Patent Publication Number: US-10774522-B1

Title: Apparatus and method for safely shoring horizontal wind girts during building construction

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/612,431 filed Dec. 30, 2017 and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/057,760 filed Aug. 7, 2018, which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/612,584 filed Dec. 31, 2017. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to apparatuses, systems and methods that are configured to efficiently, safely and quickly install wall panels onto the walls of a building or like structure. Specifically, the present invention relates to such apparatuses, systems and methods that aid construction workers with shoring and leveling horizontal wind girts to allow the workers to more efficiently and safely install wall panels onto the walls of the structure for use as cladding thereon. More specifically, the present invention relates to such apparatuses, systems and methods that allow the users to quickly, accurately and safely position and support horizontal wind girts during construction of a metal building without the risk of dunnage or other support material falling on the workers. 
     B. Background 
     Metal cladding, which is the exterior wall and roof material installed on pre-engineered metal or steel buildings, is generally grouped into three categories, namely, exposed fastener panels, concealed fastener panels and standing seam. Metal cladding is typically machine formed through the use of roll-formers, sheet metal brakes or sheet metal folders from large coils of pre-coated sheet metal, typically ranging in thicknesses of 18 to 29 gauge, to construct the finished or installed shape of the metal panels, which typically range in width between two and four feet and may be of a wide rage of widths, with some panels be as long as forty feet or more. The typical, mechanical manufacturing method, which has been in use for several decades, produces a standardized appearance and profile for the metal panels. As a result, there are several primary styles of panels that are sold by the primary or core group of metal building manufacturers in the United States and globally. While metal panels may have different profiles, nearly all of the different styles of panels are corrugated, meaning they comprise a series of ribs and valleys (also referred to as pans and flutes) between the ribs, and they are configured to provide the structural integrity that is necessary to resist loads which are imposed on the building, weatherproof the building envelope and provide an aesthetic appeal for the structure. The corrugations of a metal panel are designed to interlock or “corrugate” with each other, for a particular style of metal panel, to provide a continuous, repeatable and predictable pattern on the surface of the wall or roof of the building. 
     The typical method that is utilized to install exterior metal cladding on a building is generally accomplished with a crew of three to five workers who install the metal panels from a position on the ground. The panels are received at the job site in stored bundles that usually comprise thirty to forty panels per bundle, with the panels in the bundle being prepared or pre-drilled. A metal panel is removed from the bundle of panels and carried by hand to the leading edge of the wall or roof structure. The metal panel is lifted into place using a tethered clamp or by lifting the panels progressively vertical at an interval that is determined by the width of a single manufactured metal panel. After positioning the panel on the wall or roof surface, the metal panel is checked for vertical and/or horizontal alignment, measured for squareness and then secured to the building&#39;s superstructure, which comprises a plurality of rigid frame members and girts or purlins between the frame members, by screws or other mechanical fasteners that connect the wall or roof panels to the frame members, girts or purlins. The metal cladding for a structure typically comprises manufactured metal panels installed over a thermal blanket insulation with laminated scrim or vinyl facing, or with a variety of other materials, such as gypsum wall board, exterior sheathing or the like. 
     As well known by persons who are skilled in the relevant art, the present apparatuses, systems and methods of installing panels, particularly metal panels on the superstructure of a metal framed building, is known to be time consuming and inherently subject to errors with regard to the positioning and alignment of the panels. In particular, if the panels are not carefully positioned, the finished wall of panels can lack uniformity with regard to overhang distances and not have the desired squareness, which can result in saw-tooth panel edges on the squarely framed superstructure. In addition, the resulting wall or roof can have openings where the apertures in a panel were not aligned with the metal frame, girt or purlin to which the panel is attached. 
     Based on the consistency of the general configuration of the metal panels, from one style of panel to another, various types of tools and equipment have been developed for use to assist the workers with handling and installing the metal cladding on the superstructure of a structure. For instance, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/057,760 to Bradford (the present inventor), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, describes a new apparatus, system and method of combining a plurality of panels into a fixed group of panels or a panelized section, a process that is referred to as panelizing, that can then be easily, safely and efficiently attached to the frame of a building to form the building&#39;s wall or roof cladding. The apparatus, system and method described in the above-identified patent application allows the user to quickly install wall and roof panels on a building, such as a metal framed building, in a manner which is much safer and more efficient than present systems and methods of installing panels on the frame of a building. The invention described in the subject patent application has two primary working assemblies with varying attachments, options, and appurtenances that are utilized to aid in the assembly and installation of exterior cladding. One working assembly is generally configured as a layout table or jig, referred to as the panelizing assembly, having a support frame, alignment structure, rail tracks and a rolling cart. The other working assembly is a lifting assembly that is placed against the panelized section while it is on the panelizing assembly, attached to the panelized section and then utilized to raise the panelized section into place so it may be attached to the wall or roof structure. 
     As well known, a standard metal building superstructure comprises a plurality of rigid frames, referred to as post and beam frames, with a plurality of horizontal girts that span between adjacent post frames in the walls and a plurality of horizontal purlins that span between adjacent beam frames in the roof. In preparation for installing the metal panels, the installer must prop up the girt at or near the mid-span region of the girt between a pair of rigid frames to compensate for the natural sag of the unsupported girt. Ensuring that a girt is at its proper height along its entire length is required so the screws for the exterior wall panel, whether as an individual panel or as a panelized section, will directly land on, and thereby be attached to, the girt in a manner which will result in the metal cladding having a clean and even appearance. 
     Currently, the standard method used to prop horizontal girts up to the correct elevation between a pair of rigid frames is to utilize wood dunnage that are cut to a specified length and then wedged into place mid-span between adjacent girts moving upward from the foundation level to the highest girt. When installing the exterior wall panels, the installer must use a scissor lift, man basket or ladder to remove the wood dunnage, piece by piece, from top to bottom. The installer then moves the equipment to the next shoring location and wedges the wood dunnage into place, piece by piece, from the bottom to the top in order to continue installing the exterior wall panels. As well known to persons who are skilled in the relevant art, in addition to being time consuming, this age-old method of shoring the girts is dangerous. Because there are no mechanical fasteners or clamps holding the wood dunnage in place, the pieces of wood will randomly become dislodged and fall toward the ground, possibly injuring workers or other persons who are standing or working below. The United States occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) considers being struck by falling objects among the “fatal four” leading causes of construction accident deaths. 
