Patent Application
20230287694
The present invention relates generally to the field of tongue and groove installation devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved tongue and groove installation device that provides users with a support system for tongue and groove ceiling boards. Specifically, the device holds the ceiling boards in place prior to full installation. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, tongue and groove materials find many and varied uses in building construction. They may be employed as flooring and/or sub-flooring, siding, wall material, ceiling material, roofing material, etc. The firm engagement of adjacent pieces of tongue and groove material along substantially the entire length of their common edges yields a structurally sound continuous installed surface.
Generally, this invention relates to improvements in tongue and groove installation devices. Hanging tongue and groove ceiling boards can be extremely difficult and nearly impossible for workers to do so independently. Boards can be installed incorrectly and misaligned, requiring additional effort to fix. Further, installation must be done while trying to hold the board or boards in place over your head. Thus, the entire process can be exhausting, especially if workers must repeat the task multiple times per day.
Accordingly, a novel device that allows a single user to install tongue and groove ceiling boards without the assistance of another is needed. Furthermore, the device should allow the entire process of installing tongue and groove ceiling boards to be easy and efficient, even for one person working alone.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a tongue and groove installation device that provides users with a support system for tongue and groove ceiling boards which holds the boards in place prior to full installation. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a tongue and groove installation device that allows the ceiling boards to be accurately supported by a single person for nailing them into the ceiling. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a tongue and groove installation device that ensures a single person can install longer boards with ease and convenience. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that maximizes efficiency and accuracy when installing tongue and groove ceiling boards. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a tongue and groove installation device that allows a single person to install tongue and groove ceiling boards without the assistance of another. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a tongue and groove installation device that saves extensive time and effort when installing tongue and groove ceiling boards.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a tongue and groove installation device. The device allows a single person to install tongue and groove ceiling boards without the assistance of another. The device comprises a first holding component and a second holding component spaced apart, with a spacer component positioned at one end, between the first and second holding components. The space component is secured between the first and second holding components via a securing means. The space component is secured at one end, leaving the second end of the first and second holding components open. Typically, the length of the first and second holding components is longer than the width of a tongue and groove ceiling board. Further, the thickness of the spacer component is greater than the thickness of a tongue and groove ceiling board, such that the device slides onto the board with ease. The device can be constructed using wood, plastic, or any other lightweight material and may be lined with carpet or fabric to protect against scuffing of the ceiling boards.
Users would position a tongue and groove ceiling board in place on a ceiling, next to an existing installed board or to the wall, then would slide the device via the open end, over an end of the board and over at least one previously installed board, preferably two previously installed boards to retain the uninstall board in place. The process is repeated at the second end of the uninstalled board. Furthermore, if the uninstalled board is a long board, a third device can be positioned near the middle of the board, such that the board is fully supported to allow a user to tap and nail the board into place. Once secured in place, the devices are removed and another tongue and groove ceiling board is positioned on the ceiling and the devices slid into place to support the board, such that a user can secure the board in place.
In this manner, the tongue and groove installation device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that saves extensive time and effort when installing tongue and groove ceiling boards. The device provides users with a way to hold the ceiling boards in place prior to full installation. The device fits most standard tongue and groove ceiling boards and the spacer component can be enlarged to varying heights based on a user's preferences and/or needs.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a tongue and groove installation device. The device allows a single person to install tongue and groove ceiling boards without the assistance of another. Users slide the device over the combined width of an uninstalled ceiling board and multiple installed ceiling boards, to hold the uninstalled ceiling board in place prior to full installation. Once the device is in place, the uninstalled ceiling board is fully supported. Thus, the device allows a user to tap and nail the ceiling board into place, without having to simultaneously hold the board in place over their head.
In one embodiment, the tongue and groove installation device comprises a first holding component and a second holding component configured in a spaced apart relationship. A spacer component is then positioned at one end of the holding components, sandwiched between the first and second holding components. The holding components are of varying sizes and lengths/widths made available to accommodate the various styles of tongue and groove ceiling boards available.
In one embodiment, the first and the second holding components are configured parallel to each other. Generally, the first and the second holding components are also in a rectangular configuration, with the size and shape of the first and second holding components being approximately the same. In the exemplary embodiment, the first and the second holding components are detachably connected to the spacer component by fasteners or screw (bolt) members or other suitable fastening means in such a way that the first and the second holding components create vertically upright end walls at opposite ends of the spacer component.
In one embodiment, the length and the width of the first and the second holding components are approximately the same. Further, the length of the first and second holding components is longer than the combined width of multiple tongue and groove ceiling boards.
