WO2021160283A1

WO2021160283A1 - A building component support and/or positioning apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2021160283A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/053895
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sean MCMANUS
Original assignee: Truss Buddy Limited
Priority date: 2020-02-14
Filing date: 2020-02-14
Publication date: 2021-08-19

Abstract

A building component support and/or positioning apparatus (10) comprising an elongate element (12) having a first end (13) and a second end (14) distal said first end (13). The first end (13) being engagable with or configured to provide a user engagement portion (11) and the second end (14) being engagable with a building component engagement means (15). The building component engagement means (15) is sized and dimensioned to engage with a building component such that said building component may be retained in position and/or positionally manipulated by manipulation of the user engagement portion (11).

Description

A Building Component Support and/or Positioning Apparatus

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a building component support and/or positioning apparatus and in particular to a support apparatus for supporting and positioning building components during installation.

Background of the invention

It is common on building sites for operatives to install or otherwise work on building components which, in their uninstalled state, are free to move. This presents a safety hazard as building components such as roof trusses, timber frame walls, and the like are large, heavy, and cumbersome to manipulate, resulting in an operative having to simultaneously position and retain such freely moving building components whilst carrying out the required installation or the like. This safety issue is further exacerbated as work is often carried out at a height where both retaining a building component safely in place whilst carrying out work thereon increases the likelihood of a fall.

It would be desirable to provide a building component support and/or positioning apparatus which permits support and/or positioning of a building component by a user at ground level or other adequately safe height whilst operatives install or otherwise work on the building component.

Summary of the invention

According to the invention there is provided a building component support and/or positioning apparatus comprising an elongate element having a first end and a second end distal said first end, the first end being engagable with or configured to provide a user engagement portion and the second end being engagable with a building component engagement means; and the building component engagement means being sized and dimensioned to engage with a building component such that said building component may be retained in position and/or positionally manipulated by manipulation of the user engagement portion.

Advantageously, a building component can be retained in position and/or repositioned by a user whilst building operatives work on the building component. This is particularly relevant where the building component is a roofing component as it reduces safety concerns related to building operatives working at heights with unstable/unrestrained roofing components.

Preferably, the building component is a roofing component and the building component engagement means is a roofing component engagement means sized and dimensioned to engage with a roofing component. Advantageously, a user can remain at ground level yet retain or manipulate the positioning of a roofing component located at roof height.

Ideally, the building component engagement means comprises a hook element sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of a roof truss, the hook element comprising wall portions defining a receiving void.

Preferably, the hook element is sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of a rafter or joist of the roof truss.

Ideally, the hook element is positionable to hook over a top portion of the rafter or joist such that downwards pressure may be applied using the user engagement portion to maintain the roof truss in position.

Preferably, an upper wall portion of the hook element extends along an upper edge of the portion of the rafter such that downwards movement on the upper wall portion causes downwards pressure on the rafter or joist and associated roof truss.

Ideally, the building component support and/or positioning apparatus comprises first and second lateral wall portions which extend perpendicularly to the upper wall portion forming a generally U- shaped receiving void.

Preferably, the building component engagement means extends obliquely from the elongate element.

Ideally, the building component engagement means comprises a ridged, serrated, or other such surface which contacts the building component during use and is configured to limit movement of the building component.

Preferably, the building component engagement means is made from a metal, metal alloy, polymer, or a composite material.

Ideally, the building component support and/or positioning apparatus further comprises a movable joint between the building component engagement means and the elongate element, the movable joint being configured to permit relative movement between the building component engagement means and the elongate element.

Advantageously, the movable joint provides a user with greater flexibility in terms of the location from which they can operate the apparatus relative to the target building component. The user does not necessarily need to be positioned and remain at a location wherein the receiving void perfectly aligns with the building component to be received thereinto. A user can first operate the apparatus to locate the target building component into the receiving void and thereafter has freedom to move themselves or the elongate element without moving the hook element. This is due to the relative movement between the hook element and the elongate element afforded by the movable joint.

Preferably, the movable joint comprises a flexible joining element fixable at a first end to the elongate element and at a second end to the building component engagement means.

