Abstract: A clip system for accurately locating access openings in drywall panels for electrical outlets, junction boxes, conduit boxes, or other receptacles normally concealed within the wall. A plurality of resilient, disposable plastic clips are snap fitted to either the corners or the edges of various outlets, outlet covers, or similar structures requiring an access opening. Each clip comprises a resilient frame and a smaller, spaced apart, offset subframe that is yieldably deflectable. A deflectable wall connects the frame and subframe. A channel is formed between the frame and the subframe for captivating a portion of the outlet upon which the clip is forcibly inserted. Each clip supports a sharp, outwardly projecting prong that penetrates the drywall panel after installation. The clips occupy specific sections of the outlets, so that when the wallboard is installed, the tradesman may use the projecting prongs as a marking guide.

Abstract: A locator pin device is provided for locating a utility box behind a covering member such as drywall. The device removeably attaches to a utility box and, when attached, positions a locator pin or pins in an outward direction from the utility box. The locator pin or pins have a long shaft and tip that protrude partially or completely through the covering member when the covering member is placed over the utility box. A template may then be used to mark the location of the utility box so that an access opening may be cut in the covering member. The device allows exact location of a utility box behind a covering member.

Abstract: The present invention is a receptacle level that simulates a male electrical plug and also contains a liquid bubble level such that when the device is plugged into an electrical wall outlet, proper orientation of the wall outlet can be obtained by reading the bubble level. The receptacle level includes tapered male plugs and fits within coverplate clearances as are typically used with the electrical wall outlet to be leveled. This device simplifies the leveling of electrical wall outlets during installation.

Abstract: A tool for positioning and installing an electrical utility box which comprises a block member having a vertical slot in the rear wall which compressively receives the side wall of an electrical utility box and positions the box for attachment to a stud with a predetermined outset from the face of the stud in accordance with the thickness dimension of the finished wall.

Abstract: An electrical box setting apparatus for positioning electrical boxes on wood or metal wall studs. A back plate includes a pair of slidably adjustable blocks and a spacer bar between the blocks. The thickness of the spacer bar is chosen to match the thickness of sheet rock to be installed on a wall constructed with wood studs. To install an electrical box, the sliding blocks are positioned to the vertical elevation desired for the electrical box, the apparatus is positioned so that the blocks straddle the stud and the spacer bar abuts the stud, and the electrical box is placed on one of the sliding blocks and attached to the stud at that position. For metal studs, the spacer bar is removed or the adjustable blocks are relocated to the opposite face of the back plate.

Abstract: A utility box positioning fixture provides a box holding device onto which a utility box may be easily placed and held relative to the fixture. A set of jaw and spacer bars are mounted onto a vertically held support bar, the width of the jaw and spacer bars establishing the horizontal position of the utility box relative to a horizontal stringer and a vertical stud of a wall structure. With the utility box positioned against the side surface of the stud, and with the jaw bars positioned against the front face of the stud, the box is positioned for mounting and therefore may be accurately fastened into place on the stud.

Abstract: A plurality of flat templates, each of which has the outline of an electric outlet box cut therein. A pair of slot-like openings are also cut in the template for weaving the template onto a wallboarder's square, or a carpenter's square. The template slides along the long member of the square to position and install the outlet boxes according to the building specifications. The template is then used to accurately position the corresponding cutout openings in the corresponding wallboard, sheeting or paneling. The apparatus can also be used to install ceiling outlets, and to accurately position the corresponding cutout openings in the ceiling wallboard, sheeting or paneling.

Abstract: An electrical gem box leveling template that is abutable against a wall and utilized for marking a position on the wall at which a gem box is to be mounted in the wall that is between studs in the wall. The template includes a plate, a first spirit level, and a second spirit level. The first spirit level is disposed on the plate and assures horizontal leveling of the electrical gem box leveling template. And, the second spirit level is disposed on the plate and assures vertical leveling of the electrical gem box leveling template.

