Abstract:
A clamp for holding boards of wood adjacent other boards of wood for nailing, such as in a floor frame is described. The clamp generally includes an elongated body having a lever to open and close a fixed jaw and moveable jaw that are also connected to the body. An arm is connected to the body and to the lever. The jaws generally include teeth to sink into a surface of the wood to secure the wood within the jaws. An end piece includes lips to prevent unwanted movement of the wood as it is held within the jaws. The clamp further includes a tongue that is adapted to overhang other pieces of wood to which ht he board of wood is to be nailed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   I. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to the field of carpentry and construction, and more particularly to a clamping device for holding wood boards, such as joists, planks, studs and the like, in position with other boards to which the boards are to be nailed. 
   II. Description of the Related Art 
   During typical construction jobs, two or more boards typically need to be held in place while nailed to other boards. For example, when connecting floor joists to a frame, the joist must be positioned and held in place while the joist is nailed to the frame. The carpenter installing the joist must hold the joist level while nailing it to the frame. Having to hold and nail the joist while keeping the joist level can be difficult and can lead to misplaced joists. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In general, the invention features a joist clamp for holding a joist in place while it is nailed to another board. 
   In general, in one aspect, the invention features a clamping apparatus, including an elongated body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is a tongue, an end piece having two lips generally perpendicular to the body and being connected to the second end of the body, a fixed jaw connected to the body adjacent the tongue, a moveable jaw connected to the body and an arm having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the body adjacent the end piece and the second end of the arm being connected to a lever, wherein the lever is further connected to the moveable jaw. 
   In one implementation, the fixed jaw is connected to the body through a connection plate that is generally perpendicular to the fixed jaw. 
   In another implementation, the moveable jaw is pivotally connected to the body through a moveable jaw arm that is pivotally connected to the lever. 
   In another implementation, the lever includes a main lever portion having a first end and a second end, a short end lever portion connected generally perpendicular to the first end of the main lever portion, a lever pivotal portion connected to the second end of the main lever portion, wherein the lever pivotal portion is pivotally connected to the second end of the arm and is pivotally connected to the moveable jaw arm. 
   In another implementation, the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw further comprise one or more teeth. 
   In another implementation, the first end of the arm is pivotally connected to the body. 
   In still another implementation, the clamp can be in an open position and in a closed position. 
   In still another implementation, the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw are in opposition and generally parallel when the clamp is in the closed position. 
   In another aspect, the invention features an apparatus for clamping a board of wood for placement adjacent a second board of wood, including an elongated body, jaws connected to the body, the jaws being adapted to clamp and hold the board of wood, an end piece connected to the body and adapted to prevent unwanted motion of the board of wood when the board of wood is connected and disconnected from the apparatus and a lever connected to the body through an arm and to one of the jaws, the lever being adapted to open and close the jaws to place and remove the board of wood from the apparatus. 
   In one implementation, the apparatus further includes a tongue adjacent the jaws. 
   In another implementation, the jaws comprise leading edges that are adapted to align and be flush with an end of the board of wood. 
   In another implementation, the leading edges and the end of the board of wood are adapted to be positioned against a surface of the second board of wood and wherein the tongue is adapted to rest upon an upper edge of the second board of wood. 
   In another implementation, the jaws further include teeth to penetrate a surface of the board of wood while the board is held within the jaws. 
   In another implementation, the elongated body generally contacts the board of wood along the entire length of the body and wherein the tongue overhangs off a leading edge of the board of wood. 
   In another aspect, the invention features a clamp, including an elongated body, means for holding a board of wood within the clamp, the means for holding the board of wood being connected to the elongated body, means for opening and closing the means for holding the board of wood, the means for opening and closing being connected to the body and to the means for holding the board of wood and means for preventing unwanted motion of the board of wood, the means for preventing unwanted motion being connected to the elongated body. 
   One advantage of the invention is that it allows “hands-free” nailing because the user installing the board does not have to hold the board while nailing it into place. 
   Another advantage of the invention is that it allows for faster and more accurate installation of the boards. 
   Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing the preferred embodiment of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a joist clamp in a closed position; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a joist clamp in a closed position and connected to a board of wood; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a joist clamp in a closed position and connected to a board; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a joist clamp in an open position and adjacent a board; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of a board positioned adjacent a frame with two embodiments of a joist clamp; and 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of a board positioned adjacent a frame with two embodiments of a joist clamp. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The embodiments described herein are referred to as a “joist clamps”. It is understood that the embodiments can be used with any type of boards, including but not limited to typical “2×4” (or other sizes) boards, planks, studs and the like. 
   Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to  FIG. 1  that illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a joist clamp (“clamp”)  100  in a closed position. Although there is a wide range of open positions in which the clamp  100  can be placed, two basic positions, an open and closed position, are used to described two general states into which the clamp  100  can be placed. The clamp  100  generally includes an elongated body  105  having two ends. An end piece  110  is connected to one end of the body  105  by a fastener  11 . The end piece  110  typically includes two lips  115 , of which one lip  115  is shown in  FIG. 1. A  tongue  120 , having an inner face  121 , is connected to the other end of the body  105 . In a typical embodiment, the tongue  120  is an integral part of the body  105 . 
   The clamp  100  further includes a lever  125 . The lever generally includes a main lever portion  130  having two ends. A short end lever portion  135  connected generally perpendicular to one end of the main lever portion  130 . The short end lever portion generally contacts the end piece  110  when the clamp  100  is in the closed position. The lever  125  further includes a lever pivotal portion  140  connected to the other end of the main lever portion  130 . The lever pivotal portion  140  generally includes two pivot points  145 ,  150 . One pivot point  145  is pivotally connected to one end of an arm  155 . The other end of the arm  155  is pivotally connected to the body  105  generally adjacent the end piece  110  at a pivot point  160 . The main lever portion  130 , the short end lever portion  135  and the lever pivotal portion  140  are typically a single integral piece making up the lever  125 . 
   The clamp  100  further includes a fixed jaw  165  having an inner face  166  and a leading edge  167 , the fixed jaw being connected generally perpendicular to a connection plate  170  that is connected to the body  105  by a fastener  171  and adjacent the tongue  120 . The fixed jaw portion  165  generally includes teeth (the teeth are shown in the figures below). The fixed jaw  165  and the connection plate  170  are typically a single integral piece. The clamp  100  also includes a moveable jaw  175  having an inner face  176  and a leading edge  177 . The moveable jaw  175  is connected to a moveable jaw arm  180  at a generally fixed angle. One end of the moveable jaw arm  180  is connected to the lever pivotal portion  140  at the pivot point  150 . The other end of the moveable jaw arm  180  is connected to the body  105  at a pivot point  185 . The moveable jaw  175  is generally parallel and in opposition to the fixed jaw  165  when the clamp is in the closed position as shown in FIG.  1 . The moveable jaw also includes one or more teeth  190  on the inner face  176  of the moveable jaw  175 . The moveable jaw  175  and the moveable jaw arm  180  are typically a single integral piece. 
   In general, the fasteners  111 ,  171  and the pivot points  145 ,  150 ,  160 ,  185  can be any variety of suitable fasteners such as rivets, screws, bolts and the like. It is understood that any type of suitable fasteners and pivot point can be used. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the clamp  100  in a closed position and connected to a board of wood  200 . This front view illustrates that the fixed and moveable jaws  165 , 175  are arranged in opposition in the closed position. The fixed jaw  165  is connected to the connection plate  170  which is connected to the body adjacent the tongue  120 . The moveable jaw  175  is connected to the moveable jaw arm  180  having the two pivot points  150 ,  185 , the pivot point  185  being connected to the body  105 . Part of the main lever portion  130  and the lever pivotal portion  140  of the lever  125  are also shown. The inner faces  166 ,  176  of the jaws  165 ,  175  are generally in contact with the surfaces of the board  200 . The teeth  190  on the respective jaws  165 ,  175  are sunk (or penetrated) into the surfaces of the board  200 . By having the teeth  190  sunk into the plank  200 , the clamp  100  is generally more securely attached to the board  200 . Typically, the leading edges  167 , 177  of the jaws  165 , 175  are generally flush with a leading edge  201  of the board. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a joist clamp  100  in a closed position and connected to a board  200 . The lever  125  having the main lever portion  130 , the short end lever portion  135  connected generally perpendicular to one end of the main lever portion  130  and the lever pivotal portion  140  connected to the other end of the main lever portion  130  is shown. As described above, the short end lever portion  135  generally contacts the end piece  110 , having the two lips  115 , when the clamp  100  is in the closed position. This contact serves generally to limit the clamping force and motion onto the board  200  as the clamp  100  is put into the closed position as described further below. The tongue  120  being an integral part of the body  105 , the arm  155 , the fixed jaw  165  and its leading edge  167 , connection plate  170 , the moveable jaw  175  (including a partial view of a tooth  190 ) and its leading edge  177 , and the moveable jaw arm  180  are also shown. The four pivot points  145 ,  150 ,  160 ,  185  and the fasteners  111 ,  171  are shown. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a joist clamp  100  in an open position and partially connected to and adjacent a board  200 . Similar to above in  FIG. 3 , the lever  125  having the main lever portion  130 , the short end lever portion  135  connected generally perpendicular to one end of the main lever portion  130  and the lever pivotal portion  140  connected to the other end of the main lever portion  130  is shown. As described above, the short end lever portion  135  generally contacts the end piece  110 , having the two lips  115 , when the clamp  100  is in the closed position. This contact serves generally to limit the clamping force and motion onto the board  200  as the clamp  100  is put into the closed position as described further below. The tongue  120  being an integral part of the body  105 , the arm  155 , the fixed jaw  165  and its leading edge  167 , connection plate  170 , the moveable jaw  175  (including a partial view of a tooth  190 ) and its leading edge  177 , and the moveable jaw arm  180  are also shown. The four pivot points  145 , 150 , 160 , 185  and the fasteners  111 ,  171  are shown. 
   As described above, the clamp typically has a closed position as shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and an open position as shown now in FIG.  4 . The clamp  100  can be moved through a wide range of open positions as is now described. Starting with the clamp in a closed position for illustrative purposes as in  FIG. 3 , a user typically can take hold of the lever  125  and pull it to an open position by applying a force on the lever  125  in the direction of arrow F 1 , which puts the lever  125  in motion in the same direction as arrow F 1 . The lever  125  pivots about both pivot points  145 ,  150 . More specifically, the lever pivotal portion  140  pivots about the pivot points  145 ,  150 . The pivot points  145 ,  150  do not typically remain in a fixed position relative to the body  105 . In general, as the force F 1  is applied to the lever  125 , the pivot points  145 ,  150  shift with respect to each other and with respect to the body  105  as the lever  125  rotates about the pivot points  145 ,  150 . As shown by comparison in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the pivot point  145  is closer to the body  105  than the pivot point  150  while the clamp is in a closed position. After, the clamp is placed into an open position, the pivot point  145  is farther away from the body  105  than the pivot point  150 . There are a wide range of positions that the pivot points  145 ,  150  take during the application of the force F 1 . For example, at one point during the motion, the pivot points are generally both at an equal distance from the body  105 . If the lever  125  is raised to its maximum opening, the main lever portion  130  rests against the moveable jaw  175 . 
   As the force F 1  is applied, several other components of the clamp  100  are also set into motion. The arm  155  pivots about the pivot point  160  that remains fixed with respect to the body  105 . The other end of the arm  155  pivots about the pivot point  145  that moves as described above. The general motion of the arm  155  is in the direction of arrow M 1  as the force F 1  is applied to the lever  125 . Furthermore, the moveable jaw  175  and the moveable jaw arm  180  move as an integral piece generally in the direction M 2 , pivoting about the pivot point  185  that remains fixed with respect to the body  105 . 
   When the clamp  100  is placed into the open position, the clamp  100  can be removed from the board  200  because the jaws  165 ,  175  are not clamping the board  200  any longer. While the clamp  100  is in the closed position, the jaws  165 ,  175  are typically tightly clamped on the board  200  with the teeth  190  sunk into the surfaces of the board  200 . In this way, there is little to no relative motion between the clamp  100  and the board  200 . However, when the force F 1  is applied to the lever  125 , the jaws  165 ,  175  release their hold on the board  200  and there can be resultant relative motion between the clamp  100  and the board. To prevent too much unwanted motion while the clamp  100  is attached and detached from the board, the lips  115  on the end piece  110  generally overhang a portion of the board so as to limit the side to side motion of the board  200  as the clamp is placed. 
