Patent Publication Number: US-6662522-B2

Title: Gypsum board hanging tool

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to a system and device for hanging a panel, such as drywall or gypsum board, on a wall or a ceiling. Specifically, the present invention relates to a gypsum board hanging tool and system for assisting in lifting and suspending a piece of gypsum board in an elevated position where the piece of gypsum board may be accurately adjusted and manipulated into a final position for attachment to a wall or ceiling. The present invention also specifically relates to a gypsum board hanging tool that is portable and that may be used by a single individual to hang gypsum board on a ceiling. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     In building structures, supporting joists, rafters, studs, or the framing members of ceilings and walls are often overlaid with a plurality of gypsum panels generally referred to as dry wall or gypsum board. Other types of panels may also be used to construct wall and ceilings in building structures. In any event, gypsum board panels are usually bulky and heavy and difficult to handle because of their size and weight. As such, it often requires multiple individuals to secure these panels to the supporting joists, rafters, studs, or other framing members that exist in building structures. It is particularly difficult to apply gypsum board to ceilings, either conventional or having inclined edges, because the individuals must lift the gypsum board panels to an overhead position to securely fasten or attach them to the ceiling. Multiple individuals or workmen are required because each panel needs to be accurately positioned before it can be secured or attached to the ceiling. 
     Because gypsum board is very large, awkward, and heavy, making it nearly impossible for one person to hang a sheet on the ceiling and extremely difficult for two people to hang a sheet on a ceiling, the addition of a second workman greatly increases the cost of hanging gypsum board in a building structure. To try and reduce costs, several devices have been created to assist a single workman in hanging dry wall on a ceiling. 
     Once such device that is used in the industry is a lifting and supporting device, which includes a head piece having two brackets that attach to a joist of a ceiling. The head piece also includes two elongated members that are used to support a piece of gypsum board or dry wall that may be overlaid thereon. To hang the piece of gypsum board on the ceiling, the piece of gypsum board is laid upon the supports and the brackets are then attached or placed over the ceiling joists in a particular position. The two supports are pivotally attached to the head piece so that as the brackets are placed upon a ceiling joist, the opposing end is left resting on the ground. After the piece of dry wall is in place, the opposing end that is resting on the ground may then be lifted up to the ceiling by a single workman wherein the opposing end is supported using some type of a prop wedged between the device and the ground. This type of device is limited in several ways. First, the device may only be used on a ground or an above-ground level where ceiling joists are positioned and are part of the building structure. The device may not be used in basements where no joists exist because there is nothing that the head piece may attach to. Second, the opposing end must be supported by a prop, which creates an obstacle that is resting on the ground that the workman must be constantly aware of and avoid knocking over so that the opposing end of the device does not accidentally fall to the ground destroying the piece of gypsum board and possibly injuring the workman. Finally, the device is also bulky and heavy and requires a substantial amount of set-up time and is not easily carried. 
     Another method or device used by single workmen to hang a piece of drywall on a ceiling is a hoist mechanism. Several different designs exist with each possessing similar characteristics. Namely, they each require a contact with the ground and some type of a base unit that supports the piece of dry wall. Each of these systems or devices also use some type of a hydraulic or mechanical lift or other means wherein the supported gypsum board may be lifted to the ceiling using a crank or screw or other mechanism. The workmen simply places the piece of gypsum board over the support portions of the device after positioning them in the proper place and then raises the piece of gypsum board to the ceiling using the type of lift mechanism employed in the device. Once the piece of drywall is lifted to the ceiling, it may then be attached. These types of lifting devices also have many disadvantages. They too require substantial contact with the floor. These devices are also bulky, have many parts, and often require the use of a trailer or other means for transporting the devices to and from job sites. Moreover, these types of devices can be quite inefficient as time is required to move each piece to the appropriate position and actuate the lift mechanisms necessary to raise the piece of drywall to the ceiling. 
     Accordingly, what is needed is a tool that a single individual or workman may use to hang dry wall in an efficient and cost effective manner. Specifically, what is needed is a gypsum board tool that is easy to assemble that requires no floor support and that allows for adjustment of an overlaid piece of gypsum board to be accurately moved into a proper position prior to it being permanently attached to a ceiling. 
     SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an easy to use gypsum board hanging tool that a single workman may use to hang gypsum board on the ceiling. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool that requires no ground support, but rather suspends the piece of gypsum board from the ceiling prior to attachment. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a tool that is easily portable, fits in a standard toolbox, and is adaptable to any size panel of gypsum board. 
     It is further an object of the present invention to provide a gypsum board hanging tool that allows accurate placement of the pieces of gypsum board into a final position prior to attachment to a ceiling. 
     It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a tool that allows a single workman to hang several pieces of gypsum board in any building structure and on any level in a quick, easy, cost-effective, and safe manner. 
     It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a tool that facilitates the hanging of gypsum board on a conventional or inclined ceiling or surface. 