Abstract: An electrical box installation apparatus including a mast. The apparatus includes a gripper assembly comprised of a pivoting arm, a stationary arm, and a pivoting handle. The gripper assembly is coupled with the mast. A wallboard gauge is secured to the mast. The apparatus allows for a switchboard to be held securely in position as it is nailed to a framing member.

Abstract: A simple, efficient and inexpensive method for applying non self-adhesive wall coverings to smooth, non-porous objects, such as electric, TV/cable or air vent plate covers employs a two-sided contact adhesive sheet. A portion of one side of the adhesive sheet is adhered to the plate cover with adhesive revealed by the removal of a pre-perforated section of a release sheet. A piece of wall covering is adhered to a portion of the other side of the adhesive sheet with adhesive revealed by the removal of a pre-perforated section of a second release sheet. The remainder of the two release sheets are removed and the remainder of the adhesive sheet and wall covering are adhered to the plate cover. The method facilitates the matching of a patterned piece of wall covering to the pattern of wall covering on a wall.

Abstract: A fixture locator enables a worker to find, mark, and cut the exact location and dimensions of an electrical or other fixture installed behind a previously installed panel of a partially paneled wall or ceiling structure. The fixture locator is essentially a bifurcated elongate structure, with essentially identical front and back arms in precise registry with one another. The separated ends of the arms are configured to fit closely about an electrical outlet box, switch box, light box, or junction box, but may be configured to fit virtually any component. The opposite ends of the arms are secured together, preferably with a spacer therebetween which is at least as thick as the thickest panels with which the present fixture locator will be used, in order to provide adequate clearance between the two arms of the device.

Abstract: An adjustable template and jig that covers a wall area of 32 square feet, or less, the size of a standard sheet of rigid wall covering, that can be adjusted to an infinite variety of configurations to simulate the exact shape said sheets of rigid wall coverings must be cut before installation. The cutting information included in the completed configuration include, but is not limited to, openings for ducts, electrical outlets, forming around doorways and windows, angles required because of stairs, or sloping ceilings, out of plumb and out of square openings and comers, exact width and length panels must be cut, and allowance for all other objects that may protrude beyond the plane of surfaces being covered. The completed configuration can the be fixed by tightening knobs provided for that purpose, removed from the wall location, and laid on the surface of the panel to be installed, for use as a template for marking, or a jig for cutting.

Abstract: A protective insert for protecting wires and other contents of a utility box such as an electrical or communication wiring box, from damage during construction, particularly when cutting openings for such boxes in wallboard that has been placed onto studs. The insert is made to utilize the only standard dimensions in utility boxes, namely, the distance between the threaded bores used for fastening switches, receptacles or other fixtures. The protective insert is easily placed into utility boxes using two ribbed posts or shanks that fit into the openings of the box with a fit that retains the insert in place. The insert is easily removed, and it also protects the threaded bores in the box that are used for supporting switches, receptacles, light fixtures, or the like.

Abstract: An electrical utility box locator (11) is provided for convenient and accurate location of electrical utility boxes on the studs of a framed-in wall. The locator has a paddle shaped body (12) with a bottom portion (13) that rests against the floor and against a sole plate of the framed-in wall. The side of the paddle rests against a vertical stud extending upwardly from the sole plate. A recess is formed in the middle section (15) intermediate the top and bottom sections (13 and 14) of the body for receiving the front rim of a utility box to be affixed to the stud. The depth of the recess corresponds to the distance that the forward edge of the utility box is to protrude outwardly from the side of the stud to which it is attached. In use, the locator of this invention is positioned with its bottom portion resting on the floor and against a sole plate, its side resting against a vertical stud, and the side of a utility box in the recess also resting against the stud.

