Template for theater lighting

A drafting template which facilitates prealignment of multiple symbols onto vertical and horizontal axes. The distance between symbols is generallly determined by a predetermined scale which is associated with the template. A grid pattern and four double rows of holes around the edge of the grid are used to place template cutouts in the proper location on the drawing, so that the symbols are drawn in the proper location. Additionally, four apertures associated with each symbol define the vertical and horizontal axis of the symbol, and four indicia, associated with each symbol, define a predetermined rotation of the template required to draw a symbol at a predetermined angle.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
This invention relates to drafting instruments, and more particularly, to 
drafting templates that utilize cutout symbols which represent objects or 
concepts for use in the design of theater lighting. 
BACKGROUND ART 
Heretofore various patents describing flat sheets of plastic with holes 
adapted to be used as non-related symbols, have been disclosed as devices 
for drawing symbols on a central axis. Most drafting devices in common use 
typically have symbols aligned to one edge of the symbols, rather than 
aligned to a central axis. Those devices typically require the user to 
define the central axis of the symbols after first drawing a line to 
define a plane, and to constantly adjust the devices vertically or 
horizontally, so that unrelated symbols may be drawn with the vertical or 
horizontal axis of the symbols are all centrally located on that line. 
Most drafting devices in common use also typically have randomly spaced 
symbols. To determine the distance between symbols while drafting requires 
either moving the device so that a scale rule printed on the device 
becomes applicable, or utilizing a separate measuring device such as a 
ruler or scale, to determine the distance between a drawn symbol and a 
second symbol yet to be drawn. 
All such devices known to applicant have a major disadvantage in that it is 
extremely time-consuming for the user, after tracing the first symbol, to 
determine the distance between symbols, mark the distance, and then adjust 
the device so as to align the second symbol to be traced in matching 
alignment to the first symbol. This requires a great deal of time, 
patience, and attention on the part of the draftsperson in order to 
maintain the accuracy of the alignment of the symbols on the same plane, 
as well as to maintain the accuracy of distance between each traced 
symbol. 
Furthermore, if a draftsperson desires to draw a symbol at a predetermined 
angle, such as 45.degree. for example, it is necessary to mark the central 
axis point of the desired symbol on the paper, place an additional tool, 
such as a 45.degree. triangle, onto the paper, adjust the triangle and the 
device so that the symbol in the device is aligned with the central axis 
point on the paper, and draw the angled symbol. 
Still furthermore, if a draftsperson desires to mark the central axis point 
of a symbol not yet drawn, most devices commonly used typically require 
the draftsperson to mark the axis point, with a pen or pencil, inside the 
to-be-drawn symbol. This procedure requires additional time, to allow for 
erasure of the mark in the later stages of the drafting. This also 
requires more concentration of the part of the draftsperson to insure 
accuracy of the erasure of the mark, without smudging the symbol, which 
would then require complete erasure and redrawing of the symbol. 
Accordingly, there is a need for a template which in addition to 
facilitating the illustration of symbols, can also be used to space the 
symbols by predetermined measured intervals, as well as to allow 
illustration of the symbols at predetermined angles of orientation. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The primary object of the invention is to provide a drafting instrument of 
a generally planar, transparent plastic member for the prealignment of the 
cutout symbols onto horizontal and vertical axes. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a drafting instrument for 
defining the distance between cutout symbols with a predetermined scale 
which may be represented by the combination of a gridwork pattern and four 
series of double rows of equidistant holes or dots. 
A further object of the invention is to provide a drafting instrument that 
has four holes surrounding each cutout symbol and defining the vertical 
and horizontal axes. These holes are used to mark the vertical or 
horizontal axis of the symbol, without a pen or pencil mark being made 
inside the area of the symbol to be drawn. 
A still further object of the invention is to provide a drafting instrument 
using the gridwork pattern to define the location of four black dots 
surrounding each cutout symbol which indicate the rotation of the template 
required to draw symbols at a 45.degree. angle. 
