Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to a panel lifting device. More particularly, the invention encompasses a method and an apparatus for quickly and securely lifting panels. The invention further includes the option of the apparatus being foldable and/or modular for easy transportation from one location to another location.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a panel lifting device. More particularly, the invention encompasses a method and an apparatus for quickly and securely lifting panels. The invention further includes the option of the apparatus being foldable and/or modular for easy transportation from one location to another location. 
   BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
   In the housing construction or remodeling industry it is common to have several people involved in the placement and securing of a panel, such as, a sheetrock or drywall panel to a vertical wall. For example, just to place one panel of drywall to an upper portion of a wall, it has been routine and necessary for two or three people to hold a panel of the drywall to the vertical wall of a normal wall height (8 to 9 feet) in order for another person not holding the drywall panel to nail or glue the drywall panel to the wall. In such situations it is generally awkward and virtually impossible for one person to hold a heavy drywall panel of say sheetrock in position and nail the panel of drywall at the same time, since drywall is typically pushed up to its location for a nice tight fit. 
   Another condition that has given rise to specialized tools is the need to meet consumer requirements, such as, the desire to have higher ceilings, cathedral ceilings, 9 to 12 foot ceilings, etc. In these situations, placing panels of sheetrock to the higher areas may be limited and hazardous. There are a few designs of construction lifting apparatus that have been created to allow an operator to lift or move a heavy object, such as, drywall panels and glass panels, which may be lifted to a height where they may be transferred onto a panel lifter having an extended height capability and which are more specifically designed for outer wall use. These tools are often described as devices for lifting and transporting panels. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,828,942 (Roland O. Young), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a lifting device for lifting ceiling panels into place flush against the ceiling beams for installation. The device has a supporting structure for supporting the panel and telescoping sleeves for raising and lowering the panels. The device also has a cable and pulley connecting structure for telescoping the sleeves with a drum or spool for winding the cable and a brake mechanism for the drum. The supporting structure may also be pivoted at an angle and carry thereon panels for installation against the upright wall framework. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,802 (Francis E. Reynold), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a building panel positioner which permits a building board or panel to be positioned adjacent a ceiling or wall framework in building construction. The device comprises a base from which a bottom, intermediate and top section vertically extend in telescoping interfitted adjustably extending relation to each other with support means having a planar surface for support of the board or panel. The support means has retaining means associated therewith to prevent lateral movement with respect thereto. In addition, the retaining means has locking means associated therewith to prevent outward movement of the board or panel relative to the planar surface. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,774 (Balseiro, et al.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an apparatus for lifting a panel to a ceiling that has a post having an upper end and a lower end, a spring in the post between the upper and lower ends for at least limited longitudinal compression of the post against a spring force, and a foot pivoted on the lower end about a foot axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. A handle is pivoted on the post between its ends about a handle axis generally parallel to the foot axis and a panel-engaging support bar is pivoted on the upper end of the post about a bar-pivot axis generally parallel to the foot and handle axes, extends perpendicular to this bar-pivot axis, and has one end provided with an outwardly directed cleat. Thus this bar can be engaged under the panel with the cleat against an edge of the panel. At least one bar spring is operatively engaged between the bar and the post for biasing the bar into a position extending perpendicular to the post. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,899 (Jerome C. Palya), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a device for lifting panels by a single individual may cause such panels to be elevated vertically in connection with a structure to a location considerably higher than that which the person is located, without the use of ladders. A frame is mounted and erected vertically and a panel slides upwardly by a winch operation until in position to secured to the structure. Legs may be attached to said frame by which a work table may be provided to work on such panels prior to installation. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,429 (Roland O. Young), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a panel lifting apparatus having at least three telescoping elongated sections telescoping into one another and all telescoping into a non-telescoping elongated frame member. Three separate chain length segaments not directly connected to one another act to raise and lower the telescoping sections. The first chain segament has its upper and lower end mounted to the upper and lower end of the first telescoping section. The second chain segament has its upper end connected to the upper end of the non-telescoping section and its lower end connected to the lower end of the second telescoping section. The third chain segament has its upper end connected to the upper end of the first telescoping section and its lower end connected to the lower end of the third telescoping section. The non-telescoping section has a gear drive with its output gear engaging the first chain segament to raise and lower the first chain segament to thereby raise and lower the first telescoping section. The raising and lowering of the first telescoping section raises and lowers simultaneously the second and third telescoping sections through the chain segament connections. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,755 (Thomas Francis Jesperson), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a panel lifting apparatus for detachable attachment to a panel lifting hoist or trolley. The apparatus comprises a primary support member, a clamp for gripping engagement with a panel to be lifted, a control device for actuating the clamp via a cable linking the clamp and the control device. When a panel is to be lifted from a position off the apparatus and onto the hoist or trolley, the clamp is brought into engagement with the panel and the control device is actuated to draw the panel onto the hoist or trolley enabling the support and carriage of same. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,430 (Douglas B. Reynolds, et al.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses yet another type of apparatus which provides a mast and a cable-operated winch for pivot-lifting horizontally-manufacture wall frames to the vertical position, utilizing upper and lower sections of 2″.times.6″ lumber to form the length of the mast. Top and bottom mast elements have hollow box sockets, into which the lengths of lumber are telescoped, and a middle mast element carries a winch with the cable hooked to the top rail of the wall frame. This is designed primarily for outside wall use. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,561 (Thomson, et al.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a collapsible device for assisting a construction worker in erecting a framed wall. The device includes an elongated telescoping arm having a planar foot member at a first end thereof for vertically securing the arm to a floor. A first end of an elongated nylon strap is attached to a retraction mechanism on the arm. A second end of the nylon strap has a bracket thereon for securing to the top of a wall. The telescoping arm has a weight indication means for indicating to a user the weight of a wall being erected thereby. Accordingly, the strap may be secured to a horizontally oriented wall and the nylon strap is retracted causing the wall to pivot to a vertical position. The telescoping arm allows the device to be easily collapsed for transport or storage. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,945 (Jeffries, et al.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a sheet material lifting and retaining apparatus including a shaft member having a longitudinal axis. A gas cylinder assembly is secured to the shaft member, the gas cylinder assembly having an axis of operation that is generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the shaft member. A sheet material contact member is secured to the gas cylinder assembly. The shaft member can include a length adjustment mechanism, which may be provided as a telescoping tube arrangement having a plurality of telescoping aluminum tubes. The gas cylinder assembly can include a self-contained gas cylinder. An end fitting can be secured to a first end of the gas cylinder, with a shaft attachment member secured to a second, opposite end of the gas cylinder. An actuator can be provided to selectively control actuation of the gas cylinder. The actuator of the gas cylinder assembly can include a rod portion extending generally parallel to the shaft member. The shaft member can include an attachment bracket adapted to be secured to the shaft attachment member of the gas cylinder assembly. The end fitting can be adapted to be secured to the sheet material contact member, which may be provided as a generally planar nylon block. A floor contact member, which may include a cushion contact surface, can secured to an end of the shaft member opposite the gas cylinder assembly. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,399 (Mark S. Nelson), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a simple, compact, hands free device that allows a single operator to vertically lift and hold construction panels to a desired height for securing to a wall surface. Downward foot pressure on one end of a slotted lever arm causes a panel lifting surface on the other end of the lever arm to rise. This lever arm is supported by a base support which also supports a locking arm. Once the desired height is reached, the device locks the panel into position. The operator is then free to move about, adjust, and finally secure the panel. Once the panel is secured, the locking arm is released by simple forward pressure. With the aid of a foot strap, the device can then be transported to the next panel ready for lifting. This device eliminates the use of hands, bending, or stooping during the process of lifting construction panels. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,448 (Dennis Stewart), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses another type of prior art device which involves the use of an adjustable drywall support apparatus for holding a gypsum wallboard in place as it is being installed at ceiling level, which includes a support assembly of an elongate tubular and shaft members being telescopingly disposed in the elongate tubular member, with a cross member assembly including a tubular main cross member securely attached to the support assembly and adapted to support a drywall panel. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,275 (Charles T. Ray), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a lift platform with a pair of panel-supporting legs of square metal tubing attachable to side rails of the lift platform, with each leg being connected to the rails by an upper clamp at the top of the leg and a lower clamp at a middle location. A panel-receiving U-shaped channel is located on the opposite side of the leg, away from the rails, while the lower clamp has a standoff member included in its connection to the leg serving to project the bottom of the legs outward at an angle. Rollers at the top and bottom provide low-fiction rolling contact for weight bearing surfaces. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,606 (Mark E. Raycraft), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a lightweight apparatus related generally to lifting heavy objects of construction materials by a single individual, such as panels of sheetrock to inside or outside walls, easily accommodating walls up to 12 feet in height, including angled walls. It is more particularly directed to raising panels of sheetrock to upper portions of a wall and holding the panel in place while an individual nails or screws the sheetrock to the wall studs. A triangular sling-like attachment secures a panel of drywall being lifted by turning the winch. Another attachment on the top section allows the apparatus to lean against the studded wall. The vertical panel lift allows the worker to handle with ease drywall panels that are ¼″, ⅜″, ½″ and ⅝″ thick, in addition to holding in place drywall panels as large as 54″ wide and 16 feet long. 
