Patent Publication Number: US-9422731-B2

Title: Drywall installation tool and a method for its use

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of Ser. No. 13/940,295, filed Jul. 12, 2013, which claims benefit to provisional patent application No. 61/670,722 filed Jul. 12, 2012, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present device relates to tools that can be used to install drywall panels and similarly shaped structures and a method for using such tools. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Drywall, also known as plasterboard, wallboard, or gypsum board, is a type of paneling that is commonly used to construct the interior walls and ceilings of houses, offices and other buildings. Drywall is typically made up of an inner core of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper and can be manufactured in various lengths and thicknesses for use in many different applications. A standard drywall sheet is commonly four (4) feet wide and eight (8) feet long and one-half (½) inch thick, but can also be up to twelve (12) feet long, and three-eighths (⅜ths) to five-eighths (⅝ths) inches thick. To install drywall panels, each panel is cut into desired shapes and sizes and then secured to wall or ceiling structures with nails, glue, screws or other suitable fasteners. Cutouts in each drywall panel can be made for wall features such as windows, doors, plumbing, electrical outlets and light switches. After the panels have been secured to the wall or ceiling structure, the seams between the drywall panels are concealed and the outer surface of the panels can be finished with a plaster coating and painted or covered with wallpaper or other coverings. 
     Multiple panels or sheets of drywall are commonly required to completely cover a single wall or ceiling. Such installations typically require more than one worker to complete, as it is often necessary for one worker to hold a drywall panel in place while a second worker secures the panel to the underlying wall studs or ceiling joists. Requiring more than one worker to install each drywall panel prolongs the time it takes to complete the construction job as other work must be put on hold so that at least two workers can assist each other with the drywall installation. This reduces efficiency which inevitably leads to higher construction costs. 
     One solution intended to alleviate the burden of installing multiple panels of drywall has been to use a panel hoist tool (See U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,123 by Rokosh et al. for example.) that can lift each drywall panel to the proper placement position for installation. The panel hoist can allow one person to handle and install drywall panels to either walls or ceilings, avoiding the need for assistance from a second person. However, purchasing or even renting a panel hoist can be expensive and may not be conducive for drywall installation in smaller spaces. Additionally, such panel hoists are typically large and unwieldy pieces of equipment that can be difficult to properly position and move around a worksite. Therefore, any time that is saved by requiring only one person to operate the panel hoist will likely be lost due to the time necessary to move the panel hoist around the construction site and the time required to place it into the positions required to install each sheet of drywall if such positioning is possible at all. 
     What is needed is a drywall installation tool configured to be used by a single person to install drywall panels onto walls and ceilings. Specifically, this drywall installation tool should allow one person to install a drywall panel without requiring the assistance of another person to either hold the panel in place or secure it to a wall or ceiling once it is in place. Furthermore, this drywall installation tool should be easy to move around a construction site and capable of being quickly moved into any position required to install a particular piece of drywall to a wall or ceiling. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above aspects can be obtained by a drywall installation tool comprising: a clamping section comprising a horizontal bar, at least one fixed-arm immovably connected to the horizontal bar, and at least one sliding-arm movably connected to the horizontal bar; a shelf section comprising a shelf having an inner edge and an outer edge; and a locking mechanism configured to securely connect the sliding-arm at chosen points along the horizontal bar. 
     The above aspect can also be obtained by a drywall installation tool comprising: a clamping section comprising a horizontal bar; at least one fixed-arm immovably connected to the horizontal bar, and at least one sliding-arm movably connected to the horizontal bar; a shelf section comprising a shelf having an inner edge and an outer edge, wherein the shelf section is configured to pivot between an up position to a down position; and a locking mechanism configured to securely connect the sliding-arm at chosen points along the length of the horizontal bar. 