The invention enables the user to quickly draw symbols that, when drawn, 
will be visually presented on the same plane, either horizontally or 
vertically parallel to each other, or at a 45.degree. angle. The invention 
also enables the user to accurately define the distance between two 
symbols, without having to independently measure the distance with a scale 
rule or other measuring device. 
One aspect of the invention relates to a template for the drafting and 
measuring of symbols, which comprises a generally planar member adapted to 
be disposed on a substrate and defining a plurality of apertures forming 
symbols therein; first means for determining the spacing between the 
symbols according to a first predetermined scale; first registration means 
associated with a plurality of the symbols for selective orientation of 
each of the symbols at a predetermined angle; and second registration 
means associated with a plurality of symbols for selective alignment of 
one symbol with respect to an adjacent symbol. 
The planar member is preferably transparent and has a substantially 
rectangular perimeter. Also, the perimeter includes means for determining 
distance thereof. Preferably, the distance determining means extends in 
opposite directions on opposite sides of the rectangular perimeter, and 
includes a scaled ruler. 
The template may further comprise second means for determining the spacing 
between the symbols according to a second predetermined scale. Such second 
spacing determining means comprises a plurality of apertures in the planar 
member, wherein the apertures are aligned in two staggered rows and the 
second predetermined scale is smaller than the first predetermined scale. 
The first spacing determining means may include a plurality of linear 
indicia, such as in the form of a plurality of horizontal and vertical 
lines. Some of the horizontal and vertical lines may be wider or bolder 
than the remaining lines to serve as more commonly used distances or 
spacings. 
The first registration means may comprise a plurality of apertures oriented 
about the symbols, wherein the apertures are positioned between adjacent 
symbols such that a single aperture serves two adjacent symbols. Also, the 
second registration means may comprise a plurality of indicia oriented 
about said symbols, wherein the indicia are positioned between adjacent 
symbols such that at least one of the indicia serves two adjacent symbols. 
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a template for the drafting 
and measuring of symbols, which comprises a generally planar transparent 
member having four external edges forming a rectangle adapted to be 
disposed on a substrate and defining a plurality of cut out symbols 
therein; a grid pattern upon the template, in a predetermined scale, with 
a first spacing between symbols represented by first bold lines, and a 
second spacing of smaller increments within the first spacing being 
represented by second lines; a scale upon a first edge of the template for 
defining the predetermined scale illustrated by the grid pattern; double 
rows of apertures cut out of the template, located at the first edge of 
the grid pattern, in a predetermined scale, representing further smaller 
spacing increments within the first spacing between symbols; four indicia 
at 45.degree., 135.degree., 225.degree., and 315.degree. relative to each 
symbol, each opposite pair of indicia defining the rotation of the 
template required to draw a symbol at an angle of 45.degree. or multiples 
thereof without additional devices; and four apertures at 0.degree., 
90.degree., 180.degree., and 270.degree. arranged about each symbol for 
defining the vertical and horizontal axis of the symbol.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Specifically, the present invention relates to a thin, flat, transparent 
rectangle constructed of a plastic, such as polystyrene, with symbols and 
holes cut out of the plastic. The gridwork, scales, and 45.degree. angle 
dots are preferably heat stamped onto the plastic. The top and bottom 
edges bear markings and numbers to define a scale, in this case 
1/2"=1'-0", on 1/4" (6") centers. Also, in this invention, the typical 
premeasured horizontal distance of 18" is defined by a wider line, while 
the other 6" increments are indicated by thinner lines. The scale extends 
throughout the rectangle as a gridwork pattern. Four double rows of holes 
on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the rectangle provide further 
definition of scale, indicating 3" increments. The four black dots which 
surround each symbol, define the rotation of the device necessary to draw 
the symbol at a 45.degree. angle. These dots are oriented at 45.degree., 
135.degree., 225.degree. and 315.degree. about the symbol, while four 
holes oriented at 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree. and 270.degree. about 
the symbol are used for horizontal or vertical alignment of adjacent 
symbols. 