   In order to place the clamp  100  in a closed position with the jaws  165 ,  175  clamped around the board  200 , a force in the direction of arrow F 1 ′ is applied on the lever  125 , which puts the lever  125  in motion in the same general direction as arrow. F 1 ′. This force F 1 ′sets the arm  155  in a general motion in the direction of arrow M 1 ′, and sets the moveable jaw  175  in a general motion in the direction of arrow M 2 ′. 
   In general, when the board  200  is placed within the jaws  165 ,  175 , the leading edges  167 ,  177  are aligned with the leading edge  201  of the board  200 . This alignment aids in proper placement of the board  200  against another board such as a frame. It is understood that the leading edges  201  of the board  200  may not be exactly flush with the other boards to which the board  200  is to be attached. There may be variances so that the board  200  may be a bit too far spaced from the boards of the frame or fit tightly against the boards of the frame. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of the board  200  positioned adjacent a frame  300  having two side boards  305 ,  310  (for example, a sill, band or plate) with two embodiments of a joist clamp  100  connected to the board  200  and adjacent the boards  305 ,  310 . The clamps  100  are in a closed position with the short end lever portion  135  of the lever  125  in contact with the end piece  110 . The jaws  165 ,  175  of each of the clamps  100  are closed around the board  200  and the leading edges  167 ,  177  of the jaws  165 ,  175  are generally flush with the leading edges of the board  200 . Therefore, the leading edges  167 ,  177  of the clamps  100  as well as the leading edges  201  of the board are generally flush against the respective inner surfaces  306 ,  311  of the boards  305 ,  310 . The tongues  120  of the clamps  100  rest on the upper surfaces  307 ,  312  of the boards  305 ,  310 . In this way, the board  200  can be placed on the frame  300  on the respective boards  305 , 310  without the need from the user to hold the board in place before the user nails the board  200  on the frame  300 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of the board  200  positioned adjacent the frame  300  including the two side boards  305 ,  310 , with two embodiments of a joist clamp  100 . This view illustrates the tongues  120  resting on the upper surfaces  307 ,  312  of the boards  305 ,  310 . On the clamp  100  adjacent the board  305 , the view illustrates that the leading edge  177  of the moveable jaw  175  is generally flush with the inner surface  306  of the board  305 . On the clamp  100  adjacent the board  310 , the view illustrates that the leading edge  167  of the fixed jaw  165  is generally flush with the inner surface  311  of the board  310 . In addition, the leading edges  201  of the board  200  is flush with the inner surfaces  306 ,  311 . The body  105  generally lies flush on the top edge  202  of the board  200 . Therefore, the top edge  202  of the board  200  is generally aligned with the upper surfaces  307 ,  314  of the boards  305 ,  310 . Furthermore, the legs  115  of the end pieces  110  overhang a portion of the board  200  to limit the unwanted motion of the board  200  as the clamps  100  are attached and detached from the board  200 . When the clamps  100  are attached as described above, the board  200  can be hung on the frame  300 . 
   When the board  200  is in a desired position in the frame  300 , the user can nail the board  200  into the desired position. Nails  315  are shown on the outer portion of the frame  300  adjacent the board  310  as a possible location to which the nails  315  could be affixed. Nails  320  are also shown on the inner part of the fame  300  adjacent the board  310  as another possible location to affix the nails  315 . It is understood that any desired location to affix the nails  315  is contemplated in the embodiments described herein. 
   Several of the clamps  100  can be combined and used in conjunction together asa kit. Since it is typically desired to use more than one clamp  100  in typical construction jobs, it is desirable to have the clamps  100  combined as a kit. 
   Furthermore, the embodiments of the clamp  100  described above can be modified to accommodate several different sizes of boards. For example, the space between the jaws  165 ,  175  and between the legs  115  on the end pieces can be increased or decreased to accommodate different sized of boards. 
   The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, various modifications may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof and it is desired, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art and which are set forth in the appended claims.