     What is needed, therefore, is a new apparatus and method of using the apparatus that will provide a safer and more productive and efficient alternative to shoring one or more horizontal frame members at the correct elevation between a pair of vertically disposed frame members. Specifically, what is needed is a new apparatus and method of using the apparatus to shore horizontal wind girts that are configured to easily, quickly and safely position the wind girts between vertical frame members, such as posts, without the need to use dunnage (whether made out of wood or other material) to eliminate the possibility of dunnage falling from the framed wall and injuring workers and other persons who may be working or otherwise located below the wind girts and allow construction to move forward at a safer and more rapid pace. The new apparatus and method of using the new apparatus should be configured to be utilized with most metal buildings and how erectors and other persons in the industry commonly work. The new apparatus should also be configured to allow for different job site conditions, including being able to be utilized clear of previously installed formed base trim, base angle with trim and the like that are commonly required for wall panel installation. The new apparatus should also be configured for use in interior applications in a manner that allows the apparatus to clear buildings that have interior curbing, wainscot materials or other obstructions. The new apparatus and method of using the apparatus should also be configured to accommodate different building eave heights. Preferably, the new apparatus should be easy to use and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The apparatus and method for shoring horizontal wind girts during building construction of the present invention provides the benefits and solves the problems that are identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses a new apparatus and method of using the apparatus that aids construction workers with shoring and leveling horizontal wind girts that are utilized for metal buildings and other structures. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus and method is utilized to quickly, efficiently and safely prepare the wind girts for installation of wall panels, either individually or as a panelized section, onto the superstructure of the building. The new apparatus generally comprises a vertically disposed elongated mast, pole or other uprightly disposed support pipe having a base assembly at the lower end thereof, a lever assembly, such as a jack lever or the like, that interconnects the support pipe and the base assembly, and at least one girt support assembly attached to the support pipe at the intended height of a wind girt. Typically, there will be a plurality of girt support assemblies attached to the support pipe. When the jack lever is placed in its fully extended position, the support pipe is moved vertically upwards so the girt support assemblies will raise the sagging wind girts to their proper, level elevation so that a wall panel, panelized section or other wall member can be attached to the wind girt. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the relevant art, the new girt alignment apparatus and method of use thereof provides a much safer and more efficient alternative to shore the wind girts at their correct elevations than use of the prior art dunnage that is described in the Background. The new girt alignment apparatus and method of using the apparatus of the present invention completely eliminates the possibility of a piece of dunnage falling from the building frame, which could injure workers and others located below the wind girts. The new apparatus and method of using the apparatus allows the user to quickly disconnect, reposition and reconnect the girt alignment apparatus from one span between posts to another span. The new girt alignment apparatus has a continuous clamp wedge design and a safety restraint that allows metal and other panels to be installed at a more rapid, but safer, pace. 
     The new girt alignment apparatus and method of the present invention is adaptable to accommodate a majority of metal buildings and other structures and how erectors and other persons commonly work. In one embodiment, the telescoping pipe, which can be tubular, of the apparatus is designed to be utilized accommodate buildings with exterior walls having eave heights from ten feet to over thirty-five feet above the ground. The lever assembly of the apparatus has sufficient leverage to be utilized with minimum force from the operator, either foot or hand pressure, and is located at a height that is comfortable for either use. The new apparatus has a safety chain connected at the upper end of the apparatus. The safety chain has a clasp or like attachment device that is utilized to secure the apparatus to the superstructure by wrapping the chain around a framing member or to a piece of aerial equipment for relocation to the next wind girt shoring location (i.e., to another span between posts). The new girt alignment apparatus can be supplied with multiple girt support assemblies, which clamp onto the support pipe, for use with metal buildings that may be designed with firewalls or multiple girts for high wind locations. In a preferred configuration, the girt support assemblies are fully adjustable on the support pipe to allow the installers to choose the spacing for the wind girts and are designed at a minimum overall height to prevent clearance issues in tight wind girt locations, such as when blocking for exterior panels below eave canopies, header framing and the like. 
     The new girt alignment apparatus of the present invention is structured and arranged to be adaptable so as to be able to be utilized with any manufactured shape or style wind girt that are typically or commonly utilized in metal building construction. Preferably, the girt support assemblies are sized and configured to provide clearance for use with different sized flanges, webs and profiles of the horizontal framing members (such as wind girts). Specifically, whether the wind girt is a “C” or “Z” roll formed profile of any of the full array of available sizes, the girt support assemblies of the new apparatus will accommodate any size or shape of wind girt, even if the girt is toe down or toe up, within any width. The girt support assemblies are configured to hold the wind girt at the correct elevation and flat (i.e., without the wind girt being twisted). Preferably, the base assembly of the new apparatus has one or more curved shaft members that interconnect the lower end of the support pipe to a footplate. The curved shaft members provide an off-set section of the base assembly to allow the new apparatus to accommodate different job site conditions, including job sites having previously installed formed base trim, base angle with trim and the like that are required for wall panel installation. For interior applications that have interior curbing, wainscot materials or other obstructions, the footplate and shaft members of the base assembly may be rotated 180 degrees to clear such obstructions. In the preferred configurations, the support pipe of the new apparatus is telescopically configured, with at least a first pipe member and a second pipe member, so as to be adjustable in height for use with different eave heights. One or more clamps are configured to engage the pipe members and are utilized to rigidly secure the support pipe when it is fully extended. As set forth above, the safety chain is utilized to secure the new girt alignment apparatus to the structure&#39;s frame and for use when the installer prefers to chain the apparatus to a basket or other component of the aerial equipment that is utilized to move the girt alignment apparatus to the next shoring location (i.e., to another span between posts). 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the new apparatus for shoring horizontal wind girts generally comprises a vertical positioned support pipe, a base assembly at a lower end of the support pipe, a lever assembly operatively connected to the support pipe and a girt support assembly having a bracket that is attached to or integrally formed with the support pipe. The support pipe has an elongated pipe body that defines an upper end and lower end of the support pipe and a pipe axis through the support pipe between the lower end and the upper end thereof. The base assembly is structured and arranged to support the support pipe in an upright position on a support surface that is at or adjacent a span between the posts of a frame of a building. The lever assembly is configured to move the support pipe upward when the lever assembly is moved to an extended position and to move the support pipe downward when the lever assembly is moved to a retracted position. The girt support assembly moves upward and downward with the support pipe in response to the operation of the lever assembly. The bracket of the girt support assembly extends outward from the support pipe and is positioned on the support pipe to engage the wind girt when the lever assembly is moved to the extended position so as to move the wind girt from a sagging condition, which is normal for unsupported wind girts due to their own weight, to a level condition that will make it faster, easier and safer to attach wall panels or panelized sections to the wind girt. In a preferred embodiment, the support pipe comprises two or more pipe members and a length adjusting mechanism that is cooperatively configured with the two or more pipe members for adjusting the length (i.e., vertical height) of the support pipe. In one configuration, the two or more pipe members are telescopically configured and the clamping mechanism comprises one or more clamping devices that are configured to fix the length (height) of the support pipe. In one of the preferred configurations, the apparatus also has safety chain that is sized and configured to engage the frame of the building to prevent the apparatus from falling and/or to be engaged by an aerial lifting machine to allow the user to more easily move the apparatus to a different span or other location. 
