed. Additionally, as will also be described in greater detail below, control joint 110 may require less amount of finishing material 5 during installation as compared to control joint 10 described above.

Control joint 110 includes a pair of flanges 112, 114 attached to, and extending in the lateral direction (Y) from central portion 116. Once control joint 110 is formed and ready for installation in accordance with the description herein, flanges 112, 114 are substantially positioned within a common plane in the lateral direction (Y). In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, flanges 112, 114 are substantially planar such that they do not include any type of raised feature extending in the longitudinal direction (X) or vertical direction (Z). Therefore, during installation of control joint 110, less finishing material 5 may be required in order to suitably cover control joint 110, as compared to previous control joints 10 with raised features 15. Flanges 112, 114 each define a plurality of apertures 115, which in the illustrated embodiment have a substantially circular profile. It should be understood that apertures 115 may be optional, such that apertures 115 may be entirely omitted.

The particular number, profile, shape, size and arrangement of apertures 115 may also vary depending on the application. FIG. 9 shows an alternative illustrative control joint 110′ that is substantially similar to control joint 110 described above, with differences elaborated herein. In particular, control joint 110′ has flanges 112′, 114′ that are substantially similar to flanges 112, 114 described herein; except, rather than having apertures with a substantially circular profile, flanges 112′, 114′ define apertures 115′ with a substantially oval profile. Apertures 115, 115′ may have a rectangular profile, triangular profile, star-like profile, or any other suitable profile as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Similar to central portion 16, central portion 116 is also configured to allow control joint 110 to flex after installation in accordance with the description herein. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 7B, central portion 116 includes a first member 130 and a second member 132. As shown, members 130, 132 each comprise a respective wall that forms a portion of central portion 116. In the illustrated embodiment, after control joint 110 is formed first member 130 and second member 132 are slanted, each diverging away from a respective flange 112, 114 at a respective lateral crease 134, 136 and converging at a central crease 138.

As shown in FIG. 7B, flanges 112, 114 and members 130, 132 define an angle (A1) when control joint 110 is formed by bending flanges 112, 114 relative to respective members 130, 132 along first and second lateral crease 134, 136. In the current example, angle (A1) is greater than 90 degrees. Additionally, first and second members 130, 132 converge at central crease 138 in order to define angle (A2) between first and second members 130, 132. First and second members 130, 132 may be bent relative to each other at central crease (138) to define angle (A2). In the current example, angle (A2) is smaller than 90 degrees. With angle (A2) being smaller than 90 degrees, it may be desirable for central crease 138 to have a wider profile in the lateral direction (Y), while also having more of a curved profile (as shown from the view in FIG. 7B). This wider and more curved profile of central crease 138 may help prevent undesirable cracking or other structural damage to central portion 116 while central portion 116 flexes after installation in accordance with the description herein. Members 130, 132 and creases 134, 136, 138 may together form any shape (when viewed from the perspective shown in FIG. 7B) suitable to allow central portion 116 to flex after installation as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, central portion 116 may form a U-shape with curves, a U-shape with sides forming 90-degree angles, side(s) with undulating surfaces, etc.

In some embodiments, flanges 112, 114 each may be a length in the lateral direction (Y) of about ¾ of an inch to about 2 and ¼ inches, or preferably from about 1 inch to about 2 inches. In some embodiments, central portion 116 may have a length in the lateral direction (Y) (i.e. the lateral distance between creases 134, 136) of about ⅛ of an inch to about ½ of an inch, or preferably about 3/16 of an inch. In some instances, central crease (138) may be spaced apart from flanges 112, 114 along the vertical direction (Z) a depth of about ½ of an inch. In some embodiments, the overall length of control joint 110 in the lateral direction (Y) (i.e., from the outer edge of flange 112 to the outer edge of flange 114) may be about 3 inches to about 4 inches. However, it should be understood that any suitable dimensions may be used as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

As mentioned above, and as will be described in greater detail below, control joint 110 is formed from pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 shown in FIG. 5. Pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 includes a continuous strip of pre-rolled control joint material 104 wrapped around a central roll tube 102. In some illustrative examples, pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 is still in roll form, but central roll tube 102 is omitted from pre-rolled control joint assembly 100. Since pre-rolled control joint material 104 is a continuous strip, a user, such as an installer, may select the length of material 104 to use that corresponds with the length of gap 22, thereby preventing any type of butt joint formation. In other words, the length of control joint in the longitudinal direction (X) is customizable up to the entire length of control joint material 104.

Pre-rolled control joint material 104 is sufficiently pliable in order to be wrapped around central roll tube 102 in some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, thereby allowing compact and easy storage of pre-rolled control joint assembly 100. In examples where central roll tube 102 is omitted, pre-rolled control joint material 104 is sufficiently pliable to be wrapped around itself to form the general roll-form configuration shown in FIG. 5, thereby allowing for compact and easy storage. While pre-rolled control joint material 104 is suitably pliable to be rolled into the position shown in FIG. 5, pre-rolled control joint material 104 also possesses sufficient structural integrity to function as a control joint 110 once formed and installed in the field in accordance with the description herein. Therefore, control joint 110 is capable of allowing adjacent drywall panels 24, 26 of a wall assembly to move relative to each other after installation to avoid or at least reduce cracking in drywall panels 24, 26. In some embodiments, the control joint material 104 may be dimensioned such that the flanges 112, 114 of control joint 110 are about 0.016 inches to about 0.027 inches thick.