     The above aspect can also be obtained by a method for using a drywall installation tool comprising: providing a drywall installation tool comprising a clamping section further comprising a horizontal bar; at least one fixed-arm immovably connected to the horizontal bar, and at least one sliding-arm movably connected to the horizontal bar; a shelf section comprising a shelf having an inner edge and an outer edge; and a locking mechanism configured to securely connect the sliding-arm at chosen points along the length of the horizontal bar; providing a section of drywall; providing a wall structure comprising at least one stud, each stud comprising a first side and a second side; providing at least one fastener; connecting the drywall installation tool to at least one stud by positioning the fixed-arm against the first side of a stud and moving the sliding-arm along the horizontal bar until it contacts the second side of a stud and activating the locking mechanism to securely connect the sliding-arm to the horizontal bar at a selected location; and placing the section of drywall on the shelf and connecting the drywall section to at least one stud with at least one fastener. 
    
    
     
       Further features and advantages of the present device, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present device, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective front, top and right-side view of a drywall installation tool according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a drywall installation tool according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of a drywall installation tool according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a drywall installation tool according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a drywall installation tool according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a right-side view of a drywall installation tool wherein the shelf is in a down position according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a left-side view of a drywall installation tool wherein the shelf is in an up position according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective front, top and right-side view of a drywall installation tool connected to wall studs according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective close-up view of a moveable clamp release button comprising a drywall installation tool, as shown in  FIG. 8 , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a partially cutaway top view of a drywall installation tool, as shown in  FIG. 8 , connected to wall studs according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective front, top and right-side view of a drywall installation tool connected to wall studs and supporting a section of drywall to be installed according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a right-side view of a drywall installation tool wherein the shelf is shown in a “down position” and, in a transparent view, is shown in an “up position” according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a right-side view of a drywall installation tool connected to at least one ceiling joist wherein the shelf is in the up position and a section of drywall is supported by the shelf according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of a drywall installation tool according to an alternative embodiment; and 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom view of a drywall installation tool according to an alternative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. 
     The present drywall installation tool is configured to support a standard sheet of drywall against and adjacent to wall studs or ceiling joists. Specifically, the present drywall installation device can act as a movable support ledge configured to secure one edge of a sheet of drywall allowing the user to free one or both of his or her hands to secure the drywall to the studs or joists using nails, screws or other suitable fastening devices. According to an embodiment, the present device can comprise a clamping mechanism allowing it to be removably connected to the wall studs or ceiling joists comprising a wall or ceiling respectively. In an embodiment, this clamping mechanism can resemble a bar clamp comprising two or more arms wherein at least one of these arms can be moved along the bar. These arms can be moved closer together to connect the drywall installation tool to the studs or joist or moved apart to release the tool from the studs or joists, according to an embodiment. The clamping mechanism can be configured so that it can be mounted flush against the studs or joists to which the drywall panel is being connected. 
     In an embodiment, the drywall installation tool can comprise a shelf configured to support a sheet of drywall. This shelf can be connected to the clamping mechanism and can be rotatable in order to facilitate the connection of drywall panels to a ceiling. In an embodiment, this drywall installation tool can be approximately three (3) feet long and one (1) foot wide and can weight approximately ten (10) pounds. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the drywall installation tool, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective front, top and right-side view of a drywall installation tool  100  according to an embodiment. The drywall installation tool  100  can comprise a clamp section  101  and shelf section  102 . In an embodiment, the clamp section  101  can comprise a horizontal bar  103 . At least one sliding-arm  105  can be movably secured to the horizontal bar  103  allowing the sliding-arm  105  to move along the horizontal bar  103 . The capacity to move the sliding-arm  105  can allow the drywall installation tool  100  to be secured to wall structures or ceiling structures at chosen locations and can allow the drywall installation tool  100  to be secured to wall studs or ceiling joist (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) having a range of centers (distances between each joist or stud). 