     To support the apparatus on the support surface, the base assembly comprises a footplate that is pressed downward against the support surface when the girt support assembly presses upward against the wind girt. Preferably, the base assembly further comprises one or more curved shaft members and an inner shaft member, with the one or more shaft members being disposed between the footplate and the lower end of the support pipe and the inner shaft member being positioned above the one or more shaft members and disposed inside the lower end of the support pipe to allow the support pipe to move upward and downward relative to the base assembly. 
     In preferred embodiments of the new apparatus, the lever assembly interconnects the support pipe and the base assembly to move the support pipe upward when the lever assembly is moved to the extended position and downward when the lever assembly is moved to the retracted position. In one configuration, the lever assembly connects to one or more lever mounts that are attached to or integral with the support pipe and to one or more lever mounts that are attached to or integral with the base assembly. The lever assembly can comprise one or more upper lever members that are pivotally connected to the support pipe and one or more lower lever members that are pivotally connected to the base assembly. In this configuration, the upper lever members and the lower lever members are pivotally connected to each other to allow the lever assembly to move between the retracted position and the extended position. 
     In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the girt support assembly comprises a pipe attachment mechanism for moveably attaching the bracket to the support pipe to allow the user to adjust the vertical position of the bracket on the support pipe. In one configuration, the girt support assembly has a girt contact plate, an engaging bracket and an engaging member, with the girt contact plate being sized and configured engage the wind girt and the engaging bracket and the engaging member being cooperatively configured to secure the girt support assembly to the support pipe. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the new method for shoring horizontal wind girts generally comprises the steps of: (1) providing a girt alignment apparatus having a telescopically configured elongated support pipe with a lower end and an upper end, a base assembly at the lower end of the support pipe, a lever assembly operatively interconnecting the support pipe and the base assembly so as to move the support pipe upward and downward, and a girt support assembly moveably secured to the support pipe to move upward and downward with the support pipe, with the girt support assembly being configured to extend outwardly from the support pipe to engage the wind girt to move the wind girt from a sagging condition to a level condition; (2) adjusting the support pipe to have sufficient height to extend the upper end thereof upward to at or above the wind girt and securing the girt support assembly on the support pipe at a position thereon so the girt support assembly will be below the wind girt in the sagging condition when the lever assembly is in a retracted position and will engage the wind girt when the lever assembly is in an extended position; (3) standing the apparatus in an upright position at the span with the base assembly on a support surface and the girt support assembly positioned below the wind girt in the sagging condition with the lever assembly being in the retracted position; and (4) moving the lever assembly to the extended position to raise the support pipe and the girt support assembly upward to engage the wind girt and move the wind girt to the level condition. In the preferred configuration, the apparatus has a safety chain and the method further comprises the step of securing the safety chain to the frame of the building prior to the lever assembly moving step and/or the step of moving the apparatus away from the span with the safety chain after the moving step. In use, the method further comprises the step of attaching a plurality of panels and/or one or more panelized sections of panels to the wind girts to form a wall of a building and operating the lever assembly to place the lever assembly in the retracted position to move the support pipe and the girt support assembly downward to disengage from the wind girt after the lever assembly moving step. 
     Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method for safely shoring horizontal wind girts that has the benefits that are described above and elsewhere herein and which overcomes the various limitations and problems that are associated with currently available apparatuses and methods for shoring horizontal wind girts for the frame of a metal building or other structure. 
     It is also a primary objective of the present invention to provide an improved girt alignment apparatus and method of using the apparatus that allows the user to more accurately, efficiently and safely shore horizontal wind girts disposed between posts of a building frame. 
     An important aspect of the present invention is that it provides a new apparatus and method for aligning and shoring wind girts that achieves the goals of the above-described objectives. 
     Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides an improved girt alignment apparatus and method of using such apparatus to aid the user thereof to more accurately, efficiently and safely level the horizontal wind girts between posts of a building frame. 
     Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides an improved girt alignment apparatus and method of using such apparatus to aid the user thereof to more accurately, efficiently and safely position the horizontal wind girts between posts of the superstructure of a metal building to prepare the wind girts for installation of wall panels, whether individual panels or panelized sections of panels, or other wall members that form the walls the building. 
     It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide an improved girt alignment apparatus and method of using such apparatus that comprises a vertically disposed support pipe having a lever assembly operatively attached to the support pipe and a base assembly, which rests on the floor or other surface, and a plurality of girt support assemblies which are moveably positioned on the support pipe at the intended height of each wind girt in order to prevent the wind girts from sagging between posts so the wind girts will be level and at the desired position for attaching a plurality of wall panels, or a panelized section of wall panels, to the frame of a building in a manner that is much safer than prior art use of dunnage and the like, which are known to create falling hazards. 
