U.S. patent application number 12/591941 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for retainer for cut wallboard and method of using the same.
Invention is credited to German A. Escobar, Jose F. Rodriguez.
Application Number | 20100146897 12/591941 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42238921 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100146897 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rodriguez; Jose F. ; et
al. |
June 17, 2010 |
Retainer for cut wallboard and method of using the same
Abstract
The retainer for cut wallboard is a device for repairing a piece
of wallboard from which a smaller piece has been removed. The
retainer includes a closed band having opposed inner and outer
faces and opposed first and second edges. A plurality of outer
retaining members are attached to the first edge of the closed
band, with the plurality of outer retaining members extending
outwardly therefrom. Further, a plurality of inner retaining
members are attached to the second edge of the closed band, with
the plurality of inner retaining members extending inwardly
therefrom. A plurality of resilient members are further attached to
the first edge of the closed band and also extend inwardly
therefrom.
Inventors: |
Rodriguez; Jose F.;
(Arlington, VA) ; Escobar; German A.; (Arlington,
VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
POST OFFICE BOX 41200, SOUTH STATION
ARLINGTON
VA
22204
US
|
Family ID: |
42238921 |
Appl. No.: |
12/591941 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61193637 |
Dec 11, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/541 ; 52/698;
52/741.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 23/0207 20130101;
H02G 3/12 20130101; E04G 23/0203 20130101; H02G 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/541 ; 52/698;
52/741.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/66 20060101
E04B001/66; E04B 1/38 20060101 E04B001/38 |
Claims
1. A retainer for cut wallboard, comprising: a closed band having
opposed inner and outer faces and opposed first and second edges; a
plurality of outer retaining members attached to the first edge of
the closed band, the plurality of outer retaining members
projecting outwardly from the closed band; a plurality of inner
retaining members attached to the second edge of the closed band,
the plurality of inner retaining members projecting inwardly from
the closed band; and a plurality of resilient members attached to
the first edge of the closed band and extending inwardly therefrom;
whereby, a piece of wallboard may be repaired by positioning the
closed band within a hole formed in the piece of wallboard so that
the outer face thereof contacts a boundary edge defining the hole
and the plurality of outer retaining members contact an outer
surface of the piece of wallboard, a cut piece of wallboard being
received within an interior region of the closed band so that a
rear surface of the cut piece of wallboard contacts the plurality
of inner retaining members and a circumferential edge of the cut
piece of wallboard is held by the plurality of resilient members by
resilient engagement therewith.
2. The retainer for cut wallboard as recited in claim 1, wherein
said closed band has a selectively adjustable circumference.
3. The retainer for cut wallboard as recited in claim 2, further
comprising a buckle, said closed band having first and second free
ends releasably and adjustably secured to one another by the
buckle.
4. The retainer for cut wallboard as recited in claim 1, wherein
each said outer retaining member has a corresponding one of said
inner retaining members associated therewith and positioned
adjacent thereto.
5. The retainer for cut wallboard as recited in claim 4, wherein
each said outer retaining member and each said inner retaining
member is substantially rectangular.
6. A retainer for cut wallboard, comprising a plurality of
retaining clips, each of the clips having: a pair of outer
retaining members; an inner retaining member; and a resilient
member; whereby, a piece of wallboard may be repaired by
positioning the plurality of retaining clips within a hole formed
in the piece of wallboard so that the outer retaining members grip
a boundary edge defining the hole and the inner retaining members
and resilient members extend inwardly with respect to the boundary
edge defining the hole, a cut piece of wallboard being received
within the hole so that a rear surface of the cut piece of
wallboard contacts the inner retaining members and a
circumferential edge of the cut piece of wallboard is held by the
resilient members by resilient engagement therewith.
7. The retainer for cut wallboard as recited in claim 6, wherein
said resilient member is substantially triangular.