     The clamp section  101  can comprise a locking lever  107  at one side of the horizontal bar  103 . The locking lever  107 , when placed into an open position, can allow the sliding-arm  105  to be positioned at various locations along the horizontal bar  103 . The locking lever  107 , when placed into a closed position (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), can be used to secure the sliding-arm  105  into a certain position selected by the user. In an embodiment, the clamp section  101  can comprise at least one fixed-arm  106 . In an embodiment, each fixed-arm  106  can be immovably connected to the horizontal bar  103  at one end of the clamp section  101  opposite the end closest to the sliding-arm  105 . The shelf section  102  of the drywall installation tool  100  can comprise a shelf  112  which can extend along the distance of the horizontal bar  103  of the clamp section  101 . In an embodiment, the shelf  112  can comprise a flange  122  at or near an inside edge  124  of the shelf section  102 , which can be the edge positioned nearest wall studs or ceiling joists when the drywall installation tool  100  is connected to the wall studs or ceiling joists (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). In an embodiment, the shelf  112  can comprise a panel guide  123  that can be connected to the flange  122 . The shelf  112  can slope downward from the flange  122  to an outside edge  126 . This slope of the shelf  112  up to the flat flange  122  can allow for easier placement of a drywall panel (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) by allowing the drywall panel&#39;s edge to be slid along the slope of the shelf  112  until it is supported by the flat surface of the flange  122 . Once the drywall panel&#39;s edge is supported by the flange  122 , the drywall panel can be fastened to the wall or ceiling to which the drywall installation tool  100  has been connected. 
     In an embodiment, a user can initially position the drywall installation tool  100  against wall studs or ceiling joists while the locking lever  107  is in the open position. Once the sliding-arm  105  and the fixed-arm  106  are each in their desired positions, the user can place the locking lever  107  into the closed position, thus moving the sliding-arm  105  closer to the fixed-arm  106  as well as towards, and more firmly against, the wall studs or ceiling joists located between the sliding-arm  105  and fixed-arm  106 . The inward pressure exerted by both the sliding-arm  105  and the fixed-arm  106  can thus securely connect the drywall installation tool  100  to the wall studs or ceiling joists in a desired location. 
     In an embodiment, the sliding-arm  105  can comprise a clamp release button  108  which can allow the user to move the sliding-arm  105  across the clamp section  101  so as to position the fixed-arm  106  against one wall stud or ceiling joist and the sliding-arm  105  against another wall stud or ceiling joist. In this embodiment, moving the locking lever  107  into the closed position can create the final movement of the sliding-arm  105  toward the fixed-arm  106 . However, most of the movement of the sliding-arm  105  would be accomplished by the full release of the sliding-arm  105  controlled by the release button  108 . 
     The user can use the drywall installation tool  100  as an aid in installing a drywall panel to a wall or ceiling. In an embodiment, the user can place a drywall panel in a vertical position, against a stud wall, and this drywall panel can be supported by direct contact with the flange  122  of the shelf  112  comprising the shelf portion  102  of the installation tool  100  when installing drywall on a wall. In an embodiment, the user can place a drywall panel horizontally against selected ceiling joists and the drywall panel can be supported by the flange  122  of the shelf  112  comprising the shelf portion  102  for installation of drywall onto a ceiling. 
     In an embodiment, the weight of the drywall panel can be supported fully by the drywall installation tool  100  allowing the user to use one hand to hold the panel in place while the user&#39;s other hand is free to secure the drywall panel to the wall or ceiling with one or more fasteners. In this way, the drywall installation tool  100  can allow a single user to install a drywall panel as the drywall installation tool  100  can substantially perform the function of a second person who typically assists the first person by holding the drywall panel in place while the first person secures the panel to the wall or ceiling using screws or nails. Alternatively, the drywall installation tool  100  can be used to support the weight of the drywall panel while the user can use one hand to hold the panel against a wall or ceiling while using the other hand to install nails or screws to connect the panel to the studs or joists. 
