CA2768950C

CA2768950C - Adjustable template for locating mounting holes in cabinet doors or the likes

Info

Publication number: CA2768950C
Application number: CA 2768950
Authority: CA
Inventors: Carl Leblanc; Luc Cloutier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-22
Filing date: 2012-02-22
Publication date: 2015-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 2032-02-22
Also published as: CA2768950A1

Abstract

Embodiments of an adjustable template for locating mounting holes in cabinet door or the likes are described herein. The template includes two arms interconnected so as to define an angle therebetween and for abutment on adjacent side faces of the door, rules mounted to the two arms for slidable and pivotable movements relative to the two arms; and two locking mechanisms, each securing one of the rules to the arms for selectively preventing the slidable and pivotable movement thereof.

Description

I
TITLE
Adjustable Template for Locating Mounting Holes in Cabinet Doors or the Likes BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates to cabinet door installation.

[0002] More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable template for locating the mounting holes in cabinet door or the likes.

[0003] Presently, most cabinet door installers locate the mounting holes for the door knobs or handles by taking the same measures over and over again on each panel.

[0004] Such a procedure is of course time consuming.
OBJECTS

[0005] An object of illustrated embodiments is to provide a device that allows readily locating holes positions on a series of identical doors or the likes.

[0006] Another object is to provide such a device that is adaptable for different doors or the likes.
SUMMARY

[0007] In accordance with an illustrative embodiment, there is provided an adjustable template for locating mounting holes on a first surface of a structure further having second and third adjacent surfaces that are both also adjacent to the flat surface; the second and third surfaces defining an angle therebetween; the template comprising:

[0008] two arms interconnected so as to define the angle therebetween; each of the two arms having a side edge for abutting a respective one of the second and third sufaces of the structure;

[0009] a rule mounted to one of the two arms for slidable and pivotable movements relative to the one of the two arms; and [0010] a locking mechanism secured to both the rule and the one of the two arms for selectively preventing the slidable and pivotable movements.

[0011] The use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one", but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more", "at least one", and "one or more than one". Similarly, the word "another" may mean at least a second or more.

[0012] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "include" and "includes") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contain" and "contains"), are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements.

[0013] Other objects, advantages and features will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the appended drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an adjustable template for locating mounting holes in cabinet doors according to a first embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the adjustable template from Figure 1, shown on a cabinet door in position for locating two handle mounting holes;

[0017] Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the adjustable template from Figure 1, shown on a cabinet door in the same position as in Figure 2;

[0018] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable template from Figure 1, shown on a cabinet door in the same position as in Figure 2;

[0019] Figures 5 and 6 are is a top perspective and bottom plan views of the adjustable template from Figure 1, shown on a stair step in position for locating two ramp mounting holes; and [0020] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of an adjustable template for locating mounting holes in cabinet doors according to a second embodiment, the template having a single rule and being shown on a cabinet door in position for locating a handle mounting hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] An adjustable template 10 for locating mounting holes in a cabinet door 11 according to a first illustrative embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0022] The template 10 comprises first and second integral arms 12 and 14, first and second rules 16 and 18 mounted to the first and second arms 12 and 14 for slidable and pivotable movements relative thereto; and first and second locking mechanisms 20 and 22 that mount respective rules 16 and 18 to the arms 12 and 14 for selectively preventing the slidable and pivotable movements.

[0023] The arms 12 and 14 are mounted together so as to be perpendicular to one another, yielding a try square. They are assembled from two appropriately cut identical generally L-shaped pieces of thin stainless steel 24.

[0024] The two identical pieces 24 are distanced by aluminium spacers 26 and 28, yielding a gap 29 between the two pieces 24 where there are no spacers 26 or 28. The two L-shaped thin pieces 24 and spacers 26-28 are mounted in a three-ply assembly using rivets 30. Other fastening means such as fasteners and glue can also be used in place of rivets 30. The resulting try-square assembly is both lightweight and stiff. The spacers 26 and 28 are shaped so as to maximize the range of movement of the rules 16-18 as will be described hereinbelow in more detail.

[0025] The two L-shaped thin pieces 24 includes enlargement portions 32-36 that are folded perpendicularly so as to form, for each registered pairs, abutment elements 38-42 respectively. The abutment elements 38-42 facilitate the abutment positioning of the template against the door panel 11.

[0026] The rules 16 and 18 are mounted to the arms 12 and 14 in the gap 29 via respective locking assemblies 20 and 22.

[0027] The rules 16 and 18 are in the form of elongated members, each having a respective longitudinal slot 44 and 46 therein and respective hole-position indicator 48 and 50. The hole-position indicators are in the form of circular aperture 48 and 50 near the respective distal ends 52 and 54 of each rule 16 and 18.