     Yet another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides an improved girt alignment apparatus for positioning and maintaining the correct level position of the wind girts of the frame of a building that is easy to use and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
     As will be explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiments which follows, the above and other objects and aspects are accomplished or provided by the present invention. As set forth herein and will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of processes presently described and understood by the claims. The description of the invention which follows is presented for purposes of illustrating one or more of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention. As will be readily understood and appreciated, the scope of the invention is only limited by the claims which follow after the discussion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention: 
         FIG. 1  is a prior art side perspective view of a building showing the frame thereof having panelized sections of panels installed on the frame to partially form the wall and roof of the building, with the walls of the frame having a plurality of girts connected to a post and the roof having a plurality of purlins supported by a beam; 
         FIG. 2  is a prior art side perspective view of a building shown during construction having dunnage positioned between the wind girts to support the wind girts so a panel, panelized section or other wall-forming material may be attached to the wind girts; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a girt alignment apparatus configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the lever assembly thereof shown in its retracted position; 
         FIG. 4  is an isolated side perspective view of the lower section of the girt alignment apparatus of  FIG. 3  to better illustrate the lower end of the support pipe, base assembly, lever assembly and the first girt support assembly thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is an isolated side perspective view of the center section of the girt alignment apparatus of  FIG. 3  to better illustrate the telescoping nature of the support pipe, the clamps utilized to fix the height of the apparatus and the second girt support assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is an isolated side perspective view of the upper section of the girt alignment apparatus of  FIG. 3  to better illustrate the upper end of the support pipe, third girt support assembly and safety chain thereof; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial side perspective view of the girt alignment apparatus of  FIG. 3  shown in use prior to engaging the wind girts of the frame of a building with the wind girts shown in a sagging condition and the lever assembly of the girt alignment apparatus in its retracted position; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial side perspective view of the girt alignment apparatus of  FIG. 7  with the lever assembly of the girt alignment apparatus shown in its extended position with the girt support assemblies engaging and pressing against the wind girts of the frame of a building placing in the wind girts in a level condition; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial side perspective view of the girt alignment apparatus of  FIG. 8  showing the first girt support assembly engaging the underside surface of a wind girt; 
         FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of the second girt support assembly shown secured to the support pipe; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart setting forth one of the preferred embodiments of the method of using the girt alignment apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the text below. The enclosed figures are illustrative of one or more potential preferred embodiments and, therefore, are included to represent several different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and shown in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein. For instance, although the description and figures included herewith generally describe and show particular materials, shapes and configurations for the various components of the new girt alignment apparatus and method of the present invention and panels or panelized sections and buildings with which the apparatuses and method may be utilized therewith, persons who are skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is not so limited. In addition, the exemplary embodiments of the present apparatus and method are shown and described with only the components which are required to disclose the present invention. It may be that some of the necessary elements for manufacturing, attaching and using the present invention are not shown or are not necessarily described below, but which are well known to persons skilled in the relevant art. As will be readily appreciated by such persons, the various elements of the present invention that are described below may take on any form consistent with forms that are readily realized by persons of ordinary skill in the art having knowledge of panels/panelized sections and buildings and other structures which use or can utilize such panels/panelized sections. 
     A girt alignment apparatus that is configured pursuant to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown generally as  10  in  FIGS. 3, 5-10 . A method of using the new apparatus  10  that is configured pursuant to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown generally as  12  in  FIG. 11 . As set forth in more detail below, and best shown with regard to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the new apparatus  10  and method  12  are structured and arranged to be utilized to quickly, efficiently and safely level and support components of the frame  14  of a building  16  so the workers can install a panel  18  or a panelized section  20 , having a plurality of panels  18 , onto the frame  14  of the building  16  to form the walls  22  thereof, such as shown with regard to the prior art frames  14  and buildings  16  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . More specifically, the apparatus  10  and method  12  are structured and arranged to allow the users thereof to quickly, accurately and effectively level the horizontally disposed wind girts  24  of the frame  14 , which are positioned in the span  26  so as to extend between pairs of adjacent posts  28 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 and 7-9 . As set forth in the Background, prior to the present invention, users typically aligned wind girts  24  in a span  26  by placing pieces of dunnage  30 , which are commonly made out of wood, between pairs of adjacent wind girts  24 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The dunnage  30  is sized to move the wind girts  24  from an unsupported sagging condition  32 , shown in  FIG. 7 , to a supported or level condition  34 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 8 , and to hold the wind girts  24  in the level condition  34  while the user attaches a panel  18  or a panelized section  20  to the level and aligned wind girts  24  of the frame  14  of the building  16 . 
     In the prior art building  16  of  FIG. 1 , the walls  22  and roof  36  of the building  16  are made up of a panelized section  20  made up of a plurality of panels, namely panels  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c  and  18   d . In one embodiment, the panels  18  of the panelized section  20  were joined together on the ground, floor or other convenient surface and then raised into position as a single panelized section  20  utilizing the apparatuses, systems and methods as set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/057,760 (to the same inventor), as described in the Background. A typical building  16  has a frame  14  that comprises a plurality of posts  28 , to which one or more horizontally disposed wind girts  24  (such as wind girts  24   a  and  24   b ) are attached and extend between, and a plurality of beams  38  that support purlins  40 , such as purlins  40   a ,  40   b  and  40   c , as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . For a metal building, a plurality of panels  18  or panelized sections  20  are attached to the wind girts  24  to form the walls  22  and a plurality of panels  18  or panelized sections  20  are attached to the purlins  40  to form the roof  36 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     A typical metal building  16 , which utilizes metal panels  18  and/or metal panelized sections  20 , that can benefit from the new apparatus  10  and method  12  of the present invention has a base member  42  that rests on the foundation (not shown) and an eave strut  44  that defines the upper edge of the walls  22  of the building  16 . The vertically disposed posts  28  connect to and extend upward from the base  42  to the eave strut  44 . The beams  38  extend inward and slightly upward, for roofs  36  having a pitch (i.e., non-planar roofs  36 ), from the vertical posts  28 . The above description of the components and configuration of a building  16  that utilizes panels  18  or a panelized section  20  of panels  18 , particularly metal panels, is only an example of the components and configuration of a building  16  that is being utilized to describe the features and benefits of the present invention. As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the apparatus  10  and method  12  of the present invention can be beneficially utilized for any type of similarly configured building  16 . 
