WO2010002310A1

WO2010002310A1 - Drill template for curtain rod and shelf brackets

Info

Publication number: WO2010002310A1
Application number: PCT/SE2009/000336
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anders Gradin
Original assignee: Anders Gradin
Priority date: 2008-06-30
Filing date: 2009-06-29
Publication date: 2010-01-07
Also published as: SE0801551L; SE531460C2; EP2300186A1

Abstract

Template (1) intended to be used for the positioning and drilling of screw holes (23) for brackets (fittings, fasteners) used in mounting curtain rods, corner shelves and the like. The template contains at least a first template part in the form of a plate (2) which contains at least one recess (6) with at least one first contact surface (7) and at least one second contact surface (8), with which the template (1) can be positioned in windows fitted with window trim (window moulding). Furthermore the template (1) includes at least a second template part in the form of a guide (3), which may be attached and temporarily fixed to the plate (2) with the intention to be used in the positioning of the template (1) in a window with no window trim (window moulding) (18). Additionally, the templates ability to fold allows it to be used for making holes for mounting shelves in wall corners.

Description

Drill Template for Curtain Rod and Shelf Brackets

Technical Field

The present invention concerns a template (jig) designed for marking and drilling holes for fastening hardware (mountings, fittings, brackets, fasteners) used for mounting curtain rods and the like. More specifically the present invention regards a template in accordance with the claims.

Background of the Invention

In many instances there exists a need for marking the, placement of one or more holes for the attachment of some kind of hardware (mountings, fittings, brackets, fasteners). One such instance is for example in situations where fittings or brackets for curtain rods or similar hardware are to be attached to walls. Current methods for mounting brackets for curtain rods are very time-consuming. A person must first measure the position of the holes for each bracket with a folding rule, tape measure, ruler or the like. Each holes' position must be appropriately marked with a pen, pencil or similar. After the position of the holes are measured and marked out the holes are made, for example, with a drill if the material making up the wall requires drilling. After that the fittings or brackets are attached with screws or the like.

This type of assembly is especially problematic if brackets for a large number of windows are to be fastened, for example, along a long wall so that the brackets are symmetrically placed adjacent to all the windows and that all the holes are essentially perpendicularly drilled into the wall. It is all too easy to place brackets slightly different at each window resulting in a later adjustment to obtain adequate results. In larger buildings, such as public buildings, it is problematic from an aesthetic perspective, if curtains are, for example hung at different heights along a row of the building's windows. The overall impression from outside the building will be negative.

A further problem in the development of a template for marking holes for brackets (fasteners, fittings) for curtain rods and the like is that windows are often fitted with different types of window moulding (window trim). A template for the positioning of holes must fit the different types of window moulding that exist. Furthermore there are also windows with no window moulding at all. The presence of different types of window moulding (window trim), and even the lack of moulding makes it difficult for a professional to design a template which can be used for most types of fasteners, fittings, brackets and window types. Known templates are also not reversible which means that two templates must be used, one on each side of the window, or that the template must be readjusted for each side of the window.

In addition to the problems often incurred when mounting curtain rod brackets, are also found problems with mounting other types of fittings and brackets which are not accomplished in an efficient and satisfactory manner with known templates. The installation of shelves, for example, in wall corners is one such type of installation in need of a template that can solve the problem of drilling holes at the same height and at the same distance from the corner on both sides of the corner. A further problem with known technology is that different templates are required for different types of fittings and attachments, as well as for various purposes such as curtains, shelves and more. This causes an unnecessary environmental impact due to the fact that many different types of templates must be manufactured and distributed for each type of use. In addition, space for the storage and movement of all these templates must exist. There is a profound need for multi-functional designs that can be used for many different types of fasteners, fittings, brackets and purposes.

A still further problem with known designs is that they are not designed to be easy to use for people with reduced mobility and function in their hands. With an aging population it is becoming increasingly common with milder forms of impairment in hands and joints. In addition, persons with advanced age are living longer in their own homes. There is therefore a clear need for templates that people with impairments can use to perform simple types of installments.