Pre-rolled control joint material 104 may be formed from any suitable material as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For instance, pre-rolled control joint material 104 may be formed from the same or similar material as Strait-Flex®, manufactured and sold by Clark western Dietrich Buildings Systems LLC. For example, pre-rolled control joint material 104 may be formed from the same or similar material as the wall board tape described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,418,027, issued on May 23, 1995 to John S. Conboy, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In other non-limiting examples, pre-rolled control joint material 104 may be formed from PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, other suitable plastics, or any combination of suitable plastics. Yet in another non-limiting example, control joint material 104 may be formed of a metal material, which may include one or more hinges to facilitate formation of central portion 120. Additionally, pre-rolled control joint material 104 may include any suitable length to be wrapped around itself and/or central roll tube 102 as would be apparent by one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For instance, pre-rolled control joint material 104 may be between about 25 feet to about 500 feet long, and, in some embodiments, about 100 feet long.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7A, pre-rolled control joint material 104 includes flanges 112, 114, which are connected by pre-shaped, flattened, central portion 120. As will be described in greater detail below, flattened central portion 120 (see FIG. 7A) may be folded in order to form central portion 116 (see FIG. 7B) of control joint 110 for installation in the field.

Flattened central portion 120 still includes first and second members 130, 132, except first and second members 130, 132 are substantially coplanar with flanges 112, 114 in the lateral direction (Y). In other words, while in the pre-rolled configuration as shown in FIG. 5, corresponding portions of first and second members 130, 132 do not extend away from the portion of flanges 112, 114 aligned in the longitudinal direction (X) at any meaningful depth (Z). Also in other words, first and second members 130, 132 are positioned within a common plane with flanges 112, 116 such that angles (A1, A2) are substantially 180 degrees when pre-rolled control joint material 104 is initially rolled off pre-rolled control joint assembly 100.

In this flattened configuration, flanges 112, 114 are connected to respective members 130, 132 via a manufactured lateral crease line 122, 124; while first and second members 130, 132 are connected with each other via a manufactured central crease line 126. Manufactured crease lines 122, 124, 126 extend along the longitudinal direction (X) of the material 104. Manufactured crease lines 122, 124, 126 are configured to more easily flex/bend as compared to flanges 112, 114 and members 130, 132. Accordingly, manufactured crease lines 122, 124, 126 provide a guided path for an end-user, in the field, to bend and shape flattened central portion 120 (see FIGS. 5, 6A, and 7A) into formed central portion (116) (see FIGS. 4, 6B, and 7B). It should be understood that manufactured crease lines 122, 124, 126 are formed in the factory during the manufacturing process, prior to pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 being shipped to the field. Manufactured crease lines 122, 124, 126 may be formed using any suitable technique as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, including but not limited to utilizing a creasing mechanism configured to form manufactured crease lines 122, 124, 126 as control joint material 104 is fed from a master roll into the pre-rolled control joint assembly 100. As will be described in greater detail below, various tools may be utilized by a user to fold flattened central portion 120 into central portion 116.

FIGS. 6A-6B show a storage and feed container 170 that may house pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 prior to illustrative use in accordance with the description herein, and also allow pre-rolled control joint material 104 to be selectively removed from storage and feed container 170. Additionally, as will be described in greater detail below, storage and feed container 170 includes a folding plate 176 configured to initially fold and shape flattened central portion 120 into central portion 116 as a user pulls a predetermined length of control joint material 104 from container 170.

Container 170 includes a body 172 defining a hollow interior 174. Hollow interior 174 is suitably dimensioned to house pre-rolled control joint assembly 100. In particular, hollow interior 174 is sufficiently large enough to allow pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 to rotate within body 172 in order to feed pre-rolled control material 104 out of opening 188 in accordance with the description herein. In some examples, an interior surface of container 170 defining hollow interior 174 may include a recess that houses a portion of pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 (such as central roll tube 102 extending laterally away from pre-rolled control joint material 104), thereby rotatably supporting pre-rolled control joint assembly 100. In some examples, pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 is freely housed within hollow interior 174.

Container 170 also includes a folding plate 176 associated with a surface 175 of body 172. Folding plate 176 extends along a perimeter 178 defining an opening 188. Opening 188 is in communication with an exterior of container 170 and hollower interior 174. Opening 188 is suitably dimensioned to allow a user to pull a desired amount of pre-rolled control joint material 104 from pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 out of hollow interior 174 via opening 188, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B.

