GB2610284A

GB2610284A - A template device for drilling and marking a surface

Info

Publication number: GB2610284A
Application number: GB2209811.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kelvin Hammond Marcus
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-26
Filing date: 2022-07-04
Publication date: 2023-03-01
Also published as: GB202209811D0; GB202110684D0

Abstract

The template device 100 for drilling and marking a surface includes a plate 2 with template holes 6, 7. An adjustable clamp (1, Figure 3) extends from the plate for receiving an elongate rule that is opened, closed, and secured in position by an adjustment means 8. The holes correspond to the spacing of apertures in an electrical backbox. The plate may be provided in a frame 4, 5, 9, 10. There may be a bubble level 3 on the frame. The clamp may include at least one jaw 11 movable with respect to one side of the frame. Faces of the clamp may include resiliently deformable material. The movable jaw may be sprung by one or more springs 18. The plate may include elongate slots 6 arranged to delineate an electrical backbox. The arrangement of holes may correspond to single and double electrical backboxes. The adjustment means may be threaded bar members 8, which may be received within channels (21, Figure 4) on the frame. An adjustment nut 12 may lock the position of the movable jaw with respect to the frame.

Description

A TEMPLATE DEVICE FOR DRILLING AND MARKING A SURFACE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a template device, in particular a device for providing a template for drilling and marking a surface in preparation for installation of an electrical backbox.

Background

Many people in many societies increasingly need electrical fixtures in their properties.

Installing electrical fixtures typically involves an electrical backbox, made typically of folded steel or aluminium.

The electrical backbox is a place for the wires to be connected to a fascia, where the fascia provides an electrical output and/or switches.

The backbox is typically mounted on or embedded in a surface such as a wall and screwed to supporting material within the wall or as appropriate. Ensuring that the backbox is level and particularly that the screws are correctly located to ensure that the backbox is level can be problematic as a marking implement, spirit level, backbox, and measuring device are typically required.

Prior Art

US 2010 0 095 543 (INTHAVONG) discloses a tool for mounting at electric outlet device, comprising: a one gang template to mount a one gang electric outlet device; a two gang template to mount a two gang electric outlet device; wherein the one gang 30 template is positioned within the two gang template.

US 2006 0 265 893 (GIFFORD) discloses an electrical utility box positioning jig assembly, comprising: an elongated standard presenting a pair of opposed, generally flat, front and rear surfaces, said standard further presenting a pair of vertical side margins; a base secured to said standard having side margins that extend beyond the vertical side margins of the standard; a support configured to hold an electrical utility box; and structure operatively coupling said support to said standard and permitting selective up and down movement of the support along the length of the standard and locking of the support at a selected height on the standard, said rear surface of said standard configured for direct, face-to-face contact with a structural member to which the box is to be attached when the box is held by said support.

GB 2003 11 883 (MCKEITH) discloses a device for positioning an electrical wall box on a wall comprising: a template and a rod, wherein said template is secured to and translatable relative to, said rod. The preferred embodiment also includes a spirit level 10 to ensure that the wall box is horizontal when screwed to the wall.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a template device for drilling and marking a surface comprising: a plate with a plurality of template holes, an adjustable clamp extending from the plate for receiving an elongate rule that is opened, closed and secured in position by an adjustment means; wherein the holes correspond to spacing of apertures in an electrical backbox.

In this way the template device may attached to a rule, such as a spirit level and be used for drilling and marking a surface such as a wall with a plurality of drill holes or 25 recess lines according to where the necessary holes will be required for an electrical backbox installation, or to mark lines for cutting into a wall to receive a backbox.

The holes through the plate may be different shapes and sizes. For example, the holes may include circular holes as drill guides or elongate slots to indicate the edge of 30 backbox that can be marked by drawing a line along the slot. The elongate slots may enable the sides of the backbox to be marked, for example for inbuilt sockets.

Preferably drill holes are made through the holes in the plate, so that the holes guide the drill bit directly through the template device for improved accuracy.