     As set forth in the Background, the prior art use of dunnage  32  has a number of disadvantages and problems, including the amount of time and effort to position and remove the dunnage  32  and the possibility of the dunnage  32  falling from the frame  14  onto persons below, which can cause injury or even death. The apparatus  10  of the present invention overcomes these disadvantages and solves the problems with the prior art use of dunnage  30 . By eliminating the prior art use of dunnage  30 , the apparatus  10  and method  12  of the present invention allows the users thereof to more quickly, efficiently and safely position and support the wind girts  24  while the panels  18 , panelized section  20  or other wall components are attached to the wind girts  24  and, as may be necessary, other components of the frame  14 . More specifically, the new apparatus  10  and method  12  of the present invention allows the user to position and maintain the position of the wind girts  24  in the level condition  34  without the time and effort of placing and removing a plurality of individual dunnage  30  and without the risk of the dunnage  30  being dislodged and falling on someone. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , the girt alignment apparatus  10  generally comprises an elongated support pipe  46 , a base assembly  48  that supports the support pipe  46  in a vertically disposed position, a lever assembly  50  that connects the support pipe  46  to the base assembly  48  to move the support pipe  46  in an up and down direction relative to the base assembly  48 , at least one girt support assembly  52  attached to the support pipe  46  at a position to engage and support a wind girt  24  to hold the wind girt  24  in the level condition  34  and a safety chain  54  that is utilized to prevent the apparatus  10  from inadvertently falling and to assist, as may be desired, the user with moving the apparatus  10 . The various features of the apparatus  10  are set forth in more detail below. In summary, the apparatus  10  is placed in position in the span  26  between posts  28  where the wind girts  24  are in their sagging condition  32  with the base assembly  48  placed on the ground, floor, foundation or other support surface  56  in the span  24  and a girt support assembly  52  below the wind girt  24  to be leveled, as shown in  FIGS. 7-9  and in the chart of the method  12  in  FIG. 11 . The user operates the lever assembly  50  to raise the support pipe  46 , which raises the girt support assembly  52 , to engagedly contact the wind girt  24  to place the wind girt  24  in its leveled condition  34 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . With the lever assembly  50  locked in position holding the wind girts  24  level, the user can quickly, efficiently and safely attach metal panels  18 , panelized sections  20  and/or other wall members to the wind girts  24  of the frame  14  to form the walls  22  of the building  16 . Once the panels  18 , panelized section  20  and/or other wall members are attached to the wind girts  24  and/or other components of the frame  14 , the user operates the lever assembly  50  to lower the support pipe  46  to disengage the girt support assembly  52  from the wind girt  24 . The apparatus  10  is then moved to another span  26  so the user can support and level the wind girts  24  in that span  26 . In certain uses of the new apparatus  10 , the safety chain  54  is utilized to prevent the apparatus  10  from falling if it inadvertently becomes dislodged from the frame  14  and to move the apparatus  10  to the next span  26  by securing safety chain  54  to a crane or other aerial lifting machine. 
     The elongated support pipe  46  has a pipe body  58  that defines a first or lower end  60  and a second or upper end  62  of the support pipe  46  and an elongated pipe axis  64  through the support pipe  46  (i.e., between the first/lower end  60  to the second/upper end  62 ), as best shown in  FIG. 3 . In a preferred embodiment, the pipe body  58  is tubular and has a circular or round cross-section. In various other embodiments, the pipe body  58  can be solid or filled with material and has shapes other than a circular/round cross-section, such as an oval, square, rectangular or other shaped cross-section. The pipe body  58  can be a single, elongated member that is of sufficient length to have the number of girt support assemblies  52  that are needed so that each of the horizontally disposed wind girts  24  will be engaged and supported by one girt support assembly  52  (i.e., one girt support assembly  52  for each wind girt  24 ). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as the apparatus  10  shown in  FIG. 3 , the support pipe  46  can be made out of two or more elongated pipe members, such as a first or lower pipe member  66  and a second or upper pipe member  68 , that are configured in engaging or telescoping arrangement to allow the user to move the second/upper pipe member  68  upward and downward to obtain the desired length, which will be the height when the apparatus  10  is in its normal use upright position  69  (i.e., as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 7-8 ) that is necessary to for each wind girt  24  in a span  26  of the frame  14  to be engaged and supported by one girt support assembly  52 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first/lower pipe member  66  has a cross-section which is larger than the cross-section of the second/upper pipe member  68 , as best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , such that the second/upper pipe member  68  will upward and downward in the first/lower pipe member  68 . 
     To allow the user to secure the support pipe  46  at its desired height, the apparatus  10  has a pipe length securing mechanism  70  that is cooperatively configured with the pipe members  66 / 68  and is structured and arranged to secure the relative position of the pipe members  66 / 68  to each other so as to fix the length of the support pipe  46  (i.e., height of the apparatus  10 ). In the embodiment shown in the figures, securing mechanism  70  has one or more clamping devices  72  (two are shown) that each comprise a clamping member  74  that is tightly engaged by a U-shaped bolt  76  and cooperatively configured connecting members  78  (such as a nut or the like) in a manner such that when the clamping member  74  is clamped against the pipe body  58  by the U-shape bolt  76  and connecting members  78 , the two pipe members  66 / 68  will be engaged with each other to prevent upward and downward movement of the pipe members  66 / 68  relative to each other. As will be readily understood by persons who are skilled in the art, a wide variety of different types of and configurations of securing mechanism  70  can be utilized with the new apparatus  10 . For instance, the securing mechanism  70  of apparatus  10  can be of the type that is not a clamping device  72  or is a clamping device  72  that does not utilize a clamping member  72 , U-shaped bolt  74  and connecting members  76 . The securing mechanism  70  can be of the type that comprises a removable pin and a plurality of apertures, a retractable pin that extends through an aperture, threads which allow one pipe member  66 / 68  to move relative to the other pipe member  66 / 68 , friction engagement between the two pipe members  66 / 68 , a set screw or other connector through the outer pipe member  66 / 68  to engage the outer surface of the inner pipe member  66 / 68 , a variety of internally disposed devices that can be utilized as the length adjusting mechanism  70 , or the like. 
     For purposes of describing the present invention, for purposes of describing the use and relative location of the various components of the present invention, the terms “upper”, “upward”, “upwardly”, “upper” and “top” and the like and the terms “lower”, “downward”, “downwardly” and “bottom” and the like refer to the direction, respectively, of the first/lower end  60  and second/upper end  62  of the support pipe  46  when the apparatus  10  is in its normal upright position  69  when in use to engage one or more horizontally disposed wind girts  24  of the frame  14  of building  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 7-8 . Likewise, the terms “front”, “forward”, “forwardly” and the like and the terms “back”, “rearward”, “rearwardly” and the like are utilized to refer to the direction components of the base assembly  48 , lever assembly  50  and girt support assemblies  52  are outwardly directed (relative to the elongated pipe axis  64  through the center of the elongated support pipe  46 , as best shown in  FIG. 3 ). As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, at a minimum, the present invention requires each of the girt support assemblies  52  to extend outwardly from the support pipe  46  so they can contact and engage a wind girt  24  to move one or more wind girts  24  from its sagging condition  32  to its level condition  34  and to hold the one or more wind girts  24  in a level condition  34  while the components of the wall  22  are attached to the wind girts  24 . 