     The drywall installation tool  100  can be comprised in full or in part of any suitable material such as carbon fiber, aluminum or plastic to name a few examples of suitable materials. As mentioned above, the drywall installation tool  100  can measure approximately three (3) feet in length and have a width of approximately one (1) foot. However, the measurement specifications of the drywall installation tool  100  can be customized to suit the structural dimensions of various walls and ceilings as well as the space limitations in the rooms where the wall and ceiling panels are to be installed. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of a drywall installation tool  100  according to an embodiment. This view shows more clearly the spatial relationship that can exist between the clamping section  101  and the shelf section  102 . In this embodiment, the shelf section  102  and the clamping section  101  are oriented into planes that are parallel to one another. This view also shows the relative positions of both the fixed-arm  106  and the sliding-arm  105  in relation to the horizontal bar  103 . This view also shows the panel guide  123 , which is configured to act as a spacer to prevent the user from mounting the shelf  112  too close to the ceiling joists according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the panel guide  123  can extend approximately three fourths (¾ths) of an inch from the top surface of the shelf  112  in order for a user to set any drywall panel having a thickness of up to three fourths (¾ths) inches on the shelf  112  without requiring the adjustment of the height of the shelf  112 . Alternative embodiments of the drywall installation tool  100  may not comprise a panel guide  123 , as the core function of the tool could be accomplished without it. 
     In an embodiment, the drywall installation tool  100  can also comprise a supplemental stabilizer  218  configured to increase the surface area contact between the drywall installation tool  100  and the wall or ceiling structure to which it is connected. According to an embodiment, the movement of the shelf  112  can be facilitated by the use of one or more hinges  215 . These hinges  215  can be locking hinges configured to hold the shelf  112  in a selected position unless and until significant force is applied to move it from one position to another. In an embodiment, these positions can include an up position and a down position, which are each described in more detail below. In  FIG. 2 , the shelf  112  is shown in the down position. 
       FIG. 3  is a rear view of a drywall installation tool  100  according to an embodiment. This view shows the inner workings of the clamping section  101  according to this particular embodiment. Specifically, a draw bar  335  is shown to extend along the length of the horizontal bar  103  and connect at one end to the locking lever  107 . The sliding-arm  105  can be connected to the draw bar  335  and the sliding-arm  105  can be secured to a point along the draw bar  335  when the locking lever  107  is placed into a closed position (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). When the locking lever  107  is placed in an open position (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), and the release button  108  (not visible in  FIG. 3 ) is pressed, the sliding-arm  105  can be allowed to move along the length of the draw bar  335 . The draw bar locking mechanism  330 , which can be controlled by the release button  108 , can also be used to lock the sliding-arm  105  to the draw bar  335 . 
       FIG. 3  also shows the sliding-arm stabilizer  612 , comprising the sliding-arm  105 , and the fixed-arm stabilizer  712 , comprising the fixed-arm  106 , to be viewed. The purpose of these two stabilizers,  612  and  712 , is discussed in more detail below. In an embodiment, the drywall installation tool  100  can also comprise a supplemental stabilizer  218  configured to increase the surface area contact between the drywall installation tool  100  and the wall or ceiling structure to which it is connected. The connection of the panel guide  123  to the drywall installation tool  100  can be seen as  FIG. 3 , according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of a drywall installation tool  100  according to an embodiment. The shelf section  102  can comprise one or more cut-outs  405 , making the shelf  112  non-solid. The cut-outs  405  can comprise various shapes and their purpose can be to decrease the overall weight of the drywall installation tool  100 , allowing it to be more easily maneuvered as well as to reduce friction between an edge of a piece of wallboard and the shelf  112  as the wallboard is slid over the shelf  112  for installation. This improved maneuverability can improve functionality of the drywall installation tool  100  by allowing a user to more easily connect it to wall or ceiling structures. 
     In this figure, both the sliding-arm grip  415  and the fixed-arm grip  416  can also be viewed. The sliding-arm grip  415  can be the portion of the sliding-arm  105  that extends into a wall or ceiling structure and can be the portion that comes into direct contact with the wall studs, ceiling joists, or similar objects to which the drywall installation tool  100  is being connected. Likewise, the fixed-arm grip  416  can be the portion of the fixed-arm  106  that extends into a wall or ceiling structure and can be the portion that comes into direct contact with the wall studs, ceiling joists, or similar objects to which the drywall installation tool  100  is connected. Although only one fixed-arm grip  416  and only one sliding-arm grip  415  are shown in  FIG. 4 , it is contemplated that each drywall installation tool  100  can comprise more than one sliding-arm grip  415  and more than one fixed-arm grip  416 . 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a drywall installation tool  100  according to an embodiment. This view clearly shows both the fixed-arm  106  and the sliding-arm  105  which comprise the points of connection between the drywall installation tool  100  and the wall studs or ceiling joists to which it is configured to be connected. 