Abstract: A device for locating the position of a receptacle in a wall which is covered during the construction process. The receptacle locating device includes a guide module, such as a plate-shaped body with an interior opening conforming to the configuration of a receptacle, for indicating the receptacle. The receptacle locating device also includes an attachment module for connecting the guide module to a portion of a mounting apparatus, such as a leg of a squaring tool. When another portion of the mounting apparatus, such as the other leg of the squaring tool, is held against a second wall, such as the floor, that intersects the first wall, the receptacle locating device attached to the mounting apparatus can be aligned with the receptacle and later used to pinpoint the location of the receptacle after the receptacle is subsequently covered.

Abstract: A vacuum template has a suction chamber on its back surface that adheres the template to the wall or other flat surface when a source of vacuum pressure attached to the template is turned on and the template has been placed by the worker in its desired position. Dust inlets adjacent a guidance hole in the template immediately suction away dust particles as the hole is being cut by a power tool or hand saw manipulated by the user. Interchangeable modules on the template provide for variations in hole size and shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an Electrical Stick used to install electrical boxes. The Stick is made of a durable material as to prevent bending. The Stick has height indicators on both sides to ensure proper height when installing the electrical boxes. The Stick has box height indicators on both sides to make certain the installer keeps the electrical boxes uniform. The Stick has an arrow and an up sign to make certain the Stick is used properly.

Abstract: An electricians tool is disclosed which comprises a body which houses a sliding arm. This arm engages in an electrical outlet box cover to hold the tool under spring pressure in the said cover. A horizontally disposed spirit level and a vertically disposed spirit level are used to align the electrical outlet box cover so that it may be fastened level.

Abstract: A tool for aiding in the leveling of electrical switches. This tool rests on the top portion of the rim around the toggle of single, and three and four-way switches that have a metal mounting bracket. This tool holds itself to the switch so that the user has use of both hands for adjusting and fastening purposes.

Abstract: The invention presented herein is an apparatus for matching wall coverings on a cover plate to a wall, ceiling or other background comprising a transparent or semi-transparent template which is sized to the cover plate and marked by tracing the design from the background. The process comprises placing the template over the electrical box in the wall, tracing the design thereto, placing the template over the match piece corresponding the design from the wall to align with the traced design, cutting the match piece at a perimeter and access opening or openings and adhesively fastening the sized match piece to the cover plate.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in positioning outlet, switching and like electrical boxes about either side of a standard construction support such as a stud or joist. The device enables a worker to position such a box at a predetermined distance outwardly from the support to correspond with the thickness of covering materials intended for attachment thereto. It also provides for the positioning of such boxes at an established distance from fixed structures such as walls or floors. The device comprises two essential components. Namely, a substantially rectangular first block-shaped component and a thinner, substantially square second wafer component which mounts in sliding, adjacent relation to the block component. In operation, a longitudinal slot measuring approximately 1/16" is formed between the first and second components of the device. This slot, which corresponds with the standard width of an electrical box sidewall, is designed to receive and firmly hold the sidewall of such boxes.

Abstract: A tool for holding electrical boxes in position for attachment to upright studs in residential and commercial building construction. The tool comprises a main body made of an elongated tubular support member, a holder attached to the main body for releasably holding an electrical box in position for installation, a height adjuster connected to the main body for positioning the electrical box at a predetermined distance above the floor, a depth adjuster attached to the main body for positioning the electrical box at a predetermined depth relative to the face of the upright stud, and an alignment device attached to the main body for positioning the electrical box so that the sides of the box are parallel to the sides of the upright stud. One aspect of the invention provides a clamping trigger for automatic activation of the box gripping force. The clamping trigger is located and configured so that electrical boxes which are presented in misalignment do not activate the trigger.

Abstract: A tool for accurately positioning an electrical box on a wall stud in a building. The tool is preferably embodied by a strip of generally rigid material having a set of indentations for positioning the electrical box at any of several locations along a wall stud. The dimensions of the indentations are preferably such that the electrical box will not protrude beyond mounted drywall.