     To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention features a gypsum board hanging tool and system that includes a support housing, a wheel that is rotatably attached to the support housing, and a support strut which is removably attached to the support housing. The support strut is substantially flush with the face of the support housing in the preferred embodiment, meaning the face of the support housing may be recessed a distance from the support strut, or the face of the support housing may be flush with the support strut if desired. 
     The support housing itself has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a face. The support housing also has a means whereby a support strut may be attached. The support housing also has an aperture in its upper surface that is capable of receiving, within the support housing, a hanging member that is first attached to a ceiling or a wall. The hanging member allows the support housing to be adjustable and to swivel about the hanging member. Finally, the support housing also has a coupling actuator that is located within and attached to its interior. The coupling actuator is capable of engaging and securing the hanging member within the support housing, wherein the support housing may be coupled to the hanging member, thus suspending the gypsum board hanging tool and system from the ceiling. Coupling actuator further includes a release mechanism, or quick release, that releases the hanging member from the support housing upon attachment of the gypsum board to the ceiling. 
     The present invention also features a method for hanging paneled members on a ceiling. The method includes: inserting a first and second hanging member into said ceiling; overlaying said paneled member onto a gypsum board hanging tool, said gypsum board hanging tool comprising a first and second support housing removably attached to opposing ends of a support strut, an aperture for receiving said hanging member, a coupling actuator located within and attached to said first and second support housing, said coupling actuator engaging said first hanging member within said support housing, and at least one stabilizer removably or permanently attached to and extending from said support housing for supporting said paneled member; positioning said gypsum board hanging tool to a first position; lifting first support housing of said gypsum board hanging tool and overlaid paneled member to said first hanging member; coupling said first support housing to said first hanging member using said coupling actuator; lifting said second support housing and overlaid paneled member to said second hanging member; coupling said second support housing to said second hanging member using said coupling actuator, thus suspending said gypsum board hanging tool and paneled member from said ceiling using said first and second said hanging members; manipulating said gypsum board hanging tool and said paneled member to a proper position; and permanently attaching said paneled member to said ceiling. 
     The method further comprises the steps of: inserting a third hanging member into said ceiling; releasing said first support housing from said first hanging member using a release mechanism of said coupling actuator; swiveling said gypsum board hanging tool to a second position; overlaying a second paneled member onto said gypsum board hanging tool; lifting said first support housing to said third hanging member; and coupling said first support housing to said second hanging member using said coupling actuator, thus suspending said gypsum board hanging tool and said paneled member from said ceiling using second and third hanging members. These steps may be repeated as often as necessary to hang multiple pieces of gypsum board on a ceiling. 
     Finally, the present invention features, in an alternative embodiment, a cam actuator that causes a paneled member to be pressed against a ceiling joist prior to permanently attaching. The cam actuator is rotatably coupled to a support housing that is itself is slidably coupled to a receiver that receives a support strut. 
     Upon completion of the job and after all paneled members are hung, the gypsum board hanging tool may be collapsed to fit into a standard toolbox. Specifically, the coupling actuator is deactuated using the release mechanism or quick release. This causes the engagement member of the coupling actuator to disengage thereby releasing the support housing from the hanging member. The plurality of stabilizers may then be removed from the support housing, followed by the removal of each support housing from the support strut. This provides a compact, easy to install and takedown portable hanging tool. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of one end of the gypsum board hanging tool depicting specifically the support housing and the support strut; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention depicting the support housing and its accompanying elements, the support strut, and the coupling actuator and all attachment means; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the gypsum board hanging tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates detailed isometric view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a handle and support extensions extending therefrom; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the hanging tool with an overlaid piece of gypsum board thereon, and the coupling actuator of the preferred embodiment with hanging member engaged within the support housing; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the hanging tool and an overlaid piece of gypsum board thereon; 
     FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein a cam actuator is used to securely fasten a piece of gypsum board to the ceiling; 
     FIG. 9 illustrates the gypsum board hanging tool as it is used to hang a piece of gypsum board on a ceiling; also illustrated is the swivel characteristics exhibited by the gypsum board hanging tool wherein multiple pieces of gypsum board may be hanged; and 
     FIG. 10 illustrates the portability of the present invention, and how it may be collapsed and carried in a standard tool box. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of the current invention where in the method of attachment allows the support housing to slide longitudenally along the support strut. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, and represented in FIGS. 1 through 7, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
     The present invention generally describes a gypsum board hanging tool and system  10 . Generally, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate support housing  12  removably attached to support strut  22 . Support housing  12  includes an upper and a lower surface,  33  and  35  respectively, and at least one extension  32  which forms a channel  28 . Wheel  18  and handle  14  are also shown attached to support housing  12 . Extending from support housing  12  are stabilizers  20  having stoppers  40  rotatably attached thereon. Stoppers  40  serve to secure and hold in place a piece of gypsum board prior to permanent attachment to the ceiling. Also shown in FIG. 1 is aperture  16 , which is in the form of a slotted portion having a slot extension  26  extending from slotted portion  16  on upper face  33  down face  37 . 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 further illustrate gypsum board hanging tool  10  having a support housing  12  removably attached to support strut  22  using attachment means  24 . Support housing  12  is an elongated member having a first extension  32 , which is L-shaped, and a handle  14  also extending therefrom. Support strut  22  abuts support housing  12  at channel stop  29 . Support strut  22  is shown as a standard 2″×4″ wooden plank, but can be any rigid member known by those in the art possessing properties suitable to support a piece of gypsum board. 
