TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[001] The present apparatus and method relate to auxiliary apparatuses aiding in construction work, and more specifically to methods and apparatuses for performing construction and maintenance tasks by a single person.

BACKGROUND

[002] Construction and decoration of residential and office buildings include tasks often-requiring more than one person or operator with proper equipment to effectively accomplish them. A rudimentary example of such a task is hanging of a picture on a vertical or slanted surface or wall. This task requires leveling the picture to be parallel to floor, and positioning the picture on the wall in the most effective manner. Even such a simple task requires more than one operator for hanging the picture on the wall. Typically, one person holds the picture against the wall and another person or operator assists him in placing the picture in the right position and orientation, before fixing the picture to the wall.

[003] There are numerous construction tasks similar to the above wherein a construction worker needs an auxiliary device - virtually a "third hand" for successfully accomplishing the tasks.

[004] A leveling device may be used for certain construction tasks, often the construction worker will be not be in sufficient proximity to the leveling device, to view correctly the leveling device readings.

[005] There is a long felt need for an apparatus and method for aiding an operator in fulfilling construction tasks. The tasks may include residential construction, house remodeling, house maintenance, industrial and office building construction, and other general construction tasks. SUMMARY

[006] Described is an apparatus for aiding in construction work. The apparatus includes an elevation member configured to elevate vertically and an extendable support member attached to said elevation member and adapted to be oriented in space in an arbitrary position. A gripping device adapted to grasp and hold different objects terminates the support member. Coordinated movement of both the elevation and support member positions the object in a desired position. The structure rests on a base supporting the elevation member and configured to stabilize said apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[007] The apparatus and method are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The apparatus and the method, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings, in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the method.

[008] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an operator fixing an object position on a surface with the aid of the first exemplary embodiment of an auxiliary apparatus; [009] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the operator fixing an object position on a surface with the aid of the second exemplary embodiment of the auxiliary apparatus; [0010] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the third exemplary embodiment of a remote controlled auxiliary apparatus for aiding in fixing an object position on a surface; [0011] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the fourth exemplary embodiment of a remote controlled auxiliary apparatus for fixing an object on a surface; [0012] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the fifth exemplary embodiment of remote controlled auxiliary apparatus secured on one end to the floor and on the other end to the ceiling; [0013] Figure 6 is a schematic illustrating of an exemplary embodiment of a dual elevation member remote controlled auxiliary apparatus configured to position and fix an object on a surface; [0014] Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of an auxiliary apparatus cooperating with an electronic leveling device; [0015] Figure 8 is a schematic illustrating of an additional embodiment of a dual elevation member remote controlled auxiliary apparatus cooperating with an electronic leveling device; [0016] Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a further embodiment of the auxiliary apparatus with a base configured as a ladder; [0017] Figure 10 is a schematic illustration a prior art usage of an electronic level with a build in display in construction work; and [0018] Figure 11 is a schematic illustrating a usage of an electronic level with a remote display in construction work.

GLOSSARY

[0019] The term "operator" as used herein means a construction worker, or a person performing construction, or maintenance related tasks.

[0020] The term "auxiliary apparatus" as used herein means an apparatus aiding or assisting an operator in performing construction, or construction related tasks.

[0021] The term "floor" as used herein means a surface on which the auxiliary device is located. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the method and apparatus may be practiced. Because components of embodiments of the present apparatus can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an operator fixing an object position on a surface with the aid of the first exemplary embodiment of an auxiliary apparatus. The weight and the size of the object are such that a single person or operator cannot handle it. An auxiliary apparatus 100 can be used in assisting a person 102 in attaching and fixing an object 106 to the surface of wall 104. Apparatus 100 includes an elevation member 114 configured to elevate vertically, an extendable support member 110 attached to elevation member 114 and adapted to be oriented in space in any arbitrary position. A gripping device 122 is configured to grasp and hold object 106 or any other object in order to position the object in a desired position terminates member 110. A base 118 of sufficient weight supports elevation member 114 with extendable support member 110 attached to it. Elevation member 114 is equipped with a rotation element 130, configured to rotate the elevation member 114. Base 118 may be located on a floor of a building, on the ground or on any other surface where it can be used for aiding in construction work. Base 118 is configured to secure and stabilize apparatus 100 to the surface on which it is located. Base 118 is selected to have a weight sufficient to allow any extension and movement of extendable support member 110 holding and positioning object 106.