8. The retainer for cut wallboard as recited in claim 6, wherein
each said retaining clip further comprises a central support having
opposed first and second ends, one of said outer retaining members
being secured to the first end thereof, the other of said outer
retaining members being secured to the second end thereof, the
resilient member being secured to the first end thereof, and the
inner retaining member being secured to the second end thereof.
9. A method of repairing cut wallboard, comprising the steps of:
providing a retainer having a closed band, the closed band having
opposed inner and outer faces and opposed first and second edges,
the retainer further having a plurality of outer retaining members
attached to the first edge of the closed band and extending
outwardly therefrom, a plurality of inner retaining members
attached to the second edge of the closed band and extending
inwardly therefrom, and a plurality of resilient members attached
to the first edge of the closed band and extending inwardly
therefrom; positioning the closed band within a hole formed in a
piece of wallboard so that the outer face thereof contacts a
boundary edge defining the hole and the plurality of outer
retaining members contact an outer surface of the piece of
wallboard; inserting a cut piece of wallboard within an interior
region of the closed band so that a rear surface of the cut piece
of wallboard contacts the plurality of inner retaining members;
biasing a circumferential edge of the cut piece of wallboard
against the plurality of resilient members to hold the cut piece of
wallboard within the interior region of the closed band; securing a
piece of mesh to the piece of wallboard and covering the cut piece
of wallboard, the hole and the retainer with the piece of mesh; and
covering the cut piece of wallboard, the hole, the retainer and the
piece of mesh with a layer of joint compound.
10. The method of repairing cut wallboard as recited in claim 5,
further comprising the step of adjusting a circumference of the
closed band to mate with the hole formed in the piece of wallboard.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/193,637, filed Dec. 11, 2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the repair of wallboard.
Particularly, the retainer for cut wallboard is a device for
repairing a piece of wallboard from which a smaller piece has been
removed.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Walls for houses, buildings and other edifices are commonly
made from plaster, sheetrock or wallboard (sometimes referred to as
drywall). Such wall panels are used due to the convenience with
which repairs can be effected therein. Most commonly, damage in the
wallboard is in the form of cracks or breaks. However, the
wallboard may be easily damaged to a greater extent, either through
accident, or through the intentional cutting of a hole therethrough
in order to repair pipes, electrical lines or the like behind the
wall panel.
[0006] When a piece of drywall or sheet rock wall is damaged with a
deep dent or hole, a conventional repair method includes adhering a
rigid sheet over the damaged area, and covering the sheet with
spackle. Since all the repair materials are added to the outside
surface of the wall, the finished repair forms a noticeable bump on
the wall. For repairs that are larger than the spread achievable in
wet plaster, various techniques have been developed for providing
support to a plaster patch or the like.
[0007] Common repair techniques include the fitting of plasterboard
patches or the use of paper or cardboard fillers, which are then
adhered to the edges of the opening. However, maintaining the
support in position during the repair can be difficult, and can
result in further damage to the wall, or in uneven edges around the
repair, thus also resulting in raised portions in the wall. Thus, a
retainer for cut wallboard and method of using the same solving the
aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The retainer for cut wallboard is a device for repairing a
piece of wallboard from which a smaller piece has been removed. The
retainer includes a closed band having opposed inner and outer
faces and opposed first and second edges. A plurality of outer
retaining members are secured to the first edge of the closed band,
with the plurality of outer retaining members projecting outwardly
therefrom. Further, a plurality of inner retaining members are
secured to the second edge of the closed band, with the plurality
of inner retaining members projecting inwardly therefrom. A
plurality of resilient members are attached to the first edge of
the closed band and also extend inwardly therefrom.