     The base assembly  48  is structured and arranged to support the new apparatus  10  on a support surface  56  when the apparatus  10  is in use to level and support at least one wind girt  24 . In the preferred embodiment, the base assembly  48  is utilized with the lever assembly  50  and support pipe  46  to provide a fixed component against which the lever assembly  50  operates to move the support pipe  46  upward or downward, relative to the base assembly  48  and support surface  56 , to allow the girt support assemblies  52  to engage and support the wind girts  24 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Alternatively, the lever assembly  50  can be configured to engage the support surface  56  or other surface, as opposed to the base assembly  48 , to provide the necessary leverage to raise the support pipe  46 . In one configuration of the preferred embodiment, the base assembly  48  comprises just a footplate  80  that is sized and configured to engage the support surface  56  in a manner which allows the user to easily and safely utilize the apparatus  10  to level and support one or more wind girts  24  during construction of building  16 . In the embodiment where lever assembly  50  does not connect to the base assembly  48 , footplate  80  can be integral with the first/lower end  60  of support pipe  46  and be dimensioned the same as the support pipe  46  (i.e., be the bottom surface of the support pipe  46 ). Typically, however, the footplate  80  will be sufficiently dimensioned (i.e., the length and width or the diameter) to safely engage the support surface  56  and at least the bottom surface of the footplate  80  will be planar to lay flat against a planar support surface  56 , as is generally common for most floors, foundations and other components at or near the portion of the frame  14  where the wind girts  24 , spans  26  and posts  28  are located. 
     In the embodiment of the apparatus  10  shown in the figures, the base assembly  48  also comprises one or more curved shaft members, shown as first curved shaft member  82  and second curved shaft member  84  in  FIG. 4 , an inner shaft member  86  and one or more lever mounts  88 , as best shown in  FIGS. 3-4 and 8 . The curved shaft members  82 / 84  extend upward from the footplate  80  to the first/lower end  60  of the support pipe  46  when the lever assembly  50  is in its retracted position  90 , as shown in  FIGS. 3, 4 and 7 . Although the shaft members  82 / 84  can be straight, the use of at least one shaft member  82 / 84  being curved provides an offset base assembly  48  that will allow the user to rotate the base assembly  48  so the components thereof will clear the base of the wall panel and the wall panel&#39;s attachment point. In addition, the curved shaft members  82 / 84  provide a reversible base assembly  48  that will clear any curbing, wainscot or the like when the apparatus  10  is utilized at the interior of the building  16 . The inner shaft member  86  of the base assembly  48  is sized and configured to fit inside the lower end  60  of the support pipe  64  in a manner which allows the first/lower pipe member  66  to move upward relative to the base assembly  48  to place the lever assembly  50  in its extended position  92 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , to engage, lift, level and support wind girts  24  to move the wind girts  24  from their sagging condition  32  to their level condition  34  and then back down to its retracted position  90  after the components of wall  22  are installed on the wind girts  24  and/or other components of the frame  14 . As set forth in more detail below, in the preferred embodiments of the new apparatus  10 , a lower section of the lever assembly  50  is attached to a lever mount  88  to provide the resistance to the force which is utilized by the lever assembly  50  to raise and lower the support pole  46  as the lever assembly  50  is moved between its retracted position  90  and extended position  92 . Preferably, the base assembly  48  has lever mounts  88  at least on the opposite facing sides of one of the shaft members  82 / 84 , as best shown in  FIGS. 3-4 and 7-9 , so the lever assembly  50  can attached to the base assembly  48  when the base assembly  48  is rotated to be placed in an offset position or otherwise positioned to clear any building components. 
     As set forth above, the lever assembly  50  is structured and arranged to allow the user to raise the support pipe  46 , and therefore the one or more girt support assemblies  52  attached thereto, when he or she desires to engage one or more wind girts  24  and move the wind girts  24  from their sagging condition  32  to the level condition  34 , as shown with regard to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and then disengage from the wind girts  24  after the panels  18 , panelized section  20  and/or other wall components are installed. In one configuration, the lever assembly  50  is structured and arranged to engage the support surface  56  by interconnecting the support pipe  46  and the support surface  56 . In the preferred embodiments, however, the lever assembly  50  is positioned to span the area of the first/lower end  60  of the support pipe  46  and the base assembly  48  and is configured to operate as a jack lever to raise and lower the support pipe  46  and the girt support assemblies  52  attached thereto. More specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, the lever assembly  50  attaches to a lever mount  94  attached to or integral with the first/lower pipe member  66  of the support pipe  46  just above the first/lower end  60  thereof and to the lever mounts  88  on the second curved shaft member  82  of the base assembly  48  below the first/lower end  60  of the support pipe  46 , as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 and 7-9 . In other embodiments, the lever assembly  50  can attach to one or more other components of the support pipe  46  and the base assembly  48 , such as to the first curved shaft member  82  or footplate  80 . 
     The lever assembly  50  shown in the figures has an upper section  96  comprising one or more upper lever members  98 , such as the two shown  FIG. 4 , a lever handle  100  attached to or integral with the upper lever members  98 , and a lower section  102  comprising one or more lower lever members  104 , such as the two shown in  FIG. 4 . The upper section  96  of lever assembly  50  is cooperatively structured and arranged with the upper lever mount  94  that is associated with the support pipe  46  so as to be pivotally attach thereto. The lower section  102  of lever assembly  50  is cooperatively structured and arranged with the lower lever mount  88  that is associated with the base assembly  48  so as to be pivotally attached thereto. In addition, the upper section  96  and the lower section  102  are pivotally attached to each other to allow the two sections  96 / 102  to pivot relative to each other. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the upper section  96  has a pair of upper lever members  98  that pivotally attach to the upper lever mount  94  with a first elongated pivot member  106 , the lower section  102  has a pair of lower lever members  104  that pivotally attach to the lower lever mount  94  with a second elongated pivot member  108  and the pair of lower lever members  104  pivotally attach to the pair of upper lever members  98  with a third elongated pivot member  110 , as best shown in  FIG. 4 . In a preferred embodiment, each of the pivot members  106 / 108 / 110  are the same and comprise a bolt (such as a pivot bolt, shoulder bolt or the like) and appropriate nuts that allows the various pivot members  106 / 108 / 110  to pivotally connect. As well known to persons skilled in the art, a wide variety of other devices (including flange bearings, pins and the like) can be utilized as the pivot members  106 / 108 / 110 . 
