GB2541786A

GB2541786A - Jig and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2541786A
Application number: GB1611437.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Crampton David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-07-08
Filing date: 2016-06-30
Publication date: 2017-03-01
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-30
Also published as: GB2541786B; GB201511910D0; GB201611437D0

Abstract

A jig 2 is provided for a routing tool. The jig includes a body portion 4, at least one pre-determined shaped aperture 12/14/16 defined in the body portion, and at least one detachable member 42 for location in said pre-determined shaped aperture 14 in use. The detachable member includes engagement means 52 for allowing engagement of the detachable member 42 to a workpiece in use by way of an engagement screw. Said jig 2 may also comprise a trammel with trammel slot 16 and pivot pin, as well as a shoulder portion 28 which are thinner than the main body 4 and so are trimmable. Location pegs 33 placed through apertures 26 may also allow for positioning of the jig 2 on a workpiece or clamping means to hold the jig 2 in place through apertures 26 may be provided. The jig 2 made me used to cut an ellipse, circle, bolt hole, hinge apertures or other possible shapes.

Description

Jig and Method of Use Thereof

This invention relates to a jig and to a method of use thereof.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to a router jig for use with a router hand tool, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the jig could be used with any hand tool, power tool and/or the like.

Router tools are typically hand held power tools used to hollow out or cut material, such as wood or plastic for example. A router tool typically includes a tool body housing an electric motor which drives rotation of a spindle. A router bit is detachably attached to an end of the spindle and is used for cutting. There are many different types of router bits available for creating different decorative cutting effects. The router bit projects below a base plate or sole plate of the tool. At least part of the base plate of sole plate of the router is located on a surface of the workpiece to be cut or is supported on a jig or workstation in use.

There are many different types of router jigs available in the marketplace. It is known to provide one or more pre-determined shaped apertures on such router jigs which can be used as cutting templates for making pre-determined shaped cuts in a workpiece in use. For example, bolt hole apertures and hinge apertures are known on jigs. However, it can be difficult for a user to manipulate and position a relatively large jig with respect to a workpiece so that a relatively small aperture defined in the jig is aligned in the correct plate on a workpiece to make a cut in use.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a jig that overcomes the abovementioned problem.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using a jig that overcomes the abovementioned problem.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a jig for a tool, said jig including a body portion, at least one aperture defined in the body portion, and wherein the jig further includes at least one detachable member for location in the aperture, the detachable member including engagement means for allowing engagement of the detachable member to a workpiece in use.

The jig of the present invention has the advantage that the detachable member can be engaged to a workpiece at the precise location at which a cut or aperture is to be made. Since the detachable member is small relative to the larger jig in which the member locates in use, it is much lighter and easier to manipulate and position accurately on the workpiece compared to the larger jig. Once the detachable member has been located in the desired or correct position on the workpiece, the jig can be located over the detachable member such that the detachable member fits back into the aperture defined in the jig. The jig can be clamped or secured into position on the workpiece and the detachable member can then be removed from the workpiece to reveal the aperture in the correct or desired position at which a cut, drill hole and/or the like is to be made on the workpiece in use. Thus, in one example, the detachable member is acting as a centering member for use with the jig.

Preferably the at least one aperture is of a pre-determined shape and typically substantially corresponds to the shape of an item or aperture, such as a hinge aperture for a hinge, that needs to be cut in a workpiece in use.

Preferably a jig is any device that allows a workpiece to be held in position and/or relative to the jig in use, and which allows a tool operable on the workpiece to be guided, moved, supported and/or controlled relative to the workpiece in use.

In one embodiment an external shape, configuration, size and/or dimensions of the detachable member is/are complementary or substantially complementary to the shape, configuration, size and/or dimensions of the aperture in the jig in which the detachable member is to be located in use. As such, the detachable member can form a relatively snug fit with the aperture in which it is located in use.

Preferably the detachable member can be engaged to a workpiece in use independently of and separately to the jig being fitted to the workpiece and/or to the detachable member.