Abstract: Apparatus for locating an electrical outlet box to either side of a vertical wall stud in which the box is accurately registered without benefit of complex adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: A magazine has a plurality of storage ports 400 each of which retains a stylus module 314 for use in measuring workpiece dimensions on a coordinate measuring machine. Each storage port 400 is configured as a pair of jaws provided by docking inserts 414. A permanent magnet 418 is mounted on each docking insert 414. The lower casing of the stylus module 314 is urged against the inwardly facing edges 416 of the docking inserts 414 by the magnetic attraction force due the magnets 418. The stylus module 314 is engaged with a retaining module (on the quill of the machine) by moving the retaining module in a downward sense to engage the stylus module 314; further downward movement disengages the stylus module 314 from the storage port 400, thus enabling engagement of such a stylus module and removal of the module from the storage port in a single continuous movement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for covering electrical wall cover plates with wallcovering in registration with wallcovering on the wall surrounding the electrical wall cover plates. The method and template used therewith enable, not only the professional, but also the homeowner, to cover electrical wall cover plates easily to achieve registration. The method comprises the steps of securing a template to the wall in place of the electrical wall cover plate to be covered. The template comprises a generally rectangular thin plate containing apertures as those contained by the electrical wall cover plate. The template also bears rigid pins projecting outwardly from the template which pins are located at the corners of the electrical wall cover plate. The pins, then, define the size of the electrical wall cover plate and locate the apertures. The template, accordingly, is larger in size than the electrical wall cover plate.

Abstract: A utility box insert for protecting the contents of the utility box during the installation of wallboard. The insert includes a base plate dimensioned to fit within the interior of a utility box, sidewalls extending upwardly from the sides of the plate, fastening tabs extending upwardly from the ends of the plate in order to hook over the edge of the utility box, and cut-outs cooperating with said fastening tabs in order to accommodate for mounting ears located on the utility box.

Abstract: A template for locating the proper placement of junction boxes and for marking a section of wall to be cut out to accommodate a junction box. The template comprises a first straight portion of designated length having a first end which is free and a second end defining an aperture which is about or slightly larger than the dimension of a junction box.

Abstract: A method and system for use in the checking and/or correction of alignment of a vehicle frame, body and various parts thereof which utilize an energy beam generator to direct one or more beams, such as a laser beam, at multiple targets which may be mounted on the vehicle frame, body or specific parts thereof, to establish a horizontal reference centerline and a vertical reference datum line from and/or to which alignment measurements may be made. Such method and system are enhanced by the use of either a unidirectional or sweeping beam to establish a centerline and a sweeping beam to establish a datum line. The beam generating means and targets preferably are located within the confines of a vehicle frame or body with the centerline defining beam and target being centered between undamaged portions of the same vehicle parts from which or to which measurements are to be made.

Abstract: A disposable paper template for accurately marking building panels to facilitate cutouts for windows, doors and other objects in a building wall. The template is formed from a thin transparent paper and is sized to conform to the panel for which it is to be used. The template carries thereon level lines and measuring scales to facilitate alignment and use.

Abstract: An outlet location device for marking the location of an outlet box or the like sealed behind a panel comprises a first plate and second plate slidably mounted to one another. Each plate carries a locator pin extending normally from one side of the plate, and a marking pin extending normally from the other side of the plate and opposite the locator pin. The first and second plates are slidably affixed to one another so that the distance between the first and second locator pins may be adjusted to fit into the cover plate mounting holes of an installed outlet box.

Abstract: A system for positioning and blind marking construction material panels includes clips designed to support marking projections relative to installed construction components such as electrical outlet boxes and frames for windows and doors. A leg flexure of each clip is used to secure the clip to thin walled components. Each of the clips further has alignment projections that abut the component edges, for securely positioning the clips. The flexure legs break away to enable use of the clip on thick walled components, with an adhesive retaining the clip in lieu of the leg flexure. The system further includes stabilizers for aligning an unsecured panel in parallel spaced apart relation to a previously installed panel, thus to edge-align the panels for precise placement of markings on an inside surface of the panel to be installed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for locating the open side of an electrical outlet box comprising a flat, cast aluminum locater plate having a pair of steel positioning pins extending outwardly from one side of the plate and a pair of steel template alignment pins extending outwardly from the other side of the plate. The template alignment pins are offset inwardly from the marginal edges of the locater plate to allow for clearance.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the method and apparatus for locating utility structures behind construction panels. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is realized in the form of a locator element comprising a body portion, an attachment portion, a puncture portion, and an engaging portion. The body portion has a longitudinal extent with first and second end portions. The attachment portion is provided to the first end portion for attaching to the utility structure, whereas the puncture portion provides to the second end portion for puncturing through the construction panel. The engaging portion on the other hand, is provided for engaging with a tool for removably detaching the locator element from the utility structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel template for the uniform positioning of electrical boxes in walls of buildings. The template has a slidable vertical adjusting extension that can be locked in place when the appropriate height of installation is determined. The template also has depth adjusting screws which determine how deep on a stud the template will be nailed. On the front face of the template are handles and on the back face of the template is a clamp which holds the box securely in position while nailing to a stud.

Abstract: A tool is provided for use in mounting electrical boxes to wall studs. An upright member includes a plurality of slots along its length for receiving an electrical box. The slot has a width dimension to hold the box at a predetermined depth for mounting on a stud. The position of the slot along the length of the upright determines the height at which a box will be mounted. Different slots are provided for various box mounting height and depth requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a box into a wall is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fastener which is attached to a sleeve. The fastener holds the box which is to be installed into the wall. More particularly, the fastener holds the box at a position corresponding to the desired depth at which the box will be positioned in the wall. The sleeve fits over a pipe and may be secured to the pipe by a collar. The pipe includes markings designating various vertical heights at which a box is commonly located in respect to the wall. The sleeve may be fixed at a designated vertical height by the collar. The box is installed into the wall while the fastener holds the box at the desired depth and the collar holds the box at the desired height.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for locating the open side of an electrical outlet box comprising a flat locater plate having a pair of positioning pins extending outwardly from one side of the plate and a pair of template alignment pins extending outwardly from the other side of the plate. The template alignment pins are offset inwardly from the marginal edges of the locater plate to allow for clearance.

Abstract: Cutting shaped holes is accomplished by the device by including a foot plate on the part to be cut and a cutting tool which is driven around the foot plate in accordance with the hole shape selected. A template determines size and shape of the hole, and a cutting tool movable on a rotating arm follows the template. The template also controls the position of the cutting tool with respect to the direction of cut so that efficient cutting is achieved.

Abstract: A marking device is used in conjunction with an electrical outlet box to mark a wall panel with the exact and precise location of that outlet box so the panel can be cut to accommodate such outlet box. The marking device includes an I-shaped body having ears on each corner of a rectangular shaped central body. An anchoring element is attached to each ear and extends far enough to fictionally engage the outlet box, and a biplanar arrow-shaped marking element is also attached to each ear.

Abstract: A device for positioning an outlet or switch box on a wall member for connection and use in the electrical system, the device having parts to grip and locate a box of any preferred form in various positions both inwardly and outwardly and upwardly and downwardly while the box is being secured in its preferred location within the wall construction.

Abstract: An alignment tool for simultaneously and accurately installing a commercial electrical box on each side of a stud, which can be made of wood or metal, has a tube mounted to a frame and stud standoff gauges mounted to the tube or the frame and a box holder assembly mounted on the tube with first and second side surfaces separated by the width of about 2 1/16 inches and having depth tabs on both the first and second side surfaces of the box holder assembly placed with respect to the stud standoff gauges to provide for an electrical box setback of about .dbd. inch from the front of the stud, which accounts for a plaster ring flange depth. A box holding spring is provided for holding commercial electrical boxes on the box holder assembly. First and second binary gauges are mounted on the tube below the box holder assembly with each binary gauge having two positions for selecting the centerline alignment for either "4-S" "5-S" commercial electrical boxes.

Abstract: A positioning device for the uniform positioning of electrical outlet boxes on wall studs during building construction includes a positioning block with a handle and adjustable positioning plates with a vertical guide. The positioning block is held at a preadjusted height by the vertical guide and is shaped to abut flush against a wall stud for proper alignment of the electrical junction box in view of a preadjusted depth associated with the positioning plates. In particular, the positioning plates are variably connected to each side of the positioning block to allow selective variation of the horizontal position of the electrical junction box relative to the face of a wall to be later installed on the stud framework. The depth of the box relative to the later to be installed wall is variably adjustable to allow for different thicknesses of wall cover.

Abstract: An electrician's tool is disclosed which comprises a combination template and spirit level. A pair of locating pins stored in the housing carrying at least one spirit level are removable and relocatable in a pair of pin-receiving openings which are spaced from one another and from a side edge of the template the distance required to mate with and be detachably received within the grounded prong-receiving openings of a conventional dual receptacle. When so positioned, a lip on the righthand edge of the template defines a stop-forming abutment for locating a second dual socket or a toggle switch in the precise ganged relation necessary to accept an appropriately apertured trimplate. A horizontally-disposed spirit level is used to align the receptacles to toggle switches or both vertically. A second vertically-disposed spirit level may be included for aligning horizontal installations.

Abstract: A tool for facilitating the height and depth placement of electrical outlet and junction boxes during rough construction comprises an elongated extruded support member having a rectangular or square cross-section and approximately five feet long. The rear surface is a plane for placement against the front surface of a stud on which electrical outlet boxes are to be placed. The front surface has a slot in it and box locator devices are slideably attached in the slot, so that the vertical height of electrical boxes to be attached to the stud is established by an initial adjustment of the box locator devices. Each box locator device further includes a box spacer extending on the sides of the support member ot establish the depth to which the box is located on the stud; and a spring is used to releasably hold the box in place against the spacer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for accurately cutting away a section of a panel opposite an electrical outlet box. This device employs a locator plate having two sets of pins, each set extending outwardly from opposite sides of the plate. With the locator plate in position, the panel is placed over the plate with one set of pins piercing the panel. The template is then placed in position with holes in the template servicing to guide the pins piercing the panel and bring the template into registration with the open side of the box so that the center of the template coincides with the center of the open side. With the template in position, the marginal edges of the template overlap the edges of the open side. The user can now use a cutting tool to cut the hole tracing a path defined by the marginal edges of the template. An extension plate is provided for a double outlet electrical box.

Abstract: A tool which provides the installer of electric outlet boxes with means for outlining on a wall or similar support the contours of a one-gang box and a two-gang box including means for pre-determining height and a leveling means for placing the contours of the box on a level with the lines of a room.

Abstract: A template for use in positioning an electrical outlet box or switch box with respect to a building stud. The template releaseably supports the electrical box at a selected height and position forwardly of the face of the vertical stud.

Abstract: A tool for locating an accessory with respect to a vertical wall stud so that an opening can be cut in a panel or sheet of dry wall to accommodate the accessory before the panel is attached to the wall. The method includes tacking a vertical arm to a wall stud adjacent the side edge and either the top or bottom edge of a previously mounted wall panel, and connecting to the vertical arm a horizontal arm with a template located according to the position of the accessory, such as an electrical outlet.

Abstract: A fixture for securing an electrical connector, such as an outlet plate, includes a flat rectangular portion and elongated legs that can be fabricated during a single manufacturing step. The flat rectangular portion has a central opening with parallel sides at which the legs are bent. The legs of one side are staggered with respect to the legs of the other side. During installation the central rectangular opening is used as a template for marking where an opening is to be cut in a wall, and then the legs are inserted into the wall opening and bent outward to secure the opening to the wall. The connector element is then screwed to the flat rectangular portion of the fixture.