[0024] In one embodiment, extendable support member 110 is an assembly of foldable sections or arms and in another embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, it is a telescopic type member. Support member 210 is attached to elevation member 114 with the help of a joint 126 enabling to vary the angle between elevation ^ι member 114 and support member 210. Joint 126 supports at least 180 degrees rotation of support member 210 with respect to elevation member 114.

[0025] Elevation member 114 may be a cylindrical or other cross section column of fixed or adjustable height. In order to enable change or adjustment of the height of the column it may be made as a telescopic type member or a foldable member. In another embodiment, elevation member 114 is integrated in a ladder (Figure 9). The height of the elevation member 114 may be adjusted manually by means of a rack and pinion mechanism or any other mechanism known in the art. In another embodiment, the height the elevation member 114 is telescopic and is motor driven.

[0026] Figure 3 and Figure 4 are schematic illustrations of the third exemplary embodiment of a remote controlled auxiliary apparatus for aiding in fixing an object position on a surface. Both the elevation member 114 and the extendable support member 110 are motor driven and activated manually through a series of control buttons (not shown) or by a wireless remote control 318. Lines 310 and 314 symbolically indicate the wireless connection links and reference numerals 302 and 306 symbolically indicate the motors controlled by the wireless connection links 310 and 314 respectively.

[0027] A gripping tool 122 configured to grasp and hold object 106 or any other object in order to position the object in a desired position, terminates member 110. Gripping tool 122 depending on the quality of the surface of object 106 may grip object 106 by pressure applying elements, vacuum element, pliers, clamp, magnetic elements, electromagnetic power elements, or a combination thereof. Gripping tool 122 may apply pressure to object 106 or similar by pneumatic pressure application means, by a spring, or by the support member 110. Control of gripping tool 122 may be manual or remote engaging proper remote control devices.

[0028] Base 118 is selected to have a weight sufficient to stabilize and support proper operation of apparatus 100. Base 118 may be made of metal. Alternatively, base 118 may be a hollow structure filled with sand or water for enhancing its weight. Such base structure allows easy base transportation from one location to another. Depending on the type and structure of the surface to which base 118 secures apparatus 100 it may include vacuum elements, elements applying magnetic or electromagnetic force, weight elements or adjustable legs. Base 118 can be equipped with wheels in order to facilitate the mobility of the base on the floor. The wheels can be operated by a dedicated motor and controlled remotely by a remote control. In order to prevent undesired base movement, the wheels are configured to be locked.

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the fifth exemplary embodiment of remote controlled auxiliary apparatus secured on one end to the floor and on the other end to the ceiling. Apparatus 500 may be suitable for helping in lifting, supporting and fixing large/long objects 106. Apparatus 500 and in particular one end of elevation member 512 is secured to ceiling 504 and the other end of elevation member 512 is secured to the floor 508 it is fortified by pressure between the two surfaces. Members 512 are configured to have an independently adjustable height; and equipped with an adjustment element such as a motor configured to adjust each of the members independently, although both of the elevation members may be adjusted to the same height. This allows locating members 512 on different "floor" levels.

[0030] The support member 516 may be similar to the earlier described support member 110. Apparatus 500 may be manually controlled or controlled remotely by a hand held control unit 318, controlling motors 306 and 520. Motor 306 is configured to adjust elevation member 512 wherein motor 520 is configured to operate support member 516.

[0031 ] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a dual elevation member remote controlled auxiliary apparatus 600 configured to position and fix an object on a surface. The dual elevation configuration can be also applied for the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4. Both elevation members are motor 306 driven and controlled by electronic remote control means 318. This embodiment is useful for positioning long objects 106. It includes two identical elevation members 512 secured to ceiling 504 and floor 508. Two support members 516 are attached by means of a joint 524 to elevation members 512. Support members 516 are configured to extend and elevate fixing object 106 to the wall 104. A hand held remote control module 318 controls operation of the elevation and support members.

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of an auxiliary apparatus 700 cooperating with an electronic leveling device. Typically, leveling device 704 would be associated with an object 106 to be fixed to a vertical or slanted surface 104. Leveling device 704 may be an electronic leveling device configured to indicate the leveling status of the object 106 and provide a leveling status by emitting an audio or a visible signal 708. Signal 708 will indicate to person 102 to correct the position of the object 106 and leveling device 704 associated with it according to the signal 708 received from the leveling device 704. Object 106 position correction is performed by operating and changing the position of the support member such that its movement corrects the position of object 106. The embodiment of Figure 7 illustrates an auxiliary apparatus 700 operated manually.