     In addition, support strut  22  may include or comprise means for telescoping, wherein the support strut may collapse to a compact size for storing, and may extend to any desired length depending upon the particular requirements of the task, while still maintaining a suitable amount of rigidity and support. The telescoping means may include any means known by those ordinarily skilled in the art that is capable of functioning with the technology of the present invention. 
     Support housing  12  further includes an upper surface  33  wherein aperture  16  which facilitates the coupling of support housing  12  to hanging member  52 . Support housing  12  is preferably made of steel, but may be composed of any material known by those in the art. Support housing  12  further includes gusset  25 , which is anchored between the lower surface  35  of support housing  12  and first extension  32 . Handle  14  completes support housing  12  by extending a distance below support housing  12  and further extending at a substantially 90 degree angle to connect with first extension  32 . Wheel  18  is rotatably attached at the apex of handle  14 , wheel  18  having an axis  19 . Wheel  18  allows hanging tool  10  to be easily moved along a floor or other surface and also aids in the hanging of gypsum board by providing a dolly-like function to gypsum board hanging tool  10  as one end or support housing is lifted to hanging member  52 . Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is stabilizer  20 , which is removably attached and extends perpendicular from support housing  12 . Stabilizer  20  may include a threaded portion wherein it may be screwed into support housing  12 , or any other removable attachment means commonly known. Stabilizer  20  serves to support gypsum board  8  as it is overlaid on gypsum board hanging tool  10 . The placement or attachment point of stabilizer  20  on support housing  12  is such that when gypsum board  8  is overlaid on the gypsum board hanging tool, it abuts stoppers  40  and allows a substantial portion of support housing  12  to remain uninhibited by gypsum board  8 . The portion of support housing  12  that is not covered by gypsum board  8  includes aperture  16  on upper face  33 . The reason for placing stabilizer  20  and stopper  40  in this position is so that gypsum board hanging tool  10  may be brought up to and coupled with hanging member  52  inserted into ceiling  57 . Stopper  40  is pivotally or rotatably attached to stabilizer  20  using attachment means  41 . Stopper  40  is allowed to pivot around the axis of attachment means  41  to allow gypsum board  8  to be adjusted and moved in place prior to permanent attachment to a ceiling. 
     Once inserted, support housing  12  may freely move about hanging member  52  to properly align gypsum board  8  in a position where it is to be permanently attached to the ceiling. Hanging member  52  is shown coupled to support housing  12 , wherein the entire gypsum board hanging tool  10  and accompanying piece of gypsum board  8  remain freely adjustable. One advantage of the adjustability and free movement of support housing  12  about hanging member  52 , and gypsum board  8  upon the downward and out of the way rotation of stopper  40 , is the ability to freely move and manipulate the suspended piece of gypsum board  8  into an accurate final position for hanging. This is achievable even at the intersection or junction of a wall and ceiling, a conventional flat ceiling, or ceilings having inclined surfaces or edges. The several elements of the tool  10  allow the piece of gypsum board to be accurately positioned for hanging. 
     Aperture  16  is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as a slotted portion extending longitudinally from face  37  to stabilizer  20 . The slotted portion provides support housing  12  with a full range of motion as it is coupled to hanging member  52  to insure proper placement and attachment of gypsum board  8 . As aperture  16  is shown as a slotted portion, it is not meant to be limiting in any way as one ordinarily skilled in the art would recognize. Further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is coupling actuator  42 , which is attached to the interior or inside of support housing  12 . Coupling actuator  42  includes a biased loading member  44 , an engagement member  46 , and a release mechanism  48 . The coupling actuator  42  allows support housing  12  to be coupled to hanging member  52 , thus suspending gypsum board hanging tool  10  and accompanying gypsum board  8  from ceiling  57 . Coupling actuator  42  is discussed in greater detail below. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, support housing  12  is shown having stabilizers  20  extending in an opposing directions therefrom and having stoppers  40  rotatably attached thereon along their length. Stoppers  40  pivot about the axis of attachment means  41  such that they may be pivoted down and out of the way as needed to allow a piece of gypsum board to slide past stoppers  40 , if needed, to a position for attachment to the ceiling. Stoppers  40  initially serve to secure a piece of gypsum board within tool  10  to keep it from moving during the hanging process. As a piece of gypsum board is overlaid upon tool  10 , the ends of the gypsum board abut stoppers  40  which are in an erect or standing state. 