In one embodiment the detachable member is retainable in position in the aperture in the jig by friction fit, at least partially retainable by friction fit, or solely retainable by friction fit.

In one embodiment the detachable member is retainable in the aperture by any or any combination of friction fit, hook and loop fastening (VELCRO®), one or more clips, inter-engaging members, screws, nuts and bolts or ties.

Preferably the detachable member closes or substantially closes the aperture when fitted in the same in use.

In one embodiment the external shape, configuration, size and/or dimensions of the detachable member are such that it allows the aperture of the jig to be located around the detachable member in use to form a desired or required position or cut position of the aperture with respect to a workpiece in use.

Preferably the jig can be fitted and/or retained on a workpiece independently and separately to the detachable member.

In one embodiment the detachable member is a single member and preferably the detachable member is a continuous or a substantially continuous member.

In one embodiment a number of member portions could form the detachable member if required.

Preferably the detachable member is a solid or substantially solid member.

Preferably the detachable member is a rigid or substantially rigid member.

In one embodiment the detachable member is non-continuous, has one or more apertures defined therein, therethrough and/or the like.

In one embodiment an external surface of the detachable member, and preferably an external side surface of the detachable member, is in abutting relationship, substantially abutting relationship, is directly engageable with, is adjacent to or in close proximity with one or more inner walls defining the aperture of the jig, when located therein in use.

Preferably the detachable member has a first, upper or top surface, a second, lower or base surface and one or more side surfaces located between the first, upper or top surface and the second, lower or base surface.

In one example, the size, shape and/or configuration of the detachable member and/or aperture is such that at least one gap may exist between an external surface, and preferably an external side surface, of the detachable member and an inner surface or side wall defining the aperture of the jig when located therein in use. In one example, the gap is equal to or less than approximately 1mm.

Preferably the engagement means and/or gripping means are located centrally or substantially centrally of the detachable member. Further preferably the engagement means and/or gripping means are located centrally or substantially centrally on a first, upper or top surface and/or second, base or lower surface of the detachable member.

In one embodiment the engagement means can include any or any combination of one or more apertures, screws, nuts, bolts, pins, inter-engaging members, clips, hook and loop fastening (VELCRO®), adhesive and/or the like.

In one embodiment the detachable member includes gripping means provided on or associated with the same to allow a user to easily grip, insert and/or remove the detachable member with respect to the aperture in the jig in use.

Preferably the engagement means of the detachable member are provided in, through or are associated with the gripping means of the detachable member.

Preferably the gripping means includes one or more protruding members that protrude outwardly from a surface of the detachable member, and preferably an upper, first or top surface of the detachable member, in use.

Preferably the first, upper or top surface of the detachable member is the surface facing away from the workpiece when the jig is located on or relative to a workpiece in use. A second, base or lower surface of the detachable member is preferably in contact with the workpiece in use.

In one embodiment the detachable member includes a protruding member protruding outwardly from an upper, first or top surface thereof, and an aperture, channel or slot is defined through the protruding member (i.e. from the first or upper surface to the second or lower surface) to allow securing means, a screw, pin, bolt and/or the like to be inserted therethrough for engagement with a surface of the workpiece in use.

The aperture, channel or slot of the protruding member is typically defined between a base or second surface and a top or first surface of the detachable member.

Preferably a base, second or lower surface of the detachable member is arranged so as to be flush or substantially flush with a base, second or lower surface of the body portion jig when fitted in the aperture in use. As such, with the base of the detachable member is fixed to a workpiece in use, and the jig is located over the detachable member, the base of the body portion of the jig also sits flush or substantially flush with the workpiece in use.

Preferably the body portion of the jig has a first, top or upper surface and a second, base or lower surface. Preferably the first, top or upper surface is opposite, and preferably directly opposite, to the second, base or lower surface.

Preferably the base, second or lower surface of the detachable member and/or the body portion of the jig is flat, planar or substantially flat and/or planar.

