1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a template (or jig) that is useful in installing hardware, such as mounting brackets, at symmetric locations relative to an object, such as a window. The template is especially useful in determining the location of mounting holes in walls around a window location for the purpose of installing brackets for supporting curtains, drapes and blinds.
2. Description of Related Art
With respect to the installation of hardware, such as mounting brackets, for supporting curtains, drapes and blinds, it is recognized by those skilled in the art that the quality of the resulting installation is heavily dependent on accurately placing the hardware mounting holes. Indeed, symmetry is critical. The height and offset from the top corners of the window for each mounting hole must be accurately positioned. Skilled workers manage the placement of mounting holes with relative ease. A homeowner, lacking experience in measurement and alignment, often fails at first attempt to properly locate the mounting holes. Damage to the walls around the window may result. Additionally, symmetry may be lost with incorrect placement.
A need exists in the art for a template and jig to assist in the accurate placement of mounting holes relative to a window opening.
A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention may be acquired by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
Reference is now made to
The lip structure 22 presents an inside corner surface 30i that is perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the legs 12 and 14. When the template is used in connection with a cased window opening, the inside corner surface is positioned in engaged contact with the corresponding outside corner surface of the casing or millwork for the window and the sheet material for the legs is positioned on the wall surface. The structure 22 further presents an outside corner surface 30o for each of the front and back surfaces of the sheet material. This outside corner surface 30o is also perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the legs 12 and 14. When the template is used in connection with an un-cased window opening, one of the outside corner surfaces 30o is positioned in engaged contact with the corresponding inside corner surface of the window opening and the sheet material for the legs is positioned on the wall surface.
The template may include other indicia such as words indicating orientation or use of the template.
After positioning the template at a corner of the window, the user may select one or more of the included openings 28. Using a marking instrument, such as carpenter's pencil, a pen or marker, a marking dot may be placed on the wall by passing the marking instrument through each of the selected openings. The template may then be removed and the holes drilled at the marked location. Alternatively, after selecting the desired openings, a drill bit attached to a power drill may be passed through each of the selected openings to make corresponding holes.
The process as just described is then repeated on the opposite window corner with the template flipped over. It is important to select the correspondingly located openings when marking and/or drilling at the opposite window corner.
By following this process, the user is ensured of making a symmetric set of holes for use in hardware installation.
The template is preferably made of a hard plastic material. In this configuration, the template may be manufactured by any suitable molding process. Alternatively, the template may be made from metal sheet material using known stamping, cutting and bending processes. In a preferred implementation, the template is made of a transparent plastic material.
In an embodiment, the openings 28 may be sized to accept mounting of other tools to the template 10. For example, the openings 28 may accept mounting of a leveling tool such as a leveling bubble or a laser for use in projecting a visible alignment line.
The template may further be useful in connection with the hanging of picture frames and mirrors.
The template may further be useful in connection with the installation of knobs and pulls on drawers and cabinets.
Although preferred embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/104,111 filed Jan. 16, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62104111 | Jan 2015 | US |