In the illustrated embodiment, folding plate 176 also includes folding guide protrusion 180 extending inwardly from other portions of folding plate 176 defining opening 188. Folding guide protrusion 180 has a profile that is complementary relative to the desired geometry of central portion 116 such that folding guide protrusion 180 may abut against adjacent sections of flattened central portion 120 in order to initially fold flattened central portion 120 (see FIG. 6A) into central portion 116 (see FIG. 6B). Therefore, folding guide protrusion 180 in the current example includes a pair of lateral folding junctures 182, 184 and a central folding juncture 186.

Lateral folding junctures 182, 184 abut against adjacent sections of lateral creases 134, 136 as pre-rolled control join material 104 is pulled out of opening 188; while central folding juncture 186 abuts against adjacent sections of central crease 138 as pre-rolled control joint material 104 is pulled out of opening 188. Additionally, surfaces of folding guide protrusion 180 that extend between central folding juncture 186 and respective lateral folding junctures 182, 184 may abut against first and second member 130, 132, respectively, thereby further promoting formation of central portion 116 as shown in FIG. 6B. Therefore, folding plate 176 is configured to initially fold and shape flattened central portion 120 into formed central portion 116 as a user pulls a predetermined length of control joint material 104 from container 170.

During one illustrative use, as a user pulls a desired amount of pre-rolled control joint material 104 out of container 170 in accordance with the description herein, the user may encourage engagement between folding guide protrusion 180 and flattened central portion 120 by forcing flattened central portion 120 against folding guide protrusion 180; thereby further promoting formation of central portion 116. In another example, opening 188 and protrusion 180 may be suitably dimensioned to fold flattened central portion 120 just by a user pulling pre-rolled control joint material 104 out of container 170.

Body 172 and folding plate 176 may be formed of any suitable material and/or combination of materials as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. In some instances, body 172 is formed of a cardboard material, while folding plate 176 is formed of a plastic and/or metallic material. In some instances, body 172 and folding plate 176 are formed of the same material and/or combination of materials; while in other instances, body 172 and folding plate 176 are formed of different materials.

Folding plate 176 and folding guide protrusion 180 may have any suitable geometry as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, in instances where central portion 116 forms a V-shape, folding guide protrusion 180 may have a complementary V-shape, and in instances where central portion 116 forms a U-shape, folding guide protrusion 180 may have a complementary U-shape. In some instances, folding plate 176 is entirely omitted, such that container 170 merely defines an opening 188 suitable to feed a desired amount of pre-rolled control joint material 104 out of container 170. As shown, folding plate 176 is oriented such that folding guide protrusion 180 extends from an upper edge of opening 188. In other embodiments, the orientation of folding plate 176 may be reversed such that folding guide protrusion extends from a lower edge of opening 188. In such embodiments, the orientation of pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 may also be reversed.

FIG. 10 shows a wedge 150 that may be used in conjunction with pre-rolled control joint assembly 100. As will be described in greater detail below, wedge 150 may be used during the installation process in order to prevent finishing material 5 from entering gap 22 and central portion 116, while also helping form and maintain the shape of central portion 116 within gap 22 during installation.

Wedge 150 comprises a shape that is complementary to that of central portion 116. Wedge 150 includes a pair of complementary side faces 152 dimensioned to abut against respective inner surfaces of members 130, 132 while central portion 116 is within gap 22. Side faces 152 converge at a complementary central tip 154. In some instances, central tip 154 may be configured to abut against central crease 138 when wedge 150 is positioned within recess 135 of central portion 116 in accordance with the description herein. In other instances, central tip 154 may be dimensioned to remain spaced apart from central crease 138 when wedge 150 is positioned within recess 135 of central portion 116 in accordance with the description herein.

Wedge 150 is dimensioned to fit within the recess 135 defined by central portion 116 such that wedge 150 may temporarily rest within central portion 116 between the interior surfaces of members 130, 132. In other words, wedge 150 may be configured to interact with central portion 116 such that contact between wedge 150 and central portion 116 allows wedge 150 to be releasably engaged with central portion 116, thereby preventing wedge 150 from falling out of the recess 135 defined by central portion 116. In some instances, wedge 150 may have an adhesive used to promote such releasable engagement of wedge 150 within central portion 116; while also allowing wedge 150 to be easily removed in accordance with the teachings herein. In other instance, wedge may be configured to engage with central portion 116 for releasable engagement via a friction fit. Wedge 150 may also be shaped and dimensioned to facilitate formation of central portion 116 into the desired shape by providing a gauge to set the width and depth of the recess 135 of central portion 116.

Wedge 150 includes a length 156. Length 156 may correspond with the length of pre-rolled control joint material 104. Therefore, wedge 150 may be cut into segments of lengths that correspond to the lengths control joint material 104 is cut in order to from control joints 110. In some instances, wedge 150 may come pre-rolled and housed within hollow interior 174 of container 170 adjacent to pre-rolled control joint material 104. In such instances, opening 188 and folding guide protrusion 180 may be configured to receive and guide wedge 150 such that wedge 150 is pulled out of opening 188 simultaneously with corresponding portions of control joint material 104. Additionally, wedge 150 may be pulled out of opening 188 simultaneously with control joint material 104 such that wedge 150 is suitably positioned within recess 135 defined by central portion 116 once control joint material 104 and wedge 150 are pulled out of container 170 in accordance with the description herein. In other instances wedge 150 and control joint material 104 may be housed within container 170 such that they can be removed from container 170 separately.