   Even with these improvements, a need exists for an improved way to install large panels, such as, sheets of sheetrock to inner walls safely by a single operator. 
   Thus a need exists for a device which is mobile, light in weight and easy to use in the housing construction and remodeling industry to hang sheetrock and similar other construction materials by a single individual. 
   A need also exists for a simple, lightweight panel installing device that is easy to carry to a jobsite, yet having an effective mechanism to lift sheetrock and hold the panel against the wall while the construction panel is being secured to the vertical wall. 
   Furthermore, a need also exists for an adjustable tool with an adjustment mechanism having significant holding strength once the desired height is selected. 
   This invention overcomes the problems of the prior art. The invention provides a design that is compact and has easy maneuverability for the operator. The apparatus is self-standing at any position during the complete cycle from loading of the panel to the final installation of the panel. 
   This inventive device engages the panel, such as, a sheetrock, at the bottom by contact only, and disengages once the panel is fastened in place and the loader is removed. One person can easily and safely operate this apparatus. 
   The upper tubular section of the inventive device can be quickly swapped with one having different length to accommodate various wall heights. 
   PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention is a novel method and an apparatus for quickly and securely lifting panels. 
   Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a novel method and an apparatus for quickly and securely lifting panels. 
   Another purpose of this invention is to provide a lightweight apparatus which allows a single operator to lift heavy panels from a base level to a height of about 12 feet, and to be able to securely secure the panel at the desired location. 
   Yet another purpose of this invention is to have a quick panel lifting device that will hold a stable position during the operation of raising and securing of a panel. 
   Still, yet another purpose of this invention is to have a panel lifting device that is a self-standing unit, and stays upright with or without a load. 
   Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide an improved and efficient method for lifting and installing panels. 
   Still, yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a panel lifting device that allows the easy and quick retrofitting to accommodate different wall heights by interchanging the length of the tubular channel or unit. 
   Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a panel lifting device, comprising: 
   (a) a channel, wherein one end of said channel is secured to a base, while a second end of said channel is secured to a top assembly, wherein said channel has at least one traveling piston slideably secured inside said channel, and wherein said top assembly comprises of at least one roller and at least one pulley; 
   (b) said traveling piston has a loader secured thereto, wherein said loader has a lip to engage a panel; 
   (c) a winch mechanism, a lever latch, a gear mechanism, at least one guide pulley and at least one handle secured to said channel; 
   (d) a cable, wherein one end of said cable is secured to said traveling piston while the second end of said cable is secured to said winch mechanism, and wherein said cable is looped through a pulley in said top assembly and said at least one guide pulley; 
   (e) wherein said winch mechanism has a winch drive shaft to slidably engage with a rotatable drive shift, such that upon engagement with said rotatable drive shaft said winch drive shaft creates a movement in said cable to vertically move the loader from a first position to a second position. 