     The top surface  39  of stabilizers  20  are shown to be flush with the top surface or upper surface  33  of support housing  12 . Several or a plurality of stabilizers  20  may be used and attached to support housing  12  to aid in support of a piece of gypsum board. Stabilizers  20  may also be removably attached to support housing  12  such that upon completion of hanging a piece of gypsum board, gypsum board hanging tool  10  may be collapsed wherein stabilizers  20  may be removed form support housing  12 . This maintains the portability and compactability of gypsum board hanging tool  10 , wherein the entire gypsum board hanging tool may be collapsed to fit in a standard tool box or other carrying or cargo member. As each job is completed, stabilizers  20  and also support strut  22  may be removed from support housing  12 . In another embodiment, upper surface  33  of support housing  12  may be slightly recessed from upper surface of support strut  22  to facilitate the movement and adjustability of gypsum board  8  as it is moved to its final position prior to attachment. FIG. 2 depicts this recessed portion shown as recessed portion  30 . 
     FIG. 3 also shows face  37  having slot extension  26 . Slot extension  26  is shaped to allow for receiving and nesting of the shaft portion of a hanging member while only one end of gypsum board hanging in tool  10  is attached to the ceiling via hanging member  52  or when hanging member  52  is attached to a wall near the intersection or junction of the wall and the ceiling. Slot extension  26  is an extension of aperture  16 , which is shown as slotted portion extending longitudinally along upper surface  33  of support housing  12 . Slotted portion or aperture  16  includes edges  17  and  21 , respectively. Edge  21  is used in conjunction with engagement member  46  to engage hanging member  52  thereby coupling support housing  12  to hanging member  52  and suspending gypsum board hanging tool  10  from the ceiling. 
     Also shown in FIG. 3 is handle  14  as it extends in a downward direction from face  37  of support housing  12 . At the opposite end of handle  14 , is wheel  18 , which is rotatably attached to handle  14  using a central axle or attachment means  19 , which allows wheel  18  to rotate. Handle  14  may also include grip  13  comprised of suitable known materials. 
     FIGS. 4 and 5 represent another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, support housing  12  includes upper surface  33 , lower surface  35 , first extension  32 , and second extension  34 . First extension  32  and second extension  34  form a flanged portion or channel  28 . Channel  28  also includes channel stop  29  serving to abut support strut  22 . According to the present invention, support strut  22  is inserted into channel  28  thereby attaching support strut  22  to support housing  12  using attachment means  24 . Several attachment means are available, the most common being screws, nails, and other like elements known by those in the art. In the preferred embodiment, support housing  12  is attached to support strut  22  using a series of screws or nails. Alternatively, in another embodiment first extension  32  and second extension  34  may include a plurality of projectiles that may be driven into support strut  22  after it is inserted into channel  28  using a hammer or similar device such as those members used to connect the individual boards in trusses. 
     Support strut  22  typically consists of a 2″×4″ wooden plank consisting of any desired length. This allows the present invention to be used with any sized panel or gypsum board. Likewise, tool  10  and corresponding channel  28  is adaptable to any dimensioned support strut  22 . However, the internal load bearing properties of support strut  22  must be sufficient for the load it is required to bear, namely the suspension of a piece of gypsum board. 
     Support housing  12  further includes an aperture  16  located on upper surface  33 . Aperture  16  may consist of any suitable opening such as a slot, circle, or other shape capable of receiving a corresponding hanging member. As shown, aperture  16  includes a slotted portion extending longitudinally along surface  33  to face  37 . The slotted portion further includes a slot extension  26 , which extension begins at the intersection of surface  33  and face  37  and continues down a portion of face  37 . 
     The function of slot extension  26  in this embodiment and the preferred embodiment is to allow rotation and movement of support housing  12  about hanging member  52 . By employing slot extension  26 , support housing  12  may rotate about hanging member  52  ranging from 0 to at least 90 degrees. Slot extension  26  allows tool  10  to achieve a full range of motion. Slot extension  26  also allows support housing  12  to be coupled to a horizontally placed hanging member  52  if needed. 
     Also shown in FIG. 4 is wheel  18  rotatably coupled to support housing  12 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 5, handle  14  is shown having handle extensions  38  which extend outwardly from a mid point of handle  14  in opposing directions. Handle extensions  38  may extend from handle  14  in a longitudinal direction coplanar with handle  14 , or handle extensions  38  may include a first and second upper extending portion wherein handle  14  forms a U-shape as shown in the preferred embodiment of FIG.  2 . At the distal ends of handle extensions  38  are shown stoppers  40 . Stoppers  40  may be rigidly connected to handle extensions  38  or they may be rotatably or slidably connected to handle extensions  38  such that stoppers  40  may move or pivot. Stoppers  40  help to secure a piece of gypsum board in place while using the gypsum board hanging tool  10  to hang gypsum board on a ceiling or a wall. The ends of a piece of gypsum board are adjacent to and abut stoppers  40  and rest on surface  39  of handle extensions  38 . Handle extensions  38  provide support to a piece of dry wall or gypsum board prior to its being securely fastened to a ceiling or a wall. Handle  14  is used to grip the tool  10  and lift it into position coupling support housing  12  to a hanging member. 