A problem in the packaging and distribution of known products such as templates like the present invention is that they are bulky and require a lot of space for storage and transport.

There is therefore a need for a template that solves the space problem by being designed to be foldable.

Prior Art

Templates (jigs) for marking the position of where holes for fasteners (brackets, fittings) and the like are to be drilled have long been known to exist in several variations. For example, the applicants have developed a template for drilling holes in cabinet doors and drawers. This template works just fine for the intended purpose but is not useful for positioning and drilling holes for fittings and brackets for curtain rods and the like. Moreover there is no knowledge of any related template in accordance with the present invention.

Brief Description of the Invention Concept

The main purpose of the present invention is to achieve a profound improvement of the above mentioned problems with existing designs. Another aim of the present invention is to make available a drilling template that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Another aim of the present invention is to enable a quick, easy and efficient installation of fasteners (brackets, fittings) to hold up curtain rods, shelves and the like adjacent to windows and in wall corners without incurring errors in position. A further aim is to create a multi-functional drill template for all types of curtain rod brackets and fittings and brackets for wall corner shelves. An additional aim of the present invention is to provide a drilling template which is made of a recyclable material. Yet a further objective is to reduce damage to wall surfaces by a drill slipping away from a hole's marked position or that more holes than necessary must be drilled because of errors in position. Furthermore, still yet another objective is to reduce injuries that can occur by a drill slipping away from a hole's marked position and coming into contact with the person drilling or any other person standing nearby.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will be described in detail in the following text with reference to the enclosed schematic drawings that in an exemplifying purpose show the current preferred embodiments of the invention.

Figures 1 and 2 show a template according to the present invention in perspective. Figures 3a and 3b show the first template part formed as plate-shaped part more in detail. Figures 4a - 4c show the second template part formed as a guide more in detail. Figure 5a - 5g shows the template in use adjacent windows with moulding (trim).

Figures 6a - 6d shows the template in use adjacent windows without moulding (trim). Figure 7 shows the template in use in a corner. With reference to the figures and more specifically to figure 1 , a drill template 1 is shown which is intended to be used for positioning and drilling holes for screws used in attaching curtain rod brackets and fittings in accordance with the present invention. The drill template 1 consists of at least one primary template part, in the form of a plate 2 and at least one second template part in the form of a guide 3. The guide 3 is designed to be attached and temporarily fixed to the plate 2. With reference to figure 3 the plate 2 is shown in more detail. The plate 2 has a front 4 and a back 5 side, and is also bounded by a surrounding edge. The plate 2 has preferably a rectangular shape and is equipped with at least one recess 6. Alternatively, the plate 2 can have another form suitable for the purpose. The edge of the plate 2 contains in its recess a first contact surface 7 and a second contact surface 8, which are used to position the template in windows with window trim (window moulding). The plate also contains at least one reference line 9 and preferably at least five reference lines 9. The reference lines 9 are intended to facilitate the positioning of a hole's (or alternatively the template is used to mark the position of the screws to be screwed in) placement in relation to window moulding or the like. The reference lines may consist of notches (tracks) in the plate or lines printed on or added to the plate in another appropriate manner. The plate's 2 size and thickness can vary widely and are not restrictive for the scope of the present invention. The plate is preferably made of a polymeric material. Alternatively, the plate can be made of another material suitable for the purpose. In order to reduce environmental impact the plate should preferably be made of a recyclable material.

The plate 2 is also designed to fold variably via at least one joint 10 such as preferably a hinge joint or other appropriate joint design. Preferably the template can be equipped with at least two hinge joints 10 or the like. The hinge joints 10 may be of any previously known design of hinge joint which is appropriate for the purpose. Preferably the hinge joints are an integrated part of the plate with a thinner thickness than the plate and that the plate (and hinge joints) is made of a polymeric material with a hinge function (plastic hinge).