The rule may be envisaged to be a standard, independently available spirit, or bubble level, which is standard in many trades and commonly provides at least two orthogonal bubble levels and a rule along one or more long edge. For example, the spirit or bubble level may be at least one metre long and preferably 1.8 metres long.

In this way a rule which is temporarily connected to the template device may be used to provide a measurement from a surface such as the floor. The use of a rule which is also a level also provides assurance that the template device can be arranged to be level, so that holes made in the surface through holes in the plate of the template device are level and therefore fixings using the holes, such as an electrical backbox are also level.

For some uses the template devices may be used in pairs, having two separate template devices clamped to one rule at different positions along the rule. For example, one template device at switch height and one at socket height. In this way once the rule is positioned at the desired location, both switch and socket holes can be drilled through, and any guidelines can be drawn through the slots.

It may be envisaged that the plate is provided in a rigid lightweight material such as 20 aluminium, stainless steel plate, or plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Preferably the plate is formed from aluminium.

In some embodiments the plate is provided with a frame surrounding at least part of the perimeter edge of the plate.

The frame may provide structure integrity to the device and support or housing for other parts of device.

The frame may display information or measurements shown around the plate. For 30 example, measurements or increments, may be printed, embossed, or debossed on the frame.

In some embodiments the frame may house a light source to illuminate the surrounding area, or a light source such as a laser level to provide a visual guide for a user. A power 35 source for the one or more light may also be provided in the frame. For example, the frame may house one or more battery operatively connected to a printed circuit board that is connected to the light(s).

In yet further embodiments the frame may be shaped and dimensioned to receive and store tools. For example, the frame may include a recess for holding a pencil for marking the holes using the template, or a recess for holding a screwdriver. In some embodiments the frame may include a connection means such as a clip or ferromagnetic holder to permit connection of an item such as a tool.

Preferably each hole through the plate has a visual indicator to indicate its intended use. For example, holes may be numbered, lettered, have symbols or be colour coded to correspond to desired use, such as holes with a number 1 may indicate template holes or recessing lines for a single backbox and holes with a number 2 may indicate template holes or recessing lines for a double backbox. In this way a user is quickly guided as to which holes to use for which.

In some embodiments the plate may include holes that provide a guide to use other tools, such as marked holes to indicate points for a box cutter recess tool. For example, the holes may be marked with an indicator such as a letter, number or symbol 20 to guide on positioning of the tool.

In some preferred embodiments the frame is deeper that the plate to provide a raised edge along one or more sides of the plate. Typically the frame projects from an outer face of the template device so that an inner face of the template device is able to sit close to the surface against which the plate is located. In this way the plate is flush with or very close to the surface which ensures accuracy of areas marked for drilling or chasing out.

The clamp extends from one end of the template device and opens and close along 30 the same plane as the plate.

In a preferred embodiment the clamp is formed between the frame and a jaw, wherein the jaw is moveable with respect to the frame by an adjustment means so that the opening defined therebetween is adjustable.

The jaw may comprise a flat face or wall which engages against the rule and may be moved away from the device to allow for different widths of rule.

In a preferred embodiment the moveable jaw may include an adjustment means to 5 control opening and closing of the jaw. In a preferred embodiment the adjustment means is screw threaded jaw members, which may be screwed through the jaw and frame.

Additionally or alternatively the moveable jaw may aid in providing a secure clamp 10 against the rule, for example where biased to close.

In some embodiments the jaw is sprung so as to bias the jaw to close. It may be envisaged that the sprung jaw may include a plurality of springs in connection with the moveable jaw so as to ensure that the jaw closes tight against a length of the rule.

In some embodiments the adjustment means of the jaw include a locking nut so that the clamp is locked closed around the rule to maintain grip and position on the rule.

In some embodiments the clamp comprises resiliently deformable material. For 20 example, the resiliently deformable material may comprise padded clamp faces, such that the faces may be envisaged to form a tight grip on the rule and to prevent damage to the rule.