       FIG. 6  is a right-side view of a drywall installation tool  100  wherein the shelf  112  is shown in a “down position”  602  according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the down position  602  of the shelf  112  can allow a user to install drywall onto a wall or similar vertical structure. The user can position the sliding-arm  105  and the fixed arm (not shown) in the proper position against the wall studs and can lock the installation tool  100  into place using the locking lever  107  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ). In an embodiment, the sliding-arm  105  can comprise a clamp release button  108  which can allow the user to move the sliding-arm  105  so as to position the fixed-arm  106  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) against one wall stud or ceiling joist and the sliding-arm  105  against another wall stud or ceiling joist or against a second side of the same wall stud or ceiling joist. To ensure that the drywall installation tool  100  is securely connected to the wall studs or ceiling joists (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) at a proper angle, the sliding-arm  105  can also comprise a sliding-arm stabilizer  612  located below a sliding-arm gripping ear  615 , according to an embodiment. This sliding-arm stabilizer  612  can be configured to rest against the stud or joist to which the sliding-arm gripping ear  615  is connected, thus maintaining the position of the drywall installation tool  100  in a plane parallel to the wall or ceiling being constructed. The drywall panel (not shown) can be placed vertically upon the flange  122  and against the panel guide  123  of the shelf  112  of the drywall installation tool  100 , according to an embodiment. The shelf  112  can support the weight of the drywall panel and help to hold the drywall panel in place while the user secures the panel to the wall studs. 
       FIG. 7  is a left-side view of a drywall installation tool  100  wherein the shelf  112  is shown in an “up position”  703  according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the up position  703  can be used to allow a user to install drywall onto a ceiling. The user can position the fixed-arm  106  and the sliding-arm (not shown  FIG. 6 ) in the proper position against the ceiling joists and can lock the drywall installation tool  100  into place using the locking lever  107 . The configuration of the fixed-arm  106  can be similar to that of the sliding-arm  105  (not shown  FIG. 7 ) in that it can comprise a fixed arm stabilizer  712  located below a fixed-arm gripping ear  715 . As with the sliding-arm stabilizer  612 , this fixed-arm stabilizer  712  can be configured to rest against the stud or joist to which the fixed arm gripping ear  715  has been connected, thus maintaining the position of the drywall installation tool  100  in a plane parallel to the wall or ceiling being constructed. A drywall panel (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) can be placed horizontally on top of the flange  122  of the shelf  112 . The shelf  112  can help to both support the drywall panel and hold the drywall panel in place while the user secures the panel to the ceiling joists. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective front, top and right-side view of a drywall installation tool  100  connected to wall studs  800  according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the drywall installation tool  100  can be placed against wall studs  800  in a position so that the panel guide  123  is flush against the front surface  811  of the wall studs  800 . The fixed-arm  106  can be positioned against the front surface  811  of a wall stud  800 . The sliding-arm  105  can be moved from a first position  812  to a second position  814  so as to allow the sliding-arm clamp  105  to be positioned against a chosen wall stud  800 . The locking lever  107  can be moved from an open position  802  to a closed position  804 , according to an embodiment. Moving the locking lever  107  to the closed position  804  can act to tighten the drywall installation tool  100  against the wall studs  800  and allows the installation tool  100  to be secured to the wall studs  800 . The secured drywall installation tool  100  can be used to aid the installation of drywall panels onto wall studs  800  or ceiling joists (not shown). Similarly, the locking lever  107  can be placed in the open position  802  to allow the drywall installation tool  100  to easily be removed from the wall studs  810 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective close-up view of a moveable clamp release button  108  comprising a drywall installation tool  100 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , according to an embodiment. The moveable clamp release button  108  can be attached to the sliding-arm  105  (not shown in  FIG. 9 ). The moveable clamp release button  108  can allow the sliding-arm  105  to be released from a particular position so that the sliding-arm can be moved along much of the length of the clamp section  101  as well as the draw bar  335 . 