[0028] The rules 16 and 18 are shaped and sized so as to have a thickness smaller than the height of the gap 29 and so as to movements of the rules 16 and 18 therein. According to the first embodiment, the rules 16 and are configured and sized to snugly fit in the gap.

[0029] The distal ends 52-54 and proximate ends 56-58 of the rules 16 and 18 are rounded for comfort of use. The rule 18 is shorter than the other rule 16 since it is positioned at the intersection of the two arms 12-14, which, in operation, is mounted at the corner 57 of the door panel 11 where less range is believed to be required.

[0030] The rule 16 is mounted to the arm 12 at about one third the length of the arm 12 from the distal end 59 thereof via a fastener 60 that further allows the rule 16 i) to slide along the length of the slot 44 and ii) to pivot about the fastener 60.

[0031] Similarly, the rule 18 is mounted at the intersection of the two arms 1 2-1 4 thereto via fastener 62.

[0032] The rules 16 and 18 are made of metal, plastic or composite material.

[0033] In operation, reference positions of mounting holes (not shown) in the door 11 are obtained by abutting the two adjacent side edges 64 and 66 of the door panel 11 onto the abutting elements 38-42 and moving the reference aperture 48 and 50 at the desired two (2) positions on the panels 11.

[0034] It is believed to be within the reach of a person skilled in the art, to modify any one or any combination of the lengths of the first and second arms 12-14, the lengths of the first and second rules 16-18, and their mounting positions along the arms 12-14, yielding an adequate range of positions for the two rules 16-18 for a predetermined door size or application.

[0035] Once the reference positions of the mounting holes are located with the template 10 as described hereinabove, the position of the rules 16 and 18 are locked using the locking mechanisms 20 and 22. The template can then be use to readily and precisely locate and or mark the corresponding positions on another similar door panel 11.

[0036] The locking mechanisms 20 and 22 are respectively located on the longer arm 12 and at the intersection of the two arms 12-14.

[0037] Since both locking mechanisms 20-22 are similarly configured and identical in their functionalities, only the mechanism 20 will now be described furtherin.

[0038] The locking mechanism 20 includes a half-moon arc element 68 integral the first arm 12 and protruding therefrom from the edge side thereof opposite the enlargement portion 32. The arc element 68 yields a semi-circular arc-shaped cut 70 that is centered on the fastener 60. The locking mechanism 20 further includes a handle screw 72 removably mounted in both the cut 70 and slot 46 so as to prevent pivotal movements of the rule 16 about the fastener 60.

[0039] In operation, the handle screws 72 are initially loosened so as to allow sliding and pivoting movements of the rules 16 and 18 about respective fasteners 60 and 62. A user can then sequentially register the reference apertures 48 and 50 at measured positions corresponding to the mounting holes in the board 11 and then clamp the handle screws 72.

[0040] Since the rules 16-18 are sandwiched between the two pieces of thin stainless steel, mounting and tightening the hand screws 70 and 72 thereon cause the arc elements 68 to grip the rules 16 and 18 so as to lock them in place.

[0041] Once the positions of the rules 16 and 18 are fixed, a user (not shown) can then use the template 10 to readily locate and mark the mounting holes therein in other similar panel 11.

[0042] According to other embodiments (not shown), the locking mechanisms take another form allowing to secure both rules 16 and 18 at selected positions relative to the two arms 12 and 14 and so as to selectively prevent the slidable and pivotable movements. For example, clamp or gripper tools or mechanisms (not shown) can be provided.

[0043] Also, the arms 12-14 are not limited to the illustrated three-ply structure including the spacers. According to other embodiments (not shown), the arms are full bodies. According to such embodiments, the rules are movably mounted to the arms thereonto, and similar or different locking mechanisms than those described hereinabove are used.

[0044] Even though templates according to the above embodiments have been described in operation for locating mounting holes in a cabinet door 11, they can be used for locating mounting holes or any other elements on a first surface of a structure that further has second and third adjacent surfaces that allow receiving in abutment the two arms of the template.

[0045] For example, Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the use of the template 10 for locating two ramp mounting holes in a stair step 74 prior to mounting the ramp (not shown).

[0046] According to a further embodiment, the template has more or less than two (2) rules. Figures 7 shows a template 76 for locating mounting holes according to a second illustrative embodiment including a single arm 18.