Preferably the top, first or upper surface of the detachable member, with the exception of the gripping means provided thereon, is arranged to be flush or substantially flush with a top or upper surface of the body portion of the jig when fitted in the aperture in use.

Preferably the top, first or upper surface of the detachable member, with the exception of the gripping means provided thereon, is flat, planar or substantially flat or planar.

The aperture defined in the jig can be any suitable size, shape and/or dimensions, such as for example, circular, square, rectangular, oval, and/or the like.

In one example, the detachable member can be any suitable size, shape and/or dimensions to allow the same to engage in the predetermined shaped aperture in use.

In one embodiment the aperture is arranged and/or is of such size, shape and/or configuration for cutting a hinge aperture in a workpiece, such as for example a hinge aperture for a door of a cupboard, in use.

In one embodiment the jig includes one or more other apertures defined therein or therethrough for making one or more other cuts, drill holes and/or the like in a workpiece in use. For example, a bolt hole shaped aperture and/or the like can be provided.

In one embodiment one or more shoulder portions are provided at or adjacent one or more edges or peripheral edges or side walls of the jig.

Preferably the one or more shoulder portions include at least one protruding portion extending outwardly from the main body portion of the jig.

Preferably a distance or thickness of the protruding portion between an upper, first or top surface and a base, second or lower surface thereof, and preferably opposing surface thereof, is less than the distance or thickness of the main body portion of the jig between an upper, first or top surface and a base, second or lower surface thereof.

The one or more shoulder portions/protruding portions can be trimmed to a required depth, width and/or size by a user on first use of the jig so that the jig is “zeroed”, or the protruding portion(s) protrude outwardly of the jig a distance corresponding to the distance of the working member/bit, cutting member/bit, drill member/bit, router member/bit that the tool protrudes from a surface of the tool in use.

Preferably a top, upper or first surface of the protruding portion is recessed relative to a top, upper or first surface of the main body portion of the jig.

Preferably a base, lower or second surface of the protruding portion is flush or substantially flush with a base, lower or second surface of the main body portion of the jig.

Preferably at least one surface of the protruding portion is flush or substantially flush with a surface of the main body portion of the jig.

Reference to the “working member/bit” means the bit of the tool performing the work function of the tool, such as the drilling, cutting, planing function and/or the like. For example, the “working member/ bit” could be a drill bit, a saw blade or bit, a cutting bit and/or the like.

Preferably the one or more shoulder portions/protruding portions are provided at or adjacent one or more outermost edges, peripheral edges or side edges of the jig.

In one embodiment the shoulder portion and/or protruding portion is formed from a material that is relatively thinner, easier to cut, that is different to and/or that is weaker than the material from which the main body portion of the jig is formed, thereby allowing at least part of the shoulder portion and/or protruding portion to be trimmed or cut in use.

Preferably the one or more shoulder portions/ protruding portions are formed from a material different to the remaining material of the jig.

Preferably the one or more shoulder portions/ protruding portions are formed from a material that is easily trimmable or cuttable in use, at least with respect to the remaining jig material. For example, the material can include a rubber material, plastic material, composite material, laminate material and/or the like.

The edge or outermost edge of the one or more shoulder portions/protruding portions can be linear, substantially linear, curved, substantially curved, convex, concave, provide a predetermined angle on an edge of the jig, such as an acute angle, perpendicular angle and/or the like. This allows corresponding linear, substantially linear, curved, substantially curved, convex, concave, acute angle, perpendicular angle shaped cuts to be made in one example as required.

In one embodiment clamping means or apparatus are provided on or associated with the jig to allow the jig to be clamped to a surface of a workpiece in use. Preferably the clamping means can include any or any combination of one or more clamps, clips, inter-engaging members, location pegs, apertures, nuts and bolts, screws and/or the like.

In one embodiment the jig includes a trammel or trammel means thereon.

