| Sheet retaining device and method of use -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  Sheet retaining device and method of useUSPTO Application #: 20060054764Title: Sheet retaining device and method of use Abstract: A sheet retaining device that is attachable to a building component. The sheet-retaining device includes an attachment portion that is adapted to attach to the building component. An extension portion is coupled to the attachment portion. The extension portion extends substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion. An arm portion extends from the attachment portion. The arm portion and the attachment portion cooperate to at least partially define a sheet space. (end of abstract)
Agent: Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP - Milwaukee, WI, US Inventor: Kyle J. Nemetz USPTO Applicaton #: 20060054764 - Class: 248316100 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Supports, Brackets, Article Holding Means, Clamp The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060054764. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001] The present invention relates to a sheet-retaining device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sheet-retaining device suited to retaining building material sheets. [0002] During the construction of a building, such as a new home or office building, materials are often delivered to the building site in bulk. These materials must be stored until they are needed. When needed, the materials are preferably positioned to allow easy access will minimizing damage and waste. For example, drywall (sheet rock) is often delivered to a job site and stacked against the wall studs. In this position, the individual sheets can be taken for use without having to lift the sheet from the ground and without bending the sheet. This reduces the lifting required and reduces the likelihood of damaging the sheet. [0003] However, when leaned against the wall studs as just described, it is possible for the sheets to tip and fall away from the studs. This can cause damage to the sheets and can make it more difficult to pick up the sheets for use. SUMMARY [0004] The present invention provides a sheet-retaining device that is attachable to a building component. The sheet-retaining device includes an attachment portion that is adapted to attach to the building component. An extension portion is coupled to the attachment portion. The extension portion extends substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion. An arm portion extends from the attachment portion. The arm portion and the attachment portion cooperate to at least partially define a sheet space. [0005] The invention also provides a sheet-retaining device that is attachable to a building component to at least partially restrain a plurality of sheets. The sheet-retaining device includes an attachment portion that is adapted to attach to the building component. An extension portion is integrally-formed with the attachment portion. The extension portion extends substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion. An arm portion is integrally-formed with the extension portion and the attachment portion, and extends from the attachment portion. The arm portion and the attachment portion cooperate to at least partially define a sheet space sized to receive the plurality of sheets. [0006] The invention also provides a method of retaining a sheet of material. The method includes positioning at least one sheet against a first building component. The method also includes positioning a sheet-retaining device adjacent a second building component and the sheet of material such that at least a portion of the sheet of material is disposed within a sheet space at least partially defined by the sheet-retaining device. The method further includes coupling the sheet-retaining device to the second building component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] The description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: [0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet-retaining device; [0009] FIG. 2 is a top view of the sheet-retaining device of FIG. 1; [0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the sheet-retaining device of FIG. 1; [0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an attachment portion of the sheet-retaining device of FIG. 1; [0012] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the attachment portion of FIG. 4; and [0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sheet-retaining device of FIG. 1 attached to a building component and supporting a plurality of sheets of material. [0014] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalence thereof as well as additional items. The terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0015] With reference to FIG. 1, a sheet-retaining device 10 is illustrated. The sheet-retaining device 10 includes an attachment portion 15, an extension portion 20, and an arm portion 25. In preferred constructions, the attachment portion 15, the extension portion 20, and the arm portion 25 are integrally-formed as a single component. For example, the three portions 15, 20, 25 could be cast from a metal such as steel or aluminum. In another construction, an injection molded plastic and/or a composite material is used to form one or more of the three components 15, 20, 25. In yet another construction, the three components 15, 20, 25 are welded to one another to complete the sheet-retaining device 10. In some constructions, one or more of the three components 15, 20, 25 attaches to the other components. For example, the arm portion 25 may attach to the extension portion 20 using a pin or a bolt. This construction has the advantage of reducing the size of the sheet-retaining device 10 for storage purposes. [0016] With reference to FIG. 3, the extension portion 20 extends from the attachment portion 15 along a line that is substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the attachment portion 15. Generally, the extension portion 20 has a cross-section that is similar to a structural beam section (e.g., box-beam, channel-beam, I-beam, T-beam, angle-beam, and the like). The use of a beam section provides for substantial strength and stiffness, while still maintaining a lightweight component. [0017] The arm portion 25 extends from the extension portion 20 at a sheet space angle 30. Generally, the sheet space angle 30 is greater than 90 degrees, with most constructions having a sheet space angle 30 between about 90 and 120 degrees. In preferred constructions, the sheet space angle 30 is about 100 degrees. [0018] The arm portion 25 is generally formed having a similar cross-section as that of the extension portion 20. As illustrated herein, both portions 20, 25 include a substantially T-shaped cross-section. This section provides the needed strength and stiffness and also reduces the weight of the component 20, 25 as compared to other possible cross-sections. [0019] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the attachment portion 15 generally defines a U-shaped space 33 sized to facilitate its attachment to a building component 35, such as a stud (e.g., 2.times.4, 2.times.6, and the like). In other constructions, other shaped attachment portions are employed. The shape of the attachment portion 15 is chosen to accommodate the easy attachment of the sheet-retaining device 10 to the building component 35. As such, different shaped building components 35 may require different shape attachment members 15. For example, a round attachment member may be better suited to attach the sheet-retaining device 10 to a circular pipe, beam, or column. [0020] The attachment portion 15 includes two clamp members 40 that are movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When in the disengaged position, the sheet-retaining device 10 is movable along the building component 35 and is removable from the building component 35. When the clamp members 40 are moved to the engaged position, the clamp members 40 engage the building component 35 and lock the position of the sheet-retaining device 10. Continue reading... Full patent description for Sheet retaining device and method of use Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Sheet retaining device and method of use patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Sheet retaining device and method of use or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Heat shield positioning assembly Next Patent Application: Dynamic kinematic mount Industry Class: Supports ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Sheet retaining device and method of use patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.88414 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Qualcomm , Schering-Plough , Schlumberger , Seagate , Siemens , Texas Instruments , |
||