     In reference to FIG. 6, support housing  12  is shown enclosing or having coupling actuator  42 . Specifically, coupling actuator  42  includes an engagement member  46 , a biased loading member  44 , and a pivot point  49 . Coupling actuator  42  also includes a quick release or release mechanism  48 . Release mechanism  48  is shown as a quick release having a string with a loop attached thereto, but may be any suitable means by which engagement member  46  can be deactuated to release hanging member  52  from support housing  12 . Coupling actuator  42  serves to engage hanging member  52  so that the gypsum board hanging tool  10  may be suspended from the ceiling or wall. Essentially, support housing  12  is lifted into position such that hanging member  52  is inserted into or passed through aperture  16  in support housing  12 , which in the preferred embodiment consists of a slotted portion or slotted member running longitudinally along the length of the upper surface of support housing  12 . As hanging member  52  is passed through the slotted portion or aperture  16 , it comes in contact with engagement member  44 . Engagement member  44  is part of a spring loaded hinge attached to the interior surface of support housing  12  such that engagement member  46  extends from pivot point  49  outwardly along the interior of upper surface  33  and passing a substantial distance past edge  17  of aperture  16 . Biased loading member  44 , which is shown in the drawing as a spring loaded hinge, causes engagement member  46  to be subject to a load, thereby exerting an upward force on interior  31  of support housing  12 , and ultimately to collapse around hanging member  52  securing it within support housing  12 . As hanging member  52  enters aperture  16 , it comes in contact with engagement member  46  as it extends past edge  17 . Further extension or insertion of hanging member  52  through aperture  16  and into support housing  12  causes hanging member  52  to displace, thus actuating coupling actuator  42 . Specifically, engagement member  46  is caused to rotate about pivot point  49  as the head of hanging member  52  is introduced into aperture  16  thereby causing engagement member  46  to displace. Engagement member  46  then collapses around and engages with the stem portion of hanging member  52 . Hanging member  52  is securely retained within support housing  12  by engagement member  46  and edge  21  of aperture  16 . In the preferred embodiment, hanging member  52  may freely move within aperture  16  as aperture  16  is a slotted portion allowing hanging member  52  to slide within the slotted portion as is needed to align gypsum board  8  to its proper place for attachment to a ceiling or a wall. Engagement member  46  is dimensioned such that hanging member  52  remains engaged at all times during movement and adjustment of support housing  12  about hanging member  52 . 
     Also shown in FIG. 6 in phantom view is slot extension  26 . Slot extension  26  allows the gypsum board hanging tool and specifically support housing  12  to freely rotate at least 90 degrees about an axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of hanging member  52 . Slot extension  26  also facilitates engagement of coupling actuator  42  with hanging member  52  when hanging member  52  is horizontally attached to a wall structure. This concept will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     Release mechanism  48  is shown attached to engagement member  46 . Release mechanism  48  serves as a quick release to disengage engagement member  46  and deactuated coupling actuator  42  thereby releasing hanging member  52  from support housing  12 . Specifically, release mechanism  48  is used to disengage engagement member  46  thereby allowing the head of hanging member  52  to pass back through aperture  16 . Release mechanism  48  applies a reverse force to engagement member  46  wherein engagement member  46  is again displaced a distance from support housing  12 . Release mechanism  48  causes engagement member  46  to displace a sufficient distance to allow the head of hanging member  52  to pass without aperture  16 , wherein support housing  12  is then released from hanging member  52 . At this time, release mechanism  48  is relaxed causing biased loading member  44  to return engagement member  46  to its resting position against interior surface  31 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, what is shown is a top view of gypsum board hanging tool  10  having a piece of dry wall or gypsum board overlaid thereon with gypsum board or dry wall shown in phantom view. As only one end of the gypsum board hanging tool is shown, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes gypsum board hanging tool having support housing  12  and subsequent portions thereon removably attached to both sides of support strut  22 . Specifically, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a first and second support housing  12  with associated portions thereon as described herein, each existing on opposing ends, or first and second ends, of support strut  22 . FIG. 7 illustrates how gypsum board  8  is supported upon and within gypsum board hanging tool  10 . Specifically, gypsum board  8  rests on handle extensions  38 , optional stabilizers  20 , as well as support strut  22  gypsum board  8  may also be supported by or rest upon upper surface  33  of support housing  12 . In another embodiment, gypsum board hanging tool  10  may include a recessed upper surface  33  of support housing  12  such that gypsum board  8  does not rest upon or come in contact with support housing  12 . 
     As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of stabilizers  20  may be used to aid in the support of gypsum board  8  while only two of such stabilizers are shown in FIG.  7 . Any number of stabilizers  20  may be used along gypsum board hanging tool  10  to provide support to gypsum board  8 . Also, the orientation of stabilizers  20  may vary depending on specific needs. 
     Handle extensions  20  protrude substantially perpendicular to support housing  12 . Any length of handle extensions  20  may be used as long as sufficient support is provided to the piece of gypsum board  8  overlaid thereon. In addition, stoppers  40  may be placed upon the length of handle extensions  20  at any distance capable of securing and holding gypsum board  8  in place while the gypsum board hanging tool is being used. 