[0009] In use, the smaller piece of wallboard is cut from the
larger piece of wallboard by a hole saw or the like. Typically,
small, circular pieces of drywall, for example, are often cut from
wall panels in order to repair pipes or electrical wiring behind
the wall. In order to repair the wall panel following these
repairs, the closed band is positioned within the hole formed in
the piece of wallboard so that the outer face of the band contacts
a boundary edge defining the hole. The plurality of outer retaining
members contact an outer surface of the piece of wallboard so that
the outer retaining members are pressed flush against the outer
surface in order to hold the closed band in place. The closed band
is preferably adjustable in circumference so that the outer face
thereof can be adjusted to continuously be pressed flush against
the boundary edge of the hole, with the band being held to the
boundary edge by frictional engagement therewith.
[0010] The cut piece of wallboard is then inserted within an
interior region of the closed band so that a rear surface of the
cut piece of wallboard contacts the plurality of inner retaining
members, with the rear surface being pressed flush against the
inner retaining members. Preferably, the band is sized so that the
distance between the opposed first and second edges is equal to the
thickness of the piece of wallboard, allowing the outer and inner
faces of the cutout piece and the piece of wallboard to mate.
[0011] A circumferential edge of the cut piece of wallboard is
biased against the plurality of resilient members to secure the cut
piece of wallboard within the interior region of the closed band. A
piece of mesh, such as fiberglass mesh or the like, is then secured
to the piece of wallboard and covers the cut piece of wallboard,
the hole and the retainer. The piece of mesh may be secured through
the application of tape or the like. The cut piece of wallboard,
the hole, the retainer and the piece of mesh may then be covered
with a layer of plaster or the like, and then painted to form a
continuous, repaired piece of wallboard.
[0012] These and other features of the present invention will
become readily apparent upon further review of the following
specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retainer for cut wallboard
according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the retainer for cut
wallboard of FIG. 1, shown in an open configuration.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an initial step in the method of using
the retainer for cut wallboard according to the present invention,
showing cutting of a piece of wallboard.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a subsequent step in the method of using
the retainer for cut wallboard according to the present invention,
showing removal of a piece of cut wallboard.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a subsequent step in the method of using
the retainer for cut wallboard according to the present invention,
showing insertion of the retainer for cut wallboard.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a subsequent step in the method of using
the retainer for cut wallboard according to the present invention,
showing insertion of the piece of cut wallboard into the
retainer.
[0019] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate subsequent steps in the method of
using the retainer for cut wallboard according to the present
invention, showing application of fiberglass mesh for repair of the
wallboard.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the retainer
for cut wallboard.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an environmental, perspective view of the
alternative retainer for cut wallboard of FIG. 9 applied to a piece
of cut wallboard.
[0022] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The retainer 10 for cut wallboard is a device for repairing
a piece of wallboard from which a smaller piece has been removed.
As best shown in FIG. 1, the retainer 10 includes a closed band 12
having opposed inner and outer faces 11, 13, respectively, and
opposed first and second edges 20, 22, respectively. A plurality of
outer retaining members 14 are secured to the first edge 20 of the
closed band 12, with the plurality of outer retaining members 14
projecting outwardly therefrom. Further, a plurality of inner
retaining members 16 are secured to the second edge 22 of the
closed band 12, with the plurality of inner retaining members 16
projecting inwardly therefrom.
[0024] Preferably, as shown, the inner and outer retaining members
16 and 14 are mounted to the band 12 adjacent one another, although
it should be understood that the inner and outer retaining members
16 and 14 may be positioned at any suitable location along band 12.
Further, though shown as having four inner retaining members 16 and
four outer retaining members 14 in the drawings, it should be
understood that this is shown for exemplary purposes only, and that
any suitable number of retaining members may be utilized.
Additionally, the size and shape of the retaining members may be
varied, depending upon the particular nature of the work surface to
which retainer 10 is applied. Similarly, band 12 is shown as having
a circular shape in the drawings, although it should be understood
that band 12 may have any shape in order to mate with a
corresponding hole in a panel of wallboard, as will be described in
greater detail below.