With reference to figures 4a-4c is shown a preferred embodiment of the included guide 3. The guide 3 includes a function with which the guide can be temporarily attached and fixed to the plate 2. The guide consists essentially of a plate-shaped part 11, with a front 12 and back 13 side and one edge 14. The plate-shaped part 11 is on its front side 12 provided with a grip 15 which facilitates the attaching and detaching of the guide 3 onto the plate 2. The grip 15 can be formed by a protruding segment, body or similar with a form suitable for the purpose such as shown in the figures. The grip 15 and the plate-shaped part 11 are preferably manufactured in one piece. Preferably the guide is made of a polymeric material. Alternatively, the guide can be made of another material suitable for the purpose.

In order to reduce the environmental impact of the plate it should preferably be made of a recyclable material. Attachment of the guide onto the plate is accomplished by the edge of the plate having a somewhat outward projection 16 and that the guide 3 is equipped with an elongated track (notch) 17 with a corresponding inward projection 16 which allows the attachment of the guide 3 along the edge's length.

Figures 5a — 5c show how the template is used for making holes for mounting curtain rod fittings (brackets) adjacent to windows with window trim (window moulding) 18. When using the template in windows which are fitted with window trim (window moulding), only the plate 2 is used. If the plate 2 is folded it is first unfolded and thereafter it is laid out on a surface which is preferably flat and essentially horizontal. Preferably, the surface the template is placed upon should be insensitive to damage in connection with the drilling of holes in the template. The curtain rod bracket (fitting) 19 is then positioned thereafter on a suitable location on the plate 2. The reference lines are used to make it easy to position the curtain rod bracket 19 on the plate 2. The reference lines can also be used to inform the user of the distance from the edge to the place where the curtain rod bracket 19 is placed. Then at least one hole 20 is drilled in the plate 2, the figures shows a bracket with three holes where three holes 20 have been drilled in the plate 2. The holes 20 are made with a drill bit, with an appropriate diameter, which is driven by a drill 21 or similar. After the holes 20 are drilled in the plate 2, the plate is then ready to be use for making holes in the wall 22 where the curtain rod bracket 19 is to be mounted. When making holes in the wall 22 the template 1 is positioned (only the plate 2 is used adjacent windows with window trim) on the corner on the left or the right side of the window moulding 18 by the template's surface 7 being lain against the horizontal window moulding' s vertical outer surface and that surface 8 is lain against the vertical window moulding' s outer surface. After the template is positioned against the window trim (window moulding) the hole 23 is drilled into the wall 22 by the drill 21 being pressed into the holes 20 in the plate and by rotation the drill bit is driven into the wall 22. After the holes 20 are drilled, to an appropriate depth for the purpose, the template is removed and the curtain rod bracket 19 is screwed into place on the wall 22 with screws or the like. After a bracket 19 is placed on the left or right side of the window, the procedure is repeated on the left or right side of the window where a curtain rod bracket has not yet been placed. When changing sides the template is turned over but the same holes 20 in the plate 2 are used for drilling the holes 23 in the wall on the right or left side respectively of the window.