Preferably the trammel or trammel means allows the jig to be used to trace or cut an ellipse, curve, circle in a workpiece in use and/or the like.

Preferably the trammel or trammel means includes one or more slots defined therethrough. Pivot means are movably locatable in said slot.

Preferably the pivot means are slidably and/or pivotably movable in said slot.

Preferably the one or more slots are elongate or substantially elongate slots.

Preferably the one or more slots are linear or substantially linear in form.

In one example a single elongate trammel slot is provided. In an alternative example two elongate trammel slots are provided. Preferably the two slots are provided in an end to end arrangement. In one example, the longitudinal axes of the slots are co-axial.

Preferably the pivot means includes a pivot pin having a head portion and a leg portion protruding outwardly from the head portion. The leg portion is typically movably mounted in the slot in use.

Preferably the leg portion is slidably mounted in the slot in use.

Preferably the head portion is of such dimensions that it cannot pass through the slot in use.

Preferably the head portion is provided adjacent a base, lower or second surface of the main body portion of the jig.

Preferably the head portion is at least partially recessed in the slot so that a lower, base or second surface of the head portion is flush or substantially flush with a lower, base or second surface of the body portion of the jig.

Preferably an upper, top or first surface of the head portion typically engages against a shoulder portion defined in the slot.

Preferably fixing means are provided on or associated with the pivot means and/or pivot pin to allow the pivot means and/or pivot pin to be secured to a workpiece in use.

Preferably the leg portion of the pivot means or pivot pin is at least partially hollow and/or has a channel defined therein or therethrough. A screw or other suitable fixing means is provided in or associated with said hollow and/or channel and can be used to secure the pivot means or pivot pin to a workpiece in use.

Preferably the trammel means includes a locking bolt.

Preferably the locking bolt is pivotably mounted on said pivot means or said pivot pin in use.

In one embodiment the locking bolt can include a head portion and a leg portion protruding outwardly from the head portion. In one example, the leg portion is hollow and/or has a channel defined therein or therethrough.

Preferably the channel or hollow of the locking bolt is locatable over the leg portion of the pivot pin and is pivotable relative to the pivot pin.

Preferably the leg portion of the locking bolt is arranged so as to protrude through the slot of the trammel means in use. Thus, in one embodiment the locking bolt is slidably mounted within the slot of the trammel means.

In one embodiment securing means are provided on or associated with the locking bolt and/or pivot means so as to secure the same in a required position in use.

Preferably the securing means include complementary screw threads, one or more wing nuts, bolts and/or the like.

Preferably the securing means are attachable to the leg portion of the pivot means and/or locking bolt to secure the pivot means or locking bolt in place in the slot in use.

Preferably the leg portion of the locking bolt has an external screw thread which engages with a complementary screw thread provided on the securing means.

The leg portion of the pivot means is typically pivotably movable with respect to the locking bolt, securing means, trammel slot and/or jig in use.

Preferably a base of the pivot means, pivot pin and/or head portion is flush or substantially flush with a base of the jig in use.

Preferably the slot of the trammel or trammel means is stepped or includes a step, such that the dimensions of a top of the trammel slot (i.e. the opening of the trammel slot adjacent a top, first or upper surface of the body portion of the jig) are smaller than the dimensions of a base of the trammel slot (i.e. the opening of the trammel slot adjacent a base, second or lower surface of the body portion of the jig). This prevents the pivot means, pivot pin and/or base plate of the locking nut from passing through the trammel slot in use.

Preferably the step is defined in the side walls defining the slot between the upper, top or first surface and the base, second or lower surface of the main jig body portion.

Preferably an upper surface of the head portion of the pivot means is adjacent to or in abutting relationship with the step in the slot in use.

Preferably the jig is a router jig for use with a router tool.

Preferably the tool is an electrically powered, hand held cutting tool.

Preferably the jig is a multi-functional jig allowing two or more functions to be performed by a tool capable of being guided and/or supported on the jig in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using a jig.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using a jig, said jig for use with a tool and including a body portion, at least one aperture defined in the body portion, and at least one detachable member for location in said aperture, said method including the steps of removing the at least one detachable member from the at least one aperture in the jig, engaging the detachable member to a workpiece in a required position in use using engagement means, locating the jig with respect to the at least one detachable member so that the at least one detachable member re-locates in said aperture, clamping the jig to the workpiece, and then removing the at least one detachable member from the workpiece, thereby providing the jig aperture on the workpiece in the required position.

Thus, it can be seen that the detachable member acts as a centring means for centring the jig on a workpiece in use.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein:

Figures la-lc show a top perspective view, a base perspective view and a side perspective view of a router jig respectively according to one embodiment;

Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the detachable member and engagement means shown in figures la-lc;

Figures 3a and 3b show a top plan view and a perspective view of the detachable member engaged to a workpiece in use;

Figures 4a and 4b show a top plan view and a perspective view of the detachable member engaged to a workpiece in use with the jig located over the detachable member; and

Figures 5a and 5b show a top plan view and a perspective view of the jig clamped to the workpiece in use with the detachable member removed.

Referring to the figures, there is illustrated a router jig 2 for supporting a hand held router power tool (not shown) in use. The jig according to the illustrated example of the present invention is a multi-purpose jig bringing together a number of jig functions into a single compact jig. Some of the multipurposes of the jig include providing pre-determined shaped template apertures for making pre-determined router cuts, a trammel function and a hinge cutting function. It will be appreciated that any or any combination of jig functions can be provided on the jig, such as a single purpose jig or multipurpose jig.

The jig 2 includes a body portion 4 having a top surface 6, a base surface 8 and side surfaces 10. The top and bottom surfaces 6, 8 are planar and are opposing surfaces of the jig. A bolt hole shaped aperture 12 is defined through body portion 4 between top surface 6 and base surface 8. This aperture 12 has an opening on one of the side surfaces 10 of the jig 2. Aperture 12 is used as a template to cut a bolt hole in a workpiece in use. A circular shaped aperture 14 is defined through body portion 4 between top surface 6 and base surface 8. This aperture 14 is used as part of a trammel function to fit a standard 30mm router bush.

Two elongate trammel slots 16 are defined in body portion 4. The trammel slots 16 are provided along the same linear path or axis but are a spaced distance apart. The joining section 17 between the adjacent ends of the slots 16 is typically to provide the jig 2 with strength and rigidity, but it could be removed to form a single elongate trammel slot 16 if required or more joining sections 17 could be provided to form three or more inline or co-axial slots. A pivot pin 18, a locking bolt 25 and a wing nut 24 are provided for use with the trammel slots 16.

The pivot pin 18 includes a head portion or base plate 19 and a leg member 20 protruding outwardly from the base plate. The leg member 20 is hollow and has an opening 23 at a base end and at a top end thereof. The external surface of the leg member is smooth so that it can act as a pivot pin when located inside a channel of locking bolt 25 in use. In use, a screw is locatable through the or an opening(s) of the leg member 20 to attach the pivot pin to a worksurface or work piece in use.

The locking bolt 25 also includes a head portion or base plate 27 and a leg member 29 protruding outwardly from the base plate 27. A channel runs through leg member 29 to allow the pivot pin to be located therein in use. The external surface of leg member 29 has a screw thread to allow engagement with a nut or wing nut 24 having a complementary screw thread thereon in use. The wing nut 24 retains the locking bolt 25 in sliding engagement in trammel slot 16 in use.

On the base surface 8 side of trammel slot 16, the slot 16 is stepped or has a step 31, such that the base side of slot 16 has greater width and length compared to the top side of slot 16. The step 31 is recessed or set back from the base surface 8 to form the shoulder portion. This step or shoulder portion retains base plate 27 adjacent the base side of the jig and prevents it from moving through slot 16 in use (in a direction from the base surface through to the top surface). The wing nut 24 prevents the base plate 27 from moving out of the slot 16 completely in use. The base plate 27 of locking bolt 25 is elongate in that it has a greater length relative to its width. Thus, a longitudinal axis of base plate 27 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of slot 16. This prevents the base plate 27 from rotating in slot 16 when the wing nut 24 is being engaged to the same in use.

In use of the trammel, a screw is used to secure the pivot pin to a workpiece in use. The locking bolt 25, that is attached in the slot 16 of jig 2 via wing nut 24, is then dropped over the top of leg member 20 of pivot pin 18. The locking bolt 25, and thus jig 2, is pivotable relative to the fixed pivot pin 18 and workpiece. The base plate 19 of pivot pin 18 sits within slot 16 such that a base surface of base plate 19 is flush with the base surface 6 of the jig 2. This allows the jig to be pivoted through 360 degrees with respect to the pivot pin. The jig can be adjusted by loosening wing nut 24, sliding the locking nut 25 to a desired position in slot 16 and retightening wing nut 24 to secure the locking bolt in the desired position. The jig can be lifted off from pivot pin 18 at any time. This creates a trammel function allowing an ellipse, curve, circle cut and/or the like to be made using the router tool.

Clamping means in the form of four spaced apart apertures 26 are defined through body portion 4 between the top surface 6 and base surface 8. Screws or other suitable clamping means can be provided through the smaller apertures 26 to retain the jig 2 in a required position on a workpiece in use. Location pegs 33 can be located through larger apertures 26’ to allow positioning of the jig 2 on or relative to a workpiece in a required location in use.

Shoulder or protruding portions 28 are defined on some of the side edges of jig 2. The lower surface of the protruding portions 28 is flush or continuous with the base surface 8 of jig 2. The upper surface 30 of the protruding portions 28 faces the same direction as top surface 6 and is setback, recessed or lower than top surface 6 to form a shoulder effect with top surface 6. The protruding portions 28 are formed from trimmable or thinner material compared to the remaining material of the jig 2, thereby allowing the portions 28 to be trimmed to “zero” or set the edge of jig 2 at a protrusion distance matching the protrusion of the router bit with respect to the router tool to which it is attached.

The protruding portions 28 are provided in a linear arrangement along a top side 32 of jig, in a curved arrangement along a lower corner 34, and provided in a perpendicular or right angle corner arrangement on an opposite lower corner 36. This allows a straight line cut, a curved cut and a right angled router cut to be made using the jig edges as a template respectively.

In accordance with the present invention, a pre-determined shaped aperture for use as a hinge template 38 is provided with the jig 2. More particularly, the hinge template 38 comprises a circular hinge aperture 40 defined in jig 2 between top surface 6 and base surface 8. The aperture 40 has openings on both the top and base surfaces 6, 8. A detachable member or centering member 42 of complementary circular shape to aperture 40 is provided. Centering member 42 has the same or slightly smaller external dimensions to the dimensions of aperture 40, such that member 42 can engage in aperture 40 in use to form a snug fit, typically by friction fit. The external side surfaces 44 of member 42 are typically in abutting engagement with the internal side surfaces of jig 2 defining aperture 40 when fitted together.

The depth or height ‘h’ of centering member 42 is equal to the depth or height of jig 2 between top surface 6 and base surface 8. As such, with centering member 42 fitted in aperture 40 of jig 2, a top surface 46 of member 42 is flush with top surface 6 of jig 2, and a base surface 48 of member 42 is flush with base surface 8 of jig 2.

Gripping means in the form of protruding member 50 is provided on top surface 46 and protrudes outwardly thereof. Member 50 allows a user to easily grip the same and locate and/or remove centering member 42 from aperture 40 in jig 2.

Engagement means in the form of an aperture or channel 52 is defined through centering member 42 from a top surface of protruding member 50 to a base surface 48 of centering member 42. In use, an engagement screw is located through channel 52 for engagement with a workpiece in use, as described in more detail below.