Ideally, the flexible joining element comprises a first flexible portion comprising a strip of flexible material formed into a first loop, said first loop being attachable to the elongate element via a fastener which is fastened through a first side wall portion of said first loop.

Preferably, the flexible joining element comprises a second flexible portion comprising a strip of flexible material formed into a second loop, said second loop being attachable to the building component engagement means via a fastener which is fastened through a first side wall portion of said second loop.

Ideally, the first and second loops each comprise respective second side wall portions which generally oppose their respective first side wall portions, said second side wall portions being attachable or formed integrally with each other such that the first and second loops form a single flexible joining element.

Ideally, the flexible joining element is made from a flexible material such a polymeric material.

Preferably, the flexible joining element is made from Rubber.

Ideally, the flexible joining element is made from a high Shore hardness Rubber.

Most preferably, the flexible joining element is made from a high shore hardness rubber ranging from 20 to 100 on the Shore hardness scale.

Ideally, the movable joint between the building component engagement means and the elongate element comprises a first rotatable coupling between the movable joint and the elongate element and a second rotatable joint between the movable joint and the building component engagement means.

Alternatively, the movable joint may be any of a ball joint, a spring joint, or any other joint which permits relative movement between the building component engagement means and the elongate element.

Preferably, the building component support and/or positioning apparatus further comprises a building component engagement means adjustment element. Ideally, the adjustment element is configured to permit rotation of the building component engagement means in an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axial direction of the elongate element.

Preferably, the adjustment element further comprises a locking arrangement such that it may selectably lock the building component engagement means at a plurality of rotated positions relative to the longitudinal axial direction of the elongate element.

Ideally, the adjustment element comprises a lockable rotating joint arrangement comprising a first joint portion securable to the building component engagement means and a second joint portion securable to the elongate element, the first and second joint portions being rotatably coupled to each other about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axial direction of the elongate element, and lockable at a plurality of rotated positions by the locking arrangement.

Preferably the adjustment element comprises a first configuration wherein the locking arrangement is in an unlocked position such that rotation is permitted between the first and second joint portions, and a second configuration wherein the locking arrangement is in a locked position wherein the first and second joint portions are prevented from relative movement.

Ideally, the locking arrangement comprises correspondingly located opposing tooth elements on both the first and second joint portions and a lever means for effecting reversible movement of one or both of the joint portions towards the other joint portion such that said teeth elements of the first joint portion mesh with the teeth elements of the second joint portion to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Advantageously, the building component engagement means can be rotated relative to the extensible element and locked in a desired position whereat engagement of a target building component is made easier for the user.

Ideally, the elongate element is an extensible elongate element.

Preferably, the extensible elongate element is a telescopic pole.

Ideally, the extensible elongate element is lockable in at least a first non-use configuration wherein the extensible elongate element is fully retracted and a second in use configuration wherein the extensible elongate element is extended such that overall length of the building component support and/or positioning apparatus permits a user to remain at ground level whilst the building component engagement means is engagable with a roofing component at roof level.

Ideally, the elongate element is between 1.0 and 2.0 meters in the fully retracted configuration and between 4.0 and 6.0 meters in the extended configuration. Most ideally, the elongate element is approximately 1 .87 meters in the fully retracted configuration and approximately 5.61 meters in the extended configuration.

Preferably, the extensible elongate element is lockable in one or more intermediate configurations between the first and second configurations.

Ideally, the user engagement portion is a handle portion.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising a plurality of building component support and/or positioning apparatus, each building component support and/or positioning apparatus comprising an elongate element having a first end and a second end distal said first end, the first end having a user engagement portion and the second end being engagable with a building component engagement means; and the building component engagement means being sized and dimensioned to engage with a building component such that said building component may be retained in position and/or positionally manipulated by manipulation of the user engagement portion, the plurality of building component support and/or positioning apparatus being positioned to cooperate to retain in position and/or positionally manipulate the building component.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a building component support and/or positioning apparatus comprising the steps of forming/attaching a building component engagement means to the first end of an elongate member and providing a user engagement portion at the other end thereof.