     FIG. 7 also illustrates the ease of using gypsum board hanging tool  10 . Once support housing  12  is attached to both ends of support strut  22 , a piece of gypsum board  8  is simply laid upon the gypsum board hanging tool  10  and fit between stoppers  40  on either side of the gypsum board hanging tool. Once the piece of gypsum board  8  is securely within gypsum board hanging tool  10 , the entire system may then be used by a single individual to hang gypsum board on a ceiling. 
     Single wheel  18  is depicted in FIG. 7 as being rotatably attached to support housing  12 . Wheel  18  serves to function as a means for allowing gypsum board hanging tool system to be freely moved along the floor during the hanging process as needed. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, support housing  112  is a separate structure and not is integrally connected with channel and the channel stop that accepts support strut as described and shown in the previous embodiments. Rather, FIG. 8 shows a receiver  170  that does include a channel  128  and a channel stop  129  for receiving support strut  22  (channel  128  and channel stop  129  not actually shown, but functioning as described above). Receiver  170  includes an upper surface  171  that is parallel with stabilizers  120  used to support a piece of sheet rock. Stabilizers  120  extend outwardly from receiver  170  in opposing directions and also include stabilizer extensions  122 , which are shown in the form of L-shaped extensions that connect to a lower portion of receiver  170 . Stabilizer extensions may comprise any suitable shape allowing them to perform their intended function of supporting a piece of gypsum board and supporting a wheel structure. Included on stabilizer extensions  122  are wheels  118  on either side of receiver  170 . Wheels  118  perform similar functions as wheels  18  described in earlier embodiments. 
     Stoppers  140  are also shown coupled to stabilizers  120 . However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, stoppers  140  include a spring mechanism  142  coupled to stoppers  140 , which allow stoppers  140  to pivot or slide in a downward direction as a vertical force is applied downward to stopper  140 . In doing so, stopper  140  may be lowered down and out of the way as needed. 
     Support housing  112  also comprises an upper portion  111  and a lower portion  115 . Upper portion  111  includes an upper surface  133  that performs a similar function as upper surface of support housing  12  in the prior embodiments. Also included in upper surface  111  is aperture  116 . Aperture  116  may be a slot or any other shape as described above, which allows support housing  112  to receive a hanging member and function according to the technology described herein. Support housing  112  and upper portion  111  also includes slot extension  126  that extends down face  137  of upper portion  111 . Slot  126  includes edges  117  and  121 , which perform similar functions as described above. Shown within slot extension  126  is engagement member  146 . Engagement member  146  is part of a coupling actuator and release mechanism and functions also as described above. 
     Support housing  112  further comprises a slotted portion  172 , which extends along lower portion  115 . Support housing  112  is slidably coupled to receiver  170  using securing means  174 . Securing means  174  includes guide members  175  and  176 , which are rigidly fixed to receiver  170  and extend upwards through slot  172  to allow support housing  112  to move relative to receiver  170 . Securing means  174  also includes a stopping member  177  that is attached to guide means  175  and  176 . Stopping member  177  securely fastens support housing  112  to receiver  170  while still allowing support housing  112  to slide with respect to receiver  170 . Support housing  112  is able to slide along receiver  170  as securing means  174 , and particularly guide members  175  and  176 , track along slot  172 . It would be recognized by one ordinarily skilled in the art that support housing  112  may be slidably attached to receiver  170  using various means. What is critical is that support housing  112  is capable of sliding with respect to receiver  170 . The purpose of this function is described in greater detail below. 
     Also shown in FIG. 8 is cam actuator  180 . Cam actuator  180  is rotatably fixed to the lower portion of support housing  112  using attachment means  172 . Cam actuator  180  operates or functions such that cam actuator  180  may pivot about the centroidal axis inherently located within attachment means  182 . Cam actuator  180  includes a recess  184 , which is designed to receive guide member  176  when cam actuator  180  is in a first position. In this first position, upper surface  133  of support housing  112  is parallel and co-planar with upper surface  171  of receiver  170 . 
     As support housing  112  is coupled to a hanging member securely fastened in a ceiling joist or other member, hanging member  152  is securely coupled within support housing  112  using engagement member  146  as described more fully above in the prior embodiments. As the sheet rock hanging tool of the present invention, equipped with the piece of gypsum board, is brought into place and suspended from the ceiling, the piece of sheet rock is allowed to be manipulated and moved into proper position prior to its attachment to the ceiling. Once the sheet rock has been moved into a proper position, cam actuator  180  may be utilized to facilitate lifting the piece of sheet rock to the ceiling and pressing the piece of gypsum board to the ceiling. This is accomplished by rotating cam actuator  180  about the pivot point and centroidal axis of attachment means  182 . As cam actuator  180  is rotated, guide member  176  is caused to displace from within recess  184 . Upon further rotation, cam actuator  180  and outer cam surface  181  tracks along guide member  176 . As rotation continues, cam actuator  180  causes support housing  112  to slide or move in a downward direction with respect to receiver  170 . This movement is in direct relation to the attachment of cam actuator  180  to lower portion  115  of support housing  112  and fixed relationship of guide member  176  to receiver  170 . As cam actuator  180  is caused to rotate, thereby forcing support housing  112  to slide in an opposing direction with respect to receiver  170 , a tension force is created within hanging member  152 . The tension force in hanging member  152  is generated as hanging member  152  is coupled within support housing  112  at one end and securely fastened into a ceiling joist at its other end. Because support housing  112  is caused to slide in an opposing direction with respect to receiver  170 , and as support housing  112  is coupled to hanging member  152 , the resulting action is that receiver  170  moves in an upward direction towards the ceiling joist. As such, the piece of gypsum board that is contained and supported by the sheet rock hanging tool of the present invention is lifted and pressed against the ceiling joist, wherein it may be securely fastened or attached. Varying amounts of pressure may be applied by rotating cam actuator  180  in the appropriate direction. 