Wedge 150 may be formed of any suitable material as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, wedge 150 may be a foam material, including but not limited to open cell foam, closed cell foam, or combinations thereof. As other examples, wedge 150 may be a paper material or a plastic material, including but not limited to PVC.

In some instances, a protective tape material may come preinstalled on flattened central portion 120 and may protect central portion 116 during the installation process. Once control joint 110 is suitably installed in accordance with the teachings herein, the tape material may be peeled off of members 130, 132, thereby leaving a clean finish on central portion 116. The protective tape material may be peelable from members 130, 132 such that the protective tape material may be pulled off without undesirably disturbing the desired structural geometry of central portion 116 after being suitably installed. Tape material may be attached to members 130, 132 of central portion using adhesive or any other suitable technique as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teaching herein. In some instances, a pressure-sensitive adhesive may allow tape to associate with central portion 120 and then be selectively peeled from members 130, 132. In other instances, such a protective tape material may utilize a static friction engagement to attach with central portion 120 and then be controllably peeled from members 130, 132.

FIG. 11 shows a wedge-shaped cleanout tool 160 that may be used in addition to, or in the alternative to, wedge 150. Wedge-shaped cleanout tool 160 includes a handle and a wedge which includes complementary side faces 162 and complementary central tip 164. Similar to wedge 150, the wedge portion of cleanout tool 160 may comprise a shape that is complementary to the shape of central portion 116. Side faces 162 and central tip 164 may be dimensioned to abut against the inner surfaces of members 130, 132 and central crease 138, respectively. Therefore, after installation of control joint 110, a user may run side faces 162 and central tip 164 within the recess 135 defined by central portion 116 in order to clean out any finishing material 5 that may have accumulated within central portion 116 during installation. Additionally, or alternatively, wedge-shaped tool 160 may be utilized to promote formation of the desired geometry of central portion 116. For example, a user may run side faces 162 and central tip 164 within the recess 135 defined by central portion 116 such that contact between faces 162 and/or tip 164 with corresponding surfaces of central portion 116 urges central portion 116 to take on the desired geometry/angle for central portion 116.

FIG. 12 shows a control joint installation tool 200 that may be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, wedge 150 and/or cleanout tool 160 described above. As will be described in greater detail below, control joint installation tool 200 is configured to be rolled on top of a control joint 110 suitably engaged with drywall panels 24, 26 in order to do one or more of the following: (i) help set the desired geometry desired for central portion 116; (ii) help remove any finishing material 5 and/or debris on members 130, 132 or within the recess 135 defined by central portion 116, and (iii) help ensure there is a suitable amount of joint compound associated with both flanges 112, 114 and outer surfaces 24a, 26a of drywall panels 24, 26.

Joint installation tool 200 includes an elongated base 202, a handle receiver 204, a central portion engagement body 206, and a plurality of guide rollers 220 extending laterally from central portion engagement body 206. Handle receiver 204 is suitably attached to elongated base 202 to allow a user to control joint installation tool 200 in accordance with the description herein via handle receiver 204 and/or elongated base 202. Handle receiver 204 comprises a receptable configured to selectively couple with a handle, such as an extension pole, by receiving a portion of the handle within the receptacle. Handle receiver 204 may attach to a suitable handle utilizing any suitable structures as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, handle receiver 204 may include complementary threading, snap fit features, etc. that are dimensioned to attach to corresponding coupling features of an extension pole. In the current example, handle receiver 204 is pivotally attached to elongated base 202 such that handle receiver 204 pivots relative to elongated base 202 about pivot axis (PA). Allowing handle receiver 204 to pivot about pivot axis (PA) may allow a user to maintain a suitable grip with handle receiver 204 as joint installation tool 200 is translated longitudinally along the length of control joint 100 associated with drywall panels 24, 26 in accordance with the description herein. In some instances, handle receiver 204 may be configured to selectively lock into a desired pivotal position relative to elongated body 202 about pivot axis (PA). In still other embodiments, handle receiver 204 may be fixed relative to elongated body 202. Handle receiver 204 may be attached to elongated body 202 using any suitable means as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Guide rollers 220 are configured to roll along outer surfaces 24a, 26a of drywall panels 24, 26 as control joint installation tool 200 is rolled on top of a control joint 110 and drywall panels 24, 26 in accordance with the description herein. In some instances, guide rollers 220 are rotatably coupled to central portion engagement body 206 such that rollers 220 may rotate about their own axis relative to central portion engagement body 206. Guide rollers 220 may be rotatably coupled to central portion engagement body 206 utilizing any suitable components as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Each guide roller 220 includes an outer lateral surface 222, an inner lateral surface 224, and a tapered section 226 connecting outer and inner lateral surfaces 222, 224. Outer lateral surface 222 is spaced further away from central portion engagement body 206 relative to inner lateral surface 224. Each surface 222, 224, 226 extends circumferentially to form guide roller 220. As shown, outer lateral surface 222 has a larger circumference than inner lateral surface 224. Outer lateral surface 222 is configured to directly engage at least one of outer surface 24a, 26a of a respective drywall panel 24, 26, finishing material 5, and excess joint compound spreading away from terminating edges of flanges 112, 114. As will be described in greater detail below, the vertical spacing between outer lateral surface 222 and a tip 214 of wedge 208 is dimensioned to allow a user to roll outer lateral surfaces 222 against drywall panels 24, 26 with wedge 208 being suitably positioned within the recess 135 defined by central portion 116.