     With the appropriate number and placement of girt support assemblies  52  on the support pipe  46 , as set forth below, the user places the apparatus  10  in position below the wind girts  24 , which will be in their sagging condition  32 , of the frame  14  of a building  16 , such as shown in  FIG. 7 , with the lever assembly  50  of the apparatus  10  in its retracted position  90 , as shown in  FIGS. 3-4, 7 and 9 . As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the art, when the user presses downward on the handle  100  of the lever assembly  50 , the pivoting action of the upper section  96  and lower section  102  will cause the lever assembly  50  to move to its extended position  92  and push the support pipe  46  upward and raise the girt support assemblies  52  into engagement with the wind girts  24  to move the wind girts  24  to their level condition  34 . The user can utilize his or her hand or foot to operate the lever assembly  50 . The lever assembly  50  is configured such that when the handle  100  is lowered, with the lever assembly  50  in its extended position  92 , the support pipe  46  and girt support assemblies  52  will be remain upwardly disposed to hold the wind girts  24  in their level condition  34  so the user can easily, efficiently and safely attach the components of the wall  22  to the frame  14 . Once the wall components are attached, the user lifts up on the handle  100  to move the lever assembly  50  back to its retracted position  90 , which will lower the support pipe  46  and girt support assemblies  52 , to allow the user to remove the apparatus  10  from the span  26  and, as may be necessary, move the apparatus  10  to a position in a different span  26  to raise, level and support the wind girts  24  in the second span  26  to install wall components thereto. 
     In a preferred configuration of the new apparatus  10 , each girt support assembly  52  is structured and arranged to securely, but moveably, attach to the pipe body  58  of the support pipe  46  and to engage a wind girt  24  so as to move upward with the support pipe  46  as it moves upward by the user moving the lever assembly  50  to its extended position  92  and move the wind girt  24  from its sagging condition  32  to its level condition  34 , as shown in  FIGS. 3-10 . Specifically, the girt support assemblies  52  are attached to or integral with the support pipe  46  so as to extend outwardly therefrom (i.e., relative to the pipe axis  64 , as shown in  FIG. 3 ) and engage the wind girts  24  of the frame  14 . In one embodiment, one or more of the girt support assemblies  52  are fixedly attached to or integral with one or more of the pipe members  66 / 68  of the support pipe  46  so as to move upward and downward with the support pipe  46  as the lever assembly  50  moves between the retracted position  90  and extended position  92  and back to the retracted position  90 , as shown with regard to  FIGS. 7-8 . As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the art, a fixed/integral configuration requires the wind girts  24  to always be at the same position relative to each other and to the support surface  56 . In a preferred embodiment, each of the girt support assemblies  52  are moveably attached to the support pipe  46  so the user can utilize the apparatus  10  for different placements of the wind girts  24  in the frame  14  of different buildings. In yet another embodiment, one or more of the girt support assemblies  52  can be fixedly attached to or integral with the support pipe  46  and one or more other girt support assemblies  52  can be moveably attached to the support pipe  46 . Any moveable girt support assemblies  52  must be configured in a manner which allows the user to secure the girt support assemblies  52  to the support pipe  46  so that the girt support assemblies  52  are fixed in position on the support pipe  46  when the lever assembly  50  of the apparatus  10  is operated to move its associated wind girt  24  from its sagging condition  32  to its level condition  34 , as shown in  FIGS. 7-8 . 
     In the embodiment shown in the figures, each girt support assembly  52  is moveably attached to the support pipe  46  and configured to allow the user to tightly secure the girt support assembly  52  in the desired girt supporting position, which is the position where the girt support assembly  52  needs to be located so it will engagedly abut against and support the wind girt  24  when the lever assembly  50  is in its extended position. The girt support assemblies  52  shown in the figures comprise a bracket  112  that is sized and configured to extend outwardly from the support pipe  46 , a pipe attachment mechanism  114  which is attached to or integral with the bracket  112  to securely, but moveably, attach the bracket  112  to support pipe  46  and a girt contact plate  116  that is attached to or integral with the bracket  112  and sized and configured to engagedly contact and support a wind girt  24 , as best shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8-10 . In a preferred configuration, the girt contact plate  116  has a planar upper surface and the bracket  112  and girt contact plate  116  are cooperatively arranged such that the girt contact plate  116  is held in a horizontal position, as best shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , so the planar upper surface thereof will press against the bottom surface of the wind girt  24  when the lever assembly  50  is moved to its extended position  92  to move the wind girt  24  to its level condition  34 , as shown in  FIGS. 8-9 . If desired, however, the upper surface of the girt contact plate  116  can be non-planar, such as the upper end of the bracket  112 , a separate vertical member or the like. Preferably, each of the girt support assemblies  52  are sized and configured to provide clearance for use with different sized flanges, webs and profiles of the horizontal framing members (such as wind girts  24 ). 