[0025] A plurality of resilient members 18 are attached to the
first edge 20 of the closed band 12 and also extend inwardly
therefrom. Resilient members 18 are preferably formed from a
resilient and flexible material, such as spring steel. However,
band 12, outer retaining members 14, inner retaining members 16 and
resilient members 18 may be formed from any suitable flexible and
resilient material, such as heavy cardboard or paperboard, flexible
metal, plastic or the like.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, band 12 preferably has a buckle 24
formed on one end thereof for receiving a free end 26, allowing the
user to selectively adjust the circumference of band 12. As will be
described in greater detail below, the band 12 is received within a
hole formed in a wallboard panel and the circumference of the band
may be adjusted so that the band 12 mates with the boundary edge
defining the hole.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in use, a relatively small piece
of wallboard 38 is cut from the larger piece or panel of wallboard
30 by a hole saw 32 or the like. Typically, such small, circular
pieces of drywall, for example, are often cut from wall panels in
order to repair pipes or electrical wiring behind the wall. As
noted above, the circular cutout piece 38 and the resultant
circular hole 36 are shown for exemplary purposes only, and
retainer 10 may be used with any other shape of hole, such as a
rectangular hole.
[0028] In order to repair the wall panel 30 following repairs to
the pipes or the like, the closed band 12 is positioned within the
hole 36 formed in the piece of wallboard 30 so that the outer face
13 of the band 12 contacts a boundary edge defining the hole 36, as
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The plurality of outer retaining members 14
contact an outer surface of the piece of wallboard 30 so that the
outer retaining members 14 are pressed flush against the outer
surface in order to hold the closed band 12 in place within hole
36. As noted above, the closed band 12 is preferably adjustable in
circumference so that the outer face 13 thereof can be adjusted to
continuously be pressed flush against the boundary edge of the hole
36, with the band 12 being held to the boundary edge by frictional
engagement therewith.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cut piece of wallboard 38 is
then inserted within an interior region of the closed band 12 so
that a rear surface of the cut piece of wallboard 38 contacts the
plurality of inner retaining members 16, with the rear surface
being pressed flush against the inner retaining members 16.
Preferably, the band 12 is sized so that the distance between the
opposed first and second edges 20, 22 is equal to the thickness of
the piece of wallboard 30, allowing the outer and inner faces of
the cut-out piece 38 and the piece of wallboard 30 to mate.
[0030] A circumferential edge of the cut piece of wallboard 38 is
biased against the plurality of resilient members 18 to secure the
cut piece of wallboard 38 within the interior region of the closed
band 12. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a piece of mesh 40, such as
fiberglass mesh or the like, is then secured to the piece of
wallboard 30 and covers the cut piece of wallboard 38, the hole 36
and the retainer 10. The piece of mesh 40 may be secured through
the application of tape strips 42 or the like. The cut piece of
wallboard 38, the hole 36, the retainer 10 and the piece of mesh 40
may then be covered with a layer of plaster, joint compound,
spackle, or the like, and then painted to form a continuous,
repaired piece of wallboard.
[0031] In the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, retainer 10
is replaced by a plurality of retaining clips 100. Each clip 100
includes a pair of outer retaining members 100 positioned at
opposed ends of a central support 112. Similar to that described
above with respect to band 12, the central support 112 preferably
has a length equal to the thickness of the wallboard panel, so that
the pair of outer retaining members 110 are spaced apart by the
thickness of the panel 30. As shown in FIG. 10, each clip 100 is
secured to the boundary edge-defining hole 36 with the panel 30
being received between each respective pair of outer retaining
members 100.
[0032] Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, each retaining clip
100 further includes an inner retaining member 120, which acts in a
manner similar to inner retaining members 16. Further, each
retaining clip 100 also includes a resilient member 130, which acts
in a manner similar to that described above with reference to
resilient members 18. As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of clips 100
are fixed to the boundary edge defining hole 36, and the wallboard
panel may be repaired in the same manner as that described above
with regard to FIGS. 6-8.
[0033] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *