Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Wall panel outline marker for utility
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-29
2001-04-03
Bennett, G. Bradley (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Wall panel outline marker for utility
C033SDIG001
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209214
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to a device for assisting an installer in properly installing utility boxes in a wall, such as drywall, floor, ceiling or door, and that the utility box is level. By “utility box” is meant any device intended to be snugly fitted into a opening in a wall. Therefore, electrical service boxes such as outlets and switches, cable television and telephone connections, plumbing fixtures such as modular clothes washer water connections, mail slots, lighting fixtures such as recessed lighting cans are among the types of utility boxes which can be installed with the device disclosed in this application.
The invention has particular application to the installation of utility boxes in existing walls, where an opening is formed in the wall and the utility box fitted into the newly-formed opening. Present techniques for making sure the opening is level include holding the utility box to be installed against the wall and tracing around the box with a pen or pencil while holding a carpenter's level on top of the box. This is difficult to do, since the top edge of some utility boxes are not regularly shaped and the level interferes with the tracing. In many cases, the installer merely “eyeballs” the correct position, resulting in irregularly-positioned utility boxes.
It has also been found that by carefully tracing around a template of the utility box which has all of the peripheral structural features of the box, the box can be easily and quickly positioned with a high degree of accuracy. The box fits snugly into the opening so that there is no tendency for the box to rotate in the opening into an out-of-level position.
Of course, the templates according to the invention can also be used for marking the location of utility box openings on drywall which has not yet been installed, once the correct location of the opening has been determined.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a utility box template which includes a level for insuring that the opening for the utility box is level, and that the utility box, when installed in the opening, is level.
It is another object of the invention to provide a utility box template which is compact and easy to use.
It is another object of the invention to provide a utility box template which has a shape which includes the exact peripheral shape of utility box to be installed in the utility box opening.
It is another object of the invention to provide a utility box template which will provide the shape of an opening into which the utility box will snugly fit.
It is another object of the invention to provide a utility box template which is transparent so that the user can keep sight of surface markings.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a template for permitting accurate and level marking of the shape of a wall opening for placement therein of utility boxes. The template comprises a base having a periphery shaped to match the shape of the periphery of a utility box to be fitted into the wall opening. The base includes opposed first and second surfaces. The first surface is adapted for being engaged with the wall to be marked. At least one spirit level cooperates with the base for permitting a user to level the template before marking the shape of the wall opening on the wall prior to forming the opening.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the spirit level is mounted on the second surface of the base.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base is transparent.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the spirit level extends outwardly from the second surface of the base and forms a hand-hold.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the spirit level is embedded in the base.
Preferably, first and second spirit levels cooperate with the base. The first and second spirit levels are positioned at right angles to each other for permitting use of a predetermined one of the first or second spirit levels dependent on the orientation of the opening to be formed for the utility box.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second spirit levels are secured to the second surface of the base.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the gripping means is positioned on the first surface of the base for aiding in maintaining the base in a stationary position during marking of the wall.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the gripping means comprises rubber.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the gripping means comprises a plurality of pins extending outwardly from the first surface of the base for penetrating the wall.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a template is provided for permitting accurate and level marking of the shape of a wall opening for placement therein of utility boxes. The template comprises a base having a periphery shaped to match the shape of the periphery of a utility box to be fitted into the wall opening the base. The base includes opposed first and second surfaces. The first surface is adapted for being engaged with the wall to be marked. First and second spirit levels are carried at right angles to each other on the base for permitting a user to level the template before marking the shape of the wall opening on the wall prior to forming the opening.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base is formed of transparent acrylic material, and the base is approximately one-quarter inch thick.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, first and second spirit levels are protectively embedded in the acrylic material.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2733513 (1956-02-01), Gatineau
patent: 4793069 (1988-12-01), McDowell
patent: 4888880 (1989-12-01), Parker
patent: 5136788 (1992-08-01), Jackson
patent: 5222303 (1993-06-01), Jardine
patent: 5813130 (1998-09-01), MacDowell
Adams, Schwartz & Evans P.A.
Bennett G. Bradley
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