While outer lateral surface 222 is directly engaged with suitable components of the wall assembly described above, inner lateral surface 224 is configured to remain spaced away from, yet directly above, an upper surface of a respective flange 112, 114 attached to outer surface 24a, 26a of drywall panel 24, 26. In particular, as shown in FIG. 16, inner lateral surface 224 and a top surface of a respective flange 112, 114 define a gap (G) while outer lateral surface 222 of guide roller 220 is directly in contact with suitable components of the wall assembly (e.g., outer surface 24a, 26a of drywall panel 24, 26 shown in FIG. 16).

During installation of control joint 110, joint compound may be applied to the outer surfaces 24a, 26a of drywall panels 24, 26 and then control joint 110 may be attached to drywall panels 24, 26 such that the joint compound is between flanges 112, 114 and the respective outer surface 24a, 26a of drywall panels 24, 26.

The gap (G) provided by inner lateral surface 224 and flanges 112, 114 may inhibit a user from inadvertently squeezing joint compound from between flanges 112, 114 and drywall panels 24, 26. For example, if a user presses guide rollers 220 against drywall panels 24, 26, with too much force, and gap (G) is not present, contact between guide rollers 220 and flanges 112, 114 may squeeze and spread joint compound away from terminating edges of flanges 112, 114; which may prevent joint compound from securing flanges 112, 114 with drywall panels 24, 26. Therefore, with gap (G) present, even if a user presses guide rollers 220 against drywall panels 24, 26 with too much force, gap (G) ensures a suitable amount of joint compound remains interposed between drywall panels 24, 26 and flanges 112, 114.

Turning back to FIG. 12, central portion engagement body 206 extends from elongated body 202 in a direction facing away from handle receiver 204. Central portion engagement body 206 includes a wedge 208 that extends longitudinally and terminates at each longitudinal end into a tapered or convexly curved end 210. Wedge 208 is dimensioned to be positioned within recess 135 of central portion 116 while guide rollers 220 are suitably engaged with drywall panels 24, 26. In particular, wedge 208 may be inserted into recess 135 of central portion 116 and then translated along the length of control joint 110. Wedge 208 is configured to remain suitably contained within central portion 116 while translating along the longitudinal length of control joint 110.

Terminating ends 210 of wedge 208 are suitably tapered and/or bowed convexly such that during actuation of wedge 208 within central portion 116, the terminating ends 210 of wedge 208 are inhibited from accidentally snagging, ripping, abrasively contacting, and/or undesirably damaging central portion 116. Therefore, terminating ends 210 allow for wedge 208 to initiate smooth engagement with adjacent sections of central portion 116 as wedge 208 is translated along the length of control joint 110 within the confines of central portion 116.

As shown in FIG. 16, wedge 208 includes a pair of side faces 212 each terminating into a central tip 214. Side faces 212 are dimensioned to abut against respective inner surfaces of members 130, 132 while central portion 116 is within gap 22. Side faces 212 converge at central tip 214. In some instances, central tip 214 may be configured to abut against central crease 138 during the use of joint installation tool 200 in accordance with the description herein. In other instances, central tip 214 may be dimensioned to remain spaced apart from central crease 138 during use of joint installation tool 200 in accordance with the description herein.

Wedge 208 is formed of a suitably rigid material such that engagement between side faces 212 and inner surface of members 130, 132 may help form the desired geometry of central portion 116. Therefore, as a user translates wedge 208 along the length of central portion 116, contact between side faces 212 and the respective inner surface of members 130, 132 may help further bend or flex respective sections of central portion 116 into its desired geometry. Further, in instances where central tip 214 is dimensioned to abut against central crease 138, engagement between central tip 214 and central crease 138 may help form the desired geometry of central portion 116. The gap (G) provided by inner lateral surface 224 and flanges 112, 114 allows flanges 112, 114 to move relative to outer surfaces 24a, 26a of drywall panels 24, 26 as wedge 208 translates along the length of central portion 116 to bend respective sections of central portion 116. The movement between flanges 112, 114 and drywall panels 24, 26 allows wedge 208 to bend central portion 116 without damaging control joint 110. If gap (G) was not present, and inner lateral surfaces 224 of rollers 220 were to directly engage flanges 112, 114 with too much compressive force against drywall panels 24, 26 as wedge 208 bends central portion 116, flanges 112, 114 may be undesirably restricted from moving relative drywall panels 24, 26 which could cause control joint to rip or tear as central portion 116 bends.