Brief description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a building component support and/or positioning apparatus having a building component engagement means;

Figure 2 is a perspective detail view of a movable joint of the building component support and/or positioning apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a side view of the building component support and/or positioning apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a front view of the building component support and/or positioning apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a detail side view of the portion of the building component support and/or positioning apparatus of Figure 1 ; Figure 6 is a detail view of a portion of the building component engagement means of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a portion of a building component support and/or positioning apparatus having an adjustment element;

Figure 8 is a side view of the portion of a building component support and/or positioning apparatus Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the portion of a building component support and/or positioning apparatus of figure 7 wherein a building component engagement means is positioned at an angle relative to the elongate element;

Figure 10 is a side view of the building component support and/or positioning apparatus of Figure 7;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a building component support and/or positioning apparatus having an adjustment element but no movable joint; and

Figure 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a building component support and/or positioning apparatus having a movable joint but no adjustment element;

Detailed Description of the drawings

The present teaching will now be described with reference to an exemplary building component support and/or positioning apparatus. It will be understood that the exemplary building component support and/or positioning apparatus is provided to assist in an understanding of the present teaching and are not to be construed as limiting in any fashion. Furthermore, elements or components that are described with reference to any one Figure may be interchanged with those of other Figures or other equivalent elements without departing from the spirit of the present teaching.

Referring now to Figure 3 there is illustrated a building component support and/or positioning apparatus 10 comprising a user engagement portion 11. In the embodiment of the drawings the user engagement portion 11 is a handle portion 11 . An elongate element 12 is provided having a first end 13 engageable with the handle portion 11 , or the handle 11 is formed by a portion of the first end 13 of the elongate element 12. The elongate element 12 has a second end 14 distal the first end 13, the second end 14 being engagable with a building component engagement portion 15. In the embodiment of the drawings, the building component engagement portion 15 is a hook element 15 but it should be understood that dependent on the shape/configuration of the building component to be retained or positioned, other shapes/configurations of building component engagement portions may be utilised such as, for example, flat plate portions. The hook element 15 is sized and dimensioned to engage with a building component such that said building component may be retained in position and/or positionally manipulated by manipulation of the handle portion 11. Advantageously, a building component can be retained in position and/or repositioned by a user whilst building operatives work on the building component. This is particularly relevant where the building component is a roofing component such as a roof truss as it reduces safety concerns related to building operatives working at heights with unstable/unrestrained roofing components. In this situation, the roof truss can be maintained in position from the ground using the apparatus 10 whilst operatives work to attach the truss or carry out any other required tasks relieving the operatives from the task of steadying the truss as they work.

In a preferred embodiment as shown in the drawings, the building component is a roof truss and the hook element 15 is sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of a roof truss, the hook element comprising wall portions 16, 17, 18 defining a receiving void. Preferably, the hook element 15 is sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of a rafter of the roof truss. In use, the hook element 15 is positioned to hook over a top portion of the rafter such that downwards pressure may be applied using the handle portion 11 to maintain the roof truss in position. The upper wall portion 16 of the hook element extends along an upper edge of the portion of the rafter in the in use position such that downwards movement on the upper wall portion 16 causes downwards pressure on the rafter and associated roof truss, restricting its movement. First and second lateral wall portions 17, 18 extend perpendicularly to the upper wall portion 16 forming a generally U-shaped receiving void 19. The receiving void 19 is shaped such that a portion of timber such as that typically used to form roofing trusses is receivable into the void 19. The hook element 15, in a preferred embodiment, has first and second lateral wall portions 17, 18, which are spaced apart by approximately 60mm. This results in typically sized timber roofing rafters/joists fitting into the receiving void 19, but the lateral wall portions 17, 18 being close enough to have the required retaining effect on the rafters/joists. It should, however, be understood that a differently dimensioned hook element 15 may be employed depending on the timber size it is intended to engage with. Hook elements 15 may also be interchangeable such that a hook element may be chosen for a particular job and attached to the second end 14 of the elongate member 12. In addition, embodiments are envisioned wherein the hook element 15 is an adjustable hook element such that the lateral wall portions 17, 18 may be moved closer to or farther from each other to accommodate differing timber sizes. This could, for example, be achieved by slidably mounting one or both of the lateral wall portions 17, 18 on the upper wall portion 16.