The combination of these elements provides a device which will enable a 
user to quickly draft non-related symbols on a defined plane with accurate 
predefined distances to one another without the need for additional tools 
or equipment. Furthermore, this template also allows the draftsperson to 
draw symbols at 45.degree. angles without the assistance of additional 
tools or equipment. 
The device of the present invention is illustrated generally in FIGS. 1-6 
of the drawings. As shown, it includes a plastic template body A with a 
1/2"=1'-0" scale B running left to right on the top, and a 1/2"=1'-0" 
scale C running right to left on the bottom. This reversal of the scales 
from top to bottom allow for measurements to be made on a drawing from a 
centerline to right, or a centerline to left, without necessitating the 
180.degree. rotation of the template. All further increments are based 
upon this 1/2" scale. 
The gridwork D, heat stamped into the main body of the template, is 
separated into 6" (i.e., 1/4 inch) increments. The ten (10) bold vertical 
axis lines E are prespaced 18" (i.e., 3/4 inch) apart, which in this 
specific case, is a typical desired distance between symbols. The double 
row of horizontal holes F and I, at the top and bottom of the template 
respectively, are horizontally located on 3" (i.e., 1/8 inch) increments. 
The three (3) bold horizontal axis lines G are prespaced 3' (i.e., 11/2 
inches) apart. The double row of vertical holes H and J on the left and 
right sides of the template, are vertically located on 3" (i.e., 1/8 inch) 
increments. The symbols 1 thought 22, which are cut out of a flat 
transparent thermoplastic material, such as polystyrene, indicate specific 
theatrical lighting fixtures, which are prealigned between the bold 
vertical E and bold horizontal G axis lines. The four black dots Q 
surrounding symbol are the 45.degree. angle dots. The horizontal axis 
holes R are located above and below each symbol, while the vertical axis 
holes S are located to the left and right of each symbol. 
In order to use the device, the draftsperson first defines a plane by 
drawing a straight line on the paper, using a tool such as the edge of the 
device, a straight edge, or the like. The device is then aligned so that 
one of the horizontal axis lines of the device overlays the drawn straight 
line. A symbol is then drawn on the paper. The device is then shifted to 
one side or the other, so that the first symbol is aligned with the bold 
vertical line on the device of the next adjacent symbol. A second symbol 
can then be drawn which is prespaced 18" from the first symbol. 
If the first symbol is aligned with the first light vertical line farther 
away from the bold vertical line, the second symbol, when drawn, will be 
prespaced 24" from the first unit. If the first symbol is aligned with the 
first small hole farther away from the bold vertical line, the second 
symbol, when drawn, will be prespaced 21" from the first unit. Also, when 
the draftsperson marks a center axis point of a symbol, the device can be 
rotated so that two of the black dots surrounding the symbol are aligned 
to the drawn straight line, and a symbol can be drawn at a 45.degree. 
angle. 
The construction of this invention is arrived at through five steps. First, 
a scale is selected to define the size of the symbols on the template. 
This scale is placed at the edge of the template as a reference. Second, 
the spacing amount required to translate one symbol from a previous symbol 
is determined to define the distance on the template between symbols, and 
the placement of parallel bold lines which relate to the scale at the edge 
of the template. Third, additional bold lines are added, intersecting the 
previous parallel bold lines at a 90.degree. angle, to define the central 
axis point of each symbol. Fourth, smaller increments of distance in scale 
are determined, which are then displayed as non-bold lines between the 
aformentioned bold lines. This configuration becomes defined as a grid. 