In some embodiments a bubble level is provided on the frame, for example the bubble level may be embedded in the frame. In this way it may be envisaged that the bubble level may be used to ensure that the plate is level, and consequently any holes are level also. The bubble level for example may be embedded into the frame along a top edge in use.

Some embodiments of the template device may have a plurality of bubble levels, to ensure that the device is true in vertical and horizontal aspects.

Other embodiments may rely on the rule's bubble level(s).

In some embodiments a raised edge to the plate is provided by a wall extending orthogonally upwards from the plate, against which wall the rule is placed in use. Such wall may ensure that the rule is held flat and securely on the device.

In some embodiments the clamp extends from one side of the plate so as to hold a rule level along the side of the plate, ensuring that no errors are introduced of skew between the plate and the rule and thereby in the placement of the socket.

S

In preferred embodiments the template device has a height of at least 100mm and preferably at least 120mm and a width of at least 160mm and preferably at least 180mm. Ideally the thickness of the pate is at least 2mm and preferably at least 3mm.

Preferably the widths of the jaws are at least 30mm and preferably at least 35mm to provide sufficient clamping surface to receive a rule. Ideally the jaws are arranged to open up to a gap of at least 60mm and preferably at least 65mm.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only 15 and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device; Figure 2 shows a top view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device; Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 3 Figure 6 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 Figure 7 shows an example of a layout of holes through the plate; and Figure 8 shows an example of a layout of slots through the plate.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown a first embodiment of the template device 5 100 in Figures 1 and 2 and a second embodiment of the template device 200 in Figures 3 to 5. Like parts are given like references.

Each template device 100, 200 has a plate 2 with a plurality of template holes 6, 7 that pass through the plate 2 The plate 2 is rectangular with a frame 4 5, 9, 10 around at least part of a perimeter of the plate 2.

In the first embodiment 100 the frame is provided around three edges 4, 9, 10 of the 15 plate 2, two long edges 4, 9 and a short side 10 that is a wall that forms part of the clamp 1. The longs sides of the frame 4, 9 provide a housing for the adjustment means 8.

In the second embodiment 200 the frame 4, 5, 9, 10 surrounds all edges of the plate 20 4. The frame has formed from two long sides 4, 9 and two short sides 5, 10. The frame provides a raised edge along the two long sides 4, 9 which extends beyond the plane of the plate 2.

With regards to the short sides 5, 10 of the frame one short side 10 is an end stopper 25 which forms part of the clamp 1. The other short side 5 is a wall that extends orthogonally with respect to the plate 2.

In both embodiments the clamp 1 is provided on one of the short ends of the frame 10. The clamp 1 is formed between the wall 10 and a moveable jaw 11. The jaw 11 is 30 moveable with respect to the wall 10 so as to adjust the space therebetween.

The moveable jaw 11 is an upstanding wall mirroring the wall 10 that extends from the plate 2.

In the second embodiment 200, the wall 10 and the jaw 11 have inner faces provided with silicone padding coverings.

The moveable jaw 11 is supported on two cylindrical bar members 8 which provide adjustment means. The bar members 8 each run through the long edges 4, 9 of the frame.

The bar members 8 are parallel one to another and the moveable jaw 11 and wall 10 are perpendicular to the plane of movement to allow the moveable jaw 11 to move towards and away from the wall 10 as the bar members 8 are adjusted.

In the first embodiment 100 the adjustment means 8 screw threaded bars with an adjustment nut 12 that is turned to move the jaw 11 with respect to the wall 10. The adjustment nut 12 acts on a spring 18 that provides a spring bias to pull the moveable jaw 11 towards the wall 10. The adjustment nut 12 also serves to lock movement of the jaw 11 as once engaged with parts of the frame, 4, 10 movement is prevented.

In the second embodiment 200 the adjustment means are sprung by springs 18 so that the moveable jaw 11 must be pulled away from the wall 10 to open the jaw. Mien the moveable jaw 11 is released with respect to the wall 10 the moveable jaw 11 is pulled inwards by the springs 18 and thereby clamps around the rule (not shown).