The hook element 15 extends obliquely from the elongate element 12. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral wall portions 17, 18 extend perpendicular to each other and obliquely in relation to the longitudinal direction of the elongate element 12. In the embodiment of the drawings, the lateral wall portions 17, 18 extend perpendicular to each other and at an angle of approximately 35 to 55 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongate element 12. The oblique relationship between the hook element 15 and the elongate element is created by a transition section 26 formed at a second end 25 of the first lateral wall portion 17. The transition section 26 comprises a bend which acts to transition from a parallel portion 27 attachable to the elongate element 12, said parallel portion extending generally parallel to the longitudinal or axial direction of the elongate element 12, to a second end 25 of the first lateral wall portion. The second end 25 of the first lateral wall portion 17 is distal the first end 23 thereof. A first end 20 of the second lateral wall portion 18 extends in a lengthwise dimension from a first end 21 of the upper wall portion 16. The second lateral wall portion terminates at a free second end 22 distal the first end 20. The second lateral wall portion extends approximately 200mm-250mm from its first end 20 to its second end 22. A first end 23 of the first lateral wall portion 17 extends in a lengthwise dimension from a second end 24 of the upper wall portion 16. The second end 25 of the first lateral wall portion 17 is configured for engagement with the elongate element 12 via the transition element as described above. The interior surfaces 28, 29, 30 of the hook element are of sufficient width such that they contact a sufficient surface area of roofing timber to adequately retain an associated roofing truss. The width refers to the dimension of the inner surfaces 28, 29, 30 perpendicular to the lengthwise dimension of the lateral wall portions 17, 18 as described above. In a preferred embodiment the interior surfaces 28, 29, 30 of the hook element have a width of between 60mm and 100mm. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the hook element 15 is a single integrally formed component such that the upper wall portion 16, first lateral wall portion 17, second lateral wall portion 18, and transition section 26 are formed integrally. In the embodiment of the drawings, the second lateral wall portion 18 comprises an inner surface 28 having ridged projections 31 which act to increase the hold on a building component retained by the hook element 15. It should be understood that any form of ridged, serrated, roughened or other such surface which contacts the building component during use and is configured to increase friction, grip, or otherwise limit movement of the building component may be similarly employed. In addition, such surfaces may also be applied to the inner surfaces 29, 30 of the upper wall portion 16 and the first lateral wall portion 17. An example of this is shown in Figures 7 to 12 wherein further projections 131 are provided on the inner surface 29 of the upper wall portion 16. The hook element 15 is made from a metal, metal alloy, polymer, or a composite material.

The building component support and/or positioning apparatus 10 further comprises a movable joint 32 between the hook element 15 and the elongate element 12 configured to permit relative movement/misalignment therebetween. The movable joint 32 provides a user with greater flexibility in terms of the location from which they can operate the apparatus 10 relative to the target building component. The user does not necessarily need to be positioned and remain at a location wherein the receiving void 19 perfectly aligns with the building component to be received thereinto. A user can first operate the apparatus 10 to locate the target building component into the receiving void 19 and thereafter has freedom to move themselves or the elongate element 12 without moving the hook element 15. This is due to the relative movement between the hook element 15 and the elongate element 12 afforded by the movable joint 32. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the movable joint 32 comprises a flexible joining element 32 fixable at a first end 33 to the elongate element 12 and at a second end 34 to the hook element 15. The flexible joining element 32 comprises a first flexible portion 35 comprising a strip of flexible material formed into a first loop 35, said first loop 35 being attachable to the elongate element 12 via a fastener 37 which is fastened through a first side wall portion 36 of said first loop 35. The flexible joining element 32 comprises a second flexible portion 38 comprising a strip of flexible material formed into a second loop 38, said second loop 38 being attachable to the hook element 15 via a fastener 39 which is fastened through a first side wall portion 40 of said second loop 38. The first and second loops 35, 38 each comprise respective second side wall portions 41 which generally oppose their respective first side wall portions 36, 40, said second side wall portions being attachable or formed integrally with each other such that the first and second loops 35, 38 form a single flexible joining element 32 about their common second side wall 41 . The first and second loops 35, 38 are arranged in a perpendicular relationship relative to each other about the common second side walls 41 . The flexible joining element 32 is made from a flexible material such as rubber. In a preferable embodiment, the flexible joining element is made from a high shore hardness rubber ranging from 20 to 100 on the Shore hardness scale. However the skilled person would understand generally the term high shore hardness and as such any rubber that fits this general description may be utilised. In some embodiments, the movable joint 32 between the hook element 15 and the elongate element 12 comprises a first rotatable coupling between the movable joint 32 and the elongate element 12 and a second rotatable joint between the movable joint 32 and the hook element 15. Whilst the embodiment of the drawings shows a flexible joining element, it should be understood that various connectors/joints well known to the skilled person could be utilised which permit the required relative movement between the hook element 15 and the elongate element 12. For example, the movable joint 32 may be any of a ball joint, a spring joint, ball and socket joint, or any other joint which permits relative movement between the hook element 15 and the elongate element 12.

