Abstract:
A system to aid in the installation of drywall or similar items on ceilings or vertical wall surfaces comprises a set of bracket structures. A first pair of brackets is fixed, and a second pair of brackets comprises a pivot screw that is swung in place after the drywall is lifted into place. Each bracket is provided with a mounting fastener adapted to be attached to the ceiling joists or wall studs. Once in place, the drywall is slid into the brackets and held securely in place. The drywall is then fastened into the joists and the brackets can then be removed. The brackets are spun around or reinstalled and the process repeated as needed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     There are no current co-pending applications. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates to drywall installation accessories and, more particularly, to a system and method for aiding in drywall installation on vertical wall surfaces and horizontal ceiling surfaces. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Drywall consists of a thin layer of gypsum sandwiched between two (2) layers of heavy paper. It is commonly used in residences and buildings to cover walls and ceilings, because it is both faster and cheaper to install than plaster. Drywall panels are manufactured in standard sizes, commonly of four-by-eight feet rectangular dimensions. Due to their size and weight, these panels are both wearying and cumbersome to fasten them to either vertical framing studs or horizontal ceiling joists. 
     Drywall installation is a tiresome job requiring a great deal of physical work. Drywall sheets are heavy and must usually be carried manually to their final position. This work is magnified if the drywall sheets are installed on ceilings. Such installations usually require three (3) workers to do; two (2) workers to place and hold the drywall at either end and the third worker to drive drywall screws or pound nails. This work requires multiple ladders as well and subjects the workers to off-balance positions, possible falls, and associated ergonomic injuries. Other solutions involve drywall jacks or holding “T&#39;s” that may reduce manpower, but are still difficult, costly, and cumbersome to use. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which drywall and similar materials can be installed on ceiling surfaces with a minimum of aggravation, reduced manpower and a reduction in physical exertion. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a drywall installation system including a plurality of pivoting brackets removably attached to existing joists located at a horizontal ceiling surface within an existing structure, and a plurality of fixed brackets removably attached to existing joists located at a vertical wall surface within the existing structure. Advantageously, the pivoting brackets enable a user to install an existing first drywall section at the horizontal ceiling surface while the fixed brackets enable a user to install an existing second drywall section at the vertical wall surface. Preferably, each of the pivoting brackets has a single and unitary body and each of the fixed brackets has a single and unitary body. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, each of the pivoting brackets includes a retaining leg and a support leg integral therewith. In this manner, during installation of the existing first drywall section, the retaining leg is positioned at a first orientation capable of retaining the existing first drywall section in a stable position flush against the horizontal ceiling surface. Furthermore, after installation of the existing first drywall section, each the pivoting brackets is rotated one hundred eighty degrees (180°) such that: (1) the retaining leg is positioned at a second orientation so that the support leg is located beneath the existing first drywall section in a flush manner, and (2) the retaining leg retains an adjacent section of the existing first drywall section flush against the horizontal ceiling surface. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, each of the pivoting brackets includes a pivoting bracket aperture intermediately positioned relative to the retaining leg and the support leg. Such a pivoting bracket aperture passes through the retaining leg and the support leg. A pivoting bracket fastener is removably inserted into the pivoting bracket aperture in such a manner that the pivot bracket is rotated three hundred sixty degrees (360°) about the pivoting bracket fastener while affixed to the existing joist. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, each of the pivoting brackets has a generally rectangular shape and a generally “Z”-shaped cross-section. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, each of the fixed brackets includes a retaining section and a support section integral therewith. In this manner, during installation of the existing second drywall section, the fixed bracket is fastened to the vertical wall surface thereby enabling the retaining section to assist in retaining the existing second drywall second in a desired vertical mounting position. Furthermore, after installation of the existing second drywall section, the fixed brackets are removed and repositioned along the vertical wall surface to assist in mounting an adjacent section of the existing second drywall section. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, each of the fixed brackets include a fixed bracket aperture located at an offset planar portion of the support section, and a fixed bracket removably inserted into the fixed bracket aperture in such a manner that the fixed bracket is maintained at a stationary position while affixed to the vertical wall surface. Advantageously, the retaining section is gradually indented relative to the offset planar portion of the support section thereby providing a resting portion for the existing second drywall section to set flush against the vertical wall surface. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, each of the fixed brackets has a generally rectangular shape. 
     A method of installing drywall including the initial step of: providing and removably attaching a plurality of pivoting brackets to existing joists located at a horizontal ceiling surface within an existing structure in such a manner that the pivoting brackets enable a user to install an existing first drywall section at the horizontal ceiling surface. Each pivoting bracket has a single and unitary body. Next, providing and removably attaching a plurality of fixed brackets to existing joists located at a vertical wall surface within the existing structure in such a manner that the fixed brackets enable a user to install an existing second drywall section at the vertical wall surface. Each fixed brackets has a single and unitary body. 
     The method further includes the steps of: providing and engaging the existing first drywall section with the pivoting brackets; providing and engaging the existing second drywall section with the fixed brackets; fastening the existing first drywall section to the existing joists located at the horizontal ceiling surface; rotating one of the pivoting brackets so that a portion of the one (1) pivoting bracket is flush against the fastened existing first drywall section; removing and fastening the pivoting brackets to existing joists located at another section of the horizontal ceiling surface; fastening the existing second drywall section to the existing joists located at the vertical wall surface; and removing and fastening the fixed brackets to existing joists located at another section of the vertical wall surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a system for installing drywall  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a pivoting bracket  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the pivoting bracket  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a fixed bracket  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the fixed bracket  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is another environmental view of the system for installing drywall  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 system for installing drywall 
               