In use of the centering member 42, a user takes a workpiece, which in this example is a cupboard door 54, in which they wish to cut a hinge recess using a router tool. The user makes a mark on the door 54 in the centre position in which the hinge recess is to be located. The user then screws the centering member 42 to the door 54, with the screw and channel 52 located directly over the centre mark made on the door, as shown in figures 3a and 3b.

With the centering member 42 in position on the door 54, a user then locates jig 2 over centering member 42, such that centering member 42 is located in aperture 40 of jig 2, as shown in figures 4a and 4b.

The jig 2 is then clamped into position on the workpiece using clamping apertures 26. Centering member 42 is removed from jig 2 by releasing the screw engagement with the workpiece and lifting centering member 42 out of aperture 40 using gripping protrusion 50. Aperture 40 is therefore in the correct location to act as a template for cutting a hinge aperture in workpiece 54.

The centring and attachment of centering member 42 to workpiece 54 is far easier than trying to manipulate and centre the bigger, heavier and more cumbersome jig 2. The combination of the centring member 42 and jig 2, thereby greatly simplifies the process of cutting a shape from a workpiece using a router.

Any number and/or shaped centring members and corresponding apertures can be provided on the jig as required.

Claims

1. A jig for a tool, said jig including a body portion, at least one aperture defined in the body portion, and wherein the jig further includes at least one detachable member for location in said aperture, the detachable member including engagement means for allowing engagement of the detachable member to a workpiece in use.

2. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the detachable member can be fitted to a workpiece in use independently of and separately to the jig being fitted to the workpiece and/or to the detachable member.

3. The jig according to claim 1 wherein an external shape, configuration, size and/or dimensions of the detachable member is/are complementary or substantially complementary in shape, configuration, size and/or dimensions of the aperture of the jig in which it is to be located in use.

4. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the detachable member is retained in the aperture in use by friction fit.

5. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the detachable member is retainable in the aperture by any or any combination of friction fit, hook and loop fastening, one or more clips, inter-engaging members, screws, nuts and bolts or ties.

6. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the detachable member closes or substantially closes the aperture when fitted in the same in use.

7. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the detachable member is a single member.

8. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the detachable member is a continuous or substantially continuous member.

9. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the detachable member is a non-continuous member and has one or more apertures defined therein or therethrough.

10. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the detachable member is a solid member, substantially solid member, a rigid member and/or a substantially rigid member.

11. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the detachable member is of such size, configuration and/or shape that a gap is defined between the detachable member and the aperture when it is located in the same, and said gap is equal to or less than 1mm.

12. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the engagement means can include any or any combination of one or more apertures, screws, nuts, bolts, pins, inter-engaging members, clips, hook and loop fastening or adhesive.

13. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the detachable member includes gripping means provided on or associated with the same to allow a user to easily grip, insert into and/or remove the detachable member with respect to the aperture in use.

14. The jig according to claim 13 wherein the gripping means includes one or more protruding members that protrude outwardly from a surface of the detachable member.

15. The jig according to any preceding claims wherein the engagement means of the detachable member are provided in, through or are associated with the gripping means of the detachable member.

16. The jig according to claim 15 wherein the detachable member includes a protruding member protruding outwardly from a first surface, and an aperture, channel or slot is defined through the protruding member from the first surface to a second surface to allow a screw, pin or bolt to be inserted therethrough for engagement with a surface of the workpiece in use.

17. The jig according to claim 1 wherein a base, lower or second surface of the detachable member is arranged to be flush or substantially flush with a base, lower or second surface of the body portion of the jig when fitted in the aperture in use.

18. The jig according to claim 1 wherein a top, upper or first surface and/or base, lower or second surface of the detachable member and/or jig is flat, substantially flat, planar and/or substantially planar.

19. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the one or more apertures of the jig is/are arranged and/or is of such size, shape and/or configuration for cutting a hinge aperture in a workpiece in use.

20. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the jig includes one or more other apertures defined therein or therethrough.

21. The jig according to claim 1 wherein one or more shoulder portions are defined at or adjacent one or more edges or peripheral edges of the jig.

22. The jig according to claim 21 wherein the shoulder portion comprises a protruding portion extending outwardly from the main body portion of the jig.

23. The jig according to claim 22 wherein a distance or thickness of the protruding portion between an upper, first or top surface and a base, second or lower opposing surface thereof is less than the distance or thickness of the main body portion of the jig between an upper, first or top surface and a base, second or lower opposing surface thereof.

24. The jig according to any preceding claims wherein the shoulder portion and/or protruding portion is formed from a material that is relatively thinner, easier to cut, that is different to and/or that is weaker than the material from which the main body portion of the jig is formed, thereby allowing at least part of the shoulder portion and/or protruding portion to be trimmed or cut in use.

25. The jig according to claim 1 wherein clamping means or apparatus are provided on or associated with the jig to allow the jig to be clamped to a surface of a workpiece in use.

26. The jig according to claim 25 wherein the clamping means include any or any combination of one or more clamps, clips, inter-engaging members, location pegs, apertures, nuts and bolts, or screws.

27. The jig according to claim 1 wherein a trammel or trammel means are provided on the jig.

28. The jig according to claim 27 wherein the trammel or trammel means includes one or more slots, elongate slots or substantially elongate slots, and pivot means are movably mounted in said one or more slots, elongate slots or substantially elongate slots.

29. The jig according to claim 28 wherein the pivot means are slidably and/or pivotably mounted in said one or more slots, elongate slots or substantially elongate slots.

30. The jig according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more slots are linear or substantially linear in form.

31. The jig according to claim 28 wherein the pivot means includes a pivot pin having a head portion and a leg portion protruding outwardly from the head portion, the leg portion is movably mounted in the slot in use, and the head portion is of such dimensions that it cannot pass through the slot in at least on direction in use.

32. The jig according to any preceding claim wherein fixing means are provided on or associated with the pivot means and/or pivot pin to allow the pivot means and/or pivot pin to be secured to a workpiece in use.

33. The jig according to claims 31 and 32 wherein the leg portion of the pivot means or pivot pin is at least partially hollow or has a channel defined therein or therethrough, and the fixing means are provided in or associated with said hollow or channel.

34. The jig according to any preceding claim wherein the trammel means includes a locking bolt, and said locking bolt is pivotably mounted on said pivot means or said pivot pin in use.

35. The jig according to claim 34 wherein the locking bolt comprises a head portion and a leg portion protruding outwardly from said head portion, the leg portion is at least partially hollow and/or has a channel defined therein or therethrough, the leg portion of the pivot pin is locatable in the hollow and/or channel of the leg portion of the locking bolt, and the locking bolt is pivotal relative to said pivot pin.

36. The jig according to any preceding claim wherein securing means are provided on or associated with the locking bolt and/or pivot means so as to secure the same in a required position in the slot in use.

37. The jig according to claim any preceding claim wherein the one or more slots of the trammel means include a step or is/are stepped, such that dimensions of a top or first end of the trammel slot are smaller than dimensions of a base or second end of the trammel slot.

38. The jig according to claim 1 wherein the jig is a multi-functional jig allowing two or more functions to be performed by a tool capable of being guided and/or supported on the jig in use.

39. The jig according to claim 1 in the form of a router jig for use with a router tool.

40. A method of using a jig, said jig for use with a tool and including a body portion, at least one aperture defined in the body portion, and at least one detachable member for location in said aperture, said method including the steps of removing the at least one detachable member from the at least one aperture in the jig, engaging the detachable member to a workpiece in a required position in use using engagement means, locating the jig with respect to the at least one detachable member so that the at least one detachable member re-locates in said aperture, clamping the jig to the workpiece and then removing the at least one detachable member from the workpiece, thereby providing the jig aperture on the workpiece in the required position.