[0033] Figure 8 is a schematic illustrating of an additional embodiment of a dual elevation member remote controlled auxiliary apparatus 800 cooperating with an electronic leveling device. Apparatus 800 is similar to apparatus 600 with an addition of an electronic leveling device 804 associated in course of operation with object 106. Electronic leveling device 804 transmits object leveling status to controller 812. Operator 102 controls the process of fixing of object 106 to wall 104 via controller 812, which may be integrated into a hand held unit 318 being in wireless communication with leveling device 804. Object 106 can be automatically adjusted and leveled according to the readouts from electronic level 804.

[0034] Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a further embodiment of the auxiliary apparatus with the base configured as a ladder. Ladder 904 is equipped with an elevation member mounting bracket 908. Bracket 908 is configured to attach elevation member 912with support member 916 to ladder 904. Operator of the auxiliary apparatus 900 may comfortably control and fix an object 106 to the wall at an elevation higher than with previously described embodiments.

[0035] In order to employ the auxiliary apparatus for facilitation of construction or maintenance work the operator establishes the apparatus in a suitable location and proximity to the wall or other surface on which the work should be performed. Gripping device grasps the object to be attached to a surface. Using remote control or manually the operator elevates vertically the elevation member and attached to it the support member. The support member extends in direction towards the surface in order to properly position on it the object and attach it to the surface. The surfaces may be vertically positioned or slanted surfaces. As explained above a leveling device may be associated with the object and configured to constantly indicate the leveling status of the object.

[0036] Figure 10 and Figure 11 show in more detail an operator 102 working with an electronic leveling device 704. Figure 10 shows an operator 102 trying to level object 106 on surface 104 using an electronic leveling device 704. The electronic leveling device 704 can be used in conjunction with the description above related to Figures 8 and 9, or alternatively device 704 can be used in an independent manner. The leveling device 704 is used in order to perfectly align object 106 on surface 104 and so it is leveled relative to the ground. Leveling device 704 includes a leveling information display 1004.

[0037] Display 1004 can use for example liquid crystal display (LCD) or an assembly comprising light emitting diode elements. Display 1004 indicates the leveling status of object 112 relative to the ground. Operator 102 needs to read leveling information display 120 in order to perfectly align object 106 to surface 104. Display 1004 might not be always easily accessible to operator 102 during his work; causing work inefficiency.

[0038] In one embodiment Figure 11 depicts operator 102 works to align object 106 on surface 104. Similarly to the description in Figure 10, an electronic level in attached to object 106. In this embodiment the leveling information is also transmitted via wireless communication line 804 from leveling device 704 into a hand held unit 1104 equipped with display and communication means. The wireless communication means can be at least one of the list of: wifi, Bluetooth, radio frequency (RP), infra red (IR), or a combination thereof. The hand held unit 1104 is located in proximity to operator 102, and hence helps operator 102 in effectively aligning object 106 on surface 104. The transmitted leveling information may include any spatial information e.g an angle degree. Operator 102 can program leveling device 704 to produce for example an audio, visual or a combination of audio and video alert indication on the hand held unit 1104. The received alert will indicate on reaching a predefined leveling angle of object 106 relative the ground. 39] The apparatus described enables a single person or apparatus operator to perform construction and building maintenance work that required participation of a number of persons. It enhances operator capabilities and throughput and reduces the cost associated with such work.

PARTS LIST

100 auxiliary apparatus

102 an operator

104 wall surface

106 an object attached to the wall surface

110 a spring operated attachment arm

114 adjustable column

118 adjustable column base

122 fortification element attached to the distal end of an attachment arm

126 spring

130 rotation element

210 pneumatic attachment arm or electrical piston

302 attachment arm motor

306 elevation column motor

310 control data for attachment arm motor

314 control data for elevation column motor

318 hand held control unit

500 auxiliary apparatus

504 ceiling

508 floor

512 elevation column fortified to ceiling

516 attachment arm elongates horizontally

520 attachment arm motor moves horizontally on column vertically the attachmenl

524 joint between elevation member and support member

600 auxiliary apparatus

700 auxiliary apparatus

704 electronic level

708 audio/visible element

800 auxiliary apparatus

804 electronic level with a transmitter on leveling state

812 controller 900 auxiliary apparatus

904 ladder

908 column place holder

912 elevation member

916 support member

1004 leveling information display on leveling device

1104 hand held unit with leveling information display and remote control 40] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the method. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims: