Abstract:
A surface template is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the surface template includes at least two template panels of similar size and shape and disposed in spaced-apart relationship to each other. Each of the at least two template panels has a pair of side edges disposed in generally perpendicular relationship to each other and a surface edge extending between the pair of side edges. A method of forming a surface between adjoining surfaces is also disclosed.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to construction devices used to construct surface effects or characteristics in walls, ceilings and other surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to a surface template which can be attached to two or more adjoining surfaces to facilitate the construction of an arched, curved or alternatively-configured surface between the adjoining surfaces. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In the construction of houses and buildings, wall, ceiling and other surfaces having various shapes are frequently formed to create a desired architectural effect. While various techniques may be used to create these effects, it is usually desirable to create such effects using methods and materials which are as simple and cost-effective as possible. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is generally directed to a surface template. In one illustrative embodiment, the surface template includes at least two template panels of similar size and shape and disposed in spaced-apart relationship to each other. Each of the at least two template panels has a pair of side edges disposed in generally perpendicular relationship to each other and a surface edge extending between the pair of side edges. The invention is further directed to a method of forming a surface between adjoining surfaces. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of multiple pieces of an illustrative embodiment of the surface template according to the present invention, provided in place between adjoining walls and illustrating a curved wall as an exemplary surface provided over the surface templates; 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of a pair of pieces of an illustrative embodiment of a surface template according to the present invention, provided in place at a pair of corners between adjoining walls and illustrating a curved wall provided over the surface templates; 
       FIG. 3A  is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a surface template according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 3B  is a front perspective view of a second illustrative embodiment of a surface template according to the present invention; and 
       FIG. 3C  is a front perspective view of a third illustrative embodiment of a surface template according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring initially to  FIG. 3A  of the drawings, a first illustrative embodiment of a surface template according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral  1 . The surface template  1  typically includes at least two spaced-apart template panels  2  generally having the same size and shape. Each template panel  2  may be wooden, plastic or metal, for example, and typically includes a pair of side edges  3  which meet at a corner  4 . The side edges  3  of each template panel  2  may be disposed at any desired angle with respect to each other to generally correspond with and match the angle between adjoining walls  34  in use, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and will be hereinafter further described. Typically, the side edges  3  are disposed at a generally perpendicular or 90-degree angle with respect to each other to engage adjoining walls  34  which are disposed at a generally perpendicular or 90-degree angle to each other. 
   Each template panel  2  of each surface template  1  further includes a surface edge  5  which extends between the side edges  3 . The surface edge  5  may have any configuration which is to be subsequently provided in a surface between the adjoining walls  34 . In  FIG. 3A , the surface edge  5  has a generally curved or concave configuration. At least one spacer  8  is provided between the template panels  2 . Multiple spacers  8  may be provided between the template panels  2 , in spaced-apart relationship to each other. Multiple fasteners  10  may extend through registering fastener openings (not shown) provided in the template panels  2  and each spacer  8  to secure the spacers  8  between the template panels  2 . Alternatively, the template panels  2  and spacers  8  may be casted, molded or formed in one piece. A space  9  is typically defined by the spacers  8 , between the template panels  2 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the drawings, in typical application, each surface template  1  is provided between adjoining walls  34 , which meet at a corner  35 , to form a surface  40  having a curved configuration, as shown, or an alternative configuration. Accordingly, the side edges  3  of each surface template  1  are attached to the respective walls  34  using fasteners (not shown), adhesive (not shown) or a combination of fastening techniques. Multiple surface templates  1  are typically secured to the adjoining walls  34 , between a floor  36  and a ceiling  37 , in spaced-apart relationship to each other, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Therefore, a curved surface  40  can be formed against the surface edges  5  of the template panels  2  on each of the surface templates  1 , typically between the floor  36  and the ceiling  37 , and may be continuous with the walls  34 . The curved surface  40  can be plastered and textured, as desired, to impart a desired appearance to the curved surface  40 , which may or may not match that of the walls  34 . 
   Referring next to  FIG. 3B , a second illustrative embodiment of the surface template according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral  14 . The surface template  14  includes at least two template panels  15 , each of which may have a generally curved, arcuate or crescent shape. Each template panel  15  includes a generally convex outer edge  16  and a generally concave or alternatively-shaped inner edge  17 . At least one, and typically, multiple spacers  18  may be provided between the adjacent template panels  15  and define a space  19 . Fasteners  20  may extend through registering fastener openings (not shown) provided in the template panels  15  and each spacer  18 . In use, the outer edges  16  of the template panels  15  are attached to a curved surface (not shown) for the formation of a second curved or alternatively-shaped surface (not shown) against the inner edges  17  of the respective template panels  15 , typically in the same manner as was heretofore described with respect to the surface template  1  of  FIGS. 1-3A . 
   Referring next to  FIG. 3C , a third illustrative embodiment of the surface template according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral  24 . The surface template  24  includes at least two template panels  25 . Each template panel  25  typically has a generally straight or flat outer edge  26 , a pair of side edges  27  which extend from the outer edge  26 , and a surface edge  28  which extends between the side edges  27 . The surface edge  28  of each template panel  25  may have a generally curved, arcuate or concave configuration, as shown, or an alternative shape. At least one, and typically, multiple spacers  29  may be provided between the at least two template panels  25  and define a space  30 . Fasteners  31  may extend through registering fastener openings (not shown) provided in the template panels  25  and each spacer  29 . In use, the outer edges  26  and side edges  27  of the respective template panels  25  are attached to a correspondingly-shaped surface (not shown) for the formation of a curved or alternatively-shaped surface (not shown) against the surface edges  28  of the respective template panels  25 , typically in the same manner as was heretofore described with respect to the surface template  1  of  FIGS. 1-3A . 
   While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made in the invention and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.