Each intersection of a bold or non-bold line and the edge of the grid 
marks the location of a hole, resulting in a first series of rows of 
holes. An even smaller subdivision of the scale is then determined and 
located between and a short distance from the first rows of holes, to 
produce a second series of rows of holes parallel the first series of rows 
of holes. The symbols are now arranged in groups of classifications on the 
temple so as to clearly display the symbols while retaining the integrity 
of the plastic. Holes are placed relative to each symbol and the grid to 
define the horizontal and vertical axis of each symbol. Small markings are 
placed on the plastic, relative to each symbol and the grid to define the 
rotation of the template required to draw a symbol at a desired angle. 
It will be appreciated that the device, as described herein, depicts only 
one version of the invention which is designed to operate under the U.S. 
Standard System of Weights and Measures in inches and by fractions of 
1/12th of an inch thereof. Additional versions of the device embody the 
same basic principles of design, and each provides the same pattern of a 
gridwork with bold and thin vertical and horizontal lines defining 
centered axes for symbols, and rows of small holes defining fractional 
units of measurement. These alternate embodiments of design may encompass 
a version in metric scale (by meters and centimeters), a version in U.S. 
Standard by inches and decimals in tenths of an inch, and a version in 
U.S. Standard by inches in other scales, including, but not limited to 
1/4"=1'-0", 3/4"=1'-0", or 3/8"=1"-0". 
The template can be used to depict lighting symbols on paper or any other 
substrate. The term "paper" is used herein to include other substances 
such as vellum, drafting paper, butcher block paper, etc. 
Similarly, the phrase "heat stamp" is used to define the preferred method 
for providing guide lines and rotation dots on this template, it being 
understood that the process used could be stenciling, etching, etc. 
The template may be made of any plastic material, with transparent 
thermoplastic materials such as polystyrene being preferred. In addition, 
this template can be made of cardboard, heavy paper, metal or any other 
suitable generally planar member. The template must have sufficient 
strength and structural integrity to hold together after the holes and 
symbols are cut out therefrom. 
Although the symbols described herein are preferably in the form of 
lighting fixtures, it will be appreciated that other objects may be formed 
as desired by one skilled in the art, and the invention provides a novel 
way for aligning, positioning and orienting such objects with respect to 
each other and at predetermined spacings. 
The specific templates illustrated disclose four discrete dots around each 
symbol. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that it is 
possible to arrange these dots around adjacent symbols such that the two 
dots between symbols could be used to serve each symbol, thus avoiding 
duplication of dots. The same is true for the four holes which are 
oriented about each symbol, and the drawings show that a single hole 
between adjacent symbols can be used for each. 
While draftpersons will immediately recognize the versatility of the 
drafting template described herein, the following examples further 
illustrate the specific utility of the template of the invention. 
EXAMPLE 1 
DETERMINING SYMBOL SING BY MARKING CENTERS WITHOUT ADDITIONAL MEASURING 
DEVICES 
To measure typical distances without the need for a ruler or a scale rule, 
the procedure is as follows: 
Referring to FIG. 7, draw a line using a pen or pencil against the tip edge 
of the template 0, to define a plane or location on a substrate such as 
paper. Referring now to FIG. 8, without moving the template, place the pen 
or pencil point on the line, and mark dots at the intersection of the top 
edge of the template 0 and the bold vertical lines E, which define 18" 
centers. Referring now to FIG. 9, raise the template so that horizontal 
axis line P overlays the drawn line, and the vertical bold lines E are 
aligned with the dot previously created by the pen or pencil. Symbols can 
now be drawn on a central axis at 18" intervals. 
To reduce the amount of erasure required inside of symbols after symbols 
are drawn, an alternate method may be executed. Referring to FIG. 10, draw 
a line using a pen or pencil against the top edge of the template 0, to 
define a plane or central axis on a piece of paper. Referring now to FIG. 
11, raise the template so that horizontal axis line P overlays the drawn 
line, and mark dots at the intersection of the top edge of the template 0 
and the bold vertical lines E with a pen or pencil, which define 18" 
centers. Referring now to FIG. 12, symbols can now be drawn on a central 
axis at 18" centers. 