   In another aspect this invention comprises a panel lifting device, comprising: 
   (a) a channel, wherein one end of said channel is secured to a base, while a second end of said channel is secured to a top assembly, wherein said channel has at least one traveling piston slideably secured inside said channel, and wherein said top assembly comprises of at least one roller and at least one pulley; 
   (b) said traveling piston has a loader secured thereto, wherein said loader has a lip to engage a panel; 
   (c) a winch mechanism, a lever latch, a gear mechanism, at least one guide pulley and at least one handle secured to said channel; 
   (d) a cable, wherein one end of said cable is secured to said traveling piston while the second end of said cable is secured to said winch mechanism, and wherein said cable is looped through a pulley in said top assembly and said at least one guide pulley; 
   (e) wherein said winch mechanism has a winch drive shaft to slidably engage with a rotatable drive shift, such that upon engagement with said rotatable drive shaft said winch drive shaft creates a movement in said cable to vertically move the loader from a first position to a second position; and 
   (f) wherein said channel has an upper portion and a lower portion, such that said upper portion pivots around said lower portion at a pivot point, and wherein at least one pin secures said upper portion of said channel to said lower portion of said channel at said pivot point. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features of the invention that are novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Furthermore, like numbers represent like features in the drawings. The invention itself, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an exemplary quick panel lifter which is used to illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of a quick panel lifter. 
       FIG. 3  is a left side view of a quick panel lifter, taken along section  3 - 3 , from  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross sectional cut-out view of a quick panel lifter. 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the channel. 
       FIG. 6  is a top view a quick panel lifter, taken along section  6 - 6 , from  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the traveling piston or traveling slide. 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of the top assembly. 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of the plate with winch, handle, pulley and lever assembly, taken along section  9 - 9 , from  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 10  is an exemplary quick panel lifter which is used to illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 10  in an intermediate position. 
       FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of a hinge or hook and locking pins used with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  is still yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the quick panel lifter  10 , where the quick panel lifter  10 , is positioned along a typical vertical wall  11 , where the wall  11 , is either under construction or under repairs. The wall  11 , typically has at least one beam  82  or at least one stud  82 , with at least one bottom plate  84 , and at least one top plate  86 . The bottom plate  84 , the top plate  86 , and beam  82  or stud  82 , are securely connected to each other by methods well know in the prior art. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the quick panel lifter  10 , has lifted a panel  80 , such as, a sheetrock panel  80 , such that the bottom edge of the panel  80 , is resting on at least one loader  28 , while an upper portion or edge of the panel  80 , has been pushed and made to lean towards and rests along the edge of at least one beam  82  or stud  82 . As a person skilled in the art would appreciate that this invention can take advantage of gravity by allowing the raising of the panel  80 , to a position so that it can be pushed and it can slide along an edge of the beam  82  or stud  82 , while it is positioned for eventual placement along the face of the beam  82  or stud  82 . 
     FIG. 2  is a front view of a quick panel lifter  10 . The preferred embodiment of the quick panel lifter  10 , has a base  32 , and a channel  12 , preferably a C-channel  12 , secured to the base  32 . The channel  12 , preferably has a channel slot  42 , to allow the vertical movement and containment of various components, such as, for example, a traveling piston  24 . The traveling piston  24 , preferably has at least one loader  28 , having a bend or lip  50 , secured thereto via at least one securing device  58 , such as, for example, screws  58 , spot weld  58 , to name a few. One end of a cable  36 , is secured to the traveling piston  24 , while the other end loops around a pulley  18 , on a pin  46 , near the top assembly  14 , and is guided via at least one pulley guide  26 , and is secured to a winch  22 . The channel  12 , has an opening or slot  62 , to receive the guide pulley  26 . 