Engagement between side faces 212 and inner surface of members 130, 132 while wedge 208 translates within central portion 116 may also help clean out and remove any finishing material 5 or other debris that may have undesirably accumulated within central portion 116 during installation. Further, in instances where central tip 214 is dimensioned to abut against central crease 138, engagement between central tip 214 and central crease 138 may help clean out and remove any finishing material 5 or other debris that may have undesirably accumulated within central portion 116 during installation.

FIG. 13 shows another illustrative joint installation tool 250 that may be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, wedge 150, cleanout tool 160, and/or joint installation tool 200 described above. Joint installation tool 250 is substantially similar to joint installation tool 200 described above, with differences elaborated herein. As shown, joint installation tool 250 includes elongated body 202, handle receiver 204, and guide rollers 220. However, rather than having a central portion engagement body 206 that comprises a wedge 208, joint installation tool 250 includes central portion engagement body that comprises two yokes 252 extending away from elongated body 202 in a direction away from handle receiver 204, and a rolling profile setter 254 associated with each respective yoke 252.

A pair of guide rollers 220 extends laterally from each yoke 252. Guide rollers 220 are configured to be utilized with joint installation tool 250 in a substantially similar manner as guide rollers 220 are used in joint installation tool 200 described herein.

Each of the rolling profile setters 254 are rotatably coupled to a respective yoke 252. As shown, rolling profile setters 254 are discs and are dimensioned with a suitable circumference to be inserted within recess 135 of central portion 116 while guide rollers 220 are engaged with drywall panels 24, 26. In particular, as shown in FIG. 17, rolling profile setters 254 may be inserted into recess 135 of central portion 116 and then translated along the length of control joint 110. Rolling profile setters 254 are configured to remain suitably positioned within central portion 116 while translating along the length of control joint 110 such that rolling profile setters 254 rotate relative to their respective yoke 252.

Engagement between central portion 116 and rolling profile setters 254, as joint installation tool 250 is translated along the length of control joint 110, may rotate rolling profile setters 254 relative to their respective yoke 252. The disc shape of rolling profile setters 254 and the rotation of rolling profile setters 252 relative to yokes 252 may inhibit edge setters 254 from accidentally snagging, ripping, abrasively contacting, and/or undesirably damaging central portion 116 as joint installation tool 250 is translated along the length of control joint 110. Therefore, rolling profile setters 254 allow for joint installation tool 250 to initiate smooth engagement with adjacent sections of central portion 116 as rolling profile setter 254 is translated along the length of control joint 110 within the confines of central portion 116.

Turning to FIG. 17, a circumferential edge of rolling profile setter 254 is dimensioned to suitably engage central crease 138 while positioned within central portion 116 in accordance with the description herein. Engagement between the circumferential edge of rolling profile setter 254 and central crease 138 promotes formation of the desired geometry of central portion 116. In some instances, side surfaces of rolling profile setter 254 are dimensioned to abut against interior surfaces of members 130, 132; which may further promote formation of the desired geometry of central portion 116.

Engagement between the circumferential edge of rolling profile setter 254 may also help clean out and remove any finishing material 5 or other debris that may have undesirably accumulated within central portion 116 during installation. Further, in instances where side surfaces of rolling profile setter 254 are dimensioned to abut against interior surface of members 130, 132, such engagement may also help clean out and remove any finishing material 5 or other debris that may have undesirably accumulated within central portion 116 during installation.

FIGS. 14A-14I show an illustrative use of pre-rolled control joint material 104 being used to form a custom length control joint 110 that is then installed within a gap 22 between two pieces of drywall 24, 26. First, as shown in FIG. 14A, a user may unroll a predetermined length of control joint material 104. The chosen length of control joint material 104 may correspond to the length of a gap 22 between two pieces of drywall 24, 26. Next, as shown in FIG. 14B, with the chosen length of control joint material 104 unrolled, the user may then cut the piece of control joint material 104 off of the continuous roll 100 thereby initially creating a custom length control joint 110. While not shown, it should be understood that the user may then cut a corresponding length of wedge 150 that may be provided with pre-rolled control joint assembly 100. This cut wedge 150 may be used for installation purposes as will be described in greater detail below.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 14C-D, the user may start to fold manufactured crease lines 122, 124, 126 such that flattened central portion 120 starts to form into central portion 116 described above; while FIG. 14E shows control joint 110 after the user has completely folded manufactured crease lines 122, 124, 126. In other words, the user may fold joint material 104 such that manufactured crease lines 122, 124, 126 turn into creases 134, 136, 138 capable of allowing central portion 116 to suitably maintain its profile without returning to the profile of flattened central portion 120. A user may use their hands to fold flattened central portion 120 into the desired shape of central portion 116, or they may use any suitable tool as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, a modified STRAITFLEX Flex-Folder, as manufactured by Clarkwestern Dietrich Building Systems LLC, may be used to convert manufactured crease lines 122, 124, 126 into corresponding creases 134, 136, 138.

While not shown, in instances where pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 is housed within container 170, it should be understood that a user may pull control joint material 104 from opening 188 to choose to length of control joint material 104 and at least partially, or fully, fold flattened central portion 120 into central portion 116 utilizing folding plate 176 in accordance with the description herein.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 14E-G, with crease lines 134, 136, 138 formed, user may adjust the positioning of flanges 112, 114 and members 130, 132 to form the desired profile of control joint 110 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7B. Next, as shown in FIG. 14F, the user may place central portion 116 within a gap 22 defined by drywall panels 24, 26 such that flanges 112, 114 are in contact with respective outer surfaces 24a, 26a. When control joint 110 is in the position shown in FIG. 14G, control joint 110 may be secured to drywall panels 24, 26 with joint compound, fasteners, pressure sensitive adhesive, water activated adhesive, or any other suitable device or method known in the art.

For example, in some embodiments, joint compound may be placed on outer surfaces 24a, 26a of drywall panels 24, 26 prior to installing control joint 110, such that when central portion 116 is positioned within gap 22 the joint compound may secure flanges 112, 114 to drywall panels 24, 26. In some embodiments, control joint 110 may include an adhesive, including but not limited to a water-activated adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive, on the bottom surface of one or both flanges 112, 114 and that adhesive may be activated during installation in order to secure flanges 112, 114 to drywall panels 24, 26. Although not required, some embodiments may utilize a combination of two or more of joint compound, fasteners, and adhesive to secure control joint 110 to drywall panels 24, 26.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14H, the cut piece of wedge 150 having a corresponding length to newly formed control joint 110 may be inserted within recess 135 defined by central portion 116. Wedge 150 may temporarily engage with control joint 100 in accordance with the description herein. With wedge 150 in place as shown in FIG. 14H, finishing material 5 may be applied to the surfaces of drywall panels 24, 26 and control joint 110. After finishing material 5 is suitably applied, wedge 150 may be removed, thereby leaving a clean finish as shown in FIG. 14I (e.g., recess 135 defined by central portion 116 is free of finishing material 5).

Additionally, or in the alternative to wedge 150, clean out tool 160, and/or control joint installation tool 200, 250 may be used to clean out any undesirable material accumulated within recess 135 of central portion 116 and ensure the desired geometry of central portion 116 is formed. FIGS. 15A-15B show an exemplary use of control joint installation tool 200 to clean out any undesirable material accumulated within recess 145 of central portion 116 and to ensure the desired geometry of central portion 116 is formed. Control joint installation tool 200 may be utilized once control joint 110 is initially positioned within gap 22 and on top of outer surfaces 24a, 26a of drywall panels 24, 26, as shown in FIG. 14G. Additionally, or alternatively, control joint installation tool 200 may be utilized after finishing material 5 is applied as shown in FIG. 14I. Further, control joint installation tool 2000 may be utilized at any other suitable time during the installation process as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

First, as shown in FIG. 15A, the user may position central portion engagement body 206 of control joint installation tool 200 within recess 135 of central portion 116 such that wedge 208 engages central portion 116. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 15A, outer lateral surface 222 of guide rollers 220 are engaged with outer surfaces 24a, 26a of drywall panels 24, 26. As shown between FIGS. 15A-B, with installation tool 200 engaged with central portion 116 and drywall panels 24, 26, the user may move control joint installation tool 200 longitudinally along control joint 110 in order to set the geometry of central point 116 and clean out undesirable material accumulated within recess 135. The user may move control joint installation tool 200 longitudinally forwards and backwards while control joint installation tool 200 is engaged with central portion 116 and drywall panels 24, 26 until the user is satisfied with the results. While control joint installation tool 200 is shown used in FIG. 15A-15B, it should be understood that control joint installation tool 250 may be alternatively used in the same manner in place of tool 200.

Control joint 110 may be varied in length that is suitable for the length of gap 22 such that no butt joint is required. Additionally, by using pre-rolled control joint assembly 100 to form control joins 110 in the field, significant workspace may be saved. Furthermore, in embodiments where flanges 112, 114 do not have any raised features, less finishing material 5 may be required to cover flanges 112, 114.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of any claims that may be presented and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Exemplary Combinations

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. The following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventor or by a successor in interest to the inventor. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.

Example 1

An elongated strip of control joint material, comprising: (a) a first lateral flange terminating laterally at a first edge; (b) a second lateral flange terminating laterally at a second edge, (c) a central portion laterally interposed between the first lateral flange and the second lateral flange, wherein the central portion is configured to transition between a flattened configuration and a folded configuration, wherein the central portion is substantially coplanar with the first lateral flange and the second lateral flange in the flattened configuration, wherein the central portion extends vertically away from the the first lateral flange and the second lateral flange in the folded configuration, wherein the central portion is configured to flex relative to both the first lateral flange and the second lateral flange in the folded configuration, wherein the central portion comprises a first manufactured crease line extending longitudinally along the elongated strip of control joint material, wherein the first manufactured crease line is configured to facilitate the central portion in transitioning from the flattened configuration into the folded configuration.