The elongate element 12 is an extensible elongate element 12 such as a telescopic pole. The extensible elongate element 12 is lockable in at least a first non-use configuration wherein the extensible elongate element 12 is fully retracted and a second in use configuration wherein the extensible elongate element 12 is extended such that overall length of the building component support and/or positioning apparatus 10 permits a user to remain at ground level whilst the hook element 15 is engagable with a roofing component at roof level. In a preferred embodiment, the extensible element 12 is extendable to a length of at least 3 meters in the in use configuration. The extensible elongate element 12 may also be lockable in one or more intermediate configurations between the first and second configurations. In the preferred embodiment as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the extensible elongate element 12 comprises a telescopic pole 12 having first, second, third, and fourth sections 42, 43, 44, 45. The sections 42, 43, 44, 45 are configured in a slidable arrangement such that the second section 43 is slidably mountable within the first section 42, the third section 44 is slidably mountable within the second section, and the fourth section 45 is slidably mountable within the third section 44. Lockable engagement elements 46 are be provided between each pair of slidably engagable sections 42, 43, 44, 45, such that the extensible elongate element 12 can be locked in a plurality of partially extended states. It should be understood, that whilst four sections 42, 43, 44, 45 are used in the embodiment of the drawings, a greater or lesser number of sections may be employed as would be well understood by the skilled person. The skilled person would also understand that any suitable lockable engagement elements as typically employed on telescopic poles may be utilised, such as twist lock mechanisms or cam type locking mechanisms. The user engagement portion is a handle portion generally formed by one or more sections 42, 43, 44, 45 of the extensible elongate element 12. In the simplest embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the handle portion is simply the lower end of the extensible elongate element which a user engages to hold and manipulate the apparatus 10, no specific handle infrastructure is provided. However, specific grip portions or padded covering may be provided as would be customary for handheld telescopic poles. The elongate element 11 is preferably made from a non-conductive material such as a glass fibre composite material. Advantageously, this reduces the risks/dangers in relation to an electrical source being transferred to a user by contact of the apparatus 10 with the electrical source.

A plurality building component support and/or positioning apparatus 10 may also be utilised as part of a support and/or positioning system. The plurality of building component support and/or positioning apparatus 10 are operated by different users and positioned to cooperate to retain in position and/or positionally manipulate the building component.