     FIG. 3  is a left side view of a quick panel lifter  10 , taken along section  3 - 3 , from  FIG. 1 . As one can clearly see that the top assembly  14 , has at least one roller  16 , secured via a pin  17 , or similar such device  17 . The roller  16 , is a free roller  16 , which acts as a support roller  16 , for the upward or downward movement of a panel  80  (not shown) resting on it. In a preferred embodiment the top assembly  14 , containing the roller  16 , is inserted into and secured to the channel  12 . At least one handle  38 , is also provided. The handle  38 , is secured to the quick panel lifter  10 , via at least one securing device  60 , such as a screw  60 , or a spot weld  60 , or similar such securing device  60 . The guide pulley  26 , is preferably on a guide post  52 , and secured thereto via a pin  53 . One or more side plates  23 , securely accommodate the winch  22 , a winch driver  34  or winch drive shaft  34 , a gear mechanism  64 , and at least one latch lever  44 . The winch driver  34 , or winch drive shaft  34 , is directly connected to the winch  22 , and the winch driver  34  or winch drive shaft  34 , allows the rotation of the winch  22 , in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction. The winch  22 , has a latch  44 , where the latch  44 , is preferably a lever that engage/disengage gear  64 , to hold and release the winch  22 , during the phase of installing and securing the panel  80 , in position. The latch  44 , is preferably a three-position lever, such that the latch  44 , has a first position which is neutral, a second position to engage the gear  64 , and a third position to disengage the gear  64 , on winch  22 . It is preferred that the handle  38 , guide post  52 , and the winch  22 , are all securely attached to the plate  20 . It is preferred that the plate  20 , is securely attached to the channel  12 , using securing means  60 , such as, screw  60 , or spot welding  60 , to name a few. The loader  28 , is preferably of an “L” shape, where one portion of the loader  28 , is secured to the traveling piston  24 , via at least one securing mechanism  58 , such as, screw  58 , or spot weld  58 , to name a few. The loader  28 , also has a lip or bend  50 , to hold and prevent the sliding of the panel  80  (not shown). It is preferred that at least one bracket  48 , secures the channel  12 , to the base  32 , via a plurality of securing means  56 , such as, screws  56 , spot welding  56 , to name a few. The base  32 , has a pivot point  40 . Pivot point  40 , is the loading line at the time the lifter  10 , tilts toward the panel  80 , and the roller  16  makes contact with the panel  80 . 
   In a preferred embodiment a drill  35 , having a drive shaft  37 , such as, a house hold drill  35 , is made to mate with the winch driver  34  or winch drive shaft  34 , and the rotational movement of the drill drive shaft  37 , rotates the winch driver  34 , or the winch drive shaft  34 , which in turn moves the loader  28 , in upward direction or downward direction. In a typical application one would place a panel  80 , on the loader  28 , while the upper surface of the panel  80 , rests on the roller  16 . The drive shaft  37 , of the drill  35 , is then mated with the winch driver  34  or the winch drive shaft  34 , and the drill  35 , is activated. Upon activation the winch  22 , rotates in a first direction so as to create tension in the cable  36 , and moves the loader  28 , having the panel  80 , from a first position to a desired second position. Once the second desired position is reached the operator then uses the handle  38 , to make minor adjustments for the eventual placement and securing of the panel  80 . 
     FIG. 4  is a cross sectional cut-out view of the quick panel lifter  10 . As one can see that one end of the cable  36 , is secured to the winch  22 . The cable  36 , then passes through guide pulley  26 , and feeds over the pulley  18 , and the second end of the cable  36 , passes through a horizontal pinhole  66 , and is attached to the traveling piston  24 . Winch  22 , allows the winding and unwinding of the cable  36 , by pulling or releasing the piston  24 . The latch lever  44 , is connected to a small gear  63 , which in turn is connected to the large gear  64 . The movement of the latch lever  44 , engage or disengage the gears in the small gear  63 . It is preferred that the latch lever  44 , engages the small gear  63 , while a panel  80 , is being lifted and prevent the downward movement of the loader  28 , until the latch lever  44 , is deliberately and intentionally released. It is preferred that the channel  12 , is centered into block  30 , and the block  30 , is fastened with securing means  46 , such as, pin  46 . 
     FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the channel  12 . In a preferred embodiment the edge in the channel slot  42 , of the “C” shaped channel  12 , has an optional rolled edge  15  or protective edge  15 . The channel  12 , is shown as a “C” channel  12 , however, the channel  12 , can be of any shape, such as a triangular shaped channel  12 , a rectangular shaped channel  12 , a round shaped channel with a slot  12 , or a polygonal shaped channel  12 , to name a few. 