     In addition, cam actuator may include means for providing several interim positions wherein cam actuator may be retained in a specific position, thereby applying a constant force to the piece of gypsum board as it is pressed against the ceiling joist. This may be accomplished using means such as a spring biased ratchet and release system, a latch and catch mechanism, etc., the purpose being to allow cam actuator to be rotated to a specific location and retained in that position without requiring user assistance. Using an interim position system, cam actuator would also utilize a release mechanism to allow cam actuator to return to its initial, or other, positions. 
     By using the technology as described herein, a piece of sheet rock may be lifted into place, manipulated into position and pressed upon and firmly held against a ceiling joist for simple and easy attachment. Cam actuator  180  may be incorporated into any one of the embodiments as described herein. 
     FIG. 9 shows gypsum board hanging tool  10  as it is used to attach a piece of gypsum board  8  to a conventional or flat ceiling  54 . Specifically, FIG. 9 shows how several pieces of gypsum board can be hung on the ceiling by a single person using the gypsum board hanging tool  10 . The piece of gypsum board  8  represents a first piece of gypsum board to be attached to ceiling  54 . Support housing  12  is used to attach gypsum board hanging tool  10  to first hanging member  52  and second hanging member  53 , respectively as discussed above. First hanging member  52  supports a first support housing  12  at one end of gypsum board hanging tool  10 , and hanging member  53  supports a second support housing  12  at the opposing end of gypsum board hanging tool  10 , thereby suspending gypsum board  8  from ceiling  54  prior to attachment. As first support housing  12  is lifted and coupled to first hanging member  52 , second support housing  12  of the opposing end may then be lifted and coupled to second hanging member  53  gypsum board  8 , as now suspended from ceiling  54 , may then be manipulated or adjusted into a proper and accurate final position and then attached using conventional attachment means to secure gypsum board  8  to ceiling  54 . Upon completion of attaching gypsum board  8  to ceiling  54 , first support housing  12  may be released from first hanging member  52  using release mechanism  48  as described above. After first support housing  12  is released from first hanging member  52 , it may be lowered to floor  58  resting upon wheel  18 . At this time, gypsum board hanging tool  10  may be swivelled around and brought into a second position to receive a second piece of gypsum board as is shown by the phantom lines in FIG.  9 . Second support housing  12  remains attached to second hanging member  53  and is allowed to swivel about hanging member  53  to enable positioning for a second piece of gypsum board. Once in a second position, a second piece of gypsum board may then be placed upon gypsum board hanging tool  10 . Once the second piece of gypsum board is securely in place within gypsum board hanging tool  10 , first support housing  12  may then be lifted off the floor and coupled to third hanging member  55 . The second piece of gypsum board may then be attached to ceiling  54 , similar to the first piece as described above. This procedure may be repeated as often as necessary to hang any number of pieces of gypsum board. 
     The design of the present invention allows a first piece of gypsum board and a second piece of gypsum board to be hung adjacent one another such that their edges abut each other. This is due to the pivoting stoppers employed on stabilizers  20 , as discussed above, and the adjustability of support housing  12  about hanging member  52 . Specifically, a first piece of gypsum board may be brought into place using the tool of the present invention as described herein. Upon suspending the first and second support housing&#39;s from first and second hanging members, stoppers may be rotated down and out of the way, if necessary, allowing the workman to fit the piece of gypsum board into its proper place. The hanging tool allows accurate placement of a piece of gypsum board into comers, along edges, and to any ceiling structure, either horizontal or inclined. The tool also allows accurate placement of a second piece of gypsum board adjacent a first piece. Upon attachment of a first piece of gypsum board to a ceiling, a second piece may be brought to abut the first piece. The hanging member does not create a problem because of the gypsum makeup of gypsum board. The edges of the first and second pieces of gypsum board may be abutted as the portion around the hanging member partially gives way. This can later be covered using the masking methods common in the industry. Upon hanging the second piece and releasing the hanging tool from the hanging member, each hanging member can be driven home into the ceiling or removed. If driven home, they too may be covered by the masking. As such, given the adjustability of the tool, namely the adjustability of the support housing&#39;s about the hanging members due to the aperture and slot extension, and the ability to manipulate the actual piece of gypsum board after suspension, a workman will not be limited to certain building structures and/or floors, but may use the tool in most situations. 