Figures 6a - 6d show the template being used for making holes for mounting curtain rod brackets 19 adjacent to windows with no window trim (window moulding). The drilling of the holes 20 in the plate 2 do not differ in relation to the previously described technique. After the holes 20 are drilled into the plate 2 the guide 3 is attached and temporarily fixed to the plate 2. The template 1 is positioned in the window opening by the short side 24 of the guide 3 guiding the template's horizontal position in the window. The guide's back side 13 is used to position the template 1 in the window's vertical direction. After the template 1 is positioned in the window opening, the holes 23 are drilled into the wall 22 in the same way as in the windows with window trim (moulding). After one side, left or right, is completed, the procedure is repeated on the left or right side of the window where the holes for the curtain rod brackets have not yet been made, by turning the template over and using the same holes (the drilled holes in the plate). Figure 7 shows how the template 1 can be used for mounting, for example, fasteners, fittings and brackets for shelves and the like in wall corners 25 or other corners between a first wall 26 (surface) and a second wall 27 (surface). The function is achieved by the template (plate 2) being foldable through its joint (joints) 10. When using the template 1 for this purpose, only the plate 2 is used. When used in this manner the plate is folded out to match the corner's 25 angle, that is the angle between the first wall 26 and the second wall 27, and placed against the corner's two surfaces in the height that the holes for the shelf brackets, or similar are to be placed. To facilitate the positioning of holes the plate 2 is preferably provided with reference lines 9 in a horizontal direction. To facilitate the placement of the shelf in relation to the corner's horizontal position, the template 2 can even be fitted with vertical reference lines (not shown in the figures), that are essentially perpendicularly placed reference lines in relation to reference lines 9. Reference lines 9 and the essentially perpendicular reference lines are thus preferably used to indicate the height and distance from the corner to where the hole should be placed. If the template's length is not sufficient from the corner to the point where the hole is to be drilled, a ruler (not shown in the figures) or similar can preferably be used to extend the reference lines' 9 length. Even if certain preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications can within the scope of the invention become evident for specialists in the field and all such are regarded as falling within the scope of the following claims. For example, the template can contain holes at certain positions, which are especially suitable for use in attaching fasteners, brackets and fittings. It is possible that the template includes a magnet to which a bracket of magnetic matter can be attached to the template. It is also conceivable that the template not be made to fold for the purpose of mounting curtain rod brackets (fittings). In other possible variants, the plate might be fitted with other types of reference lines that are mainly placed perpendicularly to those reference lines shown in the figures. It is also conceivable that the template be equipped with drill bushings in metal or other suitable material. Alternatively, the present invention may also be comprised of a method for the use of the template 1.

Advantages of the Invention

The present invention allows for more efficient work when positioning and drilling holes for screws for attaching fasteners (fitting, brackets) for curtain rods and corner shelves without incurring significant p errors in positioning or other errors. The present invention is a multifunctional template and can be used for almost all types of windows and wall corners. The drill template is simple (easy) to use and is thus appropriate to use for people with reduced mobility in their arms and hands or other disabilities. The advantage of a folding and not a rigid 90 degree template for mounting shelves in a wall corner is that a corner need not be exactly perpendicular to use the template. The present invention can be adapted exactly to the corner's angle.

Claims

1. Template (1) intended to be used for positioning and drilling screw holes (23) for brackets (fittings, fasteners) used in mounting curtain rods, corner shelves and the like characterized by that the template contains at least a first template part in the form of a plate (2) which contains at least one recess (6) with at least one first contact surface (7) and at least one second contact surface (8), with which the template (1) can be positioned in windows fitted with window trim (window moulding) (18), and that the template (1) includes at least a second template part in the form of a guide (3), which may be attached and temporarily fixed to the plate (2) with the intention to be used in the positioning of the template (1 ) in a window with no window trim (window moulding).

2. Template (1) according to claim 1 characterized by that the plate (2) is manufactured in one piece.

3. Template (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the plate (2) is equipped with at least one, preferably at least five reference lines (9).

4. Template (1) according to claim 3 characterized by that the reference lines (9) are formed as notches (tracks) in the plate (2).

5. Template (1) according to claim 3 characterized by that the reference lines (9) are printed on the plate (2).

6. Template (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the plate (2) is equipped with at least one hinge joint (10) and preferably at least two hinge joints (10).

7. Template (1) according to claim 6 characterized by that the hinge joint (10) is formed as an integrated part of the plate with a thinner thickness than the rest of the plate and that the plate (2) is manufactured of a polymer material with a hinge joint function (plastic hinge).

8. Template (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the plate (2) is variably foldable.