               
                 12 
                 ceiling joist 
               
               
                 13 
                 drywall 
               
               
                 14 
                 vertical surface 
               
               
                 20 
                 pivoting bracket 
               
               
                 22 
                 retaining leg 
               
               
                 24 
                 support leg 
               
               
                 26 
                 pivoting bracket aperture 
               
               
                 28 
                 pivoting bracket fastener 
               
               
                 30 
                 fixed bracket 
               
               
                 32 
                 retaining section 
               
               
                 34 
                 support section 
               
               
                 36 
                 fixed bracket aperture 
               
               
                 38 
                 fixed bracket fastener 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIG. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a system for installing drywall (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides a means for providing a pair of brackets  20 ,  30  which assist in the installation of drywall  13  by a single installer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a pair of pivoting brackets  20  and a pair of fixed brackets  30 . The system  10  enables one (1) installer to mount drywall  13  on a ceiling or other similar vertical surface  14  such as depicted within  FIG. 1  which further illustrates a sheet of drywall  13  being installed onto ceiling joists  12 . The system  10  utilizes the existing ceiling joists  12  to temporarily attach each pivoting bracket  20  and a vertical surface  14  to temporarily attach each fixed bracket  30 . It is known that the fixed brackets  30  may also be attached to the ceiling joists  12  and it is also known that the pivoting brackets  20  may be attached to the vertical surface  14 . The system  10  can be utilized with drywall  13 , sheet rock, or other similar panel-type coverings utilized to create interior walls and ceilings may be utilized without limiting the scope of the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the pivoting bracket  20  and  FIG. 3 , a side view of the pivoting bracket  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The pivoting brackets  20  comprises a retaining leg  22  and a support leg  24  which are utilized for securing the drywall  13  to the ceiling joist  12 . The retaining leg  22  and support leg  24  are integral to the pivoting bracket  20 . The pivoting brackets  20  are preferably fabricated from a durable plastic material, yet it is known that other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the invention. The pivoting brackets  20  comprise a generally rectangular shape having a generally “Z”-shaped cross-section. The pivoting brackets  20  measure approximately nine inches (9 in.) length and one inch (1 in.) in height, yet it is known that other dimensions which accommodate the space requirements of installing drywall  13  may be utilized. Furthermore, it is understood that the retaining leg  22  and support leg  24  portions may be introduced having different thickness dimensions being suitable for positioning various building materials having corresponding thicknesses such as, but not limited to: one-quarter inch (¼ in.) sheetrock, three-eighths inch (⅜ in.) hardy, five-eighths inch (⅝ in.) siding, five-eighths inch (⅝ in.) plywood, and the like. 
     The pivoting brackets  20  comprise an intermediately positioned pivoting bracket aperture  26  which enables a counter-sinking insertion of a pivoting bracket fastener  28 . The pivoting bracket fastener  28  is preferably a standard wood screw such as a lag bolt or other similar fastener which fastens to the ceiling joist  12  or vertical surface  14  yet enables the pivoting brackets  20  to rotate three-hundred-sixty degrees (360°). It is also known that the installer may also unscrew the pivoting bracket fastener  28  slightly out of the ceiling joist  12  or vertical surface  14  which would also enable the pivoting bracket  20  to freely rotate. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of the fixed bracket  30  and  FIG. 5 , a side view of the fixed bracket  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The fixed brackets  30  also assist the installer in mounting drywall  13  onto a desired surface. The fixed brackets  30  comprise a retaining section  32  and a support section  34  which are utilized to hold the drywall  13  upwardly against the ceiling joist  12  and may also be utilized similarly as the abovementioned pivoting bracket  20 . The fixed brackets  30  comprise a generally rectangular shape and similar to the pivoting bracket  20  are fabricated from a durable plastic, yet it is known that other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the invention. The fixed bracket  30  measure approximately seven inches (7 in.) in length and one inch (1 in.) in height. 
     The fixed brackets  30  comprise a retaining section  32  and a support section  34  which are integral portions of the fixed bracket  30  to assist in retaining the drywall  13  It is known that the fixed brackets  30  are to be utilized in conjunction with the pivoting brackets  20 . The retaining section  32  is slightly and gradually indented into the fixed bracket  30 , thereby providing a resting portion for the drywall  13  to set flush against the desired mounting surface when utilized in a supporting manner. The retaining section  32  is also utilized to provide a stable footing beneath the drywall  13 . The support section  32  is utilized to secure the fixed bracket  30  into the ceiling joist  12  or the vertical surface  14 . The retaining section  32  may also be utilized to support the drywall  13  against the ceiling joist  12  similar to the pivoting bracket  20 . A fixed bracket aperture  36  is located at a slightly offset portion of the support section  34 . The fixed bracket aperture  36  enables insertion of a fixed bracket fastener  38  which is preferably a common wood screw which can temporarily secure the fixed bracket  30  on the desired surface. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , another environmental view of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed.  FIG. 6  depicts drywall  13  installed upon the ceiling joist  12 . When drywall  13  is being installed, the retaining leg  22  of the pivoting brackets  20  retains said drywall  13  in a stable position flush against the ceiling joist  12  (or vertical surface  14 ). This position enables the installer to fasten the drywall  13  into position in a normal fashion. Once the drywall  13  has been fastened appropriately the pivoting brackets  20  are rotated one-hundred-eighty degrees (180°) (depicted herein) so that the support leg  24  is beneath the previously fastened drywall  13  in a flush manner and the retaining leg  22  is in position to retain an adjacent section of drywall  13 . The fixed bracket  30  is fastened against the vertical surface  14  (depicted herein), thereby enabling the retaining section  32  to assist in retaining the drywall  13  in the desired mounting position. It is known that once the drywall  13  is fastened into the desired position that the fixed brackets  30  are removed and replaced to assist in mounting adjacent section of drywall  13 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the system  10 ; attaching the fixed brackets  30  onto a desired mounting surface such as a vertical surface  14  or other similar surface via inserting a fixed bracket fastener  38  into the fixed bracket aperture  36  and furthermore into the desired mounting surface; attaching the pivoting bracket  20  onto the desired mounting surface such as ceiling joist  12  at appropriate distances to retain the drywall  13 ; placing the drywall  13  onto the retaining section  32  on the fixed brackets  30  and onto the retaining legs  22  on the pivoting brackets  20 ; fastening the drywall  13  in a normal manner upon the ceiling joist  12  or other mounting surface; rotating the pivoting bracket  30  so that the support leg  34  is flush against the fastened drywall  13 ; replacing the brackets  20 ,  30  on another location for additional mounting of drywall  13  as desired; removing the brackets  20 ,  30  as desired; and, utilizing the system  10  to install drywall  13  in a quick and easy manner. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.