     Also evident from FIG. 9 is the feature of the present invention that no obstructions to the user of the gypsum board hanging tool exists. Specifically, no elements are required to be supported from the ground. This provides a great amount of freedom and latitude for the user while hanging several pieces of gypsum board. This is a great advantage over prior art gypsum board hanging tools in that the user does not have to worry about walking around or bumping into specific objects, which would could cause misalignment of the gypsum board as it is being hung, or destruction of the piece of gypsum board, or injury to the worker. Moreover, a single user is able to use the gypsum board hanging tool of the present invention with relative ease and efficiency. 
     FIG. 10 shows the portability of gypsum board hanging tool  10 . Specifically, support strut  22  is removed from support housing  12 . Also, stabilizers  20  are removed from support housing  12 . Each of these may then be placed into a standard tool box  70  or other cargo area for storage and transportation to another job site. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention shows support housing  112  connected to collar  132  that slidably accepts support strut  22  in such a manner the collar  132  is free to slide longitudinally along support strut  22 . Also shown are stopper  140 , wheels  118  and handle  122 . The present invention also features a method for hanging a paneled member. In a preferred embodiment, the paneled member is a piece of drywall or gypsum board. The method includes the following steps: 
     First, inserting a first and second hanging member into a ceiling or wall member of a building structure having supporting joists, rafters, studs, or other framing members. Hanging members may be nails, screws, or any other type of attachment means known by those in the art and capable of supporting a weighted structure and capable of fitting with the support housing as described below. These members may be inserted at any location wherein a piece of gypsum board is needed as taught herein. 
     Second, overlaying the gypsum board onto a gypsum board hanging tool. The gypsum board hanging tool having a first and second support housing which are both removably attached to opposing ends, or first and second ends, of a support strut; an aperture for receiving the above-mentioned hanging member; a coupling actuator located within and attached to the first and second support housing, the coupling actuator engaging the first hanging member within the support housing; and optional stabilizers removably attached to and extending from the support housing or support strut for supporting the gypsum board. The gypsum board is secured within stoppers that are rotatably or slidably attached to the stabilizers on each end of the hanging tool. These stoppers may be rotated or pushed down out of the way thus enabling the user to accurately position the gypsum board and permanently attach it to the ceiling. 
     Third, positioning the gypsum board hanging tool to a first position. One of the advantages of the present invention is its ability to be manipulated and adjusted both when on the floor and when suspended from a ceiling. As one end of the tool is lifted to a first hanging member, the second end, still upon the ground, may freely move as is needed to properly position the tool. The wheel, acting in conjunction with the support strut, functions like a dolly to the piece of gypsum board secured within the tool. Using the tool in this manner provides an easy way to translocate the piece of gypsum board from one location to another. 
     Fourth, lifting the gypsum board hanging tool and overlaid gypsum board to the first hanging member. Once the piece of gypsum board is wheeled to the general vicinity of where it will be hanged, it may be lifted to the first screw. 
     Fifth, coupling the first support housing to the first hanging member using the coupling actuator. As the support housing is lifted and placed over the first hanging member, the coupling actuator is activated thereby coupling the hanging member to the support housing and suspending one end of the tool and the piece of gypsum board from the ceiling. This is repeated for the second end of the tool in a like manner. Once both ends are coupled to the hanging member, the entire gypsum board hanging tool and piece of gypsum board are suspended from the ceiling via first and second screws. 
     Sixth, manipulating the gypsum board hanging tool and the gypsum board to a proper position. After suspending the tool and gypsum board, the piece of gypsum board may be manipulated or adjusted to its proper final position prior to permanent attachment. This is accomplished in several ways. The entire tool may be moved as force is applied to the tool causing the hanging members to slide back and forth within the aperture or slotted portion. The cam system may be used to press the gypsum board firmly against the ceiling. Also, the stoppers holding the gypsum board in place may be rotated down and out of the way so that the panel may be slid past the stoppers if necessary. 
     Finally, permanently attaching the gypsum board to the ceiling. Once in position, the panel may be attached to the ceiling using known attachment means. 
     The method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes the steps of inserting a third hanging member into said ceiling; releasing said first support housing from said first hanging member using the release mechanism of the coupling actuator; swiveling said gypsum board hanging tool to a second position; overlaying a second piece of gypsum board onto the gypsum board hanging tool; lifting the first support housing to the third hanging member; and coupling the first support housing to the second hanging member using the coupling actuator, thus suspending the gypsum board hanging tool and the gypsum board from the ceiling using second and third hanging members. These steps may be repeated as often as necessary to hang a plurality of paneled members on any conventional or inclined type of ceiling. 
     Upon completion of the job and after all pieces of gypsum board are hanged, the gypsum board hanging tool may be collapsed to fit into a standard toolbox. Specifically, the coupling actuator is deactuated using the release mechanism or quick release. This causes the engagement member of the coupling actuator to disengage thereby releasing the support hanging from the hanging member. The plurality of stabilizers may then be removed from the support housing, followed by the removal of each support housing from the support strut. This provides a compact, easy to install and takedown portable hanging tool. 
     FIG. 11A illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the screw may enter from the bottom or the top. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.