An embodiment is illustrated in Figures 7 - 11 wherein the apparatus 101 further comprises an adjustment element 102 between the hook element 15 and the elongate element 11 . As can be best viewed in Figure 9, the adjustment element 102 is configured to permit rotation of the hook element 15 in an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axial direction of the elongate element 11. The adjustment element 102 further comprises a locking arrangement 103 such that it may selectably lock the hook element 15 at a plurality of rotated positions relative to the longitudinal axial direction of the elongate element 11 . The adjustment element 102 may comprise a lockable rotating joint arrangement 102 comprising a first joint portion 104 securable to the hook element 15 and a second joint portion 105 securable to the elongate element 11 . The first and second joint portions 104, 105 are rotatably coupled to each other about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axial direction of the elongate element 11 , and lockable at a plurality of rotated positions by the locking arrangement 103. The adjustment element 102 comprises a first configuration wherein the locking arrangement 103 is in an unlocked position such that rotation is permitted between the first and second joint portions 104, 105, and a second configuration wherein the locking arrangement 103 is in a locked position wherein the first and second joint portions 104, 105 are prevented from relative movement. In the embodiment of Figures 7 to 11 , the locking arrangement 103 comprises correspondingly located opposing tooth elements 106, 107 on both the first and second joint portions 104, 105 and a lever 108 for effecting reversible movement of one or both of the joint portions 104, 105 towards the opposing joint portion. As a result of movement towards each other, the teeth elements 106 of the first joint portion 104 mesh with the teeth elements 107 of the second joint portion 105 to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The lever 108 may take any suitable form and may use known mechanisms such as a cam arrangement or the like to effect movement of the joint portions 104, 105 towards and away from each other. In a preferred arrangement, the lever applies a force on one or both of the joint portions 104, 105 in the locked position, forcing said joint portions 104, 105 together, and releases this force in the unlocked position to allow rotational movement between the joint portions 104, 105. The advantage of the adjustment element 102 is that it essentially forms an angle adapter between the hook element 15 and the extensible element such that the hook element 15 can be rotated relative to the extensible element 11 and locked in a desired position whereat engagement of a target building component is made easier for the user. An example of the device locked at a desired angle is shown in Figure 9. In certain cases, adjustment such that the hook element 15 is rotated and locked at an angle such as that shown in Figure 9 may permit a user to stand closer to a target building component whilst engaging said building component with the hook element 15. The arrangement as described wherein the meshing of the opposing teeth 106, 107 facilitates the locking of the first and second joint portions 104, 105 together permits locking at a large number of angled orientations, the teeth 106, 107 providing small incremental angular distances between locking positions.

It should be understood that the adjustable element 102 can be provided in addition to the movable joint 32 as described above as shown in Figures 7 to 10. However, as can be seen in Figure 11 , embodiments are envisaged wherein the movable joint 32 is omitted and the adjustment element 102 alone is provided.

In use, where the elongate element 12 is extensible, it is first extended such that the user can locate the hook element 15 above the rafter of a roof truss to be retained whilst remaining at ground level or another such safe location. The user locates the hook element 15 such that the receiving void 19 aligns with the rafter after which the hook element 15 is lowered to a retaining position by the user such that the rafter is received into the receiving void 19. Downwards pressure can be applied by the user to encourage the upper wall portion 16 to engage with the rafter to encourage said rafter to remain in position, aided by the lateral wall portions 17, 18 preventing lateral movement of the rafter. The user may locate themselves at any position whereat the movable joint 32 permits the hook element 15 to remain in its retaining position. Operatives may then work on the rafter whilst it is safely retained by the ground based user. Upon completion the apparatus is raised such that the hook element 15 releases the rafter.

It should again be understood that, whilst much of the above description is in reference to retention of a roof truss/rafter, the present invention could be equally employed in various situations within the building site environment where retention and/or manipulation of a building component is required. For example, when erecting timber frame walls, the hook element 15 of the present invention could be utilised to hook over a top portion of said timber frame wall and a user may thereafter use the apparatus to retain the wall in an upright position whilst operatives secure said wall.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1 . A building component support and/or positioning apparatus comprising: an elongate element having a first end and a second end distal said first end, the first end being engagable with or configured to provide a user engagement portion and the second end being engagable with a building component engagement means; and the building component engagement means being sized and dimensioned to engage with a building component such that said building component may be retained in position and/or positionally manipulated by manipulation of the user engagement portion.

2. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the building component engagement means is a roofing component engagement means sized and dimensioned to engage with a roofing component.

3. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the building component engagement means comprises a hook element sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of a roof truss, the hook element comprising wall portions defining a receiving void.

4. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 3, wherein the hook element is sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of a rafter or joist of the roof truss.

5. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the hook element is positionable to hook over a top portion of the rafter or joist such that downwards pressure may be applied using the user engagement portion to maintain the roof truss in position.

6. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 5, wherein an upper wall portion of the hook element extends along an upper edge of the portion of the rafter or joist such that downwards movement on the upper wall portion causes downwards pressure on the rafter or joist and associated roof truss.

7. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 6, wherein first and second lateral wall portions extend perpendicularly to the upper wall portion forming a generally U-shaped receiving void.

8. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the building component engagement means extends obliquely from the elongate element.

9. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the building component engagement means comprises a ridged, serrated, or other such surface which contacts the building component during use and is configured to limit movement of the building component.

10. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the building component engagement means is made from a metal, metal alloy, polymer, or a composite material.

11. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of any preceding claim further comprising a movable joint between the building component engagement means and the elongate element configured to permit relative movement between the building component engagement means and the elongate element.

12. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the movable joint comprises a flexible joining element fixable at a first end to the elongate element and at a second end to the building component engagement means.

13. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 12, wherein the flexible joining element comprises a first flexible portion comprising a strip of flexible material formed into a first loop, said first loop being attachable to the elongate element via a fastener which is fastened through a first side wall portion of said first loop.

14. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 13, wherein the flexible joining element comprises a second flexible portion comprising a strip of flexible material formed into a second loop, said second loop being attachable to the building component engagement means via a fastener which is fastened through a first side wall portion of said second loop.

15. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first and second loops each comprise respective second side wall portions which generally oppose their respective first side wall portions, said second side wall portions being attachable or formed integrally with each other such that the first and second loops form a single flexible joining element.

16. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the flexible joining element is made from a flexible material such as a polymeric material.

17. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 16, wherein the flexible joining element is made from a high shore hardness rubber ranging from 20 to 100 on the Shore hardness scale.

18. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of any of claims 11 to 17, wherein the movable joint between the building component engagement means and the elongate element comprises a first rotatable coupling between the movable joint and the elongate element and a second rotatable joint between the movable joint and the building component engagement means.

19. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the movable joint may be any of a ball joint, a spring joint, or any other joint which permits relative movement between the building component engagement means and the elongate element.

20. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of any preceding claim further comprising a building component engagement means adjustment element.

21 . The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 20, wherein the adjustment element is configured to permit rotation of the building component engagement means in an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axial direction of the elongate element.

22. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 21 , further comprising a locking arrangement such that it may selectably lock the building component engagement means at a plurality of rotated positions relative to the longitudinal axial direction of the elongate element.

23. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 22, wherein the adjustment element comprises a lockable rotating joint arrangement comprising a first joint portion securable to the building component engagement means and a second joint portion securable to the elongate element, the first and second joint portions being rotatably coupled to eachother about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axial direction of the elongate element, and lockable at a plurality of rotated positions by the locking arrangement.

24. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 23, wherein the adjustment element comprises a first configuration wherein the locking arrangement is in an unlocked position such that free rotation is permitted between the first and second joint portions, and a second configuration wherein the locking arrangement is in a locked position wherein the first and second joint portions are prevented from relative movement.

25. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 24, wherein the locking arrangement comprises correspondingly located opposing tooth elements on both the first and second joint portions and a lever means for effecting reversible movement of one or both of the joint portions towards the other joint portion such that said teeth elements of the first joint portion mesh with the teeth elements of the second joint portion to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

26. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate element is an extensible elongate element.

27. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 26, wherein the extensible elongate element is a telescopic pole.

28. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 26 or claim 21 , wherein the extensible elongate element is lockable in at least a first non-use configuration wherein the extensible elongate element is fully retracted and a second in use configuration wherein the extensible elongate element is extended such that overall length of the building component support and/or positioning apparatus permits a user to remain at ground level whilst the building component engagement means is engagable with a roofing component at roof level.

29. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of claim 28, wherein the extensible elongate element is lockable in one or more intermediate configurations between the first and second configurations.

30. The building component support and/or positioning apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the user engagement portion is a handle portion.

31 . A building component support system comprising a plurality of building component support and/or positioning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 30.

32. A method manufacturing a building component support and/or positioning apparatus comprising the steps of forming or attaching a building component engagement means to the first end of an elongate member and providing a user engagement portion at the other end thereof.