In one embodiment, the spacer component is secured between the first and second holding components via a suitable securing means as is known in the art. Specifically, the spacer component is secured to the interior surfaces of the first and the second holding components. Typically, the space component is secured at a first end of the first and second holding components, leaving the second end of the first and second holding components open. The open end allows tongue and groove ceiling boards to be inserted into the opening and retained.
In one embodiment, the spacer component can be any suitable size and length/width as is known in the art. Further, the thickness of the spacer component is greater than the thickness of a tongue and groove ceiling board, such that the device slides onto the ceiling board with ease.
In one embodiment, the spacer component can be a block or wedge that acts to space apart the first and second holding components a stationary, predetermined distance apart. In another embodiment, the spacer component can be a hinge or clamp that allows the first and second holding components to be spaced apart when an end of the holding components with the hinge/clamp are pressed together and then the holding components come together when released.
In one embodiment, the device can be manufactured of wood, plastic, or any other lightweight materials as is known in the art. Further, in another embodiment, the interior surfaces of the first and second holding components may be lined with carpet or fabric, or any other suitable soft material to protect against scuffing or scratching of the ceiling boards.
In operation, users would position an uninstalled tongue and groove ceiling board in place on a ceiling, next to an existing installed ceiling board or next to a wall. Users would then slide the tongue and groove installation device onto the combined widths of the uninstalled and installed ceiling boards via the open end of the first and second holding components. Typically, the device is slid over multiple ceiling boards at a first end of the ceiling boards, such that the device covers the combined widths of the uninstalled ceiling board and multiple installed ceiling boards. Generally, the device covers the widths of two installed ceiling boards, but any suitable number of ceiling boards can be utilized with the device as is known in the art. Once in place, the device retains the uninstalled ceiling board in place.
The process is then repeated at a second end of the uninstalled ceiling board. Furthermore, if the uninstalled ceiling board is a ceiling board of long length, a third device can be positioned near the middle of the ceiling board, such that the ceiling board is fully supported. Specifically, once the devices are in place, the uninstalled ceiling board is fully supported and a user can then secure it in place (i.e., install it). Thus, the device allows a user to tap and nail the ceiling board into place without having to simultaneously hold the board in place over their head. Once secured in place, the devices are removed, and another uninstalled tongue and groove ceiling board is positioned on the ceiling, flush with an installed ceiling board. The device or devices are then slid into place to support this uninstalled ceiling board, such that a user can secure the ceiling board in place without the assistance of another.
In yet another embodiment, the tongue and groove installation device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of installing tongue and groove ceiling boards without the assistance of another is described. The method includes the steps of providing a tongue and groove installation device comprising a first holding component and a second holding component with a spacer component positioned at one end between the holding components. The method also comprises positioning an uninstalled ceiling board in place next to an installed ceiling board. Further, the method comprises sliding a device onto an end of the uninstalled board, such that the device slides over a width of the uninstalled board and the installed board next to it. The method comprises, sliding a second device onto a second end of the uninstalled board, such that the second device slides over a width of the uninstalled board and the installed board next to it. The method also comprises securing the uninstalled board in place via a securing means. Finally, removing the devices and positioning another uninstalled ceiling board in place.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a tongue and groove installation device that provides users with a support system for tongue and groove ceiling boards, holding the boards in place prior to full installation. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a tongue and groove installation device that allows the ceiling boards to be accurately supported by a single person for nailing them into the ceiling. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a tongue and groove installation device that ensures a single person can install longer boards with ease and convenience. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that maximizes efficiency and accuracy when installing tongue and groove ceiling boards. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a tongue and groove installation device that allows a single person to install tongue and groove ceiling boards without the assistance of another. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a tongue and groove installation device that saves extensive time and effort when installing tongue and groove ceiling boards.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel tongue and groove installation device. The device allows a single person to install tongue and groove ceiling boards without the assistance of another. The device comprises a first holding component and a second holding component spaced apart, with a spacer component positioned at one end between the first and second holding components. The space component is secured at one end, leaving the second end of the first and second holding components open. Typically, the length of the first and second holding components is longer than a width of a tongue and groove ceiling board. Further, the thickness of the spacer component is greater than the thickness of a tongue and groove ceiling board, such that the device slides onto the board with ease. The present invention also includes a novel method of installing tongue and groove ceiling boards without the assistance of another. The method includes the steps of providing a tongue and groove installation device comprising a first holding component and a second holding component with a spacer component positioned at one end, between the holding components. The method also comprises positioning an uninstalled ceiling board in place next to an installed ceiling board. Further, the method comprises sliding a device onto an end of the uninstalled board, such that the device slides over the width of the uninstalled board and the installed board next to it. The method comprises, sliding a second device onto a second end of the uninstalled board, such that the second device slides over a width of the uninstalled board and the installed board next to it. The method also comprises securing the uninstalled board in place via a securing means. Finally, removing the devices and positioning another uninstalled ceiling board in place.