The holes 7 relate to spacing of apertures in an electrical backbox.

Typically, the frame is formed from a strong durable synthetic plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

Preferably the plate is formed from metal or a metal alloy such as aluminium.

In the second embodiment 200 the long sides 4, 9 are adapted to include a slot in their rear faces for receipt of trays 2. Together the long sides 4, 9 and trays 21 define a 30 channel for receiving and housing the bar members 8 and springs 18.

The trays 21 are long enough such that the ends of the trays allow for extension or compression of the springs 18 to pull against the ends of the bar members so as to provide a spring bias to close the clamp by pulling the bar members 8 and moveable 35 jaw 11.

In both embodiments one long side of the plate includes a recess for receipt of a small bubble level 3. In the first embodiment 100 the bubble level 3 is offset to one side. In the second embodiment 200 the bubble level 3 is central.

The plate 2 is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to a size of a single and a double gang electrical backbox wherein the holes 7 and slots 6 provide a variety of options for marking relevant to both single and double electrical backboxes using the same template device 100, 200.

In the first embodiment the plate 2 has fourteen circular holes 7, and seven elongate slots 6. The holes 6 are distributed about the plate between the slot holes, so as to indicate where to drill when installing the backbox.

The slot holes 6 define a rectangular single electrical backbox and a sideways 15 extension therefrom for the double electrical backbox and can be used to mark the shape of a backbox, for example when marking the location for cutting into the surface or creating an embedded electrical feature.

In the second embodiment 200 the plate 2 has fifteen circular holes 7, and ten elongate 20 slot holes 6.

Figure 7 shows an example of a layout of holes 7 through the plate 2. The plate 2 has holes 7 with reference number 1 that indicate template holes for a single backbox (single gang box), and holes with reference number 2 for a double backbox (2 gang 25 box). Holes 1 and 2 have a diameter of 5.5mm.

Holes 7 with reference letter R indicate positions for a box cutting tool. Holes with reference R have a diameter of 7mm.

A dashed line indicates an edge of the single backbox which would be defined by a slot on the plate (see Figure 8).

The positioning of each of the holes 7 is shown with a line parallel to zero line A or B. Figure 8 shows an example of a layout of slots through the plate (not shown). The width of each slot is 3mm and the length of each slot is indicated so that a single or double backbox template can be drawn on a surface.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1 A template device for drilling and marking a surface comprising: a plate with a plurality of template holes, an adjustable clamp extending from the plate for receiving an elongate rule that is opened, closed and secured in position by an adjustment means; wherein the holes correspond to spacing of apertures in an electrical backbox.
2. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to claim 1 wherein the plate is provided in a frame.
3. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to claim 2 wherein the frame is deeper than the plate to provide a raised edge along one or more sides of the plate.
4. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to claim 2 or 3 comprising a bubble level on the frame.
5. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to any preceding claim wherein the clamp comprises at least one moveable jaw that is moveable with respect to one side of the frame.
6. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to claim 5 including a raised edge to the plate is that provides a wall extending orthogonally upwards from the plate to provide a surface opposed to the moveable jaw against which the rule is placed in use.
7. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to any preceding claim the clamp faces include resiliently deformable material.
8. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to claim 5, 6 or 7 wherein the moveable jaw is spung by one or more spring.
9. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to any preceding claim wherein the holes wherein the plate includes elongate slots arranged to delineate an electrical backbox.
10. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to any preceding claim wherein the arrangement of the holes corresponds to single and double electrical backboxes.
11. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to any preceding claim wherein the clamp extends from one side of the plate so as to hold a rule level along the side of the plate.
12. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to any preceding claim wherein the adjustment means including bar members to adjust position of the moveable jaw with respect to the frame.
13. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to claim 12 wherein the bar members are threaded.
14. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to claim 13 including an adjustment nut to lock position of the moveable jaw with respect to the frame.
15. A template device for drilling and marking a surface according to any of claims 12, 13 or 14 wherein the bar members are received within channels on the frame.