[0047] It is to be noted that other modifications could be made to the templates described hereinabove, for example:

[0048] ¨ the template can include one or a plurality of fixed rules in additions to one or a plurality of adjustable rules;

[0049] ¨ the arms can be made of another metal than stainless steel, from a polymeric material such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), from wood, etc.;

[0050] ¨ each arm or the whole try-square assembly can be made from a one-piece body or assembled from a plurality of pieces;

[0051] ¨ one of the two arms can be pivotally mounted to the other so that the angle therebetween can be adjusted to a cabinet door or another object having non-orthogonal side edge surfaces;

[0052] ¨ the abutment elements 38-42 are not limited to result from folded enlargement portions 32-36 of the arms 12 and 14. They can be in the form of flat or irregularly shaped elements (not shown) that are attached to the arms 12 and 14. Such attachable elements can be made of a material, such as HDPE, that do not scratch or marks most door;

[0053] ¨ the inner facing edges of the arms are further not limited to any shape or to be straight . The arms can have any shape and sizes allowing at least a portion thereof to be abutted onto the adjacent side surfaces of the door 11;

[0054] ¨ the arms or rule(s) of the template can be provided with scales, angle references or any markings that allows readily measuring the distance of the mounting holes from the edge of the door:

[0055] ¨ the fasteners that partly mount the rules to the arms can be replace by a pin or any other pivot element;

[0056] ¨ the template can be adapted to locate and reproduce in series the position of other marking elements than holes, such as without limitation grooves, drawings of any kind, etc. According to such further embodiment, the distal ends of the rules are adapted accordingly.

[0057] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An adjustable template for locating mounting holes on a first surface of a structure further having second and third adjacent surfaces that are both also adjacent to the flat surface; the second and third surfaces defining an angle therebetween; the template comprising:
two arms interconnected so as to define the angle therebetween;
each of the two arms having a side edge for abutting a respective one of the second and third surfaces of the structure;
a rule mounted to one of the two arms for slidable and pivotable movements relative to the one of the two arms; and a locking mechanism secured to the rule and to the one of the two arms for selectively preventing the slidable and pivotable movements.

2. An adjustable template as recited in claim 1, wherein the two arms are integral.

3. An adjustable template as recited in claim 1, wherein each arm is assembled from two thin sheets distanced by at least one spacer.

4. An adjustable template as recited in claim 3, wherein the rule is mounted between the two sheets.

5. An adjustable template as recited in claim 4, wherein the rule includes a longitudinal slot; the locking mechanism including two registered arc-shaped cuts, each provided in a respective one of the two sheets, and a handle screw operatively mounted in the slot of the rule and in the two registered cuts.

6. An adjustable template as recited in claim 3, wherein at least one of the two sheets includes an enlargement that is folded generally parallel the side edge of the two arms to define an abutment element.

7. An adjustable template as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the two arms is provided with an abutment element for said abutting a respective one of the second and third surfaces of the structure.

8. An adjustable template as recited in claim 1, wherein the rule has proximate and distal ends; the distal end being provided with a position indicator.

9. An adjustable template as recited in claim 8, wherein the position indicator is in the form of a hole in the rule.

10. An adjustable template as recited in claim 1, wherein the rule is a first rule and the locking mechanism is a first locking mechanism;
the first rule being mounted to a first one of the two arms; the template including a second rule mounted to a second one of the two arms.

11. An adjustable template as recited in claim 10, wherein the second rule is slidably and pivotally mounted to the second one of the two arms; the template further comprising a second locking mechanism secured to the second rule and to the second one of the two arms.

12. An adjustable template as recited in claim 10, the first and second one of the two arms are a same one of the two arms.

13. An adjustable template as recited in claim 1, wherein the rule includes a longitudinal slot.

14. An adjustable template as recited in claim 11, wherein the rule being mounted via its longitudinal slot to the one of the two arms via a pin or a fastener.

15. An adjustable template as recited in claim 1, wherein the two arms defines a try square.

16. An adjustable template as recited in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes a clamp or a gripper tool.

17. An adjustable template as recited in claim 1, wherein the structure is a cabinet door.

18. An adjustable template as recited in claim 1, wherein the structure is a stair step.

19. An adjustable template as recited in claim 1, wherein the two arms are so interconnected as to allow relative pivot movement therebetween.

20. An adjustable template for locating a marking element on a first surface of a structure further having second and third adjacent surfaces that are both also adjacent to the flat surface; the second and third surfaces defining an angle therebetween; the template comprising:
two arms interconnected so as to define the angle therebetween;
each of the two arms having a side edge for abutting a respective one of the second and third surfaces of the structure;
a rule mounted to one of the two arms for slidable and pivotable movements relative to the one of the two arms; the rule having proximate and distal ends; the distal end of the rule being provided with a marking element template; and a locking mechanism secured to the rule and to the one of the two arms for selectively preventing the slidable and pivotable movements.