System and method for forming flush joints between adjacent wallboard panels

Abstract

A system and method for forming flush joints and improving the shear strength in wallboard panels are provided. The system includes using a clamping mechanism to apply simultaneous opposing pressure against the butt joint area so as to cause the edges of adjacent wallboard panels to align level with the plane of the drywall panels. In certain implementations, the system utilizes an elongated tie strap to interconnect a back support disposed on the back side of the drywall panels with a tensioning device which is disposed on the front side of the panels. Adhesive prepackaged in packets can be used to attach the back support to the drywall.

1 . A system for forming flush joints between wallboard panels, said system comprising:
 a back support adapted to be attached to a back side of two wallboard panels and sized to extend across at least a portion of a joint area;   a front support adapted to extend across at least a portion of the joint area on the front side of the panels; and   an interconnect member, said interconnect member is adapted to extend from the back support through the joint area and to the front support; said interconnect member is adapted to attach to the back and front supports and exert a force on the supports so as to cause the back support and the front support to exert simultaneous opposing inward pressure against the joint area.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the front support comprises at least one tensioning device, wherein said tensioning device is adapted to exert a tension on the interconnect member when the interconnect member is attached to the tensioning device. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the interconnect member comprises an elongated cable and a ratcheted sliding member slidably disposed along said cable, wherein the sliding member is adapted to engage with said cable to lock the sliding member in place. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the front support comprises at least one substantially planar surface, said surface is adapted to contact the joint area on the front side of the wallboard panels. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the back support comprises at least one substantially planar surface, said surface is adapted to contact the joint area on the back side of the wallboard panels. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the tensioning device comprises a horse shoe shaped protrusion. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the tensioning device comprises a material having elastic properties. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising adhesives adapted to attach the back support to the wallboard panels. 
   
   
       9 . A method for installing wallboard panels, said method comprising:
 attaching a first drywall panel to a framing member;   attaching a support to a back side of the first drywall panel, wherein the support is disposed adjacent an edge of the first drywall panel such that at least a portion of the support extends past the edge of the first drywall panel, wherein the support is attached to the first drywall panel by an adhesive;   attaching a second drywall panel to a framing member, wherein the second drywall panel is disposed adjacent the first drywall panel, wherein an edge of the second drywall panel is abutted against the edge of the first drywall panel, wherein the portion of the support extending past the edge of the first drywall panel is attached to the second drywall panel via the adhesive;   extending an interconnect member from the support, through the joint area between the drywall panels;   applying a pulling force on the interconnect member so as to pull the support against the back side of the first and second drywall panels and force the edges therebetween to align; and   locking the interconnect member in place.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising attaching a first end of the interconnect member to the support and a second end to a tensioning device. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein attaching the second end of the interconnect member to a tensioning device comprises attaching the interconnect member to a triangular shaped protrusion. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein locking the interconnect member into position comprises pulling taut the interconnect member and placing a ratchet locking device on the interconnect member. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said interconnect member comprises a plastic tie. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein applying a pulling force on the interconnect member comprises applying sufficient pulling force to cause adhesive between the support and the back sides of the wallboard panels to flow into a seam area between the panels. 
   
   
       15 . An adhesive system for drywall installation, comprising:
 a sheet member comprising individual compartments;   an adhesive, said adhesive is positioned in each of said compartments, wherein application of pressure against the compartment forces the adhesive to be released from the individual compartments.   
   
   
       16 . The adhesive system of  claim 15 , wherein the adhesive comprises a joint compound. 
   
   
       17 . The adhesive system of  claim 15 , wherein the planar sheet member is perforated.