Example 2

The elongated strip of control joint material of Example 1, wherein the elongated strip of control joint material forms a roll while in the flattened configuration.

Example 3

The elongated strip of control joint material of Example 2, wherein a segment having a customizable length is configured to be unrolled from the roll and separated from the rest of the elongated strip of control joint material.

Example 4

The elongated strip of control joint material of any one or more of Examples 1 through 3, wherein the central portion comprises a first member and a second member, wherein the first member and the second member are coupled to each other at the first manufactured crease line.

Example 5

The elongated strip of control joint material of Example 4, further comprising a second manufactured crease line extending longitudinally along the elongated strip of control joint material, wherein the second lateral flange and the second member are coupled to each other via the second manufactured crease line.

Example 6

The elongated strip of control joint material of Example 5, further comprising a third manufactured crease line extending longitudinally along the elongated strip of control joint material, wherein the first lateral flange and the first member are coupled to each other via the third manufactured crease line.

Example 7

The elongated strip of control joint material of either Example 5 or 6, wherein the first member and the second member form a V-shape when the central portion is in the folded configuration.

Example 8

The elongated strip of control joint material of any one or more of Examples 1 through 7, wherein the first lateral flange, the second lateral flange, and the central portion are formed of a plastic material.

Example 9

The elongated strip of control joint material of any one or more of Examples 1 through 8, wherein the first lateral flange and the second lateral flange define a plurality of apertures.

Example 10

The elongated strip of control joint material of any one or more of Examples 1 through 9, wherein the elongated strip of control joint material is wrapped around a central roll tube.

Example 11

A pre-rolled control joint assembly, comprising: (a) an elongated strip of control joint material rolled around itself into a roll, the elongated strip of control joint material comprising: (i) a first lateral flange terminating laterally at a first edge; (ii) a second lateral flange terminating laterally at a second edge, and (iii) a central portion laterally interposed between the first lateral flange and the second lateral flange, wherein the central portion is configured to transition between a flattened configuration and a folded configuration, wherein the central portion is substantially coplanar with a directly adjacent portion of the first lateral flange and the second lateral flange in the flattened configuration, wherein the central portion extends vertically away from the directly adjacent portion of the first lateral flange and the second lateral flange in the folded configuration, wherein the central portion is configured to flex relative to both the first lateral flange and the second lateral flange in the folded configuration to thereby form a control joint; and (b) a container defining an interior cavity, wherein the elongated strip of control joint material is positioned within the interior cavity, the container comprising: (i) an opening dimensioned to receive a segment of control joint material from the interior cavity of the container to thereby feed the segment out of the container, and (ii) a folding plate associated with the opening, wherein the folding plate is configured to engage the central portion of the segment of control joint material to thereby transition the central portion of the segment of control joint material from the flattened configuration toward the folded configuration as the segment is fed through the opening.

Example 12

The pre-rolled control joint assembly of Example 11, wherein the folding plate comprises a protrusion extending within the opening.

Example 13

The pre-rolled control joint assembly of either Example 11 or 12, wherein the the elongated strip of control joint material is rotatably positioned within the interior cavity.

Example 14

A control joint installation tool, comprising: (a) a base; (b) a handle receiver extending from the base; (c) a control joint engagement body attached to and extending away from the base; and (d) a plurality of guide rollers rotatably coupled to the control joint engagement body.

Example 15

The control joint installation tool of Example 14, wherein at least one of the plurality of guide rollers comprises an outer lateral surface, an inner lateral surface, and a tapered section connecting the outer lateral surface and the inner lateral surface, wherein the outer lateral surface comprises an outer lateral surface circumference and the inner lateral surface comprises an inner lateral surface circumference, wherein the outer lateral surface circumference is greater than the inner lateral surface circumference.

Example 16

The control joint installation tool of either Example 14 or 15, wherein the control joint engagement body is configured to directly engage a central portion of a control joint located within a gap defined by a pair of panels while the plurality of guide rollers simultaneously engages and rolls along the pair of panel

Example 17

The control joint installation tool of any one or more of Example 14 through 16, wherein the control joint engagement body comprises a longitudinally extending wedge.

Example 18

The control joint installation tool of Example 17, wherein the wedge comprises a convex longitudinal end.

Example 19

The control joint installation tool of any one or more of Examples 14 through 18, wherein the control joint engagement body comprises a first yoke and a first disc rotatably attached to the first yoke.

Example 20

The control joint installation tool of Example 19, wherein the control joint engagement body further comprises a second yoke and a second disc rotatably attached to the second yoke.

Control Joint and Related Accessories

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Description

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PRIORITY

Provisional Applications (1)