     FIG. 6  is a top view the quick panel lifter  10 , taken along section  6 - 6 , from  FIG. 1 , where the loader  28 , roller  16 , base  32 , winch  22 , winch driver  34 , and other related features are clearly shown. 
     FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the traveling piston  24  or traveling slide  24 . In the preferred embodiment the traveling piston  24 , has an area  61 , which is a standoff  61 . The standoff  61 , engages the loader  28 , at holes  59 , at the outer area of channel  12 . The traveling piston  24 , is shown with at least one hole  67 , which receives the cable  36 . The cable  36 , is preferably held in place with a pin or similar securing device (not shown) inserted into the horizontal hole  66 . The traveling piston  24 , is also shown with at least one slot  25 . The slot  25 , functions to offer clearance to mounting screws  58 , via holes  59 . 
     FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of the top assembly  14 , containing the roller  16 , and the pulley  18 . Pulley  18 , is preferably shifted away or set-off from the roller  16 , so as to assure contact of the panel  80 , with the surface of the roller  16 , and that this clearance provides space for the cable  36 , to freely move. The pin  17 , locates and allows the free rotation of the pulley  18 , while pin  46 , locates and allows the free rotation of the roller  16 . It is preferred that the top assembly  14 , has a somewhat smaller body on the lower section so that it can be easily inserted into the channel  12 , or removed therefrom. However, this is not necessary as there are a number of other ways to secure the top assembly  14 , to the channel  12 , such as, by welding or bracing or similar such other securing means. 
     FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of the plate  20 , with winch  22 , handle  38 , guide pulley  26 , and lever assembly  44 , taken along section  9 - 9 , from  FIG. 1 . In a preferred embodiment the plate  20  or plate assembly  20 , is a modular component, having secured thereto, the handle  38 , the winch  22 , the guide pulley  26 , the latch lever assembly  44 , and the related components. Pin  53 , locates and secures the guide pulley  26 , into the guide post  52 . In some embodiment one could have a disc  68 , having a gear  64 , associated therewith. One can also see the slot or opening  62 , such as, an oval opening or slot  62 , to accommodate the guide pulley  26 . The guide post  52 , can be securely fastened to the plate  20 , with securing means  55 , such as with screws  55 , or spot welding  55 , or similar such other securing means  55 . 
     FIG. 10  is an exemplary quick panel lifter  110 , which is used to illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. The quick panel lifter  110 , is preferably hinged at about the middle section for easy storage and transportation. The quick panel lifter  110 , unit is shown in a folded position. At least one first channel  112 , and at least one second channel  113  are shown parallel to each other. Hinge  90 , allows the pivotal rotation of channel  113 , in relation to channel  112 . At least one side hook  92 , which is a female connector  92 , is attached to channel  113 , and at least one side hook  94 , which is a female connector  94 , is attached to channel  112 , such that when the channel  113 , is pivotally rotated using pivot hinge  90 , the side hook  92 , mates with side hook  94 , and a pin  96 , is made to pass through the side hook  92 , and the side hook  94 , and vertically aligns with channel  112 , and thus channel  113 , is vertically aligned and secured with channel  112 , such that traveling piston  24 , can now slide unimpeded along the channel openings in both channel  112  and channel  113 . The cable  36 , is shown forming a loop between channel  112  and channel  113 , however, when the channel  113 , is rotated and aligned for the placement of a panel  80 , the cable  36 , is in a very taut position. It is preferred that the channel slot  42 , is along the full length of the tubular channels  112  and  113 . 
     FIG. 11  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 10  in an intermediate position, where the quick panel lifter  110 , is being pivotally rotated around pivot  90  or hinge  90 . 
     FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of hinge  92 ,  94  or hook  92 ,  94 , and locking pin  96 , used with an embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the quick panel lifter  110 , the tubular sections  112  and  113 , are vertical aligned, and pin  96 , are passed through a hook  92 ,  94  or hinge  92 ,  94 , and locks the channels  112  and  113 , in place. The hinge  90 , is preferably secured to channels  112  and  113 , while hook  92  is on the lower side of channel  113 , and hook  94 , is on the upper side of the channel  112 , and at least one pin  96 , securely mates channel  113  to channel  112 , via the locking pin  96 . 