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of a drywall installation tool  100 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , connected to wall studs  800 , wherein the shelf  112  has been partially cut away, according to an embodiment. The drywall installation tool  100  can be positioned flush against the wall studs  800 . The sliding-arm  105  can be moved from a first position  812  to a second position  814  so as to allow the sliding-arm  105  to be positioned against a wall stud  800 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective front, top and side view of a drywall installation tool  100  connected to wall studs  800  and supporting a section of drywall  1100  to be installed according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the drywall installation tool  100  can support a drywall panel  1100  to be installed onto a wall. The fixed-arm  106  and the sliding-arm  105  can be positioned against the wall studs  800 . The locking lever  107  can be placed in a closed position to allow the installation tool  100  to be secured against the wall studs  800 . The drywall panel  1100  can be placed vertically on the flange  122  between the shelf  112  and the panel guide  123 , according to an embodiment. The installation tool  100  can hold the drywall panel  1100  in place while the user secures the drywall panel  1100  to the wall studs  800 . 
       FIG. 12  is a right-side view of a drywall installation tool  100  wherein the shelf  112  is shown in both an “up position”  1211 , in a transparent view, and a “down position”  1212  according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, the movement of the shelf  112  from the up position  1211  to the down position  1212  can be facilitated by the use of a hinge  215 . This hinge  215  can be a locking hinge configured to hold the shelf  112  in either the up position  1211  or the down position  1212  unless sufficient force is applied to move it from one position to the other. In an embodiment, when the shelf  112  is positioned in the up position  1211  a drywall panel (not shown) can be placed horizontally (relative to the ground) on the shelf  112  for installation of the drywall onto a ceiling. When the shelf  112  is in the down position  1212  it can allow a drywall panel to be placed vertically (relative to the ground) on the shelf  112  for installation of the drywall onto a wall, according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 13  is a right-side view of a drywall installation tool  100  connected to at least one ceiling joist  1300  wherein the shelf  112  is in the up position  1211  and a section of drywall  1100  is supported by the shelf  112  according to an embodiment. The drywall installation tool  100  can be secured to the ceiling joists  1300 . In an embodiment, the shelf  112  of the drywall installation tool  100  can be positioned in the up position  1211  through use of the hinge  215 . When the shelf  112  is placed in the up position  1211  it can allow the drywall panel  1100  to be positioned horizontally on the flange  122  of the shelf  112  and against the ceiling joists  1300 . In an embodiment, the shelf  112  can be sloped so as to allow the drywall panel  1100  to be moved more easily into position on the flange  122 . In an embodiment, the drywall panel can be slid up the slope of the shelf  112  from a position  1302  to a position  1304  above the flange  122 . The installation tool  100  can allow the drywall panel  1100  to be held in place while a user can secure the drywall panel  1100  to the ceiling joists  1300 . In this view the sliding-arm stabilizer  612  can be viewed positioning the drywall installation tool  100  in a plane parallel to the ceiling joist  1300  by being placed against the facing edge  1305  of the ceiling joist  1300 . 
       FIG. 14  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a drywall installation tool  100  according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, both the sliding-arm  105  and the fixed-arm  106  can comprise spikes  1401  which can be designed to penetrate and better grip the studs, joists or similar structures to which the drywall installation tool  100  is to be attached. In addition to spikes  1401 , any similar structure capable of improving the gripping ability of the sliding-arm  105  and fixed-arm  106  are contemplated as being part of the present invention. Such structures can include blades, nodules, and cylinders to name a few. 
       FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the alternative embodiment of a drywall installation tool  100  shown in  FIG. 14  according to an embodiment. This view shows the same spikes  1401  from the bottom view. 
     Although the present drywall installation tool has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the device, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the present inventive concept.