EXAMPLE 2 
DETERMINING SYMBOL SING WITHOUT MARKING CENTERS OR REQUIRING ADDITIONAL 
MEASURING DEVICES 
To draw symbols with a predefined distance of 18" without marking centers 
or requiring additional measuring devices, the procedure is as follows. 
Draw a line using a pen or pencil against the top edge of the template 0, 
to define a plane or central axis on a piece of paper. Referring to FIG. 
13, raise the template so that horizontal axis line P overlays the drawn 
line, and draw the shape of symbol 2, which is aligned with bold vertical 
line K. Referring now to FIG. 14, slide the template to the right, so the 
vertical center of drawn symbol 2 is aligned with bold vertical line L, 
while horizontal axis line P still overlays the drawn line. Referring now 
to FIG. 15, draw a second shape of symbol 2, which is now centered on the 
same axis and prespaced 18" from the first drawn symbol 2. 
To draw symbols with a predefined distance of 24" without marking centers 
or requiring additional measuring devices, the procedure is as follows. 
Draw a line using a pen or pencil against the top edge of the template 0, 
to define a plane or central axis on a piece of paper. Referring to FIG. 
16, raise the template so that horizontal axis line P overlays the drawn 
line, and draw the shape of symbol 2, which is aligned with bold vertical 
line K. Referring now to FIG. 17, slide the template to the right, so the 
vertical center of drawn symbol 2 is aligned with light vertical line M, 
while horizontal axis line P still overlays the drawn line. Referring now 
to FIG. 18, draw a second shape of symbol 2, which is now centered on the 
same axis and prespaced 24" from the first drawn symbol 2. 
To draw symbols with a predefined distance of 21" without marking centers 
or requiring additional measuring devices, the procedure is as follows. 
Draw a line using a pen or pencil against the top edge of the template 0, 
to define a plane or central axis on a piece of paper. Referring to FIG. 
19, raise the template so that horizontal axis line P overlays the drawn 
line, and draw the shape of symbol 2, which is aligned with bold vertical 
line K. Referring now to FIG. 20, slide the template to the right, so the 
vertical center of drawn symbol 2 is aligned with the small hole N, while 
horizontal axis line P still overlays the drawn line. Referring now to 
FIG. 2-, draw a second shape of symbol 2, which is now centered on the 
same axis and prespaced 21" from the first drawn symbol 2. 
EXAMPLE 3 
DETERMINING THE VERTICAL AXIS OF A SYMBOL, WITHOUT MAKING A MARK INSIDE THE 
ARC OF THE SYMBOL 
Draw a line using a pen or pencil against the top edge of the template 0, 
to define a plane or central axis on a piece of paper. Referring to FIG. 
22, place the pen or pencil in the small holes R above and below the 
symbol making two small dots. These dots now define the vertical axis of 
the symbol. 
EXAMPLE 4 
DETERMINING THE HORIZONTAL AXIS OF A SYMBOL, WITHOUT MAKING A MARK INSIDE 
THE ARE OF THE SYMBOL 
Draw a line using a pen or pencil against the top edge of the template 0, 
to define a plane or central axis on a piece of paper. Referring to FIG. 
23, place the pen or pencil in the small holes S on the left and right 
sides of the symbol, making two small dots. These dots now define the 
horizontal axis of the symbol. 
EXAMPLE 5 
DRAWING SYMBOLS AT A 45.degree. ANGLE WITHOUT ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT 
Draw a line using a pen or pencil against the top edge of the template 0, 
to define a plane or central axis on a piece of paper. Referring to FIG. 
24, rotate the template so the small black dots U and V are aligned with 
the drawn line. A symbol can now be drawn at a 45.degree. angle. 
FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate additional lighting templates in accordance with 
the teachings of the invention. As noted above, the invention can be used 
for templates for other objects, if desired. 
While it is apparent that the invention herein disclosed is well calculated 
to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that numerous 
modifications and embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art, 
and it is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications 
and embodiments as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present 
invention.