Referring initially to the drawings,
In this application, the term “installed ceiling board” 204 is a tongue and groove ceiling board 102 that has been secured in place on a ceiling 104. The installed ceiling board 204 has already been tapped and/or nailed in place by the user 200. Thus, the installed ceiling board 204 would not fall off the ceiling 104 when a user 200 lets go of it. Further, the term “uninstalled ceiling board” 202 is a tongue and groove ceiling board 102 that has not been secured in place on a ceiling 104. The uninstalled ceiling board 202 is positioned on a ceiling 104, flush with an installed ceiling board 204 or next to a wall 106 but has not been secured via tapping and/or nailing by the user 200. Thus, the uninstalled ceiling board 202 would fall off the ceiling 104 when a user 200 lets go of it.
As shown in
Furthermore, the first 108 and the second 110 holding components are configured parallel to each other. Generally, the first 108 and the second 110 holding components are also in a rectangular configuration, with the size and shape of the first 108 and second 110 holding components being approximately the same. Any suitable shape can be utilized as is known in the art depending on the needs and/wants of a user. However, despite the shape of the holding components 108 and 110, the first 108 and second 110 holding components are typically identical in size and shape. In the exemplary embodiment, the first 108 and the second 110 holding components are detachably connected to the spacer component 112 by fasteners 116 or screw (bolt) members or other suitable fastening means as is known in the art, in such a way that the first 108 and the second 110 holding components create vertically upright end walls at opposite ends 118 of the spacer component 112.
Additionally, the length and the width of the first 108 and the second 110 holding components are approximately the same. Further, the length of the first 108 and second 110 holding components is longer than a combined width 300 of multiple tongue and groove ceiling boards 102, such that when the device 100 is inserted onto the uninstalled ceiling board 202, it also slides over multiple installed ceiling boards 204 to retain the uninstalled ceiling board 202 against the installed ceiling boards 204.
As shown in
Further, the spacer component 112 can be any suitable size and length/width as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Additionally, the thickness 308 of the spacer component 112 is greater than the thickness 310 of a tongue and groove ceiling board 102, such that the device 100 slides onto the ceiling board 102 with ease.
Additionally, the spacer component 112 and the first and second holding components 108 and 110 may be integrated into a single unitary body. The holding components 108 and 110 may be made of a first material while the spacer component 112 is made of a second material, wherein the first material and the second material are different. Alternately, the first material and the second material are the same material.
In one embodiment, the spacer component 112 can be a block or wedge 312 that acts to space apart the first 108 and second 110 holding components a stationary, predetermined distance. In another embodiment, the spacer component 112 can be a hinge or clamp 314 that allows the first 108 and second 110 holding components to be spaced apart when an end 114 of the holding components 108 and 110 with the hinge/clamp 314 is pressed together and then the holding components 108 and 110 come together when released.
Furthermore, the tongue and groove installation device 100 can be manufactured of a variety of materials, such as, for example, wood, plastic or polyethylene composites, PVC, ABS, metals, other natural materials, other synthetic materials and combinations thereof, or any other suitable materials as is known in the art depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, in another embodiment, the interior surfaces 302 of the first 108 and second 110 holding components may be lined with carpet or fabric, or any other suitable soft material to protect against scuffing or scratching of the tongue and groove ceiling boards 102.
Additionally, the tongue and groove installation device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 316. The holding components 108 and 110 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the holding components 108 and 110, or any other indicia 316 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 316 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be ceiling, wood, or brand related.
As shown in
The process is then repeated at a second end 400 of the uninstalled ceiling board 202. Furthermore, if the uninstalled ceiling board 202 is a ceiling board 102 of long length, a third device 100 can be positioned near the middle 402 of the ceiling board 202, such that the ceiling board 202 is fully supported. Specifically, once the devices 100 are in place, the uninstalled ceiling board 202 is fully supported and a user 200 can then secure it in place (i.e., install it). Thus, the device 100 allows a user 200 to tap and nail the ceiling board 202 into place without having to simultaneously hold the board 202 in place over their head 206. Once secured in place, the devices 100 are removed and another uninstalled tongue and groove ceiling board 202 is positioned on the ceiling 104 flush with an installed ceiling board 204. The device or devices 100 are then slid into place to support this uninstalled ceiling board 202, such that a user 200 can secure the ceiling board 202 in place without the assistance of another.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “tongue and groove installation device”, “tongue and groove device”, “installation device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the tongue and groove installation device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the tongue and groove installation device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the tongue and groove installation device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/319,282, which was filed on Mar. 12, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63319282 | Mar 2022 | US |