     FIG. 13  is yet another embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the quick panel lifter  10 ,  110 , an electric geared motor  100 , is directly attached to the winch driver shaft  34 . Preferably, a coupler  102 , connects the winch driver  34 , to the motor  100 . A control box  120 , is held in place by at least one bracket  111 . The control box  120 , preferably has a speed controller knob  108 , a direction control switch  106 , an ON/OFF switch  104 , to name a few. Power cord  112 , and connecting cable  122 , connects the control box  120 , and the motor  100 , to an electrical source, such as, a DC source or an AC source. 
     FIG. 14  is still yet another embodiment of the present invention for a quick panel lifter  10 ,  110 . In another preferred embodiment, the motor  100 , is shown being separated from the winch  22 . The motor  100 , drives the winch  22 , such as, for example, by using at least one belt  118 . The motor  100 , has a “V-shaped” pulley  116 , and the winch  22 , also has a “V-shaped” pulley  114 . A control box  120 , is attached to the winch  22 , using at least one bracket  111 . Power cable  112 , and connecting cable  122 , between the control box  120 , and the motor  100 , provide the electrical source, such as, a DC source or an AC source. 
   It should be appreciated that the winch drive shaft  34 , can be operated with a handle (not shown), a wheel (not shown), or preferably with a household rechargeable electric drill  35 , or a motor  100 , or a similar electromechanical device. 
   For some applications the base  32 , could have wheels (not shown) to roll the quick panel lifter  10 ,  110 , from a first location to a second location. The base  32 , could also have a locking mechanism (not shown) so as to prevent any movement of the quick panel lifter  10 ,  110 , or to keep the quick panel lifter  10 ,  110 , in a stationary position, especially, during the installation of a panel  80 . 
   The panel  80 , could be selected from a group comprising, a sheetrock panel  80 , a gypsum board panel  80 , a plywood panel  80 , a glass panel  80 , a Plexiglas panel  80 , a plastic panel  80 , to name a few. 
   The “L” shaped load holder  28  or loader  28 , is preferably attached to the traveling piston  24 , such that it engages the panel  80 , at the floor level and within a few inches from the wall  11 . It is preferred that the panel  80 , is loaded onto the loader  28 , in such a way that the center of gravity of the panel  80 , and the center of gravity of he loader  28 , are very close to each other, such as in the center, this is especially important for balancing a large panel  80 . 
   It should be appreciated that the shallow angle that is obtained by loading the panel  80 , close to the vertical wall  11 , distributes the weight perpendicular to the channel  12 , which is attached to the base  32 . 
   For some applications the panel  80 , rises along the wall  11 , by leaning onto the beams  82 , or studs  82 , especially, when the panel  80 , is being installed. It would be normal for the quick panel lifting device  10 ,  110 , to tilt toward the panel  80 , contacting the upper roller  16 , especially during positioning when it is controlled by an individual operator holding the handle  38 . 
   The simple compact lifting device  10 ,  100 , allows a single operator to vertically lift and hold construction panels  80 , and/or sheetrock  80 , to a desired height for securing the panel  80 , to a wall  11 . The lifting device  10 ,  110 , maintains the panel in position, allowing the operator to move freely about in any direction to adjust and secure the panel  80 , on the wall  11 . Once the panel  80 , is secured in location the latch lever  44 , is then released allowing the loader  28 , to drop into a home position by it is own weight or with little assistance from the operator or by reversing the drill  35 , or motor  100 . The device  10 ,  110 , is then ready to install the next panel  80 . The lifting device  10 ,  110 , provides an easy method for lifting panels  80 , on a wall  11 , as high as 12 feet with a single operator. The lightweight apparatus  10 , can be a single piece unit  10 , or it can be a multi-piece unit  110 . 
   For some application one end of the cable could be secured to the traveling piston while the second end of the cable is secured to the winch mechanism, and wherein the cable could be looped through a pulley in the top assembly and the at least one guide pulley. However, for a modular or a non-modular design the top assembly could be part of the channel itself, e.g. pulley and roller fastened direct to the channel thus eliminating the need of the top assembly 
   While the present invention has been particularly described in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.