     In the embodiment shown in the figures, pipe attachment mechanism  114  is structured and arranged to moveably engage, but subject to being tightly engaged with, the support pipe  46 . In one configuration, the pipe attachment mechanism  114  has an engaging bracket  118  and a cooperatively configured engaging member  120 . The engaging bracket  118  is sized and configured to be placed in close abutting relation with the pipe body  58  of the support pipe  46  and the engaging member  120  is sized and configured to extend around the support pipe  46  and be engaged with the engaging bracket  118  to pull the engaging bracket  118  tightly against the pipe body  58  to secure a girt support assembly  52  in place on the support pipe  46 , as best shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the engaging member  120  is a U-shaped bolt that has a pair of threaded ends  122  that are threadably engaged by appropriately configured connecting members  124 , such as the nuts shown in the figures, to press the engaging bracket  118  against support pipe  46 . In the embodiment where the pipe body  58  of the support pipe  46  has a round cross-sectional shape, such as a cylindrical tubular shape, the engaging bracket  118  can be configured with a first or lower contact edge  126  and a second or upper contact edge  128  that are configured with a curved shape (i.e., a semi-circular shape) to help the engaging bracket  118  to more securely engage and press against the pipe body  58  of the support pipe  46 , as best shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the art, a wide variety of other components and different configurations of such components can be used for the girt support assemblies  52  other than those described above. For instance, the pipe attachment mechanism  114  can be modified as may be necessary or beneficial to connect to support pipes  46  other than a cylindrical pipe body  58 , such as a support pipe  46  having a pipe body  58  that has a square, rectangle or oval cross-section. In addition, the pipe attachment mechanism  114  can be configured to engage the support pipe  46  in significantly different manners other than having an engaging bracket  118  pressed against the pipe body  58  thereof. For instance, pipe body  58  can have a plurality of apertures therein or therethrough that a bolt, screw or other connector is passed into or through to secure the bracket  112  to the support pipe  46 . Likewise, the pipe attachment mechanism  114  can comprise a pair of engaging brackets  118  that are attached to each other to hold the bracket  112  in place on support pipe  46 . As set forth above, in embodiments where changing the location of the girt support assemblies  52  will not be necessary (such as always having the same spacing between the wind girts  24 ), the bracket  112  can be fixedly attached to or integral with the pipe body  58  of the support pipe  46 . 
     The support chain  54  is utilized to secure the apparatus  10  to one or more frame members of the frame  14  to prevent the apparatus  10  from becoming dislodged and falling free, which could injure persons below, and to connect to a crane or other aerial lifting machine for moving the apparatus  10 . As best shown in  FIG. 6 , one end of the support chain  54  is attached to the support pipe  46 , typically at or near the second/upper end  62  thereof, by a chain attachment device  130 , which can be a bolt, screw or the like. The other end of the safety chain  54 , which is referred to the free end of the safety chain  54 , is loose so it can be secured to the frame  14  of the building or to a cable of a crane or other aerial lifting machine. In a preferred embodiment, the free end of the safety chain  54  has a clip, hook or other securing device (not shown) attached thereto. As well known in the art, such securing devices allow the user to more easily and safely loop the chain around a frame member of the frame  14  and connect to itself and to more easily and safely connect the support chain  54  to a crane or other aerial lifting machine. 
     As set forth in the Background, when the wind girt  24  is in a sagging condition  32 , which is due to the natural sag of supporting its own weight, the user will have difficulty attaching the components of the wall  22 , such as panels  18 , panelized section  20  and the like, to the frame  14  of building  16  in a manner which is effective, efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The apparatus  10  is structured and arranged to raise and level the wind girts  24  without the potential problems of the prior art use of dunnage  30  and the like, such as shown in  FIG. 2 . Specifically, when the handle  100  of the lever assembly  50  is pressed downward, the girt support assemblies  52  will move upward to shore a wind girt  24  in the correct elevation, while locking apparatus  10  in place, so the user can quickly, efficiently and safely attach the wall components, such as the panels  18 , panelized section  20  or the like, to the frame  14  to form the walls  22  of the building  16 . 
     A method  12  of utilizing the new apparatus  10 , generally comprises the steps of: (1) utilizing the length adjusting mechanism  70  to extend the support pole  46  to have sufficient height to extend upward above the uppermost wind girt  24  and installing a girt support assembly  52  for each wind girt  24  to the pipe body  58  of the support pipe; (2) positioning each girt support assembly  52  on the support pipe  46  so a girt support assembly  52  will be below each wind girt  24 ; (3) operating the pipe attachment mechanism  114  of girt support assembly  52  to tightly secure each girt support assembly  52  to the support pipe  46 ; (4) standing the apparatus  10  in its upright position  69  at a span  26  between the posts  28  of the frame  14  of a building  16  with the footplate  80  thereof on the support surface  56 , the girt contact plate  116  of each girt support assembly  52  positioned below a wind girt  24  that is in its sagging condition  32  and the lever assembly  48  in its retracted position  90 ; and (5) moving the lever assembly  50  to its extended position  92  to raise the support pipe  46  and the girt support assemblies  52  upward to engage each wind girt and move each wind girt  24 , in one operation, to their level condition  34 . If desired, the user can secure the free end of the safety chain  54  to other components of the frame  14  to prevent the apparatus  10  from falling during use thereof. Once each of the wind girts  24  are in their level condition  34 , the user can install the panels  18 , panelized sections  20  and/or other wall components to the frame  14  to form the walls  22  of the building  16 . Once the wall components are installed, the user moves the lever assembly  50  back to its retracted position  90  and moves the apparatus  10  away from the frame  14 , such as to a new location in another span  26  of the frame  14 . If desired, the user can attach the free end of the safety chain to a crane or other aerial lifting machine to quickly and easily move the apparatus  10  to its next location. 
     The components of the new apparatus  10 , including the support pipe  46 , base assembly  48 , lever assembly  50  and the girt support assemblies  52  can be made out of wide variety of materials that are sufficiently strong and rigid to support the support pipe  46  in a stiff upright position with the footplate  80  pressed against the support surface  56  and the girt support assemblies  52  pressed against the wind girts  24  in order to move the wind girts  24  from their sagging condition  32  to their level condition  34 . The safety chain  54 , which is preferably flexible, should be sufficiently strong to prevent the apparatus  10  from falling and to allow the user to move the apparatus  10  with a crane or other aerial lifting machine. Preferably, the material selected for these components will also be sufficiently corrosion resistant so that it will not corrode when utilized and stored outside. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the art, various metals, plastics, composites and the like can be utilized for different or all of the components of the apparatus  10 . In one embodiment, the primary material is steel that is selected, treated or coated to reduce the likelihood of corrosion issues. 
     While there are shown and described herein specific forms of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification with regard to any dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape and use. For instance, there may be numerous components of the embodiments described herein that can be readily replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives and obtain the desired aspects of the present invention. The various embodiments set forth herein are intended to explain the best mode of making and using the present invention as currently known to and appreciated by the present inventor and to enable other persons who are skilled in the relevant art to manufacture and utilize the present invention. Although, the described embodiments may comprise different features, not all of these features are required in all embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, as will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the art, certain embodiments of the present invention only utilize some of the features and/or combinations of features disclosed herein.